Looking For Love(ATEEZ)

3.3

I have been in my room for two days. My scalp is starting to get itchy.

I need a nice hot bath with bubbles (though I hate to admit it, a rubber ducky too).

I never had it in my real life.

I have stared at the ceiling too long and find nothing exciting anymore.

I yawn, just like the past two days.

So boring.

Then my stupid brain notices the bookshelf at the corner of the room. Way to go! I hadn't noticed that for the past two days- and I write murder mystery sometimes.

A lot of books. I'm not even kidding. Wooden shelves, attached to the back wall facing my bed.

Ten in each shelf, and about ten shelves.

I look around. Hmm. They were all about the seas and superstitions or about sea animals and ways to prevent getting stung by them.

I crouched down, glancing at each shelf. Nothing interesting.

Then, the last shelf. A black book rested in the far right corner. It had a special charm to it, which I totally got attracted to. I smirk. Pirate king, you can't let me bore myself to death.

I pick it up. It was titled- 'Haunting Dayton'.

It sounds familiar. Yeah, I remember now.

In my world, I read a book called- 'Haunting Adeline'. Don't even ask me how I got it when I was broke- that I'll tell you even if you won't ask.

Jamie was reading it one day. We were both sixteen that time. She said it was fun to read, so with great pleading, I convinced her to give it to me. Later, I had to sell it to a book store as I was broke.

It was such a horrifying one. I still shudder when I think about it.

Anyway, curiosity killed the cat. I pick it up from the shelf. It even had the same kind of cover. Even the author was H.B. Carl. The difference was that it wasn't printed.

Such similarity. I began to read. When I got too fidgety, I went to the bathroom and washed myself and changed into new clothes.

I began reading and completed in four days. It was a good read, just like in my world. Nice plot twists.

I sighed. The slow rocking of the ship lulled me to a nap. If I sleep this much, my panda eyes will finally be healthy.

When I woke up, I again found the book near my new body. It was half open, like the movements of the ship caused it to be so. I opened the first pages- acknowledgement and all, which I didn't read the first time.

I yawned as I caught very small letters in the corner of the page. I squint to read them.

Property of Kim Hongjoong.

He also reads this stuff? This man's wild. I giggle. I am able to breathe the same air as him and read the book that belongs to him. I'm luckier than those that got to see him in the concert.

But he's scary.

I hear a loud group of growls from outside. What? Now this ship is haunted?

It's not. I know that when the man guarding my room pushes the door and comes inside, making me surprised. He is more civil now, he doesn't disturb me much. He even told me his name was Daryl.

I put on my best fake smile and say, "Daryl, dear, the next time you come, knock first. I might be changing clothes!"

He scratches his neck and says back, "Miss, me pirate. Ye a lady. I don't know how to behave with you."

I shake my head gently.

"It's okay, Daryl. Just knock next time. By the way, why are you here?"

"Just to tell you that we're on land now."

Good. I'm itching to breathe fresh air.

I wasn't much of a hassle the past six days as I generally love staying indoors. But that changed. I'm dying to go out.

"So, I'm free?" I ask him suspiciously.

He smiles awkwardly at me. "No miss. You are going out with Captain himself."

At this, my blood froze. Last time, he made a hole in my clothes, scared the shit out of me and also grounded me. This time, who knows what he'll do.

I gasp and my eyes close.

"No! Take me with you Daryl!"

He scratches his red ears and looks at me uncertainly with his eyes downcast. I can't believe this is the guy that tried to kill me the day he saw me.

"Sorry, I only follow Captain's orders."

I instantly filled with panic. What will happen now? No one can save me! I just nod and thank him but before he leaves, I don't forget to ask him, "What role do you serve in the ship?"

He gets a little startled at the question but replies, "I'm the quartermaster Daryl."

My eyes gape.

As if he heard my thoughts, he laughs.

"I was guarding you just because I had no work to do. For the past six days, Captain insisted on doing all the work for me as I was sleep deprived."

I beam at him. Seems like Hongjoong wasn't that bad of a guy.

I dust my clothes as he escorts me out. As soon as I exit, I come face to face with a huge amount of people- roughly seventy. They were either swinging on the rigging of the masts, or standing on the decks. I spotted two men on the place I assumed to be crow's nest, keeping a watch.

A man in ultra bright red coat orders people to keep the gunpowder and load the cannon. Guess what his clothes remind me of?

The thief that killed me. Yes, the red coat was that bright and hideous. It didn't help that it was oversized and almost drowned him.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I see a man dressed in brown robes advancing towards me and Daryl. Daryl instantly drops to the ground.

"Greetings, Captain."

He just hums. I turn to look at him but still ignore him, not even a word comes out of my mouth. I'm angry, okay? He can't just abduct people and lock them up!

He comes closer to me and I can't look anywhere but directly at him. I forgot how much of a blessing his pretty face was but I can't just fangirl here. I again remind myself that he's not the Hongjoong i knew, rather he's the Captain of the pirate kings' ship.

I internally scream.

He has coffee brown eyes, black hair and sharp features. What he speaks next makes me scowl at him, despite how much I love his face.

"Enjoying your stay?"

Anger bubbles up inside me as I try to hold back, but I can't.

"What the- what is there to enjoy?! Your ship is freaking boring!!"

At this, Daryl's eyes dart at me as he warningly looks at me. I gulp and turn to face Hongjoong again. This time, he doesn't seem angry, rather even more amused.

I gulp again. Where did my courage go?

We are at the forecastle deck, the other crew members intently staring at us, waiting to see me getting butchered by their Captain or it's just my stupid imagination acting up.

He just whispers in response, "Follow me."

I comply. He leads me off the ship as the crew members throw the gangplanks. We step foot on the land.

Please read, vote, share and comment. Any constructive feedback will be appreciated.