Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

FORTYEIGHT

We had left the old woman's house behind and were making our way back to Bangchan's estate. The late summer evening wind swept through my hair as the sun gradually gave way to the deep blue of the approaching night. A strange silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of our footsteps on the sandy path. I felt Seonghwa walking beside me, his presence close, his gaze lingering on me. Casually, his shoulder brushed mine, and I shot him a questioning look.

"You could've said something earlier," he began softly, his tone neither accusatory nor cold. It was more of a cautious approach. "I didn't know you remembered so little. I don't think any of us did."

I sighed. "There's so much I don't know, Seonghwa. And sometimes it feels like the more I ask, the fewer answers I get."

He nodded slowly, as though he understood. "That explains a lot," he murmured. "But if you ever need to talk... you can always come to me, Aurora. You don't have to fight alone." His words sounded genuine, and a faint warmth spread in my chest.

I gave him a small smile. "Maybe I'm more at war with myself. Sometimes I feel like I'd rather not know anything because the truth might be worse than the uncertainty."

Seonghwa placed a hand on the small of my back, and a tingling warmth spread instantly from where his fingers rested. "You're strong and brave. No matter what lies behind the fog, you'll handle it. And we'll be by your side."

I knew he meant every word, and while his reassurance was comforting, the fear inside me still clung like an invisible chain. So I managed only a brief nod and murmured a quiet "Thank you" before we continued the rest of the way in companionable silence.

When we arrived at Bangchan's estate, the others were already gathered in the large entrance hall. Wooyoung, San, I.N and Changbin stood together, chatting animatedly, while Han, Lee Know, Yeosang, and Jongho sat off to the side. Immediately, I felt the curious and expectant gazes of those who'd stayed behind—relieved, no doubt, that we'd all returned unharmed.

But before I could brace myself to answer their questions, I noticed something. "Where's Hyunjin?" I whispered to Seonghwa, making sure the others wouldn't overhear.

Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, as if he couldn't believe I didn't already know—or at least suspect. "Oh, he had 'better plans' for tonight. Punishment duty in the cellar. Apparently, getting too close to you near a bed while Hongjoong was around wasn't the smartest idea." There was a faint hint of sarcasm in his voice, though his expression was amused.

I felt my heart skip a beat before I processed the meaning behind his words. My throat went dry. "Punishment?"

Seonghwa nodded, his grin widening. "Exactly. Bangchan and Hongjoong gave him a proper talking-to after his little misstep with you last night. As you probably noticed, Hongjoong wasn't exactly thrilled. So... no festival for Hyunjin tonight."

I bit my lip and tried to change the subject quickly. The last thing I wanted was for the situation between Hyunjin and me—or worse, between Hongjoong and me—to become a topic of conversation again, especially with Seonghwa.

I avoided looking at him and merely shrugged. I had no idea whether Hongjoong and Seonghwa had already talked about last night, but at least there was no noticeable difference in Seonghwa's behavior toward me, which was a relief.

The fact that I wouldn't have to face Hyunjin tonight also brought me some peace of mind. I did feel bad that he had to deal with the consequences of his actions, but then again, so did I. Though, to be fair, our situations weren't exactly comparable.

"Well?" Jongho stepped forward, arms crossed and a questioning look on his face. "What did you find out at the old woman's house?"

"Well, Aurora's apparently our new Supreme Mage. With a bit of practice, she'll soon be able to switch off your lights," Yunho joked, handing the jewelry box he was holding to Hongjoong.