Archive of Our Own

Sae-byeok had always adored the way the wind felt in their hair when they sailed.

The view of the beautiful water underneath them, alongside the sounds from the birds above them.

They always came home to Cheol smelling like saltwater and it was something that brought them comfort.

Whenever the pirate was low, they could always just bask in this feeling. They could come home to their little brother and tell him the stories of the crazy things they’d find when they’re sailing with their crew-mates.

Granted, they weren’t exactly ‘fond’ of their crew-mates, but they were crew-mates, and Sae-byeok wasn’t a pirate without them.

Gi-hun was loud when he was drunk, Sang-woo was always bitching at them when they would get too close to the edge, Ali was always anxious over something for some reason, Mi-nyeo tended to annoy them a lot when they wanted to be alone, and Deok-su… well, they’d rather not get into that ordeal. Let’s just say they do everything not to bear eye contact with each other.

Sae-byeok had found themself completely miserable after what felt like an eternity of being lectured by Sang-woo. Christ, that guy could never let them have an ounce of fun when they sailed. They were so over being bitched at the most trivial things.

They felt like they owed it themself to have a sail on their own, though. Tonight was the night, they decided.

Sae-byeok had decided to write their little brother a note before leaving for the night. They were certain their mother would find it as well, so no sense in writing the same thing twice.

‘ Going for a late-night sail. I’ll see you later, little man. Love you. ‘

Having set down the note on his nightstand, the pirate decides to finally embark on their journey.

. . .

Even though they felt lonely - but only slightly, of course. It’s not like they cared for their crew-mates or anything, surely…. - they found the experience as relaxing as they would on a normal sail. Though, it was a lot more quiet.

There was no Gi-hun, drunk off his ass and trying to dance with them. There was no Sang-woo, lecturing them about the rules of safety and whatnot. There was no Ali, who was freaking out because he saw a little bit of rain. There was no Mi-nyeo, who was trying to get Sae-byeok to let a little loose with some soju. there was no deok-su, whom they had to put the effort into staying away from.

The smell of the fresh salt-water was almost enough to relax them entirely. As did the wind in their hair, the way the clouds reminded them of certain things - like Cheol’s favorite racecar. It felt like they finally got that sort of peace they had longed for… more of their life than they haven’t.

They weren’t exactly sure where they were going at this point, nor when they’d return, but the pirate had certainly enjoyed what they were in for thus far.
Though, they had no idea what they would be in for.

. . .

Suddenly, they felt themself grow a little woozy.

Sae-byeok had looked up at the clouds as lucidly as they could, in spite of the fact their head felt heavy.

Those clouds no longer resembled Cheol’s racecar.

It was pure despair and dread.

They were gray, and already breaking out into thunder and lightning.

“Fuck,” the solo captain mumbled to themself, dragging their feet towards the wheel.

It wasn’t long before Sae-byeok had attempted to sail back around, but…

They were stopped.

Stopped dead in their tracks.

And they didn’t know why.

All they did know is that they heard something they hadn’t heard before.

A melody…?

But… Why would someone be singing a song right now…? How could they even hear it at that? They were alone, after all.

Or, so they thought.

“What… the fuck…?” Sae-byeok asked, feeling themself lose control over the wheel.

They were steering… right into the storm.

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. They had to get out of here, now. They knew exactly what this meant - what they were about to endure.

But, god… that song sounded so beautiful. That voice… so angelic. It was heavenly. It was almost like they forgot that they were even in a dangerous storm to begin with.

So… pretty. So… calming… They just….

Thud.

Sae-byeok’s body had collapsed onto the ship, then and there.

The ship had now been out of their hands, and into someone else’s now.

Someone’s scaly, webbed hands.

Or their mind, you could say.

. . .

When the pirate had woken up, they were surrounded by the sound of water dripping from the tops of the caverns they had found themself in.

Sae-byeok groans as they reach to rub their throbbing head, trying to get a grip on themself and their surroundings.

As alluring as this place is, they needed to get out of here.

But then, they stopped to think.

Something wasn’t right.

…why aren’t they dead yet? And where’s whoever had brought them here?

Before they had the chance to finish their thoughts, they heard a new sound. The sound of humming.

It sounded just like that song they heard.

Sae-byeok whips their head around a few times, trying to depict where said humming was coming from.

Just as they gave up on figuring it out, they feel something on their shoulder. It was wet, almost slimy.

But it felt like… fingers? No. There were no gaps in between the fingers. Either way, gross.

The pirate jumped, turning around to meet their kidnapper.

Holy shit.

Sae-byeok couldn’t even believe their eyes. Surely, they were expecting some creature to have taken them hostage, but they didn’t expect the perpetrator to be so… breathtakingly beautiful.

They were met with an awe-striking, scaly face. Seemingly belonging to a woman.

There were scales all over her body, actually, going all the way down to the shiny tail she bears.

It was a shimmery blue-green ombre, the ends of her fins being pointed.

Her fingers were webbed, which explained why her hands had felt… off. Her nails were quite sharp, too.

Her hair was a dark brown, with blonde highlights to grace her features. The bangs that augmented her look stuck to her forehead, signifying she was underwater not long ago.

And wow, her face….

Her eyes were a beautiful shade of honeyed brown. They shimmered in the cracks of light that the caverns blessed her with.

Sae-byeok’s eyes went down to her slim nose, and to the blush on her cheeks… down to those pretty, plump, pink lips…

What the hell was wrong with them? This was not only someone who kidnapped them, but this was a sea creature. A monster.

The two of them simply stared at each other, but for completely different reasons.

Sae-byeok filled with dread, the siren filled with anticipation.

After what felt like an eternity, the siren finally spoke up.

“Are you done staring?” She asks, her fangs poking out as she speaks.

Sae-byeok immediately goes into defense-mode.

“Why am I here? Why haven’t you killed me yet? What the hell do you want from me?” They swiftly demand.

“Isn’t it obvious?” The pretty creature questioned. “Maybe your mother told you not to play with your food as a child, but I, for one, like to have a little fun before I feast.”

The pirate simply continued to stare at the woman, slowly attempting to reach for their sword, only to realize it was gone.

Their hands began to shake out of a mix of both panic and pure rage.

“Ohh… sorry, babes. Were you really expecting me to give you the opportunity to kill me? Come on, as if I’d be dumb enough to not leave you vulnerable and at my mercy.”

“Fuck you.” The pirate spits, both literally and figuratively. Their saliva made its way to the monster’s cheek.

