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There are only three things that matter to Gyuvin: family, mangoes, and Eumppappa. One would argue that Eumppappa should be considered family too, but Gyuvin thinks she deserves a category of her own. She’s just that special. Driving to an aquarium on a random Saturday morning to look at the rare new fish species for Yujin’s assignment is definitely not part of that list. Worst of all, Yujin is in charge of the aux.
Ever since they left the house, he has been playing MANIAC by VIVIZ on repeat. They still have less than an hour left before they reach their destination and Gyuvin is already reaching his limit. This should be considered a psychological warfare .
“Yujin please, please play another song. If I hear MANIAC one more time I’m driving us straight to a tree,” Gyuvin groans.
“So you hate women?”
It took all of Gyuvin’s willpower not to let go of the steering wheel and strangle the annoying passenger parasite. Thoughts about removing Yujin from his mental list of things that matter in life plagued his mind. After a beat of silence, as if reading his mind, Yujin turned off the music and spoke again.
“You know being misogynistic in the year 2024 isn’t cute Gyuvin. No wonder you can’t bag anyon–”
“One more word,” he cuts off Yujin before he can finish his sentence.
Yujin just laughs maniacally, no pun intended, at his response. Gyuvin should probably teach him a thing or two about respecting the elderly.
Thankfully, he did stop the music that has been assaulting Gyuvin’s ears for what feels like a decade. He was given a total of twenty seconds before the peace he was longing for since he started driving was shattered. A familiar tune started pouring out the speakers inside his car.
Fucking hell.
Yujin turned to him, feigning an innocent look, “What? You said to play anything.”
“And you fucking chose Goofy Goober Rock?”
Yujin just shrugged and started singing along to the song. A smug smile donning his lips. Gyuvin started questioning whether it was his fault for not being specific enough. Or maybe karma finally caught up to him and this was his punishment for stealing that pack of sour patch kids at a seven eleven when he was eleven years old. After minutes of mental gymnastics, he just ended up just exploding his precious little brother in his mind about a hundred times to cope before arriving in the aquarium's parking lot.
🐠
“Remind me again, why is my presence needed here?”
Gyuvin curiously asked while they were walking through the aquarium tunnel. Giving them an up close and personal view of more than hundreds of aquatic creatures. His thoughts drift to what type of fish he might possibly be if given the chance to be one. Maybe a clownfish? They seem fun and have a cool anemone house. Anglerfish perhaps? Nah too freaky looking. Or maybe, he can be like that one handsome fish from finding nemo, Gill. He was little Gyuvin’s gay awakening after all so it seems very fitting. He would rather die than admit that out loud though.
He can already imagine Yujin’s voice shouting Freak! while pointing at him if he finds out Gyuvin’s deep dark secret. The thought brought shivers down his spine. Yeah, he’s definitely taking that to his grave.
“Obviously I needed you to drive me here and also for moral support,” Yujin says next to him, fiddling with the digital camera he brought along on this trip.
“Why the hell do you need moral support for looking at fishes?” Gyuvin ignored the first reason entirely and turned to his brother with a suspicious look written on his face. Yujin froze for a moment, not expecting Gyuvin to pry into his business.
“You’re acting very fishy Yujin,” smug smile invading Gyuvin’s face at the thought of exposing his brother’s real intent on dragging him to the aquarium of all places.
“The only fishy thing here is your feet,” Yujin replied loudly with a deadpan look on his face.
Gyuvin heard the old lady behind them choke on a cough. Heat crawled up his neck to his ears while his brother laughed at his expense. Evil little demon.
He turned around to face the old lady, apology ready on the tip of his tongue. Before he could voice it out, she scoffed at him while giving Gyuvin the nastiest glare.
“Kids these days are so unclassy,” she murmured while passing the two brothers. Gyuvin mortified beyond belief and Yujin sporting a gleeful grin for someone who has been dubbed unclassy by a random old lady.
