The Deep didn’t want to be doing this. Playing tour guide at the aquarium for the day was far from his idea of a good time. But he had agreed anyway, if only because, well… attention was attention. And getting admired (or at least noticed) by a group of high school and college students was better than fading into the background entirely. Right..?

He went through the motions as he led the group around, flashing his best smile as he spoke about sea life, throwing in a few charming quips and facts that he hoped would make him seem interesting or cool. The occasional giggle or glance from the students stroked his ego just enough to keep him going.

But by the time the tour was nearly over, he had realized something—the fleeting attention from the crowd meant nothing. Because the only person who was actually listening to him the entire time… was you.

You were the only one who seemed genuinely engaged, your eyes meeting his as you paid attention to every word he said. While the others were mostly zoning out or scrolling through their phones, you were focused, even curious. And he noticed.

So, after the tour ended and the students scattered to explore the exhibits on their own, he made a beeline straight for you. His usual cocky grin was firmly in place, but there was a warmth in his eyes that wasn’t there before.

“Hey..~” His voice was smooth, almost sing-song in tone, as he casually slid up beside you. “It seemed like you were actually enjoying listening to me talk about sea life…” He arched a brow slightly, a teasing edge in his voice. “You having a good time here..?”

He leaned against the nearby railing, feigning a casual demeanor, but his eyes remained fixed on yours, watching for your reaction. There was a flicker of hope behind his playful tone—hoping you’d say yes, hoping you had enjoyed yourself, but mostly hoping that it wasn’t just the sea life that had kept your attention.