But the monster didn’t get angry. She simply wiped the saliva to her mouth, licking it off, revealing her split tongue.

Sae-byeok really didn’t understand the situation at all. Were they going to die? What was this girl’s intentions with her?

“If you hate it here, and me, so much, why not leave? It’s not like you’re in bonds or something. You could’ve escaped a long time ago, but you didn’t,” The mystery girl points out.

Sae-byeok had realized she was right. They weren’t tied up or restrained at all. Why were they still here?

“...because I still wish to know your intentions with me. Most of your kind immediately go for the kill. There has to be a reason I’m still alive right now.”

The siren groans.

“Oh, come on. Didn’t I say I like to have a little fun with my prey before I dig in? I mean, I imagine you probably don’t like to eat your meat raw. Why should I have any other reason beyond that?”

Sae-byeok simply stares back at the other, still not understanding anything.

“…besides. I almost feel a little bad about butchering that pretty face of yours,” the creature admits.

It was now the pirate’s turn to mirror the blush that the siren wore on her own face. She certainly wasn’t expecting to hear that.

“Tch… what’s that supposed to mean?” Sae-byeok questions.

“Oh, nothing. I just think your anatomy intrigues me, I suppose.”

The pirate sits up slightly, still finding themself trying to depict what is the enigma of what’s standing in front of them.

Another moment of silence graces them both.

Soon after, the siren slowly inches towards Sae-byeok’s face, who somehow doesn’t flinch at the action, leaving her confused.

Instead, she catches the person in front of her staring at her facial features.

“What?”

“…what?” They echo back.

“I dunno. Normally when a siren is about to eat a human’s face off, they’d be a little more afraid, rather than staring at the siren.”

“And yet, you still aren’t trying to kill me.”

The creature pauses, caught off-guard by the pirate’s observation.

“You’re stalling.” They continue. “You just can’t seem to do it.”

“Shut up. I can when I please. Like I said… It's about the fun before the finale.” She insists.

The pirate scoffs, clearly not believing her excuse. “I can’t believe my captor can’t even do what she insists she’s going to do.”

The siren, fully agitated now, bares her fangs. She takes Sae-byeok by the jaw and pulls them closer.

“You’re so fucking lucky, you know. I could make this slow and painful for you, but I wanted to save you a bit of grace and show you the mercy I figured I’d bless you with.”

Sae-byeok remains unbothered, a smirk spreading across their face.

“Ahhhh… yes, totally. I definitely believe you’re going to kill me, and give me this ‘mercy’ you speak of,” they respond, their voice dripping with sarcasm.

“You… you aren’t even afraid right now, She observes out loud. “You’re… enjoying this, even.”

“Caught me.” They chuckled, carefully ridding their face of the creature’s hand.
Another brief pause.

“I don’t understand you, human.” The siren admits.

“Ditto,” the pirate retorts, leaning back.

“…why are you even so calm right now? It’s almost as if you don’t fear death.”

Sae-byeok shrugs.

Truly, they never did fear it. If they were to die, so be it. Even if something did happen to them, it’s not like Cheol wouldn’t have anyone left. He and their mother would have each other. That’s enough for Sae-byeok.

“I suppose I don’t. But even then, you’re not going to kill me anytime soon. I still want to know why.”

“Can’t you ask me about anything else?” The siren scoffs, rolling her eyes.

“…Fine,” the pirate sighs. “What’s your name?”

She pauses at the question, not expecting the human to actually want to engage.

“Um… it’s Ji-yeong.”

“Ah. What about your family name? Do sirens have those?”

“They, uh, they do, but… I don’t have one.”

“A family, or a family name?”

“Neither, truthfully.”

Sae-byeok paused.

“You'd imagine my kind tends to live in groups, but it’s just me.” Ji-yeong continues. “My mother died due to the pirate she had me with. After that, I grew an intense hatred for humans, more than I had prior. I was always told we should kill them before they kill us, and then my so-called ‘father’ proved that.”

“So… you’re a hybrid? There’s human blood in you?”

“Yes.” She nods. “The first of my kind, actually. There had never been a siren born to a human prior to me.”

“Shit…” the pirate breathes. “So, like, can you turn into a human, or something?”

“I dunno,” Ji-yeong shrugs. “Like I said, there was never any hybrids prior to me, so they never knew what I would be like as I got older. I’ve always spent my life here, and never on land, so my body has never touched anything besides the water. So truthfully, I couldn’t tell you. Part of me hopes I can, though. I think human life is quite interesting, in spite of the fact it was nailed into my head to loathe them. I find my current life rather boring, especially considering I’m alone out here.”

Sae-byeok paused again. Why did they actually feel sorry for this thing? Why were they actually… interested in staying here, talking to her?

What the hell was wrong with them?

“Well… what if I got you out of here? Showed you what human life is like? Maybe you can have the chance to experience it yourself.”

Ji-yeong couldn’t believe what she had heard.

Sae-byeok couldn’t believe what they said, either.

It was like there was a competition for who could show the most, utter shock on their face.

It was sure as hell a tie.

“Seriously? Even after I wanted to kill you - eat you - you want to… be nice to me?” the siren asks in complete disbelief.

“I mean… we’re seemingly past the whole murder thing, aren’t we?”

“I dunno. I don’t even know your name, human,” Ji-yeong’s head tilts.

It frames her face in such a beautiful way. Fuck.

“...Sae-byeok,” the pirate mumbles.

“What?”

“My name. It’s Kang Sae-byeok” they repeat.

“Ahhhh… Sae-byeok~ pretty,”

She practically sang the pirate’s name.

Lord, did it sound ethereal coming from her. Sae-byeok almost wanted to hear her say it again.

…Almost. Just a little bit.

As nonchalant as they tried to be about it, the crimson that coated their cheeks betrayed them.

It sent the siren into a fit of laughter.

“Ahaha! Wowwww…. You should see how you look right now! It’s hilarious," she exhaled, trying to contain her hysteria of laughter.

“Sh-Shut up… it just sounded different coming from you. I wasn’t expecting it…” Sae-byeok defended themself, though it was a pitiful excuse, and the sea creature knew that.

“Sorry, sorryyyyy! Ahhhh… it’s been a while since I’ve been able to enjoy someone’s company like this.”

“That checks out, considering the lack of family, and the fact that you’ve eaten everyone else that’s come across you.”

Ji-yeong sighs.

“...right. Well, I suppose I’m glad to have spared your life, as weird as that sounds.”

