rivals | taejin

XIV

Athena sighed deeply, taking in the beauty that was her garden. It had been many years since her last visit to Earth. Being the one who takes care of it made it seem like she'd always be there, Olympus being an after thought. But, especially recently, Athena had been been feeling something being plotted against her.

She decided to come to Earth to have some time to herself. Some time to stop thinking about the things running around her head. She got up, walking to the beach. She sat down on the sand, the water wetting her legs. Her long purple hair flew in the wind, without a doubt turning wavy from the sea breeze.

Being next to the ocean after such a long time would fill her head with both happy and terrible memories. She remembered the times when she'd go with her friends, right after making flower crowns and bracelets for each other. Those friends were long dead by now; that was the curse that followed with being born a mere mortal. But, even with knowing that, she had gotten really close to those girls. The pain she felt when she heard the news of their deaths was humongous; making her lose any hope of creating any more friendships with people from Earth. The terrible memories...those were always crawling around in her head. Just thinking of her made her hands curl up in hatred.

But, she came here to forget those things. So, she closed her eyes and rested her chin on her hands, taking in the sounds of the waves crashing around her. She hadn't even noticed when she had fallen asleep. Not until someone woke her up, tapping her shoulder.

She jolted awake, standing up quickly. The elderly woman was surprised, too. "I'm sorry young lady, I did not mean to frighten you."

Athena crossed her hands, bowing, "Thank you." she said, looking at her with a smile before going back
to—

"Dear, if you'd like, would you want to have dinner with us?" the woman asked, a kind smile on her face.

Athena thought for a moment before shaking her head, "No, but thank you for asking." she denied politely.

At the same moment, a little boy with jet black long hair came running up to the elder woman. "Mama, this reminds me of Seokjin-hyung!" he said. He held up a huge conch shell he had found; it was a pretty shade of light pink.

At the name mentioned, Athena's breath hitched, which didn't go unnoticed by the elder lady and the boy. "Dear, is something wrong?" she asked.

Athena regained her senses and plastered a smile on her face, "No no, but I should get going now." she said, bowing and walking away, hurriedly trying to go back to her home. She walked inside, slamming the door behind her. Was she really in the same place that Seokjin had grown up in?! Just the possibility of it made her want to barf.

***

Back In Olympus

"Hobi..." Seokjin whispered, his eyes looking up into the sky. He was leaned over the balcony, Hoseok sitting on a chair by his side.

"Mhm?" Hoseok hummed, looking away from his book momentarily.

Seokjin stayed silent for a few seconds, his eyes not leaving the sky. "Do you also hear them?"

Hoseok furrowed his eyebrows, "Hear what? Who?"he questioned.

Seokjin's gaze didn't move as he answered, "The whispers."

Hoseok stayed silent. Seokjin did too, looking up at the moon.

After a few seconds, and after putting his book down, Hoseok questioned, "...Whispers?"