ꨄNori's Blog & Storiesꨄ

In this interview, Hongjoong explained what makes Golden Hour so different from previous eras:

So, to be honest, when we were young, and before this Golden Hour series, we usually think about more about what ATINY really love, what ATINY really like it, and with timing, what kind of song where ATINY wanna listen. But during Golden Hour series, I think our members and me either, like, we have like eight different flavors of music… for the music. And we just wanna... So we did like almost eight years, like all together with (for) the, like, one song, we have eight voices and eight different flavors, but we just make songs for all together. So that makes us, like, sometimes, like this time, we just put some different genre that who like in the member, like in our group. So that's why sometimes the Latin music comes out and sometimes some kind of, like, very, like, hip-hop genre comes out, and like… but at the same time, we really consider about, yeah, we do kind of this music, but we wanna make it more ATEEZ style and also ATINY style, because ATEEZ love ATINY style originally - that's why they follow us. So we don't wanna make it, like, other groups or other artists' song, like, we just wanna make this genre with the ATEEZ style. So I think these days, we consider about everything, but like, more back then, like 2019 or 2020, that time, we just think about more, our fans love it. And these days, we think about more what we love at the same time, how we make it, fans love it. Yeah, so it's quite different (now).

What I'm hearing is, the members wanted Golden Hour to tell a story about themselves. They infused these albums with their musical passions and their personal preoccupations. I think it's such a striking distinction, going from "we have to keep making songs in the style that ATINY like" to "these days, we think more about what we love and how to make our fans enjoy it too."

There are other kpop groups who make the same kind of music for their fans, over and over again, and they don't lack for success. ATEEZ probably would've satisfied its core fanbase by continuing to make music that sounded like Say My Name or Wonderland or Inception or Guerrilla or Bouncy or Halazia or... wait...those are very different kinds of songs...

Honestly, I do understand what people mean by feeling nostalgic for "old" ATEEZ: they miss the cohesion of music, lyrics, concept, styling, promotion that told a complete story across multiple albums in a series. This was reinforced by a production team that remained largely consistent during those eras; as some members of Edenary left to pursue their own music, they invited outside producers to participate in developing the Golden Hour albums, contributing to the experimental diversity of this series.

According to Hongjoong, Golden Hour was not conceived or planned out like earlier eras.

So actually, Golden Hour, we didn't plan whole thing before we started this series, but we made some, when we started to make some tracks, or like, when our producing team gave us some good music, we just think about, like, ‘oh, this is the timing or not’ and ‘this is what we wanna say now,’ or we just keep it, and then we wanna bring some this vibe for the, this timing, like that. We always, always discuss everything and sometimes we change the lyrics for fit on this timing, like that.

Of course, Hongjoong adds, there's nothing stopping them from going back to those concepts after Golden Hour wraps up

What I found in this interview was that Hongjoong doesn't really mention Fever, which is arguably the series with most in common with Golden Hour. I recently embarked on an album crawl through the entirety of the ATEEZ discography, and the musical shift from Treasure to Fever is abrupt and jarring, though not unpleasantly so. It's also an era filled with musical experimentation and diverse themes. I wonder how ATINY reacted at the time?

What i'm trying to say is, change is a constant for them.

If you listen to Hongjoong describe what they're trying to achieve with Golden Hour and then you listen to the albums, you might see what I see: a lack of cohesion doesn't mean lack of continuity; experimentation doesn't equal lack of intentionality.

In fact, I'd argue the Golden Hour project has a lot to really interesting things to say about the mindset of eight people who have achieved success beyond their wildest dreams. While I've read some incurious takes that reduce these albums to "songs about fame, sex, and money," I would instead suggest that these topics are jumping off points for a more nuanced discussion about the ephemerality of "the brightest moments in life," as spoken in the introduction to the Golden Hour series.

Could living for the moment leave Our hearts feeling emptier? Could these be the real golden hours Of our lives?

In title tracks like Work and Ice On My Teeth, the struggles and gains of material success are conveyed with a kind of braggadocio reminiscent of their Fever era:

We're sky high right now

Chew 'em up and keep em' shut

In Siren, Mingi addresses the "critics" who once tried to diminish ATEEZ's popularity overseas:

Broke down this era, those critics are not fine Born with natural talent, and luck is also a skill, prime-time Altogether, what worldwide? It is gonna be great, worldwide

In Ice On My Teeth, Hongjoong compares ATEEZ to cranes:

I'm a crane, finding and wrapping myself in icy things Celebrate it, since it's rare to see in this country

He explained in their production behind video that "cranes are migratory birds and also natural monuments. As we increase our value as artists, we wrote the rhyme and punchline with the ambition of becoming a great artist."

Ambition remains a potent motivator in a song like Adrenaline, which was the first title track post-contract renewal.

Our existence alone is the guarantee Gauge never dropping (Oh, gauge) Full charged to the max (Full max) Hardcore, that's the way we do it No limit, no gimmick, go get it all day

In NASA, Hongjoong and Mingi hammer the point home:

It's ironic, even after becoming a star, I still fire rockets Watch your heads, we spit fire without restraint It's scary, my life keeps turning red like Apple stock Up and down, ants falling, prey for Wall Street Harvesting stars, adding and subtracting, dropping them, cold collector I'm the creator of even the fall, yeah, my value is different

This is where I observe how a lot of the connective tissue in the Golden Hour series is directly attributed to Mingi and Hongjoong's self-composed lyrics, and I think there's something to be said about them being messengers for the rest of group.

Because while there is much triumph and boasting to be had in Golden Hour, it's balanced by an undercurrent of tension and unease.

If in Treasure, ATEEZ were chasing their dreams, then in Golden Hour, the members seem to be running from something. In dance-heavy songs like Blind or Shaboom, or even smoother r&b tracks like Masterpiece, their pursuit of sexual satisfaction is often framed as a desperate attempt at distraction.

Things that change are love and youth, things that don't change are love and loca

Life continues to flow, busy  Everyone grows old in front of time  We need mindless play time  Make it louder, make it louder

Songs like Lemon Drop, Man on Fire, and Ghost describe the almost narcotic effects of desire as a means to escape from reality:

Every day, I’m losing The focus of reason Taken over daily By the fever of instinct I'm losing my mind, I'm losing myself

The summer night burns hot Just you and me, it's our own little party Yeah, I feel the heat going crazy 

A warning message saying, “there’s no way out” I whisper in your ear, “don’t say it out” It’s already too late to turn back, know you want it more, more than me

In a song like Castle, this message is quite direct:

Let go of everything Take my hand, just you and me Let's escape to that place To a castle just for us, yeah

What are they running from?

In Deep Dive, arguably the most autobiographical of their recent work, Mingi raps about "altitude sickness," saying "the higher I go, the thinner the air gets." Meanwhile, Hongjoong employs the metaphor of an ocean plunge to describe the sense of displacement he feels in the wake of an unprecedentedly busy time in their careers:

Swimming, I reached L.A After stopping by Paris, my reality is back in bed Burying my face, barely catching my breath, I just wanna live a real life Where am I now, and how far will I go? At the end of a deep night, I’m a diver submerged Struggling with emotions, unable to resolve even one Searching for something, every day I’m left drowning again I said I couldn’t go deeper, but here I am, deep diving all night here

In the chorus, the members sing:

Right now, I’m deep diving, drifting away The city’s night feels a little hollow Keep in mind, gotta get used to it, huh?