“Let’s go unclassy boy, time to look at fishes,” Yujin barks out while patting Gyuvin’s back, moving along like nothing happened. Leaving Gyuvin behind steeping in his shame, unable to meet anyone’s gaze after the embarrassing incident.
“Shithead.”
🐠
As the artificial light filtered through the water, Gyuvin can’t help but admire the vibrant world within the aquarium. A very dreamy and relaxing view in front of him. The still atmosphere was abruptly shattered by some bossy gremlin barking out orders next to him.
“Hold the camera properly hyung, come on,” Yujin said.
“That’s what I’ve been doing for the last ten minutes,” Gyuvin lies through his teeth. The obvious shake of his hands didn’t go unnoticed by his unamused younger brother.
“Whatever. Just keep filming, it might come out soon.”
“What’s the name of the fish again?” Gyuvin asked.
“Uh. It’s the uhm, blue something,” he mumbled, digging deep inside his bag. “Oh I remember now. It’s the rare blue cock-eyed homotronillius midwest flounder.”
Gyuvin stopped recording, dropping his now numb arms. He looks straight at his brother’s eye. Initiating a silent conversation.
Really?
Really. Yujin silently replied with a shrug.
Gyuvin lets out a big sigh before speaking, “Whatever. Let’s just get this over with so we can go home soon.”
“Yujin, are you sure it’s even in this tank?” Gyuvin asked again, skepticism clouding his face. Trust issues run in the family.
“Yes hyung! It’s there, just look harder,” Yujin replied, still digging into his large messenger bag. Gyuvin isn’t sure why he even brought such a large bag when all he needed was his camera and maybe a notebook to write whatever he needed for his school report.
Gyuvin is also not sure if this species even exists.
“While you go wait for that flounder to appear, I’ll be in the jellyfish exhibit to uh, examine some jellies,” Yujin hurriedly said.
“You’re leaving me here?” he replied with a whiny tone that had Yujin scrunching his nose in disgust.
“You’re a grown ass man Gyuvin. Grown men don’t whine.”
“Oh fuck you and your stupid jellies,” Gyuvin scoffed.
Yujin, giving zero fucks, just turns his back and started walking towards the current exhibit’s exit. Ginormous bag clutched tightly in his hands, as if someone might snatch it from his possession. “Whatever. Just do that and then go over to the jellies when you’re done. Okay bye.”
Gyuvin didn’t have time to say anything back before watching Yujin speedily walk away. Sighing for the nth time that day, he just turned the camera on again and started recording. Praying to every God in existence to let the whatever blue something fish pass by his camera’s point of view immediately.
🐠
After what felt like an eternity, Gyuvin felt like his arms were about to fall off. He feels as though he’s dozed off several times already while he was filming. Just when he decided to give it a few more minutes before giving up, someone tapped his right shoulder. He glanced sideways and noticed it was an employee, evident from the ID and uniform she was wearing.
“Sir excuse me, I can’t help but notice you’ve been standing here and recording for quite some time already. Is there anything I can help with?”
“Oh I’m good. Just helping my brother with some school report. I’m just waiting for the rare new fish to appear and then I’m good,” Gyuvin politely replied.
The employee nods her head, “What’s the name of the fish? Maybe I can help spot it.”
“Oh, uhm, I think it’s called the rare blue cock-eyed homotronillius midwest flounder,” he replied semi-confidently.
“I'm sorry? The what again?” confused and flabbergasted look on the employee’s face.
“The rare blue cock-eyed homotronillius midwest flounder?” he reiterated. This time a little hesitant after seeing the employee’s reaction to the fish name.
“Sir, I have no idea what your brother told you but that fish doesn’t exist. I would know because I’m a marine biology major,” now it was Gyuvin’s time to be confused. He’s pretty sure he got the name right. That’s what Yujin told him before he left– Oh you have got to be fucking with me.
It then dawned on him, Yujin lied. For whatever reason, he doesn’t care at the moment. Only one thing was running in his head. I AM GOING TO KILL HIM. Murderous thoughts were interrupted with a wave of a hand in front of his face. The employee was still there, standing awkwardly in front of Gyuvin.
