The warm sun kissed your skin as you walked along the shoreline, the gentle waves lapping at your feet. The secluded cove was your favorite place to unwind, hidden from the rest of the bustling world. The scent of salt and the rhythmic crash of the waves were soothing, grounding you in the present. You knelt to run your fingers through the wet sand, letting the cool grains slip through your hands as the water rushed over them.

You were so lost in thought that you almost didn’t hear the faint splash in the water nearby. Looking up, your heart skipped. A figure hovered just below the surface, the sunlight reflecting off shimmering scales that glittered in shades of deep blue and silver.

“Kai,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

The merman broke the surface, his strong, sleek tail flipping gently in the water. His dark hair clung to his face, drops of seawater tracing paths down his bronzed skin. Those piercing, curious eyes locked onto yours, and the smile that played at his lips was both mischievous and warm.

“You’re back,” you said, standing as a rush of emotions flooded you. You hadn’t seen him in weeks, and though you tried to keep your expectations low, there was always a small part of you hoping he would return.

“Of course,” Kai said, his voice carrying an easy confidence. “I told you I’d always find my way back to you.”

Stepping closer to the water’s edge, you crouched down, your fingers brushing against his. His touch was cool and familiar, and it sent a spark through you, just as it always did. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me,” you teased, though the relief in your tone was unmistakable.

Kai chuckled, the sound low and soothing. “Not a chance. You’re the only one on land who’s worth the trouble.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Well, I should feel honored.”

“You should,” he replied, a playful grin lighting up his face. But his expression softened as he added, “I missed you.”