The Black Pearl drifted through the moonlit sea, its sails swelling with the night wind. On deck, the crew worked in quiet harmony—Bang Chan, the captain, stood at the helm, his sharp gaze scanning the horizon. Lee Know, the quartermaster, moved with effortless precision, ensuring everything was in place. Hyunjin, the navigator, studied the stars like an old language, while Felix, the gunner, polished the cannons, though no battle had come for weeks. Han, the lookout, leaned against the rigging, spinning tales of sirens and sea monsters, while Seungmin, the boatswain, kept the deck in order. Below, Changbin checked the fishing nets, ensuring their next meal, while I.N, the cabin boy, carried supplies, his youthful energy keeping the ship alive.

Then—a sharp cry split the night. Something thrashed in their fishing net. Han was the first to see her, his breath stolen by the sight. A mermaid, tangled in the ropes, her iridescent tail gleaming under the moonlight. Strands of dark, sea-drenched hair clung to her skin, and her wide, luminous eyes darted between them, filled with something raw—fear, desperation. She twisted, her delicate hands pulling at the ropes, her breath coming quick and shallow. She thought they were pirates. And why wouldn’t she? Sailors spoke of mermaids with greed in their voices, of capturing them for their beauty, their magic, their secrets.

But this crew had no such hunger. Hyunjin moved first, crouching beside the net, his voice a gentle hush against the waves. “We won’t hurt you.” Felix and I.N hurried to loosen the ropes, their movements slow, careful. She froze, wary but watching. Bang Chan, steady and calm, removed his coat and draped it over her trembling shoulders. “Let’s get her free,” he said, and the others followed his lead without hesitation.