\\ NIGHT\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 17 \\

"I need you to read Yunho's mind," Seonghwa spoke.

I scoffed at Seonghwa from his words. Did he have any recollection of what I'd said that day after the ball? I had rules. Rules that I would never break. I wasn't going to read any of my friend's minds and that included Yunho.

"Absolutely not," I snarled.

I looked over to Yunho to see him startled by my sudden rage that had been ignited again. Seoghwa, however, looked very displeased as he began walking closer to me.

"Star-" Yunho began as he reached out a hand, but he was interrupted.

"Star listen to me and listen to me carefully," Seonghwa spoke in a low hostile tone, "There is a spy in my Court and I am not pointing fingers at your Captain. But for you to trust him and to move along in this interrogation, your minds need to work as one. I don't care if he's a peasant or not— those are tactics you need to have at the ready. We can't afford to mess this up."

I found my lip quivering, rage replaced with sorrow. I had too much to process right now, "I-I can't, Seonghwa."

Seonghwa looked hurt then as he gazed into my eyes. As if he knew what I was going through all too well. Or maybe it was another trick— another mind game. I didn't know anymore with this man.

"You have to," Seonghwa answered.

That's when Yunho cleared his throat and when I realized how close Seonghwa and I got. He stepped back a couple paces as I looked over to Yunho who was now looking at me with a gentle smile on his face.

"It's okay, Star," Yunho spoke softly, "You can do this."

"No," I shook my head with a frown, "No, I can't."

"But you can Star," Yunho stepped forward cautiously before taking another step, "It will be fine."

I shook my head once more, "No, it won't."

I'd always get a dreadful feeling when I used my powers of looking into minds. A necessary trade, but it always came with the thoughts of others I never wanted to know. I didn't want to know Yunho's thoughts. It didn't matter if I was curious or not— it should be something that is forbidden among my friends.

Yunho bit his lip heaving a sigh, "Star, really, it's okay."

That's when he gently grabbed my arms. He was too close right now, but it was comforting, so I didn't bother chastising him. Though Seonghwa was at the other side of the room, watching this entire scenario unfold, I didn't bother acknowledging that as I let out a shaky breath. It was silent for a little while before I looked up to meet Yunho's eyes.

"Okay," I said in a shaking voice.