{LeviHan} Beyond

Chapter 11: Unknown

"Hours ticked by, and the woman had yearned for her lover. Who knows what would've happened, my dear Raven. Would she want to join his world? Or be separate forevermore? What do you think, my dear?"

*   *   *

Hanji's POV

Upon waking up, I just felt... off. Something wasn't right. Maybe it was just from last night's events. To be with a merman... I can never shake that feeling off. I swear, it might be some sort of a curse put onto me. Would it be called a curse? Should I say charm? His spell? Maybe I just felt off being with a merman...

I tried to curl back asleep, not wanting to deal with the day. But, my phone began to ring. Reluctantly, I reached for it, seeing Nanaba's name. Should I pick it up? I'm in that state that didn't want to talk... but Nanaba was the exception.

"Hello?" My voice grew raspy as I groaned awake. "Nanaba?"

"Hanji, aren't you supposed to be in the office today? I think Erwin was looking for you. That's when we realized you weren't in today. You're acting weird... and it's not just me, Hanji. What's going on with you?"

"I-It's hard to explain..."

With a whisper, Nanaba began, "Are you seeing someone?"

I can tell them about Levi- as long as it doesn't relate to him being a merman... so I tried to fog over those details. "Yes... I am... and... we both have busy schedules, so we're only meet each other at a certain time... I've been sleeping in because I'm exhausted, and-"

"Girl, that's why you tell us. Erwin will be disappointed, but he should understand. We don't control who we love, anyways, right?"

"Y-Yeah..."

"You do sound exhausted... I'll drop on by with some of your favorite foods, okay? Then we can chat about this man of yours."

"Chatting about him... I rather not. He doesn't want to publicize our relationship. Besides, it has a nice ring to it. The new CEO seemingly single can lead the company with no males hounding her down. But I want to keep him away from all of this... he doesn't... want to be part of this world."

Nanaba chuckled softly, "Jeez- ominous much? Anyways, I'll be down when I'm done with work and-"

"Wait, around sunset?"

"Y-Yeah. Why are you asking? Hanji, what is-"

"I'm supposed to meet with the guy tonight at sunset." I claimed, sighing heavily. There was no way I could tell him about Nanaba coming over and stuff. I guess this is the downfall of being in a relationship with someone who's not human... "And no, I can't call him. He doesn't answer his phone."

Nanaba gave a concern chuckle, and I could see her shaking her head. Do I blame her? No, no I don't. She's my good friend of mine... "Are you sure he's not using you-"

"I'm sure, Nana. Maybe on the weekend we can hang out with each other, okay? I promise... this weekend, we can hang out. No guys allowed on this thing. But I rather be home when the sun sets, okay?"

"Aight, fine. This weekend, no talk of boys."

*   *   *

Tonight, I drove down to the shore as usual. With a bright smile on my face, I walked down to the shore. This always brought a smile to my face. It wasn't the beautiful view of the setting sun over the glistening ocean. It wasn't that I had the beach all to myself. No. It was... because I was able to meet Levi again... maybe we can mate again like yesterday?

Once again, I see his head pop up from the water before ducking back under. "Levi..."

He drags himself onto the shore, putting his head on his crossed arms. "Hanji, I need to tell you something that I found out-"

"Eh? What did you find out?"

Hesitantly, he sighed, pushing himself up to kiss me on the lips. "Hanji, you're pregnant... with my kid..."

"Eh?" Pregnant? "From what? Yesterday? Levi, remember, I explained how humans get pregnant- I can't be pregnant already. That takes time and-"

"Hanji, mermen has this connection to the child... and their pain will not stop unless their lover is pregnant. I never knew that- another friend of mine had to explain it to me... and... I want to be with you, okay? I really... really do..."

"What's stopping you?"

Levi, sighed heavily, looked away with regret in his gray eyes. "I'm a criminal, Hanji... the only official way for me to be in the human world is to use the Royal Witch... and I stole from them. We stole gold from them to help the people in the underwater coves. We were hiding away until they would stop looking..."

Distraught, I can't believe his words. A thief. A merman thief. At least it explains why my heart was taken- he stole that too.

"Hanji, if I can leave my friends behind... I have to... spend my time in jail. Hanji... do you want me to spend time in jail just so I can be in the human world...? Or should I remain the secret father of yours?"

Tears began to slip down my face. What can I say?

"It's okay, I have something planned."

"Planned? Like what?!"

"Don't worry, Hanji..." He raised his hand to me, kissing me once more. "Don't worry. Please, don't worry... right now... you can do what you want with the baby... I know you humans have complicated minds when it comes to babies, right?"

"As much as it complicates my work, Levi, I'm never giving up on this baby..."

He smiles softly, chuckling. "Let's just stay here, okay? Hanji, promise me you'll come back here tomorrow at the same time... promise me?"

"Why would I never come here?"

"I just... wanted to make sure..."