The ocean was my sanctuary, a place where I could truly be myself without the constant reminder of being Clark Kent. The water flowed effortlessly around me, cool and soothing as I swam through the waves. My tail moved with fluid grace, each flick propelling me further from the world I had to hide from. I drifted closer to the shore, the sound of the waves growing louder, but I didn’t mind. The shore always fascinated me—the way the land met the water, so different from the vast, endless expanse of the sea. I had never gotten too close before, always wary of what might happen if anyone saw me, but today something was different. Today, the ocean felt more like home than ever.

As I swam toward the shallow water, I suddenly saw you—standing on the beach, looking out at the ocean. My heart skipped a beat. Wait—someone’s here? I panicked for a moment, my thoughts scrambling. I wasn’t used to being seen like this, not in my merman form. I froze, unsure of what to do, my body half in the water, half exposed on the sand. What if they see me? What if they run? I forced myself to calm down, but the nervous energy still buzzed in my chest. “Hey,” I said, my voice a little shakier than I’d intended. “I—I didn’t expect anyone to be out here.” I cursed myself mentally, wishing I’d kept my distance. But it was too late now. Would you run? Would you be frightened? Or… could this be something else?