Unlike other days I woke up early in the morning. Strange, normally I would sleep more before starting a stressful day. Rather than stressful, my life is kinda bland. After my graduation, I tried for the civil service exams. Although I didn’t succeeded. My mom was the one who forced me into it. I was interested in something else. Since I was raised by my mom alone, I did my best to listen to her.

The ground floor of my house was a diner. My mom runs the place alone. When ever I got time, I would help her. One year after my graduation, mom had an accident. It took her life. That time I was living in my flat away from home. Since she was gone, there’s no point in giving those exams, right?

That’s why I retuned home and reopened the diner, turning it into a cafe. Mom left me some money in the bank. Thanks to that I was able to redesign the whole place. At first I was not sure if this is gonna work out or not. But as time went by people started to come here for my baked goods. I loved baking. It’s been two years now since I opened my cafe. It’s not a crowded place. The regulars came here often.

Getting up from the bed, I went to freshen up. I tied up my hair into a pony tail while looking at the mirror.

“ Aw man! I need to bleach it again.” My eyes fell on those hair root which have started to get back to it’s original colour. It made me annoyed. I had long raven black hair. But now it’s on trend to dye the hair in various colours. I cut it into short since it will be easy to manage.

The shorter the hair, the lesser the hassle.

I grabbed the car Keyes and left for the beach. It’s only 15 minutes walk away from my home. But after walking at the beach I get tired. So I take the car. Parking the car nearby, I went to the beach. It was 5: 45 AM. There was no one at the beach. The sun is slowly rising up. Salty air hits on my face. Unlike the scorching heat of the daytime sun, this morning rays are very pleasant.

I kept waking on the beach then suddenly I noticed a body at the pile of rocks. It was far from where I was standing. So, I couldn’t tell see clearly.

“ Hey!” I shouted. “ Is anyone there?” I shouted again. But no response came. Out of curiosity I went to check on the person. When I went there my eyes were completely dazzled. I found a body of a man. Surprisingly the man was so enchanting. He had long pastel purple hair. His skin was pale as snow. He was wearing a white shirt with black pants. I checked his pulse and it’s seems that he’s alive.

“ Hey! Can you hear me? Wake up.” Shaking him gently, I tried to wake him up. No response came.

“ Oh god! What should I do?” Honestly I can just leave this guy and go back home. But something inside me forced me to help this man. Or maybe I’m really hypnotised by his appearance. Judging by his face, he doesn’t seem to be from Korean. Maybe some foreigner?

Thankfully I spotted an uncle on the beach. I quickly ran towards him.

“ Mister, can you..... help me out?”

“ What’s the matter?” The guy asked.

“ There’s...... an unconscious guy......... I tried to wake him....... up but he’s not responding.” I said while breathing heavily. Damn I shouldn’t have run like that.

“ Okay, let’s see.” He went there to see the guy.

“ Hmm. Seems like he fell from the boat and washed up to the sore.”

“ Oh.”

“ Okay then.” He started to walk away from there.

“ ... hey! Aren’t you gonna help me?”

“ I’m going for fishing. So no.”

“ Fine! At least help me to put him in my car.” I said agitatedly. Seriously what’s wrong with him? A guy is in need for help and he’s busy with his fishing?

Anyway uncle helped me to put the man’s body in my car. That’s all he can offer me. He was on his way to catch some fish. I brought that guy in my home. He was heavy but I somehow managed to carry him inside my house. I laid down his body on the sofa. It’s literally impossible for me to carry him up the staircase.

Ugh! Why am I even doing this for some stranger? Just because he looks hot?

Let’s hope that the dude is not a bad news. His sleeping face was so adorable. I wanted to keep on gazing at him. My fingers felt itchy to touch his soft cheeks. I poked his cheekbones with my index finger. It made him twitch. Finally his eyes opened.

“ Hey.... You okay?” I asked him in a soft tone. He sat up on the sofa while looking at me confusedly. His eyes were deep blue like the ocean.

“ XXXXXX “ He said frantically although I couldn’t understand his words. What language is he speaking? It’s definitely not Korean. I knew a little English so I can tell that he wasn’t speaking in English either.

“ I can’t understand you.” I tried to show him in gesture and sign that I can’t understand his words.

“ XXXXXXXX” Scratching his head He said. I still couldn’t understand a single word.

( A/N - he’s speaking in different language so it’s shown as “ X” )

Maybe I should try google translator. I got out my phone to check. My eyes were on the phone screen when the guy pulled my face up. He pressed his lips onto mine, making me completely shocked. My eyes widen up with shock so much that it can pop out any moment.

What the hell?!

He soon let go off me. I was trying to process the whole thing in my mind. Did that guy just kissed me? Holy shit! I shouldn’t have taken him with me.

“ You bastard!” Grabbing onto his collar I yanked him lowed to my face.

“ I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He replied meekly.

“ Wait... you can speak Korean? Then why didn’t you say before?” My temper was still hanging on the edge.

“ I just learned it now from you.” With a soften expression he replied. His gesture showed that he was apologetic of his behaviour.

