𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓈𝑜𝓅𝒽𝒾𝓁𝑒 ✔︎

Jungkook had always felt a profound connection to the beach.

Every New Year’s holiday, he’d coax his parents to leave the city and spend time by the sea. The sound of waves crashing, the feel of sand beneath his feet—it all brought him a unique sense of peace.

The beach was a short walk from a quaint village where his parents owned a penthouse. As their only child, Jungkook was pampered and indulged, but his compassion often led him to confront unpleasant truths.

Even as a child, he was drawn to the water not only for its beauty but also to protect its inhabitants from the villagers who exploited sea creatures for profit.

Now 18, Jungkook was back at the beach during the New Year’s holiday, seeking solace by the shore. The moon cast a gentle glow over the water, and the rhythmic splashes of the waves accompanied his barefoot stroll. His thoughts wandered to the comfort of home—hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies—but he felt compelled to ensure that nothing in the sea was suffering.

As he scanned the beach, his heart sank when he spotted a starfish trapped in a net. He quickly retrieved his pocket knife and freed the creature, murmuring an apology despite knowing it wasn’t his fault. He placed the starfish back in the water with a reassuring, “Be safe, take care.“Continuing his walk, Jungkook’s gaze fell upon a figure partially buried in the sand. His breath caught in his throat as he realized it was a merman.

The merman’s ears were badly torn, likely from the net. Jungkook fought back tears, grappling with the cruelty inflicted upon such a beautiful being.

The merman’s deep blue eyes met Jungkook’s, and for a moment, they locked in a silent exchange. Jungkook looked away, feeling the weight of his helplessness. He approached cautiously, his heart aching as he began to cut away the net entangled around the merman. The creature hissed in pain but remained still, allowing Jungkook to work.

Jungkook’s hands trembled as he freed the merman from the net, his knife slicing through the ropes. He noticed the extensive injuries—torn scales, deep cuts—and wished he had more bandages. With only a few rolls, he wasn’t sure he had enough to treat the wounds.

The merman gestured towards the ocean, clearly signalling that the water might aid in healing. Though Jungkook was uncertain—he had read little about mermen and their healing methods—he decided to trust the merman’s instinct. Carefully, he lifted the merman and waded into the cold water, feeling the chill seep through his clothes.

Once they were deep enough, the merman slipped from Jungkook’s grasp and vanished beneath the waves. Jungkook was left standing alone, his heart pounding.

Suddenly, a shout interrupted the quiet night. “Hey! What did you do to my net?” Villagers were closing in, their anger palpable. Jungkook bolted towards his house, not daring to look back.As he slipped inside, relieved to find his parents asleep, he hoped to avoid confrontation. But the villagers had gathered outside, and their frustration was evident.“Jeon, come out now!” one villager called.

Mr. Jeon emerged, bewildered by the commotion. “What’s going on? Why are you all here?“His wife joined him, her concern clear. “They say Jungkook freed something from the net. I saw his knife near it and him in the sea.”

Mr Jeon realized he was powerless against the villagers’ wrath. The rules were strict, and no amount of money could change their minds.

Jungkook’s mother, tears streaming down her face, clung to him, pleading with her husband to intervene. But Mr. Jeon shook his head solemnly.

The mayor stepped forward, reinforcing the villagers’ anger. “Anyone who disrupts our work will face the consequences. It’s the rule—no one can break it.”

The villagers nodded in agreement, their anger unwavering. Jungkook stood there, his father’s warnings echoing in his mind. Despite his good intentions, his compassion had led him into a dire situation, and now he faced the harsh reality of the village’s unforgiving rules.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