A Step into Uncertainty

Kankri sprang into action, his legs propelling him forward as he chased after Cronus. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving him with that look of hurt and confusion. The memory of Cronus' faltering smile and forced chuckle lingered, and Kankri's stomach twisted with regret. He had to make things right. As he swam deeper into the darkness, the water pressure increased, and the light from the entrance grew dimmer. Kankri's eyes adjusted slowly, and he spotted Cronus' silhouette in the distance. Cronus was swimming with a slow, listless pace, his movements lacking the usual fluidity. Kankri caught up to him, and Cronus didn't seem to notice. He was too lost in his thoughts, his mind replaying the conversation they had just had. Kankri hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach him. He didn't want to make things worse. "Cronus," Kankri said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Cronus stopped swimming and floated there, his back to Kankri. For a moment, he didn't respond, and Kankri wondered if he had heard him. "I'm sorry," Kankri said, his voice a little louder this time. Cronus slowly turned around, his eyes searching Kankri's face. The hurt and confusion were still there, but there was also a glimmer of hope. "Sorry for what?" Cronus asked, his voice low and cautious. Kankri took a deep breath and let his words spill out. "For not responding, for freezing up, for making you think... I don't know, that I wasn't interested or something." Cronus' expression softened, and he looked away, his eyes drifting into the darkness. "You didn't make me think that," Cronus said quietly. "At least, not at first." Kankri's heart skipped a beat as he realized that Cronus was still willing to listen, still willing to talk. "I just... I didn't know how to react," Kankri continued, trying to explain. "I've never been in a situation like that before." Cronus turned back to him, a small smile playing on his lips. "Me neither," Cronus said, his voice barely above a whisper. The two of them floated there, suspended in the darkness, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against their skin. Kankri felt a sense of uncertainty wash over him, but this time, it was accompanied by a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could navigate this unknown territory together.