August 22nd - Day 1 Continued
The west side of Paradigm is where you spent most of your day. So when you and Yeosang begin to wander along the empty agora, you figure heading east will yield something new. "Are you telling me that Mr. Jay was completely off the mark with the whole 'girl from the party' thing?" You ask, watching the crafts building as you pass, its stillness sending shivers down your spine.
"No... It's more that when I tell people about things like this, they get over-involved or they squash my courage..." He replies, your eyes now fixed on another building a little further down the path.
"Ah, so you tell Wooyoung."
"Yes, I do." Yeosang agrees, laughing at the realization. "I guess that means I can tell you..."
"Wait, really!?"
"Why do guys act like I don't tell you anything?"
"Because you don't! I mean, you tell us stuff, but not about yourself." You insist. The two of you slow, seeing the path beyond. To your right is a lookout spot. Stone steps lead up the cliff to a set of binoculars overlooking the horizon. And off to your left, the edge of the path becomes a steep incline, diving down into a valley below. Houses sit within it, ending at the water's edge, illuminated by flickering light.
"From what I've heard, that's where all married couples and families live. The Chois included." Yeosang explains, though his eyes are mesmerized by the glittering sea beyond. He sighs before saying, "I'm sorry I'm not more open with you guys...especially you of all people."
"It's okay." You assure him, and the two of you continue towards the building in the distance.
"Her name is Kiyana." He says softly, building up the confidence to continue. "She's in London right now for a study abroad thing, but she's from Albany."
"That's not that far! A day's drive at most."
"Yeah, I know. And because of the whole time difference...we've been texting when we can. It's not all that serious yet...but I think I really like her."
"Yeo, that's so cute." You say, your eyes all big. He laughs awkwardly, shaking his head.
"Just don't tell anyone, okay? They don't need to know about yet another failed relationship of mine." You promise him that you won't, and he looks relieved to have gotten it off his chest.
The building you approach looks like all the others, its walls white stone and roof red topped. Tossing your sandals down, you slide them back on. Yeosang gives a tug to the front doors, and they open with ease. You step through, greeted by a staircase in front of you, which climbs out of sight. On your left is another set of doors, and on your right, a hallway.
You reach for your camera, pulling it from your dress, feeling as though it might come in handy. It's disposable but waterproof, a recommendation given to you by Mr. Oh. You prep it, nearing the set of doors. Yeosang pushes them, but they don't budge. Made of metal, the doors gap in the middle, and you can see a steel rod mechanism preventing them from being opened.
"It's locked from the inside." Yeosang whispers. Through the crack, you can see a narrow hallway. It reminds you of the one at the dorms, though there's no torch to illuminate the way. The two of you turn away, heading for the accessible hallway. It leads to a single opening.
A library stands two stories high, filled with books and scrolls galore. Breaking up the shelves are pieces of art, and the familiar Dionysus Cup rests in the center towards the back, tucked away behind another sheet of glass. Carefully, you walk down a set of stairs into the lower floor. Wooden tables fill the middle space, and paper and ink are left out for free use.
YOU ARE READING
Paradigm | ATEEZ x Reader
Fanfiction"I was wondering if you could air something for me?" The boy asks, handing a piece of paper to Yunho. "Hey, I know you," Wooyoung starts looking at the boy closer, definitely invading his personal bubble, "You're Changbin's best friend, aren't you...
