Kinktober Day 14 - breeding x Seungmin (m!reader)

[22:34]

Seungmin shakily breathed out, trying to control himself as your hands wrapped around his waist from the back, your boyfriend on all fours in front of you, a puppy-ear headband and light blue collar adorned on his otherwise bare body.

“D-daddy-” Seungmin started, letting a whimper escape as he felt your cock prod against his entrance

“What is it, puppy?” You smirked, tightening your grip on his waist, and leaning forward more, beginning to rub yourself against Seungmin

“Please- please-” He continued, whimpering with every word “Please put your cock in me- I need it so bad- want daddy to fill me up with his cum-”

“Yeah?” You asked, and, very slowly, you pushed just the tip inside of Seungmin’s hole

“Yeah- hah- breed me-” He gulped

You licked your lips, smirk only growing before you pushed inside the boy underneath you all at once. Seungmin moaned, and despite him having had immediately buried his face into the sheets to muffle it, you were sure that if anyone else were in the apartment, they’d hear it loud and clear.

“P-please-” He whispered after a couple seconds of heavy breathing

Without replying, you began to move in and out of the boy, grunting lowly every time you went back inside him.

“You’re so fucking tight every time, puppy,” You growled, and began to speed up

Seungmin whined, hips automatically beginning to move back in time with you, but you quickly raised your hand, bringing it down with a harsh spank, and Seungmin moaned again, practically drooling.

Soon enough you were thrusting into the boy at full force, and somewhere along the lines, you’d leaned forward, hand going to the front of his neck and pulling back, choking the boy just enough for it to inhibit his breathing, especially with you fucking him so fast.

“Fuck-” You groaned, closing your eyes briefly

“Daddy- I’m gonna cum-” He moaned

“Gonna cum without your pathetic little cock even being touched?” You smiled, and Seungmin whined before nodding, whispering out a ‘please’ that you couldn’t refuse “Go on puppy, cum for daddy,”

He moaned a ‘thank you’, before, after a couple seconds, he came, spurts of white decorating the sheets beneath him. You didn’t stop, though, and Seungmin’s whines only became louder, but the boy didn’t complain- now that he’d orgasmed, all that was on his mind was you cumming inside him.

“I’m gonna cum,” You grunted again, speed increasing ever so slightly

“Please- please breed me daddy- want your fucking- ah- want your cum so bad,”

“Such a good puppy,” You breathed, trying to control your own breathing, voice uneven from how you were thrusting into Seungmin “Since you said it so nicely, I’ll give it to you,”

It was a couple more moments before you came, moaning throatily and making sure to be as deep inside Seungmin as you could get. Seungmin whined, trying to utter out what you assumed to be a thank you, but he couldn’t quite get the words together.

Slowly, you pulled out, and put your hands on either side of Seungmin’s ass, spreading him slightly as white cum began to drip out of him.

“What a good little pet,” You mused, and smacked him slightly, causing the boy to jolt, and then whine

“Thank you, daddy,” He whimpered, burying his face into the covers once again

“Anything for my pretty puppy,”

Kinktober day 4 - corruption x Seungmin (gn!reader)

[22:04]

“W-wait-”Seungmin gasped, pulling back slightly, breaking the rather intense kiss between you two, staying close enough for a barely visible string of drool to remain for a short while before breaking

“Is everything okay?” You asked, cocking your head at the boy you’d just recently learnt was named Seungmin after taking him home from the club- he just looked so cute that you couldn’t help but make a move

“I-I’ve never- I uh-” He started, eyes looking anywhere but you, his breathing still laboured from the kiss

“You’re a virgin?” You asked, as if it was the most casual thing ever

Seungmin squeaked, and you breathed out a small laugh

“I’m sorry,” He said quickly “I should’ve never-”

“Puppy,” You interrupted him, and Seungmin stopped talking, looking up to you with wide eyes “That’s okay,”

He breathed in a shaky breath, watching as a smirk found it’s way onto your lips

“It’s cute how embarrassed you are about it,” You mused “If you don’t wanna keep going, you can still spend the night, I’ve got a spare room-”

“No!” Seungmin started, grabbing a hold of your shirt “No- I do wanna…”

You couldn’t help a chuckle before slowly running your hands through the boy’s hair, kissing the top of his head before, unprompted, you pressed a hand to his obvious bulge, eliciting a loud whine, before Seungmin slammed his lips shut, red covering his cheeks.

“M-more-” He whimpered after a short while, barely opening his mouth to speak

“You sure, puppy?”

“Please I-” His voice lowered into barely a whisper “Please fuck me,”

“So cute…” You muttered, looking him up and down, and Seungmin couldn’t help but let his mind wander to what you’d do to him

You had such a terrible day. It felt like everyone and everything was against you. You felt like breaking, but you were trying your best to keep yourself together. You just needed to be held and reassured that everything was going to be okay. The only person you wanted to comfort you was your best friend Seungmin. He wasn’t into skinship or showing affection, he would hardly let you hug him, but you did it any way. He was one of the only people who made you feel happy and comfortable. He was the only person you wanted to see at that moment, so you made your way over to his dorm. 

You texted Seungmin what he was doing, but he never texted you back. You texted Chan, who told you Seungmin was home and you could come over if you wanted to. You gladly took him up on that offer. Bless Chan for always letting you come over to annoy your best friend. 

“Y/n! Come on in!” Chan greeted you as he opened the door. He gave you a quick hug when you got in. It made you a little better already. 

“Hi Chan, thanks for letting me come over.” You said stepping out of the hug. “So where’s Mr. Won’t Respond To My Texts at?” 

“He should be in his room.” Chan said laughing. 

And with that you went to Seungmin’s room and entered without bothering to knock. You were too sad to care what he might be doing and it slipped your mind to do so. Luckily Seungmin was just laying on his bed reading a book. 

“Seungminnieeee~” You said when you saw him. 

He looked up at you surprised. “Y/n? What are you doing here?” 

“I texted you and you never responded so I asked Chan and he let me come over.” You said pouting. 

“Ah sorry, I didn’t want to be disturbed while reading so I put my phone out of reach and on silent.” He said going back to his book. 

“Seungmin…” you whined going over to the end of his bed. 

“Hm?” He asked not looking at you. 

“Seungminnnnnnnnn~” You said in a sweet voice getting closer to him. He just ignored you. “Seungmin, I’m sad.” 

“Really? Why?” He asked still not taking his eyes off his book. 

“I had a bad day today.. I came here hoping you would help cheer me up.” You said quietly. 

“Me? How?” 

“Cuddles, please?” You said pouting. 

He finally looked up at you. “No. I’m busy reading my book.” He then went back to reading. 

You knew getting cuddles from him was not going to be an easy job. You decided you would have just have to get them yourself then. You got on his bed and started to crawl over him. 

“What are you doing?” Seungmin asked once you got to where he held his book up. You laid down and put your head on his chest and hugged him. 

“Getting cuddles.” You murmured. 

Luckily they book covered his blushing face. He wasn’t expecting you to do something so bold. He tried to be calm and aloof when he was around you, but with you laying on him.. well he was freaking out in the inside. 

“And I said no.” 

“You don’t have to hold me.. you can read your book.” You said feeling tears well up. “I-I just think feeling your warmth will make me feel better..” 

If there was one thing Seungmin hated more than skinship (he actually secretly liked it but he had to keep his savage image up) was seeing you cry. 

“Oh.. alright. Just don’t bother me.” He said has his bit his lower lip, wishing he could actually comfort you, but he felt awkward. 

“Thanks, Minnie.” You said snuggling into his chest, letting the sound of his heartbeat lull you into a comfortable state. 

The two of you stayed like that for awhile, but Seungmin was having a hard time focusing on his book, but he was too focused on trying to keep his heart rate down so you didn’t find out he was super nervous about having you on top of him. Also he couldn’t ignore your little muffled sniffles any longer. 

“Y/n, are you okay?” He asked as he put his book down. 

You had been managing to keep your tears in for the last hour, but once he asked you that question, all the sadness you had been feeling just let loose. And you broke down crying, and Seungmin was shocked. 

“Whoa, whoa.. why are you crying!? What happened?” He said lifting you face up and trying to wipe some of your tears away, it didn’t help because they kept coming. He wrapped his arms around you and just held you while you cried into his chest. His heat was breaking seeing you like this. He wanted to take all your pain away. And he felt terrible for ignoring you for so long. 

After awhile you finally calmed down, but your head hurt so much crying, and you chest laid on his chest with your eyes closed. 

“What happened today, y/n?” 

“Everything that could go wrong today went wrong. And I feel like everyone is against me. I was yelled at so much today at work for things that weren’t even my fault. And things kept falling apart.. and I was being blamed for it all.” You said as your voice cracked a little. 

He rubbed your back and leaned up a bit and gave you a kiss on your head. “Oh y/n, I’m sorry. I-I wouldn’t have ignored you like I did if I had known. I thought you just wanted to annoy me like usual.” 

Your heart felt warm knowing you had one person on your side and the usual cold side he had usually melted away for you. Not only was he cuddling you, he also kissed your head, which was a first. 

You lifted your head to look at him. “Thank you, Minnie. You’re the only person who can make me happy even when I feel like breaking.” 

He smiled at you and caressed your cheek gently. “I-I’ll give you cuddles anytime you’re sad.. just don’t abuse this wonderful offer.” 

“Only when I’m sad?” You asked. “What about when I’m happy?” 

“W-why would you need cuddles when you’re happy?” 

You wiggled up his body a bit more so your face was leveled with his. “Because I like feeling your warmth.. you make me happy.. and I want us to show our affection even when we’re happy!” 

He looked away from you, his face turning red. “I said not to abuse my offer.” 

