Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

THIRTYFIVE

Trigger Warnings: To avoid spoilers, I've placed the trigger warnings at the end of the chapter. Sensitive readers should scroll down and read them first; otherwise, enjoy the new chapter! I'm sure no one will have expected what's coming! 🫢

Tentatively, I raised my hand to knock on the door of the captain's quarters. My heart pounded nervously as I was uncertain of Hongjoong's current state. According to Mingi and Wooyoung, his strange behavior yesterday was due to his use of chronomancy during the battle. Hopefully, after a restful night, he had regained his composure. My anxiety wasn't helped by the fact that we had almost gotten too close during training yesterday. With trembling hands, I straightened my blouse, which I had already swapped for my nightgown along with simple brown pants and black lace-up boots. Then, I knocked on the heavy wooden door.

After a few seconds, a "Come in!" sounded from within. With a deep breath, I turned the handle and stepped inside. Hongjoong was sitting behind his oak desk, his face obscured by a map he was studying. He had his legs propped up on the table and didn't even look up as I entered the room. Hesitantly, I took a few steps closer and cleared my throat softly, but he still didn't glance up.

He seemed somewhat annoyed as he finally let out a noticeable sigh and placed the map on the table. He was wearing black trousers, a black shirt, a matching waistcoat, and a black jacket with metallic studs on the hem. Several silver chains adorned his neck, and a black hat completed his look. Again, he looked unusually well-groomed for a pirate.

"Aurora! Good to see you. I wanted to speak with you anyway!" He energetically removed his legs from the table and straightened up.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Oh? About what?" I was surprised that he had something to discuss as I had come to talk to him about the position of the ship's doctor. He probably wanted to talk about yesterday. Great.

He smoothed out his waistcoat. "You repeatedly disregarded my orders and contradicted me yesterday. Even if it's hard for you to grasp that you are now part of the crew and must follow my instructions—that won't happen again!" He crossed his arms over his chest and gave me a look that seemed to pierce right through me.

"But I—" I started, but he cut me off immediately.

"No objections! Was I clear enough?" There was something different about his stance. He was distant again, which was probably because I had upset him. Still, part of me hoped that something had changed between us after yesterday. How naive of me.

I nodded and muttered a vague, "Yes."

"Pardon?" Great, he really wanted to hear it clearly today. Having already irritated him yesterday, I didn't want to push my luck further and relented.

"Aye, Captain."

"Well, that's better." He stepped out from behind his desk and leaned back against the edge of it. "Oh, and one more thing."

I looked at him questioningly. "You urgently need to train your combat skills. If not for attacking, then at least for defense. Since our best fighter is currently taking a break, you'll be sparring with Jongho."

"But I'm already learning to master my magic, how to lead a ship, and besides, I wanted to ask you if I could take over the position of the ship's doctor. The position is open, and everyone in the crew has a defined role—except for me." I looked at him expectantly.

"Well, it looks like you'll have a tight schedule from now on." He grinned. "By the way, Seonghwa has already reported that San is doing better. At least you didn't kill him; that's something."

I snorted in mild disdain. He was really testing me today. "A simple thank you would have sufficed," I murmured, only realizing afterward that my words were once again inappropriate.