Honor and Glory | ATEEZ

036

Another day had gone by before I had even gotten the chance to realize it, the sun slowly beginning to near its usual spot by the edge of the horizon where it would soon leave us for the night.

We had crossed vast grasslands and plains with tall grass, and bushes.

We had walked through billowing fields of wheat and barley, enjoying the way the crops swayed in the warm breeze.

We had passed through valleys, canyons, and lowlands.

And we had seen beautiful rivers and streams cutting through the landscape, enjoying the soothing sounds of the running water.

Finally, as the end of the day neared, Mingi had scouted out the perfect place to set up camp from his spot somewhere in the clouds; a green valley shielded by trees and hills, with water, shadows, and cover to keep us safe.

Yunho had been especially excited by the mention of water, though that was to be expected of the brunette.

It didn't take long for us to settle down, or rather, collapse in a bundle of tired and exhausted bodies on the grass, enjoying the small moment of peace and quiet.

I took a second to look up at the clear sky above us, admiring the way it began to change from its usual purple into wonderful hues of orange, pink, and dark blue as the sun began to set.

"I definitely wouldn't mind staying like this for the rest of the night," Jongho mumbled from somewhere near me, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

I laughed a little, letting out a heavy breath as I closed my eyes for a second.

"I would be happy to join you," I said, not even sure if the earth elemental would be able to hear me.

"We should set up camp, though," Yunho said.

His voice sounded further away, though it may as well have been the exhaustion slowly starting to get a hold of me.

I reluctantly opened my eyes again, but I couldn't see him anywhere near me or Jongho, so I opted for staring up at the sky again.

I could hear shuffling somewhere, and suddenly Wooyoung's mop of pink hair came into view as he stood up from the ground, yanking Yeosang with him despite the nature elemental's protests.

I expected that he would probably make a bonfire and take advantage of the brunette's abilities with nature as a way to find some firewood nearby in order to keep it burning throughout the night.

Yunho huffed as he got up as well, dusting off his pants before making his way toward the sounds of running water.

The rest of us stayed put on the grass.

I wanted to stay here for a little longer, but the familiar smell of smoke and burning wood suddenly began to snake its way through the clearing.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

I sat up as well, turning my attention to the small bonfire that the two elementals had managed to blow some life into.

I made my way over, plopping down on the ground beside Yeosang as I put out my hands in front of me, enjoying the way the warmth from the fire spread through my veins.

I leaned back on my hands, watching as the other came to join us as well, dumping their bags on the ground near the fire as they formed a circle.

The group fell silent, all of us staring into the flickering flames in front of us.

"I mean, I love nature and all, obviously," Yeosang said, breaking the silence as he gestured up and down himself.

His green eyes glowed in the golden light from the fire.