The beach of Wonderland lit up with several bonfires where the ex pirates scattered around the beach sitting in small groups. The chilly wind blows against my body, but I feel the warmth from being surrounded by my friends. I sit between Yeojin and Mingi, munching on the strange fruit that tastes like banana mixed with mango while listening to Mingi’s story. A night like this is perfect for gossip time…I mean story time.

Ateez filled me in on what happened with them in one year. After I left, they buried Alice, Chris and Jongbin’s bodies at the island. Then they stuck here for a week since the Revenge had sunk to the bottom of the ocean. When Seakeeper recovered her power, she presented a schooner as a gratitude from her. They had been sailing between small islands and towns, trading food and supplies to survive while staying low-key from the public eyes. Lately, they were in hot water since they couldn’t find a business partner to trade supplies with.

In return, I confessed to them about my depressing story of my family, friends and directionless future. They listened to me attentively. Yeojin held my hand and made an upsetting noise when she heard that I wasn’t a favorable child. Jongho sighed, shoulder slumps with a crestfallen look. He also experienced the same situation as me. But his story was worse, he became enemies with his brother, and in the end his brother saved his life.

All of my friends, especially Mingi, got worked up. They said if he knew my circumstances they would persuade me to stay. I only smile in return since it was all in the past.

Now I feel the most relieved and happiest in the entire year. People who truly care about me and I care about them are here. There's free food, aka the strange fruits and unlimited seafood, a free place to live, and a natural bathroom with clean water. I literally took a bath in the cave pond and wore Yeojin’s clothes, because my original clothes created a big controversy.

After Mingi dropped me a bomb question about my bikini, the others also bombard me with the same questions. They asked me what kind of clothes that people in my world wore, and were the clothes so expensive that I couldn't afford the whole attire, or someone forced me to wear them.

I understood their concern, but I ended up laughing for half of the day. I explained to them that it was a swimsuit that is socially accepted in some parts of the world. Mingi then expressed in a serious tone that I shouldn't wear a bikini in front of his crew because he didn’t trust them while glaring at his mates as a warning. I didn’t think I had the confidence to wear them again since I bragged how hot my real body was. I thought about throwing them away but Seakeeper said I should keep it in case I need it in the future. She gave me a playful wink, leaving me perplexed until now. She didn’t join our bonfires as she said she was too old to join the youngsters' feast.

After updating each other's lives, the broke merchants begin to discuss a serious matter of their dim future. They plan to leave Wonderland tomorrow morning. While they’re brainstorming on the backup plan in case the next business deal fails, the real captain of Losing Star shocked everyone with his announcement.

“I will step down from my position. You lot should start voting for the new captain now.” Hongjoong gets up and walks away from the group.

Everyone, except me, looks calm. I spit my food into the sand and cough painfully. Yeojin passes me the water. Her brows knit together and peers at the path Hongjoong was leaving. She shrugs her shoulders when I asked her what happened.

“Well, he announced it earlier than I thought.” Wooyoung mumbles. I look at him, seeking for the answer, but he ignores me and lies down on Yeojin’s lap. She pats his head in silence.

So I whip my head toward my best friend who eagerly aimed for the captain position. However, Mingi doesn’t look happy when the opportunity is presented. He lets out a frustrated groan and lies on the sand, and uses a hat to cover his face.

“It’s been so hard for him.” Jongho sighs and Yeosang beside him nods, quietly drinking his green tea.

Something is off. My friends didn’t tell me the whole story while I was away. Hongjoong wouldn’t simply quit his duty. Judging from the crews’ reaction, they seem to expect this day to come. Their financial situation was indeed tough, but I believe it wasn’t the reason. In the afternoon, I noticed that he looked quite tense around me and didn’t talk much among his crew. I didn’t think much about it until now.

I search around, looking for someone to explain to me. My eyes meet with the combatant. He silently sits still since the beginning of story telling time. The blankness in his expression tells me it’s impossible to squeeze the answer out of him.

Yunho gets up as if he plans to follow Hongjoong, but Seonghwa stops him. “You know how he is. No one can change his mind.” Then Seonghwa peers at me.

I understand his signal right away which is a very hair-raising experience. I nod and follow after Hongjoong.

