Hongbin swam back home. He didn't look back. He felt something swell in his chest, and he knew exactly what it was. Jealousy. It was strange how a single action a person makes around the person you like can trigger something. He didn't like this feeling. He didn't hate Hakyeon, but when he was around Taekwoon, he started to feel a little hatred towards Taekwoon himself. He probably didn't pop up in Taekwoon's head all day, not even a little.

He was a half human half fish. How could he forget about that?  Didn't he not stop and wonder what the fish you've met just yesterday was doing? Didn't he question himself about Hongbin? But Hongbin couldn't get himself to hate Taekwoon fully. He was also angry at himself. He was angry at himself because he found himself in love with a human who couldn't possibly be with him. A human from the land and a fish from the sea. There were boundaries and it was forbidden.

He would bring shame upon his family and he would be a disgrace. He'd have to run away and somehow live on his own. He would be forgotten or be remembered as the one who broke the law that has been with them for hundreds or maybe thousands of years. Hongbin knew that he would lose the life he would have now. All his friends, family, wealth, home...he would lose it all. Would he be willing to give all that up just for a chance to be with Taekwoon?

--

The day started to come to an end and Taekwoon walked Hakyeon home.

"Such a gentleman, when's you're next day off?" Hakyeon opened the gate of his home.

"I'm not sure, but I'll be sure to call."

"Make sure to invite the others! It has been awhile since we all gotten together. It'll be fun!"

"Yeah, okay. I'll see you another time, before the summer ends. Make sure to get sleep. Good night," He waved bye as Hakyeon waved back.

He already missed the morning. He was able to spend time with a friend, but now it was time to get back to work. Once he got home, he fell into bed and Taekwoon cherished his night of sleep before waking up tomorrow to work.

--

The next morning, he had to rush to work. He overslept and forgot to set his alarm the night before. Taekwoon pumped his legs to rush to the dock. The sun was shining as usual and instead of the relaxed feeling he had felt yesterday, it all turned into stress. He expected a scolding from his boss, but this wasn't the first time he was late. Taekwoon has been late plenty of time before from being persuaded back to sleep from the comfort of his bed. He was surprised he wasn't fired yet.

Once he reached his hell, he saw the boss standing there with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face. HIs balding head glistened in the scorching sun. A vein popped from his scrawny arm. His stature made Taekwoon realize he in for a long lecture.

"Do you realize how late you are?"

"I'm sorry, sir."

"You are 30 minutes late. There are boats that need to be clean. And there is no one here to clean them."

Taekwoon's eyes scanned the floor and picked at the end of his shirt. The lecture went on for minutes. His voice raised at him. Taekwoon felt tears well up in his eyes. Taekwoon didn't say anything as the boiling man yelled at him, drawing attention to passing citizens.

"You're lucky I haven't decided to fire you yet. Go start working. And don't be late again. I'll really fire you."

"..Yessir."

Taekwoon quickly walked towards one of the boats. He secretly wiped away the tears from his eyes and made sure no one saw him crying.

"Are you okay?"

Taekwoon turned. He saw Hongbin pop up from the surface of the water. Hongbin's eyes were red and puffy. "You sure you're the one who should be asking me that?"

"Don't worry about it," he brought up one of his arms to rub his eyes, "I heard what happened... I just wanted to check on you."

"It's okay...but I really need to get back to work. Sorry, but I can't talk right now." He turned back to his work and wiped the boat's surface.

"I thought so... I guess I'll leave." He smiled to let Taekwoon know that it was fine and Hongbin ducked under the water.

"H-hey!"

His eyes peeked out and his hazel hair pasted against his forehead.

"I wasn't able to see you yesterday. You were expecting me to visit you, right?"

Hongbin's head nodded gently.

"I'll make it up to you. Tomorrow, okay? I still have work but I'll try to find a way to hang out. How about at 7 pm at the dock? I'll probably finish up by then if I work extra fast."

