Forever, You Are My Star

Chapter 21: The Captain's Outburst

Ten months. That is how long it has been since Mey decided to walk back to the STAR and join the crew. She couldn't believe it has almost been a full year. But during this time, a lot had happened. Chan was now the captain of his own ship with his own crew. Hyunjin was his first mate with Seungmin as his healer. Changbin and Han were now the head gunners, and Minho of course was their barrelmen, and quite a good one at that. I.N became quite the navigator while his skills at cooking were still in the works. They were now known as Stray Kids and flew under the same skull and cross bones that ATEEZ had but had their own colors for their own name. Even their ship name was unique, the CHARMER; always had a ring to it that Mey liked. She was now sitting on the rail of the deck watching those on the STAR and CHARMER doing what they do best as they were anchored by an island waiting for Mingi, Jongho, and Han to return from a scouting mission. She felt an arm slink around her waist and smiled when she saw San now standing by her. Since the incident of her regained memories, her love for San continued to grow. Her other memories, however, were still sparse, but she was going to enjoy the life she was now living. Yes, she still wanted to find out what happened to her mother and wondered if she was still alive, and yes, she still heard the beautiful singing voices and saw the same lady on the beach in her dreams, but she wanted to take one step at a time like Yeosang and Hongjoong constantly told her. Still, with every opportunity they were given, they looked for anything they could find, as why they are now waiting by this island. Mey placed her head on his chest as she looked out towards the island. San smiled sweetly to himself then kissed her temple.

     "They will be back soon." He said softly. Sometimes Mey forgot how deep his voice could actually go, and every time, it would give her butterflies.

     "I'm not worried for them. I know they can defend themselves." San looked down at her then gently caressed her face so she would look up at him. Once she did, he leaned down to kiss her nose then pulled away.

     "Something is bothering you, my princess. What is it?" Mey then looked into his chest before looking back out to the island.

     "Something just doesn't feel right. I don't know if it's this island or for something that is to come." San took her by the chin gently this time and looked into her eyes.

     "I'll protect you like I always have." Mey placed her hand on his.

     "You know I'm perfectly capable to take care of myself, right?" She said with a smile. San just smirked back.

     "But where's the fun in that?" San then leaned in to kiss her, but was interrupted by the sound of yelling coming from the island. They looked out to see Mingi, Jongho, and Han now running full sprint to the ships with a massive group chasing after them. San just sighed in defeat. "Oh for goddess' sake, you three!" San began to quickly fumble with some ropes while the others now made their way towards them. Once Hongjoong saw the sight before him, he rolled his eyes.

     "I said stealth mission how many times? Weigh anchor and set the sails! Once they are aboard, we are off!" Hongjoong yelled out. Mey quickly jumped off the railing, tieing a rope around her waist and throwing over a part of the mizzenmast. Yeosang did the same as the others now grabbed the ropes that were hanging from the mast. Mey and Yeosang them leaped over the side, holding the ropes steady as they waited for Mingi and Jongho while Han ran towards the CHARMER. Mingi quickly grabbed onto Mey while Jongho grabbed onto Yeosang.

     "Hoist us up! Quickly!" Mey yelled out. The others on deck did just that, helping them safely on deck. Once they were all safe on deck, San helped take the rope off of Mey's waist while Yunho helped with Yeosang.

     "What the hell did you think I mean by stealth mission? You just had to bring the entire island after you?" Hongjoong yelled out at Mingi. No one had ever seen him this mad since Mey's beating. Mingi's heart began to beat faster as his captain yelled at him as the walked the deck to the helm.