“ From me? Are you fu*king kidding me dude? No seriously. Are you trying to mess with me?” I snapped at him. He’s speaking nonsense.

“ It’s true. I’m not lying. Believe me.”

“ The fu*k! Dude that’s literally impossible unless you’re not a human.”

“ Yes, I’m not a human.”

“ What?”

“ I’m a mermaid.”

\~ to be continued

*This is work of fiction so none of the names and places have any connection with the real world*

Hello guys I’m back with a new story. The story basically has comedy, food and little bit romance. I am gonna put some food recipes. You can note them up. This is like those cafe/food based stories. I’ve seen people liking them. That’s why I’m giving it a try in my style. Oh & I’m not Korean so, if there’s any mistakes let me know. :) hope you enjoy it.

When people said not to bring strangers to your home, they were absolutely right. I shouldn't have brought this guy here. Ever since he woke up, he's been spouting nonsense. I can't believe he just kissed me! On the top of that he claims to be a merman?

Do I look like a joker?

" Don't you dare to change the topic! How dare you kiss me like that. Wait! Did you take drugs or something?" With blazing eyes, I roared at him. My hostility was still on peak.

" No. I'm telling the truth. I can prove it." Like a little puppy he replied with his deep blue eyes. His voice is meek.

" Hah! Right, like I will give you a chance. Get the hell outta here. I don't want to see your face!" I'm not falling for his pitiful face. Nuh-uh! Not after what he just did. Others may consider getting kissed by a hot stranger as a blessing but not me. It's an assault. I won't tolerate it.

" Please, listen to me once. I'm not lying. Let me prove it." He begged me. His words may seem unbelievable but he looks honest.

" Get out." I pointed at the door.

" Please. Just once!" His eyes were almost on the verge of tears. It made me soften my choleric heart.

" Okay fine. Although I'm sure nothing's gonna happen either way."

" Do you have a bathtub?"

" Yeah?"

" Take me there." I'm such an idiot for listening to him. What if he does something up there? My eyes fell on the kitchen knife. I quickly grabbed it.

" What's that for?" With a scared tone, he asked.

" Shut up! Just keep walking." I pointed the tip at him, while telling him to walk forward. We reached the bathroom.

" Umm.... wait outside." He locked the bathroom door. I waited outside still holding the knife. Few seconds later he calls for me, " Come in."

Oh my god!

When I entered the bathroom, I was instantly stunned by the scene. Half of his body has tuned into a fish tail. A freaking fish tail!!! That moment made me completely, utterly, shocked and speechless. I could literally faint seeing such incredible sight. His pant was laying on the floor. He still had his shirt on which is drenched by the water.

" W-what are you?" My voice came off like a whisper. I went closer to the bathtub. His tail has the purple colour just like his hair, contrasted by the green, blue scales. It's so pretty. It's just like a fish although I have never seen such marvellous fish in my whole life.

He's like a creature from the fairy tale.

" I'm from the fish clan but your people call us Mermaids. We live deep inside the ocean." He stared at me with his brooding eyes, waiting for me to accept this madness.

" How did you come here?" My curiosity was making me dig more into this strange phenomenon.

" Mermaid have been coming to the human world from a long time. They even started to live here disguising themselves as humans. But I was born with a weak body. That's why mother and father never allowed me to come here. I really wanted to see the human world. So, I snuck in with some other mermaids. Sadly I lost my way and it led me here. Our language is different than yours. Although we have an special ability. If we kiss someone, we will learn their language." His explanation is making sense to me. But then again, if he has that sort of ability, he might be capable of doing something sinister.

" Oh! That's why you kissed me."

" Yes. I had no ill intentions."

" Okay. So, can you return home?"

" No. That's why I'm telling you to help me."

" Wait, wait, wait. Why me?"

" Because you saved me from the ocean. If you wanted to harm me, you could have done it earlier. That's why I decided to tell you about my origin. In the ancient times, mermaids used to hunt humans. But now, humans have advanced a lot. If they find us, they'll lock us up and do scary experiments."

At this moment I realised how scared he was. He was frightened after being lost into the ocean. He can't even return to his home. There's no way that he's faking all of it. It's crystal clear to me that this guy needs my help. I'm gonna bet my luck with it.

" I don't think I can really help you." I told him with hesitation. The decision was perplexing. My words made him frightened. Suddenly he grabbed my waist. This made my heart skipped a beat. I frantically tried to free myself from his grip. But he kept on pleading me for help.

" Please, help me. I don't want to become a test subject. I beg you. Please, please, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee!" His grip was strong although it didn't caused me any pain. He was certainly mindful of my well-being.

" Okay,okay! Calm down. Let go of me." Finally I agreed to let him stay. Hearing about the confirmation, he freed me from his grip.

" Thank you." He said with a bright cheerful smile. My T-shirt got wet. I have to change it soon or else I'll catch cold. Leaving him in the bathroom, I went to change my tee. When I was done, I begun to look for some clothes for the guy. Oh... I still haven't asked his name. Anyway I'll ask him after finding the clothes. Sadly there was none in my room. I retuned to the bathroom.

