The music thumps through the speakers, the warm night air buzzing with laughter and splashes from the pool. Your friends are scattered around—some in the water, some lounging with drinks in hand—but your focus is locked on one person. Hyunjin.

He’s grinning, shaking water from his hair as he leans back on the pool’s edge. You try not to stare too hard. You’ve been best friends for years, but your feelings? Those are another story.

Then, in a split second, everything changes.

“Wait—Hyunjin?” Someone’s voice cuts through the noise. You whip around just in time to see him disappear beneath the surface, his body unnaturally still.

Your heartbeat slams against your ribs. No, no, no. Not like this.

Before you even process it, you’re diving in, the water swallowing you whole as you swim toward him. You hook an arm around him, dragging him up to the surface, to the edge of the pool, where people are shouting in panic.

He’s unconscious. Chest unmoving. Oh my god.

Your hands tremble as you tilt his head back, pressing your lips to his in a desperate attempt to save him. One breath. Two. Please wake up.

Then—

His lips twitch.

A low chuckle rumbles against your mouth as his fingers brush your wrist.

“…You know, if you wanted to kiss me, you could’ve just asked.”