Precious ◈ | Seongjoong/Yungi ✓

Episode 10: Fireworks ◈ Part 1

Hongjoong sits in his armory's back room, staring at the many unique weapons on the wall. He would always come here when he needed to cool down, but he's stopped since meeting Seonghwa. As he confessed once before, Park Seonghwa is now his greatest treasure, not the armory despite its sentimental value.

They're still docked along a beach on the island city of Ilsan. Soyeon and the rest of the Midnight Fleet are doing brief memorial services for those they lost. He will never forget the look of raging heartbreak on Soyeon's face as she lost Yuqi. If he were ever to wear that same expression, all hell would break loose, and no one would be able to calm his tsunami.

He doesn't see Seonghwa come in because his back is turned toward the door, but he senses him. His first mate leans down and hugs him from behind, nestling his face against Hongjoong's.

"What are you doing?" the captain asks.

"Consoling you. Supporting you. Loving you. Pick your favorite synonym," Seonghwa says lightly.

Hongjoong flashes a faint smile. His eyes catch sight of the scar on Seonghwa's arm where the bullet hit him that time. Inclining his head, he pecks the mark. No, really, he never expected to get this attached to the Jinju man when he first beckoned him aboard. He never expected to be this peeved over a minor wound.

He never expected to be so afraid of loss.

This war has to end. For Seonghwa. For everyone.

Seonghwa mumbles, "Are you thinking about what happened yesterday?"

"I'm thinking about what to do if I lose you in the same way Soyeon lost Yuqi."

Startled and teary-eyed, Seonghwa steps around to join him on the bench. He takes Hongjoong's hand and rests his head on the man's shoulder. "Don't think like that. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not even allowed on the battlefield, so what are you afraid of?"

"Are you still upset about that?" Hongjoong checks.

"No, I know you did it for me. I've been enjoying my break from the frontlines, and it really solidified my hatred for fighting. Doing medical stuff in the background is best suited for me in the end. Training recruits is still fun, though," the medic admits.

"And are you doing better mentally?"

Seonghwa blinks, pondering for a while. "I would be lying if I said yes."

Hongjoong leans his head atop Seonghwa's. "Then don't. Never lie to me. I can't help you otherwise."

Seonghwa nods a bit. "I know. I wish there was more I could do for you, Captain. I do feel a bit useless seeing my friends go out to fight every day."

"We've talked about this. You've never been useless, and you work really hard. Besides, you're doing everything by sitting with me right now."

"Am I motivating you?"

Hongjoong taps his boyfriend's nose. "Very much so, yes."

They giggle, and Seonghwa nuzzles closer. "That's good then."

"Don't worry, Hwa. It'll all be over soon. You won't have to feel like this for much longer. I promise," Hongjoong says reassuringly.

Seonghwa hums and closes his eyes. He really hopes so. He wants everyone's suffering to end.

But people don't always get what they want.

At high noon, the island city is attacked by none other than the soldiers who are stationed there. To no one's surprise, Kwon Minhyuk is still lurking around the island and egging on the military to take drastic measures to ensure the Tyrant Queen's victory.