Treasure ◇ | Seongjoong ✓

Episode 2: All Hands on Deck ◇ Part 2

The deserted island of Hwaseong is a lightly forested land mass. There are plenty of trees, but they don't cluster together like the woods or a jungle. The vegetation can feed a whole village if cultivated correctly.

Instead of a sandy beach, the shore turns into a dead grass field about seven feet away from the water. Save for a few snakes, birds, wild boars, and rodents, most animal species have been hunted or moved from the island.

A few deckhands stay aboard the ship while others excitedly spread out along the borders of the island. Seonghwa walks alongside Yunho, following the main crew as usual. Hongjoong leads the team with Jongho at his side.

San, Mingi, and Yeosang are moving closely behind and chatting about something funny. Wooyoung appears at Seonghwa's side—startling the elder—and links their arms together sweetly.

"What are we doing exactly?" Seonghwa asks the man. Wooyoung uses his free hand to sweep his oreo hair out of his face.

"It's mostly free for all. Captain allows us to keep whatever we find individually, but anything found during team excursions belongs to the ship. Artifacts are kept in a safe in the third-level storage room, and common treasures like gold and silver go to the treasury in the archive," he explains simply.

Seonghwa nods thoughtfully. How does he go about treasure hunting? Should he pick a random spot and start digging? Is there a map with marked locations he needs to look at? As if he can hear his thoughts, Yunho offers an easy solution to the elder's dilemma.

He says, "We occasionally split into our own teams as well, but for today we'll just follow the captain. Make sure to stick close to one of us so you don't get lost."

"No worries, Yunho," Wooyoung chirps, "I've already implemented the buddy system."

He draws attention to his and Seonghwa's arms looped around each other happily. The latter cannot hide his smile either. He's never had any friends around his age. His peers in Jinju were always swamped with work outside the slums, so they couldn't find time to build comradery.

Wooyoung and the others have been making Seonghwa feel so welcome, and he cannot describe the feeling forming in his heart. However, it also reminds him of the panic attack he caused Yeosang earlier, and he feels bad once more. Sensing his damp mood, the friendly inventor speaks up again.

"About what happened with Yeosang, don't fret over it. He really wasn't mad at you, and it's a mistake anybody can make. Jongho used to help him, but Yeosang dropped him as an assistant because he kept messing up the system Yeosang was trying to create," Wooyoung comforts lightheartedly.

His unique cackle eases the tension in the elder's heart. "I can help you look when we get back if you want."

"I appreciate it, but I would feel better if I did it myself. Like the captain said, fixing my mistake will make me stronger. Realistically, a few papers are the least of your worries as pirates, right?" says the newbie.

"You're a pirate now, too. Things will get easier," Wooyoung supportively insists.

Yunho adds, "He's right. None of us started as experts. I'm still clumsy even now."

Their sunny support shines on Seonghwa with the sweetest warmth. Feelings of guilt, remorse, and regret drift away with the tide.

Up ahead, San and Jongho are arguing playfully. Mingi jumps in, leaving Yeosang watching in quiet confusion. A sigh escapes Yunho's lips next to the eldest.

Something Seonghwa has been noticing since boarding The Wonderland is Mingi constantly being in Yunho's line of sight. It's not because the redhead happens to always be there—it's not a coincidence. Yunho is the one who never stops looking at him.