Wooyoung stares at himself in the full length mirror. He never took the time to see what exactly he looked like in anything other than a Hanbok, so this was completely foreign to him. A long sleeved white turtleneck shirt tucked into a pair of long black pants that were tight around the waist adorned his body. Over top of that was some weird black sleeveless jacket thing that was cropped a good few inches above the waistband of his pants. They also were oddly cut in some places, but Yeosang stated this was a necessary part of the clothing because of the black large hood that accompanied it. He'd already laced on his black boots.
For some reason, his nerves jumped at the thought of facing the rest of the crew today. Maybe it was because of his meltdown last night, or the fact that he'd be seeing San after what happened in the tub. Whatever it was, he hesitated to open the door, instead pressing his forehead against the wood with a painful grimace. His hand reached up to run gentle fingers against the silver locket. San had said they were stopping in a port soon, since it was starting to change from morning to noon. Almost time for lunch.
Time for Wooyoung to make his escape.
He doesn't know if they expect him to escape after what had transpired. They'd be dumb not to. Regardless of Yeosang and how nice they all seemed, they were still pirates. Wooyoung couldn't just take their word for keeping him safe. He'd gone his entire life protecting himself. He could spare another occurrence. San said he didn't trust him. Well, neither did Wooyoung. Of course Wooyoung didn't trust them. He had no reason to after all that had happened to him.
He just needed to play it nice until the opportunity came to him.
With that thought in mind, Wooyoung opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him as he walked down to the main deck. His heart raced slightly as he looked around, noticing Hongjoong talking carefully to Yunho who was manning the wheel.
Jongho and Yeosang were on the floor nearby, playing chess.
Mingi and San were nowhere to be seen.
Calmed at the lack of the quartermaster's presence, Wooyoung instead shuffled over to the younger members. Yeosang glances up at him and smiles. "Nice to see you out of the room."
Wooyoung nods, sitting down to watch the game. He eyed the pieces curiously. Jongho notices his stares and grins. "You wanna play?"
Wooyoung blinks. "Oh. I, uh, I've never played western games before. I've seen a chess board, but I've never actually played the game. I don't even know how."
Jongho hums. "I could teach you someday. It's not too difficult once you get the hang of it."
"We have Yut and Jegi Chagi too." Yeosang adds and Wooyoung beams. "You do!?"
The older nods, giving him a bright smile before turning back to their game. "We can play after we come back from the port."
Wooyoung's smile falters.
Oh. Right.
He won't be here to play.
For some reason, the thought suddenly brings him a guilt he hadn't felt before. The fact that they were completely unaware of what Wooyoung was secretly planning gnawed away at his conscious.
"Alright! We're docking here." Hongjoong hollers, walking down the steps confidently. "Jongho, drop the anchor. Yeosang, get the maps."
Wooyoung looked around like a lost puppy as the other moved in complete harmony, so swift and efficient as they complied to their orders. There's no way he could ever be a part of something like this. It was quite precious, honestly. And Wooyoung was a lot of things, but he knew that precious wasn't one of them.
"Maps?" He asks Hongjoong in a quiet voice as he came over. The Captain seemed surprised to see him out, giving him a warm smile. "Wooyoung! How are you feeling? You look a lot better now that you've rested properly and washed up."
"I'm alright, thank you." Wooyoung replies politely and Hongjoong nods. "That's good to hear. Oh, the maps. I'll maybe explain them to you one day, but they're too important to leave behind here so they go with me whenever we stop." Is all he tells him before the man is walking over to close the sails with Jongho.
Wooyoung watches him with a small smile. Hongjoong was a Pirate Captain, but he was definitely one of the most kind pirates he's ever seen or heard of, disregarding all rumors about the man or the crew he's heard so far. The family mentality running through the air of these decks was one he wasn't completely familiar with seeing from a group of total strangers who came together one by one.
He wonders how this all happened.
Something firm and warm suddenly brushes against his left arm and Wooyoung tensed, turning towards the culprit with wide eyes.
San stares back down at him.
Something in Wooyoung's chest jumps up to his throat at the sight of the other. San is way too close for comfort— San is always too close for comfort. He's also dressed in a similar fashion to Wooyoung, only slightly different— as is everyone else. San's eyes remind him a lot of a dragon's. They're sharp and piercing, staring like he's looking into the deepest parts of his soul that he hides to himself. It scares him to think this guy could unravel all his secrets with one look.
San removes his hand from Wooyoung's arm, instead reaching up to his face which causes Wooyoung to flinch in surprise. The older man raises an eyebrow, lips quirking up to a small smirk filled with amusement, eyes glinting mischievously.
Something about that look was doing things to Wooyoung's sanity.
"Are you really gonna be afraid of me now? And here I thought that we had some sort of truce going." The Pirate muses, looking around Wooyoung.
"I'm not afraid of your scrawny ass," Wooyoung snaps, narrowing his own eyes and crossing his arms defensively over his chest. "And I don't remember agreeing to anything of the sort."
San rolls his eyes, reaching up and stepping into Wooyoung's personal space. Wooyoung freezes as his face is inches away from the other man's neck, his arms going around the back of Wooyoung's shoulders. It barely lasts a second, and something is pulled gently over Wooyoung's head before San moves back with a pleased expression.
"Always keep your hood up when we go out. You're with us now, so you follow by our rules." He tells him, eyes trailing over Wooyoung's form with an unreadable expression.
Wooyoung hugs his waist, suddenly self conscious. These clothes were definitely more form fitting than what he was used to, and the pair of eyes regarding him wasn't helping him feel any more comfortable.
A pair of strong arms wrapping around his neck break the sudden tension that was filling the air between the two, and Wooyoung couldn't be more relieved. Looking over his shoulder, he sees Mingi looking down at him with excitement. "Wooyoungie! You look so good! These clothes are doing wonders to your figure— you didn't tell me you had such strong thighs! You're so cute like this! It suits you more!" The man rambles on and Wooyoung stares at him in bewilderment. "Like seriously. You look so sexy in those pan—"
"Mingi, don't you have to help Jongho and Hongjoong with the sails?" San snaps, cutting the man off immediately.
Wooyoung turns with wide eyes from Mingi to San, cheeks red.
Mingi pouts, clinging onto Wooyoung further. "You're so lame, San. Why don't you help with the sails." He shoots back stubbornly. San scowls. "You—"
"No one needs to help with the sails, because we're already done." Hongjoong interrupts, throwing dirty looks at the pair. "No thanks to you assholes."
