Once Agnes finished counting the thousands of pesos in her palms, she pulled out a small amount and tucked the rest of the modest stack back into a small box.
Several days had passed since she exchanged Islaw's pearl-tears for cash, and she had barely spent any of it because she was being extremely thrifty.
She wasn't sure if she could find another job, especially since her ex-boyfriend had told her that the Acosta family had intentionally blacklisted her from every employer in town. Furthermore, she never wanted to see the kind but mischievous Islaw cry again; his life was her priority.
She had to save. She was frugal with herself, but when it came to Islaw, she tried to provide whatever she thought would make him happy. Speaking of Islaw, they were currently heading to town to buy him things he needed, like new clothes and slippers.
She had noticed the other day that Islaw seemed to have trouble moving in his current clothes. The clothes borrowed from Cholo's father were far too big and loose. Islaw had accidentally de-robed himself so many times she had lost count. She decided to buy him his own things; after all, Islaw was the true owner of the money she held.
"Islaw, are you ready? We're leaving."
"L-l-leaving?" He tilted his head, frowning.
"Yes, leaving," she answered with hand gestures.
It had been a few days since he finally learned to form words. The very first word he uttered was her name. Since then, Islaw had become much more talkative. He spoke often, even if she sometimes couldn't understand what he was saying. She figured he was just practicing the words he overheard.
"Agnes, leaving. Leaving!"
"Yes, Islaw. I'm leaving, and you're coming with me."
"Agnes, l-leaving. Me, c-come along," he murmured softly, like a three-year-old repeating words he heard.
"That's right, Islaw. You need to learn how to speak." She smiled and patted his hair.
It was then she noticed how thick his hair had grown. It seemed they weren't just going to town for supplies; she probably needed to get him a haircut, too. She was certain the merman would look even handsomer with a groomed face.
"Let's go, Islaw." She took his broad palm in hers, and they stepped out of the house together.
They walked toward the vehicle stand. Finding a ride wasn't difficult since vehicles passed by frequently. Islaw gripped her hand tightly when the engine started; he seemed frightened by the driver's slightly fast pace. Despite the fear, Islaw was smiling—it seemed he was actually enjoying the ride.
"Thank you, sir. Here is the payment," she said, handing over a small amount of money once they reached their destination.
"Thank you, too."
The vehicle roared away. Agnes let go of Islaw's hand for a moment to put her wallet back in her sling bag, but Islaw immediately wrapped his arms around her, drawing stares from the people around them.
Embarrassed, she gently unwound his tight grip from her waist, took his arm discreetly, and hurried away from the spot. It wasn't that she was ashamed of Islaw; she just didn't want people thinking she was being scandalous with some stranger in public, especially since he was new to everyone's eyes.
This merman was just too clingy.
"Islaw, you shouldn't hug me like that when we're in public," she lectured once they reached a narrow alley near the market.
"F-for-bid-forbidden?" he asked with a pout.
Over the past few days, Islaw had been studying non-stop on how to talk like a real person, so he knew many words and continued to learn. What he still needed to fix was his delivery—how to speak according to his physical age. In her estimation, he looked over twenty-three, but he spoke like a three-year-old.
"Yes, Islaw. That's not allowed."
"W-why fo-forbi-bidden? Is it b-bad?"
"There's nothing wrong with hugging, Islaw. But people's perspective might be negative when they see it."
"Pershtib?"
"Not pershtib, it is perspective, Islaw."
"P-persh-pe-tib?" He repeated the word, making her sigh.
"Perspective. It means the way people see things."
"P-perspec-t-tive," he repeated softly.
"Yes."
"Islaw, I don't want you to do that again." she added.
"W-why?"
"It's embarrassing in front of people," she answered, scratching her head.
This merman was so persistent.
"E-emba-embalashing? You sh-shamed because of m-me?"
Agnes froze, speechless.
Islaw's once happy eyes suddenly grew dim. His nose began to redden, and his pout deepened—she knew exactly what that meant. Islaw was about to cry. Tears were already beginning to well up. Her mouth hung open; Agnes didn't know what to do. Panicking, she threw her arms around the young man who was on the verge of tears.
"I-Islaw, don't cry," she pleaded, full of worry.
"Y-you sh-shamed of me?" he asked, his voice cracking.
His phrasing was a bit messy, but she understood immediately. Islaw thought she was ashamed of him—that she was embarrassed to be seen with him. But that wasn't it at all. In fact, she felt safe and at peace whenever he was around. She wouldn't have brought him out or shown him to the world otherwise.
"Islaw, you've got it wrong."
"S-shamed because o-of me? Not p-proud of me?" His tears finally fell, instantly turning into pearls that clattered onto the ground.
The droplets of his tears turned into pearls and fell one by one where they stood, but she didn't focus on them. Her priority was to comfort the poor, innocent merman before he wasted any more tears. She had promised herself she wouldn't let him cry again.
