#tidaldiaries

[tidaldiariessimblr]

🏝️Time on Island: Day 45

AN: Longer Chapters Ahead Folks!

I can't believe I'm losing to a fish.

Out of sheer boredom, I taught Ioannis how to play Rock, Paper, Scissors, and I’ve lost the last four rounds. What the hell? Flopping back, I threw my hands up in defeat.

“I give up. You’re good at everything,” I groaned, letting my head sink into the soft sand.

Ioannis laughed, a deep, melodic sound that stirred something in my chest. He tucked his tail beneath him and leaned down to meet my gaze.

“Oh, is that so?”

Giving him the rudest side-eye I could muster, I sighed dramatically.

“I’m BORED.”

“Surely, there must be something else we can do to entertain you?” he asked, a teasing glint in his eye.

I rolled onto my stomach, propping my chin in my hands as I gazed out at the endless expanse of ocean. “I miss my phone,” I muttered, the mere thought of it making me feel even more restless. It had remained in my jean pocket while the ship went down, but it was broken and completely waterlogged—totally unusable.

His brows furrowed as if he was conflicted.

“I could…” he started, his voice trailing off as he seemed to contemplate something.

I glanced at him, curiosity piqued. “You could what?”

“I could grant you the ability to breathe underwater.”

“Wait—what? You can do that?” I sat up, shocked.

“Temporarily,” he clarified, his tone serious.

“Can we do it now?”

“Of course,” he said, although the playful spark in his eyes dimmed slightly. “But you must understand one thing: you have to remain near me. The ocean can be…unpredictable.”

I nodded eagerly. “Okay.”

He took another deep breath, his features suddenly taut with concentration. I could sense he was stalling again, and it only deepened the knot of anticipation twisting in my stomach.

“So how do you—” I started, but he interrupted me.

“As I have mentioned, it is only temporary, but I will need to provide you with breath.” His tone was matter-of-fact, and he paused, as if giving me a moment to fully grasp the implications of what he was saying.

Huh?

He had to give me breath?

He had to give… me… breath.

My mind screeched to a halt.

OH.

He had to give me breath.

So, his mouth and my mouth…

“Oh,” I stuttered, suddenly feeling a rush of heat spreading across my cheeks. “You— you have to put your—”

“Indeed,” he replied, his brows raising slightly as he regarded me patiently.

I nodded in agreement and despite my heart pounding in my chest I trailed behind him as we ventured into the water.

When he turned and moved closer to me to…transfer air, I silently prayed he couldn’t see how flustered I truly was. His fingers brushed against my cheek, and he pulled back for a moment, hesitation flickering in his eyes. Would he really go through with this?

Then, in an instant, his cool, wet hands cradled my face. Until this moment, our encounters had been marked by fleeting brushes of the hand or my leg against his tail while swimming but never something so overt. His steady gaze bore into mine, electrifying and intense, leaving me breathless and questioning everything I felt.

“Just concentrate on me,” he said, his voice calm.

Okay,” I said weakly.

“Hold your breath.” 

And then, he pulled me under. 

The water embraced us, cool and refreshing, and before I could think, he was drawing me toward him, sealing his lips over mine. 

The moment our lips touched, a rush of air bubbles filled my lungs—both strange and exhilarating. It was as if I was sharing a part of him; his breath mingled with mine, seamlessly intertwining our worlds in that brief moment.

It’s not a kiss. It’s not a kiss. It’s not a kiss.

He pulled away and I opened my eyes to find his gaze fixed on me.

“Breathe,” he urged, his voice ringing clear in the water like a bell.

I took a deep breath—and though it was water, it felt as effortless as air.

“Well?” Ioannis asked, his tone almost bashful.

My grin couldn’t be contained, joy bubbling up within me. “It feels… amazing! I can breathe!”

I saw the corners of his mouth twitch into a smile, his eyes sparkling with that mischievous glimmer that promised adventure beneath the waves.

To Be Continued...

