ꜱᴏɴ ᴀᴍᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴀʀɪɴ ✧seongjoong✧

Chapter 2

A quick, rhythmic thumping sound startled Seonghwa awake from a nap he hadn't realized he had fallen into. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he peered through the dim light of his cell to see two figures standing on the staircase. The tall man with white hair, was hitting two metal utensils together, the clanging noise echoing harshly in the confined space.

"That was too cruel, Mingi," chided the man with black hair standing beside him. His voice carried a note of disapproval, and Mingi's expression softened with momentary guilt as he took in the sight of the startled mermaid.

"My bad. Sorry there," Mingi offered, his tone a mix of apology and duty. "Our captain told us to wake you up."

Seonghwa rubbed his eyes, the remnants of his unexpected nap still clinging to him like a fog. He shifted slightly, the cold, damp air of the cell making his muscles ache. His gaze drifted to the small window, through which the first light of dawn was beginning to filter in. The morning had arrived, bringing with it a new day of uncertainty and struggle.

Mingi and his companion, stepped closer, their postures more relaxed now that their task was done. Yunho gave a small, sympathetic smile. "Captain wants you up and ready. We're docking soon, and he's got plans."

Seonghwa's heart sank at the mention of the captain. The memories of their last encounter were still fresh, a bitter reminder of the power dynamic he was trapped in. He sat up slowly, trying to shake off the lingering haze of sleep and the underlying current of dread.

"Why does he need me awake?" Seonghwa asked, his voice hoarse but steady, trying to mask his apprehension.

"Orders are orders," Yunho replied with a shrug. "Just be ready. It's best not to keep the captain waiting."

Seonghwa's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed the two pirates. There was an edge of defiance in his gaze, but it was tempered by the underlying fear of the unknown.

"You don't need to be afraid of the crew, Seonghwa," Yunho added, his tone softer now, as if trying to offer some reassurance. "We'll take care of you."

Seonghwa's lips curled into a bitter smile, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and sarcasm. "Or better yet, you could send me back home?" he retorted, his voice dripping with irony.

Yunho's expression shifted, a flicker of sympathy crossing his features. "You know we can't do that," he said quietly. "But we can make things easier for you if you cooperate."

Seonghwa rolled his eyes, his frustration evident as he stood up slowly. The gentle rocking of the ship made him unsteady, and he swayed slightly, struggling to find his balance. Yunho extended a hand towards him, a gesture of assistance that Seonghwa met with a cold, dismissive glance. Ignoring the offered help, Seonghwa gestured for the two pirates to walk ahead.

"Lead the way," he said curtly, his voice tinged with a mix of defiance and resignation.

Yunho exchanged a brief look with Mingi before nodding and turning to lead Seonghwa out of the cell. As they moved through the dimly lit corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoed off the wooden walls, a rhythmic reminder of the ship's constant motion. 

Seonghwa followed closely, his mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival.

The tension between them was palpable, an unspoken understanding that cooperation was a necessity for the time being, but trust was far from earned.