"Forget the bookstore," Sam said with a grin. "Come with me to my swimming class instead."
The moment those words left his lips, Loir's entire face turned crimson. Swimming class? That means… I'll actually get to see Sam's bare body in the water. He'll be swimming right in front of me. Oh god, I'm already embarrassed just thinking about it!
Sam nudged him playfully. "What's with that dazed face? Come on, hop on my cycle."
Loir, still flustered, climbed onto the back seat, and soon the two of them arrived at the swimming complex. To their surprise, the area was completely empty—it was just the two of them.
Right at the entrance, Loir's eyes lit up when he noticed a large cage filled with colorful birds.
"Wow! Look at them!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing off the cycle to rush closer. He watched the birds with childlike excitement, his eyes shining brighter than the morning sun.
Sam, meanwhile, leaned back and simply admired the sight of Loir being happy. Honestly… I could just watch him like this forever.
Loir turned suddenly and asked, "Who takes care of these birds?"
Sam quickly looked away, clearing his throat as if caught staring.
"There are people here who look after them."
"They're so cute," Loir said softly, still smiling.
"You like birds?" Sam asked.
"Birds, fishes… I love them all! But my mom never lets me keep any at home."
Sam blinked, surprised. "Not even birds?"
Loir puffed his cheeks. "Not even birds!"
Sam chuckled, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence before Loir pointed toward the pool.
"Come on, let's go closer."
"Are you going to swim with me?" Sam teased.
At that, Loir's imagination immediately ran wild. Sam holding me in the pool… Sam leaning in to kiss me while the water sparkles around us… His cheeks turned the shade of a ripe tomato.
Sam noticed and smirked knowingly. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
Loir snapped out of his fantasy, stammering, "N-Nothing!"
"Then let's get changed." Sam started walking toward the locker rooms.
"C-Changed? Why?" Loir asked, wide-eyed.
Sam turned and flashed a mischievous smile.
"Unless you're planning to swim in your school uniform?"
Loir nearly choked. "No, no! I'll change! I'll change!"
Moments later, both of them stepped out in their swimming gear. Loir was practically dying of embarrassment, hugging himself as though he could hide every inch of exposed skin.
And then he made the mistake of glancing at Sam—tall, broad shoulders, the water glistening against his toned chest. Loir's heart skipped several beats, and his face went even redder.
Sam didn't tease this time. He simply dived into the pool, cutting through the water effortlessly. When he emerged, shaking droplets from his hair, he looked like a scene straight out of Loir's daydreams.
"Come on, get in," Sam called, reaching a hand out toward him.
Loir shifted awkwardly at the edge. "I-I should tell you… I don't actually know how to swim."
Sam's hand stayed extended, his voice warm.
"Then I'll teach you."
Loir swallowed hard, heart racing as he nodded shyly. "O-Okay…"
He placed his trembling hand into Sam's, and just like that, stepped into a world of blushes, giggles, and water that suddenly felt far too warm.
To be Continued...