[HIATUS] gift of the sea • woosan + seongjoong

f i v e

Hongjoong ran a gentle hand along the curves of wood, the wheel in his grip familiar and comforting. The ship rocked with the hard splashing waves. He could tell by the way the ship moved roughly with the angry waters that the sea was not in the best of moods. In a way, it reflected the aura of the ship itself quite well.

His eyes wandered from the sails down to where San was leaning against the rail of the far deck, eyes casted downwards as he peers into the dark sea. He ignores the spray of salty water that hits his face, preferring it. The rest of the ship besides the occasional creaks of wood was relatively silent. Yeosang had stormed off to his room after what transpired, angry at both San and Hongjoong now. Jongho had run off to most likely plan and prep meals for tomorrow or make cookies to lighten everyone's mood. Mingi apparently didn't do awkward situations, and had quickly left for his room to probably sleep until noon tomorrow.

Yunho, however, was what had him unnerved. He was sitting on the stool to his right and in the corner of his eyes, he could see the younger staring openly at him while he stared at San. Sometimes Hongjoong really did forget that even though he worried about his crew constantly, they worried about him just as much, if not more.

"What is it?" Hongjoong finally caves, turning towards Yunho with a frown. The second in command shrugs, eyes staring up at him. "I didn't say anything." Hongjoong's expression doesn't shift, staring disapprovingly at the younger. "That doesn't mean I can't tell that you want to. So what is it?"

Yunho bites his lip, the flash of curiosity in his eyes not going unnoticed. "Who was that man?"

Hongjoong turns back sharply, gripping the wheel tightly. "No one." He states firmly.

Yunho stood, approaching the Captain carefully with a frown. "He obviously wasn't no one, Captain. I saw the way you guys looked at each other. I've... I've never seen you look so hateful."

That's the thing. Yunho has known him the longest out of anyone aboard this ship, both meeting with the thought of starting off with a clean slate. Starting fresh. In fact, Yunho really doesn't know anything about Hongjoong apart from the pirate he grew to become. This sudden interest with digging into his old scars was definitely putting him on the defensive.

"He's no one." Hongjoong repeats, voice firm. "No one important. Not anymore. Don't ask me about this again."

Yunho is visibly displeased with his answer, a flicker of irritation passing through his eyes. "But Hongjoong, ever since you saw him you've been off—"

"I said that's enough, Yunho. We aren't talking about this anymore. That's an order." He snarls, moving away. "Man the wheel. I need a few hours of rest."

Yunho watches with grim eyes as the older walk across the quarter deck and towards the stairs leading to the main deck. "Where are we headed, Captain?"

Hongjoong stared out at the darkened skies, surprised that the stars and moon are dim tonight. "India."

He moves to head down when Yunho interrupts him once again. "You know, Captain. You've taken care of us for years and saved us all from the brink of death."

Hongjoong stays still, feeling Yunho's eyes bore into the back of his head.

"The least you could do is allow us to offer the same comfort."

Hongjoong leaves.

-

Wooyoung stares at the man before him with dumb shock. "Officer Seonghwa?"