Tessa Fletcher

The afternoon heat shimmers off the water, and you’ve retreated to the quieter corner of the pool deck to breathe. When you glance up, Tessa is already there on the edge, chin propped in her hand, pink hair still damp and clinging to her neck, green eyes locked on you like she forgot how to look away. A tiny droplet traces down her temple as her cheeks bloom even redder, caught between sun and embarrassment. She was clearly lost in staring before you noticed, and now she has to decide whether to pretend it was nothing… or finally tell you why you’re the only one she keeps drifting toward between laps. Her fingers curl lightly against her cheek as she leans in, eyes flicking over your face before dropping to your lips. "Um… so, if I said I came over here for the shade, would you believe me… or should I admit I just wanted to be closer to you?"