“You don’t like cuddling with me then?” You pouted as you laid your head in the crook of his neck. “Because I think you do.” 

“S-shut up.” He said as he put his hands on your waist. “Ugh, I changed my mind get off.” 

You wrapped your arms around his neck before you he could push you away. “Nooooo, you’re stuck we me~” 

“Y/n, I’m serious.” 

“Yeah, so am I.” You pushed yourself up and we’re now hovering over Seungmin. You saw his eyes go wide for a second and his face flush a bit. “I’m just going to be honest with you and myself.. Seungmin.. I like you.. a lot. You’re the only person I want to comfort me. You’re the only person I want to talk to about my problems, accomplishments and random things. You’re always on my mind and you make me happy. I realized recently.. like right now.. that the reason for it is because I have feelings for you.” 

He looked at you shocked. He didn’t even try to compose himself. He never expected that you- the girl of his dreams - would ever confess to him. He has always liked you, but he never showed any signs he did, because he was excellent at hiding it. Plus he was worried you would reject him and your friendship would end. 

“A-are you serious?” He asked quietly, expecting you to burst out laughing and tell him it was a joke to get back at him for earlier. 

“I am dead serious, Minnie.” You said looking at him intensely as you started to blush, worried what he would respond with next. 

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was so happy he could cry- he would never, at least not in front of you - but hearing you say that just gave him the boost of confidence he needed to do what he always wanted to. He put his hands on your waist and leaned towards you face. His lips gently met yours and he gave you such a sweet kiss, you felt like melting. You leaned deeper into the kiss which caused him to kiss you more passionately. 

He sat up he positioned you so you were straddling his lap. He gripped your waist tight as his kissed you more hungrily. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck and ran your fingers through his hair. 

You two made out for a while until you both finally pulled apart, panting. 

“Uh.. wow.” Seungmin said sheepishly. “Are we like a thing now?” 

“I told you that you’re stuck with me~” You said nuzzling your face into his neck. “So yes we are.” 

“Good.” He said smiling as he held you closer to him. Neither of you were expecting this result today, but neither of you were complaining. 

“As If”

Seungmin, Hyunjin and Chan were all at the studio. They had just finished recording their lines for a new song, and they were just hanging around. Seungmin and you had made plans for after he was done and you were currently on the way to meet him there.

“I’m so tired,” Hyunjin whined. “Let’s go Seungmin.”

“I can’t. I’m waiting for y/n.” Seungmin checking his phone to see a message from you. “We’re hanging out today.”

“Oooooh,” Hyunjin said raising an eyebrow. “Hanging out with your girlfriend, I see. That’s fine I’ll go home with Chan then.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Seungmin said blushing slightly.

“Well, not with that attitude.” Hyunjin said rolling his head. “Why don’t you just tell her you like her already? It’s really killing all of us.”

“What?” Seungmin said looking at Hyunjin embarrassed. “I-I do not have feelings for y/n”

“Oh my god, yes you do!” Hyunjin said annoyed. “Everyone knows it except for y/n”

“A-as if I would ever have feelings for y/n.” Seungmin said harshly. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Then came a sound from the door way. Both boys turned and saw you standing there, with a crestfallen face as you picked up your phone that you had drop.

“O-oh sorry. I-I’m just going to go.” You said turning to leave so neither of them would see the tears that were starting to fall down your cheeks.

Seungmin cursed as he watched you run away. “Look what you did.”

“Me? Look what you did by not being honest with you feelings.” Hyunjin said.

“Damn it.” Seungmin groaned.

“Dude, why are you still here?” Hyunjin asked pushing him towards the door. “Run after her. Unless you actually don’t like her, then let her be heartbroken by your stupid words.”

“Ugh! Damn it! Okay! I’m going.” Seungmin said running out the door after you. “Y/n!”

You exited the building, walking faster than normal, you were so hurt and just wanted to disappear. You figured that Seungmin only saw you as a friend, but his words pierced your heart all the same and hurt so much.

“Y/n!” You heard him call after you.

You kept walking, not stopping or running, you didn’t have the energy. He continued to call after you until he caught up to you.

“Y/n stop, please.” He begged as he grabbed your shoulder and turned you around.

“What?” You said weakly, refusing to look in his eyes.

“Y/n, I-I’m sorry for what I said. I-I didn’t mean it. I was just embarrassed by what Hyunjin said.” Seungmin said looking at you with with regretful eyes.

“Seungmin, it’s okay.” You said quietly. “If you don’t like me, I get it. No need to lie for my sake.”

“Y/n, I’m not lying. I-I’m not good at expressing my feelings. You know that.” He begged.

“Seungmin, please don’t lie to yourself. You said you would never have feelings for me.” You said bitterly. “So please let me go.”

You shook his hands off you and walked away. You didn’t want to see him or anyone. You just wanted to go home and cry out all your negative feelings.

You didn’t get very far before some grabbed your hand and intertwine their fingers with yours. You turned to see Seungmin staring at you with a look of determination.

“What are you doing?” You asked.

“You said “just let me go,” but what if I don’t want to?” He asked. “What if you are the best thing that as ever came into my life and I refuse to just let you walk away from it?”

You were taken aback by his words. You were expecting Seungmin to every day anything like that to you. He grabbed your other hand and held both of your hands to his chest.

“Y/n, please don’t walk out of my life. You are the best part of it. You make me so happy whenever we are together or when we’re video chatting or even just through texts.” He kissed your hand gently. “You make me feel things I didn’t know were possible to feel. I love everything about you… I love you.”

You had tears in your eyes by his sudden confession. “Really? You love me?”

“More than anything,” he whispered. He held his breath waiting for you to answer him. He was 99% sure you liked him back, but there was that 1% of possible rejection that gave him so much anxiety.

You looked up at him and smiled. “I love you too, Minnie.”

All the anxiety he had been feeling a moment ago was instantly replaced with relief. He leaned down and kissed you softly, both of you melting at the touch. He then let go of your hand and pulled you into a hug, so you couldn’t see his bright red face.

“Are you embarrassed?” You asked giggling.

“Hush.” He said hugging you tighter. “Do you still want to hangout? But like it be a date instead?”

“Yes, I would love that.” You said smiling into his chest.

— Different Meaning —

+ pairing: kim seungmin x female reader
+ genre: fluff, enemies to lovers, florist!seungmin, best friend!felix
+ warnings:none
+ word count: 1.1k
+ requested as part of my Drabble Event #2
+ summary: Your plan was simple: get Kim Seungmin a flower bouquet that screamed how much you despised him. However, your plan fails after you meet the florist and understand that maybe flowers can mean different things to different people.
+ lia’s note: Hello, I hope you’re doing well. When I tell you I love this drabble, it’s because I do. I had so much fun writing it and I hope you enjoy reading it too! Please, like/reblog this if you enjoy reading it and let me know your thoughts through an ask if you feel like it! As always, happy reading!

[stray kids m-list] ● [join my taglist]

“What flower says I hate you the most?” You asked your best friend as the two of you stared at the flower shop window, looking over the different arrangements on display. “Do you think I should google it?”

“Why do you want flowers anyway?” Felix shrugged and messed his hair. “Couldn’t you get him, I don’t know, a box of spicy chocolates?”

“Those don’t say I hate you discreetly, Felix. Those are too straightforward. Besides, he likes spicy food.”

“How do you know that?”

You ignored Felix as you moved away from the window, grabbing your phone and quickly searching which flowers had the meaning of I hate you. You scrolled through a couple of the results and made a mental list of the flowers you’d consider: orange lilies and yellow carnations seemed like the best option. You’d be sure to ask the florist to make you a small bouquet with that.

“Let’s go!”

You grabbed Felix’s hand and pulled him to the inside of the flower shop. A soft melody played and your eyes got lost in the beautiful colours of the different flowers, their scents melting in the air beautifully.

“Welcome to the flower shop! How can I help you?”

Your dream was short-lived when you glanced at who was behind the counter. The disappointment you felt was probably not mutual because his smile didn’t fade. Since when did Kim Seungmin work at a flower shop?

“I’ll wait outside…” Before you could argue with your best friend, Felix was already opening the shop door and stepping outside, offering you a thumbs-up from the outside.

You shook your head and massaged your temples, not surprised Felix left you here on your own to chat with Seungmin. He always did this whenever you were together. Slowly, you made your way to the counter and placed your hands on it, glancing at Seungmin. As usual, he had a smirk on his lips that made your heart jump in your chest at an awfully fast pace. This was why you couldn’t stand Kim Seungmin. You didn’t like feeling this way when you were close to him.

“I’d like a small bouquet with… orange lilies and yellow carnations. You can make it ugly, I don’t care.”

“That bouquet is for me, isn’t it?” He chuckled and leaned on the counter, keeping his eyes on you. You glanced at his lips and back into his eyes, wishing you had the strength in yourself to look away. “Props to you for looking up the meaning of the flowers. Sadly, we don’t have those flowers in stock. Do you still want to offer me an I hate you flower arrangement?”

“Make me a flower arrangement with the flower you hate the most, then.” You leaned closer to him too, somewhat upset. “And I don’t care about how it looks. The more you hate it, the more I’ll like it.”

He shrugged. “I don’t hate any flower, Y/N. And I can’t possibly make it look bad, not even on purpose. I am that talented. However, it will never be as beautiful as you, of course.”

Here he was again, swaying you with his words. You didn’t like this at all, especially when you knew this was the most cliché pick-up line he could’ve used on you. Besides, he didn’t mean it. Seungmin charmed everyone around him with words, half of which he didn’t mean.

His words carried no meaning. He truly didn’t think you were beautiful no matter how much you wished he did.

As he got back to work on the flower arrangement you had requested him, you paced around the flower shop and glanced at the different shades and sizes, smelling a couple of them to get the full experience of their scents. Some were stronger while others were lighter, but you enjoyed all of them.

