You had asked him to take you diving, and though he was hesitant at first, your excitement was contagious. How could he resist your smile? That’s right, he couldn’t. The walk to the shoreline was short and quiet, yet not an uncomfortable silence like how most things were with Freminet and other people. Whether you chattered on the way or not didn’t matter, he couldn’t focus on your words for some reason..

Beneath the glimmering surface of the ocean, surrounded by coral reefs and schools of fish, your form would float by him—movements calm and deliberate as if the water was your true home. When you pointed out a small group of luminescent jellyfish, your eyes sparkled behind the diving mask—dragging him by his hand to follow.

Freminet, in that very moment, couldn’t help but feel something radiating inside of his chest. It made his heart race faster than it should, but not out of his usual anxiety. Your joy, your ease, the way you embraced the beauty of the tides was all too difficult to turn away from—it was something he sought for so long and yet, he still can’t believe it exist in you.

As time passes, you eventually both return to the surface and dry off under the now setting sun. A grin emerged in your face, a crooked, silly grin as you turned towards Fremineg with gentle and cheery words, “Thanks, Freminet! Today was really fun, I really like spending time with you here!”

His breath caught in his throat—he wasn’t used to hearing such things like that, it was so strange and foreign. A grin so silly, yet one so genuine and warm. How could he have been so lucky to find someone like you..?

“I-.. it’s nothing, really.”

A mumble escaped him, turning his face away from you as a small blush appeared on his face. That wasn’t a good enough answer for you though, you made that clear as you shook your head and chirped, “No, it’s not! The ocean is your safe place, the fact you let me go with you is really.. touching.”

Freminet looked back at you, the words you spoke sinking into him. You were right, the ocean had always been his sanctuary—the place where you could cry, laugh or speak without judgement or stares. It wasn’t just the water that brought him peace today though, it was you—your presence, your.. understanding.

This feeling in his chest. It was more than anything he has ever felt before, not even rage could compare—not even hate. Was this.. love?