Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC
Rated: G
Words: 38,176
Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.
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Summery: After EXO are separated and chased down, they find themselves in a nightmare. Reality and dream intermingle as they become the center of experimentation under the Red Force.
First, Prev, Finale, AO3
Chapter 7: Falling Deeper
“Teleportation test using subject Teleporter and Teleporter clone #87. Objective: successfully send subject Time Manipulator through dimensional portal.”
Tao blinked his eyes open, the mechanical voice piercing his ears. Everything felt numb except for his knees which were screaming in pain from how he knelt on the metal grid-like flooring. As he tried to readjust, he found that he was being held in place, and his still foggy mind tried to figure out why.
“Tao!”
The voice was raspy but familiar and he turned his head quickly in search of his brother. Kai was to his left, hooked up to a large machine, his eyes frantic as he tried to tug free from the metal cuffs restraining him.
Tao tried to move again to get to him, but he was held firmly.
“Be still,” a voice spoke sharply by his ear and he looked up at the two women restraining him, the same emotionless expression on their faces that he had come to know the few times he had been conscious.
There was the familiar mechanical swishing of a door opening behind him, immediately followed by loud protests and shuffling. He couldn’t turn enough, but watched as Kai went pale, eyes blown wide. The sounds began to round him on the right and Tao turned to see what had caused his brother to react in such a way. Two more women were pulling in someone else who was weak and stumbling, but fighting regardless.
“Let go of me!”
The voice made Tao’s heart stop and recheck that Kai was indeed secured next to him before seeking out the other man. They were hoisting him into a machine that was a duplicate of Kai’s, giving Tao a clear view of his face. His blood ran cold as a memory raced across the back of his mind of his own doppelganger and everything that had transpired in that brief interaction. Kai looked taken aback, meaning this was possibly his first interaction with a clone.
What had the voice said earlier? Number 87? Was that the tally of clones total? Or just Kai’s?
“Beginning connection.” One of the mechanical female voices said, regaining Tao’s attention as she began to hook up wires and pads to the now restrained clone who was still fighting.
When they moved away from him, his eyes followed them, then met Tao’s gaze, making him go completely still. The clone tilted his head in confusion and Tao had to look away from the startling marine eyes that were completely different from the warm dark brown of his brother’s who he sought out for comfort. But Kai’s eyes were on the clone, his brows pinched in equal confusion and concern.
“What…?” Kai asked just above a whisper and the clone’s eyes darted to him. He repeated the observation process that he had done with Tao, head tilting slowly one way, then the other.
Their eyes didn’t separate as the women moved away, but as they began to busy themselves with a panel, Kai dragged his gaze away from the clone and back to Tao.
“Are you okay?” he asked, then, after a beat, he swallowed harshly. “You’re— you are you, right?”
Tao nodded quickly. “I am. It’s me.”
Before any more could be said, one of the women spoke up. “Ready to initiate teleportation test.”
“Exo-subject: Time Manipulator, ready,” one of the women holding him said.
“Exo-subject: Teleporter, ready,” another said.
“Teleporter clone #87, ready,” the first said. “Initiating test.” She pushed several buttons on the panel and the equipment that Kai and the clone were hooked up to lit up.
“Wait, teleportation test?” Kai asked. “Tao.” Their eyes met for a frantic second before Kai turned to the woman at the panel as she started to turn a dial on the machine. “Stop! Where are you sending him? You ca—” He broke off in a scream as electricity traveled through the wires connected to him, his clone screaming as well as electricity traveled to him.
“S-stop,” Tao stuttered as his eyes began to burn and anger rushed through him. “Stop it!” He began to struggle against the hold on him. A small gray circle began to form in between the clones and he gasped then doubled his efforts to escape as it grew with their screams. Once it was the size of a person, he was drug forward. No amount of fight he gave loosened their vice grip on his arms or slowed them down. Nor did they slow as the machinery began to spark uncontrollably and the gray portal in front of him shifted.
“Stop!” Kai yelled suddenly between screams. “It— ah— It’s not stable. You can’t—” He cut off in a groan, trying to hold another scream in. “Tao! I’m sorry, I ca— I can’t stop it. I can’t—”
With another scream, Tao sought him out again as he was pulled closer to the portal, tears now streaming down his face, fear replacing his anger. Sweat was rolling down Kai’s face which was strained from the pain, his muscles taught as he tried to fight the machine.
Tao could undo this. If he could use his powers, he would be able to go back far enough and break away before the clone was hooked up. Save both of them from the torture.
Alarms started to blare and one of the mechanical voices said something about the test failing.
Reaching deep inside himself for his powers he looked at his brother as a headache began. “Kai!” he shouted, but the next moment he was shoved and lost his footing, his vision turning gray as the room vanished, quickly replaced by bright lights and colors erupting in front of him. Pain stabbed his brain as pressure built in his chest, his powers bursting forth as he lost consciousness.
Tao’s story continues in “Time’s Castaway”
Taglist: @chaysingthesun
First, Prev, Finale, AO3
The final chapter is up! Just wanted to leave a note for future readers, Tumblr marked it as mature. No idea why, because it's not. The link above works fine, but it won't show up on your page or the blog if you have filters on. I've asked for a review of it, so hopefully it gets fixed. But I just wanted to let everyone know in case you clicked the link and got confused about the warning.
Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.
Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.
Next
Chapter 1: Lonely Moon
✧Seonghwa✧
The darkness was usually comforting, but tonight, as he gazed at the moon, it felt empty.
The moon shone brightly in its full state, alone in the sky.
Alone, like him.
Like many sirens.
Sometimes, after walking through the busy village, he wished he was more like a star. Stars were in groups and clusters. So much so that the humans could make designs and pictures out of the groups of stars to help guide them. Beautiful constellations.
He didn’t have that though.
Leaning back against the rocks, he closed his eyes as the water lapped around his arms, occasionally reaching his shoulders. The sound of the ocean made the night less empty and he allowed it to lull him into a resting state.
Then, quietly at first, another sound joined in from somewhere above him. It was quiet and gentle at first but it quickly grew. Emotions quickly followed. The wish to die and will to live clashing harshly with each other.
He wondered who it was. The old fisherman whose wife had passed away recently while he was at sea. The young scholar who was studying to take the state exam for the 4th time.
Or…
He climbed out of the water, grabbing the clothes he’d left nearby and started up his secret path. When he made it to the top of the cliff, mostly dry, the emotions had dimmed. It seemed the will to live had won out in the end. Though he could still feel a slight quiver in the resolution.
There, at the edge of the cliff right above his home was the young woman he had often seen being picked on and cursed at in the village. Her tears glistened in the moonlight though her cries had become silent. But she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear his approach.
“Are you planning on giving yourself to the siren?” he asked.
She gasped and nearly fell to the ground as she spun to face him.
“Wha-what?” She was breathless and he could hear sudden fear in her voice.
“You are standing above his home. If you were to jump, most sirens would see that as an offering.”
“I’m not going to jump,” she said, then her hands clenched into fists at her side. “And I’m certainly not planning on giving myself to a siren.”
“Trust me, I doubt he wants to take care of a human. What use would you be to him?”
The small amount of anger that had appeared flickered away again and she dropped her gaze. “None at all. No one has any use for me. I suppose I’m worthless.”
“Why do you say that?” he grew closer to her, head tilted.
She looked at him again, studying his features, searching for something. “If you were from around here for any significant amount of time you would know that I am the lowest in this village.”
“All humans are the same,” he said, bristling. He never understood the humans’ need to categorize everyone as higher or lower. “Who told you that you’re less than anyone else in this village?”
“I’m an orphan to a family without a name. My mother died when she gave birth to me and a few years ago my father went crazy,” she stated without emotion. “Everyone says my birth cursed my family and that my life will bring a curse on the village. They say I am better off dead.”
“So that is why you are here tonight? To let fools dictate your life.” He was an arms length away from her now and he stopped.
“No,” she said, meeting his eyes. He could make her features out clearly now that he was closer. The full moonlight glowing in her light brown eyes. The unique feature for this area was startling and he caught himself unable to look away as a fierceness entered them. “Not anymore.”
“You’re braver than I thought,” he said, his lips lifting into a smile.
“I would have to be brave to be talking to a siren right above his home.”
His smile dropped as her lips lifted into a small smirk. He tilted his head at her again. She was a puzzle. “How did you know?”
A small laugh escaped her, leaving behind a genuine smile. “You explore the village every now and then and trade pearls for money to buy things in the market. I’m sure most everyone knows.”
He smiled back. “I thought I was doing well at blending in.”
“No one knows where you live or what you do. You just show up with pearls and explore, and…” she looked him over with timid amusement.
“And?”
“You don’t really dress properly.”
His smile dropped once more and he looked down at his clothing that he had gathered. The colors went well together and he thought he had imitated the humans’ dress perfectly. Everything was tied and covered. “How?” he asked, meeting her gaze again. “Don’t I have all the proper clothing articles?”
“Most of them,” she said, looking him over again. “They just need to be tied properly. The biggest thing is your hair and lack of hat or shoes.”
“Why would I go through the trouble of putting my hair up only to cover it with a hat?” his lower lip jutted out just slightly. “And shoes are uncomfortable.”
“If you want to blend in, those are things you’ll have to do.”
He thought about it for a second then shook his head. “If everyone already knows then there’s no reason for me to change things now.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
There was a sudden sound in the bushes and they both jumped. He gently grabbed her arm and then moved to stand in front of her, searching the tree line just a few feet away from them. When nothing emerged and their beating hearts slowed to a normal pace, they looked at each other and shared a small laugh.
“I should…get going,” she said after a moment of silence. “Thank you for talking to me.”
“I’ll walk you home.”
It was a short walk that skirted between the town and the woods and led to a small old house that was worse for wear and set away from the others.
She stopped at the gate and turned to him. “Thank you again,” she said, then gave a small bow.
“My pleasure,” he said, mirroring her. She smiled then turned to leave. “I’m Seonghwa, by the way. You can call for me over the cliff if you ever want to talk again.”
Stopping, she turned back to him in surprise. “Would that be okay?” she asked. He nodded. “I’m Nari. I…I’ll see you around then.”
He smiled then gave a small wave as she turned back toward the small house and disappeared inside.
✧
Chatter. Light, airy, friendly chatter. He didn’t know how he had ever really lived without it. The young woman talked about some of the things that had happened since he had last come up to land only two days prior. The distance between visits was growing shorter as he found himself more curious and craving the interaction.
This is what friendship felt like. It was warm and comforting.
The sun was setting, dusting them in its red and pink glow and he couldn’t help but gaze at her as she talked frustratedly about something that her boss’s wife had done earlier that day. The story took a turn though as she explained that the woman had gotten what she deserved and fallen into a garbage pile because of her ranting. He laughed along with her, doubling over as she acted out the mishap.
His eyes moistened and then a tear fell and he caught it in surprise, staring at his hand as two more tears joined the first and they became soft pink pearls.
“What is it?” Nari asked, leaning over him to look.
“Nothing,” he said quickly with a smile. He tucked them into his sleeve as she reached for his hand then grabbed hers in interception. “It’s really nothing. I’ll show you later.”
She narrowed her eyes at him with a small smile, curiosity sparked.
“I’ll hold you to that,” she said, then plopped down on the grass next to him, arm around her knees, chin resting on top. “So, tell me more about yourself. What did you do yesterday?”
He shrugged. “Just swam around. Rested on some empty islands. Nothing special.”
“What’s in there? I’ve heard some pretty unbelievable stories.”
“There are others like me,” he said. “Few are as friendly though. Best to stay clear.”
“You’re friendly?”
He bumped her shoulder, smiling at her teasing remark. “There’s plenty of animals that you might find strange. But I would probably find some of your land animals strange as well,” he said. “It can be dangerous at times, but it’s beautiful too.”
“I wish I could see it then,” she said, laying her head on his shoulder as she looked out at the stretch of ocean that was visible over the cliff’s edge. “It would be nice to be able to see new things.”
“I could show you sometime.”
She shook her head. “I can’t swim and it would be difficult for me to see anything underwater.”
He turned, making her sit up with his movement. “I can teach you how to swim,” he said, taking her hand. “And some humans practice opening their eyes under the water. If you really want to see, then we can do it.”
“You really think so?”
He met her gaze firmly, leaning in closer. “Yes, I’m positive.”
“Okay.” She leaned in closer too. “Let’s do it then. I want to learn about your world, just like you learn about mine.”
They held each other’s gazes, then he looked down at her lips then back at her. Her eyes did the same. He leaned in closer, his eyes dropping down again as she closed hers. His heart was pounding in his ears as he grew closer. Then, he stopped and opened his eyes again. Her eyes opened too and their gazes met again.
He opened his mouth to speak, trying to form words. “I–”
Sudden sound came from the brush and he jumped to his feet, pulling her with him as he moved to hide them behind a nearby boulder. He helped her into the brush, then pulled her close as he pressed closer to the rock to hide her from view.
Voices were passing by on the cliff side path, likely some hunters or fisherman coming back to town from a long day out. They were taking their time, voices growing louder.
