Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

THIRTY

I had just wrapped myself in my silky pajamas, consisting of a gray top and short shorts, and snuggled under the soft blanket when Yeosang gently knocked on the door of my cabin and opened it. We had agreed that each of us would get ready for bed separately, and then he would come to me. Like two teenagers meeting in secret, I thought, smiling. The thought made my heart beat a little faster. I was glad that Yeosang would be keeping me company that night, and I hoped his gentle calm would soothe my inner turmoil.

It was a strange feeling to be lying in this bed at sea again. The familiar smell of salty sea air and wooden ship floor brought a flood of memories that made me feel both sentimental and uneasy. So much had happened. So many beautiful and painful moments all at once, still giving me headaches whenever I tried to think about them. And there were still some unresolved questions that plagued me.

But I wanted to focus on the upcoming mission first. Once that was over, I could address all the uncertainties. The thought of being responsible for steering the Treasure and, worse, the crew's survival in a few days made my body tense with fear. I wanted to give my all in training with Yunho, maximizing the little time we had.

Logically, the captain himself should teach me how to steer the Treasure. I was still unsure how to gauge the mood between us, but I tried to put those thoughts aside for the next few days. It was about the survival of these men, and I didn't want to risk any distractions. But those challenges were for another day. Now, it was time to gather strength. Yet, seeing Yeosang, I wasn't sure I would get much sleep that night.

With a smooth motion, he threw off the robe he had probably worn just to walk from his room to mine, revealing nothing underneath but a black tank top and tight boxer shorts that highlighted everything they were supposed to. I sighed softly as my eyes roamed over his body. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

He smirked. "I could wear a potato sack around you and you still wouldn't be able to keep your hands off me."

"Kang Yeosang, you're quite conceited." He laughed quietly, and I lifted the blanket to show him he should slip under it.

"I'm just telling the truth." He slid in beside me, propping himself up on his left elbow to look at me.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop a laugh from escaping my throat. He was so right.

I enjoyed this moment of calm and intimacy, where we simply looked at each other. It was as if we could communicate without words and still understand each other. The warmth of his body next to mine, the gentle light of the moon softening his features—all this created an atmosphere of deep connection and tenderness. I felt as though Yeosang could see into my soul, and I allowed it. It was wonderful to show someone my true, vulnerable self. I knew Yeosang appreciated this kind of silent communication and valued that I gave him access to my true self.

My heart beat faster as I felt his gaze intensify. His eyes searched mine as if trying to capture every emotion rising within me. It was the first time someone truly saw me. Just me. Aurora. Not a princess. Not a wounded woman deserving of pity. Just me.

"I..." Yeosang began but then paused. He moved even closer to me. "You're so beautiful," he said, his voice gentle and full of admiration, his gaze still taking in every inch of my face.

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I still couldn't quite believe these words were coming from his mouth. The intensity of his words and the sincerity in his eyes made my heart race. In that moment, I felt like the only person in the world who mattered to him.

I looked deeply into his eyes, lost in the sea of tenderness and longing I found there. "And you especially" I whispered softly, my voice barely more than a breath.