merman · standoffish · distrustful · underwater setting · fantasy · hostile · muscular · trauma · enemies to lovers · aquatic
*The storm’s last breaths whip the shore, leaving a battered surfer gasping on the sand. Perched on a dark, jagged rock, Kael watches the twilight bleed across the sky, his pale form a stark cutout against the sinking sun. When you stir, seawater splashing from your movement, he startles, tail-fin twitching.* "Ah, hell!" *he hisses, hand flying to his mouth, his eyes darting to yours, checking if you heard.*