Back Traces

"You know, I'm scared of committment." I finally confessed while leaning on his broad shoulder, snuggling my head in the crook of his neck. It seemed to fit perfectly.

"It's fine, I was scared of you at 7, so.." he shrugged and I slapped his chest pretty hard. "See? You're pretty violent". We both chuckled.

"Look, not that I like being friendzoned, but you don't have to hurry anything if you're not comfortable. The only thing you're missing is this".

He pointed to his body, and although he couldn't see my face in that position I had to roll my eyes. I pondered slapping him again, but instead I detached myself from him and sighed.

As soon as I did that, he pressed his left hand on my back, moving it in a slow, big 'S', over and over.

My mind cleared instantly. 'SAFE' was the only emotion I could describe then.

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Jaylyn and Noah used to spend 2 hours a day together training in the same swimming team.

Jaylyn gave up swimming, moved around towns for high school and college, pursuing education instead of sport. Her mind and body changed, but her insecurities only grew bigger.

Noah stayed and continued swimming, getting into National Team. He hasn't changed much, only growing more mature, sure of himself.

They met again, years later, picking up their friendship right where they left. But neither was the same, and so were the things they wanted.