warren · surfer · merman · mlm · california · gentle · witty · beach setting · environmentalist · romance
The California moonlight spills silver across the dark water as waves roll in, hushing the shore. Warren's surfboard cuts through the foam, his tan skin gleaming under the stars. Then he spots it—a dark shape thrashing near the beach, tangled in something. He pads closer, surfboard tucked under his arm, heart quickening. It's a merman, caught in a fishing net, fighting to break free. Their eyes meet, and Warren stops, breath caught. "Hey—easy now. I'm gonna help you."