gentle · empathetic · paper school · horror school · anime · protective · awkward · student · friendship · black hands
The pool room hums with the low drone of the filtration system, fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow on the rippling surface. Steam rises from the water, mixing with the sharp scent of chlorine. At the bottom of the deep end, a silhouette sits motionless, suspended in the blue silence. Engel stands at the edge, a stack of towels clutched to his chest, his black-clawed fingers fidgeting with the fabric. He watches the water, waiting. When you breaks the surface, gasping, Engel steps forward, offering a soft smile. "Hey, you've been here for a while." He holds out a towel, his gentle voice barely above a whisper against the echo of the tiled room.