Run away (Run away), run away (Run away)

Castle addresses this as well, especially in Mingi's rap:

The anxiety creeping in late Like thorns stuck in my head, they won't come out It seems it's too much to handle alone now

In Now This House Ain't a Home, they make it clear you can't go back, but the pursuit of a future is riddled with even more doubt:

The anxiety that comes with night Is a bitter taste that's hard to bear I swallow it down, tears well up A sudden rain shower blurs my vision I endure one day, then one more Hoping that someday I'll reach that place 

In Selfish Waltz, Hongjoong writes about a toxic relationship ("we can't escape this endless cycle") that may gesture at a broader feeling of fatigue with the endless comeback cycle.

Yeah, with forced gestures, predictable moves The next step feels meaningless Yeah, there's nothing left to ignite

I'll argue that the solo songs also engage with the broader appeal and consequences of success, and how issues like privacy, surveillance, competition, theft, identity, individual expression, artistic agency, loss, and legacy remain urgent concerns in their lives.

Golden Hour addresses ephemerality, of things slipping through their fingers. In Empty Box, the members sing to a former lover, with whom "those shining memories seemed like thеy would last forever"

Feeling the same way I wish you better than, oh, our time together Leave everything behind Hope you come across something more than better

Couldn't the same sentiment be applied towards ATINY?

What I find so interesting about the Golden Hour series is the maturation in ATEEZ's relationship with ATINY, for better or for worse. Yes, we remain the reason for their existence, as recited in Choose: "'Cause what defines us starts from you, not me," but we have also moved on from existing as a kind of passive/abstract source of good fortune in their lives, as captured in Hongjoong-produced tracks like Aurora or Star 1117.

Of course, there are songs like Enough, On The Road, Choose, and even Sagittarius, that are very much in the "classic" mode of ATEEZ as yearners, dreamers, who will overcome obstacles with the help of ATINY.

As conveyed in Enough, in the midst of self-doubt, anxiety, and fear, there's a way out:

I remember shadows growing darker, yeah Then the morning broke with a brighter sun, yeah

But I would argue there's a counter-narrative (or meta-narrative) threaded through other songs in this series, one that pokes and prods at the boundaries between idol and fan.

In songs like In Your Fantasy or, more recently, Mamacita, we (ATINY) are invited into a world of play.

Come take a seat in your fantasy Come here, beautiful, come here, beautiful

There is a distinct element of fan-service in these songs, for which your milage may vary. They certainly invite parasocial behavior, but I would argue we've already breached that threshold in this fandom.

On a lighter note, a lot of their Golden Hour songs involve more participation from ATINY than in previous eras. This seems to be by design, from injecting catchy English lyrics into their music (they invite us to sing the opening chorus of Work at every tour stop) to creating fan-chants that practically service as lyrics for a song like Ice On My Teeth, where the outro is completely silent save for our screams of HONGJOONG SEONGHWA YUNHO YEOSANG SANNIE MINGI WOOYOUNG JONGHO ICE ON MY TEETH GOLDEN HOUR AT-EE-Z!!

They created a space for us in their music.

These tensions and themes have come to a head in Golden Hour: Part. 5, which has encountered some divided reactions among the fandom. Personally speaking, I really enjoyed this album and it continues to grow on me. Song for song, I think it's one of the stronger entries in the Golden Hour series.

BAD is a big swing (positive) and it's a slam dunk performance; Mamacita is nearly flawless, with an irrepressibly catchy chorus and some of my favorite MinJoong raps in a minute; TOXIN has beautifully repetitive vocal sequences that tickle my brain; Fallin' could've been released on one of the World albums and utilizes Yeosang's distinct voice to haunting effect; and Body is just...so damn good!

If ATEEZ's earlier "summer" albums were about adolescent yearning, than Hongjoong aptly describes this album about "mature love." The songs are about messy, complicated feelings. The album ends not on the usual hopeful or triumphant note, but instead with an abrupt cut after Mingi's ominous lyric:

No matter how hard I try to erase it, I'm trapped in the same night, over and over again

Sounds familiar, right? Golden Hour is telling us something. You can read into these lyrics to find clues for the lore (are we trapped in a dream? are we trying to escape?) or to find metaphors for very real, adult issues.

Maturity is a point I'll end on, because I think one of the more interesting and challenging aspects of ATEEZ's discography is how much it resists stasis. There is no one ATEEZ style of music, as confirmed by the members themselves. Instead, when describing ATEEZ, you use words like "passion" "energy" and "freedom." This mindset liberates them to continue growing and experimenting as artists. As Hongjoong said in his interview, they want to invite ATINY to share in that process.

Moreover, ATEEZ sets themselves apart by making music for a maturing fandom. While there is appeal in stanning a group who continuously makes music for my inner fifteen-year-old, I relate more to artists who make music about adult themes and issues, which I wouldn't reduce to being merely about "sex, money, and fame."

Additionally, their goals as artists have never been incompatible with their ambitions for commercial growth; sure they make music "for the arts" but they also make music "for the charts," and this tension animates their discography in fascinating ways.

As with every installment in the Golden Hour series, I'm left wondering where we'll go next. Hongjoong is coy about an ending or epilogue. It's still their Golden Hour, and ours too.

A few months ago, she barely left her room. Now she is exploring the city on her own, stopping at every stall that caught her attention as if she is trying to make up for all the years she'd spent trapped behind palace walls.

I finally spot her several shops ahead, standing in front of a clothing stall completely captivated by something hanging from a display rack.

I stay nearby without interrupting her. Instead, I watch her excitedly pulling out her notebook to communicate with the shop employees. 

The shop keeper and staff gather around her to help her. They seem excited to serve her, showing her a lot of attention. Perhaps this is a tactic to pull in customers to get them to buy something, or they truly took interest in her.

One of the girls whispers something into Lyra's ear and for a moment she seems confused.

They drag her into the building behind the stall, where the main shop sat. 

“Come on! Let's go try on some things.”

And just like that they disappear from sight. 

I don't follow them in, not wanting to put any pressure on her. So instead, I wander around nearby, looking at what the other stalls have to offer. I’m not the materialistic type. I don’t care much about buying new clothes or things. Though I am always on the lookout for weapons to add to my collection.

Pugilist weapons mostly. Bladed tonfa, claw bracers, weighted gauntlets, reinforced fist blades—anything built for close combat.

My gloves store them in an enchanted storage woven into the knuckles themselves. I can pull out whatever I need in an instant, like it was always there. 

Unsuccessful in finding a weapons shop nearby, I make my way back toward the shop I left Lyra in when something catches my eye in the jewelry store window.

My feet start moving on their own and before I know it, I've stopped in front of a mannequin torso displayed behind glass.

Draped across it is an intricate piece of body jewelry crafted from fine gold chains. The strands rest at the neck before cascading down the center of the chest, branching into delicate lines that fan across the torso and wrap around the waist. Small crystals hang from the chains in the center, swaying slightly whenever the breeze slips through the open storefront. They are a soft lilac color. 

Like Lyra’s eyes. 

It takes me an embarrassingly long moment to realize I'm not actually looking at the jewelry anymore.

I'm imagining Lyra wearing it. Maybe I should buy it for her. 

No, that would be strange to do. She may think I'm some kind of pervert.

Just then, from a few stores down, I hear the sound of a group of girls squealing and talking in excitement. I turn towards it and see that Lyra is finally out and surrounded by the shop employees. 

I make my way back to see what all the fuss is about. 