—

The full moon light illuminates a faint path before me. I find Hongjoong sitting on a giant rock on the other side of the island. He stares at the night sky, his shoulder droops. The sight leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Something terrible happened to him or he wouldn't look so beaten up.

I settle down next to him. Before I start a conversation, he cut me off. “You can’t change my mind.”

Seonghwa was right. Yet, he encouraged me to talk to his captain.

“I don’t know what’s going on. I’m here to say that the dessert is ready.” I try to joke to lighten his mood. It works as he snorts, but he still stares at the sky.

I sigh in defeat. “I believe you have a good reason why you decided to step down. The crew knew you were having it hard. They didn’t try to change your mind. But are you really okay with it?”

He stays silent, which is the reaction I expect from him. He barely reveals his burden to anyone and takes it all to himself. To confess, I’m not familiar with this new version of Hongjoong at all. In the past when he made reckless decisions, he did it to protect his crew. But this time, what’s the real reason?

“But seems like you broke the promise.” Before I came back to my world, I made him promise me.

Hongjoong finally averts his gaze to me, confusion blends in his orbs.

“You still carry all the burden alone. I told you to rely on your friends, don’t you remember?” He didn’t just break my promise, but he looked worse.

“Wrong.” Hongjoong shakes his head, lips form into a scowl. “But of course, you wouldn't know. I had barely done anything as a captain. Seonghwa handled all the business matters. Yeojin, Wooyoung, and Mingi were the ones who negotiated with trade partners. Yeosang sold his medicine to earn money. Jongho maintained the ship and San protected us from intruders. The crew listened to my orders simply because of my title.”

His long confession stabs my heart. An edge in his voice sounds like he’s angry at himself. His crew should be here and listen to his reason, which I believe no one blames him for. I reach out my hand and gently pull his rat tails.

“What was that for?” He frowns.

“Where was the clever and mastermind captain?” I cross my arms. He totally misses the point that he sacrificed the captain position for his crews’ sake, which is also a leader quality.

“He's dead.” Hongjoong hisses brusquely. “Trust me, the crew don’t want him to return. That man brought his brothers to damnation. He ruined everything wherever he went. Even when he received the second chance, he couldn't do anything to save them.”

It’s my turn to frown. His wound is deeper than I thought. “You still have that notion of yourself?”

“It never left me. Because he was me.” He whispers exhaustedly, burying his face into his hands. “Seeing my crew suffer, I feel so helpless.”

I press my lips together. His past haunts him and the current situation makes him blame himself even more. Because I wasn't in his shoes, I wouldn’t know how hard it was to be him. All I can do is to show that he’s appreciated for his doing.

I pat his back softly. “The crew did everything they could so they could keep this family going. Don’t let your guilt blind you from the fact that they love you. They’re willing to follow you to heaven or hell because they believe in you.”

Hongjoong looks up at me, studying my face. He utters nothing for a while. My advice might be so bad and empty that he finds it bothersome. If Hongjoong’s angry at me then it’s Seonghwa's fault.

“I must look really different, right?” I chuckle and touch my cheeks when he stares at me for too long.

“You’re still the same.” Hongjoong whispers, staring deep into my eyes. My heart shakes at his answer. Then I see him jolt, shifting slightly away from me.

I scratch my head, unsure what just happened between us. I clear my throat. “If the crew still want you to be their captain, will you accept it?”

It takes a moment before he answers me. “I don’t kno-”

I pause his sentence with my finger on his lips. “I’ll answer for you. Accept it.”

His eyes waver. He grabs my hand without responding to me, but I’m sure the love from his crew will make him accept the position.

—

When we return to the bonfires, the crew already stand in one large group. Mingi steps forward with a stern face. Actually, all of them wear serious expressions.

“We are done with voting.” Mingi says, peering at Seonghwa as he nods in return.

“The most voted person is…” He says, raising his finger toward our way. My heart palpitates in anticipation. Hongjoong’s body becomes tense from the corner of my eyes.

Mingi then points at me. “Star. We want you to be our next captain.”

“Ehhhh????”

—

The next day I still haven't recovered from my new position as the captain Star of the Losing Star. What a weird combination!

Mingi became the quartermaster. He puffs out his chest proudly and greets the crew with his new title. Strangely, Seonghwa doesn't react when he loses his title and becomes the master gunner.