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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[coaless]

"TidalCycles - Pattern 0058" by sumisonic

[sumisonic]

TidalCycles - Pattern 0043

Made with TidalCycles.

https://github.com/sumisonic/TidalDiary/blob/master/pattern_0043.tidal

do let whenmod' n s e = when ( (\c -> (c >= s) && (c < e)).(`mod` n) ) d1 $ stack [ stut 2 0.75 1 $ sound "ab:2" # speed 0.25 # coarse 2 # cutoff (slow 8 $ scale 300 1200 sine1) # resonance 0.1 # hcutoff 100, sound "ab:8/2" # speed 0.8, whenmod' 16 0 8 (# gain 0) $ sound "ab:7(3,6,7)" # coarse 2 # speed 0.9 # gain 0.9, every' 8 7 (0.5 <~) $ off 1 ((# up (-18)).(|*| gain (slow 12 envL))) $ sound "ade:3/2" # up (-16) |*| speed (-1) # cutoff 1200 # resonance 0.1 # hcutoff 200 # gain 0.8, sound "ade:9" # gain 0.8, whenmod' 12 0 6 (# gain 0) $ sound "glitch:5(1,8,2)" # gain 0.9, stack [ stut 4 0.8 0.25 $ gain "1*4" # sound "techno" # coarse "<2 4 6 8>" # speed 0.7 # shape 0.9 |*| gain 0.6, sound "jungbass:1(<3 2>,8)" # gain 0.9 ] |*| gain (slow 16 envL) ] # room 0.9 # size 0.9 # delay 1 # delaytime (slow 8 $ scale 0.25 0.33 tri1) # delayfeedback 0.7 # orbit 1 |*| gain 0.9 d2 $ stack [ slow 2 $ sound "[ifdrums, 909](<2 3>,8)" # speed 0.8 # cutoff 200 # resonance 0.1 # gain 0.9 ]

[tidaldiariessimblr]

🏝️Time on Island: Day 43

“Io! Are you there?”

After a lengthy pause, he peeked around a rock, his expression reflecting a mix of apprehension and the sheepishness of someone caught red-handed. The sight made me burst into laughter.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟

“Thank you for the fruit, and the fish… and this weird seashell. You always find the strangest things,” I said, half-laughing as I held up the smooth, iridescent shell that had caught my attention. Its colors shimmered in the rising sun, reflecting hues I had never seen before.

A hint of a smile tugged at his lips, but there was no warmth in it. “You have become quite a capable little human on your own” he remarked, the words laced with something I couldn't place.

“Still couldn’t catch a fish though” I murmured.

Ioannis floated at a distance but no longer hid behind the rock. I suspected it was more than him respecting my space. In the stillness that followed, a wave of regret washed over me.

“I shouldn’t have called you a monster,” I said, my voice softer now. “I was angry and scared…”

He met my gaze, his expression unreadable. “My kind inspire fear for a reason,” he replied, the weight of his truth hanging between us. There was no malice in his voice, only acknowledgment of the nature of his being.

I settled into the soft sand beside my gifts, searching for kinder yet truthful words to express myself.

“I think in my fear, I minimized you to just one part of yourself, and I’m sorry for that.”

He tilted his head slightly. “It is understandable, and you owe me no apology. I am not like you, and harbor instincts that can be frightful to your kind.”

“I get that,” I responded, still searching for the right words. “But I can’t ignore that you…you saved me.”

He looked away, the shadows in his eyes deepening. “Perhaps I saved you for selfish reasons, to possess what I find intriguing. Doesn’t that make me a monster in a different sense?”

“I’m not sure what it means, truthfully, but I don’t think you’re a monster,” I shrugged. “You could’ve left me to fend for myself. You didn’t have to stick around and keep me company. Honestly, if you hadn’t been here with me, I might not even be alive anymore…”

“Maybe I should have—” he began quietly, unable to meet my gaze, trailing off.

“Let me drown?” I asked.

His gaze snapped to me, very clearly offended. “Do you think so little of me?”

“Not at all, but you seem regretful,” I replied.

“Little human,” he murmured. “I cannot ignore this instinct to protect you, and I am troubled by it. Your presence has become… important to me,” he confessed softly.

Another moment of silence passed, and I could see his struggle.

“You make it so easy to forget what I am.”

“Well, you kept your promise so far,” I said softly, my heart racing as I met his gaze. “So, you must care a little?”

A long pause filled the space between us, fraught with unspoken emotions. Just as I felt the moment stretch too long, he drew closer, the gentle warmth of his voice shocked me.

“I do not wish to be a monster, Imogen. Not to you.”