When the girls finally step aside, revealing Lyra, I suddenly forget how to speak. 

She's almost unrecognizable.

She no longer wore the blouse and pants. In their place is a fitted light green crop top that left her shoulders bare and ended just below her chest. Its sweetheart neckline and lace-trimmed hem gave it a softer look. Wrapped around her right upper arm is a light brown leather arm band with light green lace on the edges. 

She’s also wearing a layered brown skirt that sat low on her hips, the shorter upper layer ending high on her thighs while longer panels of fabric fell beneath it in uneven points around her legs. Tall leather boots complete the outfit, practical enough for travel while still matching the earthy colors she'd chosen.

It appears that she’s done something new with her hair as well. Her bangs were cut into a fringe with longer strands of hair framing her face and her long hair now put up in a high pony tail. 

The new look suits her. More than that, it looks like something she had chosen for herself. 

I knew Lyra was beautiful. I'd known that from the beginning.

But this is different.

For the first time, she isn't hiding behind fear and oversized clothes.

She looks comfortable. Confident.

Free.

And unfortunately, my body seems to appreciate that realization far more than my dignity did.

Hoping to the gods that my loose pants do not betray me, I clear my throat. 

“You look amazing, Lyra. It suits you,” I manage to say. 

At first she bites down on her lip, looking down at her feet shyly, then she signs “thank you” to me before turning to the ladies to pay them as they hand her the bag containing the rest of the items she had purchased. 

I take the bag for her, carrying it over my shoulder and we continue our way down the market. 

We stop by the same jewelry shop from earlier and she takes a look around while my eyes find the body jewelry from earlier. 

“Are ya interested in that piece, son?” 

My eyes meet the merchant's gaze. 

“I noticed ya lookin’ at it earlier, it's a fine piece I tell ya,” he then approaches me. 

“These crystals bring emotional peace and stability. Keeps the inner balance. It would suit yer lady just perfectly, whaddya say?” 

Glancing over to Lyra, who’s currently trying on some rings, I confirm to myself once more that this would definitely fit her just right and I have the merchant to agree with me.

I look back to the merchant. “They look very delicate. How easy could they break?” 

The man smirks. 

“Oh they're very sturdy. Feel free to see for yerself, I'll give it to ya for free if it breaks.”

Skeptical, I raise a brow. 

I take the man on his offer and reach forward, grabbing the chains and yank with all my strength. Nothing happens. 

I tried a few more times before finally giving in. The merchant gives me a smug grin.

“What'd I tell ya?” 

Before I can say anything, Lyra approaches the counter and begins setting down the items she'd chosen.

First came a pair of long gold earrings adorned with colorful beads and small gemstone drops. Then a small collection of bracelets made from polished beads in shades of lavender, blue, green, and pale pink, woven together with gold accents.

Next came the rings.

One was carved from smooth purple jade, nearly identical in color to the bracelet she'd worn almost every day. Another was a simple silver band etched with delicate patterns. The last was a thin silver ring shaped like intertwining vines and leaves.

Finally, she carefully places down a small gold nose stud shaped like a butterfly.

Looking over her collection, I couldn't help but smile.

None of the pieces matched, yet somehow they all fit together perfectly. 

Once she finishes purchasing everything, she immediately slips the bracelets onto her wrists and tries on the rings.

Holding out her hands, she shows them off proudly.

Unable to help my smile, I give her a nod.

“They're gorgeous, Lyra.”

Her smile widens.

“Especially the purple one,” I add, pointing towards the jade ring. “Matches your bracelet.”

Her gaze immediately drops to it, and she seems pleased that I'd noticed.

She then grabs my wrist, leading me toward the exit. We only make it a few steps before she pauses in front of the same mannequin I'd been looking at just a moment ago.

Her gaze lingers on the body jewelry.

Reaching into her pouch, she counts her coins before glancing at the price. A small pout tugs at her lips when she realizes she doesn't have enough. Just as quickly, she shakes it off and continues toward the door as if it doesn't bother her.

We leave the shop and continue through the market. I try to focus on the stalls we pass, but my thoughts keep drifting back to that body piece.

To Lyra standing in front of it. 

The way she'd checked her coins.

That disappointed little pout.

Gods damn it.

Letting out a quiet sigh, I stop in my tracks and pull my wrist free from her grasp.

She turns to me, looking curious.

“Go on ahead. I just remembered something I need to grab.”

She nods before continuing on.

The moment she's out of sight, I turn on my heel and make my way back to the jewelry shop.

The merchant spots me immediately and breaks into a wide grin. “Knew ye'd be back.”

I don't even have to ask. He's already taking the piece down and carefully placing it into a black velvet box. I drop the gold coins into his palm as he hands it over.

“Thank you.”

Slipping the box into Lyra's bag, I quickly head after her.

When it starts getting dark, we head back to the inn and rejoin the rest of the crew.

It doesn't surprise me when everyone reacts much the same way I did upon seeing Lyra's new look. They gather around her almost immediately, showering her with compliments.

I can tell she's becoming overwhelmed with the way her shoulders rise and her head sinks, like a turtle trying to hide away in its shell.

“Alright, boys, that's enough,” I say, gently pulling her away from them. “Let the girl go back to her room and rest before we get the night started.”

Once she's free, she quickly disappears upstairs and I follow suit, heading into my own room.

I lay on the bed, arms crossed under my head as I stare at the ceiling. I wonder if she’s noticed the box in her bag yet. 

The next morning, we all gather for a late breakfast.

We'd stayed up well into the night watching the shooting stars, so everyone sleeping in isn't much of a surprise.

After breakfast, Yunho and Lyra head off to the library while Wooyoung and Seonghwa continue their mission.

San leaves for the local martial arts class he'd signed up for, eager to learn techniques unique to the Halasians. It was something he always did whenever we traveled through different countries and kingdoms.

Jongho quietly slips away on his own. To where? No one ever really knows what he does with his free time.

Mingi and Yeosang, well… Let's just say they're spending the day bonding in their room.

Most people would be disappointed to find themselves left alone like this.

Not me.

I happily head back to my room and promptly go back to sleep until late afternoon when I wake to the sound of knocking at my door. 

With a grumble, I climb out of bed and pull open the door.

Lyra stands on the other side, a wide smile lighting up her face. Something good must have happened. Stepping aside, I gesture for her to come in.

“You look really happy. Did you have a good day?” I ask as she passes by me to enter.

“You bought this for me, didn’t you?” She spreads her arms slightly away from her body.

That's when I notice it.

The gold chains drape perfectly across her body, catching the light from the window with every movement. The lilac crystals hanging along the center of her torso sway gently as she shifts her weight.

It's almost as though it was made specifically for her. I don't regret this purchase.

“Do you like it?”

Her smile somehow grows even wider.

“Yes, I love it! I've never been given a gift like this before.” She makes a little jump there as she signs. It’s cute.

Then her excitement falters. Her hands hesitate, fingers fidgeting together as her lips press into a thin line.

“I don't have anything to repay you with. I want to thank you...”

My eyes widen for a brief moment before a laugh escapes me.

“It's okay, Lyra. You don't have to give me anything—”

She starts signing again. 

“But I have to repay you.”

Suddenly, she begins lowering herself. The realization hits me instantly. Before her knees can touch the floor, I grab her by the arms and pull her back up.

“Absolutely not,” I say firmly.