Hongbin seemed to sink deeper into the water. But he could see his eyes gleam a little. Taekwoon felt good about it. This day wasn't so bad after all.

--

Hongbin shined his tail and combed his hair. He wanted to look his best today. It wasn't a date but it was a day with Taekwoon. He was happy. Hongbin hummed a song or two as he threw on pearls around his neck and wrists.

"Don't tell me you're going back," Won stood behind Hongbin.

He walked towards a mirror lying on a rock decorated with coral, seaweed, and gems Hongbin had found from fallen treasures. He examined his face and hair, "I'll be careful."

"I don't believe you."

"What ever happened to what you had said last time?"

"I--" Won caught his words,"Fine. I'm going with you."

"I want to go alone."

"What? No."

"I was fine all the other times. I'm sure I can handle it this time too. Please."

He placed his chin on the flesh between his thumb and pointer finger, "Will you be extra careful?"

"Yes."

"Make sure you don't get hurt?"

"Yup."

"Return back here at exactly 10 pm? Not even a second or two late?"

"Yes sir."

Won's eyebrows scrunched up and he pinched the bridge of his nose,"I can't believe I'm doing this...Fine, go."

Hongbin smiled and his dimples appeared,"Thanks, mom!" He quickly kissed Won's cheek and headed off.

Won cheeks grew slighty red, "That kid..."

Hongbin swam towards the dock. It was still an hour early but Hongbin wanted to surprise Taekwoon. But yet, he couldn't help but feel that hint of regret within him. Give up everything for Taekwoon. Did that sound like a good plan? They could fall in love with each other and find a way to be with each other. They could marry and live a happy life. But that was only in fairytales. This is reality. What am I getting myself into?

Once he reached his destination, his heart skipped a beat. His eyes had widened. Taekwoon sat near the edge of the dock. He wore a white muscle shirt that complimented his built arms with a  navy blue sweat jacket wrapped around his waist. Taekwoon's hair was slightly ruffled and glistened with sweat at his bangs. It was expected for he works for hours in the hot summer sun, and around his neck hung a damp towel that he used to wipe his forehead. Upon his back was a black backpack decorated with buttons and stickers with images of food and animals. His gray jeans were rolled up halfway up his calves. His legs hanged off the edge and his bare feet skimmed the water as he softly kicked against the tides. He looked at Hongbin and grinned, "You're early."

Hongbin felt his face become hot and was sure his face was as red as a cherry. He sunk back into the the water and shut his eyes tightly. He covered his face. Damn it, get it together. Hongbin poked up from the surface and saw curiousity in Taekwoon's face. "Uhhh..."

Taekwoon laughed,"I don't know what happened, but I'm glad you showed up."

"Yeah," he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "But I thought you would still be working."

"I finished early. Woke up early but I guess it was worth it."

He felt his cheeks grow a rosy red again. Did he do this just to be able to see me?

"I have a place we could go in private. We don't have to worry about people who can see you. And it's a pretty nice place too."

His mind wondered off when Taekwoon spoke those words. Him and me. Alone. Can the night get any better? Taekwoon leaded the way on land. Hongbin swam in the water. Taekwoon had to walk the shores to the secret place he took him. It took about 30 minutes until they arrived. The place Taekwoon had took him was at a cave, small but enough to fit a few people inside. the bottom half of the cave was submerged in the water and led up to a few feet of sand at the back. Brown reddish Rocks were scattered in the cave and that's where Taekwoon sat. Hongbin floated near the rock where Taekwoon was seated.

It was dark and was only lighted with the reflection of the setting sun. From his sticker spotted backpack, he pulled out his smartphone from one of its compartments. It was a phone with a crack on the screen and had a case with a cartoon kitten on it. Hongbin was kind of fascinated. He seemed so manly, yet spoke with a soft voice and threw stickers of cats everywhere.

He clicked his phone on and tapped the screen a few times. The last tap lit up the cave a bright yellowish light. The water reflected the light and spots of the light speckled Taekwoon's image. He didn't look tired or stressed. He looked at peace instead of his sharp, masculine image. That regret from before seemed to wash away like footprints in the sand that disappear when tides rise to take them away. He felt at ease.

