𝑨𝑳𝑳𝑰𝑪𝑬𝑹𝑬 𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑺」ateez au

𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟒

"Y. . . Yeosang. . . "

He was small, much smaller than Seonghwa, yet far more beautiful than anyone Seonghwa had ever laid his eyes on before. His eyes were warm like melted dark chocolate, laced with determination and apprehension as they carefully took in every inch of Seonghwa's entire being before finally settling on his face, most likely drawn to the unnatural blue that were Seonghwa's eyes. In his state of fear and panic, the young siren couldn't bring himself to pay any mind to the fact that he was exposing himself to this complete stranger, San being his one and only concern. San was hurt and he wasn't safe. Seonghwa couldn't allow that, he needed to do everything in his power to keep San safe.

The moment that foreign word left San's lips, Seonghwa was taken aback. It was unfamiliar, the young pirate never once uttered such a word before, not even when they spent their nights together and he would tell his tales. Yet his eyes held a fondness so deep that it threatened to take Seonghwa's worries away. So relieved that Seonghwa's heart stuttered in his chest and his hissing caught at the back of his throat, his eyes widening at the sight. No. This could not be right. If San was familiar with this person, did that mean. . .

"Safe. . . he- he's safe, S- Seonghwa. . . Yeosang. . . "

The Aurora. Seonghwa gasped quietly in a state of complete disbelief, his head turning side to side slowly because how could this be? Never in a million years would he have ever believed it true that San's captain would come for him. He liked to entertain the idea, it had given him a sense of hope that made his pathetic life a little more bearable, but that was all that it was, a short bit of relief in the midst of a hellish world. So one could imagine Seonghwa's surprise when someone that seemed to be a member of San's crew was standing right before his very eyes. Was it true? How could he be sure? What if San was just too delirious and was imagining that this person was actually from the Aurora? Seonghwa was afraid. The thought of losing San due to his own foolishness was too much, he couldn't give in so easily.

Instead of giving in to San's words, Seonghwa's defenses shot up even more, his body stayed draped over San's like a protective human shield and his eyes were sharp and daring, as if warning this stranger to choose his next actions wisely, otherwise he would forfeit his life. If he could see himself now, he was sure he wouldn't have been able to recognize himself. Even so, his mind was too muddied to think properly, all he knew was that he did not recognize this person, even if San did.

It wasn't enough, he needed more than that.

"I'll rip your throat out!" He hissed, his hold on San tightening with his own growing fear. "If you come any closer, I'll kill you. Stay back!"

The stranger slowly reattached his dagger to his hip before holding his hands up defensively, as if surrendering himself to Seonghwa, and lowering himself until he was on his knees, completely defenseless. Yet there was not an ounce of fear in his eyes, he was not afraid of Seonghwa, that much was clear. It was the strangest sight to see, someone lowering their guard for Seonghwa's sake as if he were an actual threat, or maybe it was a way of calming him down, a comfort of sorts. No one had ever done anything like that before because, quite frankly, Seonghwa couldn't hurt a fly, even if he truly wanted to, and no one had a shred of care for his sake. No one but San. It was so unexpected that Seonghwa's strong front was slowly starting to crumble. This person knew Seonghwa wasn't human, so why? Why would he leave himself open like that?

"I can help him." Were the first words that came from this stranger— Yeosang, his voice just as warm as his chocolaty gaze that seemed glued to Seonghwa in a way that made the young half siren feel vulnerable, exposed. "But we have to move quickly."

It was a lie— a trap. Seonghwa shook his head vigorously, his tears feeling like acid against his skin.

"No, I- I can't. . . I don't know what to do!" He whimpered helplessly, a broken sob escaping his trembling lips.