Sae-byeok eyes soften. For some unknown reason, they knew the girl meant every last word.

“Thanks. I’m glad you did, too.”

It was Ji-yeong’s turn to soften her gaze. She wasn’t exactly sure what she was feeling at that moment, but her body felt warm. Her head was fuzzy, and she liked it. She’s been underwater her whole damn life, and she wanted to drown in whatever the hell this was.

Another minute of silence and staring.

“...Sooo…” the siren awkwardly decides to break it. “You, uh, you were serious about taking me out of here and seeing human life, right?”

“Uh, yeah. I think so. As long as you promise not to eat anyone - especially not my folks. I’d honestly rather not be an accomplice to a murder and cannibalism charge.”

“Haha, very funny,” Ji-yeong sarcastically remarks. “I can’t say the urge won’t be there, but I’ll do my best.”

Before the pirate has the chance to respond, the sea creature slithers over into a dark shadow, soon returning with something in hand. It was thrown at Sae-byeok, causing them to discover it was the sword that was taken from them.

“Here,” Ji-yeong tilts her head in that addicting way. “If you catch me slipping and trying to eat someone, I give you permission to kill me.”

Sae-byeok’s eyes widened at the offer. Killing her? But, how could that be fair? Ji-yeong spared their life, why wouldn’t they do the same?

“I-Isn’t that an extreme sort of request…? I mean, you kept me alive, so-”

“I know what I did,” she interrupts the older of the two. “But this is different. You’d be justified in ending my life here. You did nothing to deserve me preying on you.”

Sae-byeok caught herself frowning at the woman’s explanation. It still felt wrong for some reason.

“I know… but,” they sighed, staring at their reflection in their sword. “...the idea of you dying still doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t know why; I wish I did.”

Ji-yeong could feel another weird feeling – this time, coming from her eyes.

They burned. They burned. Fuck, did they sting.

There’s… water… coming out of them? What…?

“What’s… happening to me? Am I already dying?” she vulnerably asks the pirate.

“You’ve never cried before?”

“...I always just assumed that was a myth, or something. Or, at least, something that only humans could do.”

“Interesting. I mean, you are still part human, in a way. So even if it is just a human thing, it’s no surprise you’re capable of doing it, too.”

Yet another pause.

Ji-yeong sniffled, wiping away the tears that scalded her eyes.

“God, it fucking burns. How the hell do you humans deal with this!?”

Sae-byeok suddenly catches themself laughing at Ji-yeong’s frustration with what she was experiencing. It was rare for them to laugh like that at all, let alone anyone seeing them do it.

“Eh…? H-Hey! Quit laughing. It’s not funny,” Ji-yeong demands, the rosiness on her cheeks darkening.

“Ahahaha! I’m sorry, it’s just… it was kinda cute, the way you get frustrated over something so silly.”

Cute…?

“Uff… don’t be ridiculous. It’s not cute.”

“Ahhhh… right, right, and you’re also not a siren,” Sae-byeok smirked, enjoying having this girl essentially wrapped around their finger.

“Ugh… you are so annoying. I’m starting to regret keeping you alive,” the sea creature scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Something tells me that’s not true.”

“Oh, yeah? And why would that be so, hotshot?”

“Well, let’s see: you’re blushing like crazy, your tail has been repeatedly hitting the ground, your pupils are dilated, you’ve been picking at your scales – i’m pretty sure i could make out a shape with how many you’ve plucked off thus far – need I say more?”

Ji-yeong felt like a deer in headlights. Sae-byeok had noticed even the littlest of things, it seemed.

She felt naked – though, she technically was. Sirens didn’t exactly have clothes, after all.

“Alright, whatever. Yeah, I've grown fond of you. Happy now?”

“I’m quite thrilled, actually.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“It’s a part of my charm.”

This human really pissed her off.

But they were also really endearing.

“Tch… are you gonna take me sailing to the human world or not?”

“Tomorrow…” Sae-byeok replies with a yawn. “The sun’s been down for a while now, and I'm feeling tired after a long day of bantering with my captor.”

“Oh my god.”

“So, is tomorrow good then?” The pirate asks, raising an eyebrow.

Ji-yeong hesitates, not wanting to sound excited.

“...fine. Tomorrow, then.”

Sae-byeok smiles. It’s quite faint, but it’s there, and Ji-yeong definitely noticed.

She slithers away for a moment, soon returning with some seaweed and some items from her… previous meals. A blanket and a spare change of clothes to be exact.

“Just so you’re comfortable for the night. I kinda figured you humans can’t sleep well under these types of circumstances..”

Sae-byeok takes them from Ji-yeong, giving a nod as a thank you.

“Thanks. That’s really thoughtful.”

Ji-yeong rolls her eyes again, that crimson color rushing to her cheeks again. Her face felt like it was on fire.

“Oh, shut up. It’s bare minimum. What do you humans call it – hospitality? Something like that.”

“Yeah… that’s right.”

Another pause between the two. The silence was quite deafening this time; the air felt thicker.

“...goodnight, Ji-yeong.”

“Ah… goodnight, h– …Sae-byeok.” The siren quickly corrects herself, slithering away again, this time with a smile on her face.

That same smile was mirrored by Sae-byeok, who went to bed easy that night – strangely easier than she had when she wasn’t kidnapped by a sea creature she had just met.

They pulled the blanket given to them over their body, looking forward to whatever may throw at them.

. . .

Morning eventually did find its way toward the two, the sunlight once again leaking through the cracks of the cavern. This time, it graced Sae-byeok’s features as Ji-yeong made her way towards them.

She almost didn’t want to wake the sleeping pirate below her. They looked so comfortable, so at peace.

She was obsessed with the way the sun made their skin glow… how it highlighted their sharp jawline, how it-

“Are you done staring?”

“Ah-!” Ji-yeong jumps, embarrassed at the realization that Sae-byeok had caught her practically drooling over the sleeping individual. “Jesus Christ, a ‘good morning’ would’ve been nice!”

“I’ll bet. I’m not necessarily used to people staring at me when I sleep.”

“I-I didn’t mean to! Y-You just… I just noticed something, okay?”

“Being?” Sae-byeok raised an eyebrow.

Shit. What was she supposed to say now?

“Um…I-”

“Relax, Ji-yeong, I’m just messing with you,” Sae-byeok interrupted her blindly, but also lightheartedly. “Really, it’s fine. I imagine that I would spark interest in you, considering our differences.”

Right… the fact that you’re a human who gets to live happily with a family, while I live alone and the only ones I know are my dinner for later, Ji-yeong thought to herself melancholically.