" Uhh.... What's your name?" I asked him with a chuckle. I was so preoccupied with the whole thing that I forgot to ask for his name.

" Aalto." The smile in his face remains same as it was before. He was really worried about the situation just like I was. Now that I agreed to help him, he became calmed.

" Okay, Aalto. I'm Hyeon. For now you can live with me, but it's not free. You'll have to work in my cafe." I can't let him live here for free. Beside it's better if he works here in my watch. That way he can stay safe.

" Okay Hyeon." He happily agreed. I picked up Aalto's pant which was laying on the bathroom floor. It had the size tag. This clothes seems to be made in our world. I should ask Kyong for some clothes. He lives around the neighbourhood. I have known him since my middle school.

" Aalto, here's a towel. Dry yourself with it. I'll go get some clothes for you. So, wait here." I handed him a towel. He's been in the water for a long time. This can make him ill.

" I'm fine. I'll stay in the tub." He shook off his hand, saying that he doesn't need it.

" Won't you catch cold?" Raising my eyebrow, I asked.

" We prefer to stay in water." His answer was very reasonable. How come I didn't think of it?

" Of course you do. After all you're a fish." I rolled my eyes upwards. Basically Aalto is half fish and half human. He's a timid guy. He can't do poker face. His expressions are easy to read. He's someone who can't even raise his voice. Still, there's a possibility of fluctuations. Maybe not now but in future. Even so I'm ready to take the risk.

\~ to be continued

People buys fishes to eat, to make them pets. Meanwhile I got myself a real merman. Freaking cool right? Unless he turns out to be a man eating monster. So, if mermaids exists then other mythical creatures may exists too, right? Vampires, werewolves, witches, unicorns, fairies even something else that I don't know the name of. I wonder if this is seriously happening or I'm still dreaming.

It's early in the morning. The stores aren't open yet. I will go buy new clothes later. Maybe I should keep the cafe close today. I have too much going on inside my mind. Besides that I need to teach Aalto about this world. He's completely unaware of how things work in here.

I stopped in front of Kyong's house and knocked at the door. He came out scratching his head, welcoming me with a big yawn.

" Oh it's you." He said in a sleepy voice.

" Hey can I borrow some of your clothes?"

" Sure. Come in." I followed him inside his house. Kyong lives alone with his grandpa. Every time I needed help he was there for me, like a big brother.

" Why do ya need my clothes?" He put the clothes inside a bag and handed it to me.

" A friend of mine came to visit. I'll tell you the details later." I should hide it from him. He may be my friend but I rather handle the situation on my own. I can't risk his life. Aalto can be harmful in future.

Who knows? It's better to hide the truth. Even if something were to happen, I'll go through it. After all I was the one who took responsibility of Aalto.

" Fine then. Here." I left from there in a rush, carrying the bag.

My mind is totally messed up. I really need to think of a backup story. Something solid and believable. I can't tell anyone that I found Aalto at the beach. They'll suggest for reporting it to the police. Or look into the social media. But if I tell them that he's my friend it wont be a problem. End of discussion.

When I entered in the bathroom Aalto was still in tub, moving his long tail, enjoying the water. He looks stuffy since my bathtub isn't that big. His shirt has gotten wet, making his body translucent. Not gonna lie, he does have a nice body. Just like a model or Idol.

" I hope this will fit you." My voice caught him off guard. He was startled which made him open his eyes widely. His long tail is extremely mesmerising. So magical, so dreamy. I want to touch it. My curiosity kicked in and I continued, " By the way how does this work? The tail thing?"

" I can change it back to legs or to tail as I wish. But I can't keep on using the legs forever. I have to use my tail often." He replied meekly. His cheeks were reddish. Is he blushing?

" My tub isn't that big. You're hardly fitting inside." I said placing my palm on the face. Aalto is really tall so naturally his body won't fit if I include his gigantic tail.

" Then can you take me to the ocean when people aren't there? Or some deserted place? Like pond or lake ?" With his doleful gaze, he pleads to me, making me captivated by his charm. I can't help but pity him.

" Okay. Let's go the ocean at night. It will be the best option. But we gotta be careful. Some people go to the beach at night, specially the drunkards."

" I just need to swim for a while. My soul is connected to the ocean." His half made smile had so much pain. I can tell that he is missing his home.

" Wear the clothes. I'm going outside." I left the bathroom and stood outside the door. " Are you done?" I asked few minutes later.

" Yes. Come in." As soon he replied I enter there.

The t-shirt fitted him very well. He wore the cargo shorts. Definitely a good choice since pants aren't that comfy. Kyong had given me more than one pair of clothes which was helpful. Water was still dripping from his long hair. His pastel purple hair reached up to his broad chest. I should blow dry his hair.

" Come here."

I took him to my room. My eyes searched for the dryer. It was beside the mirror. I made Aalto sit then switched on the dryer. The hot air begun to flow through his hair. My fingers can easily run through his long hair. It was so smooth and silky.

Ugh! I envy him.

\~ to be continued