[Merman] Nanase Haruka x Reader

Chapter 7: Steps

Hello dear readers, I'm so so sorry for the long update... >< I know most of you are waiting for this... I was able to find the time to write the story. However, this is going to be a long chapter... Firstly, I apologised if the story in this chapter isn't good like my previous chapters but I do hope you will continue to read it. [Secondly, for Rin's fans, I'm sorry if I make him acted this way...please don't hate him...he is a great guy! :D ]

As promised, here is the story. Thank you for reading.

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 "One. Two. One. Two." 

In the royal garden, Misaki is accompanying Haruka by helping him to learn how to walk. It happened a week ago when Haruka found out he couldn't walk.

-A week ago-

"Haruka, I brought lunch," said Misaki as she placed the tray of food on the table.

As for Haruka, he looked at where Misaki was standing. He was wondering if he could walk to her. Setting the blanket aside, he looked at his legs. He can't wait to use them. He has always wondered what it was like to walk. Slowly, he placed his feet on the soft wooden floor. Next, he knew he has to stand. He placed his hands to hold the nearest wooden pole to help him to balance. It was difficult but he managed to stand up.

"Alright...," Haruka squeaked and looked at where Misaki was standing. 

The moment he tried to make a step...his feet wouldn't listen to him or do what he wished...immediately he fell down with a loud thud. That caused Misaki to look behind immediately. She was surprised to see him on the floor and went to help him. 

"Haruka, are you alright?" Misaki asked with worried. "What happened?"

"I...can't use my legs...," said Haruka as he looked at her.

"Eh?" Misaki squeaked. 

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

The doctor couldn't find any illness. He didn't understand why Haruka couldn't walk. In the end, he lend him a wheelchair and asked Haruka to learn how to walk. That's why Misaki is here with him. She didn't want to give up on him. It was hard at first but Haruka was able to walk slowly. Misaki is in front of Haruka while holding his hands just to guide him.

"One. Two. You're almost there," Misaki said as she notices how close they are to a bench. 

"Mmm...," Haruka squeaked as he focused. 

Haruka takes another step. He know he has to start walking so that he won't be a burden to Misaki. In the end, Haruka reaches half way. He felt surprised because he never did make it back then.

"You did it!" Misaki cheered. "We're halfway there!"

Haruka couldn't help to see Misaki smiling at him which makes his heart to beat slightly faster. It was that same smile that makes him to fall for her. He too, began to smile.

"Thank you, Misaki," said Haruka with a smile.

Misaki felt surprised to see him smile at her. She began to laugh. 

"You did well, Haru!" Misaki shouted. 

Haruka is feeling surprised to hear her calling his name like that. Only his friends from the sea called him that. 

"You just...," began Haruka as he looks at her with wide eyes.

"Oh...you don't like it?" Misaki asked. "Should I just call you..."