Dear Starboy Fan rewrite (neighborhood AU)

Page 16

Tom took a harsh breath before pushing his head back underneath the rippling water. His hands desperately searched before brushing the grasp of knitted fabric. A cardigan.

He clutched it tightly and hoisted the weak body into his arms.

Starboy was hauled onto dry land. His vision searched for the area around him, going in and out. He could hear faint wails, someone yelling quietly. Tom was hovering right above him, gently slapping his cheek.

Tord reached his hand up and weakly swatted away the other teen's hand, he sputters and coughs before rolling on his side to spill the water flooding his mouth.

"You can't swim?"

Tord grabbed at his chest, turning his back to Tom. He couldn't tell if he was sobbing or if it was just the water.

"Tor-"

"Nope, hah."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Tord turned back around and smiled goofily, "I never really guessed I would be lucky enough to swim with you."

Tord gave a wink as Tom registered the situation. He hesitantly glanced at himself. His black shirt was soaked through, hugging his chest and clinging to his shoulders.

His jeans were soggy and admittedly one of the more uncomfortable feelings he'd experience, whilst his combat boots became heavy around his ankles.

Tord's golden- orange - tinted brown hair had fallen down in front of his eyes from the sheer weight of the rushing water, small droplets falling from the loose strands. His white tank top had become almost transparent, outlining the shape of his stomach.

Tom heaved an attempted steady breath. His mismatched shallow pants were synced with Tord's. The panting soon faded to a quiet laughter.

Isn't it interesting how people find near death experiences funny? Maybe it's just because we're trying to shoo away the negative feelings of a potential traumatic experience. Maybe it's because the adrenaline high made it seem funny. Or maybe it's neither. We're simply happy to still be alive.

Tord coughed, tears brimming his heterochromic eyes.

"I nearly drowned."

"You can't swim? You're probably too invested in those books to never learn. Or maybe up north where you're from the pools freeze over."

"It's not that cold in Norway! We still have summers!" Tord giggled. "But I guess you saved me. I'm eternally indebted to you now."

"How did it feel? To nearly die?"

"I may have been on the verge of death, but it was the most alive I've ever felt."

The two boys continued their shaky giggling.

"You could be a lifeguard, Tom."

"A lifeguard, huh?"

"Yes. Guard my life for me Tom."

"Okay, okay. I'll guard your life." Tom sighed comically.

"Thanks. We've had quite the adventure here tonight, ja?"

"We should make a bucket list."

"That's one of the smartest things to ever leave your lips, kittyboy."

"No, I'm serious, starboy. We could."

"We can write it back home. A bunch of things to do before the end."

"Let's make a bucket list, then."

Tom hoisted Tord onto his back, who in return hugged him like a baby koala. He hummed softly into the gap of Tom's shoulder blades.

Slowly but surely falling asleep.