“Gardenia,” Seungmin said after a while. “Specifically the white ones.”

“Do you hate them?”

He chuckled and shook his head, glancing your way. “I don’t hate them. I just feel powerless by them.”

“Why is that?”

You started to walk towards the counter again, focusing on what Seungmin was doing. He had selected a couple of flowers and was working hard to prepare a flower arrangement. He was methodical in his work, quick too. You found yourself leaning on the counter, fascinated by what he was doing, admiring him from afar.

“I always wanted to give you a bouquet with them.” He stopped what he was doing and messed up his hair, quickly glancing at you. He was flustered, making you flustered in return. “They’re pretty flowers. But I always feared you’d know what they meant so I kept myself from sending them to you.”

“It’s ok if you despise me, you know? What do they mean, anyway?” You said that last part more to yourself than to him.

You got your phone out of your pocket again and searched for the name of the flower he had said. The more you read, the more confused you were. Most websites said positive things, lovely things. Seungmin couldn’t possibly mean that, could he?

“Like any other flower, they can mean different things. But if I ever gave you these flowers it would be to tell you that you’re lovely.”

Your eyes shot from your phone screen to Seungmin on the other side of the counter, extending a bouquet of white flowers to you. It took you a while to understand that the flowers in front of you were the same flowers on the images on your phone.

White gardenias. Seungmin had prepared a bouquet with white gardenias.

Slowly, you reached your hand towards the bouquet, unable to hide your smile. It looked pretty, not ugly as you had requested. And the flowers were lovely, maybe more lovely than you. However, you couldn’t help but wonder what you would do with it. You had asked him for a bouquet with the flowers he despised the most, but now that you knew what they meant, you couldn’t help but wonder if that wasn’t the message you wanted to get across to Seungmin, but couldn’t.

You’re lovely.

“So these are the flowers you loathe the most?” You asked, just be sure.

“I guess…” He shrugged and messed his hair, smiling at you afterwards. “Just let me know which meaning you’re giving to them once you offer me the bouquet later.”

You nodded, feeling your heartbeat increase the more you stared at him. Except, this time, instead of looking away or making a sarcastic remark pretending you didn’t care for him, you allowed yourself to smile and enjoy this small moment.

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ti’s skz author recs

good morning starshine! sulfurcosmos says hello! hehehe ☺️ i just wanted to make a little post to promote some amazing writers on stayblr. i feel like all of us writers need a little boost, and y’all need some recs! so here we go~ in no particular order… these are some (not all) of my fav skz writers.

@straykits — y’all~ kat just made a whole new account, so make sure to go follow! and while she works on new little masterpieces… you can read some of her older works in her masterlist! they’re all so heartwarming and some of them are a lil sad but it’s okay because they’re so beautiful

• recommendations:static|2.21pm

@thevampywolf — hehe i’m sure most of you know ash, yeah? little stayblr veteran. she writes the sweetest fluff with dad!chan, and probably some of the best spicy fics on here my favourites are her domestic fluff pieces though

• recommendations:early birds|polaris

@dreamescapeswriting — M is just such an amazing and dedicated writer. and i’m sure most of you are familiar with her works but if you aren’t… then bestie head on to her account and be prepared to be FED!! there is so much content on there and it’s all just SO AMAZING!!

• recommendations:you ask them out |take a hint

@lotus-dly — oh gosh. this person… they write such beautiful hurt/comfort fics. everything is just so raw and emotional and never fails to tug at my heartstrings. if you want to cry and then be encased in a big, warm hug… this is one blog you need to check out.

• recommendations:a love song and a confession|love me, even in my darkest moments

@petrichor-han — rain is such a talented writer and she writes just elaborate one-shots. always so detailed, always so developed, always so utterly emotional. her fluff is so sweet, and her angst is equally heart-wrenching, but in the most beautiful way.

• recommendations:shopaholic|the siren’s call

@lixesque — oh gosh, if you want creative, elaborate aus, written in the most beautiful way possible… you should really check out clove’s blog. she’s got such amazing ideas that she always fleshes out so well! none of her stories ever fail to impress.

• recommendations:symphony|leap of faith

@fizzydrink698 — yoooo fi is honestly such a talented writer. i haven’t read too many of her works but her chan fics never fail to leave me feeling absolutely gobsmacked her world-building is so detailed, and you really feel connected with all her characters. she really knows how to reel a reader in. anyway… if you want to read really good fantasy stories, you know where to go.

• recommendations:instinct|ease

@noramoons — ahhh beck is so amazing!! an absolute gem i’ve recently discovered. i haven’t read too many of her works but i’ve heard such amazing things about her series: for reasons wretched and divine. it’s definitely on my reading list! do check out their blog

• recommendations : for reasons wretched and divine|2.33 a.m.

@starryychan — gosh… if i had a dollar for every time i thought about what an amazing writer lina is, i’d probably be rich. she writes such simple scenes with such great complexity and honestly i am always in awe of how beautifully she strings words together.

• recommendations:so bad|how the sun loves the moon

@neo-shitty — another writer who writes incredibly beautiful little stories. toffee’s works are always so rich in emotion, and her sentences are nothing short of poetry. if you want to read works with memorable quotes… you really need to check out her blog.

• recommendations:gladius maximus|ghosting

@chaninfused — ahhhh furat is another beautiful gem i recently discovered, and let me tell you… her writing ability?? it’s at the level of a professional writer worth getting published. i actually felt extremely hyper and giddy when i read her works simply because her writing style is just so beautiful! it’s so rich with imagery, almost as if her works are painting pictures in my head.

• recommendations:when the clocks stop ticking|abittipsy

@cotccotc — okay V is absolutely wonderful, and i know they are on hiatus right now but gosh, yous really need to check out their fics! they’re all so well written and the humour weaved in between is actually top notch! i actually really love the way they write out their dialogues. they always feel so natural.

• recommendations:in too deep|sessions with you

@chogiwow — ivyyyy!!! oh wow. ivy is someone who never fails to leave me in awe with her writing, if i’m being honest. she writes such simple stories with such… beautiful complexity. and every sentence feels so carefully crafted, and reads like verses from poetry. i’m in love with the way ivy writes and i genuinely think you all should check out her blog. you will not regret it.

• recommendations:interview with the exes|breathe

@lee–felix — alright. i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again: amanda is one of the best writers on stayblr. i absolutely love the way she describes things and how emotional everything gets. her works never fail to make me tear up, but also never fail to make me smile. she’s amazing. i haven’t read any of her nsfw stuff but i’m sure it’s really good too!

• recommendations:have you ever seen the rain?|until the day i die

@mintchanniemint — mint has the cutest little series. all of her aus make me smile so much and i absolutely adore the way she characterises skz in her fics (especially bassist!chan ). she’s not as active these days but please go check out her works and send her some love!! it’s what she deserves.

• recommendations:bassist!chan (other parts in the masterlist) | husband!chan

@theirbbygirl — nyxie~ she’s amazing, and so is her work. she writes such cute fluffy fics and they never fail to give me butterflies and put a huge smile on my face. she’s not as active these days but she always drops by every now and then with a cute little masterpiece and i’m very certain it’s worth the wait!

• recommendations:the first “i love you”|second lead syndrome

@moon-lixie — oh gosh this author is genuinely so talented. i love the way they write and the beautiful words they use. every time i read their works, it feels like i’m reading a detailed scene from a movie. it’s always so raw, so emotional, so perfectly paced. i love their work and i’m sure you will too. go check them out!

• recommendations:have you ever loved someone so much that it hurts?|aphrodite

@dalamjisung — another writer i really loveeee! and personally, one of the best skz social media au writers. i absolutely love their work and their aus are genuinely etched on my heart. they’ll always remind me of the comfort they brought back when i was struggling and looking for an escape. and really, if you’re looking for an escape too… you know where to go. go check them out and leave some lovely feedback!

• recommendations:K.O.|meant to be
• they also started a new pirate!skz au! go check out the first chapter

@blueprint-han — eee i always come across dawn’s work from time to time and i’m always left in awe of how beautifully she writes. i love the way she describes intimate moments and her fluff pieces are always so so comforting. like a relaxing walk on a cold, dewy night. that’s the feeling i get when i read her works.

• recommendations:just hold me|silver rose

@violixs — oh my gosh this writer is another new pretty little gem i found! i haven’t read too many of their works yet but the one i did read left me in awe of how beautiful their writing style is go check out their blog!!

• recommendations:luckiness|happiness is a butterfly

please go support these writers! show them some love. reblog their work! send in asks! write little comments about how you felt when you read their words.

and to the people tagged here… besties i hope you know just how talented and amazing you are. i love you all and your works very very much and i hope you keep sharing more of your masterpieces with the world

and to the ones i didn’t tag… hehe i’m sorry, lovie! if i tagged everyone at once, i’d probably get hella exhausted just know that i love your work too (and maybe i’ll make a pt. 2 of this list sometime soon )

You pass by the living room and see Seungmin smiling discreetly at his phone. You got curious because the boy wasn’t even typing anything, he was just staring at his screen. Walking on your tiptoes, you stopped by his side and peeked at his phone. At first you didn’t understand much of what you saw, but in a flash the memories of last weekend flooded your mind and you suddenly remembered the pictures you and Stray Kids took while celebrating Jeongin’s birthday. Seungmin was specifically staring at one in which you were smiling widely to the camera while his arm hugged your waist tightly, pressing you against his body. It was the first time he got a bit more physically affectionate with you since you two met, and to be honest you liked a lot seeing this new side of him.
“Admiring the view?” you poked him and smirked seeing his surprised expression.
“Hm, yeah…” he said scrolling to the next picture, the one being a blurry selfie of Seungmin and you at the end of the night, both already spent after having so much fun together.
“I don’t know why but I can’t stop staring at us. We’d make such a cute couple” Seugnmin confessed quietly, but still loud enough for you to hear and blush a little.
“Are you flirting with me, Mr. Kim Seungmin?” you asked in a teasing tone, and even though his ears were completely red by now, he turned to look at you and smile.
“Yeah, I am. Are you okay with it?” your heart fluttered. Seungmin is always so considerate of you and your feelings that sometimes you think he’s literally an angel.
“I’m more than okay” you returned his smile and pecked his cheek.

