Haru, Sousuke and Rin were sat around the table together, a peaceful aura in the air. After their last encounter, Haru had suggested they have tea. Due to the fact it was a polite social gathering when meeting new people. She was quickly adapting to the new roles that humans had to abide by. But she had taken to the role of living as Rin's roommate very well. They both shared cooking and she could relax in the bathtub whenever she wanted.
She was able to enjoy all the fish and snacks she wanted, as well as being able to sleep next to Rin. What more could she ask for? She was spoiled by happiness, being able to be around her 24/7. She was forever grateful that Rin had taken her into her home, but she did wish that Rin could be home more often and tried to be understanding about her having to work.
Haru had bought cake for the occasion, due to the fact all three of them had a love of sweet things. Having wanted to get to know Sousuke a little better after their meeting, in hopes of understanding Rin better too. Though she found it a little strange with his habit to stare at people, she understood she was a kind soul. He was understandably protective of Rin as she was, given he was the only friend she had growing up.
Because of that, she could hopefully gain secret information on Rin that only he knew about. "Sousuke-kun, do you mind telling me what Rin was like as a teenager? Sadly, I only knew her during her innocent youth" Haru asked curiously. She had been missing from Rin's life for a long time and she hoped to make up for that now. She wanted to repair the bond that had been broken when she had to part ways with Rin. But she wanted to make up for that lost time and prove that her affections for Rin were still strong and true.
Rin choked on her tea, coughing and spluttering. Not exactly wanting to bring up the awkward moments of puberty. "Damn it Haru, nobody needs to hear about that embarrassing shit" she grumbled. She knew this was going to be awkward as hell and the memories that would be brought up would make her cringe. What person wanted their crush to hear about their angsty teenage years.
She had many memories she would rather forget about due to how awkward they had been. Hell, she wished she had gone about things better, but she had been young and stupid, so she had an excuse. She tended to try and forget about the past as much as possible and simply think about the future, it made things less complicated that way.
Sousuke chuckled in amusement, though she hated to admit it. Rin had a complex of wanting to look cool in order to impress people. Something that probably came from her childhood bullying and loneliness. But after learning about Haru and observing their relationship, she was probably attempting to look cool and impress Haru. But then what person didn't like to impress their crush in hopes of earning their affections.
"Even back then she was stubborn, it's hard to believe she was even more of a Tsundere back then compared to now" he teased. Forever trying to show off and prove how interesting she was. But she had her moments of being cool, always looking out for other kids and working hard at sports day. She was a helpful child and the teachers loved her, she was a good student.
She was a genuinely kind person as much as she hated to show how soft she was. She didn't have a bad bone in her body and was often misunderstood. She was simply bad at being honest about her feelings. However, other kids hadn't seen it this way and saw her as rude and antisocial, which more often than not left her lonely.
Haru's eyes lit up brightly upon hearing this, the Rin she remembered was young and clingy. A cry-baby and lovable, she had never seen Rin angry or yell when she was a kid. She had to know more. She wanted to make new memories with Rin and understand her past, hoping to know how she had become the way she was. Maybe then she could help heal the wounds in Rin's heart and prove her love.
"Please, tell me more" she begged eagerly. She had only known Rin for a short period of time but came to love her dearly. But she wanted to understand what kind of life Rin had experienced during their time apart. Had she been happy? Had she been safe and loved? Was she bullied as a teenager as well? She needed to know that Rin hadn't suffered at the hands of others after she left her behind. It had been bad enough to leave her with heartache.
Sousuke smiled, it was clear to see Haru loved Rin dearly. But it seemed Haru was more open about showing her emotions while Rin was obviously stubborn and lied about how she felt. They were polar opposites and yet so perfect for each other. They complimented each other so well and he could understand why they liked one another. Wishing he could meet someone as special as they were to each other.