And this time, I truly believed him.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 41

The rain drummed steadily against the fronds overhead, creating a calming rhythm that reverberated through my makeshift shelter. I nestled deeper into my cocoon of drenched leaves, savoring the warmth they offered. It wasn't cold but I would have liked the tattered blanket I'd left behind in the grotto.

Today wasn’t meant for exploring or fishing; it felt like one of those rare days meant for simply existing—to just listen to the waves and wait for the sun to reappear.

I may or may not have been wondering what Io might be doing in this downpour...

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 38

“What happens when you decide I’m your next meal?”

I find myself reliving the argument that erupted between us. I can still hear my voice, raw with anger and fear. His reply echoes in my mind, but it’s laced with a deep sadness that breaks my heart.

“I could not.”

I had challenged him, questioning how he could be both my protector and a predator.

“You’re a monster!” I shouted.

Now, I find myself alone beneath the vast sky, my tears cascading down, each drop a mix of regret and shame. I can still see the look on his face—how his eyes dulled with hurt, and his usually strong features sagged under the weight of my words. The struggle of a creature caught between instinct and attachment.

The sight had unnerved me so deeply that the only thing I could do was to run.

My specialty, I thought sarcastically.

Still...no matter how I feel about Io, fear always creeps back in like a shadow, reminding me of his potential for violence. I'm trapped in this tug-of-war—wanting to call out for him yet wanting to pull away from his animal instincts.

But… was I wrong to think he could turn that way toward me without a second thought? I honestly didn’t know anymore.

Regardless, the uncertainty looms all around. I have no idea how long rescue will take, or truthfully if anyone is even on their way...

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 45

Without a tail like Io, swimming this deep in the ocean was not as easy as I thought—not at all. My lack of grace caught his attention; I saw him roll his eyes with amusement before he effortlessly swam over and pulled me close. Despite my swimming skills, keeping pace with him required an entirely different level of ability.

I wrapped my arms and legs around his waist, clinging tightly as he accelerated toward the ocean floor.

As we glided through a vibrant kelp forest, schools of fish in every color fluttered and danced around us. They peeked through the tangled green stalks, seemingly aware of Ioannis's presence and curious about his unusual passenger.

"What does my little human think of my world so far?"

In that moment, he readjusted my legs higher around his waist, and the mere touch of his hands on my thighs sent fire to my…ahem…lady parts.

Get it together, Imogen. I thought. Have some control.

“It’s incredible,” I breathed, utterly captivated. “Absolutely beautiful”

"Yes, I think so too," he replied, but instead of looking ahead, he turned his gaze to me, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

A smug satisfaction flickered across his face at my reaction, heightening my embarrassment and leaving me acutely aware of how close we were pressed to one another.

As he brought us closer to the ocean floor, I instinctively pushed off from his solid form, breaking the contact between us.

“I want to explore!” I declared.

“Do not stray too far, little human,” he cautioned, his tone firm yet encouraging, a reminder of the boundaries he had set.

With that, I began to swim toward the coral formations that dotted the ocean floor, feeling an exhilarating rush of freedom. I couldn’t resist the urge to touch the vivid ocean plant life, its textures both rough and smooth under my fingertips. Fish darted around me, transforming the scene into a busy underwater city teeming with activity. Schools of angelfish moved elegantly through the depths, while a few seahorses cruised by calmly. Tiny minnows flitted about like shimmering sparks, weaving in and out of the coral formations.

Io lingered nearby, watching me explore, a soft smile never leaving his lips.

They're much softer than I expected. I mused, thus shocking even myself.

The way he existed within the water was a reminder of his connection to this place; every part of him had been crafted for life beneath the waves. His confidence was evident in the ease with which he navigated. It was clear he belonged here, enhancing its beauty with his very presence.

Curious fish began to swim closer, drawn in by the strange little human among them. Some even lingered around him, playfully darting in front of his face and weaving between his arms.

Io, however, wasn’t having it. With a flick of his hand, he shooed them away, a shift in his demeanor reminding me of where he stood in this underwater hierarchy.

“I see you’re quite popular down here. Now I understand why you like it so much,” I laughed, glancing back at him as I watched the schools of fish play peek-a-boo beneath his tail.

“They do not concern themselves with my well-being,” he replied dryly, but a hint of a smile touched his lips. “Only with their own.”

