Chapter 2: Uncharted Waters

The salty sea air whipped through Hyunjin's short, dark hair as he stood at the bow of the ship, gazing out at the endless expanse of water. The warm sun on his skin was a welcome respite from the chill of the morning dew, but his broad shoulders were tense, his eyes narrowed against the sun's glare. He had always been a man of action, not one to shy away from a challenge, but since joining this cursed pirate crew, he'd felt like an outsider. As he scanned the horizon, his mind wandered to the reason he was here - to find Jisung's parents, the king and queen. He had been a stable boy at the palace, and Jisung's friend. Felix, a cleaner, had also joined them on this quest. Hyunjin's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see Bangchan, the captain, emerging from the shadows of the ship's wheelhouse. Bangchan stood with his back to Hyunjin, his eyes fixed on the navigation charts spread out before him. His rugged features were set in a contemplative expression, his sharp jawline and piercing gaze a testament to his authority. Hyunjin snorted, turning his attention back to the sea. He had little use for the captain or his crew. They were a motley bunch, each with their own quirks and secrets. The crew was scattered about the ship, each lost in their own thoughts. Changbin and Seungmin were arguing over a game of cards, their voices rising and falling in a familiar cadence. Jisung and Felix were busy checking the rigging, their laughter carrying on the wind. Minho and Jeongin were on watch, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Hyunjin's eyes drifted back to Bangchan, who seemed to be watching him. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Hyunjin felt a shiver run down his spine as Bangchan's gaze held a quiet intensity, as if he saw right through Hyunjin's gruff exterior. Bangchan's expression was neutral, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of curiosity. "Just checking on you," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You're not getting into too much trouble, I hope?" Hyunjin's snort was immediate. "I can take care of myself," he replied, his tone brusque. Bangchan chuckled, the sound low and soothing. "I'm sure you can. But just in case, keep an ear out for the lookout. We're approaching a narrow strait." Hyunjin nodded, his eyes flicking towards the captain before he turned away. He couldn't shake the feeling that Bangchan was watching him, waiting for him to slip up. But as he walked away, he caught a glimpse of the captain's eyes, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air seemed to thicken, the tension between them palpable. Hyunjin's heart skipped a beat before he looked away, his face neutral. He made his way to the rigging, where Jisung and Felix were working. "Need any help?" he asked, trying to sound casual. Jisung smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Actually, yeah. We could use an extra hand." As Hyunjin worked alongside Jisung and Felix, he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with them. They were easy to talk to, and their banter was light and friendly. But whenever he glanced over at Bangchan, he felt a jolt of tension. The rest of the day passed in a blur of work and relaxation. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the sea, Hyunjin found himself glancing back at Bangchan, who was standing at the helm, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Hyunjin's heart skipped a beat as Bangchan's gaze held a quiet intensity, as if he saw right through Hyunjin's gruff exterior. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Hyunjin made his way to the dining area for dinner. The crew was gathered around the table, laughing and chatting. Bangchan was sitting at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the room as he listened to Changbin's story. Hyunjin's eyes narrowed as he took a seat at the table. He didn't like being around so many people, but he was hungry, and the food looked good. As he ate, he couldn't help but feel Bangchan's eyes on him. He glanced over, and their eyes met. Bangchan's expression was neutral, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of curiosity. Hyunjin felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked away, his face burning with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. What was it about the captain that made him feel so...seen? Hyunjin didn't know, but he was determined to find out. As the night wore on, he found himself glancing over at Bangchan, who was watching him with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat. The tension between them was palpable, and Hyunjin couldn't help but wonder what would happen if they finally gave in to their attraction. Would it be explosive, or would it fizzle out like a spark in the darkness? Only time would tell, but for now, Hyunjin was content to simply watch Bangchan, and try to unravel the mystery that was the captain.