“How could you be so irresponsible?” “Irresponsible.”

“How could you forget something so important so easily?” “So easily.”

“What were you thinking?” “Thinking.”

“Suho that’s enough. I think Luhan understands what I’m saying without you repeating a word after every sentence.”

“Hehe yes sorry sir.” Suho said before disappearing into the castle.

“Father please I’m really sorry. I thought it started at 7 not ended. Please forgive me.”

“What were you doing anyways? Not playing around any shipwrecks right?”

“Ah of course not father. I was just playing with Kyungsoo and lost track of time.”

Sighing Kris smiled softly down at Luhan.

“Alright. Well as long as you aren’t hurt and your promise to be more careful in the future.”

“Yes of course. I will be more careful.”

“Well then I guess you are free to go now.”

“Thank you. Good bye.”

‘Phew that was close one.’ Luhan thought to himself.

Flicking his tail he headed off to find Kyungsoo. He searched the castle, he searched the grotto, he even searched the shipwreck. When he still couldn’t find Kyungsoo he decided he needed help. Heading to the surface he went to Xiumin’s perch.

“Xiumin. Have you seen Kyungsoo anywhere?”

“Sorry Luhan I haven’t. Hey but if you’re looking for something to do there’s a party going on a ship tonight. You should come watch with me. What do you say?”

“A ship? A floating one?”

“Yep that’s the one.”

“I’m not really supposed to go above the water.”

“You’ll be fine. It’s at night anyways so no one will see you.”

“Alright. I suppose I could go just this once.”

“Awesome! I’ll meet you here at 6. Don’t be late.”

“I won’t. Bye Xiumin.”

Dipping below the waves Luhan continued his search for Kyungsoo. Finally when he had just reached the castle he saw the little flounder swimming towards his room.

“Kyungsoo! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Where have you been?”

“Oh Luhan. Sorry I had to go home to help my mom prepare dinner.”

“Ah I see. Well Xiumin invited us to go see a ship tonight. Do you want to come?”

“A ship? The floating kind? Above the surface?”

“Yes that’s the one.”

“Luhan you know that’s illegal right?”

“It will be dark. No one will see. Come on Kyungsoo. Please come with me?”

Pouting, Luhan looked at Kyungsoo with his big-doe-eyes. They sparkled as his long eyelashes framed the pleaded look he wore.

“Fine. But if we get caught it’s all on you.”

“Ok! ^^ We’re meeting Xiumin at 6.”

“Well then we better get going.”

When they met Xiumin at this perch they were greeted enthusiastically.

“You’ll never believe it! We’re in luck. Tonight the ship belongs to a prince. It’s his birthday and we’re invited.”

“Mm yes because that makes the possibility of death much less frightful…” Kyungsoo said sarcastically.

Brushing off the comment, Xiumin led Luhan and Kyungsoo to the ship. Luhan couldn’t believe his eyes as a massive ship bounced amongst the waves. It was made of deep rich wood with detailed designs covering the surface. Lights shot from the deck as joyful music could be heard. Xiumin flew atop one of the masts for a better look and when he saw Luhan still in the water he motion for him to come up. Pulling himself up, Luhan held on to the edge of the deck and peered across it. Men danced aboard it with loud claps and drinks were continuously passed around. Staring at the humans he realized that they looked just like the merfolk aside from their legs. He couldn’t help but feel jealous when he noticed how effortlessly they could dance and walk.

Out of the corner of his eye a certain human stood out from the rest. He was tall and lean with smooth blonde hair that danced in the ocean breeze. He was dressed handsomely and had a smoothing look about his face. Turning he started walking in Luhan’s direction. Luhan felt his throat close as his breath shortened and his face grew hot. He cooled when the man walked past him. Realizing his position he blushed and cursed quietly.

All of a sudden the music stopped and a clinking noise was heard. An older gentleman was tapping on a glass trying to gather everyone’s attention.

“Excuse me. Pardon the interruption, but I believe it is time for a toast. Today is Prince Sehun’s 20^th birthday. We have many delicious foods and fantastic entertainment. Please enjoy yourselves. Although we are not opening presents yet, I would like to present Sehun with a special gift right now.”

Walking over to a large item covered in a sheet he stood next to it proudly.

“This was handcrafted in France. It was very very expensive. Please enjoy Sehun.”

Pulling back the sheet Sehun couldn’t help but show a look of disgust at the statue of him that stood before him. He was in a regal pose wearing battle armor. The worst part of it was that the statue was nearly 13 feet tall.

“Ah thank you. It’s a very… nice…. gift.” Sehun said before going to cover it back up with the sheet.

Luhan couldn’t help but giggle at the prince’s reaction and captured the attention of the ship’s dog. Bounding over the dog sniffed Luhan’s face before with his tongue. Sehun noticed the dog busy with something and walked over to find out what it was.

“Baekhyun. What are you looking at?” Sehun scanned the waters only to see nothing but the rolling waves. Deciding it was nothing he turned and walked away.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Luhan returned to his watching point and continued to observe the party. He didn’t even notice the black clouds that were painting the sky.