Yeosang is back with a satchel thrown around his shoulder and over his chest. Soon, Yunho follows pursuit and joins them on the deck. He smacks Mingi off of Wooyoung and hugs the younger boy close instead. "How are you feeling, Wooyoung?"
Wooyoung gives him a smile. "A lot better, thank you."
"Alright. So we're only stopping for a few hours to get some lunch and dinner since Jongho is tired of cooking. I also need to meet up with someone that lives here which will probably take a while." Hongjoong begins and they all listen intently. It was difficult to get the group to listen, but they always listened intently before going onto land.
"My plan is for us to grab some lunch together and then afterwards we can split up and you guys can stretch your legs by looking around while I get my business done, then we can meet up again together for dinner. Obviously, the last time we split up on a port, everything that could've went wrong completely did." Hongjoong eyes them all with an evil glint in his eyes. "That can't happen again. So please, for the love of God, do not cause any problems and just be good for once in your lives."
Mingi nods solemnly. "Aye aye, Captain!" They all walk over to the edge of the banister, but Jongho pulls Hongjoong back to whisper in his ear.
"Wait, Captain. What about officer—"
Hongjoong snaps towards Jongho with cold eyes, face turning so hard that the youngest can't help but flinch at the icy expression. "He got his breakfast, didn't he?"
Jongho nods.
Hongjoong turns, striding away sharply. "Then he'll survive. Let him rot in there for all I care."
Jongho frowns as his Captain descends the ship first, disappearing from sight. "I know you care. Otherwise you wouldn't have asked." He mumbles to himself, letting out a sigh as he shakes his head before following after.
Wooyoung climbs down carefully, the last one to make his descent. He looks around the shallow end to see that they docked in a busy docking area, but towards the far end away from town. Hongjoong was tying off the ship while the others talked excitedly about being on land, across the dock. The port was huge, as was the town. Which was probably the main reason why Hongjoong had decided it'd be a good place to stop considering the hell that occurred in Wooyoung's small port.
He freezes when he notices that the steps had ended, but he was still a good few feet above the docks. San eyes him with a small frown. "What? Get down."
Wooyoung leans down, but there's no way his foot would reach the wood and he looks at San with slight embarrassment. He was too short to get off without falling into the gap of water that separated the ship and the dock. San seemed to catch on and snorts, walking over. "Jeez, how helpless are you?"
Before Wooyoung could retort a reply, San had wrapped his arms around Wooyoung and lifted him away from the ship. The younger who hadn't expected the quick act let out a tiny squeak, hands falling down to grip onto San's arms in fear. "You're just as small as Hongjoong, aren't you?" San mutters to himself, the warmth of his breath against Wooyoung's hip causing goosebumps to arise in that area.
He sets Wooyoung down on his own feet, hands retreating. A flush grew on Wooyoung's cheeks, turning away from San and walking over to where the crew was making their way down the dock, the other following close behind.
They pass a longshoreman who stops them. "Excuse me, but I'm gonna need three silver pieces and a name for you to dock a ship in this port." He eyes them questioningly, probably thinking they looked suspicious and Wooyoung couldn't help but feel nervous at the thought of being busted.
"Jeon Kai. My boys and I wanted to stop by for some food and stretch our legs. You see, we're storage shippers." Hongjoong lies smoothly. The man stares at him for a moment before going down his list. It takes him a few minutes before he suddenly relaxes. "Ah. I see. I'm gonna need names for the rest of your boys too—" the man began but Hongjoong cuts him off immediately.
"How about we move those three silver pieces up to three gold and forget about the other names, okay? We're in a bit of a rush." He negotiates, sliding the coins across the book in the man's hands. The longshoreman's eyes widened before he offers the Captain a big smile. "Welcome to Port Lougai, Jeon-ssi."
Hongjoong smirks as they continue their walking. "Pleasure doing business with you."
Once they reach the end of the docks, Wooyoung releases a breath of relief he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He looks over at the man in front of him with disbelief. "How'd you know that name would be in there?"
The older man gives him a glance, a small smile dancing on his lips. "Jeon Kai? Because I put it in the records a long time ago as an alias for whenever we need to dock at the actual docks of a port."
Wooyoung still doesn't understand. "But why didn't you dock somewhere hidden like you did at Port Royale? Wouldn't it be more of a risk to dock when the rest of the crew don't have alias? You got lucky today, but not everyone would be swayed by a few extra coins."
Hongjoong gives him a slightly cold smile. "This port is a lot bigger than yours and isn't surrounded by forests and cliffs that would be good hiding spots. Our ship would be caught in an instant. And sadly, you don't really know a lot about the real world outside of your village, Wooyoung. All anyone wants in this world is money. I envy you as much as I pity you for thinking anything else."
Wooyoung stops, stunned. A frown grows on his face but Hongjoong continues to walk away with the others.
Yunho also halts to look back at him with a sympathetic look. "He's a bit cynical, isn't he? Don't worry about it. Come on." He tugs Wooyoung along who follows compliantly.
That's the thing.
It's sad that Hongjoong pities him for seeing integrity and honesty in the world, because all it means is that the Captain has come across people who had nothing but selfish greed as motivation for their actions. He probably sees no beauty out here in the different unique people and places he has the pleasure of spending his whole life visiting, while Wooyoung finds beauty in the smallest flowers growing in his backyard or in the polite greetings of children across his street.
No. Wooyoung thinks he pities Kim Hongjoong more.
When they enter the Main Street, it's completely crowded with people and loud cheerful noises of life. This must be one of the more popular ports, considering just how large and full it is of people. People don't spare them a second glance, all worrying about their own problems and enjoying their own little moments. To his left a group of kids are playing with a ball, and to his right a man is hollering out for people to come try his grilled fish.
This continued all the way down the street. Everywhere was filled with people with their own unique stories that could be read with a single glance. His heart warmed at the sight. People were bumping and brushing against him roughly, but it seemed like the norm here so Wooyoung tried not to let himself get bothered by it. Instead, he could probably play this out to his advantage. While the crew is ahead of him, it'd be so easy to slip away and disappear into—
A hand gripped his.
