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.”