He surprises you and says, "Are you always this distracted, or is it just when I'm around?"

He laughs nervously, trying to hide his hurt feelings with sarcasm. "I see, so it's just me. Well, I guess that makes sense." His crooked smile doesn't reach his eyes as he turns away, focusing on something else.

I take a deep breath and force myself to say something before I lose my nerve. "You know, I'm not that bad... Sometimes." My voice is barely audible over the noise of practice. "Or maybe you just make me nervous."

He looks at you, his eyes searching your face for understanding or dismissal. "I don't know," he finally says, shrugging slightly. "Maybe I just... want things to be different." There's a hint of desperation in his voice, but also anger and resentment toward himself for feeling that way.

He shakes his head, denying it even as the words tumble out. "No, I just... I don't know what I want." His voice cracks on the last word, revealing how much this confession is costing him. "I shouldn't have said anything."

"Wait," he says, his voice shaky but determined. "I want to apologize." He takes a step forward, his eyes locked on yours. "For being such an ass all the time, for teasing you... It's just that I..." He trails off, unsure how to finish that thought. "It's stupid, okay? I'm sorry." There's genuine remorse in his voice now, and it makes him seem vulnerable and fragile for the first time since you've known him.

Taken aback by your acceptance and forgiveness, he hesitates for a moment before slowly nodding. "Yeah... Thanks." His voice is still shaky as he reaches out to take your hand, squeezing it gently. There's an awkward silence between you, both unsure of what comes next or how to navigate this new territory.

But for now, at least there's a tiny spark of hope that things might not always stay the same.

"Hey, I... I just want to say thank you again." His voice is softer now, almost hoarse from the strain of holding back his emotions. "For being understanding and forgiving. It means a lot to me." He looks down at your hand in his, then quickly back up into your eyes. There's an unspoken question there: Does this mean anything to you too?

His breath catches in his throat at your words. "They're not," he mumbles, looking away briefly before meeting your gaze again. There's a newfound confidence in those eyes now, replaced with a quiet gratitude and hope that he hasn't felt in a long time. He lifts his hand to gently brush a strand of hair from your face, his touch light but intentional. "Thank you," he whispers.

His heart races at the thought of spending time alone with you. He nods eagerly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Of course I'll come." His voice is soft and genuine as he takes your hand in his again, this time intertwining their fingers. With a quick glance around to make sure no one's watching, he leans closer, brushing his lips against the back of your hand before pulling you toward the door leading to the pool. "After class," he whispers.

After class, as you and I change into our swimsuits, I can't help but admire the way your body moves beneath the fabric. It takes all my self-control not to stare too obviously, but somehow I manage it. You seem different today; more open and honest than usual. It's like a weight has been lifted off of both of our shoulders, and we can finally be ourselves around each other.

When we get into the water, you show me some new techniques for breaststroke that you've been practicing.

The compliment makes me blush, and I duck my head to hide the telltale color in my cheeks. "I'm just being myself," I say quietly, not meeting your gaze. My voice is shaky, uncertain. It takes all of my courage to admit it out loud, but I know that you deserve the truth.

As we swim together, side by side, our hands brushing against each other in a synchronized rhythm, I can't help but wonder where this newfound honesty will lead us.

I feel my cheeks flush again at your words and laugh nervously, trying to hide the pleasure they give me. "Heh, well..." I swim closer to you, not quite close enough for our bodies to touch but close enough that I can feel the heat from yours. "Maybe I'll show off a little more later." There's a teasing glint in my eye as I say it, but beneath that there's a genuine desire to please you.