𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞!𝐚𝐮) 𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙

CH. 50 ~ Isle of the Lost

Iridescent waters stretch out all around us, creating the vast ocean we sail upon. They're especially calm and the day is gorgeous as the sun shines fervently on the Aurora. The ocean spray lightly moistens my skin and the smell of sea salt brings a comfort only felt at sea.

All of the crew works around, helping each other out on their tasks to finish repairing and sealing the damages made by the recent attack. We wanted to get all the big repairs down so that when we get to the Isle of the lost, we wouldn't have too much left to do. I catch a glimpse of Wooyoung and Jongho pretending to throw a panicked Mingi overboard as San cheers and encourages them to do so from the back.

I laugh and shake my head at the scene, walking steadily across the deck over to where San stands, laughing evilly at the other men's shenanigans. Seonghwa stands with him, trying to stifle his laughter, unlike the former who practically belts it out. When they see me walking towards them, their faces light up like a Christmas tree.

"Morning, Sun-Mi!" San greets with a cheeky smile. I giggle at the sight of the hyper man and the healed up cook next to him, letting Seonghwa pull me close to his side, via side-hug, as I grip the cup of tea I'm holding a little tighter. I had started making teas more often to soothe my nerves, what with the amount of time I'd been spending helping everyone recuperate from our attack a month ago and the fight I had with Captain. It was all starting to get to me a little.

"You seem a little too happy," I note with a curious tone, craning my neck to look over at San.

"I guess I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning," The nonchalant battle master shrugs. Seonghwa, dropping his hand to rest it lightly on my hip, pulls me in to whisper something in my ear. The action, whether intentional or not, causes my heart to skip a beat, catching me by surprise.

"He's just excited to be able to see his girlfriend again now that we're close to the Isle." I make a tight 'o' shape with my lips, nodding in comprehension. I look back at the giddy battle master, noting that he really does have a brighter and animated disposition today. Soon enough, San notices our staring and frowns, scrutinizing us heavily.

"Is there a reason why you two are staring at me creepily?" San inquires, raising an eyebrow at us briefly. I sip my tea, taking a long drink before responding to the suspicious battle master.

"I dunno. Should there be a reason for us to stare at you? Maybe... something having to do with Iseul?" I suggest casually, watching San closely for a change in behavior. He pretends to ignore us at first, chewing nervously on his bottom lip and wringing his hands. Seonghwa and I get impatient waiting for San's answer so the former has to speak up to get his attention again.

"Well? We're waiting on an answer." He still chooses to ignore us and then when we get really curious as to why he's avoiding the topic. I look up at Seonghwa, who still had his hand placed firmly on my hip, and he looks back at me with furrowed brows.

"San?" I step out of Seonghwa's arm to get closer to San. "What's wrong?" When the battle master turns his head back to us he looks like he's on the verge of tearing up.

"It's nothing." He responds curtly, quickly blinking away the extra moisture that had been accumulating in his eyes. I'm still left unsure and so I attempt to ask him again when I feel Seonghwa's hand on my shoulder. I turn around to face the cook who's shaking his head at me, making me drop the subject.

"Give him some space," Seonghwa advises, walking off. He has a bit of a noticeable limp because of his ankle but for the most part, he recovered wholly which explains why he's up and about.

I look back at San one last time with a worried glance before I retreat to get ready for when we arrive at our destination. Hopeful that San will get better by then.