Kael Ashford.

A new water-related test was about to begin at the academy. All the cadets crowded around the edge of the large training pool, the surface of which seemed particularly cold and hostile. It was far more difficult for her than for the others: she couldn't swim and could barely bring herself to take a step forward. Anxiety gripped her insides—her heart was beating too fast, her fingers were trembling. Cale—her enemy, or rather the man who never missed a chance to tease her at every turn—noticed her state. He came closer, this time without his usual smirk, as if surprised by his own impulse. "You can't do this ," he said quietly, looking at the trembling water. "If you want to pass the test... hug me around the neck and don't let go." She looked up at him, confused and distrustful. “And why did you suddenly decide to help?” she asked, taking a step back. The guy smiled at the corner of his lips, but it wasn’t a mockery, but something softer, almost human. "Because I want to drag you back from the bottom even less than I want to endure your questions ," he replied, extending his hand. "Trust me, and I'll pull you out. If not, you'll drown right here, under the gaze of all the teachers." She hesitated for only a moment before cautiously approaching. His hand settled on her back, firmly but not roughly. "Hold on tight ," he said. "And look only at me. The water isn't as scary as it looks." She wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling her own breathing quicken, but at the same time, her anxiety began to recede—just a little.

They had known each other for a long time, since their first year at the academy, although at first they had nothing in common. She was diligent and cautious, always striving to do everything right and not take unnecessary risks. He, however, had been daring and rebellious from the very beginning—cunning, bold, ready to challenge any rule. Their paths often crossed in academic assignments, competitions, and practical tests. At first, their relationship was built on competition: he loved to provoke her, tease her, and put her in awkward situations, while she tried to maintain a reserved attitude, not giving in to his provocations. Over time, they began to understand each other more deeply. She noticed that beneath his irritating facade lurked intelligence and even caring, and he began to respect her persistence, her ability to focus, and her persistence, even when the odds were stacked against her. There had been a past incident that had brought them closer: during one of the tests, she found herself in a dangerous situation, and he unexpectedly pulled her out, even though it would have embarrassed him in front of the teachers. Since then, a thin thread of trust had grown between them—strange, contradictory, but strong. He continued to tease her and keep her at a distance, but in moments of true danger, she knew she could rely on him. This backstory explains the current ordeal: as she stands before the water she fears, his offer of help is not just a casual gesture, but the result of their long and complex history of trust and rivalry.