[Merman] Nanase Haruka x Reader

Chapter 5: Rumour Demon & Potion

In the deepest part of the sea, the place is always dark... There isn't any fish that will swim around the area. Fish such as eels, anglers and other dark sea creatures can be found here. Just like what Nagisa has said about the rumour, no one ever swims here. Addition to the rumour oni, no one  wants to... Finally, Haruka reached the area. He looked around.

"If I'm not mistaken, Nagisa said it is around here...," mumbled Haruka as he looked around. 

He wanted to turn back but he knew he has decided to stick to his decision. He really wanted to meet her. Suddenly, an image of her looking at the sunset appeared in his mind...

"Let's try this way," said Haruka as he swims further in.

After that, he found a cave. The cave is covered with seaweeds and green molds making it looked dirty and old. He began to swim around it until he found a sign hanging above the entrance.

'Iwatobi Swim Club'

Haruka looked at the sign for a long time. In the end, he decided to ignore it and enters. Once he entered, there were a lot of artifacts which acted like decorations. However, the decorations are more to learning how to swim... On the old, wooden table, there is a bell which says 'ring me'. Haruka decided to ring it. The sound of the bell echo throughout the room. Suddenly, Haruka was greeted by another merman. He has short, golden hair and he looks a bit mature for his age. He has a brown tail and is wearing a red Hawaiian shirt. He swims out to greet Haruka.

"Welcome~~!!"

"Huh?" Haruka squeaked.

"Oh my, my very first customer!" He shouted happily. "So, what is it going to be? Do you want to learn how to swim? Youngsters these days~ If you're, then you have come to the right place! Our swim club offers lessons from me. First, you will have to apply..."

Without letting him finish, Haruka interrupts.

"Is this where the Oni lives?" Haruka asked bluntly.

The merman looked at him. "Umm...yes...I'm Oni Sasabe," said Oni Sasabe. "But that's just a rumour that I make to attract customers. You see I just open this club a few weeks ago..." 

"You're not an Oni then?" Haruka asked again.

"Well...I used to make potions and stuffs back in the old days...," Oni Sasabe began to explain. "I changed after that in order to make some business. Well enough of me, so do you want to apply for..."

"I want a potion," said Haruka directly.

Oni Sasabe looked at Haruka with a sweat and he looked at him.

"Tell me, kid...what brings you here?" Oni Sasabe asked.

"I want to go up," Haruka answered bluntly as he points up with his finger.

"Wa...Wait!! You mean you want to go to the surface?!!" Oni Sasabe shouted. He felt surprised at Haruka's statement and Haruka nodded. "Don't tell me that you just want to go find that girl to see if she is doing well, are you?" He began to laugh weakly because he just made up that statement.

"That's right," said Haruka bluntly.

Oni Sasabe stops laughing and looked at Haruka seriously. He covers his face with his hand. 

"Didn't your friend say they are doing fine? I can guarantee that he is right because I checked by looking at my crystal ball. That girl is doing fine." "Haruka, is it?" Oni Sasabe asked and looked at him. "Look. You do know you're different from them, don't you?

"So?" Haruka said as he looked at him. "Just give me the potion and I will leave."

Oni Sasabe sighs. "Still not listening...," said Oni Sasabe. "Sorry Haruka, I don't have that kind of potion anymore. So, I will see you next time. Bring your friends over to play if you decide to join the club." He decided to leave the room until...