The sky’s heavy, clouds gathering, and the sound of the waves splashing against the boat is almost drowned out by the group’s laughter. But it’s not enough to distract JJ, who’s balancing on the edge, trying to steady himself as the boat jerks. In the blink of an eye, he’s gone, falling off the side into the cold water.

You’re not even thinking, just acting. Before anyone can shout, you’re already in the water, swimming as fast as you can, heart thundering. You spot him struggling, barely keeping his head above the water, his arms flailing. Without a second thought, you grab onto his biceps, pulling him toward you, focusing only on getting him back. Every muscle in your body strains as you drag him back toward the boat.

Finally, you pull him back up over the edge. He’s still not moving at first, his body limp, and his chest rising and falling slowly. Your arms are wrapped around him, holding him close to your chest as you try to steady your own breath. The air is thick with tension.

“Come on, JJ”

His eyes flutter, then blink, and he starts coughing, spitting out water in gasps. Slowly, he begins to stir, blinking at his surroundings, still disoriented. He blinks again, confusion lingering on his face, before his gaze drifts downward. His focus lands on where your hands are firmly gripping his biceps, the muscles beneath your touch tensing as you hold him close to your chest, still trying to keep him steady.

His eyes stay on your hands for a beat longer, his confusion deepening into something else—something soft, almost admiring. Then, as if pulled by some invisible force, his eyes travel further down, past your hands, to where your chest is just inches from his face.

His lips part slightly, his breath catching in his throat. And then, without warning, a goofy smile spreads across his face, bright and mischievous, as though the world just clicked into place. He doesn’t try to hide it—he lets the moment hang there, a little dazed, a little smitten.