Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

FIFTYONE

"So you're really leaving."

Felix dropped theatrically onto one of the nearby crates, resting his chin on his hands. Blonde strands fell into his face, but that didn't stop him from staring at me with big, accusing eyes.

"We have to. I can't very well stay behind as the only one." I smirked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"You could. And then we could adopt you, and you'd be our official mascot," Han chimed in.

"Hey!" I clicked my tongue in protest. "Mascot?! I'm trying to be a doctor on the Treasure, not some lucky charm you prop up for decoration."

"I don't know..." Hyunjin's voice joined the conversation, and when I turned around, our eyes met for a brief moment. There was still that unspoken tension between us—a mix of too much said and not enough. But that wasn't going to be resolved any time soon. Especially not when I felt Hongjoong's sharp gaze from the side, watching the situation closely.

"You're acting like we'll never see each other again." Seonghwa stepped up next to me with his arms crossed, eyeing the group of mages with a raised brow.

"Maybe we just need one last reassurance that you won't let Aurora fall into some ocean," Felix said dryly, throwing Seonghwa a mock-challenging look.

Seonghwa snorted. "The whole damn Treasure would collapse before I let anything happen to her."

As always, Seonghwa's words sent a pleasant tingle through me, spreading into a warm glow in my chest.

A few last hugs were exchanged—Felix held me a little longer than necessary, Han mumbled something about "Send us a carrier pigeon or something," and even Hyunjin gave me a final nod before he withdrew with the others.

"Take care of yourselves," Bangchan said finally, giving Hongjoong a meaningful look.

"We're pirates. No promises—but we'll do our best." Hongjoong flashed a crooked grin, then turned and gave the signal to head back to the harbor.

The night had been short. I'd barely slept, and when I finally did drift off for a few hours, the sound of footsteps on deck woke me again.

When I stepped out of my cabin, the air was cool and crisp, the sky a deep navy blue slowly pierced by the first rays of sunlight.

The Treasure was already coming alive.

Seonghwa was calmly giving instructions while Mingi was checking the ropes. Yunho stood at the railing, scanning the final routes on a map, and Jongho was rolling a few barrels into position. Wooyoung—who, for whatever reason, already seemed suspiciously awake—was softly whistling a tune to himself as he handled the last crates of provisions.

"Good morning, Aurora."

I flinched slightly when a warm hand suddenly landed on my shoulder. Yunho stood beside me, his dark eyes watching me with curiosity and kindness.

Memories from two days ago hit me all at once—his hands, his lips, the warmth he had sparked in me. My face flushed.

"Ready for the next adventure?" he asked quietly, as if he were trying to read my thoughts.

"Of course." I cleared my throat and hoped my voice sounded normal.

"ALL HANDS ON DECK!" Hongjoong's voice cut through the morning calm, and movement on the ship immediately became more structured.

Mingi unfastened the last ropes with strong hands, Hongjoong stepped to the helm, and with a gentle yet determined tug, the ship began to drift away from the shore.