In to the ocean

Chapter 7

Jungkook couldn't pull back from the kiss even if he tried, so tight is the hold the merman has on him.

Luckily, it doesn't last long. The monster releases him, setting the boy back down outside of the water. With a flick of his fins, the monster moves to lounge in the shallows beside him.

For the first time, Jungkook can get a good look at his tail. His pale, toned torso gives way to black and red scales, powerful fins folded as he rests. Even in the low light, the scales shimmer invitingly, appearing to almost glow.

But with this beauty, comes danger. Sharpened dorsal spines line the back of his tail, black venom visible within their hollow cores.

Trembling from both fear and damp cold, Jungkook folds his arms across his chest. He is suddenly very self-aware of the fact that he is only wearing a night dress, the white fabric now stained and torn.

With no food, clothes or even sunlight, he wonders how long he will be able to last in this cavern.

Does he even know what a human needs to survive?

He. That reminds Jungkook.

"Can I ask you something?" Jungkook looks out of the corner of his eye to the male draped over the shallow rocks. The last thing he wants to do right now is anger him.

"That depends on what it is," his reply is guarded, though Jungkook can tell he is curious.

Jungkook takes a breath, then asks, "You seem to already know my name, so what is yours?"

A look of amusement crosses the merman's features.

"A fair request," he cocks his head to the side, flicking his tail, "Amongst my kind, I am called Lysanthir but in human world I like bing called Taehyung."

Jungkook sounds it out, testing the strange syllables on his tongue.

"And your kind," Jungkook dares another question, "you are merfolk?"

"That is what you humans call us, yes," Taehyung replies, "but to those underwater, we are known as murdukann."

At least now Jungkook has a name for the monster that took him. Taehyung. The one who stole him away from his family. The one who has entrapped him in this underwater lair. The one who dared kiss him after destroying his life.

Jungkook's thoughts return to his family. Had they survived Taehyung's attack? His mother had been badly wounded. What of his father? Of Magdalena? Worry overtakes him as he imagines them clinging onto life, calling his name.

Jungkook has to go back. he has to escape.

Jungkook's gathers his thoughts. There isn't a visible passageway to the cave, but Taehyung would have had to enter from somewhere. So, it must be under the water.

Jungkook sceptically eyes the dark expanse. The last thing he wants is to run out of air down there.

Logically, there must be air pockets. Otherwise I would have drowned on this gives him courage. Jungkook just has to hope he can swim fast enough. The thought of getting trapped in an underwater tunnel makes him heart rattle in his chest.

"You're shivering, Jungkook", Taehyung says with concern, reaching a hand out.

Jungkook tries not to visibly recoil as he brushes against his arm. Now's not the time to get on his bad side.

"Humans," Jungkook says carefully, "aren't made for places like this."

"I know, my darling", he murmurs, "and I am sorry. This is only temporary."

Temporary? That means he would be taking Jungkook  somewhere else. Maybe somewhere far away, without any possible escape.

Jungkook knows he has to make his move soon. He just has to distract Taehyung, get him away long enough for Jungkook to find the exit.

Jungkook shivers again, which gives him an idea.

"Do you think you could maybe find me something to cover myself?" Jungkook lets vulnerability shine in his eyes, "Just so I'm not so cold."

The murdukann examines him carefully.

"I could warm you," he offers.

Oh no. Quick. Think of something.

"It's just..." Jungkook's mind races, trying to come up with a credible excuse, "the water. It would only make me colder."

Jungkook has to stop himself from sighing in relief. He didn't even have to lie, it's true that he needs to be dry to warm up.

Taehyung hesitates.

But then, "Alright, I will return."

He turns and surges into the depths with a single flick of his tail.