"Swim free, fish."

The silence broke and Hongbin brought his head from the clouds back to earth, "Thanks, Taekwoon,"

"No problem. But I don't really know what to do. I brought you here so you didn't have to worry about crowds, but didn't really think of anything else to do."

"I don't mind. It's pretty cozy in here. How long did it take for you to find this place?"

"I've actually noticed this place for awhile. I go in here to hide from the crowd. I don't know why people don't come here though. I guess they think sharks come here."

"Sharks aren't that mean. My friend Won is part shark. Well, at least, that's what he said."

Taekwoon leaned against his knee, "I always wondered...What do you guys eat?"

"Other fish, mostly."

"You have really never tried a human?"

"Maybe... Maybe not," Hongbin chuckled, "How about you?"

"Good food. Like rice, chicken, pizza, burgers, ice cream-- I can never choose my favorite flavor though-- I really like ramen too --Steak, potatoes, all the meats--"

Hongbin interrupted his train of thought with a cold splash of the salt-filled water, "Ugh. I think I'm going to puke."

"Hey, take that back. Food is life. I live for food."

He couldn't help but laugh. He never knew he had such a side to him. Then he felt a slap of water hit his face. Because of his reflexes, he brought his arms to sweep another punch of water towards Taekwoon. Taekwoon unfortunately blocked and quickly sent another playful attack. They started a water fight that lasted 10 minutes. Hongbin saw an image of a kid that still had its innocence and softness in Taekwoon. Once Taekwoon got drenched in saltwater, they eventually stopped. There was a moment of silence that was only filled with the tired breathing and quiet laughter of Taekwoon's and his.

"I haven't had a water fight like that in years. I forgot how fun it was," Taekwoon pulled a towel out of his backpack and dried his face. He swept his hair away from his forehead.

"It would be a lot more fun on land though. I spend all my life in the water. But it was surprisingly fun with a human."

"Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be a human?"

"Hasn't every mermaid wondered that? I imagine what it's like to have legs and have no gills. I want to know what its like to be able to style your hair without the water ruining it. I want to know what it's like to be dry and experience the world above me. I want to be able to wiggle my toes and feel the ground under me. It's kind of a depressing thought."

"Sorry I asked."

"Nah, it's okay. But I want to ask you a question too. Who was that person you were with a few days ago? I've never seen him around before."

"Oh him? That was my friend Hakyeon. I guess you can say he's my "best" friend. I've know him since I was young. He's kind of annoying though."

"He seems friendly."

"He is but kind of gets attached easily. He's been with me through hard times. Stupid guy, but he's special to me," his lips curved slightly to form a smile.

It kind of hurt Hongbin to hear him talk like this. His tone was a gentle rhythm that spoke softly and with affection when he spoke about Hakyeon. But he did his best to not let it get to him. Hakyeon and him were friends. Jealously was something dangerous that Hongbin must get rid of quickly like radiactive material that has spilled. It was something that needed to be cleaned right away. But Hongbin suddenly realized how his feelings for Taekwoon can become dangerous easily.

Hongbin decided it. He would only be friends and nothing more. He'd be able to see him and talk to him, but no love would be between them. Terrible plan? Most likely. But it was better than throwing away everything that he ever owned to leave for someone who probably wouldn't love him forever or just to never see him again where he would live the rest of his life in depression and eventually sink to the depths of the sea himself. Maybe he didn't need Taekwoon, but that pit inside him, the empty hole that has never been filled before was slowly regaining that fullness. It was the feeling he's never felt from anyone else he's ever met before. He was afraid of losing that feeling and the hole would empty itself once again and grow, grow until it devours itself into a dark, black hole. He's decided it.

--

I'M SO SORRY. I haven't updated in forever... So I quickly edited this. And now I go sleep! Thanks for reading!!!