𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞!𝐚𝐮) 𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙

CH. 17 ~ Decision

The rest of the day was spent filing papers and making sure the pay was equal. Suzie's nasty attitude also died down a bit after spending the day with Seonghwa, something only he can accomplish. Seonghwa and I made our way to the docks where I would see the crew off. I had all my belongings in my bag, slung over my shoulder. Captain told me to clear out my room at the inn and to keep my bag with me in case I decided to leave with them. The crew was getting ready to leave when Captain calls me over to talk with him privately. We head to the edge of the dock looking out into the water.

"How was your week? I'm sorry I didn't get much time to check-in on you." I look up to see his single emerald-colored eye looking at me carefully.

"It was... eventful," I respond laughing to myself a bit.

"Good, good." He repeats himself, "I'm really only calling you over because we had made a deal. And I want to know what your decision is." I meet his single emerald-colored eye with my stormy blue eyes. "If you've chosen to stay, I understand since--," I raise a hand to silence him which surprisingly works. He quirks a questioning eyebrow at me waiting for my response. Lacing my hands together and glancing downward at them, I try to sort everything out.

With the busy schedule I had today, the only time I was able to think about my decision was when I was filing papers with Bina and even then I wasn't able to focus because of the work I was doing. The only thing I was able to think of was how treated Yeosang. I was so wrong but he got me so mad. He was the first one to show me any kindness on the Aurora, I just couldn't believe he was capable of such cruel actions. But putting all that aside, I've grown close to him and Seonghwa. As much as I want to stay mad at him I can't. Instead of wanting to distance myself from these people, I want to stay with them but what would that mean for me? Will the crew even accept me?

"Captain, if you were in my position, what would you do?" Eye-patch sharply inhales puffing out his cheeks while he thinks. He looks kind of cute that way, something you don't usually see on him.

"Well, seeing as you think of us as filthy pirates... maybe I would stay behind." I feel my body stiffen up, heavy with guilt. I open my mouth to apologize but he cuts me off, "Or... I would join them to see if that's true. Sun-Mi, I understand why you see us as "filthy" criminals. We are pirates but I promise we are not the bad ones here. And I think you know that deep down." I chew on my lower lip as a battle with myself over what it is I should choose. His response seems so sincere and I know they aren't malicious, so why is it so difficult for me to make that decision?

"I'm sorry for that, I know you and the crew aren't the bad guys it's just... I don't think I belong with all of you. You guys are practically family. I don't want to come in between you and your crew." I pause, "I don't even know why you've given me this option." His expression softens as a small smile spreads across his features.

"You're special somehow. The fact that you decided to lie to me when you were first onboard about who you are, even when your life is on the line, says a lot," I look over at him with shock. He laughs at my surprise widening his flashy smile. "Don't worry. I won't come after you for it. I trust Yeosang's judgment and if he says you're not a threat, then you're not."

"B-but, how did you know?" I stutter trying to make sense of how he knew. I mean, I am a terrible liar but Yeosang backed me up so how did Eye-patch find out?

"Call it a sixth sense," he shrugs, "A very accurate sixth sense. I'm sure that, when you feel comfortable, you'll tell us who you really are. I'm just hoping you'll stick with us long enough for that to happen."  A small smile scratches at the edge of my lips.

"But the crew," Rolling his eyes, Eye-patch looks at me with a deadpan expression.

"This isn't about them, this is for you to decide." I nod having made up my mind on my decision. Giving him a determined look, I decide what I want to do.