Before we embark on the Losing Star, Seakeeper appears to bid us farewell. While she tries to stop Jack from making a weird wish, I peer at the schooner and sigh. I start to feel the burden that Hongjoong experienced. How am I going to lead these people and fill their stomachs!? I’m afraid we're gonna end up at the bottom of the sea as soon as we sail.

How I wish we had a majestic looking ship with food stock in storage, and chests full of treasures. So I don’t have to risk getting thrown overboard by my own crew.

Suddenly, the schooner groans loudly as the foremast collapses and falls down to the sea, then the whole ship breaks apart and sinks under the water in a matter of seconds. Before we are able to react to the sudden wrecked ship, a large shadow emerges from the sea.

“Ahhh Kraken!!” We all scream and find a place to hide. Some hide behind rocks, some run all the way to the tree lines. San darts in front of me with twin swords in both hands.

I flop onto the sand because Wooyoung pushes me and Yeojin to the ground. Yeosang crouches down next to me, while the other Ateez members pull out their weapons.

“A ship?” Hongjoong murmurs. I look up and see a larger vessel floating where the Losing Star sunk.

Yeojin scoffs and spits sand into Wooyoung’s face as it got into . I get up with the help from Yeosang. He helps me brush sand off my face.

I hear a light giggle from Seakeeper. She must be entertained by the way we freaked out.

“Whose ship is that?” Wooyoung tries to cover his embarrassment by asking Seakeeper.

A majestic looking ship slightly larger than the Losing Star, stained sails replaced with clean white sails flapping against the wind, and Seakeeper's face nicely carved at the figurehead.

“Yours.” She answers with a playful smile. “Someone made a wish.”

Her answer causes us to be flabbergasted, looking at one another in alarm.

“Did you make a third wish?” Seonghwa asks Hongjoong doubtfully. The ex captain shakes his head, he peers at his grandma for an answer.

I stand there, feeling lightheaded and slowly raise my hand. “I think I accidentally made the wish…”

The others gawk at me in shock.

“Oh my god! Will something happen to her?” Yeojin exclaims and checks me up and down.

Seakeeper smiles. “Seems like Wonderland wanted to repay you for your sacrifice. So you’re able to make another wish.”

Everyone is in awe. They’re excited about the new ship while I’m a little sad since I should’ve wished for unlimited money.

“Captain, what should we name her?” Mingi asks me eagerly and whispers at me to choose the name Shooting Star.

“Err…” I’m pressured by the stares of the crew. Seonghwa narrows his gaze at me as if to threaten me to not say something stupid. The former ship’s name was Losing Star, it was nice of them to name the ship after my name. But since I’m here, so…“How about Stargazer?”

“Impressive!” Mingi is the first one to praise me. The others mumble the new name and smile.

“Nice one. We all loved to gaze at the stars when you were on vacation.” Yunho gives me a thumbs up. I giggle at his word of choice.

Then we bid farewell to Seakeeper and prepared to embark the Stargazer. I could be mistaken, but the air around her is quite gloomy. She must be lonely staying on the island for centuries with no one to stay by her side. Eternity is such a scary thing.

“If you miss us then you can bring us to Wonderland. But please don’t send Kraken to fetch us.” I told her.

She chuckles lightly. “After the kraken was dispelled from the witch’s influence, she felt horrible for hurting you. So she wanted to make amends by helping me. Now she’s asleep at the seabed. I can call her if you want to say hi.”

“N-nevermind!” We abruptly shout to stop her. Although the kraken wasn’t targeting us anymore, to experience getting hit by a giant wave left us with a terrible nightmare.

Shortly after, the crew go into a group, traveling by rowboat to embark Stargazer. I and a few crew members are the last batch to depart the island. As I’m waiting for the rowboat, Hongjoong hugs his grandma tightly, saying goodbye to her. He looks like a young kid who refuses to go to school and leaves his parents.

Compared to yesterday’s night, his expression becomes lighter like he finally loosened up. After the captain's result was revealed, he congratulated me with a small smile, then he went to sleep just like that. On the other hand, I was wide awake the whole night.

Hongjoong lets go of his grandma when the rowboat arrives. I look at the old woman with a heavy heart. The picture of her standing alone on an island doesn’t sit right with me. Before I embark on a rowboat, I turn to Seakeeper again. “Do you want to leave this place?”

She shakes her head, her eyes travel to the sky, her lips spread into a hopeful smile. “All I want is to see my family again even for a second.”