Wooyoung's head snapped up to meet San's narrowed gaze, lips pulled downwards. "This is a busy port. You look like you'll fall over any second now." He doesn't let go, instead pulling Wooyoung forward so that he was pressed up against San's back. San gives him an amused look from over his shoulder. "Stay close. Wouldn't want you to get lost now, would we?"
When he turns back, Wooyoung takes the time to glare at his back with a scowl. Getting away would be a lot harder with San's distrust hanging above his head. Wooyoung doesn't think the older man realizes that he's planning an escape, but he's definitely keeping his word on watching him carefully.
Hongjoong soon comes to a stop at a fairly empty tavern, opening the door and allowing his crew to go in. "Damn, it's so crowded out there." Mingi complains as he walks over to slide into one of the booths. The rest followed and piled in. Wooyoung found himself at the end with Yeosang to his left. Across from him was San. A man comes over with a bright smile. "What can I get you all?"
Hongjoong leans over. "Can we get some roasted pork belly and beef strips? Three orders of each and five orders of pork dumplings— oh, and a plate of kimchi as well."
The man nods. "Anything to drink?"
"Just water is fine. Thank you."
"It'll be out in a few minutes."
He soon leaves and Yunho frowns from where he's sitting between San and Mingi. "We're gonna run out of money soon."
Hongjoong sighs. "Yeah, we are. We're gonna need to find some work before we go out sailing in complete open sea."
Wooyoung furrowed his brows in confusion. "But, you're pira—"
Yeosang kicks his leg hard.
"Ow!" He complains, bending forward to grab at his shin with a pained expression. He looks at Yeosang with a scowl. "The hell was that for!?"
"Do you want us to get caught and then hanged? Why don't you say that a little louder so the whole Port can hear you." Yeosang sassed. Wooyoung glares at him. "Well, excuse me for saying the truth." He whispers back snappily. "But seriously. You guys work? I thought that pirates like, plundered and stole?"
"Yeah, we don't work like that." Yunho answers with a beaming smile. Wooyoung stares at him in disbelief. "What? Then how can you guys even call yourselves... the whole point of piracy is stealing."
"Oh, we do steal," Hongjoong states. "Only when necessary and only from those who deserve it. We don't purposely invade Ports to attack them. Our goals aren't that narrow. I think we're more of explorers than pirates. It's just that those in charge don't see a difference when people do things they don't agree with. So they deem us pirates. We don't care."
Wooyoung bites his lip. "Then... What are your goals, exactly?"
"We've known him for a day, and you're just gonna spill all our secrets because he's got those little puppy eyes on his face?" San suddenly interrupts and Wooyoung turns to him with an annoyed look. San stares back, displeased. "I don't know why you think we need to explain anything to you. As if we could trust you with that information."
Yunho sighs, looking at the man next to him disapprovingly as he leans back in his seat. "San, you're so mean for no reason. Can you leave the poor kid alone?"
San looks like he's about to reply but the tavern man is back with a trolly of food, setting the plates down on the table. The aroma of meat and fried dumplings filter into Wooyoung's senses and his mouth waters at the sight. Their earlier conversation is forgotten as they all dig into the food. Wooyoung was still starving from the four days gone with barely any food so he ate as much as his stomach would allow, not knowing when the next time he'd be able to eat would come.
The only time the crew seemed quiet and relaxed is when they ate, all too busy filling their mouths to bicker or fight like they usually did at all other times. Wooyoung especially savors the pork belly, not remembering when the last time he'd eaten pork belly was.
It didn't take long for the plates to completely clear, and Wooyoung leaned back, full but satisfied. Mingi let out a loud groan. "Oh man, that was delicious. I have no energy to move."
Yunho rests his head on the orange haired man's shoulder, looking blissed out. "Me either. This place has the best pork I've ever tasted in my life."
Wooyoung glances at all of them, noticing that they were all distracted before slowly standing up and slipping out of the booth. Of course, before he could even take a step away from the table a hand gripped his wrist. Wooyoung shut his eyes in irritation before turning to see San staring at him suspiciously. Of course it's San. Wooyoung's been grabbed by the older man so many times, that his hands on him just felt like muscle memory at this point.
"Where are you going?" San asks him, eyes wary. Wooyoung sighed. "Bathroom." It was a total lie, but Wooyoung couldn't let San of all people get on his case anymore than he already was. He wonders if the other man enjoyed torturing him as much as he did.
"I'll come too. Stretch my legs." San explained, but it was absolute bullshit and they both knew it. San just needed a reason to keep his eyes on Wooyoung. He clenched his jaw in absolute annoyance, turning and walking over to the hallway where the restrooms were, hearing footsteps following after him.
He paid San no mind as he shut and locked the door, leaning his back against it while releasing a soft sigh. This was getting frustrating beyond belief. He thought that since San hated him that he'd keep his distance from Wooyoung but it was the complete opposite. It was as if he was stuck to him like glue. Even a slight shift of his hand had San's eyes snapping towards him. He probably couldn't even breathe without the pirate staring at him. As annoying as it was, it was also very uncomfortable.
Wooyoung goes over to the sink and rinses his hands, considering he didn't really have much else to do. After drying them, he instead looks at himself through the mirror for a moment. He tilts his head. The hood covered a lot of his face from the sides and the back, and created shadows from the front so that anyone who really wanted to get a good look at him would have to do it from up close. As odd as it was, he realizes how great it was especially for the crew with bright hair shades.
Plus he looked kinda cool with it, but he'd never admit that aloud.
Actually, now that he took the time to think positively and remove his negative thoughts on all that had happened, the events of the past few days were quite exhilarating. Wooyoung never imagined he'd ever leave his little Port, and now he was traveling across the sea— granted it was against his will and with less respectable company, but it was still probably the most intense thing to happen in his life.
Maybe after he gets back home, he'll look back at this moment as one of his best adventures ever, even if it was currently a living nightmare.
He walks over to the door and pulls it open to see San leaning against the wall opposite of it. His eyes are shut, resting peacefully with his arms crossed over his chest. Wooyoung stares at him for a moment, basking in the beauty of the taller man. It truly was unfair just how pretty San was. He looked like a sculpture, a statue that belonged among the most stunning flowers.
"Do you really find all this necessary?" Wooyoung asks softly, looking away as San's eyes crack open.
San regards him for a silent moment, biting the inside of his cheek. "To me, yes. But... you're not as bad as I thought."
