Destiny - Vmin

29. By Your Side

Taehyung swam hurriedly, pulling Jimin along as they distanced themselves from the entourage. Pablo had recognized them, tilting his head in their direction, and his sisters quickly picked up on the signal, exchanging knowing smiles. Jimin, though not understanding the meaning behind the shared look, committed the image of the three youths to memory. They were beautiful in a way that might have caught his attention... if Taehyung hadn't already occupied every one of his thoughts.

When they were finally far enough away, the daylight began to fade, plunging the ocean into darker hues. Jimin looked at Taehyung with a questioning expression, his voice carrying the curiosity that consumed him:

"What was that?"

Taehyung let out a sigh and signed, explaining:

"[Ah, remember the conversation about marriage? I think it's one of those three—I recognized their father.]"

Jimin's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation.

"You... you could marry any of the three?" The incredulity in his voice was palpable.

Taehyung shook his head resolutely.

"[I'm not going to marry any of them. Marrying me and living by my side here would be a burden for them, and I'm not giving in to my father's whims.]" Taehyung's expression showed his firm resolve.

Jimin noticed that Taehyung's answer didn't fully satisfy his curiosity. He hesitated before reformulating his question, trying to sound casual:

"But, like... would you be okay marrying a merman? I mean, you're a merman too..." The genuine curiosity mixed with a touch of insecurity was clear in his voice.

The question brought back memories of difficult conversations Taehyung had with Yongwang. He recalled how his father had described the surface world's reaction to same-gender relationships. The unease he'd felt then resurfaced, but he tried to hide the sadness washing over him, responding with a soft smile:

"[Here, marriages like that are normal.]"

Jimin smiled back, the excitement on his face catching Taehyung off guard.

"That's so cool! But what about heirs? Like, can two mermen have a child?" Jimin asked, his voice carrying an almost childlike enthusiasm.

Taehyung chuckled softly, appreciating Jimin's curiosity, and answered:

"[Not entirely naturally, but with a bit of magic in the process, yes. Úrsula had a daughter that way with a mermaid from another kingdom—my cousin, Taaom.]"

A new hope grew in Jimin's chest. For the first time, the idea of a future with Taehyung seemed less impossible. He held the merman's hand, and the two headed for the shore, embarking on a long journey that took hours through the deep waters. By the time they arrived, the first light of dawn was breaking on the horizon.

Jimin began playing in the waves, laughing as he waited for the potion's effect to wear off, and Taehyung joined him, diving and enjoying himself by his side. After a few minutes, Jimin felt the change. Emerging from the water, he walked toward the sand, breathing in the morning air deeply. When he turned to look at Taehyung, the merman was also approaching the shore. As he touched the sand, his body began to shift, taking on a human form.

Jimin watched, fascinated, as Taehyung adapted to the land. With a surprised smile, he exclaimed:

"Wow, you made the transition so easily! How did you do it?"

Taehyung stopped beside him, his expression softening into a smile that carried a mix of vulnerability and determination. He hesitated for a moment, then signed slowly, as if each gesture was a promise:

"[I just wished... to stay by your side.]"

Without needing to say anything else, the two walked side by side along the beach, leaving the waves behind as they headed toward the castle. The dawn breeze swirled around them, carrying with it the promise of a new beginning.