Rin meanwhile frowned and sipped her tea silently, a look of annoyance on her face. The cringe of reflecting on her past actions all but embarrassing her. Knowing she would want to forget about this later on. Sometimes she wondered if Rin and Sousuke liked ganging up on her intentionally. Enjoying seeing her cry because of them. Well in Sousuke's case like an annoying big brother, but could Haru be a possible masochist? She couldn't help but wonder.
Sousuke hummed to himself as he made it up the stairs to the roof, having been asked to come up by Rin earlier on. Before he had gone to meet her a lot of his classmates had teased her about a possible confession. But it was nothing he wasn't used to; a lot of his classmates could be immature and couldn't comprehend that some teenagers of the opposite sex could get along without any romantic or sexual tension.
The two of them attended the same middle school as well as preschool so the two were very close. Acting like a brother and sister, messing about and joking around, rarely seen without one another. It was hard to have romantic feelings for someone you had known your whole life. They had grown up together and saw one another as family. But even without the romantic feelings they still cared greatly for one another.
After his shoulder injury, Rin had been seriously worried and pressured him into getting physical therapy. In return, Sousuke had chased off any kids or teenagers who picked on Rin about her stories of her mermaid friend. They looked out for one another like a brother and sister would. Simply wanting to take care of each other and help them find their own happiness.
Eventually he opened the roof door to see Rin leaning against the railing quietly. An aura of sadness coming from her. He hadn't seen her this unhappy since she was a child and the other kids were picking on her. He wondered what could be wrong and causing her so much sadness. Rin had always been a complicated girl, so it was hard to understand what she was thinking about. But it didn't take a genius to figure out she was upset.
Rin turned around to face him, a sad smile on her face. A look of nervousness, sadness and awkwardness filling the air. Though he was her best friend, she couldn't help but worry what he would think of her once she told him. These feelings she had kept bottled up inside, ever since she was a young girl. For years everyone had called Haru her imaginary friend, making her out to be a crazy freak. Never once giving her the benefit of the doubt.
"Hey Rin, you want to tell me what's going on? Your acting weird" he replied in a stern tone. She was usually more playful and confident, it was rare Rin was upset about anything, at least in a serious way. She was always a strong person and stood up for herself, but when someone misunderstood her or deeply hurt her. Then she tended to get into a sulky mood and cried alone so nobody could see how upset she was. Rarely showing this face to anyone she didn't trust.
Rin sighed heavily. It was now or never, digging into a past she had long since buried in her heart to protect herself. "Sousuke, do you remember me talking about a girl called Haru. The one from my childhood?" she asked calmly. Being her closest and only friend, Sousuke had been the only one whom she had spoken honestly to. Telling him how she met a mermaid as a child and fallen in love with her, as crazy as that sounded.
Sousuke hummed thoughtfully, running through his own internal memories. Though he had missed school a lot as a kid due to childhood sicknesses (having been prone to all sorts of bugs). He did recall Rin used to talk about a mermaid she had met at the beach one day. The other kids would talk about Rin sneaking off the beach to play with her imaginary friend. Calling her a freak and a wierdo, isolating her further from any possible friendship groups or social situations.
One with pretty blue eyes that shone in the light like blue jewels, with a shimmering tail to match her eyes. One whom had earned Rin's affections and trust, spending every hour with her by the seashore to play with. Even now she found herself occasionally walking to the beach in hopes of finding Haru there, but so far she had been disappointed still.
Rin's face then reddened profusely with embarrassment "I… I'm still waiting for her, Haruka. So, when she comes back I can tell her how I feel. If she never comes back well…. I'll have to move on" she replied shyly. She knew it sounded crazy, but she believed Haru would come back someday. That she would walk along the beachfront and find her there, open armed and waiting for her. Just like she had been all those years ago.
Sousuke blinked in surprise, before everything started to make sense. Cursing himself for being so dense and not catching on to what was happening. His eyes widening as he realized that Rin had just come out to him. Internally telling himself "About time damn it" to himself. Having known ever since they were kids that Rin was different. She had never looked at the other boys the same way their classmates had.