SEUNGMIN SERIES RECS

⇨ ongoing | ✔ completed

Definitely Twice (sns AU) {23} ✔

Seungmin has had a crush on you ever since the sorting hat took forever to place you.@lvanter

Truth Untold (sns AU) {20} ✔

Y/n was continuously bullied and ran a blog dedicated to her thoughts. Little did she know a boy in her class was a daily reader. @serenhyunjinity

1-800-CUPID(sns AU) {15} ⇨

What are you supposed to do when your friend is secretly in love with someone, but too shy to act on it by themself? Play cupid, of course! Y/n is sure that getting involved in her best friend’s one sided love is the best route of action, even though she’s painfully clueless about love. But with a little help from her friends and some love of her own, maybe playing cupid won’t turn out such a huge disaster after all. @nakyngs

❥SEUNGMIN NAVI

[main masterlist] [stray kids masterlist] updated 7-31-21

Synopsis: The Captain Killer of Levanter is on the loose, but small-time fish merchant Captain Kim Seungmin is more interested in turning a profit and in the pretty tavern wench who keeps flirting with him. But as the murders continue and as Seungmin grows more infamous… 

… maybe he should be concerned about the Captain Killer.

Pirate AU with some fantasy elements. Cameos from OT8, Day6, TWICE, and GOT7 if you’re really looking.

Warning: alcohol, death, drowning, guns, knives, light gore, murder, one instance of suicide ideation, violence

Word Count:19.5k

Pairing: fem!reader x captain!Seungmin

Happy Halloween! I finally got around to editing this a year after I wrote it. 

03 March

He didn’t understand why he was afraid of his pursuer, but something deep inside was telling him to run. They had no visible face or weapon, yet there was an unmistakable aura of danger about them.

“Who— who are you?” The man scrambled backwards, splinters from the dilapidated dock digging into his palms as he tumbled onto the ground. “You’ve got the wrong guy, I swear. I— I didn’t do anything wrong!”

The hooded figure leaned down and cupped his face. He flinched at the coldness of the touch and the warmth of the familial gesture. “Captain Yang Jeongin, otherwise known as the Sea Fox, correct?” asked a velvety voice. When he nodded, his whole body trembling in fear, the figure smiled. “Tell me, how does a cabin boy become a captain in seven months?”

All the blood drained from his face as he realized who his pursuer was. “Please, I’m only a few hundred short. Just one more day, and I will have the money for you.”

“The sea does not take kindly to those who do not pay their debts.”

“Please. My mother and brothers need me! I’m so close,” he sobbed. “Have mercy on me!”

They ignored the pleas and stopped back. “Let the water be your judge.”

The figure flicked their hand, and a monstrous wave crashed upon the dock. Captain Yang choked on a mouthful of saltwater and begged for forgiveness, but his cries fell on deaf ears. However, the water did not seem to touch the figure, who watched as the captain thrashed around, trying to fight a foe who could not be hurt, before being dragged down to the depths of the ocean. His screams bubbled to the surface, and the sea went still.

All was well again.

24 March

The bustling port town of Levanter was famous for several things: trade, the finest gunsmiths, and the best rum on the eastern side of the world. Several taverns lined the streets and back alleys, but Captain Kim Seungmin only had eyes for one.

Back Door of the Sea.

Ever since he found out that he would have to land in Levanter for deliveries, he had been thrilled. The gruff old captains from his hometown always spoke of their rich, dark rum and had declared it to be a rite of passage to win a brawl at the rowdiest tavern in the largest port town of the east. As the young captain of a small fish merchant ship, Seungmin had a lot to prove. His family and his crew were depending on him, and no one would ever respect him if his current position was due to nepotism alone. He needed to establish a name for himself. Though he didn’t like it, the quickest way was to be seen as ruthless. Despite dropping anchors only a mere one hour ago, he headed straight for the tavern.

Even two buildings down, he could hear the music, along with the hollers and raunchy sea shanties. Yellow light flooded the windows, and a line of drunk men fell out the door.

With a thumping heart, he deftly weaved around the drunkards and stepped inside. There, the cacophony was greater, the air sweet and sticky with rum and sweat. He had planned to head straight for the bar, but he kept getting distracted by the sights around him: a group with their cutlasses waving about in the air, a drinking competition between a large, muscled man and a lass who couldn’t have been more than fourteen, the amount of free flowing gold at the bar…

“What can I get you?”

You, the young woman behind the bar counter, looked too young and innocent to be serving in such a place, Seungmin thought. Though that was similar to what his elders always told him when he decided to captain a ship. He smiled back at you, and your own expression turned more genuine.

“Rum, please,” he said.

You laughed, and he burned red with embarrassment as he realized his mistake. He was too used to the bar wenches at home knowing what he wanted.

“First time drinking?” you teased. “What kind of rum do you want?”

“Dark. Honey Fever, if you have it.”

“Of course we do.” You expertly poured him a glass and slid it across to him.

He barely caught it before it tipped over the edge. The amber liquid stung his throat when he swallowed it, and he could feel the rum burning as it went down. No wonder why the rum here was so renowned; it was even better than at home.

“Let me guess. You’re from the JY Isles, aren’t you?” At his stunned face, you clapped your hands together. “Knew it! JY Isles lads always like Honey Fever. Not surprising, seeing that that’s where it’s originally from. So, what’s your name?”

“Kim Seungmin.”

“What are you? A surgeon? A mate? You’re too old for a powder monkey. Cabin boy?”

“None of those,” he replied before bringing the glass to his lips again. “I’m captain.”

Your mouth dropped open, but you quickly regained your composure when someone called for another round of drinks. You scurried away to fulfill the order, but you looked back at him with a certain look in your eyes he couldn’t place. Curiosity? Admiration? Attraction? Seungmin heard stories of women throwing themselves at captains — if he was being honest, he had expected it would happen at some point — but despite the power he held, he felt small and scrutinized. It was all too much for someone who had been captain for a week at most.

“Aren’t you too young to be captain?” You were back with a brand new stain on your white top and a slew of empty glasses.

“Everyone certainly seems to think so. Do you need help with that?” he gestured to the tray you were balancing.

“I’m alright. You might not be though.” You paused and glanced around the room before leaning forward. Your voice was a whisper when you said, “Have you heard of the Captain Killer?”

Levanter always had a few criminals around, mostly thieves and bounty hunters, but it seemed that their latest most-wanted had a vendetta against captains only, as evidenced by the killings of the Double J’s, the Stormwrangler, and just recently, the Sea Fox. It was hard not to know about the Captain Killer. Seungmin had overheard some sailors talking about him at the docks, and there were yellowed notices tacked to every bounty board and wall.

“Of course. What about him? Is he here?” Now it was Seungmin’s turn to eye the crowd.

“No! Well, at least I hope not. You just don’t seem very worried about being murdered, considering you’re apparently a captain.”

Seungmin shrugged and finished his drink. It no longer hurt to swallow now that his throat was numb to the pain. “He only goes after the notorious, high ranking ones. I have nothing to worry about. I captain a ship for a small fishery.”

You shook your head. “The Sea Fox was a fish merchant captain too, and he was found drowned two weeks ago. You should have seen the corpse, all bloated and half-eaten by fish. I heard you could count his ribs.”

He counted out two gold pieces and dropped them at the counter. There was a fight breaking out on the other end of the tavern, and he wanted in. “Maybe he just drowned.”

You laughed. “No one ‘just drowns’ in Levanter. I’d be careful if I were you, Captain. It would be a shame to lose such a pretty face around here.”

Seungmin felt his cheeks grow warm, and it was not from the rum. “Good night… I didn’t catch your name.”

“Y/N. And fair winds, Captain. No one’s beaten Mad Dog John yet.”

You were right to wish him luck.

Liquid courage definitely gave him courage but not strength. A clean right hook to his jaw immediately had him wishing he had stuck to the bar, and a swift punch to his stomach had him wishing he had not drank. A skinny twig of a boy jeered at him, but before Seungmin could land a hit on him, some swab dug his heel into Seungmin’s private quarters. He limped back to his boat that night, too ashamed to stay around and afraid to further damage what little reputation he had.

When he woke up the next morning, he had fresh bruises and the desire to stay in bed. None of the crew had seen him return last night, and he wasn’t sure if he could face any of them. His first mate, a veteran sailor named Wonpil, would be the first to laugh at him and tell everyone back home what happened.

However, sales had to be made. Seungmin put on his rarely worn navy blue coat and pulled the collar as high as possible to hide the injury on his jaw. Most of the crew was gone, presumably to find better breakfast than the usual biscuits their cook offered.

“Cap’n,” the cabin boy, Dowoon, saluted. Evidently the lowest member of the crew was forced to stay behind. “The fishmongers are here.”

Seungmin gave him a curt nod. “Are the fish ready to be unloaded?”

“Aye, sir. The crew already brought them up to the deck. Should I drop the plank for the fishmongers now?”

“Yes.”

A short while later, a group of middle-aged men flocked by their workers boarded his ship. Seungmin collected his gold and scribbled down the numbers for the daybooks, while the Dowoon directed the workers to the barrels of fish.

“Captain Kim?”

