𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞!𝐚𝐮) 𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙

CH. 26 ~ Bad Omen

The walk to the beach isn't too long, only about five minutes, but along the way, we have to pass many Royal Navy boats so we have to stay inconspicuous. I look back once in a while to look at Yeosang. He seems tired, more so than before but I'm not sure why. I can also tell he's been sneaking glances at me by the way he looks away when I look back. His hair looks messier and unkempt which is strange for him. He's starting to get small eye bags under his eyes. I can't help but wonder what's keeping him up.

Soon enough we reach the shore. From where I'm at the sum is already starting to set behind the horizon casting a beautiful array of colors across the evening sky. The sand under my boots feels thick and I feel stuffy from this tropical "rain" that has stayed at a drizzle for a few half hours already. Luckily the breeze from the ocean cools me down enough so that I don't feel too suffocated. When we've gone a bit further into the beach, Yeosang stops. He doesn't turn to me or say anything, he just stops and stares at the horizon which I find a bit odd. I would've expected a snarky or sarcastic remark from him but I get none. What worries me the most is the look of apprehension he has. It's starting to scare me.

"The horizon looks beautiful," He slowly turns his head to look at me, seeming to come to life. He doesn't say anything else, keeping his lips sealed tightly, and nodding his head just barely to motion to the setting sun.

"Yeah, It is," I agree with him, studying his strange actions. He maintains a focused gaze on the horizon, tensing and un-tensing his jaw. I scan him and notice that he's wearing the same blue coat he wore when he showed up at the palace all those months ago. It's a dark-blue hue and it looks freshly cleaned and, strangely enough, new. I'm surprised to see it so perfect considering how often I see him wear it. "Yeosang, why do you always wear that jacket?" He turns to me again, his eyes following after his head.

"It was a gift from Wooyoung. He gave it to me for my 20th birthday. The week before we met Captain."

"When he attacked Woo's dad's boat?"

"Yes, but how did you-- Wait, let me guess, Wooyoung?" I laugh at his ability to guess so easily which makes him laugh, too. "Knew it." They seem so close, I feel bad that they had to get into this argument. Yeosang exhales loudly as he bends down to set himself onto the sandy beach. Once he sits down he leans back so that he's lying on the floor. When he sees that I'm not moving, he pats the empty patch of sand for me to lie next to him. After a moment I decide to lie down with him. He even stretches out his arm as a pillow for me to rest my head on. He doesn't speak up until I've adjusted myself comfortably. "How was your day?" he questions, turning his head to look at me. I don't look at him, keeping my eyes trained on the beautiful mixture of colors that stretch across the sky.

"Not the best," I answer honestly.

"Yeah, not many people can go long without me," Yeosang hums in response. I giggle, slightly elbowing him. "How did your appointment with the botanist go?" I stay silent and fiddle with my hands, pretty sure that he can feel my nervousness. "Hello?"

"You believe me, right? Like completely?" I ask him to avoid his question. I look over at him and see his warm hazel-colored eyes peering back at me. He nods, unsure of where I'm going. "Well," I start, "Would you believe me if I said I might be holding all six magic types?" His face goes blank for a moment before frowning at me.

"You're not that special-- Not to be mean but like that's kinda hard to believe. Only enchantresses hold that kind of power." I stare at him flat-facedly.

"What happened to you believing me completely?"

"Sorry, sorry, it's just a bit hard to believe. What makes you think this way?"

"Uhreia."

"I'm sorry who?" I roll my eyes and glower at him. He looks at me expectantly, still waiting on an answer.