Rain stood rooted on the ground. His hard eyes took in Lyre's tail which was no longer legs.
Lyre's eyes were wide, and his breath came out in large gasps.
"Ra— Rain!" Lyre hastily left the bath.
Immediately his tail touched the ground, it turned to legs.
"What are you?" Rain took a step back. His eyes were as wide as saucers, and the expression of shock on his face was comical.
"I'm a merman," Lyre forced a smile. His heart was beating miles a minute, and the look on his face showed the fear he felt.
"A merman?" Rain gasped.
"I—"
"Why didn't you tell me who you were?" Rain took a step back, to create more distance between them.
"I was afraid," Lyre lowered his face. "I thought—"
"You are not human?"
"No, I'm not."
Lyre felt downcast.
The expression on his face was too open. He felt heartbroken at the thought of what might happen between them.
"I—"
"Lyre!"
Clar's shouts startled them.
Instinctively, Rain left the bathroom and shut the door behind him.
