TREASURE || ATEEZ

00- the end of the beginning

ep. zero
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The town was as lively as ever.

The streets were filled with people, the sound of children laughter lightening up the atmosphere. The scent of the sea intertwined with the aroma of food as the gentle breeze traveled through the plaza. The colorful sight of the people's attires was pleasant to the human eye, and the smiles being worn lifted up everyone's spirit. The roaring waves crashed against the cliff and the seagulls soared in the clear sky, squawking from above.

Walking down the stone pavement, you held your mother's hand as your eyes observed your surroundings. Once in a while, some of the townspeople would greet you and ask how your day was. You responded to each of them with a grin and engaged in a short conversation with them until you were dragged back to the older woman's side.

You would travel to different booths when something peculiar caught your eye. Excitement surged through your body as you pick up the item, only to frown at the sight of the price. Everything in this town was expensive for some reason, making you sigh while you leave the booth and return to your mother's side.

Eventually, you ended up at the food market to collect some ingredients that would be used to make dinner tonight. Your hands would glide along the different plants and fruits, feeling the different textures of each produce item, as your mother gathered the food into her basket. The basket was slowly filled with different objects as the both of you progressed through the market.

"People want it, people dream about it."

You heard a fairly deep voice projecting from the town center while you were holding an apple, ears perking at the sound. Looking at your mother, you asked her for permission to see the attraction being held before joining the cluster of people.

"It can be different to every individual.

It can complete us, or it can destroy us.

And it can change the world."

You could not help but be curious of what was the center of attention. With each step you took, you continued to be drawn to the enchanting voice while you took a bite of the apple that was given to you by the market owner.

"People call it 'treasure.'"

When you managed to get a good view, you saw a fairly tall boy with hazel hair with brown eyes. His clothes were torn and there were dirt marks all over him. His skin was practically sticking to his bone as his frail hand held a large white flag with black lines and the word 'ATEEZ' written on it.

Despite his appearance, he was an ambitious boy. His voice was filled with conviction as his body demonstrated confidence. With no hesitation, he traveled to the fountain that was close by and climbed on the ledge. He rested the flag on his shoulder and his free arm spread open, the sun basking him with light.

"The sound of wind blowing from the horizon!

The warmth of the sun hitting the ocean waves!

The vibration of sand beating like the hearts of youth!

We're at the starting point of this long journey."

Slowly, he turned his head to look into the eyes of the audience as he balanced on the edge. He waved the flag in large motions, capturing everyone's attention.

"The freezing winds may make us shiver!

The heat of the sun may make us thirsty!

The vibrations of the sand may swallow us!"

He pounded his chest with his fist.

"But we'll never stop."

The sound of ambition dripping from his voice sent shivers down your spine, your eyes never leaving his figure.

You couldn't deny it- you were intrigued.

"Gold, eternal life, honor, love, fame! It doesn't matter what you dream for!"

He jumped off the fountain, his feet landing onto the stoned pavement.

"So let me ask you."

He looked over his shoulder and made eye contact with you.

"What is your treasure?"

From the edges of the crowd, a few boys around his age joined the center of attention. Murmurs traveled around the people when they witness the sight, gossiping about the what they heard. The leader looked around and greeted those who shared the spotlight with him, shaking everyone's hands.

You wanted to applaud for those who decided to join the boy's journey.

Then, you noticed the hazel-haired boy make his way toward you and place his hand out toward you, urging you to take it. Everyone stopped talking, all eyes on you now.

"Will you join us?"