Mists of Celeste - an Ateez Fanfic

act three ➻ part four

"A Siren. Just like you."

If your blood could run any colder, it would, but you think you're already on the verge of passing out because of the impact of Seonghwa's revelation. Words die on your tongue, nothing comes out, and all you can do is flit your gaze between Seonghwa and the door off to the left. An exit, a getaway, an opportunity for you to run away from this mess – yet you can't move a muscle. Seonghwa lifts his hands as though to show you that he means you no harm, but your mind is already running haywire. He must notice your wandering gaze because it's the first thing he comments on.

"I won't stop you from leaving," he says, tone almost too steady and calm for your liking. Perhaps it's merely the panic that pumps through your veins like blood though. "This isn't – I wasn't going to tell you yet, but we can talk about it now if you'd like. I don't want to pressure you into anything you don't want to do. I promise that you do not have to be afraid of me, Y/N. I'm not going to hurt you."

"Hongjoong. Does Hongjoong know?" You spit out the question, the only thing you're able to get out in the haze of panic.

"Does he know what? About you or me?" Seonghwa tilts his head ever so slightly. His movements are slow and careful, and even in his confusion, you can tell that he's trying his best to show you that he means you no harm.

"Bo-Both."

A sharp inhale, and Seonghwa looks off to the side. His hesitancy leads you to believe that Hongjoong knows about you, but Seonghwa shakes his head in denial.

"He only knows about me, not you. I haven't told him."

"How long – how long have you known?"

"I've been... suspicious since we met. The moment I saw you, I could tell that something was off and different. I couldn't pinpoint it or figure it out right away." Seonghwa lets his hands slowly fall back to his sides as he continues to speak, gaze slipping to the floor rather than at you. "Hongjoong truly believe that fate is what brought you onto the ship, and I have to agree with him. There's no way that you – a Siren – could've just waltzed onto the ship without it being fate. Once you woke up from the surgery and we started talking more, I had some doubts and wondered if I was reading into things or misinterpreted something. It wasn't until we were on Aegos that I was able to confirm it. The night after we found you and San in the warehouse and we were sleeping in the same bed. That's when I knew."

"Did you see my tattoos? Is that what gave it away?" You draw your arms closer to your body by instinct, hugging yourself tightly as you finally manage to look at Seonghwa's eyes.

"No, no." He shakes his head several times before lifting his chin. "It was the Dreamscape. I saw you curled up in the water. The old man pointed me towards you, but as soon as I got close to you, you disappeared."

"H-Hold on," you stammer and squeeze your eyes shut. "Slow down, I-I – let me process this for s s-second. I don't understand what the fuck is going on right now, so j-just give me a minute." Seonghwa extends a hand to you, but the action only causes a surge of fear to shoot through you.

"Don't open up to anyone."

"Don't reveal your identity to anyone."

"Hide yourself."

You swat his hand away as the words ring in your ears. Seonghwa backs up at your motions, brows knitting together tightly, and he begins to speak again, much slower this time.

"Can you please sit down with me so I can explain, Y/N?" Seonghwa's voice is warm, inviting – safe – and you let your hand stretch out towards him again but with the intent to hold his. His lips twitch into a soft smile, and he slips his hand into yours. The contact is warm and soft. When his fingers intertwine yours, it's like a wave of comfort washes over you and dispels the panic still rushing through you. He tugs you closer to the bed, climbing up on the mattress and bringing you with him. "I'll answer any of your questions as best I can. I – I didn't tell you sooner because I didn't want to scare you o-or... I don't know. There's no proper excuse for it, so I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."