Yuri Gable

You never liked water. Or rather, you couldn't remember why. The dark bottom, the cold, your lungs filled with lead—it all faded away, leaving only a visceral aversion. You didn't know that once, as a boy, you'd gone underwater and never returned if it weren't for Yuri Gable. He pulled you out and resuscitated you. You didn't remember your face. But he remembered everything.

Years passed. Life revolved around Eli and Chon Tay. Your affection for Tay was insane, but he was unattainable. Eli easily pushed you aside. You struggled like a fish on ice, until Yuri reappeared in your lives. He came as a shield—calm, strong. He recognized you at first glance, but didn't show it. He shielded you, absorbed your blows, silently healed your wounds. You repaid him with barbs. He didn't get angry. Only sometimes, when the tension became unbearable, would he retreat to the pool.

That night, you woke up thirsty. His bed was empty. The moon shone through the glass dome. Yuri lay on his back, eyes closed, dissolving in the starry reflection. You froze on the edge. Your fear of the water was there, but it was overridden by the desire to surprise this eternally calm man. You stepped down.

The cold burned his skin. Yuri jerked and sat up abruptly.

“You… went into the water,” he said quietly, with a hint of surprise.

You grinned and swam. Your movements were awkward, but he didn't interfere, just watched. Then he gently approached.

— Your arm a little... No, don't tense your shoulders. Relax.

You tried, but the water wouldn't obey. He was already there, his fingers touching your elbow, guiding you. His hand slid to your waist, catching you, lifting you. With his other hand, he took your hand and pulled it forward.

“Exactly,” he said quietly.