Wooyoung froze, his eyes snapping up to San but the man was already walking back down the hall. He doesn't know his ears just played a trick on him or that those words actually came out of the Quartermaster's mouth. Something heavy settles in his heart, burning slightly and it takes him a second to realize exactly what this feeling was.
Guilt.
He was guilty for finally starting to gain San's trust, only to soon do the one thing the man was wary of him for. Part of it was funny in some twisted way. Because the last thing he should be feeling towards San of all people is guilt. He suddenly considers the thought of staying. Of trusting these people who seem to have his best interest at heart. But as soon as the thought comes to mind, it leaves just as quickly.
He has no reason to feel bad about this. There was no denying the obvious fact that he was a victim in this situation. He had every right to want to get away from them and go back home.
With that on mind, Wooyoung rejoins the group from where they were getting ready to leave the tavern.
Hongjoong takes the satchel from Yeosang, throwing it over his own shoulder before regarding them all carefully. "Alright, I'm off to met a... a friend. I think it'll be better for us to split up into smaller groups to draw less suspicion. So you guys can figure that out between yourselves. We'll meet back here after sundown for dinner and then return to the ship. Yunho is in charge. I'll see you guys in a few hours." He moves towards the doors when he stops, turning to them with a pleading look. "And please, for the love of God, do not drag yourselves into anymore trouble that'll put us in another near death experience. Please." He stresses.
Mingi waves him off with a wide grin. "Don't you worry, Captain! We'll be fine." Hongjoong doesn't shift, face still pulled in a grimace. "I'll probably regret this later," he mutters to himself before disappearing out the doors.
Yunho turns to them all with a big smile. "I say we break up into two groups of three. Is there anything specific any of you want to do?"
"I heard this Port has a really pretty garden that goes on for miles, but the walk is at least an hour long to get there so it'll probably take up most of the day." Jongho comments, looking at a sign of attractions that was nailed to the wall.
Wooyoung bites his lip. The gardens would have a lot less people which might make it difficult to escape without getting noticed. Hongjoong also mentioned that there weren't really any major forests so that ruled out where he'd run off to. Despite that, maybe it'd be better to go with Jongho to the gardens and then use some excuse to explore on his own and then make his escape. It would probably take the other man a while to notice too, which would give him more than enough time to distance himself.
Yeosang hums to himself. "I actually saw the bazaar on our way here and it's huge. There's a bunch of different stalls filled with different street foods and shopping carts. Plus there's a ton of cool alleyways and steps that maneuver around the whole Main Street that I wanted to check out."
Now that would be the best way to get "lost" and run as far away from here as possible. Especially after sundown, it seems like his best act of escape.
"I'll go around the bazaar with you, Yeosang." San suddenly spoke up, stepping up next to the doctor.
Well, that plan just went straight down the drain. Because nope. There's no way he can be paired up in the same group as San because that would just make this ten times more difficult. The man's eyes were on his constantly. There'd be a higher chance of success without San next to him.
"I'll go to the gardens." Wooyoung says abruptly, walking over to Jongho. "I'll keep Jongho company."
San narrows his eyes on him while Yeosang frowns at him with slight concern. "I'm not sure that's a good idea. You did pass out twice in a very short span of time, and a lot of walking could take a toll on you that could cause bigger problems."
"That's alright, Woo. Besides, Yunho and I would rather go to the gardens." Mingi sends a cheeky smile over to Yunho who turns slightly pink, and— okay. Wooyoung did not know those two were a thing.
"But—" Wooyoung began before San cuts him off by grabbing his wrist and pulling him over to where he and Yeosang were. "Let them have their date, flower boy. You can walk around the bazaar with us." He snorts, letting go of Wooyoung's wrist.
"Alright. Now that that's settled, we should probably head out before we lose any more time. Meet back here at Sundown, okay? San you're in charge of this group." Yunho instructs and Yeosang pouted. "Why not me?"
"Trust me, this is all seniority of the crew. If it were up to me, you'd be the first person I'd put in charge." Yunho states and San looks at him with betrayal. "Yah, Yunho!"
"I only speak the truth— anyways, goodbye!" Yunho exclaimed, grabbing Mingi's hand and directing both him and Jongho out of the tavern.
Wooyoung watches his best chance of escape literally slip out the door before his shoulders slumped in defeat. He turns back towards Yeosang with a forced smile. "Where do you want to start?"
Yeosang peers at the map curiously. "Wanna look at birthstones?"
"Sure." San replied, holding the door open for them both.
So, this was definitely worse but it's not like it'd be impossible. He just needed the perfect opportunity to come by to slip away. Everything was okay.
-
Everything was not okay.
For one, San's hands had not left his body. Due to the overcrowded streets, he'd kept one hand on Yeosang's shoulder from where he was directing in front of them while the other was wrapped tightly around his shoulder, pressing Wooyoung close to him to avoid getting bumped from others.
On any normal occasion, Wooyoung would feel grateful, but with the current circumstances it brought nothing but irritation.
Then once again when they actually stopped at booths to look around, San's eyes would always flicker towards him making Wooyoung feel uneasy. Or if he decided to move a bit to far from the stall, San would instantly grab his wrist and ask him where he was going.
It was exhausting.
For example, their first stop was the booth with the birthstones. Wooyoung had shifted away from the pair that were looking at stones from summer months since San and Yeosang were born as month brothers. Wooyoung on the other hand was born in November, so he had started to drift towards the other end only for San to stop him.
"Where are you going?" He asks for what feels like the millionth time in the span of an hour. Wooyoung sucks in a deep breath through clenched teeth. "To look at my stone. Am I not allowed to do that, either? Or do I have to pressed against your fucking side like a lovesick puppy until we get back to the ship?" He finally snaps, words sarcastic.
San's nose twitches slightly, ears turning a bright red as he looks away. "Of course not. I was just asking."
So Wooyoung preferably ignores him and turns to look down at the basket filled with orangey brown stones, but oddly also filled with deep blue stones.
The booth keeper notices his stares and comes forward to run his hand over the basket with a big smile. "You must be a November baby."
Wooyoung looks up at him with surprise, nodding. "Uh, yes. November 26. Sir, why are there two different stones here?" He asks curiously, nodding towards the differing colors.
