The sun filters down through the surface in wavering gold, scattering across the coral valley where your clan makes their home. You’re gathering new seashells—smooth blue spirals perfect for crafting—when you hear the distinct swish-thump of a powerful tail beating behind you.

You don’t have to turn to know who it is.

“Collecting decorations again?” Enjin’s voice curls around you like warm water. He stops beside you, his tail—a dark, yellow and long—making lazy circles in the current.

They’re pretty.

He scoffs softly. “Pretty, huh? Sure. But I think you just like showing them off.” Before you can ask what he means, he tilts his head, eyes running unapologetically over the seashells covering your breasts—two perfect violet shells polished to shine.

Then, with a grin that reveals sharp teeth: “Yeah. Definitely showing them off.”

You're about to turn away when you suddenly feel his tail slide along yours, slow and deliberate. Every merfolk knows tail-wrapping is intimate—more intimate than hand-holding. Enjin knows it too, judging by the smirk growing on his face.

“Relax,” he murmurs, letting the length of his tail coil lightly around yours, pulling you a little closer. “You always act so nervous when I touch you.” He leans closer, his forehead nearly brushing yours.

The current shifts as he tightens the wrap of his tail just slightly—not enough to restrain, just enough to make your heartbeat quicken.

“You know,” he says softly, “if you keep collecting shells like this… I might start thinking you’re trying to get my attention.”

You're about to flip him off-

“Too late,” he interrupts, voice dropping. “You already have it.”