I found myself chuckling, wrapped in the magic of the moment. Diving deeper, I reached out to touch the delicate anemones, their colors more vivid than I could have imagined of a place where the sun barely reaches.

“You swim well when you are not trying to keep up with me,” Ioannis called, his voice leisurely flowing through the water. He was clearly enjoying himself, gliding smoothly around me as I twirled and swam amongst the coral.

“Who says I can’t keep up?” I shot back cheekily, kicking myself away with even more force.

“Imogen! Not too far!” he cautioned.

I dove beneath a rocky formation, pushing the boundaries just a little. I trusted he was nearby but when I turned around, he was gone. Momentary panic surged through me as I spun, scanning the area until I caught a glimpse of his tail peeking through the tall kelp.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming back!” I called out, relieved.

I heard his laughter echo in the water. As he swam above me, he flashed a playful grin and extended his hand toward me, an inviting gesture that felt both reassuring and thrilling.

I reached out to take his hand as he offered it, our fingers threading together in a gentle, intimate embrace.

To Be Continued...

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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[tidaldiariessimblr]

🏝️Time on Island: Day 43

Uggghhhhh, I barely slept at all last night.

Between dreams of being back home and the haunting image of the dolphin and Io, the emotional turmoil only solidified just how conflicted I still felt. But I refused to go back on the promise I made to myself. If I wanted Io to be accountable, then I had to take responsibility for my own cruel words.

The reality was that he wasn't human, and I didn’t belong to this world. I had no right to judge it so superficially. Everything was far more complex than I had initially understood, and I realized I knew so little about his kind beyond what he had shared with me.

Still...it was a rough night.

I rubbed my face and fought to keep my hair out of my eyes. What I wouldn't give for a hair tie right now.

Out of the corner of my eye, something glinted against the rising sun, catching my attention. A small pile of items rested there—things that hadn't been there last night and were definitely not part of my own gathered supplies.

My curiosity won.

To my surprise, it was fruit! A wild peach, a pear, and—

Then I noticed two small fish beside another particular seashell that reminded me of stained glass art. Immediately I understood that they hadn’t mysteriously appeared and that Ioannis brought them here.

Which meant he had known where I was all along.

It wasn't entirely shocking, given that this part of the ocean clearly fell under his watch. My heart did a little flip at the sound of a splash in the distance, and I instinctively felt that he was out there, watching me from beneath the waves.

I took a deep breath and sighed.

Now or never, I guess.

I still had no idea what I would say to him but thanking him for the fruit and fish seemed like a reasonable starting point. After all, I hadn’t been able to catch any during my self-imposed exile, and my stomach rumbled in response to the sight of the fish.

With whatever lingering courage I had, I turned toward the rocky formation jutting from the waves.

“Io! Are you there?”

After a lengthy pause, he peeked around a rock, his expression reflecting a mix of apprehension and the sheepishness of someone caught red-handed. The sight made me burst into laughter.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 42

Tomorrow.

I decided that tomorrow I would swim out and find Io. I didn't know what I was going to say to him but deep down I knew he wasn't entirely in the wrong...

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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[tidaldiariessimblr]

🏝️Time on Island: Day 42

The rain finally ceased, allowing me to emerge from my makeshift shelter and spend the day exploring the landscape in search of coconuts, bananas, and any other supplies I could find. Upon returning to my hideout, I was met with an astonishing sight: a sleek black horse was wandering along the shore, calmly chewing on fronds from the nearby foliage. There it was - a stunning contrast to the wild surroundings of the island. As soon as it caught sight of me, it took off on powerful legs, away into the dense greenery.

Still, it brought a smile to my face. This was an amazing creature I rarely saw while growing up in Bridgeport and encountering it up close made me realize that this hidden island had unusual ways of surprising me.

As I sorted through my gathered findings, I felt something akin to acceptance wash over me. Wasn't adventure exactly what I was looking for when I boarded the plane to Isla Escudo? And even when I set foot on that doomed ship to go scuba diving of all things!

Perhaps not in such a drastic way, but I was definitely fleeing from a life that felt mind-numbing and predictable, unintentionally heading toward something different—or perhaps someone…

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 40

I spent my days wandering small parts of the island - among the towering palm trees and colossal tropical plants, I knew I could easily get lost. The foliage here was unlike anything I'd ever encountered before — lush and vibrant, as if it was inviting me to uncover its hidden secrets.

