It's been a week since Aalto started living with me. He's been a great help to me. But he follows me all day like a little puppy.
Last time I checked, he was a fish right? The first two days he slept in my room but later he became accustomed to the place. Aalto no longer sleeps in my room.
It really wasn't a bother for me to take care of him. I just have to accompany him to the ocean after I close my cafe. We decided to keep one or two day gaps in between. If we go there everyday people might notice us and suspect something.
I finished tidying up the place after closing the cafe. My body feels exhausted. Sadly I need to take Aalto for a swim. Isn't this like taking your dog for a walk?
" Come on Aalto, hurry up. I'm really tired today." I called for him while tapping my left foot vigorously. Jeez! He just needs to grab the towel. Why is it taking so long?
" Yeah, I'm done." He rushed towards me holding the bag. My eyebrows turned into a frown. I kinda wanted to yell at him but never mind.
After reaching the ocean, we went to the area which was occupied by the rocks and dead coral reefs. Aalto takes off his clothes, keeping them on the dry rocky surface, then went to the sea. I stay a little far away from where he keeps the clothes. Of course I have zero interest in seeing him undress. Although a peculiar thing bothers me.
I have seen his mermaid form in my bathtub. His lower body was hidden in the tub and his tail was sticking out from the bathtub. Those scales started to appear underneath his navel. So, I wonder how does his lower body looks like.
Is it like human?
Is it like the fish?
Do they have penis ?
Man, how do they even pee?
Ugh! I'm afraid that it won't a pleasant sight. So I stayed a far, gazing at him as he played with the ocean. It reminds me of the dolphins. Although no other creature can be compared to him. He's something extraordinarily, something out of the fairy tale. The scales of his body shined so amicably with the gentle moonlight. I loved watching him jumping out of the sea. It's like I'm inside a fantasy world.
He returns back after taking a nice swim. As usual his hair is dripping wet. In fact he didn't wipe his body that well. I get it that he loves water and lived inside the ocean since forever, but he will catch a cold if it continues.
" I told you to wrap the towel in your hair. It'll help it to soak the water quickly." Letting out a dusky sigh, I scolded him.
" It's will dry soon." He replied back with a smile. I rolled my eyes at his childish comment.
" Let's go home. I'll blow dry it."
Next morning we opened up our cafe in the usual time. I do feel that more people are coming to my cafe since Aalto started to work here. It's not odd to be curious about him. On the top of that he looks so breathtakingly handsome.
Even I'm having a hard time controlling my lewd mind.
It's almost time for us to close. I was in the kitchen, putting the biscuits inside the oven. Aalto was taking care of the customers. He has gotten used to the work so, I don't need to keep a watch on him always. As I was done with the biscuits I went to check on him.
" So how do you know her?" Wait a minute, I know this voice.
" I met her at college." Aalto said to the person. The voice of the other person is very familiar to me.
" College? Did you went to same university as us?"
" Yun Hee? When did you get here?" Being surprised by her sudden visit I spoke up with a puzzled look.
" Just now. By the way who's this new guy? Your boyfriend?" Yun Hee smirked at me with a chuckle. Ugh shit! She's gonna drag it further.
" Oh please! He's just my friend." I said in a cranky voice.
" Hmm? Really? I don't remember seeing him in our college days." The evil grin stayed on her face as she keeps on spouting nonsense.
" That's because he's not from our university."
" Why do I feel like you're hiding something?" She asked suspiciously.
" Don't be silly. I'm really busy, so bye."
" Damn girl! My heart feels so heavy now. You just ignored me for work and I ditched my work to meet you up. Nice job Hyeon." Grabbing onto my arm, Yun Hee nags me like a spoiled kid along with those crocodile tears. Sorry babe, I'm already annoyed. Therefore I'm not gonna waste my energy on you.
" Please stop being so dramatic. You came here because you probably broke up with your boyfriend and now you are gonna crash into my place tonight. Correct me if I'm wrong." I hissed at her vexingly, without raising my voice. There were few people in the cafe. So, I can't just shout at her.
" W-well uhh..... it's ... not that ..." Yun Hee lowers her head as she finds it hard to lie on my face. Haha! can't believe she's actually ashamed since it's been her habit. Anyway I got my answer after seeing her hesitating.
" I'm going now, there's so much work to do. Aalto let's go."
" Okay." He said and followed me.
" Hey! Let him stay. I wanna talk to him." Giving me an angry pout, Yun Hee said.
" No. He's gonna help me in the kitchen." I flatly declined and walked out from there.
" Did I say something I shouldn't have?" Aalto asked as we entered the kitchen. He looked worried. But I don't think he said something which can cause us any trouble.
" Relax!" I patted on his shoulder to cool him down, " You didn't said anything else to her?"
" No. She asked how I know you and I replied I met you at college."
" Then it should be fine. Actually Yun Hee and I went to the same university. We even stayed at the same apartment. That's why she's curious about you. Don't worry too much. It's not your fault. I'll handle it."
" Are you going to tell her about me?" His wary eyes were filled with tension.
" Nah, I'll think of an excuse."
" But you'll have to lie to your friend. Is that really okay?" With a jutting jaw he replied.
" Listen Aalto, sometimes we gotta lie to avoid more problems. It's not like I'm betraying her or hurting her."
" So lying is good?" He asked narrowing the eyes. His expression seems confused.
" I won't say that lying is good but it can be helpful at certain times. Just don't use it too much."
Lies are bad. That's what we teach everyone but a little lie can be your saviour at certain times. It's foolish to think that lying is good yet the obstinate heart nor the evil mind listens to us.
" Okay." Aalto said with his unblemished smile. He doesn't know the depth of my words. I guess he had a pretty decent life till now. That's why he is so innocent.
~ to be continued