The man grins, picking up one of each with a gentle hand. He holds them out for Wooyoung to look at. "You, young man, were born in the month of fire and ice. The cool watery blue of the Topaz and the fiery sun of the Citrine." He holds up the orange stone. "First, the Citrine. The Citrine represents immense health and wealth. These gems are named as the healing quartz. Legends tell that those who wear the Citrine are giving such great vitality to overcome any obstacles that come to them."
Wooyoung smiles. "And the blue?"
The both keeper holds up the blue gem with a soft smile. "The Topaz. This gorgeous gem represents love of different shades."
"Of different shades?" Yeosang suddenly piped up from the other side. The man nods. "The blue Topaz in particular represents love and affection of a lover. A gentle love, filled with promises and sweetness. This gem is believed to give strength and intelligence to those who wear it on their person." He gives Wooyoung a sly smile, eyes twinkling. "Legend also states that those who gift or are gifted the Topaz are giving or getting a promise of love and fidelity for all of eternity. This would be a wonderful gift for the special person you love."
Wooyoung's cheeks flush, giving a sheepish smile as he shyly pulls his hood down to cover his face further. "Ah... that's rather beautiful. However, I don't have any special person like that in my life."
The man laughs. "Perhaps not yet. It would still be amazing for the future."
Wooyoung lets out a nervous giggle, turning to the other two for help, but they were already staring at him openly. Yeosang has a wide grin on his face and he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively when Wooyoung met his gaze. When he turned to the other man, he was suddenly caught by surprise to see San staring back at him with a soft smile, eyes gentle and warm. Wooyoung blinked at him, and the look was replaced with a neutral look as San turned away from him and to the man.
"We'll take them both on top of the others." He said smoothly and Wooyoung frowned, grabbing San's sleeve hesitantly. San looks down at him and Wooyoung looks back at him with embarrassment. "San, I don't have any money."
"It's alright, consider it a gift." San spoke, not really processing his own words.
Wooyoung froze.
There's a sudden silence that falls between them all as the booth keeper looks between San and Wooyoung with a shocked expression. The silence seemed to make San realize what he'd said and the implications behind his words, causing his face to turn a bright red.
"F-From the group! C-Consider it a welcoming gift into the group from all of us." San stammers out, yanking his hood further down his face as he kept his gaze glued to his feet. "That's what I meant, alright?"
Wooyoung lets go of San's sleeve, face also red. "O-Okay." He stuttered, feeling his heart racing slightly as he turned away.
Yeosang stares at them both with a raised eyebrow, lips pulling up into a smirk. They paid and moved on.
It had soon started to turn dark and the three decided to get ice cream and rest for a bit. Wooyoung was on one of the steps of the staircase leading up to a balcony when bright lights turned on from lamps, strung up all around the Main Street and illuminating the place beautifully. Wooyoung beamed as he looked back at the people bustling around, humming softly to himself while eating spoonfuls of chocolate as he spun on his foot subconsciously with happiness.
He turns to the other two who were resting on the steps below him. San was staring up at him with an unreadable expression, but as soon as Wooyoung looked back at him he turned away. Wooyoung doesn't know what changed or when, but the glares and looks of hatred had vanished. Something gentle and soft had entered San's eyes whenever he looked at Wooyoung now. Wooyoung doesn't really know what to make out of it.
Something that Wooyoung realizes is that after their stop at the gem booth, San had started avoiding him. He kept his hands to himself and tried his best not to even glance anywhere near Wooyoung's vicinity.
This was his opportunity.
When they had stopped at a stall filled with hats, Wooyoung carefully watched Yeosang and San talk with the booth person. Once they were both visibly distracted, Wooyoung finally made his move and slipped into the crowd. His heart raced as he moved quickly, constantly glancing behind his shoulder to make sure they hadn't noticed yet. He had barely made it a few yards when San finally turned and noticed his absence.
"Wooyoung?"
Immediately, Wooyoung ducked into the first alleyway he saw, pressing his back against the wall with a racing heart. He peeked around the wall to see Yeosang looking around with worry while San was already walking down the street with the most furious look he's ever seen.
The sight freaked him out, and he knew that if San found him that he'd be in deep shit. It was enough for him to turn and run down the alley and into another less crowded street. The good thing about this town was how huge it was, making it a good place to hide and run. The streets zigzagged like a confusing maze and made his getaway a lot smoother than he thought.
But he knew better than to underestimate San of all people. He needed a place to go where San wouldn't think to go.
It was then when he was rounding the corner that he bumped into something roughly. Stumbling back, he looks up with wide eyes.
A horse.
However, it was the person that was on the horse that catches his attention the most. He was definitely a Royal Guard, dressed in the standard black officer suit. His stash was covered in a multitude of metals, indicating to an incredibly high rank. Wooyoung looks up and meets a pair of piercing dark eyes staring down at him. "You alright, boy?"
"I..." Wooyoung trails, looking behind him with panic before frantically turning back to the officer with a pleading look. "No. No— I'm not okay. Please, you have to help me."
The man narrows his eyes, leaning down slightly. "I'm listening."
-
Hongjoong sighs as he finally reaches the top of the hill, looking back down to see that the sun has set and that the town was lit up. He could see across the port where ATEEZ was docked up. Definitely not the biggest there but it definitely had character.
Suddenly his thoughts went to the officer locked away in the brig of the ship. Guilt slowly began growing in him for starving the man. Even if Officer Fancy Hair was a total piece of shit, Hongjoong couldn't punish him by taking food away. That was wrong on its own merit. Turning back to the eerie cottage, he made a mental note to get some food on his way back for him.
Hongjoong stared at the dark home, the green vines hanging low like nooses. He noticed the way they turned in his direction as he approached the door, pushing it open.
The room was dimly lit, glass jars filled with all sorts of creepy shit hanging from the ceiling and cages of weird looking plants and animals on the tables. It was just as crowded and terrifying as Hongjoong remembered.
"Mm... It's rude not to knock, Kim Hongjoong." A sultry voice broke him from his observation. Looking back forward, he sees her sitting at the center table, back facing him and knowing it was him without even turning to look.
Fucking plants.
"Moonbyul!" Hongjoong grins, walking forward only to stumble back with a yelp when a terrifying cat bat hybrid thing jumped towards him while hissing. "Jesus— that thing is hideous!" He cries out, holding a hand against his racing heart.
Moonbyul turns to him, unimpressed. Her purple hair moved back to show piercing icy blue eyes. "You've got a lot of nerve coming back here after what you did."