She moved and he looked down to check on her and their eyes met for a brief moment before they looked away again. He shifted, realizing how hot his neck was and wishing the group would pass quickly. He needed air and space, a way to clear his mind and think things through. He’d never been in this kind of situation before. His heart continued to pound in his ears as he tried to make sense of the feeling and impulses that were pushing to be explored.
“Um…” her voice was just above a whisper and cracked at the end, startling him out of his thoughts. “I think…I think they’re gone now.”
He tuned back into the sounds around them, then cleared his throat and stepped back. “You’re right.” His own voice caught and he cleared it, offering her a hand to help her out of the brush. Once they were back on the path, he let go of her hand then rubbed his neck, looking out at the setting sun. “I should walk you home,” he said. “It’s getting late.”
“Okay,” was all she said.
He turned back to look at her. She was fidgeting, her eyes searching the ground before finding his. He smiled at her then held out his hand again, and slowly, she took it.
She smiled as well, a blush alighting on her cheeks.
“Let’s go,” he said quietly.
Next
✧Author's Notes✧
Hello! Pirate Ateez AU as promised. Even though they have fooled us once more lol
If you're new here, I have this post about this side project of mine.
I hope you enjoy it!
If you want to see my other work, here is this link.
And here is a playlist that is currently a work in progress.
Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.
Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.
First, Prev, Masterlist, AO3
Part 1. Chapter 19. The Finale: Destiny
♦Mingi♦
The hustle and bustle was making Hongjoong giddy. Everyone was busy packing and organizing, getting ready to move their few possessions to the new ship. As for himself, Hongjoong was allowing Seonghwa to load up his arms with their kitchen supplies, as he hadn’t amassed many belongings since he’d been marooned.
Seonghwa was in full mother mode, as the others liked to call it. And since Hongjoong didn’t remember his own mother, he took their word for it. It was good seeing the siren so focused on something positive, even if it was for a brief time.
“I’ve finished packing the bedding,” Yeosang said as he joined them. “What can I do next?”
“Would you pack up the medicines? It would be better if you or Jongho did that and he’s helping move San right now. So, that leaves it to you.”
“Okay.”
“After that, you can go ahead and take your belongings to the other ship and stay with San,” Hongjoong said. “Just in case the move aggravated his wounds or he wakes up. Can’t leave him alone.”
“Yes, Captain,” Yeosang said as he walked off. His shoulders were slightly slumped now and Hongjoong knew he was upset about not being able to help more. But, his energy was still low and Jongho had made it clear he wasn’t ready to exert himself yet. And then there was the use of captain instead of hyung. Yeosang had yet to voice when he was upset or hurt. But, Hongjoong had noticed he would close up or distance himself by becoming more formal.
“He’ll be okay,” Seonghwa whispered. He was always picked up on their moods. Probably had to do with being a siren. Hongjoong was almost jealous.
“Hyung,” Wooyoung said as he poked his head in. “The others are done moving San and are going to start moving supplies from the deck. Is there anything I can get from in here?”
“You can get the bedding,” Hongjoong said. “We’ve got the kitchen supplies.”
“Mingi showed me the galley,” Wooyoung said as he gathered the folded blankets. “I’ll show you. I’m not sure where to take these though.”
“They can just go in a cabin for now,” Seonghwa said. “We can organize them later. Are you ready, Yeosang”
“Yes, hyung,” Yeosang said. He had a bag on his shoulder and a small crate in his arms. “I can carry more though.”
“Here,” Hongjoong said. “This pouch is herbs.” He helped Yeosang slip it onto his free shoulder, then grabbed his own pack and crate. “Let’s go. We’re almost done.”
Once everything was loaded and organizing began, Hongjoong stood on the dock and observed the ship that was bathed in the setting sun.
“She’s beautiful,” Mingi said as he joined Hongjoong.
“She is,” Hongjoong agreed.
“I’m glad you like her. She still needs a name.”
“I have an idea. It’ll be a surprise when we set out tomorrow.” Hongjoong patted Mingi on the shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Mingi said and adjusted the pack on his shoulder. “This is almost my last load. I’ll bring the rest in the morning after I say goodbye to my dad. I’m a little sad my hyung won’t be here to see me off, but maybe we’ll run into each other out there.”
“Maybe, as large as the sea is, it’s somehow still a small world,” Hongjoong said. “Jongho and Yunho have gone to get food to celebrate. Would you like to join us? Or will you be eating with your father?”
“I think I’d like to spend the evening at home, if that’s okay.”
“Of course! I don’t know when we’ll make it back, so spend what time you can with him.”
“I’ll just unload and then head out. But, I’ll be back bright and early.”
Hongjoong followed Mingi up the gangplank then paused as Mingi began to head towards the cabins.
“Mingi,” he called and the taller man turned. “Thank you again for the ship. And, welcome to the crew.”
“I was never sure about being a captain myself,” Mingi said. “But I’m happy to serve you sir. I think my ship has found her captain and I’ve found my crew.”
♦♦♦
When Mingi returned the next morning, still rubbing sleep from his eyes with two final bundles, he found the captain already awake and dangling off of the side of the ship on a makeshift rope seat. Paint splotches covered his arms and face.
“Good morning!” he called down to Mingi once he noticed him. “I just finished. What do you think?”
Along the hull was a name painted beautifully with artistic flourishes surrounding it.
“It’s perfect,” Mingi said, his bright smile matching the captain’s.
“Can you wake the others?” Hongjoong asked as he began to scale up the side of the ship. “There’s a bell by the wheel.”
“Aye, aye, captain!” Mingi quickly boarded the ship and set his bundles down on the deck.
“What do we have here?” Hongjoong asked as he wiped off his paintbrush and observed the oddly shaped bundle.
“That’s Aurora,” Mingi said as he bounded past the captain with the bell now in hand. “I’ll introduce you later.” He began to ring the bell as loudly as he could and cupped a hand around his mouth. “Time to wake up! All hands on deck! Captain’s orders!” He poked his head into one of the rooms and received a pillow to the face, so he retreated and continued shouting until the others stumbled out with sleep in their eyes and messy hair.
He threw an arm over Yunho’s shoulders and ceased his noise making. “Morning,” he said brightly. “Ready to set sail?”
“I didn’t expect you to be a morning person,” Wooyoung said and walked past. “I’ll make breakfast.”
“I’m going to throw that bell into the middle of the ocean,” Seonghwa grumbled under his breath.
“That can wait,” Hongjoong said to Wooyoung. “Everyone off of the ship.”
“Did you get any sleep?” Seonghwa asked, eyeing him.
“I was too excited,” Hongjoong explained before running off of the ship.
Mingi was right behind him, just as excited, but it took a moment for the rest of the crew to follow. Still not awake enough to make sense of what was happening.
When they finally made it down to the dock, the captain swept out his arm towards where he had been painting and the others looked up.
“Welcome aboard The Destiny,” he said.
Some mouths dropped open, but everyone stayed silent.
“What do you think?” he asked when no one said anything.
“It’s perfect, hyung,” Jongho said.
“I love it!” Wooyoung shouted. “Did you paint that overnight?”
“I did.”
“It’s incredible!”
“I think we can all say we’re happy to be a part of the crew of The Destiny,” Seonghwa said. “And to call you our captain. Now, shall we celebrate?”
“Time for breakfast!” Wooyoung cheered before he ran back on board.
Everyone followed him except for Seonghwa and Mingi when they noticed the captain looking across the dock at their old ship.
“She served up well,” Hongjoong said. “I’m sad to let her go.”
“My dad will make sure she ends up in good hands,” Mingi said. “Does she have a name? I never asked.”
“Promise,” the captain said with stars in his eyes. “Her name is Promise.” He turned to them and smiled. “Shall we head aboard now? I want to meet this mysterious Aurora of yours.”
“Aurora?” Seonghwa asked.
“He’s been very cryptic about it,” Hongjoong said.
“You’ll like her,” Mingi said as he followed them. “Or at least I hope so. She’s trained but can still be a bit of a handful.”
“I see,” Hongjoong said.
Mingi’s boot met the gangplank and he smiled. He was finally going on his own adventure. When he came back he’d have stories to tell his brother and —
“Song Mingi! Where do you think you’re going?”
His foot caught in surprise and he nearly fell forward from the uneven ground.
“Khady?” He turned sharply to face the person he had been most hesitant to bid farewell.
“Were you really going to leave without saying goodbye?”
He looked down as his face burned. “I…I…” He could feel his eyes pricking and took a deep breath. Head still dropped, he made his way over to his oldest friend and pulled one of her crossed arms free so that he could take her hand in his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think I could handle saying goodbye.”
“You jerk. What about me?”
“I’m sorry.” He reached up and fiddled with a bead strung onto one of her many hair twists. She had the dark twists pulled back today by one of the bandannas he had gifted her, and it warmed him inside. But also made the guilt worse. “How did you know?”
“How do you think?” she asked and held up the bundle that was in her free hand.
“Auntie.”
“Did you think my grandma wasn’t going to tell me that my closest friend was leaving?”
He chuckled. “I guess not. Should have known better.” She punched his shoulder and he whined. “I deserved that.”
“Yes, you did.” There was a beat of silence before she spoke again. Her tone still frustrated, but heavy with emotions. “I guess I’m going to have to wait longer for you to confess to me.”
“Yeah.” He smiled softly then stiffened as the words processed and he finally met her eyes. “How…? When…?”
“I’m your closest friend,” she said simply.
“And you…” He couldn’t fathom what was happening. “You? Huh?”
“You’re the only one that didn’t know.”
He wanted to slap himself. Shake himself for not noticing her feelings, or realizing his own. Her face was scrunched up in a pout and there was a red tint to her nose and ears. “I’m an idiot,” he finally said and she snorted which made a couple of tears fall free from her eyes.
She passed the bundle into his hand and slowly, hesitantly, he took it from her. “I expect an actual confession when you come back,” she said, then faster than he could process she grasped the front of his shirt and pulled him down to place a kiss against his cheek. It was soft and hesitant but she pulled away and he wanted to pull her back in, but resisted.
The sea breeze blew between them, and he was even more aware of the distance. Then she pulled her hand out of his and smiled brightly, crossing her arms once more.
“You should get going,” she said and her eyes moved to the bustling ship, then back to him. “Can’t keep them waiting.”
He smiled and nodded. He’s been such a fool all this time, but it was too late. He couldn’t go back and fix his mistakes. “I’ll be back,” he promised.
She tilted her head and her smile turned into a smirk before she turned and started to walk away. “You better,” she called over her shoulder. “Or I’ll come out to sea and hunt you down myself.”
He watched her go until someone cleared their throat behind him. He whipped around to find Yunho watching him with wide eyes and a knowing smile.
“Were…were you there the whole time?” he stammered.
Yunho shrugged then turned away. “If you need to stay—”
“No, no. I’m coming!” Mingi said and ran up to the deck. Yunho patted his shoulder and took the bundle from his hand.
“We got more pastries from Auntie!” the navigator shouted and there were cheers across the deck.
“A perfect snack for our journey,” the captain said, then his eyes met Mingi’s. “You ready to go?”
“Yes captain!” he shouted with a salute and bright smile.
“You can call me Hongjoong,” the captain said. “You’re part of the family now.”
♣♣♣
“Hello. Hello.”
He flinched at the sharp, piercing voice in his ear and tried to turn away from it, but it hurt too much to move.”
“Time to wake up you lazy—”
“Aurora!” A new voice shouted. Deep and unfamiliar. “Leave him alone. Do you want to get us in trouble?”
There was a squawk. “No fun. No fun.”
“Shh!”
Something brushed his face and his eyes shot open. Red and blue filled his vision then was cleared as more squawking filled the room. Then a stranger was reaching over him, grabbing at something.
“Aurora, get back here,” the stranger hissed at the brightly colored bird that was attempting to escape.
San sat up and pushed away from them, then grimaced as his chest flared up in pain.
The stranger’s eyes met San’s in surprise and he pulled back. “I’m so dead,” the man mumbled, then raised a hand and smiled awkwardly. “H-hi. Sorry for the rude wake up call. Aurora got away from me.”
San’s eyes darted around the room. He was alone with the stranger and macaw in an unfamiliar place. “Who are you,” he demanded, his eyes narrowed on the tall man. Any attempt to look threatening was undone when his voice cracked and he broke into a coughing fit.
The stranger made a concerned noise then disappeared as San tried to catch his breath as the coughing continued.
“Here, water.”
A glass was placed against San’s mouth and he reached up to grab it before the man poured it all over him with his shaking hands, or made San’s coughing worse. He took a few good gulps before leaning back to catch his breath.
“Sorry,” the man said again. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Mingi. Um…I’m going to go let the others know you’re awake.”
Before San could respond, the stranger, Mingi, was out the door, the bright bird right behind him. That left San completely alone in the unfamiliar place.
The last thing he remembered was the rescue mission for Wooyoung that had gone wrong. He doubted this was the enemy ship though. If it was, he would have been in the brig, or more likely, had been left to die. But the bandages wrapped around him proved he had been saved.
His second guess would be that they’d escaped and found a doctor in town that accepted them. But the familiar rolling of the sea said otherwise.