Her eyes widen as she looks up at me, genuinely confused. “But you bought me something expensive,” she signs. “I should repay you.” 

Her hands hesitate before moving again. “Is that not what you wanted?”

For a second I stare at her. Why would she think—

Then it clicks. 

She isn’t joking or flirting. She isn’t even teasing. 

She genuinely believes that is why I bought the gift. That kindness always came with a price.

That anything given was expected to be repaid with a favor.

"That's not why I did it. I didn't buy you a gift so I could get something from you," I explain calmly, softly. "I did it because I wanted to see you smile.”

Her brows knit together, confusion flickers across her face. Then she slowly, maybe even hesitantly, signs. 

“Just… to see me smile?” 

I shrug. 

“That's what gifts are supposed to be.” 

Her head tilts. 

“But what do you get out of it?” 

My expression softens. This sweet girl, she still doesn't understand. Whatever they taught her in the palace, I made it a new goal of mine to help her unlearn all of it. 

“Nothing.” I reply with a smile. 

Her expression only deepens with confusion and I can't help but laugh. 

“Okay. Maybe I do get something out of it.” 

That gets her attention. 

Reaching forward, I fix a few strands of her hair before gently cupping her cheek. 

“I get to see you happy, and that makes me happy,” I search her eyes for a moment. I don’t know what I’m looking for exactly. Maybe I’m hoping to catch a glimpse into her mind, but I know that could never happen. 

“Whatever you learned in the palace… none of that applies here, Lyra. If Wooyoung gives you food, he isn't expecting payment. If Yeosang tends to your illnesses and wounds, he doesn't wait for any favors. And if Seonghwa is helping you, it's because he wants to.”

Her expression tells me she's still a little lost.

Something tells me this isn't something I can explain away with words. She'll learn with time, I think, as she sees how we do things around here.

“You'll understand soon,” I say softly. “We will never take advantage of you. So don't do something because you think it's what we want. Do it because it is what you want.”

She gives me a nod, then a smile. 

“Well then, there is something I do want to do to thank you… if you'll let me.” 

Raising a brow and pulling my hand back to my side, I ask, “Yeah? And what is that?” 

Stepping closer, she lifts herself up on her toes and presses a soft kiss to my cheek before lowering herself back onto her heels. 

For a short moment I freeze. I wasn’t expecting that from her. It was… sweet. 

“Was that okay?” 

My whole heart melts. And knowing it was something she genuinely wanted to do only made it even better. 

“Yes, it was. Now go on and get ready for the festival.” 

Nodding, she runs out the room and I’m left standing there staring at the now empty space she was just standing in and slowly my smile turns into a frown as everything sets in. 

“Soon you’ll grow your wings and be able to set yourself free from your past…”

Everyone eventually gathers together, most of us dressed in the traditional Halasian attire known as the Hanbok. Well, everyone except Mingi. He can't find anything large enough to accommodate his build.

We spend the evening enjoying the festival, sampling food and snacks from different vendors, playing games, and watching the various performances. The parade ends up being our favorite part. The performers move through the streets alongside magnificent creatures, putting on a spectacle that captivates everyone watching.

As the parade passes by, I notice Yunho slip away for a moment before returning with a woman in tow. The moment she sets down an easel and a blank canvas, I realize she's an artist.

Curious, I find myself wondering what exactly he wants her to paint.

When my gaze follows the artist's, it lands on Lyra.

She stands there watching the parade in awe, her smile bright and her eyes sparkling with joy. Her hands are clasped against her chest as the colorful lights from the parade dance across the fabric of her hanbok. Her hair is pulled half up into a bun, held in place by the two pins she always wears.

All of it together, paired with the way the wind blows through her hair, makes her absolutely breathtaking.

Like a goddess.

That is what Yunho wants to capture.

When the parade is over, we continue our way around the festival grounds while Yunho waits for the artist to finish the piece. Once he rejoins us, he's carrying a tube made of bamboo.

The painting.

I lag behind the others and fall into step beside him.

“How'd it come out?”

His eyes meet mine and he smiles. “Look for yourself and tell me.”

He places the tube into my hands.

I carefully remove the painting and unroll it. The moment I see the image, my step falters.

“It's absolutely beautiful. She captured the moment perfectly.”

Yunho's smile widens.

Carefully, I roll the painting back up and slide it into the bamboo tube before handing it back to him.

“What do you plan to do with it?” I ask.

“It’s a gift. For her,” he replies. 

“Come on you two,” San calls from ahead of us. “If we don’t hurry up, all the good spots to watch the fireworks will be taken!”

The two of us catch up with the others and as we all make our way through the crowd something small and black darts right between everyone's legs from behind, making the whole group come to a halt.

“What the—” 

Before I can finish, the blur launches itself at Lyra. 

She lets out a quiet gasp as a familiar cat lands on her chest. 

Wooyoung.

The little menace immediately begins climbing her like a tree, scrambling up onto her shoulder. His purring is loud, I can hear it from where I’m standing.

Lyra lets out a sigh of relief, bringing her hands up to steady him as he rubs his face against her cheek.

“Woo, she’s not a scratching post,” San says. 

He completely ignores him before hopping off her shoulder, standing in front of her looking up at her expectantly. 

I assume they’re communicating to each other.

Lyra glances over to us, then after a moment points to herself. He lets out an impatient meow and that’s when she turns to us, bowing her head apologetically before taking a step towards him. That’s when Wooyoung takes off through the crowd and she hurries after him. 

And just like that he successfully kidnaps her right from our hands.

The next day we all headed out early in the morning to return to the ship. We set out before Seonghwa, San and Wooyoung and arrived just in time for lunch. 

We lingered around the ship while waiting for the others to arrive and when they finally did we helped unload the wagon and bring in all the supplies. The hunt for the bounty was successful. Mingi took the man down to the brig and locked him up. Everything had been going smoothly.

The duty to keep watch and wait for the man to awaken had fallen on me.

While keeping watch–well more like getting some shut eye–I am approached by one of the crewmen.

“Sir, I believe Lyra is searching for you.”

“She’s looking for me?” I ask, opening one eye to look at the man. He nods.

Getting up onto my feet, I stretch out before heading up to find her. I search everywhere but she’s nowhere to be found. Even after searching every area everyone has said they’d seen her head towards. With her being nowhere in sight, I decide to give up and head back to watch duty.

You know that one saying? It goes something like “Once you stop searching for it, you will find it.” 

Well, I found her.

I enter the brig and I see Lyra crouched in front of the cell where the bounty was being held.

“You gotta let me out, they’ll kill me if you don’t…”

Curiously, I raise a brow. No way this man is trying to convince her to free him. Then I hear the clinking of metal as Lyra’s hands move. 

The keys!

“What are you doing?!” I shout, rushing towards her to snatch the keys away.

But she’s quick. She dodges me and steps back, hiding the keys behind her. She’s glaring at me as if I’d done something wrong. 

“What are you doing, Lyra? Give me the keys, please,” I hold out my hand, but she shakes her head. 

“Why?” I ask. 

She starts signing.

“He told me everything, he told me how you all kidnapped him… how could you do this to someone innocent?”

Was I really gone long enough for this man to spout all this nonsense to her? Now I’m curious what he’s convinced her of. 

“Lyra, you’re over stepping,” I say firmly. 

She argues back again, insisting we can't keep doing things like this.

I ignore her and make another grab for the keys, but she darts away. Using my speed to my advantage, I cut her off and block her path. She's quick to react, spinning around and running the other way before I can catch her.