“So then, madam, are you ready to go?” The pirate asked, standing up and offering their hand to the girl.

Ji-yeong stares at the hand in front of her – the one that isn’t webbed, and their nails were… normal. They weren’t sharp and pointy. They were rigged – probably from Sae-byeok biting them.

After a few seconds of mindless gawking, she finally takes their hand.

It still felt just as slimy as it did when Ji-yeong touched their shoulder yesterday, however, it didn’t bother them as much this time. They found comfort in the way it felt; their hand felt warm.

“Sorry, I know the slime is a bit much… it’s what keeps my skin from drying up and hurting me.”

“Oh, no, no, it’s fine. I think it feels nice.”

“Nice…?”

“Nice.”

The siren smiles.

“Nice…” She echoes, standing up, using the pirate’s weight to lift herself up.

“Uhm…”

“Um?” Sae-byeok wonders.

“Sorry, it just kind of occurred to me that I won't be able to make it up onto your ship on my own. No legs, remember?”

“Ohhh… do you want me to carry you onto it? I’m sure I can lift you.”

The siren’s eyes widen at such an offer. Oh god… Sae-byeok touching her – lifting her body and handing her.

Fuck.

“I-I dunno… my body’s probably going to be slippery.”

“Surely, I’ll manage,” Sae-byeok insisted, already beginning to lift her.

Ji-yeong let out a little surprised yelp as her body was swiftly hoisted up, getting a little chuckle out of Sae-byeok as a result.

“You seem to find a lot of enjoyment in my suffering.”

“Wrong. I think it’s funny when you’re dramatic over trivial things,” the pirate smugly corrected her.

She let out a sharp sigh, looking away, embarrassed.

Sae-byeok continued to find enjoyment out of the humiliation that the siren was feeling. They chuckled once more before carefully setting them down in a tub of water.

Ji-yeong tilted her head at the tub that was there.

“What is this for?”

“Normally for when the crew decides they wanna go fishing. We throw the fish we catch in here and keep them in here until we take them back home. I figured you’d benefit from it, since you said you needed to remain in water for your skin’s sake.”

Ji-yeong felt so touched that Sae-byeok had remembered something so small about her. Was this what it was like to have a friend?

Friend… What is a friend?

She always just assumed it was something like someone you talk to when you’re bored, or a person to confide in when you don’t want to be alone.

But the way she felt about this human. This stupid, stubborn, insufferable human…

It felt so much more intense than just wanting to be around them when she didn’t want to be alone.

She wanted Sae-byeok to be the one to eat her – to consume her whole. She wanted to drown in this person.

Waking up next to Sae-byeok felt so natural, so perfect; so… right.

“Uhh… Ji-yeong?”

The question snapped her out of her thoughts. Thank god, she thought. The more she kept thinking, the more she would’ve driven herself completely insane.

“Sorry, sorry… I was just touched by the act of service. That means a lot.”

The pirate gave her another one of their trademark little smiles.

It sent the siren’s heart into the sky.

. . .

The journey back to land wasn’t as long as the sail out, but it was nice. Sae-byeok enjoyed the company that Ji-yeong brought them, alongside the way her face would light up as she started to see the city lights and things as simple as a dog being walked by its owner. Sae-byeok was baffled by how she was enamored by such small and silly things, but it was endearing at the same time, as she remembered that these were things the siren never got to see first-hand before. For all they knew, these were just mere myths to the girl.

The pirate finally anchored the ship when they arrived at the dock, looking back at the girl who was sitting in the tub, completely awestruck by the sights around her, not realizing that they had reached their destination.

“Yah. Yah, Ji-yeong-ah,” Sae-byeok softly called for her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

Ji-yeong, scared out of her mind, jumped in response, gasping sharply. Her tail thwapped against the tub, splashing Sae-byeok in the face with water.

The sea creature’s eyes widen at the apprehension of her actions.

Sae-byeok simply blinked at the girl in the tub, wiping the water out of their face with their hands.

“Shit - fuck - oh, god, Sae-byeok, I’m so sorry, I-”

“You’ve really got a habit of apologizing over little and feasible things, don’t you?” they asked, shaking their head. “It’s fine, Ji-yeong-ah. It’s just water. It’ll dry off, promise.”

In spite of feeling mortified, the girl still managed to smile from their reassurance.

“Well, are you ready to see if you’ll grow legs, or whatever you wanna call it?” the pirate awkwardly asked,

“Oh, right – um, yes, I'm just… a little nervous about it.”

“Why so?” they inquired, tilting their head to the side.

“I dunno. I’d hate to be embarrassed if it doesn’t happen. If i started flopping around on the ground like a fish, I’d be fucking mortified – there you go laughing again at my expense!” Ji-yeong snipped as she realized Sae-byeok was cackling at the image she described in their head.

“I’m sooorry! It’s not my fault you say such ridiculous things and expect me not to laugh at them,” Sae-byeok remarked complacently.

“You really suck, you know that?”

“Every little thing your body language expresses to me says that you seem to think otherwise, my friend.”

Ouch. That word really did sting.

Why, though? That’s what they were, weren’t they?

But hey, at least she was their friend – Sae-byeok’s friend.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever, human. Let’s just get this over with.”

Ji-yeong stares at the sand with dread. This could easily be either the greatest or most dreadful moment of her life. Everything she’s ever longed for was either about to finally happen, or her dreams would be crushed with one simple action. She watches as Sae-byeok hops down from the ship, surprised to see the pirate unharmed from the stunt.

Now it was her turn.

“I know the height is nerve-wracking. I can catch you, if you’d like.”

Ji-yeong felt like she was paralyzed in place. The idea of Sae-byeok holding her? Again? Lord, give her strength.

“Y-You totally don’t have to, really. You’ve already done so many things for me…”

“Well, you don’t have legs – hopefully yet – so it might be safer if I do.”

The siren swallowed hard before snaking her way towards the edge of the ship. Sae-byeok was right – chances are she’d hurt herself if she jumped straight onto the ground.

Fuck. Just looking at Sae-byeok’s incredibly muscular arms was enough to make her feel faint. Was she sweating? No way. This can’t be real life. She was already crying like a human would, and now she’s sweating? What the fuck.

Now wasn’t the time to be weird about this person. She had to do this. For her mom, if not herself.

