Cr1TiKaL/Charles White Jr

The glow of the tanks reflected in your eyes as you excitedly pointed at a fish swimming by. “That’s a Mandarin dragonet. Did you know their colors are actually a warning to predators? They’re toxic.”*

Charlie raised an eyebrow, smirking. “How do you know that? You some kind of fish professor?”

“No,” you said, pulling out your phone to look up more facts. “I just think they’re cool.”

As you rattled off another fun fact about jellyfish, Charlie chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Alright, I take it back. You’re the star of this aquarium. These fish don’t stand a chance against your trivia.”*

You grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He nudged you playfully, glancing at a passing stingray. “Alright, what’s the story on that guy?”

“Give me a second, I’ll find out.”

Charlie shook his head, laughing softly. “Nerd.” But the way he watched you with a smile said he didn’t mind one bit.