“I’m sorry about that. Well if it’s any consolation, there’s a show happening in our main aquarium. The biggest one near the entrance. It starts in 15 minutes. If you go now, you can get a good spot in front,” she offered while pointing at the direction of the main aquarium.
“Thank you. I appreciate the help, really. But now I need to look for my brother first,” he replied politely.
“No problem. Enjoy the rest of your day,” she replied. Gyuvin nodded and smiled at her before leaving his spot. His footprints probably burnt on the carpeted floor from the amount of time he spent standing there. He then stormed towards the jelly exhibit, strides sharp and forceful, irritation painted on his face. Oh he can’t wait to get his hands on Yujin. Preferably around his neck.
🐠
Gyuvin has been circling around every exhibit for more than 15 minutes already. Yujin is nowhere to be found. He even looked in every restroom, but to his dismay, he still hasn't found his brother. He tried calling him but he’s not answering. The irritation he felt towards him was replaced with worry. He’s racked his brain on where Yujin could possibly be hiding.
Then he remembered the conversation he had with the employee earlier. He might as well check it out, maybe he can look for Yujin in the crowd too. Before going over to the main aquarium, he decided to drop Yujin a message.
Gyuvin
where r u?
answer the damn phone.
Yujin srsly where tf r u?
stop hiding mf
ok im lowk getting worried…
wtvr man, if u see this im at d main aquarium
im gnna watch the show.
just head over there when ur done being a loser
He locks his phone after sending the last message. Walking over to the other side of the aquarium to watch the show they had going on Gyuvin found himself curious about the show happening at the main aquarium that the employee mentioned in a last ditch attempt to make him feel better after the stunt Yujin pulled on him.
Are they gonna have the sharks jump through underwater fiery hoops or something?
Gyuvin was startled when he heard clapping from a distance. He guesses the show has already started. Putting his long legs to good use, he started walking faster to see what the commotion was all about.
After entering, he started scanning the crowd first, in hopes of spotting Yujin amongst the multiple heads occupying the room. He walked towards the back of the crowd, respectful enough not to disturb the majority which consists of elementary and middle schoolers. Probably there on a fieldtrip. The dimmed lighting hindered his search, so he decided to wait until the show was over and the lights were back on to look for Yujin. Deciding to just enjoy his time and focus on the show.
It was then revealed to be a mermaid performance.
Maybe the cliche thing they mentioned in movies and stories is real. Because there is no other explanation on why the whole world started spinning slowly when Gyuvin laid his eyes on him. Or her. Maybe them? Yeah, Gyuvin should ask for the alluring creature’s pronouns to be sure. He prided himself in being a respectful gentleman afterall.
But back to his current issue, What the fuck? He feels his jaw involuntarily drop at the sight of the most ethereal being swimming inside the massive aquarium. Drool was probably pooling out of his mouth, but Gyuvin couldn’t care any less. Attention solely focused on the mermaid. Or merman? Merthem??
The glistening blonde hair was the first thing that he noticed. He could swear it was glowing too. Like that one scene from Tangled. Each strand seemed to dance with the light, creating an illusion of halo around a delicate face. He wonders if the hair is also soft to touch, hands itching on his side.
His gaze flitted down to the tail, a mesmerizing gradient of lilac and turquoise, the end flicking gracefully with every movement. Patterns littered everywhere delicately and intricately, imitating what was supposed to be scales.
The mermaid’s entire body was also bejeweled with pearls, gems, and sea shells. Shimmering every time the light hits his slim figure, boring the soft glow of dawn. His eyes also can’t help but notice the tiny waist. His hands could probably circle its entirety; Gyuvin was enthralled. His mind can’t comprehend how an ethereal vision could simply exist in front of his eyes.
“Holy fuck.”
Like a pirate being led to his demise by a siren, Gyuvin didn’t realize his legs started moving, wanting a closer look. Eyes glazed over with a trance-like fascination. Drawing him away from his current place behind a crowd of elementary schoolers. He faintly hears a groan of pain behind him. Probably stepping on someone’s little toes, but he couldn’t care any less.