He looked around the room once more, trying to come up with an answer and spotted a familiar set of glass jars on one of the shelves.
Then, there was the thundering of footsteps and loud voices and everyone was rushing through the door to him. Wooyoung led the way with the others on his tail.
The next thing San knew, he was wrapped in a hug from his two best friends and it felt similar to when they’d rescued Wooyoung. Clinging too tight from fear that they’d almost lost each other.
He groaned in pain. Definitely too tight.
Wooyoung and Yeosang pulled away immediately then fussed over him and asked a million questions while Jongho stepped forward and began to look him over with Yeosang.
San did his best to answer their questions, but his brain was slow to process and he was still tired. They walked him through a checkup. Though, it took some effort from him, he wasn’t used to the lack of energy.
Hongjoong and Seonghwa stood off to the side, watching the fussing, relieved. Mingi had come back with the group, but he stood by the door with his bird and another stranger, who also seemed relieved and anxious.
No. He wasn’t a stranger.
He had been the one chained up that Wooyoung had insisted they help.
Good. They’d succeeded and it looked like everyone had escaped relatively unharmed.
Well, the wound on his chest said otherwise. It still stung as Yeosang and Jongho redressed it. But it was mostly scabbed over. He reached to poke at the pink flesh at the end where some of the scab had already fallen off, but Jongho slapped his hand away.
“Don’t even think about it,” the pseudo doctor said. “Some of the wound already reopened when we moved you. Don’t make it worse.”
“I wasn’t going to touch it,” San grumbled, but obeyed and put his hand down. “Where are we?” he finally asked.
The captain beamed ear to ear. “Our new home. This is our Destiny,” he said excitedly. “She’s beautiful. We’ll show you around as soon as you get the all clear to get up.”
“Wait.” San’s eyes grew wide. “This is our ship? We have a ship now?”
“Yep,” Wooyoung said. “And it’s all thanks to me.”
“How do you figure that?” Jongho asked with a scoff.
“I’m the one that insisted we help Yunho, and he introduced us to Mingi,” Wooyoung explained. “So, we have this ship thanks to me.”
“By that logic, wouldn’t it be thanks to me?” Jongho asked with a grin. “I’m the reason you even met Yunho.”
“Come now,” Hongjoong said. “We all have Yeosang to thank for this. He saved Mingi, and that is the reason we have the ship.”
“Sounds like I missed a lot,” San said.
“You don’t even know the half of it,” Wooyoung said. “I almost lost you and—”
“Wooyoung, why don’t you go make San some food?” Seonghwa suggested. “I’m sure he’s starving.”
“Actually, I’m okay,” San said, then his stomach growled.
“I’m on it,” Wooyoung said, then was off like a shot.
Yunho and Mingi disappeared with him out the door and somehow the mood seemed to grow heavier.
As Yeosang and Jongho teamed up to wrap the bandages around San’s torso again, the captain took a seat.
“How long was I out exactly?” San asked.
“About a week,” Hongjoong said.
“You were in and out of consciousness a couple of times,” Jongho said.
“The last thing I remember was the fight,” San said, confirming their suspicions. “I’m sorry. I must have caused a lot of headache.”
“Just be careful while you recover and it will be fine,” Yeosang said.
“And maybe we should work on some sword training,” Jongho recommended.
“You’re a great fighter,” Yeosang said when San opened his mouth to protest.
“But hand-to-hand doesn’t work in every fight.”
“I do just fine when Wooyoung and I train,” San pouted.
“No one’s saying otherwise,” Hongjoong said. “But I’m sure we could all benefit from learning from each other.”
“It’s good to be well rounded,” Jongho added.
San huffed and leaned onto Yeosang who patted him on the head.
“I’m glad you’re awake,” Yeosang said. “It would have been bad if you stayed unconscious much longer.”
San smiled and looked at his friend, then frowned. “Are you okay?” he asked and Yeosang stiffened.
“Y-yeah. Of course. Why do you ask?”
“You seem…off,” San said. “I can’t put my finger on it.” Then it hit him. He’d seen Yeosang like this before. “Did you get sick again? Are you okay? It’s been ages.” He felt Yeosang’s forehead. The older one pulled away, but not before San confirmed he was at a normal temperature.
“I’m fine, San,” Yeosang said quickly with a smile. “Promise. I’m going to go check on Wooyoung and see if the food is almost done.” He hurried off, but San could tell he wasn’t as fast as normal when he tried to escape from situations.
“How could you tell?” Jongho asked.
“So, I was right.”
“Sort of,” Hongjoong said.
“He’s pretty much recovered though,” Jongho said. “That’s why I’m surprised you knew.”
“He got sick a lot growing up,” San explained. “He would try and hide it sometimes, but there were other times it was so bad he couldn’t. When that was the case, it would usually take him a few days to recover even once he was up and about again. He was paler, slower, and sort of skittish. With his poor health, it’s honestly surprising that his father was having him train to be an assassin.”
“He’s doing a lot better now,” Seonghwa reassured. “I’m sure he and Wooyoung will catch you up on everything soon.”
“I’m glad to see you finally awake.” The captain patted his shoulder. “Take it easy for a few days. I need to finish plotting out our course with Yunho. Can you believe it? We finally have a navigator. Our days of getting lost are over.”
He headed towards the door and Seonghwa followed after lightly tousling San’s hair. “Let us know if you need anything,” the siren said. “I’m going to get back to organizing.”
“Okay, hyung,” San said. “See you later.”
Once they were gone, San turned to Jongho who was busy putting away everything he and Yeosang had used.
“Are you in any pain?” Jongho asked.
“I’m sore,” San said. “But mostly okay I think.”
“Good. You had some pain medicine not too long ago. But, let me know if you need more.”
“Thanks. Um…”
Jongho paused and looked at him.
“Do you know what Yeosang had?” San asked. “I thought he was doing better, and, well, we never really knew why he was sick so often.”
Jongho turned back to his task and hummed in thought. “Food poisoning?”
“What?” Why was that said like a question? San sat straighter and stared at the youngest incredulously. “That can’t be it.”
“I can’t say that’s what it was in the past. But that’s essentially what it was this time.”
San thought for a moment and then asked slowly. “Was it Wooyoung’s cooking?”
Jongho burst out laughing. Maybe the most San had ever seen. “No, no,” he said as he tried to get the laughter back under control. “Wooyoung didn’t poison anyone with his food. Otherwise we’d all be sick.”
“That’s true I guess. Unless he was testing a new recipe and Yeosang ended up the unlucky test subject,” San said. “But still, why do I feel like no one is being completely honest with me about this?”
“If you think so then you’ll have to take it up with Yeosang. I’m not going to spill my patient’s info if he doesn’t want to share it.”
San crossed his arms in frustration, then grunted in pain as they bumped his wound.
Jongho sucked his teeth then clicked his tongue. “Careful.”
“Sorry.”
“You’re hurting yourself. Don’t know why you’re apologizing to me.”
“Understood, doctor.” San sighed and relaxed more as he began to grow tired again. “I owe you and Yeosang my life. I’ll have to repay you somehow.”
“You don’t need to worry about it,” Jongho said. “I’m in no way a real doctor. You should thank Yunho though. He carried you to the boat on his back.”
“What?” That woke San back up. “But his injuries.”
“I think he got used to brushing them off. But we took care of them as soon as we could. We got back to our boat faster thanks to him, otherwise we might have been too late. You were losing a lot of blood.”
“Thank you for letting me know. I’ll be sure to thank him when I see him later.”
“Sannie,” Wooyoung singsonged as he came back into the room with a full tray. “Dinner.”
Yeosang was right beside him, frustration on his features.
“Wooyoung, that’s too much for him,” Jongho chastised. “He’s going to need to go easy on his stomach after only eating broth for a week.”
“I tried to tell him,” Yeosang grumbled.
“It’s fine,” Wooyoung argued. “We can eat whatever is left. Besides, I didn’t know what he would want.”
“What did you bring me?” San asked, still tired but eager to get something in his empty belly.
“Some day old pastries that need to be eaten before they go bad, some light seafood soup, and some meat.”
“That all sounds good,” San said as Wooyoung placed the tray on his lap, then took a seat on the bed by his knee.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Please do,” San said. “I need someone to catch me up on everything.”
“Well, you three have fun,” Jongho said. “I’m gonna head up.”
“I’ll come too,” Yeosang said.
“Yeosang, you should stay,” Wooyoung said and San recognized the tone. One used on difficult patrons. It wasn’t normally used on friends, but when the need arose, Wooyoung would use it on even his dad. It was still friendly but garnered no argument.
Something serious had happened. Whatever the others were hiding from him, Wooyoung wasn’t having it.
“San just woke up and he’s still recovering,” Yeosang argued. “He shouldn’t be stressed right now.”
Wooyoung opened his mouth to retort but San put a hand on his knee to stop him then turned to Yeosang.
“I’m not sure what you feel like you need to hide from me, but I won’t ask for an answer right now,” he said. Yeosang opened his mouth but San fixed him with his own look. “But I do expect you to tell me. We can’t be there for you if we don’t know what’s going on.”
Yeosang sighed and dropped his head. “Okay,” he said quietly with a small nod.
San wished he would go ahead and tell him. Get it over with. But, instead, he left just as he said he would.
Wooyoung just shook his head and grabbed one of the pastries.
“Was it that bad?” San asked.
“We almost lost him,” Wooyoung said. “I’m worried about him, San. Really worried. He may have physically gotten away from his father. But, I think that man’s shadow still looms over him.”
“Do you think it will happen again?”
“I don’t know. But it’s possible.”
San sighed. “He spent most of his life hiding things from everyone. We have to give him time to get used to being able to open up,” he said.
“And if we lose him before then?”
“We won’t.”
Wooyoung ran a hand through his hair and San patted his knee again. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m sure it’s been hard, worrying on your own.”
“Well, technically I wasn’t completely alone,” Wooyoung said. “And, even almost losing you two I think we made the right decision when we joined this crew. It’s been like finding a new family. I can’t wait till you get to know Yunho and Mingi.”
“I’m surprised Yunho decided to join us. I wouldn’t have thought he’d want to go anywhere near a pirate ship after what I saw.”
“He wants to help us. Help people who were ripped from their lives and families, like he was.”
San hummed at the explanation. It made sense. “And Mingi?”
“Yeosang saved his life and he’s Yunho’s friend. Well, sort of. But he also wanted to join the cause, and had a ship without a crew.”
“So, what? He just donated his ship to a pirate crew?”
“Pretty much. But we had to bring him along too.”
“If Yeosang saved him, then is that…?” San let the question hang in the air unfinished.
Wooyoung just sighed and placed the spoon in San’s hand. “We’ll deal with it later.”
He stayed silent after that, so San dug into the food, which tasted heavenly. Especially the pastry. His reaction made Wooyoung start chattering about the bakery and the market Mingi had taken them to. San enjoyed it, but too soon he was full and ready to go back to sleep.
As soon as Wooyoung noticed, he moved the food and helped San get comfortable again.
“I’m really glad you’re okay,” he said as San drifted off. “Don’t sleep for too long this time.”
“Okay.”
♣♣♣
It took a few more days before Jongho and Yeosang cleared him to venture past the medical room, but in that time, he was rarely bored. Everyone visited him, aside from Mingi, who he didn’t really blame since they didn’t know each other. But even Yunho visited once to bring him food. Their conversation was awkward at first, but San appreciated it. He could tell Yunho was blaming himself for San’s injury and was trying to reassure himself that San was in fact recovering.
As much as San enjoyed the company and the coddling, he was ready to stretch his legs and go on a tour of their new ship.
Their Destiny, as Hongjoong kept saying.
Surprisingly enough, when Wooyoung fetched him for the tour, Mingi was with him. Then he remembered the ship was originally Mingi’s.
The tall man gave the tour with gusto and Wooyoung mostly offered commentary and a shoulder for San to support himself on. The ship was impressive compared to their previous boat. Not as large as most pirate ships, but it had plenty of room for them and room for more. That, and it was speedy. He couldn’t get over the construction and couldn’t wait till he was well enough to climb about and familiarize himself with the rigging. Something he’d already tried to do and quickly regretted.
“And that concludes the tour,” Mingi said as they stopped by the main mast. “Are there any questions?”
“None that I can think of right now.”
“What do you think, Sannie?” Hongjoong asked from the helm.
“She’s beautiful, Captain!”
“Wait till we dock and you can see her hull,” Wooyoung said. “Captain painted the name himself. He has quite the artistic flair.”
“I can’t wait,” San said with a grin.
“Ready to go back down and rest?”
“Actually.” San closed his eyes and took a deep breath as the wind blew through his hair. “I’d like to stay on deck for a while. I’ve been in that room for so long, and it’s so nice out here.”
“That’s fine by me,” Wooyoung said. “Hey, why don’t we have a picnic on the deck for lunch? We haven’t done that since boarding the destiny. What do you say, captain?” Wooyoung asked as he turned to Hongjoong.
“A picnic sounds good to me,” Hongjoong said.
“I’ll get right on it then,” Wooyoung said. “You alright to stay by yourself?”