Seungmin looked away from his observations to discover a woman on his ship. He didn’t believe the superstitions, but the oddity was jarring. “You’re the bar wench from Back Door, aren’t you? What are you doing here?”

You smiled. “I thought it was you. I bookkeep for a few merchants during the day.” You pointedly looked at his jaw, and he turned red under your gaze. “I warned you about Mad Dog.”

“He’s, uh, a good fighter,” he lied. He had been taken out by other competitors, but you didn’t need to know that.

“He’ll be back tonight if you want to try again. I’ll have a glass of Honey Fever waiting for you.”

Your invitation echoed in his ears and made him feel like he had drunk a full bottle of rum. “I can’t. We’re leaving tomorrow morning, so I’ll be busy tonight.”

“Oi, what are you talking about, Captain?” a voice called. Wonpil. He and the rest of the crew were back. “We’ll take care of it.”

Seungmin did not want to brawl, and he wasn’t even sure if he would be physically able to. “No, no. I should stay and help,” he insisted.

Wonpil slung an arm over his shoulder. “You deserve a night off with a pretty lass, Captain.”

While Seungmin was vehemently protesting and blushing, you did not seem the least bit perturbed by his statement. You grinned and said, “I’ll be waiting,” before leaving with the fishmongers.

Once you were far away, Seungmin turned to his first mate, who now had the biggest smirk on his face. “What was that? Look, I know you mean well, but I am your cap—”

“Aye, I hear you. Your pops told me to look after you, so I am.” He turned serious. “You need a break, Seungmin. It’s only been a week since we left the Isles, and you’ve already got gray hair over nothing.”

“It’s my family’s livelihood. And we’ve got four more towns to go to.”

Wonpil patted him on the back. “Me and the lads will get it all worked out. ‘Sides, don’t you have a brawl to win?” He flicked Seungmin’s collar aside and poked at the deepening bruise. “Don’t think I don’t see it.”

Seungmin winced and edged away, pressing a delicate hand to his jaw. “Bilge-sucker,” he spat out.

“There you go, bookkeeping boy,” Wonpil grinned. “There’s a captain in the making.”

The moon was out and the tides were crashing against the ship when Seungmin headed back to the tavern. His crew, true to their word, busied themselves with the sails and lines, and bid him good luck. Wonpil made him take a cutlass, and Sungjin, the cook who also doubled as the surgeon, rubbed a herbal-smelling salve on his injuries.

Like you promised, there was a glass of Honey Fever waiting for him at the bar. You were busy chatting with another man when Seungmin sat down, but you quickly excused yourself once you saw him.

“Enjoy the wine,” you called after him before turning to Seungmin. “Hello, Captain Kim. Glad you showed up.”

“Who was that?” he asked, nodding at the man you were previously talking with. “He looks familiar to me.”

You arched an eyebrow. “No need to be jealous. He’s a regular around here. He’s actually a captain himself. Lee Felix, the Silver Serpent.”

“Oh, the treasure hunter. My father bought something from him some time ago for my mother.”

“You aren’t supposed to be working on a ship, are you?” You leaned down on the counter and propped your head up with your hands. “I can hear it in the way you talk and the way you dress; it’s too gentleman-y.”

He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I was studying business at university, but my father got injured, so I took over last week. I got his crew, and they made me captain for some reason.”

“Probably because you’re smart.” He shook his head, and you huffed. “You got into a university, of course you are. And” — your voice went soft here —  “I’m sorry to hear about your da.”

“Thank you.”

The conversation turned silent, and Seungmin sipped on his rum while you poured drinks for a batch of newcomers. The rum tingled going down and spread a familiar confidence throughout him. He could hear the raucous start of a brawl on the other end of the tavern, and the bruises over his body ached. Despite himself, he finished his glass and started walking towards the fight.

You noticed this and called out, “Good luck!”

He weakly grinned back. His cutlass, sheathed at his waist, hit his leg with each step. He had no intention of using it, but it felt reassuring that he would have a backup plan if things went south. Mad Dog was at the center of the chaos, and Seungmin somehow managed to dodge most of the flying fists and land a solid punch to his side. That was his only victory for the night though. Seungmin ended up being tossed onto a nearby table, causing several shattered glasses and spills across the floor.

He laid in the puddle of rum and his own self-pity for a while, contemplating why he decided to join the fight when he was already sufficiently battered from last night.

“Captain Kim!” he heard you say. You knelt down and helped him sit up. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” he said. His back stung, but at least his cutlass had not flown out and stabbed him. “I think I need a drink.”

You laughed. “You’re a sailor at heart.”

Once Seungmin was re-situated at the bar, you refilled his glass. He downed it all, and you tentatively poured him another.

“Numbing the pain?” you asked. He nodded, and you advised, “Make sure you can still walk right, else you’ll get mugged or murdered.”

You then reminded him that he also had to pay, and he drank his rum significantly more slowly after. The bag of gold coins he brought with him were luckily still in his coat pocket, and he dropped six coins onto the counter.

“Leaving so soon?” you said, more teasing than serious. “Mad Dog usually stays ‘til we close.”

“Last drink of the night.” Feeling bold — courtesy of said drink — he added, “I can stay a little longer for you though.”

He immediately regretted it when a sly fox smile appeared on your face.

“And for that, I’ll let you have another round on the house, you sweet talker.”

Was it the rum or the flirtatious compliment that had him running a fever? “Thank you, but it’s alright. I have to be up early tomorrow.”

You tucked the bottle back onto the shelf. “Next time you’re here then. When are you coming back?”

“Next month, or that was what my father did anyway. Monthly trips, I mean.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it. Say, where are—”

Unfortunately, someone — a seadog if Seungmin had to guess based on the scar across his eye — shouted, “Wench! You deaf or something?”

“On my way, bilge-rats!” you shot back. In a kinder tone to Seungmin, you said, “Sorry. You know how they are.”

The old men hardened by salt and wind from the Isles were similar, and Seungmin nodded sympathetically. “It’s alright. I should get going and help the crew anyway. What were you going to ask?”

“Where you’re going after Levanter.” You poured a full tray of drinks and started for the rowdy table near the back. “I’m coming, you filthy sea bass!” you retorted in response to their complaints.

He was amused by how quickly you switched personas. Sweet one second, and venomous the next. “The SM Archipelago.”

“Oh, I’ve heard how pretty it is there. Lucky you. Anyway,” you sighed, “good night and fair winds, Captain. I’ll be waiting.” You winked and turned away.

There was no need to since you weren’t facing him, but Seungmin hid his blush behind his coat collar. “Good night, Y/N.”

25 March

Who knew a broken compass would have been of so much value to him?

He leaned back in his desk chair with the golden compass in hand. Its needle was loose, but such a flaw brought a gift: the ability to control the sea. The waves could go still or grow the size of a mountain at his command. He rotated the needle, and the waters beneath his ship began gently swaying. Let his crew have a good night’s rest after the nightmare it was to retrieve the artifact of the sea god.

The young captain gently placed the compass into its velvet-lined case and snapped the box shut. He was exhausted from the day’s activities, and the expensive bottle of wine he had made him drowsy. Just as he was about to retire to his quarters, there was a loud knock on the door.

He cursed his crew for needing him so late. “What do you want?”

The lock clicked, and the door swung open. A hooded figure stepped inside, and he reached for the flintlock pistols at his desk. He pointed one at the stranger.

“One more step, and I’ll put a bullet through your skull,” he warned. “Who are you, and what do you want?”

They had the audacity to laugh. “Look how red you are. You couldn’t even hit me if I let you.”

The figure strolled purposely towards him, and he fired. The shot went wide and shattered the window of his wine cabinet. He blamed it on the sudden violent movement of the ship. Blasted compass had to go haywire at the worst time possible. When he pulled the trigger again, the bullet tore the painting he had a buyer lined up for. He cursed once more.

“Look at how much money you lost me,” he snarled. The figure was an arm’s length away, but he still couldn’t make out their face underneath their hood. “Spit it out already.”

They ignored him and closed the gap with their hand, running an ice cold finger down his jaw. “Captain Lee Felix, also known as the Silver Serpent, you have stolen from Pontus, and he demands retribution.”

He had not paid attention to the floor or the entrance. Seawater had been slowly streaming inside the room the entire time, and without warning, began rising. Cold water sunk into his boots, and when he finally took note, it was too late.

“Let the water be your judge.”

The ocean grabbed his ankles and pulled him to the ground, hauling him across his mahogany floors. In desperation, he shot wildly at where the figure stood, but each bullet either missed or was diverted by a wave. He gasped for air, but a hand made of water covered his mouth and forced its way down his throat. The figure watched as a limp Captain Lee disappeared past the door frame and listened as his body tumbled overboard.

The figure retrieved the compass from the jeweled case and tossed it out the window into the ocean. It bobbed up and down in the waves before sinking into the waiting palms of Pontus. Then as quickly as it came, the seawater receded and left behind puddles as the only evidence of its appearance. The ship’s movement slowed to a gentle rocking motion.

All was well again.

27 April

To say Seungmin had been relentlessly mocked by the seadogs from home was an understatement; it would have hurt less if they had shot him point-blank in the face. His own father had howled with laughter when Wonpil told him that his son lost two brawls in a row at Back Door. The elders had sent him back onto his ship with barrels of fresh fish for delivery and a ridiculous amount of healing salves and bandages.

The ship arrived in Levanter earlier than expected, and Seungmin let his crew take the day off. While some opted to catch up on sleep, Seungmin donned on his captain’s coat and headed to the marketplace with a plan to find you. He told himself that he wanted to hear the latest news about Levanter from you, but that wasn’t the entire truth.

He wanted his free drink too.

