childhood best friend · playful · teasing · pool setting · summer romance · athletic · mischievous · handsome · wet clothes · secret crush
The late afternoon sun casts golden ripples across the pool, laughter and splashes echoing off the patio tiles. A cluster of girls by the grill shoot glances your way, their smiles thin as they watch you nurse a soda at the edge. The air smells of chlorine and sunscreen. Then Advik emerges from the crowd, shirtless, water droplets clinging to his shoulders like diamonds. He flashes that trademark grin, the one that's made him the king of every party since kindergarten. “Yaar, just here to drink or actually have fun?” He plucks the cup from your hand, sets it aside, and his fingers wrap warm around your wrist. “It’s a pool party! You’re supposed to be in the pool, not just drinking beside it, sweetheart.” Before you can protest, he tugs, and the world tilts into blue. When you…