San looked around the deck. Hongjoong was at the helm and Yeosang was in the crows nest much to his surprise, and Mingi was loitering nearby. “I wouldn’t really say I’m alone,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be okay, don’t worry. It’s not like I’m going to keel over if you leave for a few minutes.”
Wooyoung huffed. “You better not,” he said, then was off.
San took a seat on a barrel and closed his eyes to feel the breeze. It was nice to not be cooped up below deck and to get to warm up in the sun. He wanted to run around, to climb the rigging, to get back to sparring. But, he knew he wasn’t ready. Just walking around the ship had worn him out and he had worked hard to keep Wooyoung from noticing. His best friend would have made him get right back in bed. Even as tired as he was, he was not ready for that.
“Captain!” Yunho shouted with thundering footsteps and San cracked open an eye to see the tall man rushing up the deck towards the captain. He had scrolls in his arms and navigational instruments in his hands.
“What’s wrong, Yunho?” Hongjoong asked, then looked across the deck. “Mingi, come take over for me.”
“Yes sir!”
Yunho spread out some of the scrolls on a barrel nearby and Hongjoong made his way over once Mingi took the wheel from him.
“I was looking around in the area, trying to plot our course to the next island, but I think we’re going to have to be careful.”
San’s curiosity got the better of him and he got to his feet to join them. Wooyoung would probably scold him for moving, but the two hunched over the map just gave him a friendly smile when he joined them before focusing back on the problem at hand.
“We have a couple of options,” Yunho continued. “These,” he pointed to a couple of islands, “should be places we can get information from. However, this is a doldrum area,” he circled a symbol on the map with his finger. “And this…”
“Sea monster,” San said breathlessly as he eyed the tentacles drawn on the map, wrapped around a ship.
“M-Monster?” Mingi yelped, eyes now on them, wide with fear.
“That’s if you believe in them,” Hongjoong said. “I’ve ever personally run into any. You?” he asked Yunho, who shook his head.
“Maybe we should ask Seonghwa,” Hongjoong mused.
“B-but if it’s on the m-map,” Mingi stuttered.
“Maps can relay false information,” Yunho said. “Sometimes they get marked to scare people and keep them away from potential treasure. Sometimes they are a warning and reminder from the original owner.”
“And unfortunately we don’t know how trustworthy this map is.”
“I wish I could have taken some of hyung’s maps,” Yunho muttered. “We can avoid both areas if we go to this island first. But it might take a lot longer.”
“That sounds like the better option,” Hongjoong said. “Let’s go ahead and talk to Seonghwa too. Just to be safe.”
“Does S-Seonghwa hyung know much about monsters?” Mingi asked.
The group looked at each other in confusion, then realization.
“Wait,” San spoke up. “Does he not know about Seonghwa hyung?”
“What about him?”
“Yes, what about me?”
Mingi yelped and San jumped at Seonghwa’s sudden appearance. “Hyung,” San pouted, hand over his racing heart. “Don’t scare me like that.”
“Sorry, Sannie,” Seonghwa said, and patted San’s shoulder.
“Turns out Mingi doesn’t know about you,” Hongjoong said with a grin.
“I see.”
“But we were actually wondering if we could ask you a question,” Hongjoong continued, changing the topic.
“Of course,” Seonghwa said while Mingi whined about being left out of the loop.
“There’s a mark indicating sea monsters,” Yunho said as he pointed to the drawing on the map. “More specifically, a kraken.”
Seonghwa hummed in acknowledgment as he looked at it, then looked at Yunho and Hongjoong when they didn’t continue. “We should avoid it,” he said matter of fact.
“So they are real?” Yunho asked.
“Oh,” Seonghwa said in understanding. “Yes, they’re real. I’m surprised neither of you have come across any.”
“My guess is Alessio just avoided areas where they could be,” Yunho said. “And Niccolo wouldn’t have wanted to deal with them either.”
“I’ve only ever heard rumors,” Hongjoong said. “Older crew mates would tell tales of them, but you couldn’t always believe their stories.”
“Well, they are indeed real,” Seonghwa continued. “And most of the time they’re territorial, which makes them dangerous.”
“I’ll plot us on the long route then,” Yunho said with a strong release of his breath.
“How many more days will it take?” Hongjoong asked.
Yunho looked over the map as he considered things. “Four days maybe,” he said. “If we make good time. That’s a best case scenario though.”
“And worse case?”
“A week.”
“That’s not too bad,” San said. “Right?”
“We’ll need to be careful about supplies, just in case it gets any longer than that,” Hongjoong said. “But no. Not too bad.”
“Sannie,” Seonghwa said, Patting San’s head. “Why aren’t you resting?”
“I needed to stretch my legs,” San said with a pout. He was getting tired of being coddled, but he would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the physical affection. “Wooyoung’s making lunch and I asked to stay on deck so that I can get some fresh air.”
“You’re still getting your strength back though,” Seonghwa said, pulling San’s vest tighter. “What if you catch a cold from the breeze?”
“He’ll be fine,” Hongjoong said with a chuckle. “You don’t need to fuss over the poor boy. He has Jongho and Yeosang for that.”
“I think Wooyoung is worse,” San grumbled, then laid his head on Seonghwa’s shoulder. He probably should sit back down. Especially before Wooyoung got back.
“San!”
He flinched at the appearance of the youngest.
“What do you think you’re doing out here?” Jongho scolded as he made his way over.
“Getting some fresh air while I wait for lunch?” he said as he ducked behind the siren.
“He was just fixing to sit down,” Seonghwa defended.
Jongho crossed his arms, eyes narrowed. “Fine. But the air is cold, so you need a coat or something.”
“Can you bring me a blanket?” San asked, peeking around Seonghwa’s shoulder.
Jongho’s glare got harder, then he sighed and walked away. “You better be sitting down when I get back.”
“That’s strange,” Yunho said under his breath.
“What? Jongho’s fussing?” Hongjoong asked. “He’s a lot sweeter than he lets on.”
“Huh?” The comment seemed to break Yunho out of his concentration. “Oh, no, not that. It’s the cold air. It shouldn’t be this cold where we are unless…” His eyes widened and he dashed for the mainmast. He climbed the rigging and to the crow’s nest with ease, then looked out at the horizon. “Captain! We have a new problem. There’s a storm rolling in quickly. I don’t think we’ll be able to avoid it.”
“Best prepare then,” Hongjoong shouted. “Mingi, I’ll help with the rigging. Are you good to stay at the helm?”
“Yes captain,” Mingi said with a nod. “But just until we reach the storm. I don’t have the confidence to steer us through it.”
“Understood.”
“Captain,” San said. “Let me help with the rigging.”
“No San,” Hongjoong placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re still recovering. You should get below deck until it’s over.”
“But hyung.”
“No ‘but hyung.’ Seonghwa, help him back to the sick bay please. And let the others know what’s going on.”
“Yes captain.”
“Alright boys,” Hongjoong said as the wind picked up and he started to climb the rigging with a mad grin. “Time to hold on for our lives.”
First, Prev, Masterlist, AO3
Salutations!
I present to you the finale of Part 1 of Starlit Destiny!
I hope you have enjoyed it so far.
I've already started on the next part, however, I think I will spend some time focusing more on The Sky that Doesn't End. There are still so many stories I want to tell with this one though. So many more characters I want you to meet. And growth that the guys need to experience.
Once you have finished Part 1, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please post any comments or questions!
Lots of love to all the wonderful readers who have made it this far. Whether you have followed the story from the beginning or found it just recently.
Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC
Rated: G
Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.
✧1✧
Seonghwa
The bell jingled above his head as he entered his cafe, the familiar sound putting a smile on his face as his two friends and employees greeted him from behind the counter.
“Hey hyung!” Wooyoung said, animatedly waving at him as he ignored the mug in his hand. “Morning.”
Seonghwa sent a small glare his way for the noisy greeting that would likely disturb the customers, but he couldn’t help the smile at the warm welcome.
“Morning, hyung,” Yunho said at a much more reasonable volume as he handed a to-go order over to a customer who was waiting patiently.
“Good morning,” he said to the two of them, then opened the door for the customer before allowing himself to glance over who all was currently occupying the small coffee shop. Several regulars were seated around and his eyes stuck at the back corner booth that was a familiar sight. It was covered in paper both flat and wadded up, as well as colorful sticky notes, books and a laptop. Then he deflated.
Instead of their normal regular, it was a uni student that had discovered them recently. The other booths and tables were filled with new and familiar faces, but the one he was looking for was missing. Then, just as he was ready to head behind the counter to start the day, his eyes passed over a familiar form.
She was seated at the counter, her usual items kept to a much smaller amount as she tried not to take up too much space. Her face was scrunched up in concentration as she typed frantically on her laptop.
Yunho cleared his throat. “Hyung? Are you going to stay by the door?”
Seonghwa felt his face flush but tryed to play it off. He stuck his hands in his pockets and raised his head slightly as he made his way behind the counter at an unrushed pace. “I’m just taking in the atmosphere,” he said, trying to remain nonchalant.
The two chuckled at him, barely having the decency to try and keep it down.
“Whatever you say, hyung,” Wooyoung said, patting him on the back as he joined them.
He ignored their teasing as he put on his apron and got to work.
“Binnie said that they had a rush this morning and got behind, but he brought over what deserts he could for now. The rest will have to come closer to eleven,” Wooyoung said just as Seonghwa noticed the desert display was emptier than usual.
“And here I was hoping we just had more business,” Seonghwa said with a sigh. “I’m glad they’re starting to get more customers at least.”
“He thinks it’s partly because we sell them here,” Wooyoung explained. “He told me most of the people that have been placing orders are our regulars and that we’re how they found them. Felix is ecstatic.”
Seonghwa smiled, imagining how everyone next door must be feeling. Times were just hard for small business. Especially with the influx of themed cafes and bakeries. “I’m glad,” he said.
“Oh, hyung,” Yunho said, looking under the counter. “Speaking of baked goods, I think we’re going to need some more to go pouches for them soon.”
“Okay.” He looked around the space and tried to take note of stock. “Let’s look over everything today, and I’ll place an order after we close up.”
“Yes sir.”
“Will do.”
The two replied.
“You opened this morning, right Yunho? Why don’t you go take a fifteen minute break.”
“Thanks hyung. Then,” he grabbed a mug and poured some for himself. “I’ll just be in the back.”
“I’m going to make a fresh batch of coffee,” Wooyoung said. “How’s San doing?”
“He’s starting to get better,” Seonghwa grabbed his notebook, ready to start the tedious task of inventory. “His fever broke so he should only have a couple more days of recovery.” The bell over the door rang, interrupting his task, but he was happy for it. “I got it,” he said under his breath to Wooyoung, then turned a bright smile to the customer. “Hello. Welcome to The Wishing Star. What can I get started for your today?”
✧Author's Note✧
Hello! Here's another random one I started about a year ago. I realized too late that I posted a rather unfortunate chapter of Starlit Destiny on Seonghwa's birthday. So, here's me making up for it. Happy late Birthday Seonghwa! Lot's of love.
Again, this is just casually edited. Hope you enjoy anyways.
Ask to join a taglist. Feel free to engage. It's my writing fuel instead of coffee lol
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Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.
Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.
First, Prev, Finale, Masterlist, AO3
Chapter 18: High Turnover
♠Jongho♠
Jongho did what he could to check Yeosang’s temperature without waking him or the two he was sandwiched between. It proved rather difficult though since he also had to watch out for Yunho’s long sprawled out limbs.
Hongjoong snored from the bunk and Jongho held back a chuckle. They’d have to start waking up soon. There was no telling when they would receive word from Mingi now that the sun had risen and the docks were starting to see activity.
But, the captain hadn’t been asleep long and Jongho knew if anyone needed the sleep, it was him. Resolved to be alone for a while longer, Jongho made his way back to the deck, grabbing a couple of apples on the way out.
Taking residence on a barrel where he could clearly see the morning proceedings on in the port, he ate away at the sweet fruit and mulled over things. He needed to write a report, but even if he did, he wasn’t sure how he’d get it to the king. The only person he trusted at this point aside from his father. And he didn’t want his father put in danger.
If he could reveal things though…
His thoughts were interrupted by the door creaking open and he turned to see Yunho making his way onto the deck, blinking in the morning sun.
“Morning,” Jongho said. When Yunho spotted him, he tossed his second apple at the tall man, who caught it with surprising ease. Though his eyes were wide in surprise and he wasn’t fully awake. “How are you feeling?”
“Rested,” Yunho said. “Mostly at least. My back is still making sleeping uncomfortable.”
“Stiff?”
“A little.”
Jongho took the last bite of his apple and threw the core over the side of the boat. “You feel like some light sparring?” he asked. “Might help loosen you up. And your wounds are healed enough that they shouldn’t open back up.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Yunho said, then looked at the apple Jongho had tossed him. “I’m not really ready to eat yet either.” He put the apple on the railing and began to stretch his arms. “Swords?”
“Hand-to-hand.”
“Think you can handle it?”
Jongho scoffed. “Do you think you can?” he countered as he stretched his neck.
“Guess we’ll find out,” Yunho said with a friendly smile and dangerous glint in his eyes.
