Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

FORTYNINE

The next morning was anything but pleasant. My head throbbed like a hurricane tearing through an empty room, and my mouth felt as if I had swallowed a desert sandstorm. Slowly, I opened my eyes, but the harsh light streaming through the window was more than my aching eyes could handle. I blinked, trying to collect myself, but everything felt blurry and foreign.

What on earth had happened last night? I struggled to see clearly, let alone piece together the memories from the evening before.

I sat up, pulling the blanket over my shoulders and propping my hand on my head. The room around me spun, and I tried to take deep breaths to calm my queasy stomach.

Then, fragment by fragment, memories began to trickle through my sluggish brain. Magic potion. Embarrassing pickup lines. Physical closeness. San.

Fuck. San.

Out of everyone, it had to be San that I had thrown myself at so shamelessly?

I blinked again as the memory slowly pieced itself together in my mind. The blur of lights, the strange booth, the vendor with his "magical" little bottles, and that damn potion. What had I been thinking? Really, what?

I rubbed my forehead and closed my eyes for a moment. That potion, that stupid potion that only complicated everything between us. I'd taken it with the best intentions, thinking it might improve things between us, maybe gain a bit of trust. Naive, stupid, just plain dumb. When I really thought about it, I had no idea why I thought a potion could fix anything, let alone strengthen the bond between San and me – or bring back his magical abilities.

I exhaled in frustration.

After a long shower, during which I hoped to scrub the shame off my skin, and several glasses of water that I forced myself to drink, I at least felt half-ready to face the world. My stomach growled, signaling that I should probably eat something. Tentatively, I made my way to the large entrance hall of Bangchan's estate.

From a distance, I could already hear voices and laughter, and my stomach tightened. I knew they were going to tease me. It was inevitable. So, I just closed my eyes and pushed through before stepping into the room.

"Well, look who's here, our little sunshine!" Mingi called as I entered. The whole crew was gathered, along with a few of Bangchan's people. Everyone had coffee or tea in hand, and the tempting smell of fresh bread and scrambled eggs filled the air. My knees weakened at the thought of food, but my mind was too occupied with shame to actually face the group.

"How's your head, Aurora?" Yunho asked with a grin that was way too amused. "Still a little foggy? Or do you remember everything now?"

"Not everything... and maybe that's for the best..." I murmured, avoiding his gaze.

"Oh, I'd be happy to remind you," Wooyoung chimed in with a devilish grin. "You were sick with love. Seeing you all over San was... well, let's just say... unexpected. You couldn't get enough of him." He chuckled.

I wanted to say something back, but my voice failed me. Instead, I felt my cheeks heat up, wishing I could just crawl back into bed. San stood at the far end of the room, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. His expression was hard to read. He looked at me, but said nothing.

"Leave her alone, she looks like she's about to fall apart," Seonghwa said with a mildly reproachful tone as he handed me a cup of coffee. Gratefully, I took it and sat down on an empty chair. What would I do without this wonderful man?

"But seriously," Jongho began, leaning back, "you should've seen the emotions you stirred up in San. None of us thought he could blush."

"Shut up," San suddenly said with a warning tone in his voice. I risked another glance at him, and he was still looking at me – but this time, with a hint of... a smile?