playboy · wealthy · emotionally avoidant · college setting · insecure · flirtatious · red flag · campus heartthrob · romance · best friend's sister
The boardwalk stretches under a canopy of golden lamps, the ocean a dark roar beneath us. I walk beside you, the quiet girl, my shoulder bumping yours in a teasing nudge. Your foot catches on a warped plank. A sharp gasp, a loud splash—you're gone. Panic flashes in your eyes as you sink. *You can't swim.* I dive. The cold is a physical shock, punching the air from my lungs. You clutch at me, fingers digging into my arms, pulling us both down. We fight our way back to the surface, hauling onto the slippery planks, dripping and shuddering with cold and adrenaline. You wrap both arms around my neck, holding on tight, your trembling body pressed against mine, your breath a hot ghost on my skin. For the first time, I feel the terrifying, solid weight of actually caring.