Hongjoong shuffled forward with a wink. "Well, you know— I was in a bit of a pickle back then and I really was only borrowing it—" he yelps when green vines wrap tightly around his body, locking his arms and legs together and bringing him to his knees in front of the woman. She grabs his chin, lifting his head with a scowl on her face as she traces a long and sharp nail along his jaw.
"You stole my most rare potion," she says simply, tugging on his ear roughly to which he flinches. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find the ingredients to make a disappearance potion!? The invisible flower only grows in the deep forest of India and bloom once every full moon!" Her angered voice causes the plants to start swaying violently. "Alright, alright— I'm sorry! Listen, I'm offering a deal here, okay? Will you just listen to me for a second?"
She pulls back from him, leaning against the table with crossed arms as she raises an eyebrow, visibly displeased. "I'm giving you a minute."
Hongjoong sighs in relief. "Look, we can help each other out. I was able to obtain the maps of Eden without getting killed thanks to your disappearance juice—" the plants tighten and he winces. "Disappearance potion. I know you're upset, but I need your help. In turn, I'll get you a bag full of invisible flowers. You can predict the next full moon, can't you?"
She looks at her fingernails, bored. "I already have. It's in a week. But you won't be able to get them."
Hongjoong pouts. "Why not!?"
Her eyes snap to him. "Because. The invisibility flowers are guarded by a warlock. A strong vile man who finds pleasure in causing complete destruction. He's vengeful, and with your chaotic band of absolute dumbasses I find it difficult to believe you'll be able to take any without him noticing." She barks out.
The Captain scowls, looking up at her. "We can handle our dumbassery just fine, thank you. Listen, I can get you those flowers. I promise. You know I don't break my promises."
Moonbyul stares at him for a long moment with hard eyes before rolling her eyes as she turns. With the flick of her wrist the vines slither off of Hongjoong's body and he stood, watching the older woman sit down in a chat at the table. She glances at him before nodding to the other chair across from her. "Sit. Even though you're a little stealing muffin rat, I do trust you. What do you want in return?"
Hongjoong is too excited to process that she just called him a muffin rat as he plops down in the chair. He pulls out the maps from the satchel, opening them flat against the table. The Witch stares at the map unblinkingly.
"This language— I don't understand it at all. All I want you to do is translate it for me. Oh, and do you know what the hell this is or what it means?" He reaches into his shirt to pull up the chain with the gem.
She turns to him, grabbing the jewel with gentle fingers as she frowns. "I'm not sure about the stone, but I do understand this language. It's an ancient writing of the Druids."
Hongjoong narrows his eyes. "I thought that Druid philosophy and language died out with them centuries ago."
Moonbyul shrugs, observing the map more closely. "Maybe among humans. Though ancient, their written language is still comprehended by old witches and warlocks. Guess this was Eden's second ploy to ensure the treasure didn't fall into the wrong hands."
Hongjoong bites his lip. "So... Can you translate it?"
Moonbyul tilts her head. "I can. I can hex your mind to instantly translate Druid writing. That way only you will be able to read it and even if the map does get away from you, no one else would be able to understand it." She explains and the man across from her beams. "Great! Go ahead."
The witch snorts, turning away from Hongjoong. "Yeah, no. First I get my flowers, then you get your translation."
Hongjoong scowls. "You're terrible, you know that right?" She turns to him, outraged. "Excuse me? Who stole from who again?"
Hongjoong sighed, wrapping the map away safely and putting it back into his satchel. "It was one time."
Moonbyul grabs his wrist out of nowhere, frowning. "There's a strange energy radiating from your mind." Hongjoong furrows his brows. "What?"
All of a sudden, Moonbyul's eyes turned a bright glowing white and Hongjoong watched as the veins in his arm turned a black color, trailing further up his neck and probably towards the back of his neck. Part of him is freaked out, but another part just stares dumbly at his arm.
"Wooyoung."
Hongjoong's eyes snapped towards Moonbyul who had whispered the name. "You... You have a new addition to your crew. No wait— two. Two new additions?"
Hongjoong stares at her, creeped out. "Uh... Yes, there are two more people aboard the ATEEZ now."
Her glowing eyes didn't blink. "Park Seonghwa." The Captain tensed. "You have him in the cells. No.... he must stay by your side."
Uh, what?
"You're in danger," Moonbyul's voice is low and it sends shivers up Hongjoong's spine. "When on land, those of the expected will do the unexpected. Keep him close. Without him, you'll be lost to the sea."
"What the hell does that mean?" Hongjoong hisses, cheeks burning. She frowns once again, eyes glowing brighter. "Wooyoung... Jung Wooyoung—" Suddenly she yanks back with a gasp of breath, eyes fading back to blue and scaring the literal shit out Hongjoong.
She looks up to him with wide eyes.
"Jung Wooyoung— that boy is in trouble."
-
The man stared at him from across the table, eyes narrowed and face neutral. Wooyoung sat nervously, fiddling with his fingers.
"So, what's your name kid?" He asks curiously, twirling a compass in his hands absentmindedly. Currently the man had taken Wooyoung further towards the front of town, on the tall fort outer walls. Down below, Wooyoung could see the shores of waves and if he squinted enough he could see the outline of the ATEEZ across the distance.
"Wooyoung." He answers back, still filled with slight hesitation.
"My name is Captain Lee Jinha. Now, you said you were being chased by someone? Pirates, was it?"
Something weird grew in his chest, like he shouldn't be telling this man anything but his piercing eyes were holding Wooyoung in place. "Uh, yessir. You see, I was kidnapped by them and was aboard the ship when they stopped here for some business. I... I'm not sure where they are, but I'd just like to go home." Wooyoung lies, not wanting to snitch completely even if he had every right to do so.
Captain Lee Jinha hums, coming to a stand with a fake pitiful smile. "Sorry, Wooyoung-ssi. But that's not the first time we got fake stories from people trying to get a free ride out of a port and into another. I think it'd be best for you to run along home. Lies like that could get you killed. Now, if you'll excuse me," he stood, turning to walk off down the steps.
Wooyoung panics, watching his one chance of going back to his life walking away from him. His mouth suddenly speaks before his brain can comprehend. "Wait! The captain— Their captain, his name was Kim Hongjoong!"
Immediately the man turns rigid, stopping dead in his tracks.
