The Mermen's Bride

"Hey!"

Troy jolted a step back when Gigi suddenly appeared in front of him. Looking to his left and right, his brows furrowed as he turned his attention back to her.

"Genevieve?" Surprise flickered across his face. "What are you doing here?"

"Bubbles and I grabbed some stuff from the dormitory." Her smile brightened. "I was on my way home when I saw you."

"Oh." Troy tilted his head slightly, visibly cautious. He had known Gigi for as long as he could remember, and if there was one thing he knew for sure—it was that this woman always brought trouble. Whenever she was around, nothing good ever happened.

"What do you want?" he asked, voice distant and guarded.

Feigning ignorance to his cold tone, Gigi's smile only grew. "My parents are hosting a small dinner party for what they're calling my 'second life.' So… I'll see you there?"

Troy furrowed his brows, assessing her from head to toe. Oddly enough, the usual condescending air around her was gone. In its place was something oddly... inviting.

"Hmm?" she tilted her head with a short hum, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Uh, no," he said plainly. "I'm not coming."

"But why?"

"Well, it's your family gathering."

Gigi blinked. "But aren't you family?"

"What?"

"Bubbles told me you and Aqua have been together since high school. You're practically family!" she said in a knowing tone, wagging a finger like she was giving a lecture. "Besides, you come and go from our home like it's yours. So, why wouldn't you be there?"

'Aqua said Gigi changed after losing her memory,' he thought. 'I didn't believe her. This is Gigi we're talking about. Who knows if she's pretending. But now…'

"Ahem." He cleared his throat, pushing away the thought. "That's not it. I'm just… not invited."

"Aqua didn't invite you?"

"No…" he trailed off as she suddenly frowned. It made him feel compelled to explain. "It's not that Aqua didn't want to. It's just—it's your party. It's not her place to invite guests."

"Oh…" Gigi nodded in understanding, then grinned. "Then I invite you!"

"Huh?"

"You said Aqua couldn't invite you because it's not her party, but it is mine. So, I'm inviting you."

Troy looked even more confused. "You… want me there?"

"Why not?" Her eyes sparkled with innocent enthusiasm. "Aqua is my cousin. I don't want her to be sad. Having you there would cheer her up, wouldn't it?"

"..." Once again, he studied her carefully. "Are you sure?"

"Yep!" Gigi giggled, keeping her distance as she reached out and tapped his shoulder with just her fingertips. "See ya!"

With that, she skipped back to her car. But just before hopping in, she turned around.

"It's just a simple dinner, so dress casually." Then she climbed into the vehicle, and it drove off.

Troy stayed rooted to the spot, staring at the car as it disappeared.

"Did she… actually change?" he murmured. "And she called Aqua her cousin?"

In all the years he'd known Gigi, not once had she called Aqua family. If anyone else did, Gigi would correct them—or worse, bully them. She isolated Aqua growing up, making sure anyone close to her paid the price. That included Troy, who Gigi often belittled and insulted for standing by Aqua—as a friend, and eventually, as her boyfriend.

"No, no." He shook his head. "I can't believe Gigi changed. Even with memory loss, that woman was vile. I'm not falling for it."

Still, if she really had changed… good for her. But if not, Troy wasn't about to walk into whatever trap she was setting.

Checking the time, Troy snapped out of it. "Crap, I forgot I was supposed to meet Aqua!"

He rushed off toward one of the campus's back entrances, only to slow to a halt.

Aqua was already there and standing in front of her was the school's golden boy.

---

Meanwhile

Aqua clutched a book to her chest, staring up at Alex with slightly widened eyes. Her lips parted.

"What?" she whispered.

Alex just smiled at her, eyes squinting slightly with amusement.

He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Keep that in mind," he said casually before stepping back, just as a sleek sports car pulled up beside them.

Still speechless, Aqua turned to watch him. Just before he got in, Alex gave her a dazzling smile and a wink.

VROOM!

Aqua stood frozen, lips pressed together as she watched the car speed off—until a familiar voice reached her.

"Aqua?" Troy approached, confused. "Was that Alexander?"

"Huh?" She looked back at him, flustered. "Uh… yeah, that was him."

"What was he doing with you?"

"Uh…" She touched her nape, forcing a smile. "Nothing. He was just waiting for his ride here."

"But the two of you were talking… and he even—" Troy cut off, jealousy flickering in his eyes. "He tucked your hair. So affectionately."

He looked at her for a long moment. Aqua really was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. It wasn't just her looks—her kindness made her shine even more. Just now, she and Alex looked like the perfect pair. And even Troy had to admit… Alex's looks were next level.

"Troy, are you jealous?" Aqua asked, smiling shyly as a blush rose to her cheeks. She took a step closer and held his arm. "He didn't tuck my hair. He was taking something out of it."

"Really?"

She nodded.

He stared at her, heart melting all over again. "Goodness."

"Hehe." Aqua chuckled as they walked away together.

Still, as they strolled, Aqua glanced back in the direction Alex had gone. The smile on her lips faded slightly, remembering what he'd said.

---

[Flashback]

When Aqua stepped out to meet Troy, she slowed down upon seeing Alex with Gigi. But then, Gigi hurried back to the car, leaving Alex alone.

'Is the rumor true?' she wondered. 'Are they really seeing each other?'

She found herself studying Alex's profile until, suddenly, he looked back. Their eyes met. She flinched.

He walked up to her, his foxy smile intact.

"Uh…" she cleared her throat. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. Don't worry—I won't tell anyone what I heard."

But his smile shifted into a cold smirk.

He reached out, gently brushing her hair.

"Do you think I care if you run your mouth?" he said, his voice cool yet teasing. Meeting her eyes again, he dropped his hand. "Just don't show up in front of me again. You repulse me."