Your eyes rose to meet Corey's. The new thoughts you had about her resurfaced as you watched the scattered sunlight from above play upon her face. You reminded yourself that it was just a side-effect of the transformation, that if the other mermaids were attracted to each other, it was only natural that you would begin to have these feelings about Corey.
A rush of emotion flashed between your faces. Hesitancy, followed by curious interest… then agreement, which gave way to excitement as your lips closed in.
Only natural. So, if they were natural feelings, acting on them only made sense, right?
You would forever remember your first kiss with your best-friend as completely, wholly consensual. It was a kiss that lasted. It was deep, exploratory, and gratifying. You couldn't believe how amazing it felt, and you swore you could almost sense some of Corey's emotions about it too.
As you broke away, you could tell the other mermaids were elated. They threw eachother knowing, pleased glances. Your gaze remained locked with Corey's. A few moments of silence passed, the two of you not sure what to say. Corey finally smiled, whispering, "That was wonderful, Millie."
"It was!" You echo. But what came next? Neither of you seemed sure.