𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞!𝐚𝐮) 𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙

CH. 40 ~ Dilemma

I don't exactly remember at what time we came back to the castle, all I remember is almost floating back here in a dream-like state. I still don't think I've fully snapped out of it and it's already the next day. In fact, Yeosang had to jerk me harshly to get me to focus on breakfast.

"Earth to Sun-Mi," He practically yells in my ear as I jerked out of my mindless stupor. I look around the small kitchen table, the same one that we were in when I spilled the pot of water on Mina, and see that all 3 men that have joined me for breakfast are staring at me. Yeosang, Hongjoong, and Wooyoung look over at me with a bit of concern in their eyes.

"What? Did something happen?" The three men exchange a glance before turning back to me.

"That's what we're wondering," Yeosang shoots back. It's only then that I realized how stupid I must've looked daydreaming in front of them.

"Oh," Is the only response I could come up with that wouldn't give me away completely. I play with the food on my plate for a little, feeling their scrutinizing gazes on me but staying oblivious just the same. The kitchen grows quiet until I can't keep the secret to myself "Ugh! Iwentona datewithSeonghwa!" I blurt out, biting my lip in regret when I realize what I've said.

"You... what!" Captain asks incredulously, not believing me completely. I fiddle with my hands and repeat what I said slowly for them to hear.

"I went on a date with Seonghwa." Looking down at my hands, I can feel a deep blush settle onto my cheeks. All three men sit completely still, mouths agape.

"WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY?!" Wooyoung yells, slamming his hands on the table and startling me. The three of them sit leaning forwards, listening intently to what I have to say, with eyes peeled open.

"Um... I, uh, after I argued with Seonghwa yesterday he snuck into my balcony to say sorry." I pause and they all nod enthusiastically waiting for the rest of the gossip. "At first I didn't want to talk to him because I was mad but he convinced me to go into town with him. He said he'd make it up to me so I said yes."

"What did you two do?" Yeosang probes deeper, grabbing my arm tightly.

"We--we went into town and ate some of the pastries and then we danced--,"

"YOU GUYS DANCED! THAT'S SO CUTE!!" Woo squeals. I shush him heavily as doors swing wide open to reveal the subject of my fantasies. We all fall quiet, a bit too quickly when he walks in but he doesn't notice our strange behavior.

"Good Morning!" Seonghwa addresses us, striding across the room confidently with a soft smile plastered on his face. He looks pretty freshened up and energized considering how late we stayed out together. He still has the clothes on from last night though which I find a bit odd.

"Good morning, Seonghwa," We all chime, watching him walk across the kitchen to pick up a glass of water and drink it. I try as hard as I can to not stare at him but it's extremely hard when he keeps trying to grab my attention with his own gaze. He walks over to the table to see what we're doing, once in a while looking in my direction.

"What are you all up to today?" he asks, trying to start a conversation.

"I will be hiding in the room again today, avoiding all forms of social interaction," Hongjoong responds, leaning back in his chair to look up at Seonghwa who's hovering above him.

"Hongjoong, You can't hide in your room all the time. You need to let yourself relax, that's the reason we came here." Yeosang advises, but Eye-patch doesn't answer.

"Why don't you come with me today to the docks. I overheard that my dad will be arriving-- oh, right." Woo stops himself when he sees Captain's face saddened.