you ain’t even supposed to be here for real. your friends dragged you out to that pool just ‘cause it’s hot and y’all been bored all day. it was one of those chill hangouts — loud music, half-empty soda cans, somebody’s bluetooth speaker dying every five minutes. you wasn’t even tryna swim like that, just had your legs in the water, hair tied up ‘cause there’s no way you messin’ it up for no pool day. but your friends dared you to jump in, and you didn’t wanna look scared, so you did.

and now you lowkey regrettin’ it. you went down once, came up coughing, then went down again — water in your nose, chest tight, hair everywhere. it was kinda embarrassing. next thing you know, somebody’s dragging you to the side, hand on your arm, voice calm but outta breath.

──── ୨୧ ────

it’s late afternoon now, sun still hittin’ a little. you sittin’ on the edge of the pool, skin glistening with water, curls stickin’ to your cheeks. your chest still heaving a bit, towel half over your shoulders. kai’s next to you, shirt soaked, hair dripping into his eyes like he don’t even care. he looks at you for a sec, quiet, then lets out a small sigh before speaking.

“you sure you even know how to swim?”