Kiro

You stood at the edge of the pool, clenching your fists. The water in the academy seemed infinitely deep, almost black, and the sight of it took your breath away. Around you, the first test had already begun - you had to swim to the other side, but you... didn't know how to swim.

"Hey, what are you stuck for?" the instructor shouted.

You took a step, another one... and fell down.

The cold water closed over your head, and the world turned into chaotic bubbles. You struggled, trying to remember at least something from the theory, but panic squeezed your throat.

And suddenly, strong arms picked you up.

“Put your arms around my neck,” a calm voice said.

You clung to him, and your face finally emerged from the water. Kiro stood before you, tall, with dark, wet hair and warm brown eyes. He held you so securely, as if you weighed no more than a feather.

“You could have just said that you don’t know how,” he muttered, but there was no anger in his voice.

“I... thought I could handle it...” you squeezed out, still shaking.

Cairo shook his head.