A pang hit my chest. I understand how lonely it is to live alone and miss the people who had no hope of meeting them again.

Hongjoong’s brows tightly knit. “I can stay with you.”

Her glassy blue eyes dart to him. “No, child, go live your life.”

Her answer put pressure on his expression. Knowing him, he wouldn't leave after witnessing her sorrow. A solution comes into my head, but I need to do it in a harmless way.

“Wonderland, please grant Seakeeper’s wish, she has been protecting you for a long time. I think it’s time for her to go home to her family.” I shout, hoping that Wonderland will acknowledge my request.

Seakeeper stuns, quivers. “Wonderland heard you.” As soon as she speaks, her body becomes transparent. Her crystal tears stream down her face, her lips spread into the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. “Thank you, dear.”

Hongjoong steps forward, reaching toward her. “Grandma, I’ll miss you.”

She smiles at Hongjoong, love radiating from her kind eyes. “Please take care. I might not be here, but I’ll look after you from the other side.”

He nods vigorously, tears fall from his eyes. “I’ll be the person who makes you proud.”

She smiles wider like the happiest woman on earth. “I’m already proud of you, Hongjoong.” After she finished sentence, her body completely vanished.

Hongjoong’s hand freezes in the air, shocked by her words. I look at his side profile worriedly. Sensing my stare, he turns his face away, a quiet sobbing sound leaves his mouth. His body slightly trembles.

“I’m sorry.” Because of me, he lost his beloved grandma.

Hongjoong takes a moment before answering me in a shaking voice. “No, you did the right thing. I’ve never seen her so happy before. She finally set free and returned to her real family. Thank you, Star.” He turns around and gives me a genuine smile.

I stare at his red eyes and nod. Glancing at the figurehead, I brush my tears away. Seakeeper was like a kind auntie to me. To think that I'll never see her again makes me kinda sad. I hear sniffing sounds from behind and see that the crew members are also crying from Seakeeper departure.

We leave Wonderland, knowing deep down that it’s our last time on the island. As we sail further, the lonely island becomes a small speck on the horizon waiting for the one who deserves the magical wish.

—

Once we boarded Stargazer, the crew explored the new ship excitedly. They hollered in surprise when they found chests full of treasures and food in storage.

“Woah, we can sell these stuffs and become rich!” Wooyoung exclaims, waving a golden vase in his hand.

“Finally, we don’t have to eat scrapped food anymore!! Hail to our new captain!!!” Mingi shrieks as he approaches me on the forecastle deck where I observe my crew since the time we leave Wonderland, because I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do as a captain. I wanted to ask Hongjoong for advice, but as soon as he stepped foot on the deck, he went straight to helm the wheel.

The crew cheer and beam their gratitude smiles at me. I scratch my nape shyly. As the problem with money and food is resolved, we discuss our next destination.

“Captain, where should we go?” My quartermaster asks me enthusiastically. The crew stare at me with twinkling eyes.

“Err…” My eyes dart around, hoping that someone will help me, but they all silently awaiting for my answer. I peer at Hongjoong’s figure behind the steering wheel. He appears so peaceful that I don’t want to bother him. Seonghwa stands among the crew, he gives me a taunting smirk as if he’s waiting for me to embarrass myself.

I strengthen my posture, hands on my hip. I scan the faces of my crew. These people entrust their lives into my hands, I will show them my true leadership skills.

Since we already have food and we can sell these antiques later, we can roam around the world freely.

“Let’s go hunt treasure and become filthy rich!!!”

Everyone freezes, the enthusiasm dies down. My loyal quartermaster Mingi lost his smile. “I’ll lead a mutiny. Anyone with me?”

Then I lost my captain position the fastest in history. San, who swore to be my dagger, simply watched Mingi and Yunho dragged me down from grace. Yeojin and Wooyoung laughed so loud, while Yeosang tried his best to hold his giggle. Jongho, the brain of the ship, waved at me from the side. Seonghwa covered his mouth as he laughed so hard that the crew warrily stepped away from him.

Luckily, I didn’t get thrown overboard and become fish food.

Apparently, the crew still chose Hongjoong as their captain and Seonghwa as the quartermaster. They just wanted to prank Hongjoong and me. That was why Seonghwa didn’t look bothered at all.