They raised their fists and circled for a moment, randomly reaching forward to slap the other’s hand. Jongho made the first real move. Yunho was faster and more graceful than Jongho expected with his height. He ducked and dodged with ease, and only a few of Jongho’s strikes hit their mark. When they did, Yunho barely flinched. The strikes that Yunho landed, hurt, and much to Jongho’s frustration he could tell Yunho was holding back, a lot.
Trying to make some progress, Jongho aimed for the knees, just to trip him, and almost succeeded. But Yunho caught on at the last minute and used the momentum to make Jongho fall.
Before he could move, Yunho placed a foot on his back, pinning him in place on the deck.
“I didn’t realize legs were allowed,” Yunho said as he removed his foot and held out a hand.
Clapping filled the air and they both looked around in surprise.
Seonghwa and Wooyoung stood by the door and Mingi had somehow snuck up the gangplank and was resting against the railing. “That was incredible,” he said. “And, as expected, my best friend won. I know how to place my bets.”
“Best friend?” Yunho asked in surprise as Mingi came over and threw an arm over his shoulders.
“Sure.” Mingi looked at the others and smiled. “Sorry about yesterday. I owe you all my life and wasn’t able to thank you properly.” Worry settled over his face as he looked over those gathered. “The one that drank the poison, Yeosang? Is he okay?”
Jongho nodded. “Last I checked on him he was fine,” he said, then looked at Seonghwa and Wooyoung for confirmation.
“I think he will be slow to rise today and recovery might take a couple of days,” Wooyoung said. “He’s awake though, and ready for food.”
“Wonderful!” Mingi said, finally letting Yunho go. “I know the perfect place for breakfast. Just a few minutes walk if you think he can handle it.”
“I should see how he’s recovering first,” Jongho said. “I need to check on San too.”
“Why don’t you come in?” Seonghwa offered.
“But what about the captain?” Yunho asked.
“Already awake,” Seonghwa said as he opened the door and stepped inside. “We have a guest,” he called in warning for those still getting around.
“Mingi’s here,” Wooyoung clarified.
“Perfect timing,” Hongjoong said as he slipped on his coat. There was a loud thud and groan behind Jongho.
“Watch your head,” Hongjoong said in belated warning with a chuckle.
Mingi rubbed at his forehead and Yunho patted his back in comfort with a whispered, “Sorry.”
Jongho stayed on task while the others made room for the second giant. He made a quick medicine, which he took over to San. Yeosang was already there, looking over the bandages while still seated on the sleeping mat that the others likely insisted be left out so he could continue to rest.
Mingi looked around the small space, his mouth open in shock. “All of you have been living in this tiny space?” he asked, then looked at the crew. “All six? seven? of you?”
“Seven,” Hongjoong confirmed. “We’re making it work. But, you can see why we’re looking for a ship.”
Mingi nodded, mouth still open as his eyes scanned the space again. When his gaze landed on Yeosang, his mouth snapped closed and he bowed deeply. “You saved me and almost died in the process,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough. I owe you my life.”
Yeosang’s eyes widened in surprise and he waved his hands. “No, no,” he said, his voice still hoarse. “I was just doing my job.”
“Still, you almost died and I’ll be forever grateful for it.” Mingi continued. “I was just telling the others that I know of a great place for breakfast. My father sent me with money to buy the crew a meal as thanks. If you think you have the energy to go. It’s not far.”
“I…” Yeosang cleared his throat and squirmed. “I haven’t been awake for very long, so I’m not sure.” He shifted and looked at San. “But I can stay with San while the rest of you go.”
“I don’t want to leave my savior behind, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to go if you’re not recovered yet.” Mingi said quickly. “I will repay you though.” He looked down at San in confusion while Jongho carefully spooned medicine past his lips. “I don’t believe we’ve met. Is he okay?”
“This is Jongho and San,” Yunho said. “San was injured when they rescued Wooyoung and I from Niccolò.”
“It’s been a slow recovery,” Jongho said as he stood. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m going to go ahead and put my foot down and insist Yeosang stay and rest. He and I have joint medical duties of sorts, but seeing as he himself is currently unwell…”
“Well done, Jongho,” Wooyoung said as he patted Yeosang’s shoulder with a little more force than was necessary. “He wouldn’t take care of himself as well if you weren’t here. You’re my favorite.”
“I’ve been taking care of myself plenty well,” Yeosang mumbled.
“You’ve survived,” Wooyoung snipped. “Doesn’t mean you’d be honest with us about how you’re feeling. You already tried to hide how bad it was yesterday.”
Yeosang ducked his head.
“That’s enough,” Hongjoong said. “You all go with Mingi and bring food back to the ship. I’ll stay with Yeosang and San. We can eat on the deck and talk when you get back so that we’re not squeezed in here. Yeosang can rest more while we wait for food.”
“Hyung, you should go too,” Yeosang said quietly. “I can stay with San.”
“There will be plenty of other chances to go ashore. Wooyoung and Jongho deserve a break and Seonghwa needs to go to keep them out of trouble. And, I won’t leave my injured alone.” Hongjoong glanced at Seonghwa and the siren nodded.
“Then,” Mingi said a bit tentatively. “We can go to the bakery, walk around the market, and bring back a feast.”
“Sounds good to me,” Wooyoung said.
So, with Mingi at the front, they filed out of the small space.
“Captain, make sure Yeosang rests,” Jongho called behind him.
“Will do, doctor.”
It was said half jokingly, but Jongho smiled at the title nonetheless.
Once they were on the street, Wooyoung turned to him, his eyes shining with curiosity. “How does a secret royal inspector have such good medical knowledge? Do you need it since your job requires you to be undercover?”
The others’ ears perked up, also curious.
“I wasn’t really trained in it,” he started. “My mother was a nurse, and she used that knowledge to take care of my father and I since we would get into scrapes all the time. No need to go to a doctor and spend the money when she knew just as much. So, I learned from her. She would randomly teach me things growing up and I was interested, so I listened and asked. I think she had hoped I would want to be a doctor so that my life wouldn’t always be at risk, and I thought about it. But, I also trained with my father and decided that I wanted to serve my country the way he does.”
“And then you became a secret royal inspector,” Wooyoung said. “I don’t know the inner workings or anything. But, you are a bit young for the job, right?”
“I’m not the youngest ever instated,” Jongho said. “But, yes. It’s a position typically given to those that are older, with more experience. The man who trained me saw potential I guess and recommended me. And then after talking to the king, it was approved.”
“You’ve met the king?” Wooyoung gasped. “What’s he like?”
“Kind and concerned,” Jongho said, “Too young for the things he’s been through. I trust him with the country’s well being though.”
“That’s good,” Wooyoung said. “Kind of a relief.”
“Speaking of kings,” Mingi spoke up. “My family hasn’t lived in our homeland in a couple generations. But, Kim is the royal family’s name, correct?”
“That’s right,” Jongho said.
“But your captain’s name is Kim?” It was a statement said more like a question. “He’s not royalty, is he?”
“No,” Jongho said.
“Surely not,” Wooyoung laughed, then stopped. “I mean, he can’t be. Right?”
“The current king and his mother were the only royal survivors after the first coup,” Jongho said. It was a fact that was taught in the kingdom once the rightful king was placed back on the throne.
“Is it…treason?” Wooyoung asked quietly. “To use a false name with such importance.”
Jongho shrugged. “Just add it to the list of illegal things he does as a pirate,” he said. “As long as he doesn’t go around claiming to be royalty and tarnish the royal family, I doubt anyone would even know.”
“What if he ends up being a pirate king?” Mingi asked.
“He’d have to make a name for himself first,” Jongho said. “I’d barely even say we’re a pirate crew right now.”
“You don’t really come across as one,” Mingi said as he led them into a shop. The smells that immediately wafted around them were incredible and Jongho’s mouth began to water. “Like I said previously,” Mingi continued. “We’ve dealt with our fair share of pirates at the mercantile.”
The group was barely listening to Mingi though, completely taken with the cozy atmosphere and rich smells of the bakery. He chuckled once he noticed and patted Yunho and Jongho on the shoulders.
“Auntie makes all the best pastries, and many of her recipes have been passed down or collected by her family for hundreds of years,” Mingi explained as they took in the many options covering the display tables. “Choose whatever you like, my treat.”
“There’s so much,” Wooyoung said as he looked over the closest table with Seonghwa at his shoulder.
Jongho could only recognize a couple of the items and so decided to just follow the others while they began to gather their choices onto a tray. Mingi grabbed some specifically for Yunho to try and gave everyone a few recommendations.
“Can you not find anything?” Seonghwa asked as he looked over the honey cookies that Jongho recognized from home. “What about these?” the siren asked as he pointed to a triangular pastry marked Apple Turnover. “These look good, and you like apples.”
Jongho nodded in agreement so Seonghwa grabbed one for him and placed it on the almost full tray Yunho was holding.
“Here,” Mingi said, adding another to the pile. “You should try this. It’s called a bear claw. Seems fitting for some reason.”
“I was called a bear back when I was training. What’s in it?” Jongho asked. It was an oddly shaped pastry that he supposed resembled a bear claw in some way, and was topped with a white drizzle and some kind of nuts.
“It’s flaky and has an almond filling.”
“Sounds good,” Jongho said. “I’ll try it.
“Oh, we need some meat too,” Mingi said as he grabbed another tray and began to fill it. “Some empanadas, and some xian bing… Oh! And some karipap.” He kept going, naming off each one he added to the pile as they all watched.
“Uh, Mingi,” Yunho finally said, stepping forward. “I think this is probably plenty for all of us.”
Mingi stopped and blinked in surprise, then looked at the two heaping trays.
“I guess you’re right,” he said with an awkward chuckle. “I got a little excited. Sorry. Let’s get these and go then.”
They followed him back to the counter where an older woman greeted them with a warm smile. If he had to guess, Jongho thought she looked to be around the age of his parents.
“Mingi dear, what brings you by?”
“Breakfast,” he said as he placed his tray on the well loved wood counter. Then gestured for Yunho to do the same.
“Oh my,” she said with an amused chuckle. “Not getting carried away, are we?”
“They’re new friends,” Mingi explained. “They saved my life, so I wanted to treat them to the best, and we’re taking it back to their ship where the rest of the crew is.”
“Well in that case,” she said as she walked off and disappeared behind a curtain. She reappeared a moment later with two glass bottles. “You’ll need something to wash all that down with. Some milk and tea.”
“You don’t need to do that Auntie J,” Mingi said.
“Nonsense,” she said, handing the bottles to Jongho who took them in surprise with a small bow of his head. “My own repayment for them saving your life.” She smiled at them. “He’s been coming here since before he could walk, so he’s like family. I can’t thank you enough. Can’t really say I’m surprised he got himself into a scrape either.”
“Auntie.”
“Everyone knows you’re prone to it, don’t even try to deny it,” she said as she began to count and package the pastries. Her hands were quick from years of experience and the many bracelets on her wrists danced from the movements. “I’m going to throw in some more fataya. They just finished, so they’re hot and fresh. Give me a moment, I’ll get them out of the back.”
“Auntie,” Mingi called out, but she was already gone again.
“She’s sweet,” Seonghwa cooed. “She must really care about you.”
“She cares about all the kids that grow up here,” Mingi said.
“Mingi, you better be nice to these young men,” she said as she reappeared with another bundle. “Here you go. These are a family recipe. Most everything else are recipes our family collected over generations, but this one is ours.” She passed the bundle to Yunho, then began to pass the rest of the packages to the others.
Mingi handed her several coins and she handed them back, holding his large hands in her smaller, aged ones.
“Auntie,” he drawled with a whine.
“Don’t,” she said. “You’re fixing to go to sea. Who knows how often I’ll see you. And then what happened yesterday.” She tutted then let go of his hands and shooed them away, her eyes suspiciously wet. “Go on and enjoy your breakfast.”
Mingi pouted, then rounded the counter and gathered the small woman in a hug. “I promise I won’t ever stay gone for too long. How could I survive without your cooking?”
“You’ve grown up so fast,” she said. “Your mama would be proud of you.”
“Thanks Auntie.”
“Now, go on,” she said as she pulled away. “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry, but here I am.”
“Bye,” Mingi said. He began to head towards the door and the others followed. “Don’t worry. I’ll come back before I set off. I still need to find a crew after all.”
♦♦♦
Mingi and Yunho stood off to the side, watching while the captain helped Yeosang onto the deck and the others busied themselves with making comfortable seating arrangements.
“They really aren’t your typical pirates, are they?” Mingi asked.
“None I’ve met.” Yunho said.
“They keep surprising me,” Mingi said. “I’m glad they found you.”
“I’ve been thinking,” Yunho paused and Mingi turned to him. “I might stay with them.”
“Oh.” Mingi’s arms fell limply at his sides.
“I’m sorry,” Yunho said. “I know you wanted me to join your crew, but you can find a good navigator just by posting a notice. It will be a lot harder for them to find someone that will trust them, and that they can trust.”
“You’re right.” Mingi crossed his arms again and looked down at his feet. “I want you to do what you want, now that you’re free. But, I won’t lie. I was hoping we could actually become friends. You would have made the best navigator and first mate.”