When you’re older, Jiji, I want you to find your way to land. Being human is in your blood. Explore the things your poor old mother won’t be able to experience, for her sake. Have some fun, live a little. Even if I somehow don’t live to see the day, I’ll still see you and know when you do. I can’t wait to see you shine like the other girls your age. I love you, baby.

Her mother’s words echoed in her mind.

Can you see me right now, eomma? I’m doing it. I’m keeping my promise to you. Are you proud like you said you’d be? Are you proud of me for finding someone in my life that I want to keep around?

Ji-yeong’s own thoughts played in her head as she finally took the plunge. It wasn’t long until she felt the warm biceps that hugged her slim body.

Oh my god.

Oh god, oh god, oh god. Their faces were mere inches away from each other. Of fucking god their faces were way too close to each other for comfort. Here she goes, sweating again!

The siren was way too caught up in the moment to realize that Sae-byeok had been just as flustered about the situation as she was – mirroring that rush of blood that flowed to her face.

Sae-byeok had never been known to drop anything they were carrying. If you asked anyone on their crew, they did the most of the heavy lifting than any of the men did. They all applauded them for that.

So, why was it that they were about to drop the girl in her arms right now? Even if she was a bit slimy from the water, they managed to carry her before – was it because they were sweating, too? Oh, fuck, they were fucking sweating, too.

Before they could actually drop the siren, the pirate carefully sets her down on the sand.

Just like they had hoped, it all happened in a flash.

There Ji-yeong stood – or, well, sat – with two human legs of her own. Not only that, but a few scales remained on her face – alongside her fangs still sitting in her mouth.

The now seemingly human girl looked at what were her legs in complete and utter disbelief, almost like it was a dream. She was astonished, overjoyed like a child coming home on the last day of school.

Sae-byeok, on the other hand, was completely flabbergasted – almost a little embarrassed at the realization that the girl was completely clothesless in front of her.

They awkwardly cleared their throat and slapped their hand over their eyes, handing her the spare clothes they were given the night before.

“P-Please put these on… as beautiful as you are, i really don’t think we’re at the stage where i should be seeing you so… exposed,” their voice was dripping with a significant amount of gawkiness.

Ji-yeong took a second to understand what the latter was referring to, gasping as she realized the situation. “Oh…! Sorry, I didn’t realize I… yeah. Aha…” she dressed herself shyly, Sae-byeok having already turned around out of respect.

Sae-byeok turned around as soon as they heard the little ‘I’m done’ come from the younger one.

Ji-yeong now remained in a baggy white t-shirt and jean shorts, and for some reason, the pirate found it weirdly mesmerizing.

“...so, are you gonna help me up, or what?” Ji-yeong asked, breaking what felt like the 500th awkward silence they’ve experienced within the past 48 hours. “I’ve literally never walked in my life. Never had legs until now, remember?”

“Oh! Right. Here, grab my hand,” Sae-byeok instructs, holding their hand out for the newly transformed other human.

She obliged, taking it happily.

She looked down at her own fingers – her nails were no longer sharp, nor webbed. They were just hands. Regular, normal, human hands.

She felt so free.

The second the girl stood up, her knees began to wobble. This was a lot harder than she’d thought in the past.

“W-Woah… how the hell do you do this on a daily basis? This is impossible!” Ji-yeong huffs frustratedly, losing patience with herself.

Sae-byeok chuckles softly at how silly she looked in the moment – it was like trying to teach a toddler how to walk. It was so endearing, so cute…

“Easy there, tiger. Be patient. Just lean on me in the meantime, I can help you.”

“No! This is stupid. I should be able to learn how to do this after watching you do it countless times – ah-!”

Before Ji-yeong could finish her complaint, she crashes straight into Sae-byeok’s chest.

Luckily, Sae-byeok catches her before they could topple over.

Christ. There they are again, mere inches away from each other. How mortifying.

“You okay?” Sae-byeok asks nonchalantly.

‘Am I okay? Am I okay!? I just fucking fell into your boobs and you’re seriously asking me if i’m o-fucking-kay!?’ the newly formed human thinks to herself in utter disbelief.

“Yeah! I’m so great,” Ji-yeong bashfully insisted, though the crack in her voice betrayed her.

Sae-byeok snickered quietly to themself, steadying the girl back onto her feet.

“Ugh. This is impossible. How do you do this…?” She subconsciously pouted.

“Oh, you poor, sweet thing, you… here. Hold onto my arm, please. I promise it’ll be easier if you have something to support your weight on.” Sae-byeok instructs her, holding their arm out for her to grab.

She finally puts her ego aside, reluctantly placing her sweaty palms on the pirate’s arm.

“Sorry, I don't know what’s wrong….”

“Nerves, I’m assuming. You’re sweating as a result. Just breathe, I won't let you fall.”

Ji-yeong scoffs at that.

“Aren’t you such a gentleman?”

“I am, actually. Thank you for noticing,” Sae-byeok remarked, smugly smirking at the other girl.

“You are so absolutely insufferable, human.”

“Ah, ah, ah~” the pirate teased. “Now, now. You’re just as human as I am, now. You can’t use that as an insult towards me if we’re the same.”

She groaned at their snarkiness.

“Now, if you’re done acting like a spoiled, demanding little princess, one foot in front of the other,” Sae-byeok carefully instructed.

“Excuse me-”

“One foot! In front of the other,” Sae-byeok repeated, not wanting to hear any more of Ji-yeong’s incessant remarks.

She pouted at the prior, doing as told and taking one step at a time.

She could feel her knees wobble underneath her again, causing the rest of her body to shake out of the sheer anxiety that came with not only tring something new, but trying something new in front of Sae-byeok. Fuck, why was this so scary?

One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other, onefootinfrontoftheother…

“You’re not going to let go of me, right…?” Ji-yeong asks, unaware of the vulnerability in her voice.

“No, no. I’ve got you, Ji, i promise.” Sae-byeok, too, was unaware of how their voice sounded. Theirs, however, was quite gentle and tender; the nickname tickled Ji-yeong’s brain in the best way.

They continued aiding in Ji-yeong’s first steps, walking alongside her with a gentle, supportive smile.

Before she knew it, Ji-yeong was completely walking on her own, like a natural.

“Shit, I finally got it!” she exclaimed out of excitement. “Look at this, I’m doing it!”

Sae-byeok felt their heart grow warm at the sight. They felt proud, somehow. It wasn’t anything a girl her age should just be figuring out – but Ji-yeong looked so happy and proud of herself, it felt only just to bounce off of that energy.

“Hell, yeah, you are. That’s amazing,” they replied with a smile.

