"And this is my room," I said to Mero, pointing to the door as we walked by. "Though there's nothing in there that you need to see."

"I can't help but be intrigued," she said with a mischievous smile, looking up at me.

Ughhhhhhhhhhh.

Dinner had been surprisingly uneventful. Kurusu and Centorea were curious to hear how my first counseling session had gone, so I shared my initial impressions of Mandroot. Papi and Suu were too busy devouring their meals (though I noticed Papi slipping some unwanted vegetables to Suu) to pay attention. At the same time, Miia seemed pleasantly relaxed, likely because the latest addition to our group was not targeting her beloved Darling.

I was not naive enough to comprehend that I had become the focus of our local tragedy enthusiast.

It was not difficult to piece together the situation, given Mero's not-so-subtle glances in my direction during dinner. As a traveler from another dimension with no foreseeable way to return home, I presented a rather pitiful sight. But that despair was multiplied by the prospect of leaving behind my pinkette mermaid girlfriend if I ever did find a way back home, and well--

Ughhhhhhhhhhh.

After dinner, I kept my promise and began to show Mero around the house.

"There's nothing worthwhile in there," I reassured her, "It wouldn't be worth your time."

She looked like she genuinely meant it when she said, "Aki, I wouldn't call the place where you lay your weary head to rest uninteresting."

I hadn't missed second-guessing the meaning behind every word a girl said.

"Alright, alright," I reluctantly agreed, "but don't say I didn't give you a heads up."

As I rolled her wheelchair into my room, I was relieved that nothing had changed during the renovations. Mero seemed delighted by the sight of it, though I was unsure why; it was just an average bedroom, albeit a bit larger than most. I hadn't had a chance to decorate it yet, and the only furniture I had was the small bookcase filled with the few CEB books that Smith had given me. I knew I'd have to double-check later, just in case, but it wasn't like I had anything to hide in there anyway.

"Welcome to my humble abode, where I lay my head to rest," I exclaimed, gesturing grandly. "Though it may be small, it is my home."

"So this what a dimensional traveler's room looks like...." Mero wondered.

"Or like any other guy's room," I corrected her and sat on my bed. "It's a bit sparse, unfortunately, but I haven't had much time to spruce it up lately."

"I can understand how difficult your situation must be," she said sympathetically, making her way to my bookcase with some effort. "It must be overwhelming for you right now."

I grunted in response as I checked my phone for Zombina's latest text. A smirk tugged at my lips when I read it - "Lol, getting hit on by a merhottie, life must be hell for you." I couldn't help but stifle a snort.

Mero tilted her head to the side, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as one of her pink curls cascaded down her slim shoulder. "Hm?" she asked, her tone light and amused. "Did I say something funny?"

"Oh no, sorry, I just remembered something funny," I said hastily, putting away my phone. "Regardless, I haven't felt too down about my situation for quite some time now."

"Is that so?" She moved away from the bookshelf and spun around to face the bed. "may I join you on the bed? I want to sit with you if you don't mind."

Hrm.

"... Yeah, that's fine. But don't rest on your laurels; there's still more of the house I have to show you."

Mero's face lit up with a smile as she enthusiastically replied, "But of course!"

I swiftly scooped her up and placed her on the bed, wary of any unexpected action she might take. I then took a seat and kept myself at a safe distance. "It can get a bit chaotic here occasionally, but I'm glad to say I'm gradually getting used to this place. There were certain inconveniences when I arrived, but I think I overcame them."

"Inconveniences?" Mero pressed, never looking away from me.

"I raised my voice to the girls during the full moon," I said, not meeting her gaze. "Things that had happened earlier had them on edge, and they almost attacked me when they got too wild. So, I had to tell them I wasn't okay with it." I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. "I felt a bit guilty afterward, but it must be said."

"And what did you say to them?"

"I'm not sure what it was, but I spoke from my heart," I said, furrowing my brows as I struggled to recall, "Whatever it was, it had a positive outcome. We all worked together to control our emotions, and I feel like I've gotten closer to everyone, especially Papi, as you can probably tell."

"I noticed!" Mero giggled. "She seems very attached to you."

"Yeah, more than I expected." I laughed nervously. "And then Suu came along. I think she imprinted on me, or whatever you call it for slimes, but she's a real sweetheart when she isn't accidentally drowning someone. So, honestly, it's not that bad here."

Mainly since I worked my ass off curbing most of their bad habits.

"But don't you miss your home at all?" Mero asked, inching closer.

"Of course I do," I answered, inching away. "But rather than wallow in my current predicament, I'd prefer to take proactive steps to improve my situation."

Like keeping the girls happy and Kurusu safe from the brunt of harem bullshit, among other things, of course, such as my counselor gig

Despite her attractive features, illuminated by the soft light, her expression was worried and concerned. "If you could go home, wouldn't you take it?"

"Yes," I replied quickly, my fingers gripping the sheets tightly. "But I'm trying to put that out of my mind. I'd rather not dwell on it."

Mero's enthusiasm was palpable as she moved closer to me. Her question, "Why not?" hung in the air, causing me to pause.

I averted my gaze as I told her, "Because I don't want to." I hesitated to tell her the truth, especially as we had just met. I could feel her face close to mine, and my heart raced. Taking a deep breath, I looked back at her and asked, "Mero, since you have been asking me such personal questions, would you mind if I asked you a few of my own?"

"Why of course!" she cheerfully replied, bouncing where she sat. Please stop doing that. "I apologize if my questions caused any offense."

The worst part was that I knew she wasn't trying to be intentionally cruel and hurtful, even when she apologized. She truly sympathized with my situation and wished the best for me. But that only made it worse since I also knew that the only reason she was talking to me was because she was fascinated by my misfortune.

That upset me for several reasons, safe to say.

"I'm aware of your people's strange affinity for tragedy, particularly in the context of romance," I said, carefully choosing my words. "Could this be a factor in why you're so interested in me?"

Mero smiled unashamedly and answered, "Yes, it does!" her expression softened as she gently added, "If it's not too forward of me, I would like to get to know you better so that I can be there for you in any way that I can."

I understand it now. Out of some distorted idea of kindness and an inclination to fulfill your need for tragedy, I got it. I wanted to reprimand Mero and set her straight just as I had with the other during the full moon, more than anything, yet the words stuck in my throat. Perhaps it was because I was undeniably drawn to her unconsciously. It might have been because I hadn't just come close to death this time. Maybe I was just exhausted after handling both Mandroot and Mero today. Damn, if only I knew what it was.

All I knew was that I had no idea what I was doing.

"I appreciate the sentiment," I told her, my gaze fixed on the wall opposite me. "But I've done just fine on my own. I've found a purpose here, nothing as grand as saving someone or anything, but it's enough for me."

"But being Papi's big brother, teaching Suu, providing Miia with advice, debating with Centorea, assisting Kurusu with chores around the house, and being a liminal counselor...these small acts of kindness are what keep me going. I don't need someone to profess their unwavering love and support for me constantly; I need a friend."

I looked her in the sapphire eyes, finally giving her a smile I truly felt. "Can you do that for me, Mero?"

All I got was a gasp before she quickly turned away.

Hmm, maybe that was a little embarrassing to say in hindsight.

"Uh, Mero? I didn't mean to--"

No, no, it's okay!" she said quickly, waving a webbed hand to dismiss my worries. Her cheeks turned a faint pink as she cleared her throat and looked back at me. "I-I can do that, Aki," she said softly.

"Fantastic!" I exclaimed, getting up from my seat. "Now that we've chatted let's move on with the rest of the tour!"

To be continued!