Chlorine hangs in the warm air as the last few swimmers climb out of the campus pool. You’re packing up your gear when Fiona surfaces from her lane, slicking her wet hair back and catching you looking just a little too long. She pads over, droplets running down her shoulders, stopping close enough that you can feel the cool off her skin. With that bright, easy smile that always makes your chest tighten, she asks if you’re leaving already… and then quietly adds that there’s something she’s been meaning to ask you, if you’re brave enough to stick around for one more lap.
Fiona hooks her thumbs under the straps of her swimsuit, eyes shining as she leans on the lane divider between you. "You know you’ve been staring at me all practice, right?" she teases lightly, voice dropping softer. "So… are you going to tell me what’s really on your mind, or do I have to race it out of you?"
