SAILING HEARTS (seongjoong)

-6-

As the days unfolded, Seonghwa found himself drawn more deeply to  Hoongjoong, his feelings evolving from admiration to something more profound. He couldn't ignore the way his heart raced whenever Hoongjoong was near, or the warmth that spread through him whenever their eyes met the smile that hongjoong used to give him butterflies. His way of talking and looking after the other even when he was sick on his own.

One evening, as they sat together in the mess hall, Seonghwa found himself engrossed in Hoongjoong's story of his journey to becoming a captain. The captain's voice was soft, tinged with both sorrow and determination as he recounted the loss of his father.

Seonghwa couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity at Hoongjoong's words. "I lost my father too," he confessed quietly. "He was a crew member on a ship, much like this one. But... but he died because there was no one there to help him when he fell ill. That Is why I wanted to be a medic and help others so.. so they don't lose someone or themselves to the ocean like . . Like I did. "

Hoongjoong's gaze softened with understanding, and for a moment, the weight of their shared loss hung heavy in the air. "I'm so sorry, Seonghwa," he said softly. "No one should have to go through something like that."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of San, who entered the mess hall with a tray of food and a warm smile.

"I brought you both some soup," San announced cheerfully, setting the tray down on the table. "You need to keep your strength up, especially in times like these. Because we don't want any wounds to be opened again."

Seonghwa nodded gratefully, appreciating the gesture of kindness from his fellow crewmate. "Thank you, San."

As San left them to enjoy their meal, Hongjoong turned to Seonghwa, his expression thoughtful. "Seonghwa, I..." He hesitated, as if grappling with his next words.

Seonghwa's heart skipped a beat, anticipation prickling at his skin. "Yes, Captain?"

Hongjoong looked away for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I just wanted to say... I admire you, Seonghwa. Your strength, your dedication... it's truly inspiring."

Seonghwa felt a rush of warmth spread through him at Hongjoong's words. "Thank you, Captain," he murmured, unable to hide the smile that tugged at his lips.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. They turned to see the rest of the crew making their way towards them, laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Looks like we've got company," San remarked with a grin, taking a seat next to Seonghwa.

The evening passed in a blur of laughter and camaraderie, but Seonghwa couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between him and Hongjoong. There was an unspoken connection between them, a bond that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

As the night wore on and the rest of the crew retired to their quarters, Seonghwa found himself lingering in the mess hall, unable to shake the thoughts swirling in his mind.

Was it possible that Captain Hongjoong felt the same way he did? Could there be something more between them, something deeper than friendship?

The questions swirled in Seonghwa's mind as he stared out at the stars twinkling in the night sky. And as he finally made his way to his own quarters, a sense of anticipation and uncertainty settled in his chest.

Little did he know, their journey was far from over, and the twists and turns that lay ahead would test their bond in ways they could never have imagined. But for now, as Seonghwa drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him and Captain Hongjoong.

600 words
-luv_yeonie