Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

ELEVEN

AURORA

When I didn't spot anyone in the kitchen and wasn't quite hungry enough for breakfast yet, I was about to leave the room to head up on deck, hoping to perhaps encounter the captain there. Maybe he'd reveal some more information to me in a private conversation. After all, even the smallest detail could provide insight into where they were taking me.

But I didn't get far, as a visibly weary Yeosang walked into the kitchen through the doorway at that very moment, and we collided. His eyes met mine, and suddenly his gaze sharpened. He placed his hands on my shoulders, creating some distance between our bodies with a slight bow of apology for the collision.

"It's alright, I wasn't paying attention either," I replied politely, feeling my heart quicken again, faster than it should. I scrutinized him as he stood somewhat awkwardly before me. "You look tired. Were you up all night?"

He nodded. "I'm responsible on board for keeping watch for enemy ships or obstacles. I had the night watch today. If you want, I can take you up to my lookout." He smiled at me shyly.

I raised my eyebrows skeptically. "You mean, all the way up the main mast to the top?" I shuddered at the thought of such heights.

"Believe me, once you're up there, it'll be worth it. The feeling of freedom up there is boundless; you'd like it." Freedom. As if he knew, he hit the nail on the head with that one.

"I'll consider it," I smiled at him, and my gaze shifted to his black shirt, where I noticed something blue. Carefully, I plucked it from the fine fabric with my fingers and discovered a small, brightly blue feather, which I held up to examine. "Where did you get this? It's beautiful!"

Yeosang's eyes widened for a brief moment. "Uh... it must be from a bird," he stammered. No kidding, Einstein.

I scrutinized him. "Do you perhaps have a parrot, just like the classic pirates you're not?" My voice nearly trembled with excitement; I'd never seen a real one before.

"Something like that." Yeosang was now helping himself to the breakfast spread and loading up a plate. I looked at him expectantly, hoping he'd say more. But he remained silent.

"I wish you a wonderful day aboard the Treasure, Princess. I'm going to retire for some sleep," and with an elegant bow and his breakfast in hand, he left the kitchen. He was certainly from a noble family, or at least he seemed to have had a good upbringing, and I was pleased to have a friendly encounter with one of them again.

I replayed the conversation with Yeosang in my mind and felt a warm flutter in my stomach. He didn't seem averse to spending time with me; otherwise, he wouldn't have invited me to his lookout. Although I was content for now to spend time with him at sea level, his offer made me smile.

Feeling uplifted by the encounter, I made my way cheerfully up on deck. As I stepped onto it, the sight made me pause and continue to marvel. I had been on boats at sea many times before, but never on a ship like this.

The sun greeted me warmly, and I took a deep breath to inhale the fresh sea air. When I opened my eyes again, I began scanning the deck for Hongjoong or Seonghwa. Yeosang had gone to sleep, and I didn't want to deal with any of the others for the moment. Except perhaps Yunho. I hadn't gotten to know him yet, but the way he had stood by my sickbed earned him a spot on my imaginary list of the good ones on board.

I let my gaze wander across the deck and spotted Seonghwa standing at the helm, but just as I was about to start moving towards him, I caught sight of two more figures, looking familiar, sitting at the mainmast, and my mood immediately soured. I couldn't tell which of the two gave me the more menacing look. They could both go jump off the plank for all I cared.