𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝒉𝑒 𝐻𝑖𝑔𝒉 𝑆𝑒𝑎𝑠 /𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑔

ᥴꫝꪖρ𝓽ꫀ𝘳 𝓽ꫝ𝘳ꫀꫀ

Dr. Park organized a secluded place for Lee Know to recover, away from prying eyes. Jisung, with the support of his friends, helped transport Lee Know to the discreet location under the cover of night.

As they settled Lee Know into a secure space, Jisung spoke softly, "This is our secret hideout. You'll be safe here. We'll bring you food, medicine, and anything else you need.”

Lee Know, still weakened by his wounds, nodded appreciatively. "I owe you and your friends for this, Jisung. I won't forget it.”

Over the following days, the clandestine alliance deepened. Jisung and his friends visited Lee Know regularly, bringing supplies and providing companionship. As Lee Know gradually recovered, the once-clear lines between friend and supposed foe blurred.

Late one evening, as Jisung and Lee Know sat by a dimly lit lantern, the sounds of the distant ocean faintly reached their ears. Lee Know spoke, breaking the thoughtful silence, "You know, Jisung, pirates are not born enemies. Sometimes circumstances force people into roles they didn't choose.”

Jisung, pondering Lee Know's words, replied, "I never thought I'd be helping someone from an enemy crew. But maybe there's more to people than the labels society gives them.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a distant noise—a signal known only to them. Hyunjin, Seungmin, and Jeongin arrived with news and supplies.

Seungmin spoke cautiously, "The village is getting suspicious. We need to be even more careful.”

Jisung, realizing the growing risks, nodded solemnly. "We can't let this unravel. Lee Know, you stay hidden here. We'll find a way to keep you safe.”

As the days turned into weeks, the unexpected alliance faced mounting challenges. The village tension escalated, and rumors circulated.

Under the cloak of night, Lee Know, feeling the weight of his decision, carefully packed some provisions and medicines into a bag. As the moon bathed the hidden haven in its soft glow, Lee Know cast one last glance at Jisung, peacefully sleeping. The rose-pink tint of Jisung's lips caught his attention, illuminated by the gentle moonlight.

Unable to resist the impulse, Lee Know bent down and pressed a fleeting kiss on Jisung's lips, whispering, "Goodbye, Jisung. Maybe our paths will cross again.”

Silently, Lee Know slipped out of the hideout, leaving the trio of friends unaware of his departure. With each step, he ventured into the night, guided only by the distant echoes of the ocean and the silent promises of uncharted horizons.

As dawn approached, Jisung, Hyunjin, Seungmin, and Jeongin awoke to find the hidden haven eerily quiet. The realization struck them that Lee Know had left during the night.

Jisung, a mix of emotions swirling within him, noticed the note Lee Know had left behind. It read, "Thank you for everything, Jisung. I need to find my father and the crew. Maybe one day, our paths will intertwine again.”

Jisung clutched the note, the weight of Lee Know's departure sinking in. As tears welled in his eyes, he made a silent promise to himself to remember their unexpected bond. His friends, sensing his sorrow, enveloped him in comforting hugs.

"Don't cry, Jisung. Fate might bring you two together again," Hyunjin reassured, echoing the sentiment shared among the trio.

Years passed, and the group of friends transitioned into their teenage years. The village's need for supplies prompted their parents to embark on a journey at sea. The calm ocean belied the imminent danger that awaited them.

Suddenly, their ship was attacked by an enemy ship.Jisung and his friends' parents, seasoned pirates, unsheathed their swords to defend the ship. Amidst the chaos, Jisung spotted Lee Know among the attackers.

A devastating realization struck as Lee Know's blade claimed the life of Jisung's mother. The shock reverberated through Jisung, freezing him in place.

Hyunjin, quick to react, grabbed Jisung's wrist and pulled him away, urging Seungmin and Jeongin to join them on a small boat. The friends, witnessing the tragic events unfold, escaped the ship, leaving behind the harrowing scene of their parents battling against the enemies on the tumultuous sea.

As the small boat distanced itself from the tumultuous clash, Jisung's gaze remained fixed on the chaos, his heart heavy with grief and the bitter reality of the uncharted paths ahead.

Upon returning to their village and kingdom, the group of friends faced the solemn task of recounting the attack by the enemy pirates. Their tale, laced with grief and loss, echoed through the somber halls of the village.

As they shared the distressing news, Jisung's eyes revealed the turmoil within. The memory of witnessing Lee Know's hand take his mother's life lingered, and a complex blend of emotions surged within him—anger, sadness, and a growing desire for revenge.

Jisung, driven by a newfound determination, approached the village elders, his voice steady but laden with resolve. "We need to do something about these enemy pirates. They took everything from us, and they will be  punished by their crime.”