Today I swam to the islet, but there was no sign of Ioannis. It left me feeling a strange mix of sadness and relief.

As I explored, I spotted a bunch of bright orange carrots washed up on the shore and quickly grabbed them, savoring the crunchy, earthy taste.

From the corner of my eye, I saw a tiny blue bird landed, watching me curiously without any fear. In a fleeting thought, I wondered if Ioannis had ever encountered a bird this close.

Taking a moment to breathe in the beauty of my surroundings, I felt the weight of solitude settle around me. I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer I could navigate this fragile balance between independence and survival, with thoughts of Ioannis flickering at the edges of my mind.

What would my family think of my fixation over this supposedly mythical creature? Would they see it as an understandable distraction from isolation, or would they recognize that this connection revealed something about myself that I was too scared to process?

Every second spent with Io felt like something more than simple companionship. I couldn't deny I was attracted to him, but I was also terrified of what that meant for me finding my way off this island.

I reflected on the small victories of the past few days—the fish I had caught, the shelter I had built. Each moment spent on this island highlighted how far I had come since I first washed ashore, feeling utterly helpless.

Forty days. It had been forty days since the crash, since I had nearly drowned, and Io had given me a second chance at life. Though it was a life far removed from what I had imagined, I still clung to hope.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 39

I found an onion!

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 37

I can't believe how many mosquitoes were swarming around the crash site!!! It was unbearable—I only lasted a single day before I had to leave.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 36

AN: Longer Chapter Ahead Folks!

The morning sun filtered through the cascade of ivy, dappling the ground with patches of light, but I remained hidden in the shadows of the grotto. The previous night’s horror clung to me like a heavy fog.

I could hear Ioannis outside, his usual melodic hum replaced by a consistent splashing sound as if he was darting about restlessly. I could almost sense the energy of unease radiating from him as he waited for me to emerge. Our routine had been so fixed— I had let my guard down and forgotten who he is…what he is. The thought of facing him felt impossible.

“Where are you, little human?” he called, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern. Why do you hide?”

I stayed quiet, hoping he would swim off, but the familiar yet strange pull of his song resuming told me he was committed.

“Go away.”

“I shall not.”

“Leave me alone.”

“I am not sure what troubles my little human but—"

I stepped forward, unable to contain the turmoil within me. “I watched you kill that dolphin, Ioannis! You took its life without a second thought!”

His expression hardened, his brows furrowing. “It is my nature. I shall not apologize for that.”

“It was cold and calculated,” I shot back, anger surging through me. “How could you do that to something so innocent?”

"You accepted my song and my protection, but when I act according to my instincts to survive, you recoil,” he countered, frustration evident in his voice. “I am not human, Imogen. You accept my violence when you are in need of sustenance.”

“That’s NOT the same thing!”

“Is it not?” He sneered, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone.

“I didn’t ask to be here! I—”

He cut me off sharply, his voice slicing through the tension. “You think you can impose your ideals on me while you are marooned in my own world?”

“No, but I know what will happen when you get bored and decide I’m your next meal. Will you sing me to my death too?” I yelled.

He looked away angrily. “I could not.”

“WHY? You just said it’s in your nature!” I shouted, noting how his eyes blazed with fierce intensity.

“I have kept you safe. I have protected you from dangers you can’t even comprehend,” he said, his voice low and menacing.

“Safe? You are the danger! It’s only a matter of time before your instincts overpower your intentions!” My heart raced, caught in the crossfire of fear and anger.

“I have never harmed you,” he replied. “I have not held you captive here. I have honored my promise. You asked for help surviving, yet you demand that I go against what I am.”

“If that’s who you are, then I want nothing to do with you!” I spat. “You’re a monster.”

His face contorted in a mix of anguish and rage.

The silence rang loud, and I wished I could claim that the look in his eyes didn’t break my heart, but it pierced deep, and I could hardly bear to look at him. Before I could decipher what that meant for me and my feelings, I knew I had to escape this grotto and return to the crash site.

“I… I’m leaving.” I fought against the tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, desperate to hold them back.

“I will not keep you,” he said, his voice softer, and he dove deep into the waves.