He remembered you said you did bookkeeping for some merchants, and he hoped he would find you behind a fish stall, recording yesterday’s sales. However, the late morning turned to early afternoon, and you were nowhere to be seen. After asking everyone he came into contact with, an old woman reported seeing you by the docks an hour ago.

As such, he returned to where his ship was located. To his excitement, you were sitting at the very end of the pier, atop of an abandoned crate. A leather-bound ledger was balanced precariously on your knees, and the sea breeze made the pages flutter. You pressed the top corner down with a stern finger as you read, but the bottom edges still ruffled. Seungmin almost didn’t want to interrupt such a peaceful moment; even the tides seemed gentler around you.

You were facing away from him, but the creaky planks as he stepped towards you made you notice his presence.

You looked up from your book and quickly shut it when you recognized him. “Captain Kim, you’re back! Has it already been a month? It’s so nice to see your pretty face again.”

He had forgotten how easily flustered he was around you. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself,” you laughed. “I love the ocean more than anything. Being away from it for too long makes me blue.”

“I suppose working by the water is more pleasant than in a stuffy study.” He offered you a hand. “I believe you owe me a drink.”

You held his hand but didn’t let him pull you up. Instead you patted the back of it. “Swing by the tavern tonight. I’ll be working then,” you winked.

“Right! And you’re working now as well,” he said, remembering that you were a bookkeeper by day. “I-I’ll let you get back to that. See you tonight?”

“I’ll be waiting.”

His crew seemed to be under the impression that every time he announced he was going to Back Door, he was looking to redeem himself with a win. Sungjin stuffed his coat pockets with pots of healing salves and rolls of bandages, while Jae, crew member and lover of all things dangerous, exchanged his bag of gold for a pistol. Unfortunately, Seungmin did not notice the extra weight — he had chalked it up to him being tired from a full day’s worth of sailing — until he mindlessly checked his pockets to ensure that he had not been robbed by any of the tavern’s patrons.

“Bilge-suckers,” he cursed when he pulled out the miscellaneous items.

“Captain, did you just—” You uncorked the rum bottle and grinned. “That calls for another round on the house.”

Seungmin sighed. “Sorry. Won’t you get canned if you keep giving me free drinks?”

You shrugged and poured the rum. “Doubt the boss will care. Spilled alcohol” — you gave him a knowing look —  “is nothing new here. So how was the SM Archipelago?”

“It was good. All four towns I went to were having a fish shortage, so I was able to get the fishmongers to pay more than usual. If they’re still having one now, I’ll be able to make a large profit the next time I visit. How’s Levanter been?”

“Same old, same old,” you hummed. “Trade is still good, Mad Dog is still undefeated, and the Captain Killer is still on the loose.”

“He still hasn’t been caught? It’s been a month.”

“You remember Captain Lee, the treasure hunter? He stopped by here the night before you left Levanter, and no one’s seen him since. The Captain Killer definitely got him. You should be careful.”

Seungmin shook his head. “He only goes after the high-ranking ones, and I’m just a small fish in a big ocean. They didn’t find Captain Lee’s body, so how do we even know he’s truly dead? Maybe he’s on vacation,” he joked, trying to get a smile or even an eye roll from you.

You lowered your eyes to his, and Seungmin felt his heart beat faster. Your gaze was intense, and there was not a trace of humor when you said, “Captain, I’m serious. Don’t give him a reason to go after you. He’s a shark. I’ve heard the sea witches in Levanter are getting more orders for protection charms and the like.”

Sea witches liked to reside in port towns and especially Levanter. Their advertisements were through word of mouth, and Seungmin had heard of a few during his time on the docks. Protection charms, paid for with gold, were the most popular items they provided, but there were also whispers of more deadly services. He dared not approach one in fear of payment.

You studied his face. There were no bruises, but he almost felt them reappearing under your appraising stare. “You might wanna consider getting one. I know a witch or two.”

“You’re really worried about me, aren’t you?”

“Five captains from Levanter are gone,” you softly said as you cleaned his now-empty glass. “One day they’re strutting around town, and the next day they’re sleeping with the fishes. I don’t want that to happen to you.”

Seungmin could see concern all over you. Your head hung low and you wiped down the glass, each of your motions slow and melancholy.

“I’ll try to be more careful,” he said. “I swear on my ship and my honor.”

“Thanks, Captain. And if you wanna charm, let me know. I’d miss you if you were gone, you know.” Your demeanor shifted back to normal, and a wicked grin spread across your face. “Who else would I give free drinks to and watch lose brawls?”

He chuckled. “Seungmin. You can call me Seungmin.”

Seungmin returned back to the ship in high spirits. He had spent a good hour chatting with you about everything, from rum to your latest mishap at the general store. After the initial conversation, you were back to your usual bright self, and there was never a moment where he wasn’t laughing or smiling. His steps were not as straight as they normally were when he left, and the walk back to his ship took longer than usual. Seeing his state, his crew descended upon him like a flock of seagulls and pestered him with questions.

“Did you finally win?”

“He’s got no injuries! You won right?”

“Did you use the gun? It’s a pocket pistol, but it stings like a cat o’ nine.”

His mood deflated as he remembered the three people Mad Dog threw onto the street. After two drinks — on the house, courtesy of you — he had almost considered joining the fight until you wisely talked him out of it. Seungmin tossed the weapon back to Jae and the medical supplies to Sungjin. “I didn’t fight. I just went for a drink and to hear the news.”

Jae inspected the pistol and frowned when he discovered it truly had not been used. He pocketed the gun and looked at his captain. “Wait, I took your gold! How did you even buy anything?”

“The pretty tavern wench, eh?” Wonpil nudged Seungmin’s arm and shot him a sly look. “I knew she caught your eye. Wait ‘til your pops hears about this! And your ma too!”

Just like that, Seungmin was pushed away and his potentially-existent love life discussed. He tried to interrupt, but Wonpil shoved him out of the circle of whispers.

“I’m your captain!” he protested. “And as your captain, I demand that—”

“Aye, you are, but you’re still a lad, and this talk is for men,” Wonpil replied. He goodnaturedly patted Seungmin’s back. “Don’t you have deliveries tomorrow morning? Get some shut-eye in case the wench comes again.”

Seungmin grumbled, but he still followed his first mate’s advice. Sure, Seungmin was supposed to have more power, but Wonpil was his father’s first mate and had more experience in just about everything. Besides, he reasoned, he did want to be well rested for all the merchants in the morning.

And for you as well, if you showed up.

He changed into his bedclothes and climbed into his hammock. He didn’t think he would be able to rest after the night he had, but the ocean waves eventually lulled him to sleep.

The sun in his eyes and the sound of footsteps woke him up the next morning. There were distant shouts from Dowoon about barrels, and Seungmin remembered that the fishmongers were going to show up later. He sighed and grabbed his daybook before leaving his cabin, which was something he regretted after Younghyun, the carpenter and sailing master, nearly ran over him with a barrel.

“Morning, Cap’n!” he saluted before rushing to the deck. “Everything’s ready.”

“Good morning?”

Wonpil was the next to greet him. Luckily, he only had a list of the inventory, of which he immediately handed to Seungmin. “Morning, Captain. Me and the lads are gonna get stock up on supplies, while you handle orders for the day. Be back in a few hours.”

“Alright then?” Seungmin replied to an empty doorframe as Wonpil disappeared up the stairs.

Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, and he had no idea why. When he stepped onto the deck, no one, not even Dowoon, was there. At least all the fish were ready though. He peered over the side of the ship to see how many fishmongers were waiting and also discovered the reason why his crew was acting so oddly.

You.

You were back, perched on top of a crate, waiting with one of the merchants. Seungmin, too happy for words, lowered the gangplank and announced that he was open for business. The two of you exchanged smiles as you passed by each other. Unfortunately, Seungmin grew too busy sorting barrels and cataloguing sales to chat with you for even a second.

Curse all of his crew for abandoning him at such an inopportune time.

You, on the other hand, milled around your merchant, dutifully collecting all transaction information. When your merchant was finally satisfied with his purchases, you waved him off and lingered around.

“Captain Kim,” you greeted, mock-saluting him. “Everything good so far?”

“Most of the fish reserved for Levanter have been sold, so yes. Just” — he checked the inventory list — “two more barrels left.”

“Good to hear. You gonna be at Back Door tonight? We got a new shipment of Honey Fever and Blue & Red coming in.”

“Blue & Red?” He racked his brain for what this was, and all he came up with was a possible memory of a limited edition version of Honey Fever.

You gasped and poked at the insignia on his coat. “You’re from JY Isles, its origin! How could you not know? It’s a new brand of rum that came out a few weeks ago.”

“Ah.” Seungmin had stayed away from taverns when he returned home from last month’s trip due to the merciless teasing from every old salt in a ten-meter radius. Not that that had stopped them anyway. “I, uh, must have forgotten.”

“You’ll love it,” you assured him. “It’s like spiced Honey Fever. I’ll have a glass waiting for you.”

Before Seungmin could even nod, the last remaining fishmonger grabbed a hold of your shoulder and snarled, “Wench, you done talking? I’ve got business to do here. What’s a woman like you doing on a ship anyway? Get outta here.”

You grabbed his wrist and reached for something in your skirt pocket. “Listen here, you scummy—”

Fearful of the havoc you were about to cause, Seungmin pulled you away just in time and cut in with, “Sir, I can help you now.” Then he leaned towards you and whispered, “I’ll see you tonight.”

You put the pen knife away and straightened your blouse, glaring at the fishmonger. “Scummy sea bass,” you hissed. To Seungmin, you sweetly said, “Fair winds, Captain.”

“Fair winds.”