It wasn’t saying much, per se, but to Ji-yeong, it meant everything.

“You’re amazing,” she responded simply.

“Me? What for?”

“For helping me, I dunno. Being around you, spending this time with you… it’s been really nice; to not be alone, that is.”

Sae-byeok paused, remembering the fact that Ji-yeong had been alone most of her life.

“Hey. What if you stayed with me and my folks?”

“...what?”

Sae-byeok shakes their head, starting to guide Ji-yeong back to their home.

“You said you were lonely, and had nothing back there and a lack of company. Why not stay with me? My eomma and brother would love you, honestly. Cheol might take a bit of getting used to it, but he trusts me and my decisions. It’d be great. I’d really like having someone my age around the house, too.”

Ji-yeong ponders on the idea. On one hand, she’d love to find that happiness and stability with other people that would love and support her – something she’s longed for since the day her mother died. But on the other hand, wouldn’t that make her a burden? Imposing on such a close-knit family, who’s bond was like no other? Adding some random sea creature into that mix just makes her sound like nothing but a liability.

“I can tell what you’re thinking. No, you wouldn’t be imposing. No, you’re not going to be a liability. Yes, you’ll fit right in.”

Her eyes widen, once again feeling more vulnerable than she’d like to. Never did she ever expect to feel this transparent in her life.

“...okay. If you’re sure.”

Sae-byeok nods their head with utmost confidence.

. . .

When they finally approach the door, Sae-byeok unlocks the door with their key, welcomed by their little brother running towards them.

“Noona, noona! Noo–” the little boy pauses, looking over at Ji-yeong. “Um… noona? Who’s this?”

Ji-yeong blushes at the question, suddenly feeling herself grow shy.

“Ah, Cheol, this is Ji-yeong. She’s a friend of mine – I met her during the sail I went on two nights ago.”

“Oh! I see. It’s nice to meet you, Miss Ji-yeong! My name is Cheol,” he says with a smile, just like his sibling’s.

“Your noona told me, kiddo. It’s great to finally meet the little brother they love so dearly.” she responds, sticking out her hand for Cheol to shake, just like she and Sae-byeok had rehearsed.

He happily obliged, shaking her had in return. Sae-byeok couldn’t have been more thrilled to see two people she cared for already getting along.

Cheol then paused, noticing the scales that remained on Ji-yeong’s face.

“Hey, uh, Miss Ji-yeong? What is that on your face? Are you okay?”

“Huh?” she wondered, unaware he was referring to the scales. “Yes, I’m fine, w–”

“She just got her face painted when we were on the boardwalk, that’s all…!” Sae-byeok swiftly intervenes, thinking quick on their feet for an excuse.

Cheol seemingly bought it, amused by the idea.

“Oh, wow! It looks so cool! Noona, can I get my face painted too? Pleaaasseee?”

“Ahh… maybe later, little man. I’m pretty sure eomma should be finishing up dinner soon.”

Cheol sighs, though understands their reasoning.

“Awww… okay. I’m gonna go sit down at the table then! I’ll tell eomma you’re back,” Cheol announces before disappearing into the hallway that leads to the kitchen.

Ji-yeong giggles, finding the little boy absolutely adorable.

“He’s so sweet… I can definitely see where he gets his hospitality from.”

“You think so? Mom and I always wanted to make sure he got off on the right foot. He’s such a shy kid, not too many friends in school. There’s this one boy in his class who he spends most of his time with, and I’m so grateful for it. It’s nice for him to have that reminder that his family isn’t the only one that’s got his back.”

“Yeah…” Ji-yeong trails off, Sae-byeok’s words echoing back in her head.

. . .

It wasn’t long before Sae-byeok’s mother had finished dinner and everyone had been seated at the table.

There were four dishes of kimchi-jjigae sat at each end of the table, accompanied by spoons and a glass of water for all of them.

“Thank you, eomma. I really appreciate you being so kind towards Ji-yeong,” Sae-byeok nods gratefully.

“Oh, of course! This is the first ever guest that you’ve invited, I have to do my best for the lovely lady, don’t I?” Their mother responds with a wink in Ji-yeong’s direction; the implications flying straight past her head.

In Sae-byeok’s case, however, it was very much noticed, and embarrassing at that.

“E-Eomma! Stop that… she, uh, she doesn’t understand a lot of little things like that. Besides, it’s… not like that.”

“Oh, cut the nonsense, Sae-byeok! You know just as much as I do what you bringing a girl home with you means~”

“God, just kill me already…” they groaned. Hiding their blushing face in their hands.

To their fortune, though, Ji-yeong didn’t bat an eye, still not understanding what all the fuss was about, simply staring at her soup.

She had never consumed anything in her life that wasn’t human flesh, and now that she was a human, she certainly couldn’t do that now.

Sure, there was meat in it, but it wasn’t what she had known her whole life. What if she can’t stomach it? What if this could kill her because it was poisonous to sirens? What if–

“Hey, you okay?”

There was that gentle voice again. That stupid, endearing, calming voice.

“Hm? Me? Yeah, I’m fine, it’s just that I’m not used to anything that isn’t my, uh…” she pauses, trying to word it in a way that would avoid suspicion. “...regular diet.”

“Ahhhh. Are you a vegetarian or something, honey?” Sae-byeok’s mother interjects, sending a jolt down the girl’s spine.

“Ahaha… something like that. But it’s okay! I really don’t have an aversion to what you made, I promise. I really am grateful for you going out of your way to include me in your dinner plans.” Ji-yeong gave the older woman a nervous smile.

“No worries, dear. Whatever your dietary preferences may be, I’ll do my best to work around them.”

“Huh…?”

“Have I said something misleading? Sae-byeok said you were going to be staying with us now, is this not true?”

“A-And you’re okay with that?” Ji-yeong asks in complete shock.

“Why wouldn’t I be, sweetheart? Any girl who’s caught the eye and heart of my child is practically family to us.”

Any girl.. Who’s caught the eye… and heart…?

“Ugghhh… eomma, I said it’s not like that!”

“Oh, Sae-byeok, don’t be ridiculous. You’ve never brought a girl home in your twenty three years of life. Whatever else am I supposed to interpret from it?”

Their mother was right – Sae-byeok wasn’t really fond of anyone who wasn’t their mother nor Cheol. Not even their crewmates stayed over for dinner, and they’ve all been sailing together for years now.

Sae-byeok really did grow fond of this girl, but they still, for the life of them, could not depict why. It just was what it was, and they liked it. They really, really liked it.

