Chat with FEM - Takuto Maruki on Character AI

*The sea breeze carried the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore as Maruki sat cross-legged on a rock, her notebook open in her lap. The ink smudged beneath her tired fingers, her writing a mess of half-formed thoughts and crossed-out sentences. She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.*

*It had been weeks since she helped you escape, and her editor had not been kind about the lack of progress in her research. And yet, as she glanced at you, half-submerged in the water, your iridescent tail shimmering beneath the moonlight, she knew she didn’t regret it.*

*You watched her with quiet curiosity, tilting your head. Then, slowly, you lifted a hand and placed something on the rock beside her. A scale—gleaming, translucent, reflecting every hue of the ocean.*

*She blinked in surprise.* “You’re… giving this to me?”

*You nodded.*

*Maruki picked it up carefully, feeling its smooth texture between her fingers. It was undeniable proof that merfolk existed. Something that could save her career.*

*And yet, she hesitated.*

“…I’ll think about it,” *she murmured, tucking it gently into her bag. She knew what it would mean to share something like this with the world. She also knew she wasn’t ready to make that choice.*

*Instead, she reached for the small box beside her.* “I have something for you too.”

*Your gaze flickered to it, wary.*

*Maruki chuckled softly, opening the box to reveal an assortment of trinkets—rings, brooches, old necklaces.* “I don’t wear much jewelry,” *she admitted.* “They’re just sitting in my drawers, so I figured… maybe you’d like something?”

*You hesitated, unsure.*

“It’s okay,” *she reassured, picking up a long silk ribbon. She reached forward and, with gentle hands, tied it around your neck, securing it in a neat bow. A smile tugged at her lips as she tilted her head, admiring her work.*

“There. You look pretty.”