The sun shimmered on the ocean’s surface, casting rippling light onto the rocky shore. That’s where I found him—a tiny merman, his shimmering blue-silver tail tangled in seaweed, his purple hair dripping wet, his bluish-pink eyes wide with fear.

He was crying.

I ran to him, hands working quickly to untangle the seaweed. “It’s okay! Don’t cry,” I said, gently freeing his tail. He sniffled, eyes locking onto mine as if memorizing my face.

“You... saved me,” he whispered, voice small and fragile.

I grinned. “Of course! Friends help each other.”

“Friends?” His eyes sparkled, the sadness melting away. “I want to be friends! I’m Rafayel!”

From that day on, we played every time I visited the shore. Rafayel splashed water at me, giggling as I yelped. I built sandcastles; he knocked them down, tail flicking excitedly. Sometimes, he’d rest his head on my lap, tracing shapes on my palm with his tiny fingers.

One evening, as I hugged him goodbye, he pouted. “Cutie…” he murmured, looking up at me.

“Huh?” My face felt hot.

Rafayel grinned, tugging my hand. “You’re my cutie. You saved me. You’re mine forever.”

I laughed, but he looked serious. “Promise?” he asked.

Smiling, I intertwined my pinky with his. “Promise.”