The crew had stocked up well on their trip to town, and as such Sungjin cooked a grand meal for dinner. Seungmin couldn’t remember the last time he had vegetables that weren’t brown and wilting. He grew up in a fishing town, and there wasn’t much farmland in the Isles. With their bellies full of food and the finest rum Levanter had to offer, most of the crew drifted to sleep right at the table. Seungmin was ready to do the same until he remembered his promise to you and until he realized that he should inform you that he would be sailing for the Archipelago soon.

He tiptoed off the ship and headed straight — or as straight as he could possibly walk — to the tavern. There really was no establishment like Back Door, with its fine selection of rum and its rowdiness of ten taverns. He would miss coming here. When he came in, deftly dodging a flying bottle, he spotted you with an empty tray tucked under your arm.

“Y/N,” he called after you.

You looked back and flashed him a grin. You pointed at the empty seat at the bar and the full glass of what he assumed was Blue & Red. “Gimme a minute.”

He settled into the barstool and tasted the rum. Spicy and definitely not as good as Honey Fever. He swallowed what he already had in his mouth, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted the rest.

“Classic kinda fellow, are you?” you said, raising your eyebrows at his sour expression. You set down an armful of dirty glasses and started wiping them down. “I thought you’d like it.”

He didn’t mean to make you feel bad. “No, no! It’s— it’s fine!” He hurriedly chugged the remaining liquid and tried to not cough it back up as it burned on the way down.

“Cap— Seungmin,” you corrected. “It’s alright. The usual then?”

He started to nod but shook his head. “I had some at dinner, but thank you anyway. I actually came to tell you I’m leaving tomorrow.”

“Oh! Already? You just got here though.”

Seungmin, unsure of what else to do, shrugged apologetically. “I’m sorry. I wish I could stay longer.”

“Me too,” you sighed. You rested your head on your forearms and looked up at him. “You be back in a month?”

He tried hard to not let his blush show, but he couldn’t hide it behind his collar since he wasn’t wearing a coat. He managed to find some gold in his trouser pockets, and he set them at the counter. “For last night,” he said. “And I should be here again in a month. Save me a drink when I get back?”

“I’m starting to think you only hang around me for free drinks. Not that I mind though. Not many gentlemen around here, so you’re more refreshing than an ocean breeze,” you winked. You laughed at his panicked face. “Good night and fair winds to you, Seungmin. I’ll be waiting.”

“As will I.”

16 May

A crescent moon hung in the sky, and inky black waves crashed against the rocks.. The wind howled in his ears, and if he closed his eyes, he could almost hear her cheering on the gales, encouraging them to blow their sails. It was a near creation of that horrendous night, and he wanted nothing more than to forget. His empty bottles laid shattered on the dock, his bare feet dangling over the water. If he wanted to, he could just inch forward and sleep forever.

The floorboards creaked, and he felt someone sit beside him. It was too dark to see them, but he offered the whiskey in his hands. Maybe they were like him.

“So it’s true,” they whispered. “The captain with the face of a mermaid. The scar does add to the appeal.”

He snorted and took back his whiskey. He hated the gash across his face, a souvenir of the night. “You’re lucky I’m too drunk to kill you,” he slurred. His cutlass was somewhere on him, and he fumbled around his hip for it before brandishing it at the stranger. “You see that? If I stab you right, you’ll be dead.”

The stranger gently turned his face to theirs. Their palm was ice to the touch, and he recoiled when they left their hand on his cheek. She used to wake him up like that — frosty hands placed on his cheek on winter mornings.

He squinted through the darkness to see if he could make out who they were, but unfortunately for him, they wore a hood, and the rest of their attire was covered by the attached cloak.

“Captain Hwang.”

“Get away.” He forcefully leaned back and rubbed the side of his face against his shoulder, trying to warm it back up.

“I had a question for—”

“I ain’t interested in talking to you. ‘Less you got something to drink? I like whiskey most, but I’ll take anything.”

They ignored his remarks. “You have some experience with sirens, don’t you? Let me think… Two months ago, was it, when you and your sister went sailing? How was it?”

The blood in his veins froze, and all the memories he tried so hard to forget came flooding back.

Her, excited by the prospect of exploring the sea. Her, reading the map. Her, steering the wheel for the first time. Her, diving into the water. Her, disappearing into the ocean.

“Shut up,” he gasped out. “Shut up.”

“You slaughtered them all,” they continued, whispering in his ear. “And dismembered them. One. By. One.”

The sirens, their song luring her closer. The sirens, smiling at her thrashing. The sirens, smug at their latest victory. The sirens, bloody and gutted and never to sing again.

He shuddered as he remembered the aftermath. There was so much red on the sand, in the water, on his skin. Everything looked red. “They killed her. I had to.”

“She listened to their song and succumbed to it. The sirens did no wrong, but you did.”

“Shut up. Shut up!” He shoved the figure aside and tried to get up, but the world spun him until he landed on his back. “They deserved to die. They killed her!”

The figure was unbothered and stood over him. “Captain Hwang Hyunjin, the Siren of the Shore—”

“Don’t call me that.” He wished he had never allowed the nickname to spread after the news broke out.

“—you have committed at least three counts of unlawful murder. The ocean—”

“‘Unlawful?’” he managed to choke out. “Nothing ‘unlawful’ about punishing murderers.”

“—sentences you to the death penalty. Let the water be your judge.”

Judge, jury, and most importantly, executioner. He reached for his cutlass, but a heavy boot came down upon the blade and ensured he would not be able to grab it. Realizing it was his end and his desire for life was dwindling by the second, he remained still, taking in the last of the world. Dark and sullen, he would not miss it. He did not flinch, not even when he heard the waves grow more violent, not even when the moon was swallowed by a wall of water, not even when he was snatched from the safety of the dock.

He was going to see her again.

The surface water rippled as he was laid to rest in his grave, and the figure kicked the blade — still splattered with siren blood — into the ocean as another piece of retribution. The sea calmed, and all was well again.

28 May

The trip back home to restock was rough due to the weather, and he hadn’t slept well in days. Seungmin shut and opened his daybook twice to make sure his eyes were working properly. He had never seen so many zeros on a single line before. Or maybe he shouldn’t have let his crew be in charge during the sales in the Archipelago.

“Wonpil, is this…”

Wonpil grinned and nodded. “Aye, Captain.”

“… a joke?”

The grin faded and was replaced by concern. “No! The fishmongers were desperate for fish and offered me coffers of gold. And in N City, they said we had some rare ones, so I took the highest bidder.”

Rare fish? From the Isles? Or was it a hybrid breed or a mutation that made it look different? Seungmin’s mind was full of questions about them, but it didn’t matter. If he could get his hands on more of those fish, he would be rich. His father could have the best medical care possible, his mother could stop running errands for others in her old age, he could buy a new and better ship, his crew could…

“Captain? Oi, Captain.”

Wonpil’s words woke him out of his daydream. Seungmin shook his head and stared at the pages once more. The numbers were still there, and if he waved his hand in front of them, they didn’t disappear.

“What did the fish look like?” he breathed. “Did they say?”

Wonpil hummed, and Seungmin could see him actively trying to recall the description of the fish. “Big,” he finally said. “Big and with an orangey dorsal fin. Should I get your pops?”

His father. If Seungmin did this right, his father could live a life of luxury and never return to his current hazardous job at the shipyard. “Yes, please. We’re going to find this fish and make it ours.”

31 May

Never had he been so paranoid of thievery until he possessed barrels and barrels of valuable goods. When they dropped anchors in Levanter, the sun was setting and burned the sky orange. Dark blue began to creep in, and Seungmin was unusually worried about neighboring ships stealing his cargo in the dead of night. All of his crew assured him that everything would be fine, especially since no one but them even knew of the existence of such a species of fish. However, he was not placated, not even when Dowoon voluntarily stood guard in front of the hold. He vaguely remembered your suggestion to get a protection charm from a sea witch. He wondered if they worked for fish barrels.

Seungmin paced the deck, patrolling, for a solid hour before Wonpil practically threw him onto the dock. “Take a break, Captain,” he shouted, tossing a bag of gold at him. “Get us some rum!”

Jae scrambled to pick up the plank before Seungmin could run back on board. “We got it! Bring back some bottles for us!”

And that was how Seungmin found himself in his favorite tavern in Levanter. He had initially planned to buy some rum and then return to his ship, but you caught sight of him and headed over to him.

“Seungmin! You’re back!”

He couldn’t help but mirror your smile. “Y/N. How have things been?”

“Alright, I suppose. It’s definitely better now that you’re here,” you cheerfully said. You gestured to the shelf of liquor behind you. “Drink?”

“Not tonight. I’m buying bottles. Can I get three of Honey Fever and two of Blue & Red?”

“Sure. Gimme a minute.”

You then headed to the storeroom, leaving Seungmin time to observe the rest of the tavern. There were no brawls yet, but a lass had started a drinking competition with someone. Another person poorly played the fiddle and sang sea shanties, and the screech of their voice was accompanied by a few drunkards discussing the latest crimes in town. A man in a black brocade coat — likely another captain — was locked into a gambling game and appeared to be winning.

Seungmin had missed it, unsavory characters who could possibly steal away his fortune and all.

The noise of glass rattling brought his attention to you. You had an open crate with his orders inside, and you heavily set it on the counter.

“Here you go,” you sighed. “You celebrating something?”

“In a way.”

“Oh! What is it?” You eagerly leaned forward, and your eyes were wide with anticipation. “A birthday? Is it a gift for someone? Wait, is it your birthday, Seungmin?”

He laughed and shook his head. Before he could change his mind, he quickly whispered to you, “I found some rare fish in the Isles.”

You blinked and leaned back a little. “Treat them well, or there will be trouble,” you warned.

“I will. If I sold poor quality fish, my customers would have my head.” It was supposed to be a joke, but now that he said the words out loud, he was sure there was some truth to it. His mind flashed to the cranky fishmonger who swore up and down his latest delivery of mackerel was subpar.