Therefore, I sulk next to Yeosang at the very back while the others listen to the real captain's speech.

At first, Hongjoong reluctant to accept the role. But after Seonghwa asked if he really wanted me to lead the crew, Hongjoong peered at me, amused in his eyes and agreed.

Hongjoong declares that he still wants to work as a sea trader and not depending on the treasures from my wish since money will eventually run out. He wants us to have a stable career. At the end of his speech, everyone applauds him.

I look at the sky, thinking of Seakeeper. She must be so proud of Hongjoong, because me too, although I feel a little bitter that he doubts my leadership.

—

Within a day we travel out of the Devil’s triangle without facing storms. On the quarter deck, I hang out with the gang; Yeojin, Wooyoung and Mingi. Whilst San stands slightly away from us as if he doesn't want to participate in our ridiculous conversation.

“Sails!!” A man on the crow’s nest alerts us.

Hongjoong and Seonghwa immediately emerge from the bridge. Wooyoung passes them a spyglass and Hongjoong takes it. He looks into the spyglass and utters nothing, then he passes it to Seonghwa.

“Two ships.” Seonghwa gazes into the spyglass. “Looks like pirates attacking a merchant. Captain, what’s your order?” Seonghwa turns to Hongjoong.

“We’ll rescue them.” Hongjoong claims, making all of us surprised.

“Hongjoong, you know you can’t-” Seonghwa protests but the tiny captain is already climbing down the stairs and order his crew to prepare for a battle.

—

As we sail near the two vessels. The ex pirates then threaten the pirates with our new majestic ship by firing at their vessel. They diverge their attention to fire back at us. Fortunately, none of the cannonballs hit our ship. Then the men on the merchant’s ship fight the pirates back. Seeing that they have no chance against us, the pirates decide to flee the scene.

Our ship closes up next to the damaged ship as the merchant signals us for help. We lay the ladder across the two ships and our people pile into the merchant ship. I help Yeosang carry a basket of herbs and clean cloth, following after him into another ship.

Injured men sprawled across the deck. Crates of goods are messily scattered around which seem like the pirates unsuccessfully take their prize with them.

Hongjoong stands in the front of our group scanning the area. We spot a woman heading toward us with 2 adults behind her. When she comes closer, all of us scream in unison.

“Aurora!”

She confusedly glances at us, then her lips spread into a bright smile. She turns around to talk to the older couples, making them gasp in surprise.

“Thank you gentlemen for saving us.” The middle aged man heads toward Hongjoong, extending his hand. He has black hair with slight grey streaks and sparkly blue eyes that remind me of Seakeeper.

Hongjoong shakes his hand. “It’s my pleasure.” He says humbly. “We’re also sea traders so we should help each other.”

“Aurora, so these were the people who saved us?” The familiar looking woman asks Aurora. Her skin is no longer in gray shade. When she stands next to Aurora, they really resemble each other.

“Yes, mother. They saved us from the pirates.” Aurora says. The ex pirates wince slightly when she says pirates. It seems like Aurora made up a story and lied to her parents.

“This is captain Hong-” Aurora halts, realizing that she almost reveal Hongjoong’s name.

“I’m captain mullet.” Hongjoong smiles stiffly. I hear Yeojin stifle laughter next to me. His name makes Aurora’s parents raise their eyebrows and they turn to the man next to Hongjoong.

“I’m quartermaster…” Seonghwa trails off, “Blackfin.”

This time Yeojin and I laugh out loud, but we hide it with fake coughs. Seonghwa’s ears turn red as he subtly glares at us.

The couple then turn to the purple haired man that stands on the other side of captain Mullet.

“It’s my pleasure to meet Aurora’s parents. I’m First mate, Dolphin.” Wooyoung grins, no hint of embarrassment on his face.

The other guys start to have trouble expressions as if they’re racking their brains to think of a nickname. I have to dig my nails into my legs to suppress my laughter.

“Well, interesting names there.” Aurora’s father comments, he scans the other crew, but looks conflicted to ask for more names. Hongjoong breaks the awkwardness by offering to help them fix their ship and treat injured people.

Aurora’s parents agree, they continue praising how Ateez are good people sent from God. Then the ex pirates start working.