“What's going on?”

I stop before going after her again and glance over my shoulder.

Wooyoung and San stand at the bottom of the stairway, both looking completely lost.

“She’s trying to free the bounty. She’s got the keys,” I explain.

San slowly approaches her, careful not to startle her, but she immediately backs away until she's standing in front of the cell.

My eyes drift to the man behind her.

He's smirking.

Amused.

I scoff.

“Lyra, we are not going to kill the man. He has a bounty on his head.”

“Just because someone has a bounty on their head doesn't mean they're bad!” she argues.

Just what exactly did this man say to make her so convinced of his innocence? 

Wooyoung translates her words to San, who’s still learning to sign.

San speaks up, his voice calm but firm.

“Whether he's innocent or not isn't for you to decide,” he says. “You don't know who this man is, Lyra. And you can't take the word of a stranger over your own crew.”

I look towards San. This was the first time I’ve heard anyone on the ship addressing her as one of the crew. They’re all finally coming to accept her as one of our own and San is one of the ones I least expected to let her in fully like this, not this soon anyway. 

My attention is brought back to Lyra when her hands start moving again.

"I was once in his place because you mistook me for someone else. How could I trust you're not making another mistake?"

For a moment, I don't know what to say.

She isn't entirely wrong. We had mistaken her for the princess in the past.

But this isn't the same.

"Lyra," I sigh, trying to keep my voice level. "There are things you don't know."

She immediately signs back.

"Then tell me."

"I can't."

Her hands stop.

She stares at me for a long moment, searching my face for something.

When she finds nothing, her fingers move again.

"Why not?"

"Because it isn't my place."

The man behind the bars lets out a quiet chuckle.

"Sounds to me like they don't trust you."

My jaw clenches.

"I wasn't talking to you."

He leans back against the wall with a smug grin, crossing his arms as if he were enjoying a stage play.

Lyra glances at him before looking back at me.

San takes a cautious step forward, palms out in front of him. 

“Lyra, please hand over the keys.”

“No.”

Just then, Seonghwa appears beside me.

“What’s going on here?” he asks, his voice low.

I quickly explain the situation.

Wooyoung then steps forward, his ears already beginning to droop.

“It’s not what you think,” he murmurs, his voice small. “I promise—”

Her hands move again, interrupting him.

His ears fold flat against his head as he retreats behind San, a small, quiet whimper escaping him.

The air around Seonghwa shifts.

“What did she just say to him?” His voice is controlled, but I can tell he's holding something back.

After hesitating for only a moment, I translate.

“She said, 'I thought you were better than the rest. Kinder. But you're just like everyone else… nothing but an evil pirate that will stop at nothing.'”

Faster than I can blink, Seonghwa closes the distance between them, grabbing Lyra by the arm. He drags her toward the open entryway before turning her to face him.

“The keys. Now.”

She stands her ground, defiant, refusing to back down.

“Now,” he repeats, more firmly.

She shakes her head.

In the next instant, she's pinned against the wall as he crowds over her. The air between them grows heavier. Her pupils widen as she shrinks into herself, trembling.

My fists clench.

He's manipulating her emotions.

Wooyoung and San realize it at the same time I do. We exchange a quick glance, silently confirming what we're witnessing. Beside me, Wooyoung's grip around San's arm tightens.

“I don't know what you expected when you decided to stay here,” Seonghwa says, drawing our attention back to him. “But you are on my ship.”

His grip tightens around her arm. Though his tone remains controlled, anger bleeds through every word.

“You follow my rules here. You don't get to do as you please, deciding for us whether a prisoner should be freed or not. The brig is one of the places you are forbidden from entering. I'm sure Yunho has already told you.”

The hand braced against the wall beside her head curls into a fist.

“I don't have many rules, Lyra. I give my crew more freedom than most captains ever would, yet you still managed to trespass into an area you were forbidden from entering, and on top of that, you tried to free a prisoner.”

He lowers himself enough to meet her eyes.

“You know what that looks like to me?”

She remains silent.

“No? Then I'll tell you. It looks like betrayal.”

“We welcomed you aboard, and I stood by your side, convincing the others to do the same. And this is how you repay that? We are pirates, Lyra. Never once have we tried to convince you otherwise. We steal. We fight. We kidnap… we kill.

“That is who we are.”

Her breathing stutters, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath the weight of his presence.

“Seonghwa…” I call cautiously.

“If you don't like that, fine. But you do not get to interfere with our work.” His jaw tightens.

“And you especially do not get to speak to my crew… to my Wooyoung… like that.”

His voice wavers ever so slightly as it trails off.

Seonghwa has never allowed anyone to mistreat us, especially Wooyoung. None of us would.

But I can see his anger taking hold, and I can't let this continue.

Not after what happened before.

“Captain,” I try again. 

“You hurt them, intentionally or not, then you answer to me. So if you don't like how we do things around here, if you cannot accept what we are, then you are free to leave whenever you please.”

“Captain,” I call again, louder this time.

This time, I seem to get through to him.

His grip loosens around her arm, and he leans back, finally giving her room to breathe. The weight in the air gradually lifts. Lowering his other arm, he holds out his hand.

“Now, give me the keys.”

With a shaky breath, she finally drops them into his palm before bolting up the stairs.

Silence fills the room. No one moves. No one speaks… not even Seonghwa.

Finally, I break the silence and speak my mind.

“That was too much.”

Seonghwa then turns to me, his grip still tight around the keys.

“I had to set her straight—”

“You went too far,” I cut him off, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice. “You just broke one of your own rules. You promised this wouldn't happen again.”

“I just—”

“Even if she may only be a temporary addition to the crew, she's still one of us. You just undid all the effort we put into making her feel comfortable around us. She finally started opening up to us, and now she's probably regretting it.”

With a huff, he hangs the keys back on their hook.

“She crossed too many lines.”

San steps forward.

“So did you. You let your anger control you again, after you promised you'd step back whenever you felt it taking over.”

Not having much else to say, I turn and leave, San following close behind.

None of us ever imagined the day would end like this.

Just when we thought everything was finally beginning to fall into place.

Did we lose Lyra's trust?

Was bringing her aboard the right decision?

What went wrong?

What could we have done differently?

Had we misled her somehow?

The only thing I know for certain is...

I don't want to lose her.

Not like this.

A few months ago, she barely left her room. Now she is exploring the city on her own, stopping at every stall that caught her attention as if she is trying to make up for all the years she'd spent trapped behind palace walls.

I finally spot her several shops ahead, standing in front of a clothing stall completely captivated by something hanging from a display rack.

I stay nearby without interrupting her. Instead, I watch her excitedly pulling out her notebook to communicate with the shop employees. 

The shop keeper and staff gather around her to help her. They seem excited to serve her, showing her a lot of attention. Perhaps this is a tactic to pull in customers to get them to buy something, or they truly took interest in her.

One of the girls whispers something into Lyra's ear and for a moment she seems confused.

They drag her into the building behind the stall, where the main shop sat. 

“Come on! Let's go try on some things.”

And just like that they disappear from sight. 

I don't follow them in, not wanting to put any pressure on her. So instead, I wander around nearby, looking at what the other stalls have to offer. I’m not the materialistic type. I don’t care much about buying new clothes or things. Though I am always on the lookout for weapons to add to my collection.

Pugilist weapons mostly. Bladed tonfa, claw bracers, weighted gauntlets, reinforced fist blades—anything built for close combat.

