Till the world's end|| (pirate!au) -'๑'-Ateez

The Son

Wooyoung was only 25 when his life had been sold to another at the expense of his father's deal.

The groom sat at the corners of his bed, his distressed figure biting off the poor nails of his fingers.

Wooyoung's mind is a chaotic swirl of emotions. The weight of his impending marriage pressed heavily on his shoulders, and he couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped. He traced the intricate patterns of the bedspread with his fingers, the embroidered flowers mocking the fragility of his own dreams.

His father, a stern and tradition-bound man, had arranged this marriage. It was not about love or compatibility; instead, it was a strategic alliance meant to strengthen the family's position. Wooyoung's wishes and desires were secondary to the legacy his father sought to build.

As he gazed out the window, contemplating the life that awaited him, a soft knock echoed through the room. Startled, Wooyoung turned to see his best friend, San, peering through the window. The moonlight illuminated San's concerned expression, and Wooyoung couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope.

"San? What are you doing here?" Wooyoung whispered, opening the window cautiously.

"I couldn't let you face this alone," San replied, his eyes reflecting the empathy that had always defined their friendship. "I know you're not ready for this marriage, and I won't stand by and watch you sacrifice your happiness."

Upon hearing the calm voice of his best friend, Wooyoung broke down in tears, a whirlpool of emotions cascading in the droplets streaming down his face.

"He's marrying me off without even asking me," He whispered

"I am not letting this happen, Woo," San said with determination, a plan forming in his mind.

"Let's escape from here," He said and Wooyoung's eyes widened, hesitating for a moment, torn between duty and desire, But as San extended a supportive hand, Wooyoung took a deep breath, choosing to reclaim his own destiny.

"Let's do this"

Together, they devised a daring escape. Silently, he crept to the window, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

The night air embraced them as he leaped out the window, San following behind him, leaving behind the suffocating confines of expectations. Hand in hand, they ran through the moonlit gardens, the world outside the window offering a chance for freedom and a future of their own making.

The distant sounds of the village faded away as Wooyoung and San sprinted through narrow alleys, escaping the looming specter of the arranged marriage. Their breaths came in hurried gasps as they reached the town and stumbled upon an old blacksmith's shop, its sturdy walls veiled in shadows.

Breathing heavily, they glanced at each other, the adrenaline of their escape still coursing through their veins. Without exchanging words, they decided to seek refuge in the darkened haven of the blacksmith's shop. Wooyoung carefully pushed the creaky door open, revealing an interior dimly lit by the waning embers of the forge.

The air was thick with the scent of metal and charred wood. The remnants of the day's labor lay scattered across the shop – unfinished swords and tools strewn about like forgotten dreams. The anvil stood as a silent witness to countless stories of craftsmanship.

"Think we can stay here for the night?" San asked, his eyes scanning the room for a suitable spot.

Wooyoung nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. "It's better than being caught. Let's find a quiet corner."

They settled into a corner behind a barrel, surrounded by the comforting aura of the blacksmith's tools. Wooyoung found an old sack, perhaps once used for carrying coal, and laid it out as a makeshift bed. The two friends huddled close, sharing the warmth of each other's presence as exhaustion finally caught up with them.