Fuck them kids. This isn’t about them.
Long legs kept striding closer and closer to the glass partition. Voices inside his head kept whispering to reach out. Closer Gyuvin, Come on. Just a little more. This is probably the type of greed that they were talking about in the Bible.
Underestimating the pace he was going at, it wasn’t long before he was reminded that a partition exists between him and the very beautiful mermaid. He hears the loud bang before feeling it. His senses are having trouble keeping up with everything happening after the spell he was under was lifted. Or more accurately, banged out of his head.
Gyuvin felt dizzy. His world was spinning in a bad way, unlike earlier where he felt like he was walking towards the pearly gates of heaven. He also felt something dripping from his nose. Not knowing any better, he reached up to touch and saw red on his hands. He looked back at the crowd of people when he heard someone screaming his name.
“Holy shit, Gyuvin! What the fuck?” Yujin looked at him with wide eyes. One hand was holding his camera and the other was holding a suspiciously looking plastic bag. A fish definitely smuggled inside it.
“I think I broke my nose,” was the last thing that came out of his mouth before passing out.
🐠
Gyuvin dreams of water, fishes, and colorful coral reefs. His mind helpfully supplies that he was probably in the middle of the ocean. Instead of panicking, he feels himself relaxing more. He knows he should be scared since humans can’t breathe underwater. But instead, he’s peacefully floating along with the sea creatures dancing around him.
And then he was sinking. He heard a beautiful deep voice calling out his name along with a bright light shining in the deeper part of the ocean like a pirate’s lost treasure.
Huh. Shouldn’t the light be on the surface?
Not knowing any better, he decided to swim towards the light. Reaching out his hand the closer he got. The feeling felt familiar but he can’t remember when this specific scene happened. Just when he was about to reach the shining treasure, he felt something, or someone, bump into him.
Gyuvin saw a bulky body with a large fin and enormous crescent-shaped tail. It was a great white shark that bumped into him. He was about to tell Mr. Shark to be careful next time, when suddenly it turns around. He was startled by what he saw. Yujin’s face was attached to the shark’s body.
“Gyuvin, get the fuck up or I’ll bite off your face,” the monster said with a devilish smile. Big sharp shark teeth on full display. Ready to attack and kill Gyuvin helplessly.
He felt himself scream but no sound came out.
And then he woke up.
Bright lights. White room. Smell of alcohol. And two pairs of eyes stared down at him. One with concern and the other with disgust.
“You are so fucking embarrassing man,” the owner of the eyes with disgust in them said. It was Yujin.
Gyuvin belatedly realized that the silent scream he had in his dream was not so silent in real life. And if that doesn’t make it worse, a beautiful man stood next to Yujin. Realizations seem to be a constant in Gyuvin’s life today because his mind finally caught up and realized - again - that the beautiful blond next to his demon of a brother is the mermaid who almost got him killed earlier.
“What are you doing here my queen?” his mouth opening before he can stop himself.
Shit. I didn’t ask for his pronouns.
“Uh, I mean my king? M-my monarch?” he followed up with a nervous smile on his face. Hoping that it translates to charming instead.
The gorgeous mermaid who grew a pair of legs just raised his eyebrow at his word vomit.
Yujin then groans in the corner, still holding a very questionable looking plastic bag. He was reminded that they weren’t the only ones in the room. If Gyuvin paid more attention, he would probably hear the water sloshing around the plastic and dripping from Yujin’s fingers.
“Loser is definitely ingrained in your DNA. Thank god I didn’t get the gene,” Yujin said while rolling his eyes. He turned away and started walking out of the small room that was probably the aquarium’s clinic.
“I’ll wait for you in the car, I can’t deal with you anymore,” keys that he definitely took from Gyuvin’s pocket swinging around his unoccupied hand.