My gloves store them in an enchanted storage woven into the knuckles themselves. I can pull out whatever I need in an instant, like it was always there. 

Unsuccessful in finding a weapons shop nearby, I make my way back toward the shop I left Lyra in when something catches my eye in the jewelry store window.

My feet start moving on their own and before I know it, I've stopped in front of a mannequin torso displayed behind glass.

Draped across it is an intricate piece of body jewelry crafted from fine gold chains. The strands rest at the neck before cascading down the center of the chest, branching into delicate lines that fan across the torso and wrap around the waist. Small crystals hang from the chains in the center, swaying slightly whenever the breeze slips through the open storefront. They are a soft lilac color. 

Like Lyra’s eyes. 

It takes me an embarrassingly long moment to realize I'm not actually looking at the jewelry anymore.

I'm imagining Lyra wearing it. Maybe I should buy it for her. 

No, that would be strange to do. She may think I'm some kind of pervert.

Just then, from a few stores down, I hear the sound of a group of girls squealing and talking in excitement. I turn towards it and see that Lyra is finally out and surrounded by the shop employees. 

I make my way back to see what all the fuss is about. 

When the girls finally step aside, revealing Lyra, I suddenly forget how to speak. 

She's almost unrecognizable.

She no longer wore the blouse and pants. In their place is a fitted light green crop top that left her shoulders bare and ended just below her chest. Its sweetheart neckline and lace-trimmed hem gave it a softer look. Wrapped around her right upper arm is a light brown leather arm band with light green lace on the edges. 

She’s also wearing a layered brown skirt that sat low on her hips, the shorter upper layer ending high on her thighs while longer panels of fabric fell beneath it in uneven points around her legs. Tall leather boots complete the outfit, practical enough for travel while still matching the earthy colors she'd chosen.

It appears that she’s done something new with her hair as well. Her bangs were cut into a fringe with longer strands of hair framing her face and her long hair now put up in a high pony tail. 

The new look suits her. More than that, it looks like something she had chosen for herself. 

I knew Lyra was beautiful. I'd known that from the beginning.

But this is different.

For the first time, she isn't hiding behind fear and oversized clothes.

She looks comfortable. Confident.

Free.

And unfortunately, my body seems to appreciate that realization far more than my dignity did.

Hoping to the gods that my loose pants do not betray me, I clear my throat. 

“You look amazing, Lyra. It suits you,” I manage to say. 

At first she bites down on her lip, looking down at her feet shyly, then she signs “thank you” to me before turning to the ladies to pay them as they hand her the bag containing the rest of the items she had purchased. 

I take the bag for her, carrying it over my shoulder and we continue our way down the market. 

We stop by the same jewelry shop from earlier and she takes a look around while my eyes find the body jewelry from earlier. 

“Are ya interested in that piece, son?” 

My eyes meet the merchant's gaze. 

“I noticed ya lookin’ at it earlier, it's a fine piece I tell ya,” he then approaches me. 

“These crystals bring emotional peace and stability. Keeps the inner balance. It would suit yer lady just perfectly, whaddya say?” 

Glancing over to Lyra, who’s currently trying on some rings, I confirm to myself once more that this would definitely fit her just right and I have the merchant to agree with me.

I look back to the merchant. “They look very delicate. How easy could they break?” 

The man smirks. 

“Oh they're very sturdy. Feel free to see for yerself, I'll give it to ya for free if it breaks.”

Skeptical, I raise a brow. 

I take the man on his offer and reach forward, grabbing the chains and yank with all my strength. Nothing happens. 

I tried a few more times before finally giving in. The merchant gives me a smug grin.

“What'd I tell ya?” 

Before I can say anything, Lyra approaches the counter and begins setting down the items she'd chosen.

First came a pair of long gold earrings adorned with colorful beads and small gemstone drops. Then a small collection of bracelets made from polished beads in shades of lavender, blue, green, and pale pink, woven together with gold accents.

Next came the rings.

One was carved from smooth purple jade, nearly identical in color to the bracelet she'd worn almost every day. Another was a simple silver band etched with delicate patterns. The last was a thin silver ring shaped like intertwining vines and leaves.

Finally, she carefully places down a small gold nose stud shaped like a butterfly.

Looking over her collection, I couldn't help but smile.

None of the pieces matched, yet somehow they all fit together perfectly. 

Once she finishes purchasing everything, she immediately slips the bracelets onto her wrists and tries on the rings.

Holding out her hands, she shows them off proudly.

Unable to help my smile, I give her a nod.

“They're gorgeous, Lyra.”

Her smile widens.

“Especially the purple one,” I add, pointing towards the jade ring. “Matches your bracelet.”

Her gaze immediately drops to it, and she seems pleased that I'd noticed.

She then grabs my wrist, leading me toward the exit. We only make it a few steps before she pauses in front of the same mannequin I'd been looking at just a moment ago.

Her gaze lingers on the body jewelry.

Reaching into her pouch, she counts her coins before glancing at the price. A small pout tugs at her lips when she realizes she doesn't have enough. Just as quickly, she shakes it off and continues toward the door as if it doesn't bother her.

We leave the shop and continue through the market. I try to focus on the stalls we pass, but my thoughts keep drifting back to that body piece.

To Lyra standing in front of it. 

The way she'd checked her coins.

That disappointed little pout.

Gods damn it.

Letting out a quiet sigh, I stop in my tracks and pull my wrist free from her grasp.

She turns to me, looking curious.

“Go on ahead. I just remembered something I need to grab.”

She nods before continuing on.

The moment she's out of sight, I turn on my heel and make my way back to the jewelry shop.

The merchant spots me immediately and breaks into a wide grin. “Knew ye'd be back.”

I don't even have to ask. He's already taking the piece down and carefully placing it into a black velvet box. I drop the gold coins into his palm as he hands it over.

“Thank you.”

Slipping the box into Lyra's bag, I quickly head after her.

When it starts getting dark, we head back to the inn and rejoin the rest of the crew.

It doesn't surprise me when everyone reacts much the same way I did upon seeing Lyra's new look. They gather around her almost immediately, showering her with compliments.

I can tell she's becoming overwhelmed with the way her shoulders rise and her head sinks, like a turtle trying to hide away in its shell.

“Alright, boys, that's enough,” I say, gently pulling her away from them. “Let the girl go back to her room and rest before we get the night started.”

Once she's free, she quickly disappears upstairs and I follow suit, heading into my own room.

I lay on the bed, arms crossed under my head as I stare at the ceiling. I wonder if she’s noticed the box in her bag yet. 

The next morning, we all gather for a late breakfast.

We'd stayed up well into the night watching the shooting stars, so everyone sleeping in isn't much of a surprise.

After breakfast, Yunho and Lyra head off to the library while Wooyoung and Seonghwa continue their mission.

San leaves for the local martial arts class he'd signed up for, eager to learn techniques unique to the Halasians. It was something he always did whenever we traveled through different countries and kingdoms.

Jongho quietly slips away on his own. To where? No one ever really knows what he does with his free time.

Mingi and Yeosang, well… Let's just say they're spending the day bonding in their room.

Most people would be disappointed to find themselves left alone like this.

Not me.

I happily head back to my room and promptly go back to sleep until late afternoon when I wake to the sound of knocking at my door. 

With a grumble, I climb out of bed and pull open the door.

Lyra stands on the other side, a wide smile lighting up her face. Something good must have happened. Stepping aside, I gesture for her to come in.