Yunho placed a hand on Yunho’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “We are friends, even if we were never given the chance to get to know each other. And I’ll be around. Maybe, one day I’ll be looking for a new job.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Mingi said with a small smile.
“Guys, come on!” Wooyoung shouted as he bounded over. “We’re all set up. What are you doing over here? Let’s eat.”
“Okay, we’re coming,” Yunho said as Wooyoung rushed back to sit down with the others.
The hyperactive man sat next to Yeosang who was leaning on Seonghwa, but offered his friend a smile when he joined them.
Yunho took a seat next to Jongho and Mingi followed, which put him next to Seonghwa. Something had been tickling the back of his mind about the man, so sitting next to him made Mingi a little stiff. There was something in his eyes and in the way he moved and spoke. Mingi tried to shrug it off, but it was hard to.
“So, Mingi,” the captain spoke, jolting him out of his thoughts. “I hate to bring it up so soon, but what is the plan for your uncle?”
“My dad is turning him over to the proper authorities,” Mingi said. “The court will take care of things from here.”
“Can the court be trusted?” Wooyoung asked, clearly frustrated.
“Yes,” Mingi said firmly, trying to reassure them. “The system is fair. The situation is complicated, and hard for my dad and myself. But, you can trust that he’ll receive proper punishment.”
“Good,” the captain said, which cut off whatever argument Wooyoung looked like he was about to start. “I hate to stay on business, but, as you can see, we are in desperate need of space. If we could find a ship we would really be in your debt.”
Mingi looked around the small space and the group that took over most of it just by sitting on the deck. “Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to talk to my dad about it yet,” he said. “With everything we had to deal with last night there just wasn’t the right time to bring it up.”
“I understand,” the captain said. He was smiling, but Mingi could see slight disappointment in the expression.
“I’ll try to bring it up with him as soon as I can, but with the court proceedings…any ways. I’ll ask around too. There’s plenty of people around that would know where to go. I owe you all that much, and more.”
“That’s enough talk about serious matters,” Seonghwa said as he passed around glasses of tea. “Let’s eat for now.”
Mingi could tell that the man was trying to lighten the mood, but was forcing it. His own expression and posture were serious and tight.
“Seonghwa hyung is right,” Wooyoung chirped as he dug into one of the parcels and began to hand around the pastries. “Apple triangle and weird shaped almond thing for Jongho.”
“It’s a bear claw,” Jongho huffed as he took the items.
“Whatever,” Wooyoung retorted as he continued.
Once everyone was satisfied with the pastries in front of them, a small pile left behind in the middle, Wooyoung pulled out one more item he had kept hidden. “Here you go, Yeosang,” he said as he held out a skewer of meat. “We passed a stall with this and I got it for you.”
“Chicken!” Yeosang said as he took the offered meat. “Thank you.”
He dug into the meat with vigor and Mingi almost wouldn’t have guessed he’d nearly died from poison the night before. If there hadn’t been clear exhaustion in his posture and sickly pale complexion. He was already regaining some color though.
Mingi sat back and watched as they joked around the shared food. It was clear that regardless of their differences and backgrounds, they were more than a crew. They were friends, maybe almost family. It was truly amazing.
“So,” he spoke up once some of the conversations had died down. “Can I ask what exactly brought you all together? You’re quite the mixed bunch.”
“You can say that again,” Wooyoung said without giving an actual answer.
“At first it felt like different things brought us together,” the captain said. “But, Yunho aside, all of our reasons are connected.” It wasn’t really an answer either. It just led to another question.
“I’d love to hear more,” Mingi said as he took a drink. “What exactly was that?”
“Kidnapping.”
Mingi choked on the milk and looked at the man with wide eyes. “What?” he sputtered.
“You heard right. My old crew got a new captain who got involved in some underhanded dealings with the government. Kidnapping people off of the street to buy and sell. Something that our previous captain had a rule against. Someone was taken from Seonghwa and Jongho witnessed it. It’s kind of messy, and it will probably be dangerous, but we’ve decided to do something about it.”
Mingi chuckled. “Sounds like some kind of fate that you ended up together,” he said.
The captain hummed in thought. “Maybe more like destiny,” he said after a second.
“Is there room in that destiny for one more?” Yunho asked. “I know we’re short on space, but I’d like to join. I want to help. I’ve lived the life of someone who was pulled away from home. No one else should have to go through that.”
The captain’s head jerked up to meet Yunho’s eyes, and the pastry he was holding nearly fell from his hand. “R-really?” A wide smile broke across the captain’s face and his eyes crinkled up as he reached across and grabbed Yunho’s hand to shake it. “Absolutely. I’d be thankful to have you on board. It would certainly make things run more smoothly.”
“And don’t worry about the space,” Seonghwa said with his own smile. “We’ve managed so far.”
“We’ll have a new ship before too long anyways,” the captain said with confidence as he shot Mingi a quick smile before leaning back again to continue eating.
The immediate acceptance, regardless of the difficulties it might cause, stirred something in Mingi. He was disappointed Yunho wouldn’t be joining his crew. He’d always wanted to build a friendship with him. Something said they would be best friends, and now that the option was open, he was losing his opportunity. But, it was for a good cause. From being a slave on a corrupted privateer ship, to a part of a pirate crew set on freeing slaves.
It made Mingi happy.
The crew talked and joked with Yunho and him as though they had been friends for years.
Maybe there was something to this destiny the pirate captain Kim Hongjoong spoke of.
“You know,” Mingi said suddenly. “I have an idea of the perfect ship for you.”
Everyone turned to him in surprise.
“I have a proposition. You can have my ship.”
“Mingi, that’s not—”
“But,” he cut the captain off. “I come with it. I want to join the cause and your crew. If you’ll have me, Captain.”
“I…” the captain paused, still in shock. “I would be honored. But, are you sure? The ship was for you to expand your father’s business, and being a pirate isn’t the same as being a merchant.”
Mingi winced.
Right. The business.
“Well, I’ll have to talk to my dad first,” Mingi said with an awkward chuckle. “I guess I am getting a little ahead of myself. But you don’t need to worry about it. He has my hyung to help him. I was just going to keep doing the family business because there was nothing else I wanted to do. Now…I think there is.”
Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.
Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.
TW: Vomiting and poison
First, Prev, Next, Masterlist, AO3
Chapter 16: Song and Dance
🟈Yunho🟈
All in all, they weren’t that lost. It didn’t take much for him to get them on track to the port town he remembered. It was one of the places Alessio made sure he knew directions to well. Him and Hongjoong found that they worked well together when it came to navigating, which was a bonus. The captain rarely questioned any of his directions and even when he did, it never came out of distrust.
His wounds, now mostly healed, barely hurt by the time they pulled into the bustling midday port. San was finally showing signs of recovering too. He had woken up briefly a few times, though no one was sure how lucid he had been. Yeosang and Jongho assured them it had been a good sign, and he would most likely be fully awake in a day or two if things kept going well.
“Alright!” the captain called out from the wheel. “Everyone, to the meeting table!”
Yunho gathered his maps off of the crate he often used as a table while on deck, and headed to their singular, real table inside, that held multiple uses. Most commonly for food and games.
Wooyoung had insisted on teaching everyone some basic gambling and cheating techniques. Yeosang had said it was probably his way of distracting himself while San was recovering. Yunho noticed that Yeosang would train till he nearly collapsed whenever he wasn’t looking over his or San’s injuries. He thought it was Yeosang’s own form of distraction. Or maybe punishment.
Yunho knew the look he would get in his eyes all too well. No one else ever seemed to pick up on it though, except maybe Seonghwa.
The navigator ducked under the door frame into the small space right behind Seonghwa and the captain. Cards and other random items were strewn across the table from Wooyoung’s most recent training session with Yeosang and Jongho, which the three were quickly cleaning up. So, Yunho he stood off to the side, maps held firmly in his arms so they didn’t slip away.
Once everyone was gathered, the captain gestured him forward.
“Okay, Yunho. You know this town and who we’re looking for, so I’ll have you take the lead.”
“What?” Yunho nearly dropped the maps in surprise. “You want me to lead? But sir—”
“Yunho, how long are you going to keep up the “sir?” Never mind. Yes, I want you to take the lead. I’ll take care of the bargaining and such. But you’re the only one who knows where we’re going, so it’s up to you.”
“I’ve never led though,” Yunho said, unsure. The captain was right, he was the one that proposed this, so it was only logical that he would have to be the one to guide them. “I don’t really know what to do.”
“That’s okay. I just need you to give us a basic understanding of who we’re meeting, show us the way, and introduce me. Nothing huge.”
Nothing huge. “Okay…” he shifted his weight and placed his maps on the table just to get them out of his hands. “We’re looking for Song of the Sea Merchants and Mercantile. I think we’ll want to talk to the owner or one of his two sons. The younger one is around my age, he’s the one that I…know. So, he would be the best person to speak with first.”
“Song of the Sea,” Wooyoung mused. “What an interesting name.”
“Familiar too,” the captain said. “I’ve probably heard of it through the years. But I guess we never dealt with them on my old ship.”
“It’s based on their family name,” Yunho explained. “Song. The son I know is Mingi. They have a mercantile on the dock where they sell and trade. I think the older son is the one that goes out the most frequently for goods. But, it’s been about a year since Niccolò went to them. Things might have changed.”
“Okay.” the captain looked down in concentration, chin between his fingers as he thought. “Thank you, Yunho. I want most of us to go. Jongho can hold down the fort and watch over San. Yunho will guide and introduce us. Seonghwa, You’re my right hand, as per usual. Yeosang, since we’re stepping into a bit of an unknown situation I’d like you to discreetly be on guard. And, I’ll need you to decide what medical supplies we need as well, so that will be your main focus. I doubt we have to worry about anything actually happening, but I want to be safe.”
“What about me?” Wooyoung asked quickly.
“You’re probably the best of us with money and noticing if someone is trying to cheat us. So I’ll need your help on that end. And you know better what food supplies we’ll need as well,” the captain said. “Jongho, are you okay by yourself?”
“I should be,” Jongho said. “Yeosang or I would need to stay with San, and Yeosang is the wiser choice to go.”
The captain clapped his hands and smiled. “Everyone, get what you need. We’ll head out shortly. Oh, and Yunho, remind me when we’re done and we’ll see about getting you some new clothes.”
Before Yunho could protest, the captain was in a discussion with Seonghwa, while they got busy making preparations.
🟈
The dock was as bright and bustling as he remembered it. People were going to and from ships, some with cargo, others in tearful embraces with loved ones. They had found a place to dock not too far from the mercantile, having lucked out, considering how many ships were in the port.
There was something comforting about walking a familiar path. Though it was offset by the unfamiliarity of being the one leading the way. He was on the captain’s left while Seonghwa was on the right, just as the captain had instructed. Wooyoung was chattering brightly behind them, occasionally asking questions or mentioning something they needed to check out later to Yeosang.
When the mercantile came into view, Yunho pointed it out to the captain, then looked for the familiar ship. His stomach dropped slightly when he didn’t see it, but he hoped it was just the oldest son that was away.
“Stefano?”
He stopped in his tracks, heart halting before he could place the voice. Then he spotted Mingi up ahead.
The man brightened then ran forward. “It is you,” Mingi said. “It’s been so long and I didn’t recognize the crew so I wasn’t sure. Man, it’s good to see you.” He smiled and patted Yunho on the shoulder.
“It’s good to see you too, Mingi,” Yunho said with a smile and he held back a wince from pain.
“Does Niccolò need more supplies? I was starting to think he was avoiding us.”
“Uh, no. I’m not with Niccolò anymore,” Yunho replied, and something about saying it out loud felt amazing. His smile grew and he stood straighter. “I’ve never been able to tell you this, but my name is actually Yunho.” He then turned slightly and gestured towards the captain. “Mingi, this is Captain Hongjoong. He rescued me after Niccolò took one of his men. They’re in need of a few things, so I told them I would bring them here as a thank you for helping me.”
If it was possible, Mingi brightened even more and grabbed both of Yunho’s shoulders, his eyes becoming full crescents. “That’s wonderful! It is nice to finally meet you properly, Yunho. And it couldn’t have been at a better time. My dad just gifted me a ship. If you’re looking for a new home I would love to have you on my crew. And, of course, I’ll do everything I can to help your new friends.” Mingi looked around the group for a second when his expression dropped slightly in confusion. “Where’s Alessio? I figured he would have left with you?”
Yunho looked away. He had forgotten that Mingi and Alessio had talked a few times and gotten along well. He didn’t know what to say.
“He…he didn’t…”
“Oh,” Mingi said, just above a whisper. His hands tightened on Yunho’s shoulders in comfort. “Oh, Yunho, I’m so sorry. He was a good man.” Yunho met Mingi’s eyes, which now held unshed tears. “Like I’ve said before, I’m here if you need me.”
“Thank you.”
Mingi gave him a small smile then turned to the others. “Come inside. I’m afraid my dad won’t be back till later, but my uncle is here. He’s my dad’s right hand in the business. Between him and I, I’m sure we can start discussions on things you might need. We can have tea and snacks as well.”
