The Sailor Song
Time: 8:30pm Where: Community Center Pool in Gwanak-gu
A pit of inky black stared back at Shinseok from his rear view mirror, the ebony lacquer catching the streetlights in a way that made the engravings appear as glowing embers. The mask always consumed his reflection; the tusks and teeth shining, eager for when he'd get his next proper meal and stain them crimson. Tonight it taunted him. He had indulged it, sated more than one urge with a mermaid. A hedonistic celebration to start the night off right. Only allowing himself a nibble as to not remain transformed for too long.
It was too early in their acquaintance to show Niamh that side of him. She had been patient enough with his antics and to potentially give her nightmares felt inconsiderate. He has assigned himself her guide to the splendor of Korea, convinced that her melancholy was from poor company that didn't know how to show her the best of where she was. It would be a stretch to consider that as part of his duties as Regional Director but that didn't stop him from taking pride in the role. She was in his domain and upset so it was only natural that he would correct that.
Which was why he refused to cancel their plans, despite the flashes of an abyss that haunted his vision every time he blinked. He recognized that something was trying to pull itself forward in his mind but he had enough practice pushing those urges away that it was a reflex at this point. Whatever it was would have to try harder.
Apparently she wasn't in the mood for movies either but the new activity was surprising to say the least. Alarming was more appropriate. And a different something tugged from his chest every time he read over her text. They hadn't known each other for that long but he knew this wasn't typical Niamh behaviour. There was always an effort of a brave front, a smile to mask the weight she pretended to ignore. The urge to be submerged growing strong enough that she committed B&E was strange, even for him.
He steeled himself as not to flinch from the ripples of light dancing across the ceiling snatching at his breath. Inhaling deeper, he reminded himself that his lungs were full of air. Not water. It was just a foolish trick of his mind. That mermaid buzz was hitting wrong, that’s all. The pungent chlorine helped keep him grounded as he wrestled down every instinct and approached the pool. "Niamh?" Shinseok scanned around, unaware that his eyes were yet to revert back to normal, the yellow on black sclera practically glowing in the dim light.
