Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

FORTYSEVEN (🌶️)

The first thing I noticed was Hongjoong's quiet breathing. The second was the comforting warmth radiating from his body beside me. Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the half-drawn curtains, and turned my head.

Hongjoong was lying on his back, the blanket pushed down loosely to his hips, leaving his defined upper body exposed. I held my breath. His features, usually sharp and brimming with authority, now appeared unbelievably soft. His dark eyes were closed, and the tense furrow in his brow that typically gave him an air of constant control was smooth. He looked almost... vulnerable.

I couldn't stop staring at him. Seeing him so still and relaxed, it was hard to reconcile this image with the man who guided his crew and the Treasure unflinchingly through every storm—or the man who had shaken my world last night. The mere thought made my heart race, and a deep pull of longing spread through my lower abdomen, as if he hadn't already driven me to ecstasy multiple times the night before. It wasn't just the memory of the physical connection—it was the way he had looked at me, like I was his everything.

Wait. His everything? That couldn't be right, my sluggish brain tried to reason. Seonghwa. I hadn't spared him a single thought last night—or the fact that he and Hongjoong had a relationship. Or at least, something resembling one. Had I ruined something? Did this mean Hongjoong had cheated? And on Seonghwa, of all people? Weren't they supposed to be a package deal? Or had I misunderstood them entirely? My thoughts raced, and the idea of hurting Seonghwa's feelings made me feel sick.

I didn't know how long I had been watching Hongjoong lost in thought, but eventually, he stirred. His hand reached for the blanket, his eyelids fluttered slightly before slowly opening. A drowsy smile spread across his lips as he caught my gaze.

"What's running through that pretty little head of yours now, hmm?" His voice was rough with sleep, deep and velvety, like a storm brewing.

A smile crept onto my lips. "I was just watching you," I admitted honestly. "You look... different when you sleep."

One of his eyebrows quirked up. "Different? Explain yourself, princess."

I sat up, letting the blanket that had covered my torso fall carelessly aside. His gaze roamed shamelessly over my bare skin, and I had to ignore the heat rising in my cheeks. "Softer," I said at last. "Almost like you're a different person deep down."

He grinned, propping himself up on one elbow and studying me with a look that made me feel both nervous and exhilarated. "Disappointed that I'm not always the unshakeable Captain?"

"Maybe a little," I teased, letting my gaze linger on his beautiful lips. "But I like this side of you too."

His response was a warm smile that I wanted to drown in.

I pulled the blanket higher, clutching it as if it could give me the strength I needed. My mind was a whirlwind of questions, and I knew I couldn't just push them aside.

"What's bothering you?" Hongjoong made it easier for me to start, smiling at me kindly as if he already knew I had something on my mind. Either my thoughts were as transparent as subtitles on my face, or the crew had secret magical abilities to read my mind.

I sighed, pulling the blanket tighter around myself. "What we did last night..." My voice was hesitant, and I avoided meeting his gaze directly.

"You mean sex?" He grinned broadly, and I shot him a sharp look.

"Yes, sex," I repeated, annoyed, rolling my eyes. "What does it mean for your relationship with Seonghwa?" My question was quiet, but the expectant undertone was unmistakable.