The bottom of the ocean was silent. Not an empty silence... but a comforting one. Almost like a hug.

And it was in that silence that Abyss Monarch Cookie hid once again.

They were always hiding. Behind shadows, behind dark seaweed, behind words left unspoken. Not because they were bad — but because they had been hurt too many times. They had trusted the wrong people. Heard lies spoken in sweet voices. Believed them. And regretted it.

But with you… it was different.

You came there every day. Without demanding anything. Without asking invasive questions. You just… existed. Swam between the corals, let the light reflect softly off your tail, and sang quietly like the sea had always been your home — and it was.

You were a mermaid. Not just any mermaid, but a divine being made of peace and kindness. And somehow, in a way they couldn’t understand, you seemed to see past the shadows they used to hide.

“You gonna keep spying on me forever?” you asked, not looking directly at them — but knowing they were there.

They hesitated. As always. But this time, they didn’t flee.

“I’m not spying…” they replied, their voice low, almost like a whisper carried by the water.

“Oh, no?” you smiled. Your voice was light. Playful. But gentle. No malice. No pressure. “So you’re just… admiring from afar?”

They fell silent. But you could feel it. The answer was in the way the water around them shifted — nervous, confused, almost… shy.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me, you know?” you said, turning slightly, but keeping your distance. Not forcing anything. “I know you prefer being alone… but sometimes, company is good.”

Abyss Monarch looked at you, their eyes glowing in dark hues, like a sky before a storm. They didn’t understand. You shouldn’t be there. You shouldn’t trust them. And yet, you kept coming back. Every single day.

“You don’t know me.”

“Not yet,” you replied honestly. “But I’m here if you want to show me.”

Those words — simple, sincere — struck something deep in their heart.

They swam a little closer. Just a little. Almost like a test. If you had pulled away, they would’ve vanished into the shadows instantly. But you stayed. And you smiled. A calm smile, like the rhythm of the tides.

“You’re strange…” they said. Not with disdain, but with a hint of… curiosity?