All to Zero || Ep. 1 of the Treasure Series || ATEEZ Pirate AU

Chapter 9: No Way Out

Seonghwa's "morning" whistle sounded around noon and it was all Wooyoung could do to stumble out of bed. With next to no one on deck, he decided to investigate and found Mingi fast asleep with a note taped to him that read, "Wake Captain if I'm still asleep"

Wooyoung rolled his eyes and gingerly crept into the silent Captain's quarters after his three knocks went unanswered. There he lay completely knocked out as well, breath coming in and out softly.

Seeing the dark rings under his eyes for the first time in the sunlight, Wooyoung wondered if Captain was actually in the habit of sleeping ever.

As he went to shake him, something caught his eye. A crystal hanging from his neck, peeking out from under his shirt, moving up and down slightly with his breathing. It was entrancing, the way it caught the light and twinkled at Wooyoung. It was begging to be taken off and admired, not hidden under a shirt.

Wooyoung began to lean forward to get a better look when Captain's eyes suddenly snapped open.

On being woken, Hongjoong's hand bolted out from under his pillow, gun in hand and aimed directly at Wooyoung's face. He stumbled back in surprise, but the gun was immediately lowered as the Captain realised it was one of his officers waking him and not an enemy.

He sighed and leaned back onto the pillows, gun falling out of his hand and hitting the floor. Wooyoung cleared his throat after a moment. Hongjoong's eyes slid over lazily to him in a clear plea for more resting time.

"That's the boatswain's whistle, sir," Wooyoung mumbled, clearing his throat again awkwardly. Hongjoong continued to give him sustained side-eye that screamed both creepy and playful until closing his eyes and sighing. He wobbled as he rose from the bed and put on his coat, Wooyoung still unsure whether he should leave or stand there longer. His eyes traced Hongjoong around the room as he shoved things in a small cloth bag.

Maps, a spyglass, extra cartridges, a few ropes... He suddenly straightened and grasped the crystal around his neck, as if making sure it was still there. He glanced at Wooyoung again, face unreadable.

"Come along," Captain grabbed his hat and walked on deck.

The scuffle of tired sailors responding to Seonghwa's "Captain on deck!" lasted for a few minutes as everyone was pulled out of bed, looking only slightly less exhausted. Wooyoung tried not to laugh at Jongho's bed hair and watched the other officers appear, ending with Mingi, whose note was still attached to his chest.

"Um, sir..." Yunho pointed to it and muffled a giggle as Mingi noticed the paper, ripped it off and crumpled it in his fist with a quiet, "Thanks."

Hongjoong addressed the men briefly, "I'll only need a few volunteers for the boats, the rest of you are free to spend the remainder of your day how you wish. Officers, if you could step aside, please."

Wooyoung's heart started pounding again. This was strange. He and the others formed a small circle and the Captain began to address them.

"It is my understanding that some of our officers would like more information on what we're doing out here sailing east." Wooyoung swallowed and tried not to look at San. So Mingi had eavesdropped and ratted them out. Or had it been Seonghwa after their conversation yesterday?

Hongjoong's signature smirk played on his lips as he continued, "It's an officers-only island exploration tonight. When we get answers, I'll explain what I can. In the meantime, I expect your unwavering loyalty regardless, is that understood?"

There was a chorus of yessirs before Captain turned to Mingi and told him, "I want you staying here in case anything goes wrong.  The rest of you, pair up. Be at the boats in ten minutes."