Tidal-Bore

24. Seclusion

Time passed too fucking fast. Wooyoung had never been more aware of every second ticking away, robbing him of the precious minutes before the inevitable future would arrive.

There was no convincing Yeosang to change his mind. He had informed Seonghwa and, though disappointed, the diplomat understood the reason for their rush. While the scientists healed, they already delved into preparations to return. Soon, the submarine captain knew, their institute on the surface knew, and everyone else knew. The date was set, and it inched closer every moment.

Wooyoung didn't know how to tell San. He was sure the man caught wind of their sudden departure, as it was the only topic making its circles in Atlantis right now. Even isolated in his room in the tower where he recovered from his injuries, he knew.

It would be only appropriate to tell him in person and announce his goodbyes, but Wooyoung couldn't bring himself to it. He grew more distant in his sorrow, barely talking to his team members unless absolutely necessary. Many times, he hovered at the stairs leading to San's room, only to surrender at the last moment. There was no explanation fitting their situation. And if there was, Wooyoung couldn't convey it. Seonghwa picked up on his struggles and offered to translate, but Wooyoung sent him away. Hiding his emotions was cruel, but bringing in a third person to transmit them was even more unnatural.

Thus, Wooyoung stayed away. San didn't chase after him, bound to his bed and his own feelings. Was he upset with Wooyoung? Did he even mind? Or had he long since accustomed to the idea and could shrug it off now?

Avoiding him during these last few days was gruesome, but Wooyoung couldn't help it. He often cried alone and wished for his lover's hug, but whenever his ring drew him toward his desires, he covered it to remind himself there had never been a 'them.'

Work didn't distract Wooyoung, and neither did his mourning. He felt selfish, caring more about his relationship than about Petra. The thought of leaving San and running into Seungyoun twisted his stomach. Though he grieved her loss and knew her parents would be heartbroken, his pain was that much realer.

Soon, it was the day before they left. Dinner was busy with organisation talks and Wooyoung gagged his food down with no interest. Seonghwa was there to advise them and explained to the captain which reefs to avoid for the safest journey back up. He cared with such devotion. Yet, Wooyoung found no joy in it.

Their packed bags sat next to the door, waiting for the call to leave. Each time Wooyoung glanced their way, he gulped down the knot forming in his throat.

Everyone left after dinner to get the last beauty sleep. Wooyoung had been plagued by restlessness for days and lost all motivation to even try. With dead eyes, he stayed seated on the bench and played with Splish Splash, who had found her way back home. Her soft, squishy body enjoyed being nudged by him and drift off only to come back to do it again.

Yeosang joined him after Yongguk went to bed. With a sigh, he parked on the bench next to Wooyoung and examined his forlorn expression.

For a while, neither of them spoke. Yeosang sought for the right words to muster and Wooyoung stared into a void beyond the room they were seated in. His head was blissfully empty, filtering away Yeosang's presence until the man figured out his phrases.

"Have you talked to San at all these past few days?"

Not much. Returning after their group meeting had been awkward, and Wooyoung had played down his predicament while he tended to his lover. Ever since he popped up rarer and rarer. He hadn't seen San in the last two days, and though the medium knew what the reason was, Wooyoung was a coward for not coming clean. Or for wasting the little time they had.