FROM FRIENDS TO MORE || Gavi x Pedri

Chapter 16 :: Gavito

The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and damp earth. Gavi shivered slightly as he stepped out of the changing room, the chill of the autumn air biting at his skin. He pulled his towel tighter around him, his gaze drawn to the pool.

Fermin was already there, splashing around with a joyful abandon that seemed out of place in the fading light of the afternoon. Gavi watched him for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. Fermin was a ray of sunshine, even on the gloomiest of days.

"You coming in, Gavito?" Fermin called, his voice echoing across the pool. He was doing his usual cannonball routine, sending plumes of water high into the air.

Gavi shook his head, his feet planted firmly on the edge of the pool. "Not today, Fermin," he said. "The water's too cold for me."

Fermin swam closer, his movements graceful despite his boisterous nature. "Come on, Gavito," he coaxed. "It's not that bad. Besides, you need to loosen up a bit."

Gavi hesitated. He knew Fermin was right, he needed to get out of his head, to stop dwelling on Pedri and his own anxieties. But the thought of the cold water made him shiver.

"I don't know," he mumbled, his gaze fixed on the water.

Fermin reached out, his hand gently resting on Gavi's shoulder. "Come on, Gavito," he said, his voice soft. "I'll keep you warm."

Gavi looked up at Fermin, his eyes meeting his friend's concerned gaze. He could see the genuine care in Fermin's eyes, the desire to help. He knew he couldn't resist Fermin's warmth, his genuine friendship.

"Alright," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "But I'm only going in for a little while."

Fermin grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's all it takes, Gavito," he said. "Just a little dip to chase away the blues."

Gavi took a deep breath, then plunged into the water. The chill hit him immediately, sending a jolt of energy through his body. He let out a gasp, then started to laugh, the cold water a shock to his system, but also a welcome change from the weight of his worries.

Fermin swam beside him, his laughter mingling with Gavi's. They splashed each other, their movements clumsy but playful, their friendship a beacon of warmth in the fading light of the autumn afternoon.