Gyuvin’s mouth was left agape while he watched his brother insult him in front of his potential date. And yes, he was still very hopeful. That hope was immediately shattered when he let his stupid mouth open again without thinking.
“So, how’s the weather today?” and maybe Yujin was right. Loser can definitely be found in his genes.
Gyuvin can feel himself visibly deflating after the multiple times he embarrassed himself in front of his supposedly beautiful mermaid wife. Dreams of a happy marriage with ten cats living in a mansion somewhere in Italy crushed in an instant. Oh how he wants the ground to open up and swallow him down to the fiery pits of hell.
Before falling deeper in self-pity, his ears pick up a soft sound coming beside him. His neck almost snapped from the speed of him looking up. Then and there he saw the most beautiful smile to ever grace the presence of everyone on this damn planet.
Wow.
Another soft giggle left the blond’s mouth, leaving another beautiful smile lingering after hearing the words Gyuvin accidentally spoke out loud. He finds himself smiling along, infected by the contagious little giggles. He decided he won’t waste this last chance. Thinking clearly before speaking, unlike a few moments ago.
“I’m sorry, but what are you doing here?” he asked. Eyes widening when he realized he fucked up once again. “Not that I don’t want you here! I just, well, last time I saw you, you had a tail and you know,” he said while awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.
“Well, I was informed that the thump I heard while I was performing was from someone running straight to the aquarium glass,” the mermaid said with a smirk, “Were you that mesmerized by me?”
Gyuvin has two choices. He could either admit it, succumb to his loser tendencies and pray for a miracle that the other was into that type. Or, he could deny it. Save some of his pride, if there are any left. He decided to go with the former. Honesty is the best policy or so he was told. And what more could he lose? He already embarrassed himself a couple of times, what’s one more?
“Well, uhm, yeah. I mean look at you, you’re beautiful,” he said a little quietly looking down at his hands. Testing the waters carefully before diving fully head first.
It was silent for a few seconds. He was scared he made the other uncomfortable with his honesty. Looking up, he quickly found out that honesty was indeed the best policy. The pretty mermaid had the most beautiful shade of pink coloring his cheeks paired with a smile. Amusement also dancing in his gorgeous eyes. Gyuvin never saw someone with such big eyes before, it somehow resembles a 500 won coin.
“Thank you. You’re very honest. I like that. I’m sorry by the way. I hope your nose heals soon,” he says while pointing to Gyuvin’s nose that was wrapped in gauze. He brought up a hand to give it a feel, thankfully nothing felt broken.
“You didn’t have to come here and apologize. It was entirely my fault. Sorry for disturbing your performance,” he says sheepishly.
“No worries. You didn’t disturb me at all. I’m just glad your nose isn’t broken,” soft smile still grazing his lips.
“Thank you.”
There was a minute of silence between them, not the awkward kind. It was a quiet pause where words didn’t seem necessary at the moment. Just both of them content in drinking in each other’s presence. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving the both of them in their own bubble of serenity. Like all good things, it eventually came to an end. The blond popping their little bubble by speaking up.
“Is there any way I can make it up to you?” he asked.
“Huh? What for?” Gyuvin was left confused at what the other was getting at.
“For unintentionally causing you harm I guess?”
Oh. That's what he was talking about.
Gyuvin shaked his head so fast he might as well give himself a whiplash, “No! It’s okay really.” He didn’t want the blond to think that any of it was his fault. Gyuvin admittedly was entirely to blame for this. He wasn’t very mindful of the situation. It was his own stupidity that got him in the aquarium’s clinic. Passed out with a bleeding nose.
“Ah, so you don’t want to grab a coffee with me some other time? You know, to make up for the nose,” he said with a pout. Big brown eyes blinking at him slowly, like a sword wielded with deliberate precision stabbing him straight in the gut. Gyuvin feels his heart drop to his ass. He was a weak man after all.
“No! I mean, I want to! Please, if you want. I’ll even pay for it,” he replied. Desperation lacing his voice. He wasn’t above begging. He would even kneel if he had to. Self-respect be damned.
