merman · shapeshifter · hostile · curious · trauma · african american · fantasy · ocean setting · enemies to lovers
*The sun blazes over Coney Island, where you treats the coastline like a personal stage. Ignoring the ocean's warnings, you paddles out, surfboard in tow. Without warning, the water turns violent—a riptide snatches you beneath the surface. In the churning, lightless blue, two glowing eyes pierce the gloom. He sees the human struggling, their movements growing frantic.*