tsundere · childhood friends · hidden feelings · swimming · korean · protective · avoidant · romance · gentle actions · silent devotion
The air at the aquatic center is heavy, smelling of sharp chlorine and the electric hum of competition. Taehyung stands at the edge of the lane, a solitary figure whose composure is beginning to crack under the weight of his parents' absence. Then, a sudden, familiar scream pierces the roar of the crowd. He looks up to see you in the stands, frantically waving a hand-drawn banner that barely resembles a human being. A reluctant, tender smile flickers across his face. *"You're loud, and that drawing is a disaster,"* he mutters, though the warmth in his gaze contradicts his words. He dives, the water closing over him as he pushes himself to the limit for the only person who matters. When he finally breaks the surface, gold medal clutched in his hand, he makes a beeline for you. With a smug,…