SEASHORE. － k.yk + y.ty

11

It was the heart of summer, a month and some weeks after the human and the merman had first met, lines of friendship blurred to the point that Taeyang would peck Youngkyun's cheeks and Youngkyun would clutch Taeyang's hand whilst they stood with their feet in the sea.

He didn't know what to classify their relationship as, but perhaps all friends did this sort of stuff together.

Youngkyun couldn't deny that now he woke up each morning with an eagerness and happiness he hadn't felt bubbling within him for years, awaiting to see whether Taeyang would be coming to the beach that day or not.

It was an entirely new feeling, different to how he used to feel around Chani, and he loved it.

In such a short time, Taeyang had earned his trust and Youngkyun could no longer imagine his life without him - which was something utterly ludicrous, because he had always been alone.

Such thoughts would creep into his mind sometimes, worries that Taeyang will one day leave him, that when summer will draw to a close, the boy would stop coming to see the once lonely brunet.

Youngkyun didn't think he could handle it when the time would come, but he also decided to prepare himself for it if it should.

That evening they had remained until late on the beach as always, arms brushing and Youngkyun's head set upon Taeyang's shoulder.

"Are you going to fall asleep, Kyun?" the latter's soft voice asked, merely a whisper against the younger's ear, "Maybe it's time you go home."

He shook his head, locks of hair cascading over his shut eyes and his lips in a timid pout.

"I don't want to leave you yet."

The words were genuine, child-like, and Taeyang's heart twitched at how Youngkyun proceeded to snuggle into his side.

"Well, how about I walk you back to your place? We'll have extra time together."

There was a pause, as if the brunet needed to mentally debate the offer, and then he caved in with a hum, feeling far too drowsy to stay out any longer.

"Fine, but let's walk slowly. Promise?"

"Promise."

And Youngkyun lifted his head with a meek groan, fisting at his eyes as Taeyang fondly watched him, a glimmer in his gaze only stars could replicate.

"Come on, sleepy head," he pushed himself onto his feet, slid both his backpack's straps on, and offered his hand to Youngkyun, "Show me where you live."

The phrase momentarily made the younger's sight flicker to the sea, then back up at Taeyang at whom he then smiled.

"Alright."

Fingers intertwined and palms pressed to one another, Youngkyun playfully swung their arms between them back and forth as they walked up the stone steps and then took a turn off the path, lead by the dimming light of the sky and white glow of the moon.

"You actually live so close to the sea?"

"Mhm, I love it. It's really pretty, don't you think?"

Taeyang nodded in agreement, though he wondered how come Youngkyun was so scared of the sea if he found it beautiful. Perhaps he had had an accident whilst swimming?

"Ah, this is my home."

The announcement tore Taeyang from his thoughts and he focused his eyes to see the shack before him, bafflement lacing his features, a fact which the shorter must have noticed.