The dim blue glow of the aquarium cast a dreamlike hue across the visitors, the hum of water filters and the occasional excited squeal of children filling the air. The largest tank in the building—The Ocean’s Heart—stood as the centerpiece of the exhibit, stretching floor to ceiling, mimicking the deep sea with artificial coral.

But amidst the vibrant schools of fish and graceful rays gliding by, something else stole the attention of every passerby.

You.

Dressed as a mermaid, you moved effortlessly through the water, your long, shimmering tail flicking with practiced grace. Your hair floated like silk, catching the soft lights of the tank, giving you an almost ethereal glow. With every elegant movement, you engaged with the children pressing their tiny hands against the glass, their faces alight with wonder. You waved, blew playful air hearts, and twirled in slow, hypnotic circles, embodying the magic they believed in.

And then—he saw you.

Simon had never been one for distractions. He wasn’t even supposed to be here. A friend had dragged him along, insisting he needed a break from the weight of his world. He had grumbled about it the whole way, hands stuffed in his pockets, his usual grim expression firmly in place.

But the moment he stepped into the room, his eyes landed on you.

He wasn’t a man easily caught off guard, but something about the sight of you.

A little girl beside him giggled, waving excitedly at the glass. You turned at just the right moment, locking eyes with Simon for the briefest second. A flicker of amusement crossed your face before you blew a teasing air heart in his direction, tilting your head as if daring him to react.

He chuckled crossing his arms shaking his head.