“You look really happy. Did you have a good day?” I ask as she passes by me to enter.

“You bought this for me, didn’t you?” She spreads her arms slightly away from her body.

That's when I notice it.

The gold chains drape perfectly across her body, catching the light from the window with every movement. The lilac crystals hanging along the center of her torso sway gently as she shifts her weight.

It's almost as though it was made specifically for her. I don't regret this purchase.

“Do you like it?”

Her smile somehow grows even wider.

“Yes, I love it! I've never been given a gift like this before.” She makes a little jump there as she signs. It’s cute.

Then her excitement falters. Her hands hesitate, fingers fidgeting together as her lips press into a thin line.

“I don't have anything to repay you with. I want to thank you...”

My eyes widen for a brief moment before a laugh escapes me.

“It's okay, Lyra. You don't have to give me anything—”

She starts signing again. 

“But I have to repay you.”

Suddenly, she begins lowering herself. The realization hits me instantly. Before her knees can touch the floor, I grab her by the arms and pull her back up.

“Absolutely not,” I say firmly.

Her eyes widen as she looks up at me, genuinely confused. “But you bought me something expensive,” she signs. “I should repay you.” 

Her hands hesitate before moving again. “Is that not what you wanted?”

For a second I stare at her. Why would she think—

Then it clicks. 

She isn’t joking or flirting. She isn’t even teasing. 

She genuinely believes that is why I bought the gift. That kindness always came with a price.

That anything given was expected to be repaid with a favor.

"That's not why I did it. I didn't buy you a gift so I could get something from you," I explain calmly, softly. "I did it because I wanted to see you smile.”

Her brows knit together, confusion flickers across her face. Then she slowly, maybe even hesitantly, signs. 

“Just… to see me smile?” 

I shrug. 

“That's what gifts are supposed to be.” 

Her head tilts. 

“But what do you get out of it?” 

My expression softens. This sweet girl, she still doesn't understand. Whatever they taught her in the palace, I made it a new goal of mine to help her unlearn all of it. 

“Nothing.” I reply with a smile. 

Her expression only deepens with confusion and I can't help but laugh. 

“Okay. Maybe I do get something out of it.” 

That gets her attention. 

Reaching forward, I fix a few strands of her hair before gently cupping her cheek. 

“I get to see you happy, and that makes me happy,” I search her eyes for a moment. I don’t know what I’m looking for exactly. Maybe I’m hoping to catch a glimpse into her mind, but I know that could never happen. 

“Whatever you learned in the palace… none of that applies here, Lyra. If Wooyoung gives you food, he isn't expecting payment. If Yeosang tends to your illnesses and wounds, he doesn't wait for any favors. And if Seonghwa is helping you, it's because he wants to.”

Her expression tells me she's still a little lost.

Something tells me this isn't something I can explain away with words. She'll learn with time, I think, as she sees how we do things around here.

“You'll understand soon,” I say softly. “We will never take advantage of you. So don't do something because you think it's what we want. Do it because it is what you want.”

She gives me a nod, then a smile. 

“Well then, there is something I do want to do to thank you… if you'll let me.” 

Raising a brow and pulling my hand back to my side, I ask, “Yeah? And what is that?” 

Stepping closer, she lifts herself up on her toes and presses a soft kiss to my cheek before lowering herself back onto her heels. 

For a short moment I freeze. I wasn’t expecting that from her. It was… sweet. 

“Was that okay?” 

My whole heart melts. And knowing it was something she genuinely wanted to do only made it even better. 

“Yes, it was. Now go on and get ready for the festival.” 

Nodding, she runs out the room and I’m left standing there staring at the now empty space she was just standing in and slowly my smile turns into a frown as everything sets in. 

“Soon you’ll grow your wings and be able to set yourself free from your past…”

Everyone eventually gathers together, most of us dressed in the traditional Halasian attire known as the Hanbok. Well, everyone except Mingi. He can't find anything large enough to accommodate his build.

We spend the evening enjoying the festival, sampling food and snacks from different vendors, playing games, and watching the various performances. The parade ends up being our favorite part. The performers move through the streets alongside magnificent creatures, putting on a spectacle that captivates everyone watching.

As the parade passes by, I notice Yunho slip away for a moment before returning with a woman in tow. The moment she sets down an easel and a blank canvas, I realize she's an artist.

Curious, I find myself wondering what exactly he wants her to paint.

When my gaze follows the artist's, it lands on Lyra.

She stands there watching the parade in awe, her smile bright and her eyes sparkling with joy. Her hands are clasped against her chest as the colorful lights from the parade dance across the fabric of her hanbok. Her hair is pulled half up into a bun, held in place by the two pins she always wears.

All of it together, paired with the way the wind blows through her hair, makes her absolutely breathtaking.

Like a goddess.

That is what Yunho wants to capture.

When the parade is over, we continue our way around the festival grounds while Yunho waits for the artist to finish the piece. Once he rejoins us, he's carrying a tube made of bamboo.

The painting.

I lag behind the others and fall into step beside him.

“How'd it come out?”

His eyes meet mine and he smiles. “Look for yourself and tell me.”

He places the tube into my hands.

I carefully remove the painting and unroll it. The moment I see the image, my step falters.

“It's absolutely beautiful. She captured the moment perfectly.”

Yunho's smile widens.

Carefully, I roll the painting back up and slide it into the bamboo tube before handing it back to him.

“What do you plan to do with it?” I ask.

“It’s a gift. For her,” he replies. 

“Come on you two,” San calls from ahead of us. “If we don’t hurry up, all the good spots to watch the fireworks will be taken!”

The two of us catch up with the others and as we all make our way through the crowd something small and black darts right between everyone's legs from behind, making the whole group come to a halt.

“What the—” 

Before I can finish, the blur launches itself at Lyra. 

She lets out a quiet gasp as a familiar cat lands on her chest. 

Wooyoung.

The little menace immediately begins climbing her like a tree, scrambling up onto her shoulder. His purring is loud, I can hear it from where I’m standing.

Lyra lets out a sigh of relief, bringing her hands up to steady him as he rubs his face against her cheek.

“Woo, she’s not a scratching post,” San says. 

He completely ignores him before hopping off her shoulder, standing in front of her looking up at her expectantly. 

I assume they’re communicating to each other.

Lyra glances over to us, then after a moment points to herself. He lets out an impatient meow and that’s when she turns to us, bowing her head apologetically before taking a step towards him. That’s when Wooyoung takes off through the crowd and she hurries after him. 

And just like that he successfully kidnaps her right from our hands.

The next day we all headed out early in the morning to return to the ship. We set out before Seonghwa, San and Wooyoung and arrived just in time for lunch. 

We lingered around the ship while waiting for the others to arrive and when they finally did we helped unload the wagon and bring in all the supplies. The hunt for the bounty was successful. Mingi took the man down to the brig and locked him up. Everything had been going smoothly.

The duty to keep watch and wait for the man to awaken had fallen on me.

While keeping watch–well more like getting some shut eye–I am approached by one of the crewmen.

“Sir, I believe Lyra is searching for you.”

“She’s looking for me?” I ask, opening one eye to look at the man. He nods.

Getting up onto my feet, I stretch out before heading up to find her. I search everywhere but she’s nowhere to be found. Even after searching every area everyone has said they’d seen her head towards. With her being nowhere in sight, I decide to give up and head back to watch duty.

