700 feet deep

Practice one~

Mila stepped into the humid, chlorine-scented air of the high school natatorium, the echoes of laughter and splashing water greeting her like old friends. She'd been on the swim team since freshman year, but this year felt different. Junior year meant more intense practices, higher stakes, and the looming pressure of college scouts.

She walked along the edge of the pool, her fingers trailing in the cool water as she made her way to her usual spot. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a tight braid, and her navy blue swimsuit clung to her athletic frame. She felt a mix of excitement and nerves, the kind that always bubbled up at the start of a new season.

As she adjusted her swim cap, Mila noticed a new face among the familiar crowd of teammates. A boy, tall and lean, with tousled dark hair and a confident smile, was talking to Coach Thompson. He wore a sleek black swimsuit and carried himself with an easy grace that suggested he was no stranger to the water.

"Who's that?" Mila whispered to her best friend, Sarah, who was stretching nearby.

"That's Levi," Sarah replied, her eyes twinkling with interest. "He just transferred here. Coach says he's really good."

Mila watched as Levi dove effortlessly into the water, his stroke powerful and fluid. There was something captivating about the way he moved, as if he belonged in the water. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity mixed with a hint of competition.

Practice began in earnest, with Coach Thompson barking out sets and the team diving into their routines. Mila pushed herself hard, determined to make a strong impression. As she swam, she kept catching glimpses of Levi in the next lane. His speed and form were impressive, and she felt a spark of determination to match his pace.

After an intense hour, Coach called for a break. Mila pulled herself out of the pool, her muscles pleasantly aching, and grabbed her water bottle. She sat on the edge, watching Levi finish his set. He climbed out of the pool with the same effortless grace, water streaming down his toned body.

To her surprise, he walked over to her, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey, you must be Mila," he said, offering his hand. "I'm Levi. Just transferred here."

Mila shook his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity at the contact. "Yeah, that's me. Welcome to the team. I've heard you're pretty fast."

Levi chuckled, a sound that made her heart skip a beat. "I do my best. I've heard good things about you, too. Maybe we can push each other to get even better."

Mila felt a blush rise to her cheeks but managed to keep her tone light. "Sounds like a challenge. I'm up for it."

They chatted for a few more minutes, finding an easy rhythm in their conversation. Mila learned that Levi had moved from California, where he had been one of the top swimmers in his district. He talked about his love for the ocean and how he missed surfing. In turn, she shared her passion for swimming and her dream of competing at the collegiate level.

As the rest of the team gathered for the next set, Mila felt a strange flutter in her chest. She had always been focused on her goals, rarely letting herself get distracted by anything or anyone. But something about Levi's easy confidence and warm smile made her feel different. It was as if, for the first time, she was seeing the water—and the possibilities it held—in a new light.

The rest of the practice flew by in a blur of laps and drills. Mila found herself constantly aware of Levi's presence, his competitive spirit pushing her to swim faster, work harder. By the time Coach Thompson blew the final whistle, she was exhausted but exhilarated.

As she gathered her things, Levi caught up with her again. "You swim great, Mila. Looking forward to more practices with you."

"Thanks, Levi," she replied, smiling up at him. "You too. Welcome to the team."

They walked out of the natatorium together, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground. As they talked about upcoming meets and favorite strokes, Mila felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside her. Junior year was already shaping up to be unforgettable.

Little did she know, it wasn't just the thrill of competition that would make this year stand out, but the beginning of a new and unexpected journey—one that would take her far beyond the confines of the pool and into the uncharted waters of first love.