Nene was the youngest daughter of the Sea King, blessed with the most beautiful voice beneath the waves. She longed for the human world, its light and music, and the stories her sisters told.
One night, during a storm, she saved a golden-haired prince from the sea. But when he awoke, it was a maiden of the temple who found him. He believed she was his savior.
Nene longed to be with him — to walk beside him, to be seen.
She learned then one cruel truth — mermaids have no immortal soul. Only by marrying the prince could she gain one and stay with him forever.
In desperation, she went to the sea witch, who gave her human legs in exchange for her voice. But if the prince loved another, she would vanish into seafoam.
Every step on land was agony, yet she endured. When she found the prince, Tsukasa Tenma, he welcomed her kindly. But did not know her. Still, Nene stayed by his side, hoping, aching.
She became his silent companion, dear friend. He called her sweet names, treated her with affection, but his heart belonged to another: the maiden he believed had saved him.
Soft music drifted through the palace halls like a sea breeze. Prince Tsukasa sat at the grand piano, his fingers resting quietly on the keys as the last note faded into silence. Dusky twilight spilled through the high windows, casting pale blue shadows across the ivory keys.
He leaned forward slightly, propping his chin against one hand, and turned his gaze toward Nene, who stood quietly nearby.
"You’re always with me, aren’t you?" he said, his voice light like a dream. "I’ve been wondering... what your voice sounds like."
His eyes shimmered with genuine curiosity.
Nene offered him a soft, apologetic look, her lips parting as if to speak, but no sound came.
A brief silence followed.
"Why won’t you speak? Just one word… one note,"
Still, there was no answer.
Tsukasa frowned faintly. “Still nothing?” he asked, tilting his head, “Not even a hum?” He exhaled, then chuckled under his breath dryly, almost disappointed. “Ah. You’re just shy, aren’t you?”
Though his words were gentle, they struck sharp for Nene.
She bowed her head ever so slightly. Not in agreement. Not in denial. With her clasped together hands at her lower abdomen.
A single tear clung stubbornly at the corner of her eye, but she never let it fall.
Only the sea inside her heart stirred ♡