Wooyoung froze, instantly regretting the words that left him, a hand coming up to smack against his mouth in horror. This wasn't his intention. He never meant to give away anything about the crew like this, because even if he was trying to get away, the truth of the matter is that the people aboard the ATEEZ were not bad people. Not in the slightest.
Captain Lee turns back to Wooyoung with the most icy cold stare, his eyes wide. "Did you say Kim Hongjoong?"
Wooyoung swallowed thickly, slowly coming to a stand. "I... I think I should go." Before he could flee down the steps, the Captain had flashed forward and grabbed him by the collar, yanking him up to eye level. His eyes were wild and crazy as they stared down into Wooyoung's terrified ones, face pulled in a vicious snarl. "Kim Hongjoong... Where is he!? What do you know about the ATEEZ or it's crew!?" He hissed, shaking Wooyoung violently.
Wooyoung trembles in his hold. "I... I don't know—"
A hand grips his hair painfully tight before slamming the left side of his face into the table behind him. Wooyoung cried out in pain, trying to reach up to get the hold on his hair to release but his hands were gathered and slammed in front of him in a bruising grip. "Don't you lie to me, boy!" He boomed, gripping tighter as he yanked Wooyoung back up to face him with tear filled eyes. "Give me their names! Their faces— how many of them there are! What's their next location!? Where are they docked!?"
"I won't tell you anything!" Wooyoung chokes out through his sobs, struggling to get out of his hold. It was scary how one name sent this vile man over the edge enough to practically beat him around. There was obviously a deeper history here that Wooyoung didn't know about and there's no way he'd tell this crazy man anything about the crew now.
"If you knew what was best for you, you'd understand well to do as I say you little brat." Captain Lee growled at him, shaking him harshly. "Where are they!?"
Wooyoung kicked his leg as hard as he could. "GET OFF OF ME!"
SMACK!
Wooyoung fell hard to the floor, body slamming as a searing pain grew in his right cheek. He slowly looked up with wide shocked eyes, hand holding his bruised cheek and a pain in the corner of his lip along with the trickle of liquid indicated to him that he was bleeding.
He just got punched by a head officer.
It's funny. In its own twisted way, it was hilarious that he feels more threatened in the presence of the highest symbol of authority and safety than he did on a ship filled with rumored cruel and vicious pirates. It was funny that he felt more safe standing next to Hongjoong or talking with Yeosang in the Nest or watching Jongho set the table with meals or watching Mingi and Yunho bicker like an old married couple. Maybe not funny, but ironic.
It was ironic that he felt safer with San than he did with the chief of police.
Captain Lee breathed harshly, his hair falling into his crazed eyes as he pulled out a dagger with a sinister expression. "Now that you've shut your fucking mouth, open those damn ears. You give me the information I want and the next time you say no, I'll slice your fingers off one by one and leave it for the crows to feed off of before I then hang you until you suffocate and dump your pathetic body into the ocean to rot with the little fishies."
Wooyoung's entire body shakes violently, frozen in complete and total terror. "You're a monster."
A foot slammed into his side hard, and he cries out as he curls into himself, hunching into his side with pain. "Give me the names of the crew. Now."
"N-No," Wooyoung sobs, and soon the foot is kicking him over until he's lying on his back and then slams against the area between where his neck and chest meet, pressing down hard. Wooyoung chokes, feeling his windpipe close as his face turned a purple shade from lack of oxygen. A hand grips his in a grip tight as vice, crushing his fingers. "Guess I'll start with your fucking pinkies then. Maybe if you shriek at least once, I can get you to squeal like a pig to everything else," he brings the dagger over with a frighteningly dark grin and purely evil glint in his eyes.
Wooyoung thrashes violently against the man, trying to let out choked screams from around the heavy boot pressed against his chest. He almost feels himself start to blackout as white dots dance around his vision, eyes becoming blurry. The cold metal barely grazes his skin before the weight and pressure of both the dagger and boot are thrown off of him.
Wooyoung gasps for air, coughing as he felt his lungs open up painfully. He blinks the fuzziness out of his eyes and looks up, dazed. In front of him stood a familiar tall body, hood up and two swords gripped tightly in his hands.
San.
He sobs in relief, sitting up and watching as San pushed the man roughly down the stairs on the other side after catching him off guard when he hit him the first time. The Head Officer doesn't fall far, but it's still quite a nasty fall and San doesn't waste any time as he turns to him, mask covering his face and Wooyoung can't make out his expression apart from his eyes.
San is pissed.
"S-San, I—" Wooyoung says shakily, but San completely ignores his words and sheaths one of his swords and grabs Wooyoung by the waist, pulling him up to his feet quickly. "Can you run?"
Wooyoung nods shakily and San grabs his wrist, dragging him towards the other side to lead him down the opposite steps. By now, they can hear Captain Lee Jinha shouting for reinforcements and sprinting back up the stairs.
Down the fort, Wooyoung notices Yeosang and Mingi fighting off a whole group of guards. Yeosang throws them a look as they reach the bottom. "Took you guys long enough." He sassed, smacking one of the guards with the back of his sword before slashing him thinly over the arm which causes him to fall over.
San ignores the man's words, stabbing one of the officers that were about to blindside Mingi in his side before pushing him roughly away. Wooyoung can't help but notice that a lot of their hits weren't meant to be fatal and avoided all organs.
Wooyoung grabs a nearby wooden oar when he notices a guard raise his sword to San. "Duck!"
San doesn't even blink as he dips low just as Wooyoung smacks the man upside the head with the oar, breaking it into a thousand pieces. When the pirate straightens, his eyes flicker to something behind him before there's a mini dagger flying inches away from his face. Wooyoung whips his head around to see it impale itself into a guard's hand, causing the gun he was pointing at him to drop as he immediately screamed in pain.
Wooyoung barely turns back to the other before he's gripping his wrist and yanking him away towards the docks with Yeosang and Mingi quick behind them.
"We're boarding and getting the fuck out of here." Mingi hisses under his breath as he shoots a bullet at one of the guards who was close behind him, causing him to drop and grip his arm.
"We can't leave without the Captain!" Yeosang snapped through harsh breathing, getting onto the sand.
They'd barely made it a few steps across the loose mineral before something slams into Wooyoung, his hand slipping out of San's as he was tackled to the ground by another body. He yelped, rolling over before he saw a flash of a knife driving fast towards his body.
"Woo!"
