Golden Melody

Chapter 4.1

Zatariel Pov

The sunlight shimmered off the water, reflecting in her eyes, and my breath caught in my throat.

Miexha looked stunning in her white swimsuit, the ruffles accentuating her soft, delicate figure.

I couldn't meet her eyes properly, and the heat crawling up my neck only made it worse.
I sat down, trying to keep my gaze anywhere but on her, but the image of her was burned into my mind.

"After we eat, let's go swimming!" she said, all casual, like her presence wasn't making my brain short-circuit.

"Ha? Eh, Wala ako extra," I blurted out, grateful for the excuse to stay on dry land.

"Figured as much!" She giggled, pulling out a bag from behind her. "I stopped by the mall and got you something. Swimming alone is boring!"

I shook my head, smiling despite myself.
If I didn't love this girl... Love? Yeah, there was no point in denying it anymore-I am in love.

I changed into the swimwear she bought me, feeling awkward as hell.

First time swimming and with the girl I'm in love with?
What could go wrong?
I tried to convince myself it was just a normal day, but the butterflies in my stomach were doing a synchronized dance, and my heart was a drum solo.

As soon as I stepped out of the changing room, Mimi grabbed my hand and, without warning, dragged me into the pool.
I barely had time to react before we plunged into the water.
I panicked.
The weight of the water pressed against my chest, and before I knew it, I was swallowing mouthfuls of it.

My limbs flailed as I fought to the surface, my lungs burning for air.
I heard her voice calling my name, frantic and desperate, as if she was the only sound left in the world.

The water seemed to close in on me, pressing against my chest, and my vision started to blur.
The world faded around me, leaving only her voice, her fear, and the desperate need for air.

Mimi...

The next thing I knew, I woke up with the sensation of something soft pressing against my lips.

It took a moment to register-Miexha was doing CPR on me, her face streaked with tears.
The chlorine from the pool stung my eyes, and the air felt heavy and thick.

She was crying over me.
I felt her sobs against my chest as she tried to catch her breath, her body trembling against mine.

I reached up, cupping her face, pulling her into a tight embrace.
The warmth of her body, the scent of her shampoo, the frantic rhythm of her heart beating against mine-it was all I could focus on.

Her tears were warm on my cheek, and I felt a surge of protectiveness, a desire to shield her from any pain, any fear.

I am in love with her, and it was terrifying and beautiful all at once.
I wanted to hold her close, to tell her everything would be okay, to make her feel safe.
But I knew I couldn't.

Not yet.

"Sorry... I'm so sorry," she choked out between sobs.
"I didn't know you couldn't swim. I should've asked. I... I didn't mean for this to happen."

Her words hit me hard, but not in a bad way.
In fact, hearing how scared she was for me filled me with warmth. I gently wiped her tears away and smiled at her, leaning in close until our noses touched.
For a moment, I thought about kissing her, but I held back.

"I'm not going anywhere, Mimi. I'm right here," I whispered, my voice steady despite the chaotic mess in my chest.

Her tears are slowing.
Her hand brushed against my cheek, her forehead resting against mine, and for a moment, everything else disappeared.