> imagination.

Oh! Would you have preferred a different word? Beautiful felt like the perfect adjective for you. It'll stay in my memory forever.❞

> really grateful for your help, though. It'd probably be a good idea to get checked over, right?❞

Why would she be hostile towards him? He hasn't done anything to warrant that reaction, after all! She's extremely grateful towards him.

❝I thought I might have dreamt it, so I'm glad it wasn't my >

> to her! Not wanting to scare her, Nilou softly called out.

❝Excuse me! Is this your first time here? I don't think I've seen you before. Did you enjoy the performance? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Nilou. It's nice to meet you!❞

> sparkle in wonder and excitement.

❝Oh, you're the person from before! You're really beautiful.❞

Without even hesitating for a second, Nilou voiced her honest thoughts to him.

... Was that weird of her to say?

> reassuringly, so as not to worry him. After expelling the last of the water, Nilou took a deep breath to regain her composure.

❝I feel a bit lightheaded, but I should be okay... I'm sorry for all the trouble!❞

All of a sudden, the memory of a merman flashed in her head, causing her eyes to >

> that very moment.

Once the performance was over, she bowed to the crowd before waving to them.

❝Thank you for watching! The Zubayr Theater will have another performance by our wonderful Inayah. Please stick around!❞

After one final wave, she left the stage to walk around the Grand Bazaar.

> face! After meeting the stranger's gaze, she brightly smiled.

Crystal clear water swirled and danced around her, twisting and snaking but never connecting with the red-haired girl as she danced. Each step, each gesture, was so delicate and enchanting, as if she were conveying her heart in >

> time. Rojo had managed to save her. As her eyes fluttered open, she gasped for air before coughing up the water.

With her mind still fuzzy from the lack of oxygen, she struggled to piece together what happened.

> stop, her eyes slowly closed.

> She's so glad that the merman is okay! Nilou thought he might have been trapped by something.

Realising she had spent too much time in the water, Nilou tried to swim to the surface for air, but to no avail. It was far too deep.

Not good... She struggled to keep swimming, and as she came to a >

> confirm his wellbeing.

> gasp of surprise as she caught sight of his beautiful tail, shimmering beneath the water's surface.

Her eyes widened, her hand instinctively flying to her mouth as she inhaled water. How does she ask whether he's okay? With her free hand, she pointed at Rojo before giving a thumbs-up to >

> the direction of its gaze, she noticed @crimsonshark.bsky.social in the distance. She gave a friendly little wave.

> their rehearsals ended. The breathtaking scenery really lived up to its reputation.

As she descended further down, a blubberbeast immediately swam up to greet her. It's so cute! She couldn't help but smile.

❝...?❞

Out of nowhere, the sea creature turned in a particular direction. Following >