Suddenly a glass bottle smashed into the head of his attacker, causing him to slump to the left, unconscious. Wooyoung looked up to see Hongjoong staring down at the passed out body with hard eyes. His eyes shifted to Wooyoung, grabbing him by the arm and yanking him up to pull him along up the docks to where Yunho had already begun to start the ship's departure from the Port, Mingi and Yeosang climbing aboard quickly. San was holding the line with all his might as he waited for the two. "Hurry up!"
Hongjoong jumped onto the side of the ship, gripping the steps and quickly climbing up the side of the ship. Wooyoung almost did the same, but San had grabbed him and yanked them both up onto the side of the ship as it finally pushed away from shallow waters. Wooyoung could hear and feel the graze of air of gunshots pointed towards them, but San's body shields over him tightly, both pressing against the ship to avoid getting hit.
"Climb up, we're way too far for them to aim now!" Hongjoong shouted and San squeezes Wooyoung's hip to tell him to go up. Wooyoung doesn't hesitate to quickly climb up despite the throbbing pain in his side and his chest. San is right on his heels, and they both practically slam onto the comforting surface of the ship's main deck, all of them breathing harshly.
Wooyoung sits up, eyes flickering over to Hongjoong but the man is staring blankly out towards the dock, his eyes glued to the pair of familiar dark eyes of Captain Lee Jinha who stood at the end of the dock, his gaze burning with a fiery hatred before he fades into the distance as the ATEEZ sails away from the land.
Yeosang turns to Wooyoung with worried eyes, opening his mouth but someone beats him to it.
Wooyoung barely processes the grip of a tight hand in his shirt before he's slammed against the Mast. He winces, looking up and meeting the furious gaze of San. It's the angriest Wooyoung has seen the pirate, which was terrifying.
"Are you insane?" San says lowly, voice void of all emotion. "What the hell were you thinking?" Wooyoung doesn't answer and San finally breaks, face burning with fury. "ANSWER ME!"
Wooyoung flinches against the booming voice on the silent ship. He turns his head, afraid, but San won't allow it. He grips Wooyoung's chin and turns his head back roughly to face him and lock their gazes once again. "Answer me," he demands again, suddenly soft. He searches Wooyoung's eyes, as if he's looking for any explanation for what he'd done tonight. Looking for a good reason.
Wooyoung feels shitty for not having one.
San seems to realize it as well, his face then hardening. "This is exactly why I never fucking trusted you. You piece of shit— what the fuck did you tell them about us!?"
Wooyoung's bottom lip trembles. "N-Nothing."
"You expect me to believe that!?" San hisses, pressing Wooyoung harder against the Mast. "What did you tell them?"
"I... All I said was Kim Hongjoong and h-he went on a complete rampage! I-I swear that's all I said! A-All I said was his name." Wooyoung chokes out, tears growing in his eyes. "I didn't even mean to— I just wanted to go home." He finally sobs, slumping in San's grip.
"It's not that big of a deal. He knows who I am." Hongjoong muttered, but his gaze on Wooyoung is filled with disappointment and it hits the younger boy with so much shame.
"You turned out exactly how I thought you'd be. Do you feel good betraying everyone who had the courtesy of treating you kindly!? After everything we did for you—" San rages before Wooyoung cuts him off.
"As if I could take your word for it! I had every right to get away— you can't blame me for wanting to leave the situation you put me through!" He shouts back, glaring angry and teary eyed at the older man. "Why should I trust a fucking pirate!?"
San nods, eyes cold. "Pirates, huh? Is that how you felt? Can't trust us despite the numerous of times we saved your life because of a fucking NAME!"
He curls a hand around the back of Wooyoung's neck, grip firm as he peered down at the smaller man with a harsh stare. "I guess I should live up to your expectations, huh? I'll show you what a real pirate is." He whispers lowly, words harsh as he yanks Wooyoung off the surface and drags him across the deck towards the back hall.
Yeosang finally snaps from his numb state of mind, turning to San with wide eyes. "What are you doing!?"
"I'd like for any of you to even try to stop me." San hisses back at Yeosang, no joke present in his voice. "This is my fucking job and I'll punish accordingly. So try and fucking stop me. I dare you. Because I knew all along he'd turn out as a rat and I was right. So until he gets his head out of his ass, he'll get the treatment he expects."
Yeosang turns to Hongjoong wildly, eyes frustrated. "Hongjoong!"
Hongjoong stared grimly at where Wooyoung was furiously trying to fight off San. "Kindness isn't working with him. We tried that and look at what happened. Threats are all we can do now. Wooyoung needs to understand the danger he's putting everyone in, especially himself. Consider this a punishment for now, but if you wanna continue to abuse our kindness, then this is all I can do to keep you safe from others and to keep my crew safe from you."
Upon hearing the Captain's words, the fight completely leaves Wooyoung's body and he looks up at him with shock. Hongjoong doesn't shy from his gaze, staring back with a passive look but Wooyoung sees the look in his eyes.
Hongjoong is hurt.
Wooyoung hurt Hongjoong, the one person who has offered him the upmost honesty and kindness. He put the crew in danger, and Wooyoung now realizes that there's nothing he could've done that would hurt Hongjoong more than that.
He let's San drag him down the stairs and to the brig, numb and quiet.
"I hope you come to your senses and realize just how much you've betrayed these people who wanted nothing but your safety and happiness." San snarled, throwing the cell door open before shoving Wooyoung in roughly and closing it with a click of the lock. Wooyoung sat motionlessly on the floor as San lit the lamp outside his cell. He regards Wooyoung for a moment, eyes hard. "You know, for a second I actually trusted you."
Wooyoung doesn't reply and San scoffed, turning and walking up the steps. "I really hope that it was worth it for you."
Then he's gone.
Tears grow in Wooyoung's eyes, his frustration bubbling over as he lets out a soft sob, curling his legs up to hug close to his chest. He rests his chin on his knees as he continues to cry softly, so unbelievably tired.
Suddenly, something white appears in his like of view from the right, and Wooyoung notices that it's a handkerchief. He takes it quietly, dabbing his eyes as he murmurs out a quiet thanks. Then he froze.
Wait a second.
Wooyoung whips his head to the right with wide eyes, and he's shocked when he meets familiar brown eyes looking at him with slight concern, his black hair still styled perfectly. His black uniform is unmistakable.
Park Seonghwa.