ATEEZ Imagines

Yunho ✦ Sea Puppy | Merman AU

"Excuse me. This is my rock."

You shot upright, surprised by the voice, your eyes meet those of a young man hanging out in the water, his arms resting against the rock you currently occupied. His hair was a pastel peach hue and appeared to have colorful beads scattered about on some strands. His face was bright, eyes innocent and puppy-like. He donned a silver cuff on his arm, dangly earrings, and three or four necklaces lined with pearls, shells, and other trinkets hanging from his neck. He was dressed a little flashy to be swimming in the ocean, you noted.
"I'm sorry, what?" You asked, blinking a few times, caught off guard by not only his statement, but his breathtaking appearance.
"This is my rock." He repeated a little quieter that time.
"Your rock?" You echoed.
He nodded.
You weren't sure how to respond to him. Someone can't claim ownership of a rock... then again, he looked so nervous you thought maybe you should let him have his rock.
"Sorry. I didn't know it was yours." You started getting up only to be stopped.
"Wait." He called. "You don't have to go."
You frowned slightly, feeling bad for the sweet-looking boy.
"How about we both share the rock?" You suggested.
"Oh. I don't know." He looked away timidly. "I'm not really supposed to be doing this."
Your brows tugged together. "Doing what?"
He stayed quiet, not providing an answer to your inquiry.
"C'mon. Have a seat." You motioned for him to sit down and make himself comfortable.
"I don't want to freak you out." He mentioned.
"Freak me out? Don't be silly." You chuckled softly. "Come on."

He let out a reluctant sigh, heaving himself up onto the rock. Once you saw what he was hiding under the water you're unable to suppress the gasp that left your mouth.
"I knew it, I knew it. You're freaked out." He whimpered, preparing to slide back into the water.
"No, don't." You spoke a bit louder than intended.
He froze, looking at you with wide, worried eyes.
"I'm not freaked out. Just... surprised. Please don't leave."
"Are you sure?"
You nodded.
He slowly situated himself on the rock, his peach-colored tail glimmering in the sun, grabbing all of your attention.
"So, you're a merman." You stated the obvious, eyes never leaving his stunning tail.
"Yes."
"I guess that explains all the jewelry." You murmured mostly to yourself.
"This is what I wear every day. Is there something wrong with it?" He questioned.
"Not at all." You shook your head. "It's very pretty."
His big puppy eyes seemed to sparkle as his soft-looking cheeks began to show a light pink tint, almost resembling mochi.
"Your legs are pretty." He complimented you in return.
A small giggle left your lips while you muttered a shy, thank you.
His body started unconsciously swaying to the soft beat coming from your speaker.
"I like this."
"My music?"
He nodded.
"Do you have music where you're from?"
"Yes, but it doesn't sound like this. This is different."

You watched as the very attractive merman looked off at the horizon, the sea breeze blowing his damp hair that was looking fluffier as it dried.
"I'm Y/n, by the way." You mentioned softly, hoping to help him feel more comfortable by introducing yourself.
He turned to you, blinking a few times before a gentle smile spread onto his pink lips.
"I'm Yunho."
"Nice to meet you Yunho."
He flashed you a brilliant, beaming grin, seeming happy to have made a new friend. Not only that, but he liked the way it sounded when you said his name.
"Do you come here every day?" You asked.
He shook his head. "Not always, just when I have time and am able to get away."
Your gaze drifted to the ocean, momentarily watching the cresting waves.
"What's it like down there?" You inquired curiously, referring to his home.
"It's beautiful."
"Does everyone dress like you?"
"Mhm." He nodded. "You dress very..." He trailed off.
"Casual?" You tried to help him out.
"Plain."
"Oh." You deadpanned.
"I don't mean it in a bad way." He frantically tried to explain himself, waving his hands in a rushed manner. "You just don't have any jewelry on."
"Ah." You started to laugh. "Humans don't usually wear jewelry on a daily basis. Well, some do." You explained. "Jewelry is more for special occasions or outings."
"Ohh. What would a special occasion be?"
"Well, like on a date, to a fancy restaurant, to a party, a concert, going shopping." You listed.
"We have parties." He piped up.
"Parties?" Your posture straightened. "Are they fun?"
"Yes!" He nodded enthusiastically. "My friend Mingi can do really cool tricks with bubbles. It's lots of fun to watch."
He seemed so happy to be talking about his friend, his eyes glimmering with enthusiasm, so you decided to ask him more questions pertaining to the subject.
"Is Mingi your only friend?"
"No. There's also Hongjoong, Seonghwa, San, Wooyoung, Yeosang, and Jongho."
"They're all close friends of yours?"
"Mhm." He hummed. "I consider them my brothers."
"Sounds like you guys have a good relationship."
"We do." He smiled warmly. "Hey, maybe you could meet them!" He piped up excitedly.
"Meet them?" You parroted.
He nodded eagerly. "I'd love to introduce them to my new friend!"
My new friend. That was too cute.
"When?
"How about tomorrow? Same time as today?"
You took a quick peek at your phone to check the time, noticing Yunho give a confused look at the device, but he didn't say anything.
"Okay. Tomorrow." You smiled.
"Yay!" He grinned adorably. "I need to go, but I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
You nodded in affirmation.
He gave you a tiny smile and a small wave as he dove into the water, his peach-colored tail briefly splashing above the water before it disappeared under the surface. You bit your lip to try and keep the huge grin from spreading across your face but it didn't work. You grinned like an idiot while packing up your things and heading home with thoughts of Yunho swirling around in your mind.