I introduced myself as Star and Aurora was so surprised. She hugged and cried into my shoulder for a long time. She apologized for failing to hand me the San dagger so I got stabbed. Guilt written on her face as she sob harder, her parents curiously looking at us. Before they blamed me for making their beautiful daughter cry, I told Aurora she did her best and it wasn’t her fault that I died. We continued conversing about how I traveled back to this world, and then we separated to do our job.

I help Yeosang and Yeojin carry the medical supplies around while they treated the patients. Honestly, the smell of blood and sight of wounds make me dizzy. After they finished treating the 10th patient, I took time to breathe in fresh air and spot Aurora talking to Hongjoong inside a corridor.

I swear I’m not jealous or anything, but I’m being nosy. Thus I sneak behind them to eavesdrop on their conversation. Overthere, I see a purple head already crouching down at the corner. I sit next to Wooyoung, raising my brow at him, and he shushes me.

“My parents couldn't remember anything when they woke up so I had to lie.” Aurora says in a quiet voice. “But it’s true that you saved us, you were the one who made the second wish for me.”

Hongjoong nods, saying nothing back to her.

“Thank you, Joong. You sacrificed so much for us. Because of that wish, you couldn’t take any life.” She sounds like she’s on the verge of crying.

“It’s a good thing.” Hongjoong exhales. “This world doesn’t need that monster. I am ashamed of my wicked act after becoming a merchant myself.”

Confused by their conversation, I nudge Wooyoung with my elbow.

“Because of the second wish, captain isn't allowed to take any life. If he does, he’ll die.” He whispers into my ear.

I gasp. It’s the second wish’s effect that Hongjoong was trying to keep it away from me. “So he can’t even kill an ant.”

Wooyoung sighs. “Yeah, we had to kill a fly for him.”

My jaw hangs open. The effect forced Hongjoong to become a saint. His life is completely turned around.

“Just kidding, he couldn’t take a human life.” Wooyoung continues and earns a slap from me. I almost worry that if Hongjoong accidentally steps on an insect he'll die.

So that was why Seonghwa was so concerned when Hongjoong ordered the crew to rescue the merchant because he needed to avoid a fight that may take a person's life.

“Something is going on between them, right?” I hear a woman whisper behind our back. We turn around to see Aurora’s mother crouches down behind us.

Wooyoung and I yelp loudly from getting caught.

She giggles and peers at Aurora and Hongjoong’s figure. “My daughter never looks at any men with those eyes.”

I peer at Aurora. True to her words, her eyes gleam while staring at Hongjoong. Well, it’s been a year since they met each other. She probably missed him so bad.

“But is your captain taken?” The older woman asks us again. Wooyoung and I look at each other, speechless.

She squints her eyes at me. “Are you his lover or the other one?” She means Yeojin.

“Well, he’s free.” I answer and bite my lower lip. Wooyoung gives me a are-you-sure look which I ignore him.

Aurora’s mother clasps her hands together, grinning widely. “Good.” Then she skips all the way to her husband, whispering something into his ear. He glances at Aurora and Hongjoong with a scrutinizing gaze.

—

The Stargazer’s crew finished repairing the merchant’s ship when the sun traveled half way down the horizon. Everyone gathers at the main deck when Hongjoong announces that they’re leaving. Aurora’s parents offer Hongjoong a dinner which he declines, saying they’re behind the schedule.

“Captain Mullet.” Aurora’s father looks awkward when he says Hongjoong’s fake name. “I see that you’re a righteous man, working according to your ethics. It’s hard to see a young man like you these days. So do you want to work with me? You can captain a larger ship with a hundred crew. And you are free to choose the route yourself.”

Stargazer crew eyes almost bulge out of their sockets when we hear the tempting deal. Aurora’s parents own one of the successful trade businesses across the globe. Working with them means our future is promising.

“It’s my honor to receive such a wonderful offer.” Hongjoong responses. “But I may have to decline since my goal isn’t to make money but to help contribute the mainland supplies to small villages and islands.”

However, no matter how good the deal is, we can’t take it. We all know Hongjoong doesn't want to risk from getting caught because Aurora’s parents own a well known business in big cities. There’ll be people who recognize them. Anyway, I believe Hongjoong aims to do what he said too.

The middle aged man nods, hiding his disappointment with a polite smile. But he seems pleased with Hongjoong’s answer. “Alright. But don’t hesitate to contact me if you change your mind.”

