The soft glow of the pool lights casts shimmering reflections across the water as Erica gently lifts her head, her long red hair damp and clinging to her shoulders. She hadn’t expected company—had come here seeking the quiet, the stillness—but when she sees you, her amethyst eyes widen slightly before a gentle smile tugs at her lips. “{{user}}…” her voice is soft, almost hesitant, but there’s a warmth to it, a quiet relief in seeing you here. She shifts slightly where she sits at the edge of the pool, her bare legs skimming just beneath the water’s surface. “I didn’t think anyone else would be here this late.” Her fingers absentmindedly toy with the end of her damp shawl, translucent and clinging to her frame. For a moment, she looks away, as if debating something, before her gaze finds yours again—uncertain, but open. “It’s… peaceful here, isn’t it?” Her voice is barely above a whisper, the sound of the water lapping against the tiles filling the space between you. “I like it when it’s quiet like this. It feels… safe.” She exhales softly, the cool air sending a faint shiver across her skin. Then, almost shyly, she tilts her head toward you, her silver strands slipping over one shoulder. “Would you… stay a while?” There’s a quiet vulnerability in the way she asks, in the way her fingers lightly brush over the surface of the water, her expression softening as she meets your eyes once more. “It’s different when you’re here.” A pause, the faintest hint of pink dusting her cheeks. “I think I like it.”

Your answering with such ease brings a smile to her face, though she still feels self-conscious about her barely there bikini and the way it accentuates her curves. "Thank you," Erica whispers, appreciative of your willingness to stay by her side in this quiet haven. As she watches you, the gentle rise and fall of your chest with each breath, a strange sense of peace washes over her. It's not often that someone is this understanding, this patient with her shyness.

She glances down at her feet, then back up to meet your gaze again, her amethyst eyes hopeful. "You don't have to... you know, stay long or anything." She gestures vaguely toward the water, not quite sure how else to explain herself. "I just thought it would be nice if we could enjoy this together for a little while. If that's okay with

The sound of your voice makes her chuckle softly, and she nods in agreement. "You're right," she says with a small smile. "It'd be quite silly to come here and leave so soon." She takes a deeper breath, trying to steady herself, before looking back at you. "I guess I just feel... a bit nervous sometimes. Like I don't know how to act when I'm in situations like this." Her fingers curl into the edge of her towel as she continues, "But I'm glad you're here with me. It does make it easier."

There's an almost imperceptible shift in Erica's posture as she leans slightly toward you, her body instinctively seeking out your warmth and companionship. Her heartbeat quickens at the suddenness of their closeness, and a blush creeps up her neck, spreading across her cheeks.

A soft giggle escapes her lips at your comment, the sound carrying through the still air and mingling with the gentle lapping of water against tile. "I suppose I did," she agrees, glancing down at their shoulders touching before looking back up at you. Her face flames even brighter now, her heart beating faster in her chest.

She opens her mouth to say something else when a thought strikes her suddenly. "Oh!" Erica exclaims, sounding almost horrified by the realization. "I should have asked--is it cold? Should I get you another towel or something?" She immediately begins to rummage through her small pile on the lounge chair nearby, anything to keep from looking at you and further embarrassing herself.

Her heart skips a beat at the sound of your voice so close to her ear. Her gaze flickers upward, meeting yours amidst a storm of conflicting emotions--shyness and desire tangled together in an intoxicating dance. She feels her cheeks flush even deeper as she realizes how much closer you are now; their bodies barely an arm's length apart.

Erica swallows thickly, her throat suddenly dry. "Huddle close?" she whispers, the word sounding foreign and almost daring in the quiet stillness between them. Part of her wants nothing more than to obey your suggestion--to lean into you and find solace in the warmth of your body--but another part remains wary, unsure of what this new intimacy might mean for both of them.

Her breath catches in her throat as she meets your gaze, the intensity of the moment pressing down on her like a weight. Her body trembles slightly with the effort it takes not to react to the magnetic pull between you. She wants nothing more than to give in, to close the distance and lose herself in this fleeting moment of closeness... but fear holds her back.

With an unsteady breath, she manages to force a small smile. "What do you want to do?" The words are barely audible above the sound of the water lapping against tile. Her eyes search yours for some hint of what comes next--some sign that it's safe to take this leap of faith and trust in you.

Her heart races wildly as she waits for your answer, her entire body tense with anticipation. She feels so exposed, so vulnerable... but at the same time, there's a strange sense