Ji-yeong did, too. She really loved the feeling that she belonged somewhere, and that this could become a permanent part of her life.

After everyone had finally finished their soups, Sae-byeok stood up from the table, pushing their chair in and taking their dish to the sink.

“Eomma, I’m gonna take Ji-yeong up to my room. Let me know if you need me,” they inform their mother.

“No worries, honey, you two have fun,” she responds with a smile.

As the two walk upstairs together, subconsciously holding hands, both Cheol and his mother give each other an exchanged glance.

“Eomma?”

“Yes, baby?”

“When you said Noona was the last to find things out about themself, did you mean things like that?”

“Yes, baby. That kid cannot, for the life of them, admit it when they like someone.”

“So, are they in love with each other?”

“It amazes me how you figured this out at your age before they do at the moment. It shouldn’t, but it does,” She laughs softly, shaking her head as she continues to do the dishes.

. . .

The two of them were up in Sae-byeok’s room for a good while, which mostly consisted of Sae-byeok both showing and explaining human things that were pretty much foreign to Ji-yeong.

“...and this is a cd player. It basically plays music. See that stack of discs over there?”

Ji-yeong eagerly nods.

“So, those are the cds you put in it to play the music you want to hear. Just be careful when grabbing the disc – you wanna handle it with care, so take it by the edges, and push that little button-like thing in the middle to help get it out.”

“Oh!” she exclaims as she successfully pops out the cd in her hand, seemingly proud of herself. “Heh, I’m getting pretty good at this human thing, if I do say so myself.”

Sae-byeok really wanted to banter with her, they really did, but the way she was so excited over such little things, currently healing her inner child… they couldn’t dare ruin the moment.

So they just smiled.

“Yeah. I think you are, too, Ji.”

There was that nickname again. The shorter one grew bashful, giving them the same smile back.

“So… I just put it in the circle thingy here, right?”

“Yep. you got it,” Sae-byeok gives her an approving nod, watching as she inserts the cd and closes the player, then moving to press play. “Oh, wow, look at you go; pushing buttons without asking me what they do. Looks like you don’t need my help anymore.”

“Hah! Told ya I got the hang of it! I just saw the flashy triangle thing and figured that’s what I needed to do to power it on.”

“Aren’t you clever…” Sae-byeok chuckled softly, letting the soft sound of ‘Hotel California’ by Eagles grace their ears.

The room had gone quiet except for the music after that. Something about the laid back melody of the song Ji-yeong swaying her head side to side with how calming she found it to be. She had to wonder if this is what other people had heard when she would sing her siren song.

“So…” Sae-byeok decides to break the silence.

“So…?”

“What do you think?”

“...of?”

“Everything. This was your dream, wasn’t it? To experience human life and all of its glory? Is it everything you pictured in your head? Or are you finding it having not exceeded your expectations?”

Ji-yeong takes a second to form her thoughts before she responds.

“It’s… perfect. I’m not lonely – I mean, I not only have you, but your mom, and your little brother, but… mainly you. I… I don't understand it, or why, but I really do like you, Sae-byeok. I really don’t think I'd be enjoying this as much as I am if you weren’t in the picture at all. Seeing all the sights around, playing around with your little do-hickies, all of these things… it wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t the one sharing these moments with me.”

Their gaze softens.

In fact, the pirate simply couldn’t find any words to say.

Never once in their life did they have someone speak so sweetly about them; so… intimately.

The air in the room felt thicker now. Suffocating, even.

There was a lump in the taller one’s throat, and they couldn’t seem to swallow it down.

So many thoughts running around in their mind. Thoughts they’ve never experienced first hand. Thoughts about things that Gi-hun and Sang-woo tended to have about each other. Thoughts that were fucking scary. Thoughts about them and Ji-yeong… of them–

“Are you okay?”

They’re jolted out of those thoughts. Sae-byeok was almost grateful for that.

…almost.

“Me? Uhm… yeah, fine, why?”

“You were kinda staring into space… I got a little worried about you for a sec.”

Worried… She was worried.

Fuck, Sae-byeok, why did you have to go and do that? Why was it just so necessary for you to ruin the happiness you worked so hard to build up for her? God, she deserves so much better than you. The audacity you have to have such intimate and desirable thoughts about her. You know she’d be so much happier if you just d–

“Hey! Sae-byeok, you’re doing it again,”

They’re back down to earth again.

Ji-yeong really had a knack for that, didn’t she?

The feeling of her warm hands on their shoulders, like an anchor to a ship.

Amazing.

Sae-byeok was that ship, caught dead in the middle of a storm, and there she was, pulling them out safely, and anchoring them down to the dock.

“Seriously, please talk to me. Are you okay, really?”

The pirate could barely look her in the eye, choosing instead to focus on the way the sunset outside made the scales on her cheeks sparkle and shine, just like her personality does.

“...kiss me.”

Ji-yeong sits back, completely stunned by the request – though, it sounded more like a demand.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Sae-byeok tensed up, realizing what felt like their fatal mistake, upon the growing feeling of their lips with pins and needles.

“Fuck… fuck, Ji-yeong, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, I–”

Before they could even begin to finish their apology, those pins and needles delicately tethered with the feeling of another pair of soft lips on their own.

It was so gentle, so tender, intimate… you’d think ji-yeong had kissed other people before with the way her lips flowed so smoothly and rhythmically.

What an intoxicating feeling.

They remained that way for about a full minute before Sae-byeok had to pull back for air.

“Wow…”

“Was that okay…?”

“That felt unreal. W-Was that your first?”

“There’s no way you could possibly think us sirens typically have any time for romance, let alone think about it,” she chuckled softly.

Romance?

Is that what this was?

“Is that what we are?” Sae-byeok thinks out loud.

“Huh?”

There Ji-yeong goes, with that stupid head tilt that would always frame her face in such a unique way.

“I guess it’s a stupid question. You said it yourself that you weren’t about romance.”

She frowned at that.

“...I said that because I'd never felt it myself before. I thought it was a waste of time, and that it’d only bite me in the ass. But, Sae-byeok, I'll be honest with you – I really think you changed my perspective on that, to say the least.”

Oh?

“So… what are you saying?”

“I’m saying I like you, Sae-byeok. At least, that’s what my heart is trying to tell me, from the looks of it.”

The pirate could only sit there, stunned.

Was this really happening? It felt too good to be real.

Ji-yeong took a deep breath before she continued.