"Islaw, look at me." Her palms gently cupped his smooth, full cheeks.
"Y-you asha-shamed, because I'm w-with you?" he sobbed.
No matter how hard Agnes tried to make Islaw face her, he refused. Islaw wouldn't look at her; he wouldn't meet her eyes. He struggled out of her grip and turned his back to her. She let out a heavy breath as he slumped into a corner and cried like a child. He was acting worse than a toddler having a tantrum.
"I'm sh-shamefu-ful to be w-with," he said, his voice hitching.
"Agnes?" She was about to approach Islaw when someone called her name.
It was one of the market vendors.
"Sir, y-yes?"
"Nothing, I just happened to see you. What are you doing there?"
"Nothing, sir. Please don't mind us."
"Alright." The man turned and walked away.
"Islaw, come on." She nudged the crying merman, but he just shrugged her off, clearly sulking.
"Come here."
Agnes grabbed one of his arms, which were wrapped around his knees, and tried to pull him up. The sensitive merman only wailed louder. Before he could waste another tear, she quickly kissed him on the forehead, making him stop instantly. His mouth stayed open, as if his crying had been cut short mid-sob.
"Stop now, my sulky Islaw," she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I'm so sorry, don't be mad anymore," she said tenderly, stroking his broad, sturdy back.
"Do you know that I'm proud of you?" She pulled back slightly to look at his handsome face.
Their eyes met.
"I'm not ashamed of you, Islaw. Why would I be ashamed of a man who risked his own safety just to be with me? Why would I be ashamed of a man who is always there for me? Why would I ever be ashamed of you, Islaw?"
"Y-you not s-shamed because of m-me? P-proud of m-me?" he asked with a hopeful smile. She nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, Islaw. So don't be upset anymore."
"I-I won't be u-upset," he said, making her smile.
Agnes let go of the handsome merman.
"Are we okay now?"
"Hmm." He nodded with a smile.
"Good. Come on, I'll buy you the clothes you want," she said, gently brushing his hair back.
"Co-co-clothes?"
"Yes, Islaw. I noticed you have a hard time moving because of what you're wearing. I'll buy you clothes that actually fit."
"Let's go." She took his hand again, quickly picking up the fallen pearls before continuing into the crowded market.
Inside the market was a flea market section.
"Pick out the clothes you like, Islaw," she said when they reached a stall.
"W-what do I p-pick, A-Agnes?" he whispered into her ear from behind.
She stood frozen as his warm breath hit her ear. She felt his soft lips brush against her. A strange tingle ran through her every time he spoke her name.
"J-just anything, Islaw. Take whatever you like."
"I t-take what I l-like?" he asked, his warm breath hitting her ear again.
"Y-yes, Islaw."
The merman didn't say another word. Agnes continued looking at shirts and shorts she thought would suit Islaw, but she was startled when he suddenly took her wrist. His hand slid down to her palm, and he intertwined their fingers. He was being so bold.
"Islaw, didn't I tell you to take what you like?"
"Y-you are what I l-like, Agnes. I-I like y-you," he answered, completely serious.
Her eyes widened. She hadn't expected Islaw to say something like that. Her heart suddenly began to pound faster and harder. She felt a sudden heat rush to her cheeks and ears out of sheer giddiness; her face was surely bright red by now.
Perhaps the words "I like you" weren't as strong as "I love you," but to her, it meant the world—especially coming from Islaw. Whether Agnes admitted it or not, she was falling completely for this tender merman. And it wasn't surprising; it was easy to love someone like him.
"Agnes, who is this? Your new boyfriend?" Agnes quickly distanced herself from Islaw when a woman her age suddenly appeared.
It was Lia, the most famous gossiper in the market.
"Oh, it's you, Lia." Agnes gave her a small smile.
Islaw remained standing at her side.
"Your new boyfriend is so handsome. Can you share?" Lia asked flirtatiously, staring intensely at Islaw.
Agnes glared at her.
"Geez, Agnes, look at that stare. I'm just joking."
Lia laughed and then stepped closer to Islaw. She raised a hand, making both Agnes and Islaw knit their brows. Islaw looked alarmed. Lia's finger reached out to pinch Islaw's cheek, but Islaw immediately flinched away. Like an angry cat ready to scratch. Islaw bristled, causing Lia to back off.
Good boy, Islaw.
"Wow, he's grumpy," Lia said, rolling her eyes as she turned back to Agnes. "Agnes, your boyfriend is handsome, but he seems mean."
"It's because of what you did, Lia. You shouldn't touch a person like that if you don't know them."
"Ugh, you too, so grumpy. You're probably just jealous. But in fairness, you two look good together."
They looked good together? T-thanks.
"Just stop it." Agnes looked away from Lia and stole a glance at Islaw, who was still frowning as he watched them.
"Stop pretending, you're obviously blushing."
"You're just making things up, Lia."
"Actually, the rumors are true—that you have another man now," Lia said, changing the subject, which made Agnes stop.
