Aria's POV 

The familiar brick facade of Oceanview Academy rose in front of me, its dark blue banners snapping in the morning breeze, flashes of seafoam green catching the light. I glanced up at the giant shark mascot painted above the entrance—it looked almost intimidating, fiercer than I remembered. Maybe I was just projecting my own nerves onto the overgrown fish. But as I stood there, clutching my bag and watching everyone else file through the doors, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted, like there was a new energy in the air.

Jack nudged my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Junior year," he teased, his eyes dancing. "Look at you, all grown up on me. Just last year, you were blending in with the lockers, trying to stay out of sight. Now you're all grown up, walking around with a senior by your side."

"Oh, you're hilarious, babe," I said, rolling my eyes and giving him a playful smack. "But yeah, ready as I'll ever be. How does it feel knowing this is your last year here?"

His gaze softened, and I saw something flicker in his eyes—excitement, mixed with a hint of nerves. "Weird," he admitted, shoving his hands into his pockets. "A lot happened last year... in a good way. But yeah, weird knowing it's my last year in high school." He paused, leaning down to brush a kiss against my forehead. "Glad I get to spend it with you."

I smiled, though his words twisted something in my chest. I'd known he'd graduate before me, but now, with the school year starting, the reality felt close, too close. I pushed the thought away; there was already too much swirling around in my mind—the memories of last winter, the moon pool, the confusing shifts in my powers, and everything that changed within our group.

"How are you feeling, babe?" Jack asked, a grin creeping onto his face that told me he was about to tease me.

I shot him a look. "I can't believe you distracted me while I was vlogging."

"You've gotta admit," he said with a laugh, "it was a good distraction. You needed it, and it's not like you didn't enjoy it. You know how you respond to me, babe—and let's just say, you weren't exactly putting up a fight."

I blushed, giving him a playful smack as he laughed harder, clearly enjoying himself.

"And, for the record," he added with a mischievous grin, "I love hearing you. I'm pretty sure the neighbors know my name by now." He shrugged, that teasing glint still in his eyes. "And you looked amazing in my t-shirt. Just saying."

"Jack!" I whined, my cheeks heating up even more, though I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips.

"Oh, need I remind you who asked for round two afterward?" he teased, his grin widening as I smacked his arm again, only making him laugh harder.

Still smiling, he slipped his hand into mine, giving it a gentle, lingering squeeze. His voice softened, turning warm and sincere. "Love you too, babygirl."

I squeezed his hand back, letting his warmth calm me. "One wave at a time," I echoed, letting the words settle in like an anchor.

After last year, people at school had pretty much gotten used to us as a couple. We wove our way through the familiar crowd, the sounds of slamming lockers, excited chatter, and teachers calling out warnings filling the air. Oceanview Academy looked almost the same as ever, the halls lined with old sports photos, faded club posters, and walls that had seen countless students pass through. But even with the usual buzz, there was a thrill beneath the surface, a feeling that everything had shifted, that this year was going to be different.

Jack gave me a quick grin, his fingers intertwined with mine as we navigated the hallways. There was no awkwardness anymore, no curious eyes following us like we were a new reality show. Instead, a few girls smiled or giggled at us, and I noticed some of the guys nodding at Jack. It was almost strange, how easily everyone just saw us as a couple now—some even seemed to think we were "relationship goals," whatever that meant. I ignored them, focusing instead on the steady warmth of Jack by my side.

This year felt like a mystery waiting to unfold, with shadows and secrets lying just out of reach. And even though that thought sent a thrill of anticipation through me, it terrified me too.

The day had settled into a familiar rhythm. Jack and I had met up with Brent and Eli that morning, and even though we'd resolved our issues last winter, I couldn't help noticing a strange vibe between them. They'd gotten better at opening up, but something felt off, like they were holding back, hiding something from me. Every time I asked, they'd shrug it off with a casual "It's nothing," but I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed over the summer.

Jack and I walked toward the cafeteria, and as we neared the doors, he slowed, glancing over at me with that slightly awkward, half-serious look he wore whenever he was about to bring up something important.

"I've got a meeting with the guidance counselor after lunch," he said, his hands slipping into his pockets. "They're going over all the USC stuff—making sure I'm on track for graduation, getting me ready for recruiters. I guess it's senior year 'official business' time."

I tried to keep my expression neutral, but a tiny jolt ran through my chest, like I'd been reminded of something I was trying not to think about. Graduation. College. Next year. Without me. The thought struck a little harder than I expected, stirring memories of last year when my parents barely noticed me, when I felt invisible in my own house.

"College," I said with a nod, forcing a smile. "Higher education, right? That's... exciting." I could hear the slight strain in my voice and immediately hated it. I wanted to be supportive, to feel happy for him. I was happy for him. But the idea of him leaving felt suddenly too real, like something looming on the horizon.

"Exciting, yeah," he said, nudging me with his shoulder, trying to lighten the mood. "Or terrifying, depending on how badly I want to impress those scouts and get into USC. No pressure, right?"

I laughed, grateful for how easily he could shift the weight of things. "I can't wait to see that acceptance letter," I teased, trying to ignore the anxious flutter in my stomach. "I'll definitely vlog about that."

Jack chuckled, rolling his eyes with a playful grin. "Of course you would. You've been vlogging so much lately, people are really starting to take notice." He paused, and I saw a flash of pride in his smile. "I love seeing you so comfortable on camera."

His words settled over me with a warmth I didn't expect, grounding me a little, but the future still loomed, stubbornly refusing to be ignored. I shrugged, playing along with his tease. "Well, someone has to let the world know how amazing my boyfriend is." I grinned, though my stomach still twisted slightly at the thought of everything changing.

