Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

THIRTYONE

- Dingdong. Look who's back with a new chapter at the door 🛎. I seem to be on a roll right now. But for now: Enjoy reading, and we'll catch up afterwards :) -

The darkness of night had already enveloped the Treasure by the time I made my way to the aft deck after a well-deserved bath and dinner. I was utterly exhausted. My bones ached and my head throbbed from the strain of training. As I stepped onto the deck, the ocean relentlessly pounded against the sides of the Treasure, and the wind had picked up. Hongjoong was at the helm, faintly illuminated by a few oil lamps that adorned the railings and provided just the right amount of light. The Treasure was shrouded in a dim glow. It was bright enough to navigate the deck, yet difficult for enemy ships to spot in the dense fog churned up by the waves.

Without knowing Hongjoong's rank, his presence and poise were effortlessly awe-inspiring as he stood at the elevated aft deck, guiding the Treasure smoothly through every turbulence.

"You're late, Aurora," Hongjoong said without taking his eyes off the sea. "Come here and take the helm. We don't have time to waste."

His voice was sharp and commanded respect. Well, this should be interesting, I thought as I stepped beside him and placed my hands on the cold, wooden wheel. The pressure of this task was both physical and emotional.

"What's the most important thing I need to watch for?" I asked, trying to suppress the anxiety that was building up inside me. I was terrified of making mistakes in Hongjoong's presence. I wasn't sure if it was due to his commanding aura or the way he always seemed so confident and flawless. It was as if his facade never cracked, or at least he never let anyone see it. I often wondered what he had endured in his life to build such an impenetrable wall around himself at such a young age. Was it because he was the captain and needed to command respect? Or had he seen the most dreadful places in Utopia as a pirate and knew all too well the darkness and dangers that lurked in this world?

Hongjoong never showed vulnerability and kept his innermost self hidden. Perhaps he did this to set his own needs aside and do everything for his crew, his family. I was grateful that he had Seonghwa by his side, someone he could at least share his emotions and deepest thoughts with. Seonghwa was the one who looked after Hongjoong, even though I doubted Hongjoong had ever asked for it. But after witnessing how selflessly the captain always acted in the name of the crew, doing everything for them, I was thankful that Seonghwa occasionally cared for his well-being.

Hongjoong turned to me, his gaze serious. "The helm isn't just a tool; it's the key to survival. You have to not only steer the ship but also guide the entire crew safely through the Siren's Gorge. We're counting on you."

His direct manner left no room for discussion. "I'm glad that you are taking some of the pressure off," I said sarcastically, keeping my eyes fixed on the ocean.

"This isn't a pleasure cruise, Aurora. I expect a bit more concentration."

I nodded, even though I struggled internally not to be overwhelmed by his presence. "Understood, Captain. Sorry." I tried to summon all the professionalism I had learned at the royal house of Seraphil. As they say: smile nicely and wave.

"Good," he said tersely, stepping behind me. "The helm requires a delicate touch. It's about maintaining balance," Hongjoong explained, standing close behind me. "If you apply too much pressure, the ship will fight against the current. Too little, and you lose control. It's a fine art to apply the right amount of force."

He placed his hands over mine from behind, applying gentle pressure whenever a wave struck the Treasure and threatened to move the wheel. "You need to feel the ship's movements and respond accordingly. You have to sail with the sea, not against it. When the wind shifts, you must act quickly. There's no room for mistakes."