the gift

Morning sunlight spilled into the small room, casting a golden glow over everything. Noah blinked awake, feeling unusually warm.

His body was pressed against something firm and cool.

The events of last night came rushing back.

Noah's eyes darted down.

The merman was still there.

His long, damp hair fanned over the pillows, his face calm and relaxed in sleep. His breathing was steady, and his arms were still tightly wrapped around Noah’s waist.

Noah sighed.

"Still here, huh?" he whispered, trying to wiggle free.

But the moment he moved—

The grip tightened.

A low, warning growl rumbled from the merman’s throat.

Noah froze.

This demon merman really didn’t like being disturbed in his sleep.

His hold was strong, his presence overwhelming.

Noah gritted his teeth.

"Stupid merman, wake up!" he whispered harshly.

No response.

"Hey! I said, wake up!" Noah pushed against his chest, struggling harder.

Still, nothing.

A flicker of annoyance sparked in Noah’s chest.

"WAKE UP, YOU WET SEA MONSTER!"

Suddenly—

Soft lips crashed against his.

Noah's mind went blank.

The merman kissed him deeply and roughly, forcing him still. His hand gripped the back of Noah’s head, keeping him in place.

A message.

A warning.

"I won’t let you go."

Noah felt his heart hammering in his chest. His body trembled, trapped in the heat of the kiss.

It was dominant. Possessive. Unrelenting.

Noah’s face burned.

His breath hitched as the merman’s hips pressed firmly against him from behind, a slow, deliberate movement that sent a shiver up his spine.

"Y-You…" Noah stammered, his body tensing.

The merman let out a low hum, satisfied. His grip around Noah’s waist didn’t loosen.

Noah gritted his teeth, his blush deepening.

"I hate you so much," he spat, his voice sharp—but his body betrayed him, frozen in place.

The merman chuckled against his neck, his breath cool and teasing.

Then—he rolled his hips again.

Noah choked on his next breath.

His entire body went stiff, a deep blush creeping down his neck.

His heart pounded wildly in his chest.

He needed to get out of here. Now.

Noah squeezed his eyes shut and carefully shifted.

The merman’s grip loosened slightly.

This was his chance.

Noah held his breath, slowly inching his way out of the merman’s hold.

Careful…

Careful…

With one swift movement, he slipped free and scrambled off the bed.

The merman stirred but didn’t wake.

Noah exhaled heavily, pressing a hand against his burning face.

“Stupid merman,” he muttered under his breath.

Then, trying not to make a sound, he crept toward the table—

Only to freeze.

Sitting neatly on the wooden surface…

Was a small, wrapped gift.

Noah’s brows furrowed.

“…What the hell?”

His eyes flickered between the sleeping merman and the mysterious gift.

A strange feeling settled in his chest.

Noah reached out hesitantly, his fingers brushing against the small package on the table.

It was wrapped neatly in deep blue fabric, tied with a thin piece of rope.

His heart pounded.

Was this… from the merman?

Before he could think too much about it, Noah untied the rope and peeled back the fabric.

Inside was a beautiful seashell necklace.

The shell was iridescent, shimmering with hints of pink, blue, and violet under the light. The string was made of braided seaweed, smooth and strong.

Noah blinked in surprise.

“...What is this?” he mumbled, holding it up to examine it closer.

A deep groggy voice interrupted his thoughts.

“It’s yours.”

Noah spun around, startled.

The merman was awake.

His blue eyes glowed softly, half-lidded with sleep. His long, damp hair stuck to his bare shoulders, and his toned chest rose and fell steadily.

Noah felt his face heat up again.

“You’re awake?!” he snapped, clutching the necklace in his fist.

The merman chuckled, voice raspy.

“I’ve been awake. You’re noisy.”

Noah’s eye twitched.

“What is this? Why did you give me this?” he demanded, holding up the necklace.

The merman tilted his head, watching him carefully.

Then, in a low, serious tone, he spoke.

“Because now, you’re mine.”

Noah’s stomach dropped.

His fingers tightened around the necklace, his mind racing.

Just what was this demon merman up to?

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