(y/n) POV
"Just close your eyes and trust me. You can do this (y/n)," Dino whispered, clasping my hand tightly. I nodded and closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing. The sound of my heart thumping resounded in my head as I tried to control my shivering. But I trusted Dino and I knew it was time I let go of my fear.
Why am I afraid to go scuba diving? Well, a close encounter with a blood thirsty shark in these same waters left a scar, traumatising me. Since that day, I never went out to the deep sea and my limit was broken today when Dino wanted to help me get over my fear.
"On three, alright? 1... 2... 3!" he counted off and jumped off, pulling me along with him. In a second, I felt the water rush over me as the outside world muffled out. I missed this feeling but my fear of sharks was nagging at the back of my mind, trying to make its way forward. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. A beautiful sight met my eyes.
Corals and underwater plants were like rainbows against the clear, light blue waters. Fishes and sea animals of all kinds were making themselves home on the sea bed. I forgot my fear and ran my hand through the sand on the sea bed, making slow and graceful swirls in the water. I smiled out of fascination at the wonders of the sea, examining the plants and animals oblivious of our presence.
A pair of arms wrapped tightly around my waist and I knew who it was by that familiar feeling and presence. I turned around and cupped Dino's face mouthing 'Thank you'. He nodded and smiled at me as I looked around my surroundings, mesmerised by nature's work. I pulled back and swam further from Dino, confident that my fear was completely gone.
At that moment, a shoal of fish rushed in between us, extending the gap between us. I turned around at the sound of rushing water to see Dino on the other side. I panicked immediately as my fear clawed at my heart. Dino was here but I couldn't reach him and I was afraid that even in this moment, I could be putting my life at risk. I was trying to make my way through the fish, but they were fast and kept close together. My breath fastened as my phobia took over me. I could feel that I was losing myself as blood rushed to my head. My body was in a state of shock and panic. My eyesight started to blur as I tried my best to keep swimming. Fight against it,(y/n)! You can do this, keep afloat. Don't let your fear get over you! My brain was shooting instructions at me but my body was failing to respond. My breathing went shallow as I struggled against myself to win this fight.
Dino, POV
I saw (y/n) struggling to swim on the other side of the fishes. Worry and concern took over me. Why did I leave her alone out there, when I should have been at her side? I kept my eyes on her and it hurt me to see her fighting for her life. One side of me wanted to barge through the fish and reach her but, I know that would end in me getting hurt and putting (y/n)'s life at more risk. I knew I had to wait and I could do nothing but hope that it will not be too late. Who was I to make her agree and come here? UGH! That few seconds of watching (y/n) slowly losing her fight was the most terrifying time of my life. My heart beat picked up as my emotions flooded over me. I prayed and prayed for her to be alright. Finally, the shoal of fish came to an end and I swam as fast as I could to (y/n)'s side. Just as she was about to give up, I wrapped my arms around her, bringing her up. The moment I felt her go limp in my arms, I knew I had to act quick. I swam to the surface while carrying (y/n) along. The will that I cannot let her die drove me, giving me strength I have never seen before.
I gasped as soon a I reached the surface, frantically waving to the speed boat that dropped us. The boat made its way to the both of us and helped us get on board. As soon as we reached the floor of the boat, I stripped (y/n) of all her gear. She was shivering uncontrollably, teeth chattering.
"I-I am sca-ared... D-Dino" she whimpered weakly. Tears were gliding down her cheeks from her closed eyes. Every drop pierced through my heart, pressing more guilt in. It hurt me so bad to see her in this helpless state, crying and shaking uncontrollably. I hugged her close to my heart, blinking back the tears. No, I must be strong, I must be strong for (y/n) I reminded myself and kissed her forehead.
"Everything's gonna be alright... Everything's gonna be alright..." I whispered as I rocked her back and forth, in my arms. The instructor of the boat helped me out, wrapping her in a towel and warming her up. She shrank back to my side again and calmed down. Her head was in between my neck and collarbone as my right shoulder cradled it. The feeling of her breathing brought back strength in me. I exhaled in relief as her hand moved on my chest, her shaking dying down.
(y/n)'s POV
I finally managed to get a hold of myself as I slowly calmed down. I finally felt safe, back in Dino's arms. He kissed my forehead, sending tingling sensations through my body. His touch warmed me up as I regained myself, my trauma disappearing as quickly it had taken over. I could feel his fast heart beat against my hand and I rubbed his chest, trying to calm him down. I know he was feeling guilty and afraid, but it wasn't his fault. Sometimes circumstances just don't let things go as planned and why was he blaming himself for that?
"It's not your fault, Dino-yah" I mumbled looking up, straight in his eyes. He refused to look at me, his head down. I cupped his cheek and lifted his face up, to see a single tear rolling down his cheek. I wiped the tear away and asked, "Why are you crying?".
"I was so scared of losing you, I-I just..." he stuttered, hugging me tightly. He buried his face into my shoulder, as I felt the tears he was hiding from me fall. I stroked his hair and comforted him while rubbing his back.
"Hush now, jagi-yah. I don't like to see you cry" I whispered and he looked up, nodding and wiping his tears. I smiled at him and he smiled back as the boat set off towards the shore.
