It was impossible not to tremble with fear as Soohyun watched the look on Baekhyun’s eyes the moment they sat across each other on his cabin. It was intent, as if it was directly telling her something, and it sent waves of chills upon her. She nervously grabbed a piece of her dress as she searched for something that could bring her even the tiniest bit of comfort.

Baekhyun heaved a sigh, in which Soohyun didn’t fail to notice. She looked back at him and met his eyes once again. Before Baekhyun could even utter a word, Soohyun talked first.

“You know something, right?” Soohyun asked. She could feel her heart pounding loudly against her chest and none of it felt right. Baekhyun was silent for a few seconds until he gave a light nod, following a shake as if he was in a doubt for a minute out there.

“I’m not quite sure but I’m guessing it’s Hann’s doing,” Baekhyun said.

Though Soohyun was expecting a dreadful response from Baekhyun, it still came as a shock to her when she heard him mention Hann’s name. This is exactly what she fears about—the extent of Hann’s powers. No one knows how powerful he is or how great of a magic he holds. Not even Baekhyun can predict what he can do. No one. What if this journey ends up getting everyone killed? Soohyun’s heart pounded loudly against her chest at the mere thought of it. They haven’t even stepped foot at Xynnar and here they are—already inside Hann’s magical circle.

“What do you mean?” Soohyun asked.

“It’s not impossible for Hann to not notice our ship getting closer to Xynnar. No one goes there. It might be one of his tricks to make us stir back and leave,” Baekhyun said.

“Why me?” Soohyun asked. She stopped for a second as she realized how selfish that question sounded. A moment of fright would not equal to all the things everyone has been doing and experienced to just prepare for Hann. She instantly regretted asking that question but before she could even take it back, Baekhyun already had given her an answer.

“It might be because you carry the most magic among all of us. It’s easier to play with your mind because there’s just too much to control inside you,” Baekhyun looked back at her. “I’m sorry you have to see that. I didn’t expect him to move that fast.”

Soohyun was quiet for a while, unable to find words for a response. She brought her head up and looked at Baekhyun once again.

“What do you plan on doing? It’s clear that Hann’s more powerful than any of us in here. He can outdo everyone in just a snap. I saw the King—Baekhyun, it felt real—he was real for a second out there. He grabbed me and almost tried to kill me. I felt everything—everything. And if it wasn’t for you, I swear I could’ve been killed by that mere illusion. What if ev—“

“Honestly,” Baekhyun spoke, effectively cutting Soohyun off. His eyes wandered for a while, as if searching for the right words to say, until he looked back at her with those gentle warm eyes. “I don’t know. I’m scared as well. I certainly have things planned on my mind but no one knows how exactly Hann makes his moves. I can only assume, but will you trust me on this one?”

How can Soohyun say no when the sincerity on his voice was greatly overwhelming? How could she even continue to doubt when she has Baekhyun and the rest of the crew? How could she continue to be like this? This isn’t fair to everyone who is trying their best to overcome their fears. Her being like this doesn’t even help at all. Baekhyun isn’t perfect, neither any of them, but that doesn’t mean they could stop right here and give up without even trying.

Soohyun had been trying to ignore the fact that they all have their own weaknesses and they can’t be that strong and unbeatable people all the time. She fears that their weaknesses might get the worst out of them but Baekhyun’s constant reassurance was more than enough to make her realize that it’s perfectly alright to be imperfect and weak.

Soohyun breathe in as she closed her eyes. She then looked back at Baekhyun, not with those worrisome eyes she had for the past few days, but with eyes filled with hope and determination. And with a small smile, she finally gathered the courage to put her entire trust to Baekhyun.

“I do trust you.”

Soohyun’s heart felt lighter than it ever was before, now that she confidently said those words without worries—and it felt nice.

It does.

~~~