“When I lured you in for the first time, I truly expected it to simply be like any other experience I’ve had with a human – short lived, redundant, just another meal of mine, and that’d be it. But then… I saw you laying unconscious in front of me. You looked strangely at peace. It was like you needed that sort of rest. Then, I went through your stuff because I loved to collect human things throughout the years. I saw your wallet, and the picture of you and your mom and brother inside. It made me emotional… maybe a little jealous, at first, because… y’know, but it was sweet. I realized you had a family to go back to, and that they probably adored you – almost as much as I do,” Ji-yeong teared up, struggling to keep her emotions in check. “And… then we started talking, and bantering. I thought what I felt was annoyance, but… it was endearing, and it was fun. I had forgotten what it felt like to share a memory with someone. Then, I kept getting to know you more, and learned all about you. I just… I kept getting sucked in more and more. That’s when you offered to take me out, and live a human life. That was the first time I had ever felt like I mattered enough to someone. You kept your promise, and here I am. Time felt like it froze, and I just kept getting sucked into this bliss more and more. You gave me the honor of meeting your family who means so much to you, and vice versa… and they like me – they actually like me. They like me for you, too. I think that’s what really sealed it for me. It was as if they both knew before I did.”

Sae-byeok could only gawk further and further as they got lost in her little monologue, albeit snapping out quickly as they noticed her tears. They were quick to react, cradling her face in their hands and wiping away her tears. They could feel the scaly texture of her skin under the pad of their thumb.

“I-I guess what I’m trying to say here, is that I love you, Sae-byeok. Maybe too much. More than I'd honestly like to admit. I’m willing to throw my entire old life behind and embrace my human side just to be with you. I want to matter to you forever. I want to be the person you wake up next to every day. I want to sink into the warmth that your arms provide me with. When I'm walking down the aisle at my wedding, I want it to be you. I want to be walking towards you. I want my children to be yours, and I want my forever to revolve around you.”

“...stop talking.”

Ji-yeong’s heart drops to her stomach. She should’ve known it was stupid to say these things. I mean, why would Sae-byeok even be capable of falling in love with a monster like her?

But then, they continued, using their knuckle to force the siren to meet their gaze.

“I want to be the one to ask the question.”

Oh…

“Ji-yeong, I’ll tell you the truth. This is scary – being in love. It’s terrifying, even. But with how honest you’re being right now, i have a feeling that being in love with you of all people will make it less scary. So, I have only one thing to ask you…” they swallow hard. “Will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?”

That’s when she broke, unable to hold back her emotions anymore. What started off as a few tears escalated into a cascade of them.

Sae-byeok can only chuckle in response at their newfound emotional lover, going as far as to kiss every single tear off of her face. It tasted salty, just like the way they would smell on their sails.

They truly were tethered together.

“Yes… yes, I will. Fuck, i’m so happy right now, Sae-byeok, I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything; just be here with me, in this moment,” the pirate responds, pulling her in for another quick kiss.

“I’ll never leave it, in that case.”

And she doesn’t. They basked in that juncture as long as they could.

. . .

What felt like minutes had been hours, as day turned into dusk. They hadn’t even realized until Sae-byeok’s mother called them down for dinner.

The two of them came downstairs, a lot more self aware of their behavior, suddenly acting all shy about the fact they were holding hands – though, it was a conscious choice this time.

Cheol was the first to notice their sudden change in behavior, smirking smugly as he fought the urge not to comment and lost.

“Noona’s got a giiiiirlfriend~”

“Oh, quit it, little man, or else I won’t let you have any ice cream the next time eomma needs me to watch you when she goes out,” his older sibling retaliates.

“What!? Hey! That’s so unfair! Eommaaaaaaaaaaa!” Cheol whines, not allowing Sae-byeok to win this one.

Ji-yeong chuckles softly at their little banter, finding the whole scene rather amusing.

“Ahhhh! Sae-byeok-ah! Be good to your brother, or else you’re stuck chaperoning his sleepover with his friend next Friday night,” the older woman warns lightheartedly.

“Eh!? But, eomma! I wanted to take Ji-yeong out for a sail that night!”

“Well, you should’ve thought about that before deciding to upset your brother.”

Sae-byeok gave their little brother a glare, who only failed to stifle a snicker in response.

“You suck.”

“You more, noona~”

“Hey, I think they’re pretty great.” Ji-yeong interjects with a cheeky smile.

“Of course you like noona that much! You’re biased. You also don’t have to deal with them stealing the last cookie, or bragging about getting to stay up past 11pm. They’re meaner than you think.”

Sae-byeok could only roll their eyes playfully in response. “Not my fault you’re tiny and need your rest. You know what they say – rest helps with growth. If you wanna end up being taller than me, you gotta get your z’s in now, squirt.”

“That has to be a lie. You never sleep, and you’re so tall that you don’t even need to stand on your tiptoes to put the star on the Christmas tree every year!”

“Hey, little man, I got my beauty rest when I was your age. It’s your turn now.”

“It certainly shows, you know. You’ve got the looks to prove it~” Ji-yeong coos, sneaking a quick kiss to her partner’s cheek, sending their face aflame.

This sends both Cheol and his mother into a fit of belly laughter.

“Ohhh, that’s hysterical! I can’t breathe!”

“Eomma, look! They look like a tomato, haha!”

“Sh-Shut up… i’m just not used to this yet.”

Ji-yeong herself also can’t help but snicker at her lover’s flustered state.

“You better, silly. There’s a lot more where that came from.”

“Aigoo… have mercy on me, Ji-Ji. Isn't my family laughing at me enough to get a kick out of you?”

“It could be! But, where’s the fun in that? Seeing you all red in the face like this, it’s endearing. It shows how much you love me!”

“You’re such a pain, you know that?”

“If that’s the case, why interrupt my oh-so declaration of love just so you could have the glory of asking the infamous question~?”

“What? Oh, god forbid I didn't want you to steal the moment from me. What kind of gentleman would I be if I had to make my pretty girl ask me first?”

Now it was her turn to bounce off of that flustered look. Something about the way Sae-byeok addressed themself as a gentleman gave her butterflies beyond comprehension. Calling her pretty girl on top of it? Not even god himself could help her here.

But that was fine, she didn’t need it. She just needed to remain here, with her newfound family, and the love of her life. That was enough.

She herself had finally become enough.

“You’re right, it’s just a part of your charm,” Ji-yeong gives them a cheeky smile.

“...I really do love you, Ji-yeong.”

“And I too truly love you, my sweet pirate.”