Thoughts of getting up and bending on his knees were abruptly stopped by another angelic laugh. Gyuvin was very thankful to be hearing it for free.
“Nah. I’ll definitely pay. I’m the one making it up to you, remember?” The blonde walked over to his side and took the pen and paper sitting on the small table next to the bed Gyuvin was lying in. After writing on it, he tore the page and handed it to Gyuvin. “Here’s my number. Text me so we can work out the details?”
Gyuvin nodded dumbly while reaching out his hand. Taking the piece of paper from the other’s grasp, getting goosebump when their fingers lightly brushed. Call him crazy but he definitely felt a spark. He doesn’t care about science at that moment. Static electricity is bullshit anyway.
“See you later, puppy,” the pretty man said after pulling back his hand. Gyuvin almost combusted from the nickname.
The blond was almost out of the clinic’s entryway when Gyuvin realized he didn’t even get the other’s name. In panic, he found himself shouting after the other. “Wait! What’s your name?”
The guy slowly turned around, his smile reaching all the way up to his eyes. Turning them into two crescent moons as he opens his mouth to say, “You can call me Ricky.”
“Okay Ricky! I’m Gyuvin by the way,” he replied.
“I know, your brother was very helpful with supplying information about you. Too helpful actually. It’s a date by the way,” finally leaving Gyuvin alone still in the small crampy bed. Lovestruck, unable to get up with how shaky his knees feel after the interaction. He was testing how the name Ricky feels on his lips when he finally registered what Ricky said before leaving.
Yujin you little shit.
🐠
Gyuvin finds himself skipping back to the parking lot with the biggest grin on his face, injured nose suddenly forgotten. Carefully clutching a small piece of paper in his hand, scared that it might grow wings and fly away from his grip. He then unconsciously tightens his grip around it. Not caring anymore if it gets crumpled, as long as it stays with him.
“Damn bro, no one’s taking that stupid paper from you,” Yujin says the second he closes the driver seat’s door.
His brother’s snarky tone was ignored in favor of hurriedly typing the number in his phone after fishing it out of his back pocket. Afraid that if he doesn’t hurry up, the ink will start disappearing along with the chance of a very romantic coffee date with Ricky. Second date, in a church. With a wedding officiator accompanying them preferably.
Once he succeeded on his mission he let out a scream of victory, “WOOHOO!”
“Jesus Christ. Why are we related?” Yujin said. Annoyed expression on his face doing nothing to quell the unadulterated bliss Gyuvin was currently basking in. “Whatever you say, nothing will ruin my day. I got his number!”
“That’s probably a fake one,” Yujin countered.
“And I scored a coffee date,” smugness in his tone was very evident when he replied. Gyuvin was at an all time high. He could even grow wings and fly out of sheer happiness. That’s how ecstatic he was at the moment.
“Sure. Now start up the car and hurry back home. My new pet might die if we stay any longer,” his brother said while taking out a jar with a fish inside it from the enormous bag he was carrying all day.
“I’m sorry? Your new WHAT?”
“Pet. His name is Mr. Moby Cock by the way,” annoying grin lighting up his face. Proud of the very groundbreaking name he came up with.
“Did you just steal a fish from the fucking aquarium?” Gyuvin squawked. Horrified look on his face.
“First of all, he has a name. And no, I didn’t steal him. I just borrowed him. Now hurry up and drive before he dies and then it’ll be your fault,” there’s no point in arguing with Yujin. He is at the age where no matter what you say, his stubbornness always ends up winning. Teenagers are very scary these days. So Gyuvin just starts up the car. Not wanting to be at the end of Yujin’s wrath if Mr. Moby Cock dies halfway through their journey back home.
He was backing out of the parking space when Yujin decided to be a menace again. Another familiar tune coming out of the car’s speakers. He should definitely ban Yujin from being in charge of the aux if he’s driving to preserve his sanity.
“Oh for fuck’s sake, not Under the Sea,” Gyuvin groans out loud.
“I think it’s very fitting.”