Notes From The Sea ✓

6

"─So, we need some of that specific coral. Could you cut off a piece and send it to our lab?"

Jeongguk hummed, happy that he could start with his job already. He didn't really pry further, not seeing any need to.

"Yeah, of course! That shouldn't be a problem at all. I'll get on it."

"Good, good!
We'll wait for you to send it."

Hanging up, he immediately went to grab a towel and he changed into his swimming shorts with a plain white shirt on top of it. He won't need the full set of his diving gear for this, since it is very up shore. Plus, he can hold his breath for two minutes. He should be fine.

After reaching his destination, he walked towards the rock he usually sits down on, putting his towel on top of it.

Suddenly, he paused his actions. He could hear aggressive splashing sounds coming from around the corner. Worry began to take over.

He ran towards the place the sound came from, slowly walking into slightly deeper waters. From his view, he could barely make out a thing since another big rock blocked his sight. So, he decided to just dive right in instead.

Holding his breath, he opened his eyes underwater knowing for a fact they'll be red and irritated later on due to the dirt particles in it.

But that was the least of his worries right now. His brown orbs widened drastically at what he was seeing, heart sinking to the bottom of his stomach.

Right in front of him, was the creature he read stories and fantasised about.
He had to pinch himself, not believing his eyes.

Realising he has no time to waste, he swam with utter care towards him, trying not to stare too much in awe.

He was beyond beautiful. His fascinating blue tail with extremely long silky fins glimmered and his hair matched it perfectly.

That's when the being noticed him, eyes huge with fear.

Freezing in place whilst Jeongguk swam towards him slowly, he only watched as the human held up his hands, pausing.

He tried to show that he didn't mean any harm; he just needed to free him as soon as possible.

Cautiously, he neared the merman's tail. His eyes pressed shut when he saw how he tried to get away from him, only resulting in more wounds and a lot more blood.

Not being able to hold his breath any longer, he had to return to the surface to grant his lungs a new shot of oxygen, diving back in after.

He knew he had to figure out a way to calm him down. Otherwise, there wasn't anything he could do to help.

Jeongguk's eyes fell onto the merman's hand, which tried to reach the fishnet desperately.

Once again he swam closer, ignoring the terrified look he got in return.

Carefully, he gently reached out his hand, touching the back of the hand of the other. The stunning creature flinched, but didn't try to move away.

Jeongguk held his hand, softly rubbing circles onto it. He tried not to stare too much while doing so, mesmerised at the webbing between the fingers.

The being ever so slowly seemed to relax. Now he was staring in curiosity at him instead, wondering why he hadn't freaked out yet, why he was so gentle, and why he was helping him.

That question bothered Taehyung. Every fibre of him needed to know the answer.

Jeongguk tried his best to remove the fishnet without causing any pain and doing any more damage. But it was difficult, since it was wrapped around him so tightly.