Suddenly, I was alone. The tears spilled over, and I wiped at my face as I made my way to the water, determined to find my own way back to the mainland, leaving him—and the feelings that I could no longer deny—behind.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 35

M: This content may include mature themes. Please read responsibly 😗

I can't get the images from last night out of my mind.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟

I woke up in the middle of the night, stirred from sleep by the enchanting pull of a familiar song. It was gentle at first, like a lullaby—a sound I had unknowingly heard in my first few days here.  I slipped out of my makeshift bed and sleepily approached the music.

Hiding myself near the entrance of the grotto I caught sight of Io illuminated by the moonlight, submerged and lost in a mysterious reverie. His eyes were closed, and the sounds emanating from him were indescribable.

I realized he wasn’t alone. A sleek dolphin glided through the water, spellbound by his song. It leaped and clicked as though caught in a magical trance. I was captivated.

But then...something in his song changed, and before I could even blink, he struck.

The water erupted in chaotic currents as he launched his attack, swift and deadly. I could only watch in horror as he dragged the thrashing creature beneath the surface, blood dripping off his lips—a vivid reminder of his savagery.

I clapped a hand over my mouth, horrified by the brutality unfolding before me. It felt like I could barely breathe, the terror churning in my stomach.

The dolphin was clearly panicking, but Ioannis remained unfazed, his grip unyielding. As he pulled the creature deeper into the ocean's abyss, a streak of crimson lingered in the water, marking their descent.

I quickly concealed myself, unsure of how soon he would return to the surface.

Tears streamed down my face, warm and relentless. The familiar face I had come to know had morphed into something darker, more unrecognizable. The truth struck me forcefully; I had witnessed a raw, instinctual act of nature.

Was I merely another plaything for him? Even worse...a meal? The thought spiraled through my mind, intertwining with the vulnerability I felt. I had begun to trust someone capable of such...savagery.

I need to remember the reality of this place. It wasn't my home, and I had vowed to survive, to keep my emotions in check.

Stil...it felt as if I was being swept into another storm—and yet again, Ioannis was at the center of it.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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when u realize ur just a plot device...

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🏝️Time on Island: Day 31

“How about I ask you questions?"

“I suppose.”

“What happened to the other humans?” I asked cautiously, fully aware of his reluctance to talk about it, but desperate for answers.

“They drowned.” His words came out sharp and devoid of any emotion or further explanation.

I couldn’t help myself; I had to press further. “Did you drown them?”

“Will knowing the answer change their fate?” he replied tersely. “Humans are not meant to survive in these waters. It is remarkable that you have.”

I stared at him, the weight of his words pressing down on me. “That’s a grim way to put it,” I countered, instinctively crossing my arms. "And a bit arrogant."

He shifted his gaze back to the horizon, shadows deepening on his face. “I only speak the truth.”

A chill crept across me at his words. “But what about their lives? Their families?”

“They are not my concern,” he said flatly.

“So because they weren’t part of your life, they don’t matter? What about the people left behind? They must’ve meant something to someone.”

“Perhaps.”

“How can we be so meaningless to you?”

His gaze snapped to me, a fierce light igniting in his eyes as if my words had struck a nerve. “There is nothing meaningless about you, little human.”

A warm flush spread through me at his unexpected defense, the air between us shifting. The intensity in Ioannis's eyes revealed more than just anger; it hinted at a something deeper. I felt an irresistible urge to continue.

“What do you mean—” I started, but he cut me off.

“I do not wish to discuss the deceased,” he replied, his voice laced with a biting edge.

Frustration bubbled up inside me, and I shot back, “I do not wish to discuss the deceased.” My voice dripping in sarcasm as I mocked him.

“I’m Ioannis, a big fishy jerk who never wants to answer questions and swims around like some sort of ocean god. Look at my beautiful blue eyes-”

“Beautiful?” he interrupted, an amused smile finally breaking through his stoic facade.

“Ugh, of course you’d focus on that,” I rolled my eyes, torn between annoyance and admiration.

I peeked at him from the corner of my eye, still frustrated by his dismissive response about the people lost before me, though I knew continuing to argue wouldn’t change my situation.

“You’re kind of mean,” I said.

“Do you think so?” he asked, genuine curiosity lacing his tone.

“No,” I replied reluctantly.

His laughter echoed softly, creating ripples in the tension that had enveloped us. The moment felt lighter now—and perhaps, for both of us, that was a good thing.

˚꩜🐚🌊🔱🫧꩜˚

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