Jack's smile softened, and he leaned down to brush a kiss across my lips, a familiar warmth sparking between us. He knew me too well—he'd figured out that physical touch was my love language, the way he could pull me back from my thoughts when I was spiraling. Words meant so much too, his quiet affirmations making me feel safe and seen.

"Glad you do, because I love it when you're a little possessive," he murmured, his voice dropping. "It just shows me how much you care." His hand brushed down my arm, his fingers catching mine as he squeezed gently. "Hey, it's just a meeting. I'm not leaving tomorrow."

"You keep saying that," I said, laughing as I squeezed his hand back, trying to match his lightheartedness. "One day, I might just pass you off to the next mermaid." I giggled, but he knew I was joking. He was my anchor, the person I couldn't imagine being without. I looked up at him, wondering if he could see the tangle of feelings I couldn't quite put into words. Jack wasn't just my boyfriend—he was my best friend, the steady place I could always rely on when everything else felt like it was shifting too fast. The thought of him being somewhere I couldn't just reach out to... it was a strange ache I didn't know how to handle.

Jack's thumb brushed over my knuckles, a familiar and comforting gesture. "Babygirl, I know it's a lot," he said softly, his gaze meeting mine with a quiet reassurance. "But we've made it this far. Last year, this summer... we've got this."

I nodded, letting his words settle over me, grounding me in the moment. "One wave at a time," I murmured, almost to myself.

"One wave at a time," he echoed, his voice a steady promise.

As he pulled me into a quick hug, I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of him push away my worries, if only for a moment. Graduation and college were still months away, and right now, we were here, together. I need to enjoy these moments.

Lunch passed in a blur of laughter and casual conversation with Brent and Eli, though I couldn't help noticing the subtle distance between them again. Something happened over the summer that I can't pinpoint, but it feels like it was Eli. Still, it was easier to focus on Jack, on the way his hand brushed against mine under the table or the way he caught my gaze when he thought no one else was looking. Those small moments felt like anchors, steadying me as the day marched forward.

After lunch, Jack had his guidance counselor meeting, leaving me to spend the next period trying not to overthink. His words from earlier—It's just a meeting. I'm not leaving tomorrow—echoed in my mind like a mantra. He was right, of course. Graduation and college weren't happening yet, but the thought lingered, heavy and insistent. I knew I had time; I was still a junior, and he was a senior. But knowing didn't stop the creeping feeling, like grains of sand slipping through my fingers. He was moving toward something bigger, something farther away, and I couldn't help but wonder if I'd be left behind.

When the bell rang, I didn't even need to look for him. Jack found me like he always did, his presence as steady and reassuring as the tide. His easy grin told me everything I needed to know before he even spoke. The meeting had gone well.

"Hey, babygirl," he greeted, slinging an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. He smelled faintly of cologne and something warm and familiar, like sunshine after a chilly morning. "The meeting was... informative," he teased, his tone light. "Apparently, I'm not failing anything, which was a nice surprise."

I laughed, grateful for his humor cutting through the tiny knot in my chest. "You? Failing? Impossible. You're the golden boy, perfect in every way. Or at least that's what every girl in this school seems to think."

"Perfect?" He raised an eyebrow, smirking as though the compliment had gone straight to his head. "Well, maybe." He shrugged with mock humility, the corner of his mouth twitching. "But seriously, it looks like I'm on track. The counselor went over next steps—college applications, football recruiters—and she mentioned a few schools that stood out."

"Like USC?" I asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear him say it.

Jack nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, USC's at the top. But she also mentioned a couple of schools farther away. Oregon, Texas, even New York. Some good football programs there."

I kept my face neutral, but my stomach tightened. Oregon? Texas? New York? USC already felt like a stretch, three hours away from our little coastal town. The East Coast? That was a whole different universe. The idea of him being across the country, too far for even a spontaneous visit, sent a wave of anxiety crashing through me. Still, I forced the feeling down and managed a smile. "That's amazing, Jack. You've got so many options."

He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read me. "Babe," he said gently, his voice dropping as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, "I can practically hear your brain spiraling."

"What?" I laughed nervously, waving him off like it wasn't true. "I'm not spiraling. I'm excited for you. Really, I am. I promise—I'm happy for you and proud. You're my boyfriend, and I'll always be your biggest fan."

He tilted his head, a knowing grin tugging at his lips. "Uh-huh. So, you're totally fine with me being in, I don't know, New York? Texas?"

"Completely," I said, but my voice betrayed me, wobbling just enough to give me away.

Jack stopped walking and turned to face me, his hands settling on my shoulders, warm and grounding. "Babygirl," he said, his tone soft but steady, "wherever I end up, you're still going to be my girl. Nothing's going to change that." His voice dipped lower, his smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "And honestly... I'm leaning toward staying on the West Coast. You know, somewhere near a beach. Maybe close to a certain mermaid I'm kind of obsessed with."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face. "Obviously. I'll always be your favorite mermaid."

"Always," he said confidently, slipping his arm back around me as we started walking again. His fingers brushed against mine, and that simple touch was enough to quiet some of the unease swirling in my chest. "One wave at a time, remember?"

"One wave at a time," I echoed softly, the knot in my chest loosening just a little. For now, his arm around me, his steady reassurance, and the warmth in his voice were enough to keep the future at bay. At least for today.

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A/N: Okay, I added some words to this. I might as well update just like my other story. Sigh, I just keep writing even when I told myself to rest. I'm trying to stick to 2k-5k words in each chapter. I promise.