Yunho hadn’t entered the mercantile many times, but it was exactly as he remembered it. Packed with anything you could think of from just about anywhere. Yet even full with everything, it was somehow still organized.
An older man stood behind a counter, giving directions to some other men. The right hand man of the business. He had always rubbed Yunho wrong, but it had never really mattered before since they didn’t interact.
“Uncle!” Mingi called out. “We have some guests who want to do business. Can you have some refreshments prepared and meet us in the trade room?”
The man looked over at the group and his lip curled, but he nodded in response to Mingi’s request. As they passed him, he grumbled something about pirates under his breath and then stormed off.
“Tell me about yourselves and what you’re looking for exactly,” Mingi said to Captain Hongjoong as they entered a cozy, yet ornate room with a large table. Mingi took one of the two chairs farthest in the room at the head of the table but to Yunho’s surprise, Yeosang took the seat closer to Mingi, and the captain took the next one. He then gestured for Yunho and Wooyoung to sit across from them, while Seonghwa stood behind Hongjoong. ignoring the seats that were still available, making his presence terrifying.
“I want to apologize ahead of time,” Mingi said. “My uncle is not a fan of pirates. Being merchants, we’ve had shipments stolen and been forced into bad deals.”
Hongjoong nodded in understanding. “I can only imagine how hard it is to run this kind of business. But I can assure you, we’re just looking to have a friendly relationship. You can consider us closer to peace mains.”
“They’re different from Niccolò,” Yunho said, backing up Hongjoong. “They saved me, treated my wounds, and required nothing in return.”
Mingi sat back in his chair, impressed. “I’m really glad to hear that. I trust Yunho. I think he’s been through enough to be a good judge of character,” he said. “I hope that means we can be good business partners.”
“Me too,” Captain Hongjoong said. “Though, I am a little sad to see that I might lose him to you. I’m in need of a skilled navigator. But what’s more important is him finding where he wants to be now that he’s free.”
“I didn’t know you were a navigator,” Mingi said, turning to Yunho.
“Alessio taught me,” Yunho said with a sad smile. “Along with reading and writing.”
Mingi mirrored his expression and nodded. “Well, I haven’t put together a crew yet for my ship, and I’d love it if you became my navigator. Or took any position you wanted, honestly. But it also looks like you found some people that really care about you.”
Yunho looked from Hongjoong to Wooyoung before turning back to Mingi. “I think I have. But, I’m honestly not sure what I want to do yet.”
“That’s okay.”
“That’s alright.”
Mingi and Hongjoong said in unison. They shared a look then chuckled.
Smiling, Hongjoong sat more comfortably. “Mingi, do you happen to know where your father got your ship?” he asked. “We’ve outgrown our current vessel and need a new one. We don’t have much, but if we sell ours, I think we could afford a ship that’s a decent size with the money we do have.”
Mingi thought for a moment. “I’m not really sure where mine came from, though I probably should. But, there is a ship yard not too far away. I’m just not sure on prices,” he said. “I’ll ask my dad about it, or my uncle. He might know.”
“What about me?” the older man said as he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.
He made his way around the table, carefully passing behind Wooyoung and Yunho with a very full tray before placing it on the table in front of his seat.
“They would like to buy a ship and were asking where dad had purchased mine,” Mingi said. “Would you happen to know?”
“I’m afraid not. But I’m sure we can help you figure something out,” his uncle answered.
“That’s a new teapot,” Mingi said as his uncle began to pour tea and pass the filled cups around.
“Just came in. I thought it would be nice to serve your friend with it.”
Yunho scrunched his brow in confusion as the man gave him a cup with a smile. He’d never shown any friendliness towards Yunho before.
Yunho glanced at Mingi who also looked confused but just shrugged when he met Yunho’s gaze. He turned to refocus on the uncle as the man continued to hand out the tea, then noticed Yeosang staring intently at the teapot. When the uncle began to pour his own cup, Yeosang tapped the table twice with two fingers. Hongjoong noticed the motion and quirked his head, then tapped twice with one finger before placing his hands in his lap.
The uncle sat down and lifted his cup, gesturing to the plate of snacks. “Please, help yourself. The tea is delicio—”
Yeosang downed his glass before the man could finish and all attention was drawn to him at the sudden action.
“Ah, sorry,” Hongjoong said. “Yeo—”
Yeosang grabbed Mingi’s cup next, but instead of drinking it as well, he smelled it first, then took a sip. After a second, he held the cup out to the uncle.
“Drink from this one,” Yeosang said flatly, his eyes narrowed.
“Wha—what?” the uncle stuttered.
“What is the meaning of this?” Mingi growled as he shot to his feet.
“Yeosang?” Hongjoong stood next, hand on his sword.
“Poison,” was Yeosang’s simple response.
Yunho sat straighter and could see Wooyoung shift next to him.
“Why on earth would he try to poison you?” Mingi questioned. His voice raised as he took a step closer to Yeosang. “Moreover, why would he try to poison me? And he poured a glass for himself. Yunho,” Mingi turned to him, hurt and frustration on his face. “What is this?”
“I—”
“It’s an assassin’s teapot,” Yeosang interrupted. “He poured yours the same way he poured some of ours. He poured his differently. The teapot has two chambers in it and a few holes around the handle. If you don’t believe me you can look at the teapot.”
“I don’t need to look. Why would I believe you over my uncle?”
“Because he gains nothing by lying to you,” Hongjoong said. “None of us do. And if he’s right, then your uncle just tried to kill you.”
“This is absurd!” the uncle shouted. “Mingi, surely you’re not falling for this?”
Yunho looked from Mingi to Yeosang then noticed the latter stumble slightly and place a steadying hand on the table. So, Yunho stepped forward and took the lid off of the teapot.
“Two chambers,” he said, then put the lid down and slid the teapot towards Mingi for him to see before placing a hand on his dagger. Hurt flashed across Mingi’s face, then he took a deep breath and grabbed the cup from Yeosang.
“Uncle, just drink it.”
“Mingi—”
“I’m not saying I don’t believe you, but we’ll just get this over with faster if you drink it and prove there’s no poison.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve known you your whole life, but you’re listening to this, riff raff? Yes, the teapot has two chambers, but I filled them with the same tea. It’s a novelty, nothing more.”
“Then you can just do it and we can move on from this misunderstanding. But, the more you refuse to drink a simple cup of tea, the more I start to doubt.”
“You shouldn’t have any doubt in me at all. But fine. Fine!” The uncle took the cup and began to lift it to his mouth. He paused and his eyes darted to Yeosang. Yunho moved forward just as the man threw the tea at Yeosang’s face, then raised a dagger from his belt. But before he could plunge it towards Mingi, Yunho had his arm in a firm grip and his own dagger at the man’s throat. Yunho looked at Mingi who had stumbled back, then watched as the others rounded the table to get to Yeosang. He’d luckily been fast enough to hide his face behind his sleeve which was now covered in tea.
“You okay?” Hongjoong asked, and Yeosang nodded.
“What do you mean you’re okay?” Wooyoung nearly screeched. “You just drank poison.”
“I’ll be fine. Let’s just focus on this.”
Mingi stepped forward, the hurt now clearly replaced with fury. “Where’s the antidote?” he asked in a deep growl.
“Why would I need an antidote?” the uncle sneered.
Yunho twisted the man’s wrist so that he lost his grip on the dagger, then spun him around and pushed him against the wall, holding his hands behind his back.
“Uncle, I don’t understand why you were trying to kill me, or why you thought it was a good idea,” Mingi’s voice dropped even more if possible and he pulled a gun from under his coat. “But, were you really so stupid that you don’t have an antidote for yourself?”
“Thirty years! I’ve worked with your father since before you were born and yet he passed over me for a promotion again! Just for one of his brats,” the man shouted as he struggled in Yunho’s hold, his eyes on Mingi’s gun. “I thought it was fortuitous that pirates showed up today. If something happened to you, I could do away with them and play it off as revenge. No one would have been the wiser.”
“My dad was your friend. You could have talked to him about it. It’s too late now though,” Mingi said, then pressed the gun against the man’s temple and leaned in closely. “Now, give me the antidote.”
“There isn’t one. So, threatening me won’t work. Why on earth would I even need one for myself? It’s not like I was going to drink any of the poison.”
“You could have accidentally gotten some in your own glass,” Yeosang said. “Especially since you poured for yourself last. You should always have an antidote on you when working with poisons.”
“Perhaps your lack of planning is the reason you keep getting passed over for a promotion,” Hongjoong said. “At least tell us what the poison was.”
“Why should I?” the man spat.
Mingi grabbed the man’s shirt and shook him in Yunho’s hold, then adjusted his grip on his gun. “If you want to live long enough to plead with my dad, then you’ll tell them,” he whispered.
“C—coreanum. Aconitum coreanum,” the man stammered and Mingi slowly pulled his gun away then turned to Yeosang.
“I’ll get you whatever you need,” Mingi said.
“It’s monkshood,” Yeosang said. “I have what I need back on the ship. But thank you. Captain, if it’s alright with you, I’m going to head back first.”
“Please do,” Hongjoong said. “Wooyoung, help him back.”
“I’m fine,” Yeosang said quickly. His complexion had turned sick but he smiled reassuringly. “He should stay here and help finish. I’ll be going then.” He bowed his head then calmly, but quickly left the room.
Wooyoung turned to Hongjoong, unsure. “Hyung?”
“He asked to go alone. But he’s your friend so I’ll let you decide. We can handle things here if you really want to go after him.”
Wooyoung nodded then rushed out and they refocused their attention on the man in Yunho’s grip.
“Can you keep holding him?” Mingi asked. “I’m going to go get something to restrain him and send a note to my father.”
“I’ve got him,” Yunho said.
“I’ll have someone come and clean this up and bring fresh tea. If you trust me,” Mingi continued. “I’m very sorry you were dragged into this and if you need anything for the one that left, please let me know. I owe you, and him, my life.”
He hurried out of the room and Hongjoong turned to Yunho.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked.
“I can hold him,” Seonghwa offered.
“I’ll be alright,” Yunho reassured.
“The captain pulled out one of his guns and held it up into the man’s light of sight. “Well if he tries anything, I’ll aim for the knee.”
⸶⸸⸷
Yeosang grabbed onto the wall as soon as he exited the mercantile, and looked around. His insides were on fire and he could already feel a shortness of breath. He tried to remain steady as he made his way to an alley inlet before he doubled over. While the contents of his stomach emptied, he vaguely heard his name being called and then someone was patting his back.
“I’m right here, Yeosang,” Wooyoung said. “I’m right here.”
When Yeosang was done he tried to stand but he was growing weaker and ended up leaning heavily on Wooyoung.
“What do you need?” Wooyoung asked.
“The… the ship.”
“Okay, let’s go.” Wooyoung said as he draped Yeosang’s arm over his shoulders. They nearly made it back to the ship before his stomach decided to empty itself farther and Wooyoung took him to lean over the dock.
Jongho peaked over the side of the ship, his expression going from frustration to concern.
“What happened?” he asked as he rushed to them.
“He drank poison,” Wooyoung said as Yeosang leaned on him more heavily. He was breathing in gasps now and Jongho took his other side to help Wooyoung get him back onto the ship.
“What kind?” Jongho asked.
“Monkshood,” Yeosang said hoarsely.
“What?” Jongho stumbled at the response. “Yeosang…that’s…”
“What?” Wooyoung asked as his worry grew. “That’s what?”
“Nothing.”
“Very bad,” Jongho said firmly in contradiction to Yeosang.
“I have what I need to treat it,” Yeosang said before Jongho could say anything else to worry Wooyoung farther. “I need my pack of medicine and some hot water and an empty bucket because I’m going to be…expelling the poison.”
“On it,” Wooyoung said as he and Jongho lowered him into a chair.
“I’ll reheat the water and get a glass for you,” Jongho said as Wooyoung quickly grabbed Yeosang’s belongings.
He placed it on the table and began to pull out small jars. “What am I looking for?”
“Charcoal, a black powder. It should be in one of the white jars.”
There was the sound of ceramic against ceramic as Wooyoung searched before lifting one in triumph. “Is this it?” he asked as he held it open for Yeosang to see.
Yeosang nodded as Jongho came over with a glass of hot water. He began to measure out the powder into the water with a shaking hand, but Jongho took it from him to mix it, before handing it back over. Wooyoung helped him steady it as he tilted it back and tried not to choke. When it was down, he sat back and tried to breathe deeply, but the poison was working faster than expected.
“Is…is that it?” Wooyoung asked.
Yeosang nodded weakly and closed his eyes. “For now.” He grimaced at his voice, raspy and quiet. “I just—” He leaned forward as his stomach churned, blooming with pain. “Bucket.” His hand shot forward and something was pushed into it, then up to his face just in time. It lasted longer and burned worse, until nothing was coming out, though his body was still trying.
Hands were on his back again, and something warm was placed against his face when he finally stopped, wiping away the remnants as he was left gasping for air and trembling.
The warm cloth was pulled away and something cold was placed against his lips, making him instinctively drink from it.
Water. Cool water.
“Spit it out,” Jongho instructed as he removed the glass. “Then you can have more.”
