Sirens song

Chapter 11: "The star's are beautiful"

Days passed since that encounter, and the memory of the kiss was etched into Yunho's mind like a brand. He couldn't shake off the feeling of the siren's lips on his own, the sensation as fresh and vivid as the moment it had happened.

The ship had continued on its journey, the endless expanse of water stretching out as far as the eye could see. But Yunho's mind wasn't on the voyage, but on the creature he had encountered in the depths. He found himself constantly searching the water for any sign of the siren, both hoping and dreading to see him again.

Meanwhile, Wooyoung and San seemed oblivious to the turmoil in Yunho's mind. They went about their duties with their usual lighthearted banter, completely unaware of the emotional turmoil brewing within their crewmate.

"What's with you lately, you're quieter than usual," Wooyoung commented one day, eyeing Yunho up and down. "Is something on your mind?"

Yunho forced a smile, trying to hide his unease. "Just a bit tired, that's all," he said, hoping his excuse was believable.

"Hmm, you sure?" San chimed in, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "You've been spacing out a lot lately, and you keep looking out at the water like you're expecting something to jump out."

"Yeah, what's with the constant staring?" Wooyoung added, a playful teasing tone in his voice. "Are you waiting for a pretty mermaid to swim by or something?"

Yunho felt a pang of guilt. If only they knew how close they were to the truth. He looked away, trying to keep a neutral expression on his face. "Just... keeping an eye out for any signs of land," he lied, a nervous edge to his voice.

"Uh huh," Wooyoung said, clearly not believing him. "And that's why you're always looking out at the water, not at the horizon."

San snickered, poking Yunho in the side. "I think our boy has got himself a crush on a mermaid," he teased.

"Shut up," Yunho muttered, his face heating up in embarrassment. His mind immediately thought back to the feeling of the siren's lips on his, and he couldn't help the little flutter in his heart at the memory.

"See, your face is all red!" San exclaimed gleefully. "You totally have a crush on a sea creature!"

Wooyoung joined in, grinning widely. "Who is it? Is it a mermaid? A siren? Maybe a seahorse?"

"I do not have a crush on anyone!" Yunho protested, feeling the blush on his cheeks deepen. "You guys are stupid."

"Maybe he's secretly in love with a shark," San joked, snickering. "Or a giant squid."

"Oh god, a squid?" Wooyoung said, faux-scandalized. "Yunho, I never knew you had such exotic tastes. Remind me to never go swimming with you again."

"I am not in love with anything from the ocean!" Yunho protested, frustration and embarrassment warring in his chest. "Can you guys just drop it already?"

Hongjoong had been watching the banter between the three of them from a distance, silently observing the interaction. A part of him was amused by their playful teasing, but another part of him couldn't help but notice the way Yunho's eyes kept straying to the water.

Knowing their crewmate better than most, Hongjoong could tell that there was something on Yunho's mind. The young sailor was usually easy-going and carefree, but lately, there was a distinct sense of tension in his bearing.

As the conversation between Wooyoung, San, and Yunho continued, Hongjoong decided to interject. He walked over to the trio, a stern expression on his face. "Alright, that's enough boys," he said, his voice brooking no argument.