You know that one saying? It goes something like “Once you stop searching for it, you will find it.” 

Well, I found her.

I enter the brig and I see Lyra crouched in front of the cell where the bounty was being held.

“You gotta let me out, they’ll kill me if you don’t…”

Curiously, I raise a brow. No way this man is trying to convince her to free him. Then I hear the clinking of metal as Lyra’s hands move. 

The keys!

“What are you doing?!” I shout, rushing towards her to snatch the keys away.

But she’s quick. She dodges me and steps back, hiding the keys behind her. She’s glaring at me as if I’d done something wrong. 

“What are you doing, Lyra? Give me the keys, please,” I hold out my hand, but she shakes her head. 

“Why?” I ask. 

She starts signing.

“He told me everything, he told me how you all kidnapped him… how could you do this to someone innocent?”

Was I really gone long enough for this man to spout all this nonsense to her? Now I’m curious what he’s convinced her of. 

“Lyra, you’re over stepping,” I say firmly. 

She argues back again, insisting we can't keep doing things like this.

I ignore her and make another grab for the keys, but she darts away. Using my speed to my advantage, I cut her off and block her path. She's quick to react, spinning around and running the other way before I can catch her.

“What's going on?”

I stop before going after her again and glance over my shoulder.

Wooyoung and San stand at the bottom of the stairway, both looking completely lost.

“She’s trying to free the bounty. She’s got the keys,” I explain.

San slowly approaches her, careful not to startle her, but she immediately backs away until she's standing in front of the cell.

My eyes drift to the man behind her.

He's smirking.

Amused.

I scoff.

“Lyra, we are not going to kill the man. He has a bounty on his head.”

“Just because someone has a bounty on their head doesn't mean they're bad!” she argues.

Just what exactly did this man say to make her so convinced of his innocence? 

Wooyoung translates her words to San, who’s still learning to sign.

San speaks up, his voice calm but firm.

“Whether he's innocent or not isn't for you to decide,” he says. “You don't know who this man is, Lyra. And you can't take the word of a stranger over your own crew.”

I look towards San. This was the first time I’ve heard anyone on the ship addressing her as one of the crew. They’re all finally coming to accept her as one of our own and San is one of the ones I least expected to let her in fully like this, not this soon anyway. 

My attention is brought back to Lyra when her hands start moving again.

"I was once in his place because you mistook me for someone else. How could I trust you're not making another mistake?"

For a moment, I don't know what to say.

She isn't entirely wrong. We had mistaken her for the princess in the past.

But this isn't the same.

"Lyra," I sigh, trying to keep my voice level. "There are things you don't know."

She immediately signs back.

"Then tell me."

"I can't."

Her hands stop.

She stares at me for a long moment, searching my face for something.

When she finds nothing, her fingers move again.

"Why not?"

"Because it isn't my place."

The man behind the bars lets out a quiet chuckle.

"Sounds to me like they don't trust you."

My jaw clenches.

"I wasn't talking to you."

He leans back against the wall with a smug grin, crossing his arms as if he were enjoying a stage play.

Lyra glances at him before looking back at me.

San takes a cautious step forward, palms out in front of him. 

“Lyra, please hand over the keys.”

“No.”

Just then, Seonghwa appears beside me.

“What’s going on here?” he asks, his voice low.

I quickly explain the situation.

Wooyoung then steps forward, his ears already beginning to droop.

“It’s not what you think,” he murmurs, his voice small. “I promise—”

Her hands move again, interrupting him.

His ears fold flat against his head as he retreats behind San, a small, quiet whimper escaping him.

The air around Seonghwa shifts.

“What did she just say to him?” His voice is controlled, but I can tell he's holding something back.

After hesitating for only a moment, I translate.

“She said, 'I thought you were better than the rest. Kinder. But you're just like everyone else… nothing but an evil pirate that will stop at nothing.'”

Faster than I can blink, Seonghwa closes the distance between them, grabbing Lyra by the arm. He drags her toward the open entryway before turning her to face him.

“The keys. Now.”

She stands her ground, defiant, refusing to back down.

“Now,” he repeats, more firmly.

She shakes her head.

In the next instant, she's pinned against the wall as he crowds over her. The air between them grows heavier. Her pupils widen as she shrinks into herself, trembling.

My fists clench.

He's manipulating her emotions.

Wooyoung and San realize it at the same time I do. We exchange a quick glance, silently confirming what we're witnessing. Beside me, Wooyoung's grip around San's arm tightens.

“I don't know what you expected when you decided to stay here,” Seonghwa says, drawing our attention back to him. “But you are on my ship.”

His grip tightens around her arm. Though his tone remains controlled, anger bleeds through every word.

“You follow my rules here. You don't get to do as you please, deciding for us whether a prisoner should be freed or not. The brig is one of the places you are forbidden from entering. I'm sure Yunho has already told you.”

The hand braced against the wall beside her head curls into a fist.

“I don't have many rules, Lyra. I give my crew more freedom than most captains ever would, yet you still managed to trespass into an area you were forbidden from entering, and on top of that, you tried to free a prisoner.”

He lowers himself enough to meet her eyes.

“You know what that looks like to me?”

She remains silent.

“No? Then I'll tell you. It looks like betrayal.”

“We welcomed you aboard, and I stood by your side, convincing the others to do the same. And this is how you repay that? We are pirates, Lyra. Never once have we tried to convince you otherwise. We steal. We fight. We kidnap… we kill.

“That is who we are.”

Her breathing stutters, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath the weight of his presence.

“Seonghwa…” I call cautiously.

“If you don't like that, fine. But you do not get to interfere with our work.” His jaw tightens.

“And you especially do not get to speak to my crew… to my Wooyoung… like that.”

His voice wavers ever so slightly as it trails off.

Seonghwa has never allowed anyone to mistreat us, especially Wooyoung. None of us would.

But I can see his anger taking hold, and I can't let this continue.

Not after what happened before.

“Captain,” I try again. 

“You hurt them, intentionally or not, then you answer to me. So if you don't like how we do things around here, if you cannot accept what we are, then you are free to leave whenever you please.”

“Captain,” I call again, louder this time.

This time, I seem to get through to him.

His grip loosens around her arm, and he leans back, finally giving her room to breathe. The weight in the air gradually lifts. Lowering his other arm, he holds out his hand.

“Now, give me the keys.”

With a shaky breath, she finally drops them into his palm before bolting up the stairs.

Silence fills the room. No one moves. No one speaks… not even Seonghwa.

Finally, I break the silence and speak my mind.

“That was too much.”

Seonghwa then turns to me, his grip still tight around the keys.

“I had to set her straight—”

“You went too far,” I cut him off, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice. “You just broke one of your own rules. You promised this wouldn't happen again.”

“I just—”

“Even if she may only be a temporary addition to the crew, she's still one of us. You just undid all the effort we put into making her feel comfortable around us. She finally started opening up to us, and now she's probably regretting it.”

With a huff, he hangs the keys back on their hook.

“She crossed too many lines.”

San steps forward.

“So did you. You let your anger control you again, after you promised you'd step back whenever you felt it taking over.”

Not having much else to say, I turn and leave, San following close behind.

None of us ever imagined the day would end like this.

Just when we thought everything was finally beginning to fall into place.

Did we lose Lyra's trust?

Was bringing her aboard the right decision?

What went wrong?

What could we have done differently?

Had we misled her somehow?

The only thing I know for certain is...

I don't want to lose her.

Not like this.