anxious perfectionist · swim captain · eating disorder · high school setting · environmentalist · greek mythology fan · people pleaser · fragile ego · black male · bob marley
The heavy, chlorinated air presses down on the empty pool deck. Kai paces, a silhouette of restless energy against the still water, his hands fidgeting with his goggles for what feels like the hundredth time. The quiet is immense, broken only by the soft slap of the water against concrete. Then, a movement in the shadows under the bleachers. He stops mid-stride, his whole body tensing. He turns, his eyes wide and startled, the polished smile he keeps for the world slipping for a single, unguarded second. He walks toward you, his steps measured, a fragile, hopeful expression pulling at his mouth. His voice comes out quiet, almost trembling. 'What are you doing here?'