Hongjoong nods and thanks Aurora’s father politely.

“Young man, what do you think of our daughter?” Aurora’s mother chimes in. “Is she perfect to be your fiancée?”

Our jaws drop to the ground. Hongjoong is too stunned to speak. Aurora shakes her mother’s arm, her small dedicated face flush pink. Even her husband is surprised by his wife’s boldness.

“Nooo!” A cry wail up from our side. Jack rushes into the front. “I promise Miss Aurora to marry her when I grow older. So I oppose this engagement!”

The couple are startled by Jack’s declaration. Then they let out a hearty laugh. Aurora chuckles and pinches Jack’s cheek out of adoration, making him enter his dreamy state.

Jim comes up, muttering something under his breath and drags his embarrassing brother away.

After the obstacle is gone, the woman asks Hongjoong again. “So what do you say?”

Hongjoong answers her calmly. “Aurora deserves someone who truly loves and cares for her. And I’m not that person. I’m sorry, ma'am.” He cast an apologetic glance at Aurora.

Aurora presses her lips together and nods. The couple sighs in disappointment. “Well, I guess we can’t do anything about it.”

All eyes focus on the poor girl who got rejected, however, Aurora steps forward with a small smile. “It’s okay. I already knew from a long time ago. I hope you will be happy and stay with the person you love.” Then she peers at the others with a crestfallen expression. “The world is such a big place, but we met each other today like a miracle. I guess the sea really listened to my wish.” She smiles sadly and continues. “I hope we’ll meet again someday, my friends.”

After exchanging goodbye with Aurora, the Stargazer departs in light of pursuing their dazzling future.

—

Several months passed, we sailed from island to island exchanging goods. I became the quartermaster of Captain Yeojin of Stargazer whenever we traveled into towns looking for local buyers and suppliers. We had fun in our role play until those traders tried to scam us.

The guys were riled up and almost waged wars with them, and every time Yeojin and I had to stop them from creating ruckus. Because we couldn't draw attention to ourselves even though I wanted to poison those scammers’ food myself.

Moreover, while sailing on the high sea, we got chased by pirates multiple times. Ateez had to fly a red flag to scare them away. The red flag meant that they wouldn't spare a life if a fight breaks out. Well, of course, the ex pirates no longer wanted to massacre anyone, especially the saint Captain Hongjoong.

Luckily, we didn’t encounter the Royal Navy. Although we were once recognized by a man who remembered Wooyoung’s face. We fled from that town right away. Because of that incident, I couldn’t venture into cities with my friends, we were allowed to leave the ship for business purposes only. We could only pray that people will forget about the former pirate king soon so we can finally live a normal life.

Life as a righteous sea trader was indeed hard. There were ups and downs, but I could say I am truly happy with my life. I’m able to take a deep breath to my lungs. My depressing past became just a shadow that had no impact on me anymore.

Currently, we anchored near a small island after getting hit by a storm last night. The lightning struck our mizzenmast breaking it into half. The crew were vigorously fixing it all day with the help of villagers as we promised to help them rebuild their houses since they were hit by the storm as well.

I take in my surroundings and inhale humid air. The sun is traveling down the horizon, creating a sparkle of orange color on the sea. I can never have enough of this magnificent scene. I hang out alone at the main deck after helping out villagers cook dinner. I had a few bites and left the crowd. Whilst my friends are doing their own things somewhere on the island and the ship.

My life seems to be peaceful, yet something is nagging me. The cause of it comes from three men.

I’m not blind to notice how Hongjoong acts strange around me. There’s an invisible barrier between us. Even though he didn’t avoid me like last time, he obviously held himself back from getting too close to me. We haven't had a deep conversation since that night in Wonderland. The majority of the time, he locked himself in his cabin. I swore he never stepped on land after coming back from Wonderland. He only came out when we sailed above the sea. That was when I saw how he became less tense.

The thing is I don’t know if I still love him and if he still loves me. In the past one year, I tried to forget him as my lover. Does it work? I’m not sure either.

Another person is the combatant. San seriously took his vow to become my dagger. He tends to be around me but gives me room to breathe. His presence is never a bother because he always has a special spot in my heart. Never once did he reveal his feelings to me. Yet, his dark eyes hold a somewhat meaningful gaze when our eyes meet.