"What did you say?"
"Don't you know? It's all over town that you're seeing other men."
"What?" Agnes asked in disbelief. Since when was she seeing other men?
"Almost everyone in town knows something was going on between you and Erick—that rich, handsome guy. And then people stopped seeing you together, so they assume things aren't okay."
"Where did you even get the idea that I'm 'seeing other men?"
"That's what that handsome Erick told us," Lia replied, a detail that deeply affected Agnes.
That jerk!
"Agnes, why would you do that? You wasted a big fish and looked for someone who looks poor—even if he is handsome," Lia said, looking at Islaw dismissively.
"Lia, first of all, I take relationships seriously. I don't play around or cheat; I prioritize my work," Agnes said, annoyed.
"Second, that Erick is twisting what actually happened. He's the one who's a womanizer, a liar, and a flirtatious jerk!"
"And Lia, don't you dare judge the person I'm with. He's a hundred times better than Erick. Don't you ever judge Islaw." With eyes blazing, she grabbed Islaw's hand and pulled him close.
"O-okay, I'm leaving." A pale Lia hurried away.
"Agnes?" the merman whispered tenderly. She went back to looking for clothes for him.
"What is it, Islaw?"
"W-who is s-she?"
"That's Lia. A woman who loves to gossip."
"Go-gosh-goshif?"
"A gossiper, Islaw. A woman who talks too much and has nothing better to do than talk about other people's lives." she said irritated.
"Did s-she say... w-we look good toge-de-ther?" Islaw asked, making her stop.
Biting her lip, Agnes turned to him. She swallowed hard when her eyes met Islaw's. Her cheeks flushed again as she gazed at his innocent face. She was falling deeper and deeper for this merman. He was just too cute.
"Well, she said we matched."
"W-we are not... m-match," Islaw added with a shake of his head.
She felt a sudden pang of sadness at his words.
"You think we don't match, Islaw?"
"Yes, we are not m-match. Didn't you say you're a h-human and I'm a m-merman? A m-match is an object, r-right?" he asked, making her laugh softly.
Islaw must be referring to match, a tool of fire.
"You're right."
Islaw smiled, and they both continued what they were doing until they finished buying everything Islaw needed. Next, they visited an old barber. They ate briefly at a local eatery after Islaw got his haircut, and then they finally headed home.
Time moved too fast; it was already night.
"Islaw?" She turned slightly to Islaw, who was standing beside her.
They were currently standing outside the house, near the shore. Agnes couldn't sleep, and this merman was always watching over her. Wherever she went, he was there, so she decided to bring him outside to get some fresh air.
"Hmm?" He tilted his head as he looked at her.
"I don't want you to cry ever again." She looked him seriously in the eyes.
"W-why?" He spoke haltingly, indicating that he still isn't used to constructing words.
"Because crying is bad for you."
"B-bad?"
"Yes, Islaw. Crying doesn't do you any good. So don't cry anymore."
"Y-you worry... about m-me?" he asked with a pout, before breaking into a sweet smile.
"Very much, Islaw."
"I-I will cry a-always, s-so you worry about m-me." He giggled, so she playfully pinched his nose.
"Islaw, do you know it hurts me to see you cry? My heart beats so fast out of fear that it might be your last breath if you cry."
"Agnes."
"Islaw, the worry I feel for you is no joke. You have a big part of my heart now, so it hurts me and worries me deeply when I see you sad and crying." Emotionally, she took one of his hands and placed it against her chest, right over her heart.
"Please, Islaw. Listen to me."
"I-I won't cry a-anymore," he said in a soft, child-like tone.
"Good boy." She smiled and ruffled his hair.
Islaw looked even handsomer with his new haircut.
"Agnes?"
"What is it, Islaw?"
Agnes looked up at the handsome merman; he was quite tall. She was tall herself, but not compared to Islaw's height. Their eyes met, and once again, there were sparks between them, as if their eyes were speaking for them. After a moment, she noticed his face slowly moving closer to hers.
She knew what Islaw intended to do. She knew he was going to kiss her on the lips. She had told herself many times that there was nothing between her and this merman, but now she was taking those words back. She had accepted that he had a place in her heart. She had no intention of stopping him; instead, she was ready to welcome the kiss he would give.
Agnes closed her eyes.
"Islaw," she gasped his name.
She immediately snapped her eyes open when she felt his soft lips touch not her mouth, but her forehead. She stared at Islaw as his lips pulled away, and he stared back at her intently.
"Islaw."
"I l-like you, Agnes," he said, smiling sweetly.
"I like you too, Islaw," she answered without hesitation.
She knew it was wrong. She knew the situation she was entering was complicated because they were different beings. She's human and Islaw is a merman, but she didn't care anymore. It was hard to stop the feelings she had for this merman, and the love surrounding them both felt so good. She wouldn't stop her feelings for Islaw.
She wouldn't stop herself from loving him.