Sirens song

Chapter 12: A New Connection

The morning sun rose, casting streaks of golden light over the deck of the ship. The gentle rocking of the boat matched the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull, a tranquil melody that carried throughout the ship.

At the starboard railing, Yeosang stood, leaning against the wood as he looked out at the endless expanse of blue stretching before him. His mind was filled with thoughts, but his expression remained impassive, masking the turmoil within.

It was early, and most of the crew were still asleep. But Yeosang had found he couldn't sleep, a strange sense of anticipation tugging at his heart. A part of him knew the cause, but he wasn't ready to admit it yet.

Just as he was lost in thought, he felt a presence behind him. He didn't need to turn to know who it was. Jongho, the younger pirate he had taken to mentoring, had quietly joined him at the railing.

"Mornin' Yeosang," Jongho greeted, his voice still rough from sleep. His eyes scanned the horizon, looking for any signs of land or obstacles. "Early start again, huh? I'm starting to wonder if you ever sleep."

Yeosang gave a small chuckle, turning to look at Jongho. "Good morning," he said, his voice softer than usual. "Sleep is... overrated. I'd rather be alert and ready for whatever might come our way."

Jongho nodded, leaning against the railing. "I think the rest of us would rather be asleep," he joked, a sly grin playing at the corners of his lips. "But I guess someone has to keep you company, right?"

Yeosang couldn't help but roll his eyes at Jongho's remark. "You sound like Wooyoung," he retorted, his tone light but his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Always trying to get out of work."

Jongho's grin widened. "Someone's gotta keep the mood light around here," he said, nudging Yeosang's shoulder playfully. "Besides, Wooyoung's too busy chasing after San to bother about being

A small smile tugged at the corners of Yeosang's lips at the comment. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Someone has to balance out Wooyoung's... exuberance," he admitted, leaning against the railing again. "Your company isn't so bad, you know."

Jongho's eyes lit up at the compliment. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine surprise. "You never say stuff like this, Yeosang, so it must be your way of saying you love me."

Yeosang nudged him, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Don't push your luck," he said, a hint of embarrassment in his expression. "I didn't say I love you... not yet, at least," he added, the last part a whisper.

Jongho's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. "Does that mean there's a possibility?" he teased, a hint of hope in his voice. He leaned in, gently pulling Yeosang's face closer, their lips almost touching. "I could give you a few convincing reasons why you should love me right now," he murmured, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Yeosang felt a rush of warmth in his chest at Jongho's words, his lips curving into a small smile. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Jongho's in a gentle kiss. Pulling back, he whispered, "I'm listening...".

Jongho's breath caught in his throat as their lips met, the warmth of Yeosang's mouth sending a shiver down his spine. He let out a laugh, a sound filled with joy and anticipation. "Well, let's see," he whispered, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Should I start with the list of my numerous talents or with my stunning good looks?"

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Wooyoung was strutting across the deck when he spotted Jongho and Yeosang. His mood was good this morning, his usual energy levels already up. He couldn't help but tease the two of them.

"Well well, if it isn't our resident lovebirds," he called out as he passed, his eyes twinkling with humour. "You two look awfully cozy together. Should I set up a wedding plan now?"

Jongho threw a mock scowl in Wooyoung's direction, a playful grin on his lips. "Don't be jealous just because nobody loves you," he shot back, his arm still around Yeosang's waist.

Wooyoung put a hand over his heart, pretending to be affronted. "Well, I never!" he exclaimed, feigning outrage. "I'll have you know I have San and he's the only one I need." He winked at them, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But if you ever feel like changing teams, I'm here." He blew them a kiss before sauntering away, likely to go bother San.

Yeosang chuckled at Wooyoung's antics, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "How does he have so much energy this early in the morning?" he asked, more to himself than to Jongho.

Jongho leaned his head against Yeosang's shoulder, enjoying their closeness. "I don't think he ever sleeps," he replied, sounding a little envious.

As Yunho watched Wooyoung's antics from a distance, he couldn't help but smile. The young pirate was always up to something, always looking for fun. He shook his head, turning back to his current task: repairing a small boat that had sprung a leak.

As he worked, he noticed Jongho and Yeosang at the railing, their heads close together, their expressions light and carefree. A small pang of envy twisted in his chest as he looked at them. He was happy for them, really he was, but a part of him yearned for that kind of connection.

He shook his head slightly, trying to shake off the feeling. He had work to do and didn't have time for such thoughts.

Yunho's ears picked up the familiar sound of something splashing in the water nearby. He paused in his work, his eyes scanning the expanse of blue. There, in the distance, he spotted a flash of movement, something moving under the waves.

Curious, he left the boat he was working on and moved to the railing, peering over the side. His eyes widened as he spotted the tail, bright and shimmering beneath the waves. It was unmistakably a siren's tail.

Suddenly, Yunho felt a strong tug at his feet as if an invisible force had pulled him off balance. Before he could react, he found himself tumbling over the edge, plunging into the cold sea.

As he struggled to the surface, gasping and coughing up seawater, he heard a familiar laugh echoing around him.

"You should be more aware of your surroundings," a voice teased, a hint of amusement in it.

He turned towards the source of the voice, finding Mingi swimming circles around him, his silver tail swishing back and forth.

As Mingi approached, the siren leaned in close to Yunho, his silvery voice carrying the mesmerizing power of his song. The melody was soft, almost intimate, and it wrapped around Yunho's consciousness, pulling him into a trance.

"You're so different from the others," Mingi whispered, his breath cool against Yunho's wet skin. "So genuine. So loyal. I want to get to know you better, landwalker."

Unable to resist the allure of Mingi's siren song, Yunho's body went limp, his eyes closing as he lost consciousness.