Yeosang obeyed and felt relief when he was able to drink the water. He sat back again, his breathing less labored from the poison and more from the exertion. Something rested against his forehead and he pulled away.
“You’re burning up,” Wooyoung said.
“I’m fine,” Yeosang forced out, but his words were slurred.
“No, you’re not,” Wooyoung said. “And you don’t need to pretend that you are.”
“Here,” Jongho said.
Something cool was placed against Yeosang’s forehead and he leaned into it.
“You should drink more water,” Wooyoung said. “Is there anything else in your stuff that you need?”
Yeosang shook his head. “Just more of the same,” he said.
“What? You have to do that again? But you were heaving. There’s nothing left in your stomach.”
“Have to,” Yeosang insisted. “It was too strong.”
“It was poison! Of course it was strong. And you drank a whole glass!”
Yeosang shook his head again. “He’s an amateur. Please, Woo. More.”
“I’ll make it,” Jongho said.
“You need something in your stomach,” Wooyoung argued. “Is there anything I can make that will help?”
“Book,” Yeosang said. His stomach was burning again and he held in a groan from the pain.
“Drink this first,” Jongho said, placing something against his lips again. “More water.” This time it was warm.
When it was empty, Jongho pulled away again and placed another glass into his hand, helping him steady it. He braced himself as he downed the drink. It wasn’t the worst antidote he had ever had, but the earthy charcoal was the last thing he wanted right now with his already irritated throat. He leaned back and took another deep breath as the glass was taken from his hand.
“I’m going to make you soup,” Wooyoung said with the sound of fluttering pages. “Fish soup. We have mackerel and rice, and I think we have a few other things on this list.”
“Thanks,” Yeosang said. His stomach churned again. “But, I don’t think—”
“You don’t have to eat it right now,” Wooyoung said. “But you can’t throw up if there’s nothing in your stomach. That can’t be good for you.”
“Wooy—” He buckled over and the bucket was shoved into his hands once more as the charcoal tried to force out anything that was left. But Wooyoung had been right. There wasn’t any food, and the little fluid that was left quickly made its escape, leaving him dry heaving once more until he couldn’t breathe.
Someone was alternating between rubbing and patting his back until his body calmed down and he was able to sit up again. Though, he didn’t really sit up. His body barely had the strength left to stay upright.
He was given more water to rinse out his mouth and drink, which took considerable effort. Then someone was dabbing a cool cloth on his forehead again.
He could tell that he was passing the danger of the poison and his body was moving into rest. When he had been gaining tolerance to poisons, he had always had to fight against that rest to continue training. But now…he no longer needed to.
Whoever was next to him, it didn’t matter. He let himself lean on them, then allowed himself to let go.
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Thank you so much for reading!
And in case you missed it, the final chapter of Scribbles of Courage was posted yesterday!
If you haven't read it, and need a little break from the stress of this one, it's a cozy little Seonghwa coffee shop au.
Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.
Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.
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Chapter 15: Beginning to Fathom
🟈Yunho🟈
Quiet chatter pulled him slowly from his sleep and he shifted to try and get into a more comfortable position. But his muscles were sore and stiff from laying on his stomach. Holding in a groan, he tried to roll onto his back and immediately regretted it. The injuries he had forgotten screamed in pain and he failed this time to hold in a groan.
Wood scraped against wood and footsteps hurried in his direction.
“Yunho, are you okay?”
A hand touched his forehead but he reached up and grabbed it. He had to hold in another groan as the movement caused more pain.
“Yunho, it’s okay.”
He opened his eyes, but his blurry vision and muddled thoughts made it difficult to place the faces looking at him in concern. Then it clicked into place.
“Wooyoung?” he forced out. His throat was dry and scratchy and the use sent him into a coughing fit.
“Here, I have water,” Wooyoung said, then placed something against his lips. Yunho let go of the arm that he’d grabbed and took the cup. He nearly choked as he drank the water, but didn’t care. It felt too good. When it was gone, he was left gasping and collapsed back onto his stomach as the cup was taken from him.
“Are you okay?” Wooyoung asked again. “Do you want anything?”
Yunho shook his head, not trusting his ability to speak yet.
A cold hand pressed against his forehead again and he flinched but didn’t grab it this time. Instead he was tempted to press into the touch which offered him some relief from the stifling heat.
“Good,” Yeosang said. “His fever is gone.”
“Thank goodness,” Wooyoung breathed. “Yunho, I’m going to make some more juk for you. Do you think you can eat it?”
He didn’t really feel like eating, but more juk sounded too good to pass up. So, he nodded slowly and forced out a quiet, “Thank you.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“I’ll bring you some more medicine,” Yeosang said.
“What happened?” Yunho asked, then coughed again, but not as bad. He didn’t remember feeling this miserable when he had gone to sleep.
“You had a high fever. Luckily, Jongho noticed when he was checking on San, otherwise it might have gotten worse. We even started to worry if you would wake up. It was hard to give you water and medicine without hurting your back.”
“How…how long was I…” He stopped. His throat hurt too much and he didn’t want to have another coughing fit.
“Just a little over a day. Your fever was worse last night but it must have broken earlier this morning,” Yeosang explained. “I’ll be right back, okay? We need to make sure your fever stays down.”
When Yeosang walked off, Yunho closed his eyes again then braced himself. He slowly rolled onto his side, fighting against the pain.
A whole day. He’d slept a whole day around complete strangers. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had been given time to recover from injuries or even allowed it himself. Alessio had used lessons as an excuse for him to rest a few times, but it had been rare. Luckily with the increase in his skills, the frequency of his punishments had gone down.
He braced himself again and started to move. He needed to climb down from the bunk. There wasn’t enough room for him to sit up so he wasn’t sure how he’d be able to eat. He was sure he had dumped half of the water he had been given because of the awkward angle.
“What are you doing?” Wooyoung asked when he was half way down. “You’re going to open your injuries.” Wooyoung huffed and grabbed his arm to steady him when he showed no signs of stopping. “And you just woke up. You should be resting.”
“I didn’t think I would be able to eat since there wasn’t enough room for me to sit up,” Yunho explained as Wooyoung helped him to a chair.
“You could have asked for help at least. Here.” Wooyoung heavily placed a bowl of juk on the table then walked away.
“He’s just worried about you,” Yeosang said as he came up. He placed a second bowl on the table, this one filled with a dark liquid that had a pungent smell. “After you eat I’ll check your injuries and redress them.”
“Thank you.” Yunho downed the medicine in one go then chased the bitter taste with a bite of juk.
Wooyoung rejoined them with two more bowls and began to dig into his own after handing one of them to Yeosang. Yunho took a few more bites before looking around the quiet space. The rest must have been on the deck. Though he spotted San still sleeping on the lower bunk, his bandaged chest slowly rising and falling.
“How’s he doing?” he asked.
“He’s okay,” Yeosang answered. “He hasn’t woken up yet, but the wound is healing without any issues.”
“Good, I’m happy to hear that,” his eyes left the unconscious man and looked back at the two across from him. “You three seem close.” They traded a glance, then smiled.
“We’ve been friends since we were kids,” Wooyoung said. “San and I trained together. Though, we ended up with very different fighting styles. And we’ve worked together for the past several years in my dad’s…tea house.”
“Ah, that makes sense. Did you not train with them too?”
The color drained from Yeosang’s face and his eyes dropped back to his food. “No. My training was…private.”
“Oh…”
Wooyoung cleared his throat and clapped a hand on Yeosang’s shoulder. “We’ve been training together recently though and found out that our fighting styles actually go really well together,” he said. “For someone who trained to be a solo fighter, he’s picked up how to fight with others pretty quickly.”
“Fighting alongside others can be challenging,” Yunho said. “I’m sure it helps that you’ve known each other for so long though.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Wooyoung said. “We’ve all adapted pretty quickly, all things considered. I think it’ll take Jongho and I the longest to figure out how to fight together since we’re so different. But we’re doing okay considering we’ve only known each other for about a week.”
Yunho’s eyes widened in surprise. “When you said you hadn’t been a crew for very long, you really meant it.”
“Of course. Why do you think we’re still on this tiny boat? It’s hard to find a proper ship.”
Yunho looked around the small space again. Wooyoung wasn’t joking. There was barely enough room for the three of them. He wasn’t sure how six had managed, and now they had welcomed him on board. He hadn’t gotten a good look of the deck or the boat when he’d boarded, but it likely didn’t offer much more space.
“How do you all sleep?” he asked. There certainly weren’t enough beds, and he had taken up one of them.
“In shifts,” Wooyoung said. “Or we sleep on the deck and the floor. Since San grew up on fishing boats and Hongjoong’s been a pirate for a while, they tend to doze off on the deck. And Seonghwa goes for a swim when he needs space.”
“Really?” Yeosang asked. “I thought he just did that to hunt and refresh.”
“That’s just his excuse most of the time, but it’s usually when he’s upset. He might not even know that’s what he’s doing honestly.”
“So, he is a siren then,” Yunho said. “I know your captain said he was during the fight and there was that whole display. It’s just…it’s hard to believe a siren would join a pirate crew.”
“Special circumstances.”
“Right. You mentioned that he had someone he was looking for.”
“I almost feel bad for whoever has her. Crossing a siren is about the most stupid decision you can make,” Wooyoung said.
“I’d have to agree with you. We always did our best to avoid waters known to have them.”
“Smart.” Wooyoung smiled. “I wouldn’t worry about Seonghwa though. He can look intimidating, but he’s actually really caring.”
The conversation lulled again and they focused back on their food. It gave Yunho more time to look around the layout to try and get a feel for things. He was lucky he had been sitting down most of the time. The ceiling was dangerously close to his head, and he doubted he’d be able to clear the doorway while standing straight.
It was as he was thinking about how grateful he was that carrying San had automatically made him miss hitting his head, when the captain walked in, humming a tune. He brightened when he saw Yunho and made his way over.
“Glad to see you up and about,” he said as he leaned onto the table. “You gave us quite the scare. How are you feeling?”
“Better, I guess. Hard to know you’re sick when you’re asleep.”
“Unconscious,” the captain corrected. “Luckily, Yeosang had some medicine for you. How’s your back?”
“It’s fine, sir.”
“You don’t have to call me sir. You haven’t even decided to join the crew, so I’m not your captain. Hongjoong is fine.” He stood straight and crossed his arms. “Are you sure you’re okay though? I doubt you’ve healed much yet.”
“I’m going to check it when we’re done eating,” Yeosang said. “He’s still in a lot of pain. I suspect it will take a few more days at least. We might need to stop somewhere for more medical supplies for him and San.”
“That’s not necessary,” Yunho said quickly. “You should just use what you have for San. You’ve already done too much for me. I have no way to pay you back.”
He was a complete stranger to them and yet they’d not only fed him but used up valuable medical supplies on him.
“You don’t need to pay us back,” Wooyoung said. “You helped us get San to safety and helped get me escape.”
“Wooyoung’s right. It’s our decision to help, so we don’t expect anything in return,” the captain said.
“But—”
“However, we are kind of lost…” The captain rubbed his neck and looked at the ground. “My fault. Without San, it’s been a lot harder. If you could just help me navigate to a port town I’d be really grateful. You can say no, and even if you say yes, I won’t ask for anything else from you.”
Yunho looked at Wooyoung who smiled. He wasn’t sure he wanted to agree to joining them yet. They seemed different, but they were still pirates. And he knew pirates all too well. But they’d helped him so much and he had nowhere else to go…For now.
Yes. For now it was the best option he had.
“Okay,” he said. Wooyoung and the captain brightened and even Yeosang looked at him in relief. “I can try to navigate us somewhere. I even have a place in mind that can hopefully solve your boat problem.”
“Really? Oh, that’s wonderful! Thank you. After Yeosang takes care of your back, I’ll bring you the maps and supplies.”
“Okay.” Yunho thought for a moment. “I might need to get a look at the stars tonight as well to get my bearings.”
“Whatever you need. I’ll go gather what I left on the deck and tell the others.” Without another word, the captain turned and headed back to the deck.
Wooyoung leaned back in his chair with a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. I was honestly worried we were going to be stuck on this boat forever.”
“Yeah. Too much longer and Jongho might have killed you,” Yeosang joked.
Wooyoung whacked the back of his head then leaned on the table and met Yunho’s eyes. “So, you know of a shipyard? I’m honestly kind of surprised.”
“Well, I’m acquainted with the son of a merchant. Though, acquainted might still be too strong of a word.” Yunho thought back. “He would always try to talk to me because we could understand each other. But it would always make Niccolò mad, so I would usually get a lashing when we got back to the ship. At some point I started to ignore him, but he would still try to chat with me. Niccolò didn’t really like working with the family, but they had certain supplies at a decent price that are hard to come by. If nothing else, I think you should be able to restock on medical supplies, and they might know where you can get a good ship.”
“I’m glad I got captured,” Wooyoung said. “The bruises were worth it. You’re a godsend, Yunho.”
Yunho smiled. “I think you might have been too.”
I did it, Alessio. I escaped and might have even found some friends. Thank you for everything, hyung. I’ll miss you.
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