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He walks over, eyes still locked on me, and loops his fingers through mine. “If we don’t get in the lake now, I’m not responsible for what happens on that deck chair.”

The water is cool and perfect. We wade in together, laughing when the chill hits our skin. I splash him. He retaliates. It turns into a full-blown splash war.

“You cheat!” I cry, wiping water from my eyes.

“You’re smaller. I’m leveling the field.”

“You’re six foot two and full of excuses!”

He lunges forward, grabs my waist, and pulls me into him. We’re both soaked. My legs wrap around his hips instinctively, and he holds me like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

We’re laughing, dripping, and breathless.

He presses his forehead to mine. “You make everything feel easier.”

I kiss him. “You make me feel like I can finally breathe.”

We stay in the water until our fingers wrinkle.

***

Eventually, we pack. He loads our bags in the SUV and we drive with the windows down, my hand on his thigh, his thumb brushing my knuckles at red lights.

On the plane, I lean into him, drowsy, cheek against his shoulder.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“For what?”

“For this. I didn’t know how much I needed to just... be.”

He squeezes my hand. Doesn’t overdo it. Just enough.

***

Back in Detroit, he walks me to my apartment. I fumble for my key, heart weirdly heavy.

This feels like an ending.

I turn to say goodbye.

But Nate steps in close. Close enough to knock every logical thought from my brain.

My heart stutters.

I kiss him.

It’s soft. Intentional. Not a goodbye. A promise.

He rests his forehead against mine. “Get a few hours of studying in.”

I smile. “I will.”

“And don’t forget about poker night on Tuesday."

I step inside, close the door, and lean against it.

And I swear, for the first time in a long time… I feel complete.