I heard from others that he became extremely quiet and mostly stayed inside his cabin after I was gone. And he even named the previous ship Losing Star. My departure had a great impact on him. I felt terrible for hurting him. Deep down, I know his feelings never changed. But I don’t intend to open his wound again so I act as his good friend.

And Yeosang has been nice to me, so nice that I feel guilty toward Yeojin since he poured his attention on me more than her. He’s the only person that I can freely express myself to. Not that I’m not close to the other friends, but he’s that person who I go to when I seek comfort and advice.

Sometimes, I catch him staring at me with longing eyes which I try not to think too much about. But it’s so obvious that he still thinks of me more than a friend.

I don’t know if I pretend that everything is okay, will it do more harm to our relationship?

“Starrrr.” A woman's voice reaches my ears. I turn to see Yeojin wobble toward me. Her cheeks flush pink with the alcohol in her system as she drowns two bottles of fruit wine that the villagers provide us. “I-I promised Yeosang that I’d help him with his new medicine, but I’m kinda-” Her hand flies to as she’s about to gag.

“You see…he’s alone in the sickbay. Can you go to him?” She begs me with sparkly eyes. I sigh at her terrible action. Everyone knows she has high alcohol tolerance. She’s trying so hard to set me up with Yeosang.

“Hold on, Miss Star, Captain calls for you in his cabin.” Jim rushes toward me before I’m heading to the lower deck. I raise my eyebrow at him. It’s the first time that he has reached out to me in the past three months.

“What!? I'm here first!” Yeojin glares at the lad, instantly becoming sober.

“But Captain summons her. His order is absolute!” Jim surprisingly retaliates against her.

“Miss Star, come with me. The combatant wants to see you. If you don’t go, I’m scared he’ll my soul!!” Jack cries, his voice reaches me before his body appears. He pushes past Jim and Yeojin to the front. I squint my eyes at the young lad as he tends to overreact for small matters. Plus, San never asks anyone to look for me. Normally, he would appear by my side. I start to worry as his hand was injured when he repaired the mizzenmast today.

The other two shot Jack a nasty look for stealing my attention.

“Yeosang missed you the most! He is nicer to you than anyone. So you must choose him!” Yeojin practically screams into my face.

“Miss Star loves captain, right? He still loves you. But he’s afraid to show it.” Jim explains. My heart makes a flip at his sentence.

“But Mister combatant always stays by your side. He became less scary because you came back. You’re his whole world. He needs you and you also need him.” Jack yells, shaking my arm.

Because of the trio’s voices, the crew begin to join into the circle. They cheer for the person who they placed a bet on although Seonghwa already prohibited gamble on the ship.

I message my temples. How does this situation escalate so quickly? I didn’t prepare to face my fear today.

Thankfully, the first mate walks past us, he shoo the crew away and joins into our conversation. He drapes his arm across Yeojin’s shoulder, causing her to stop arguing with the boys. There’s something going on between them but according to both sides, they still didn’t admit that they were a thing.

“Little Star, let me give you some advice.” He says, acting like he’s a love guru. “Listen to your heart and do whatever makes you happy.”

“I don’t want to hurt any of their feelings.” I pout. The main reason I remain as their friend is because I hate to see them hurt.

Wooyoung scoffs. “They're grown men. They better it up when a girl rejects them. Trust me, they are already happy that you’re here.”

I stare at Wooyoung quietly, letting his advice sink in my head.

“Just don’t choose me alright. I know you can’t resist my attractiveness. Is it a sin to be this handsome?” Wooyoung runs his hand through his hair and Yeojin glares at him. Because he starts to talk nonsense, I ignore whatever he says next.

Jack and Jim nod at me encouragingly. I sigh, turning around to look at the sea. Noticing that the waves turn slightly erratic as if the storming is coming. Dark streaks paint the sky. We just repair the villagers’ houses. It’d be bad if the storm hit us again tonight. However, nothing can stop the storm. Just like my situation now. I couldn’t get away from the thing that’ll eventually come. And that day has come.

Oh, how I wish I could make all of them happy.

After I pondered my thoughts and dug deep into my heart, I think I found the answer. There’s no running away anymore. Hence I head toward the destination in my mind.

。。。ミヽ(。＞＜)ノ

Where do you think Star is heading to? 

I can't beleieve it's almost the end of the story! I hope you guys will like the endings. (>д<)