He then walked over to her and placed his hand atop her head and ruffled it in an affectionate way. "Your still Rin, regardless of who you love" he replied kindly. They had known each other since they were kids, why would he think any less of her. All he wanted was for Rin to be happy, and this mermaid friend of hers better not forget Rin either. Rin was the type of woman to take love seriously and he would not tolerate anyone, human or sea creature taking advantage of her feelings.
Rin stiffened, a wave of feelings hitting her all at once. Joy, relief, hope and love, knowing that her best friend understood her feelings. Her eyes began to well up slowly, small tears at first before her eyes became glassy with pools of tears. She then threw herself at Sousuke happily, sobbing on his chest like a baby. "Arigato Sousuke, Arigato" she replied tearfully. She had been so scared of what he would think. Wondering if he would call her crazy like everyone else had.
Now she just felt stupid for having ever doubted him. Sousuke had been her best friend for years and supported her along the way. Why would that change now all because of her sexuality? Sousuke was not like that and never had been, she felt like dick for having ever assumed he would push her away like others had in the past.
Sousuke smiled fondly and patted her head, feeling as though he was comforting a younger sister after a bad dream or sad experience. He then patted her head once more in an affectionate manner. "Stop being such a cry-baby huh? Haru's going to tease you too for crying so much" he chuckled. But if she really loved Haru as much as she did, that meant Haru had to care for Rin too. If she was willing to make such an important promise.
"And then when me and Rin came down to the classroom, everyone was stunned to learn Rin came out to me instead of a love confession" Sousuke replied casually. Truth be told, he had always seen Rin as a little sister, so it would have been awkward as hell for him if she did anyway. As much as he cared for Rin he just couldn't see her that way and vice versa. She was an amazing girl and he appreciate that. But any romantic feelings between them to him were impossible.
Haru smiled fondly, imagining Rin crying like that brought back memories of their time together during her childhood. "How sweet" she replied gently. It seems Rin really had been gay even back then. Her feelings for her being true and obviously her first romantic attachment even at such a young age. Though she was stunned that Rin had never found a human mate growing up, given how pretty she was.
Sousuke chuckled picking up his tea cup "It was the first time I'd ever seen Rin cry like that. But it wasn't the last time that's for sure" he teased. Rin had always been a tomboy ever since she was a kid. But she was also a highly emotional creature who followed her heart when it came to everything. Despite the doubts and ostracisation she had faced from others, she had followed her feelings. She had never given up on Haru and waited patiently for the day she would return to her from the sea.
Rin clicked her teeth crossly "Idiot, instead of reminiscing about my love life how about you get your own boyfriend or girlfriend already. Maybe then you can stop talking about my awkward coming out" she growled. It had been a very meaningful but mushy moment, though she was not ashamed of crying. She didn't like to admit to her crush that she was not only a crybaby but also a scaredy cat at times.
Haru blinked in surprise, a confused expression on her face. Not expecting what she had just heard, given how affectionate he was with Rin she simply expected him to be heterosexual. Not that she had a problem with that, but he had just never given it away. But in her defense, she hadn't really known him very long to be able to tell in terms of these things. She was still very new to the human world.
Sousuke saw her expression and rested his face on his hand "I'm bisexual. Back when me and Rin were in high school, I had a few girlfriends. However, in college I finally came out and dated a few men in college" he explained. He had never truly hidden it, he was just low key about it. Even when in high school he would check out men but had never figured out what that meant. But after a while he realized he had a love for both the male and female form.
Haru hummed, his protective and distant nature would be perfect for Makoto's soft and kind heart. Makoto was like her big brother and had known him since she was a small merchild. Makoto was one of the most sought out merfolk back home, however his affections did not lie with the female merfolk but the male. This caused a lot of drama back home due to his inability to reproduce amongst his own kind.
"You know, your exactly Makoto's type" she replied thoughtfully. He had always been a nurturing and kind soul but often neglected himself. But Sousuke was a natural protective type and would allow Makoto to become selfish. The two would compliment each other very well, though he would be awkward to admit it she didn't doubt Makoto would like him too.
