Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

FORTYFIVE 🌶️

- Quick a/n beforehand:

I'm so incredibly sorry for not posting for such a long time! Things have been quite hectic in my personal life lately, and I just couldn't find the time to write. On top of that, while Chapter 45 was already finished, the ending had such a massive cliffhanger that I couldn't bring myself to post it without having the continuation ready for you.

As a little apology, here's a double chapter – and yes, it's going to get very smutty! 🔥🤭

Enjoy reading, and I'll see you later in the comments. 💕-

The anger was still pulsing within me as I wandered aimlessly through the dark alleys of Dune, hoping to somehow stumble upon the restaurant again. But besides the anger, there was something else, a deep pain I hardly dared to name. Why had I even believed he was different? That there was more behind that rough exterior, something that really mattered?

I pressed my lips together and fought against the burning in my eyes. Weakness was the last thing I could afford right now. "Not happening," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else. Still—the thought of showing him how little he actually meant to me was growing inside me.

The shock of seeing Hongjoong with another woman simply wouldn't fade—the image kept burning itself into my thoughts. He, who spoke so much about loyalty and unity, had just betrayed me, after I'd opened myself up to him completely. And in such a raw, hurtful way that it cut deeper than I'd ever thought possible.

A painful ache spread in my chest. And then something dawned on me. My anger and disappointment weren't just about the betrayal; I was jealous. Damn, I had feelings for him, and it was only now, in all this agony, that I truly realized it. That pride, that strength I'd always admired in myself, seemed to collapse along with my self-respect.

I paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes. The image of Hongjoong and that woman haunted me. I knew I wanted to make him pay—I wanted him to feel even a fraction of what I was going through now. But I also knew that no one else from the crew would have that effect on him. They'd all been granted permission from him to approach me, in whatever form. Not a trace of jealousy—and so only one option remained. Hyunjin.

Hyunjin, who had smiled at me and made eyes at me all evening. The unashamed flirt who got on Hongjoong's nerves every chance he got. A plan, half amusing and half desperate, took shape as I searched my way back to the tavern where the others must still be sitting.

After what felt like an eternity, I found myself in the street of bars where I had spotted Hongjoong earlier. From there, I knew the way back to the place and eventually found it.

When I arrived in the spacious restaurant, I was hardly able to think clearly. My gaze swept hastily over the men's faces, secretly hoping to spot Hongjoong among them. But he was nowhere to be found. He was surely still busy with that dark-haired beauty. Instead, I saw Hyunjin, grinning mischievously as he had been all evening. He raised an eyebrow and winked at me when he noticed me. I gave him a faint smile in return.

Before I could approach him, Seonghwa seemed to notice my troubled expression. Concerned and alert, he came over and placed a hand on my arm. "Aurora, are you okay? You look... shaken."

I shook my head slightly, my mouth open as if I were about to say something. But the words got stuck in my throat. I couldn't possibly tell Seonghwa what Hongjoong was doing behind closed doors in our absence. Did Seonghwa know anything about it? Did he let it slide? Was that their kind of relationship? I would like to find out, but not tonight.