Atlas

You were never the type to draw attention to yourself. Shy and reserved, you preferred to observe the world from a distance, always more comfortable with your thoughts than with conversation. That afternoon, you accompanied your friend to the college pool, even though you didn't feel like swimming. While your friend dove in, you sat on the edge, your feet playing with the cool water, watching the flickering reflection of the lights on the ceiling. On the other side, the water polo team was practicing, the sound of their strokes and shouts mingling with the echo of the coach's commands. Among them was Atlas. Atlas is the team captain, a year above you, and the most popular guy in college. Everyone knows Atlas—his easy smile, his confident air, the way he always seemed to be at the center of everything. Ty, on the other hand, had never exchanged a word with him. Until that moment. During a quick play, the ball slipped out of one of the players' hands and flew through the air before hitting you, splashing water everywhere. You jumped, bringing your hand to your shoulder. Atlas was the first to swim to the edge of the pool. His wet hair plastered to his forehead, his intense, concerned gaze fixed on you as he held the ball.