Sousuke perked up, his eyes lighting up a little. Rin had fallen for a mermaid and Haru was indeed alluring. So what kind of person would her friend be? Were they a boy, a girl? He had to know more. "Continue" he asked casually leaning over the table a little. It seems having a friendship with a mermaid was paying off if she knew plenty of attractive partners for him deep below the sea.
Rin groaned heavily and leaned forward gripping her face in her hands. "What the hell is going on?" she groaned crossly. This went from a simple meeting with tea and cake, to embarrassing nostalgia to dating advice. Just why was this happening? Was it too much to ask for things to go smoothly for once?
"If they come visit, introduce us ok" Sousuke asked hopefully. This Makoto guy sounded fun, sweet, nurturing and caring; exactly his type. For whatever reason, he tended to like guys that had a maternal or romantic soul. For whatever reason no men or women on this earth had been able to allure him or keep his interest. But Haru's otherworldly nature had caught his attention almost immediately, maybe the same could be said for Makoto.
"Hai, given Makoto worries so much he'll drop by in the near future" Haru called back. She had a feeling that Makoto and Sousuke would get along very well. She felt it in her soul, that they were possibly meant to be. She had come to tell when people hid their feelings, which could be said about both Makoto and Rin. Sousuke was somewhat similar to her in that sense, so maybe he and Makoto were meant to be.
She had met Rin as a child and ended up being someone she could never forget about. Maybe Makoto was the dream boy that Sousuke had been waiting for his entire life. The person who made him feel whole. Makoto was a great cook and made many amazing dishes back home. Though he would need to adapt to the human world, she didn't doubt he would make a great house husband to Sousuke.
Rin watched Sousuke leave in silence. Though happy to see him again and glad to have reminisced despite how awkward it had been. Part of her still couldn't help but be annoyed somehow. Seeing them interact so intimately, almost as if they were a couple. Though she hated to admit it they did look good together. But Sousuke was not the type of guy to move in on someone else's territory.
Haru peered at Rin curiously and saw her annoyed expression. Was she still embarrassed about earlier? She had no idea that bringing up the past would leave her in such an unpleasant mood. "Rin?" she asked in a concerned tone. Was there something she could do to make her feel better? Though she hated to be away from Rin did she need some personal space? She understood if so.
Rin snapped out of her daze, blushing and sighing heavily. "Sorry, I was just thinking" she replied awkwardly. Haru had done nothing wrong here and had simply been polite and helpful towards Sousuke. She was just being stupid. She had never wanted Haru to see her show such an ugly face as it wasn't mature of her whatsoever.
Haru blinked, she then recalled the first time she met Sousuke and how Rin had acted. Now it made sense. Rin was jealous of how the two had been ignoring her and been very talkative. Though she did get along well with Sousuke, she did not feel romantic attachment to him. Her affections had always been loyal to Rin and she could love no other. She had promised to marry her after all.
She then wrapped her arms around Rin affectionately, burying her nose against her face. Gazing up at her with her big blue eyes "I love you Rin, only you. Always" she replied gently. Even though her kind could lay millions of eggs with another, she herself was a serial monogamist. She could never truly love someone without a romantic bond involved.
She had come to love the world of humans more because romance and love was taken more seriously here. Though it was common in her world too, nowadays arranged marriages were more common. She had held their promise dearly in her heart and her dream had always been to be by Rin's side forever, living with her by the sea.
Rin blushed, how was it Haru was so damn seductive? Were all merfolk this alluring? If so, that sounded very dangerous indeed. No wonder folklore had humans being killed because of them. She then sighed heavily "Come on, I don't want to waste that cake. Maybe if your good I'll take a bath with you too" she replied awkwardly. For some reason she felt like spoiling Haru a little.
Haru's eyes lit up once more, cake and a shared bath with Rin? Her prayers had been answered, having always hoped that Rin may join her instead of always bathing alone. She didn't know why but Rin was being unusually nice right now. But she was very happy that she was. As it didn't happen very often.
