[ There comes that blush again!! ] It’s— [ Stalling…! ] Because I had a childhood friend with dark hair, that I, um, grew to admire.

[ She curls her fingers, coughing into her hand and clearing her throat. ] A-anyways! Thank you for shaking me out of that. I’d do the same for you. Although I doubt those mermen could handle you.

[ While it was admittedly nice to feel as if she was loved, it’s worse to know that it’s all a lie. Better overall, still, to know the truth. ]