“So you’re gonna turn a profit?” You set an empty glass before him. “How about that drink then? To celebrate?”

“Maybe tomorrow,” he replied, taking the crate in his hands. “I need to get back.”

Your merriness turned into dejection, and he wanted to slap himself for being rude. You hadn’t seen him in a month, and if he was being honest, he wanted to chat with you longer as well. He missed how easygoing you were and how you made him feel. However, the thought of his father reminded him why he was doing it — to keep the business running and to keep his family secure.

“I can stay longer tomorrow night,” he promised. “I’ll stay until sunrise and drink everything you offer me. And you can tell me everything that’s happened to you, even the boring things from bookkeeping.”

You brightened. “You’re my favorite patron, you know that? I’ll be waiting.”

Seungmin shifted the crate to one arm and waved goodbye with his free one. “Good night, Y/N.”

“Good night, Seungmin.”

Another day, another line in the daybook with numbers he had never seen before. Seungmin, in high spirits, arrived at Back Door with gold lining his pockets and a sense of accomplishment. Dozens of eyes stared at him as he entered, and a wave of murmurs rippled through the building as they recognized him as the newest upcomer in the fish market. He tried to not smile too much or come off as too arrogant, but by Pontus if he wasn’t pleased by how much money he made.

He sat down at the bar, and a bar wench that was certainly not you gave him a coy smile.

“Hello, Captain,” she purred. “Fancy a drink? Or would you like something… sweeter?”

“I, uh, I—”

“Back off, Sana,” you said with an armful of rum. “He’s my regular.”

Her coquettishness vanished, and she looked back and forth between you and him in delight. “This is him? You didn’t tell me he was the Fish Dealer. Lady Luck has been smiling upon you, Y/N.”

“The Fish Dealer?” he asked.

“That’s what they’re calling you now,” you replied as you nudged Sana away. “Cute, isn’t it?”

He shrugged. He would have liked something less on the nose, but at least he had a nickname now. His reputation had to be improving.

“Your usual,” you said, setting down a glass in front of him. “So how did you get those fish anyway? It’s all everyone’s talking about.”

Seungmin shrugged like it was no big deal, but on the inside, he was alight with joy. As nonchalantly as he could, he replied, “A couple of fishmongers in N City realized we had a new fish species, and when I returned home, I looked around for fish matching the description. My father and I found some more of them in the Isles.”

You waited for him to say more, but he did not. “So, where exactly did you find them?” you prodded. “And how did you even get them without everyone finding out? It’s mostly fishing and fisheries in the JY Isles, right?”

“I don’t want to say,” he slowly said, gesturing around. “You know, to keep it a secret.”

“Understandable, but boring. Remember what I told you yesterday.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful with the fish.” With how much money he was earning, of course he would. “About those protection charms? What exactly do they protect?”

“You want one? It’ll take me a couple days to get one for you, so you’ll need to stay a while.”

“But what do they protect?”

“Depends on the witch and what you ask for,” you slowly answered. “Most sailors ask for storm or sea protection, but Pontus doesn’t always heed those. People specifically want drowning protection now. Again, Pontus doesn’t always heed those. What is a witch to the ocean after all?”

All the found captain corpses had been drowned. Charm or no charm, they all wound up dead anyway. “What about property? Cargo and the like?”

“Oh, Seungmin,” you sighed. He would have found it a lovely sound if not for the exasperation it held. “Do you care about those blasted fish more than your life? How about you give me the location and I send a sea witch to charm the place?”

“You know I can’t. As for the charm, I have to leave tomorrow morning. It’s alright, I’ll be careful. I will treat the fish well.”

You nodded sagely, accepting his promise. Then your eyes lit up with mischief, and you gave him a sly grin. “I’ll give you free drinks forever if you tell me the location?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “You do that anyway.”

“It’s the only way I know how to flirt with you. Can you blame me?”

Fortunately, someone shouted for a refill, so Seungmin could recollect himself when you attended him. Unfortunately, you called to your fellow bar wench, “Sana, can you cover for me?”

She nodded and headed over to the gambling table, while you stayed at the counter, pouring a glass of Blue & Red for yourself.

“I missed you around here,” you remarked, noticing the way Seungmin’s face turned even pinker. “No one else blushes for me like you do. Now, what are we going to talk about until sunrise? You did promise to stay until then.”

“How has Levanter been?” he questioned, eager to no longer be the main point of the conversation. “Is the Captain Killer still killing captains?”

It was a joke, but your face immediately fell. Your eyes flitted over to the bounty board where the Captain Killer’s weathered paper was. “Aye. The Siren of the Shore was found dead last week. He lost his sister a few months ago, so everyone thinks he drowned himself, but he’s another captain gone. Seungmin,” you sighed and he knew exactly what you were going to say next, “you should really be careful now. You’re starting to become more well-known, so you could be his next target. Don’t give him a reason to go after you.”

“I know, I know, but I’m a fish merchant, remember? There’s nothing intimidating about me.”

“Except that you’re rich now, and maybe he wants some gold from you.” You polished off your drink and refilled his. “Be careful.”

He nodded and raised his right hand. “I swore on my ship and honor, and I still do.” In the world’s worst attempt to change the topic, he asked, “How is the bookkeeping business?”

You looked relieved to discuss something else other than his possible doom, though you were the one who was always bringing it up. “Well, it is doing fine, thank you for asking. Oh! You are not gonna believe what happened yesterday! Do you know who… ”

You started your story about the merchant who tripped over a bundle of rope and landed in a pile of fish guts, and Seungmin laughed all throughout at everything you told him. True to his word, he stayed until the morning. Your shift was supposed to end at two o’clock, but you remained behind the bar, chatting with him and occasionally fulfilling orders with the other wenches. Most of the patrons now were either asleep or passed out drunk. Despite how much rum he had and how little rest he had gotten the past few days, Seungmin still felt sober enough to head back to his ship.

He placed a handful of gold on the counter as payment. “I’ll see you next month?” he whispered, not wanting to be the target of someone’s anger at being woken up so early.

Your head rested on your forearms, and you let out a yawn. You blinked sleepily at him and smiled. “I’ll be waiting. Maybe we can walk on the beach instead of drinking all night. I hear it’s very romantic.”

The weak sunlight filtering through the windows cast a halo on you, and he could almost imagine a crown of moonlight in its place.

“That would be… nice,” he lamely replied, ignoring the growing heat on his cheeks. Still facing you, he walked backwards to the door and almost stumbled over a man on the floor. “G-goodbye, Y/N.”

“Goodbye and fair winds, Seungmin.”

As predicted, he got an earful from his crew when he made it to his ship, but not the kind he expected. They were more curious about how things went instead of annoyed that their captain came back half an hour before they were going to leave. Jae didn’t let him on board and withheld the plank until Seungmin explained in excruciating detail about his night.

“… and then she wished me fair winds,” he finally finished. He massaged his temples and hoped that the gentle throbbing he felt was irritation and not a hangover. “Drop the plank now!”

Jae begrudgingly did so. “She didn’t even kiss you goodbye? You got no charms or something?”

At the word ‘charms,’ he thought back to your concern. Perhaps he should get one, if only to ease you. Seungmin pushed past Jae to his quarters. He didn’t miss the smirk across every single one of his crew member’s faces. “Weigh anchor, lads.”

“Aye, aye, captain.”

03 June

The sound of dripping water on a ship — especially one that was floating in the middle of the ocean — was never a good sign, but no one else seemed to hear it. He growled to himself as he took a lantern down to the cargo hold. Every single one of his blasted crew members reported no leaks, but he barely trusted those lazy swabs anyway after what happened last time.

Dripping water led to rushing water, which led to a sinking ship.

As he went down the stairs, the persistent drip drop grew louder. It echoed in his ears, and he was overcome with the urge to tear through all the barrels and crates. He muttered curses to himself as he checked the walls of the hold nearby and the water supply.

Nothing. Not even a wet spot on the floor.

His suspicions were correct in that his crew was lazy. No one had bothered — or perhaps they were too afraid to — to check on the animals. Blasted cowards.

The lantern light gleamed on the enormous tanks in the back, and he walked up to the closest one. He rapped on the glass with his knuckles and chuckled when the tropical fish inside darted away.

“Where’s my favorite fishy?” he teased, tapping again. He held the lantern closer until he could make out a large iridescent tail curled on the opposite end. “My pretty little fishy. Is all your water still here?”

The owner of the tail quickly spun away, hiding itself behind a passing school of glowing fish.

“Come out, come out,” he said in the same singsong tone. When he knocked louder, it trembled and made small whimpering noises. “C’mon, fishy. If you answer me, I’ll give you a treat.”

It coiled into an even tighter bundle, its scales shimmering in the light as it did so. After a brief pause, it gave a pitiful nod.

This thing had been compliant from the start, and he still expected it now, especially since he had control over its life. He snarled and pounded on the glass, making it flinch. “I don’t like liars,” he spat out. “Where’s the leak, huh? I know it was you.”

“No, Captain,” a new voice interrupted. “It was me.”

He turned to the direction from where the voice was coming from. A hooded figure, no weapon in sight, stood not too far away.

“So I got a stowaway?” he chuckled, drawing his cutlass. “Tryna sink the ship you’re on ain’t a good idea.”

The figure laughed and stepped closer, easily batting his sword aside. It clattered against the floorboards, and he was suddenly stricken with a sense of terror. They were offenseless, he was defenseless, but he couldn’t help but feel that whatever was coming would not result in a draw.

“It’s a perfectly grand idea for what you have done, Captain Lee. More than fair, as a matter of fact. The ocean knows of your crimes, but we can no longer turn a blind eye to them after what you have most recently done.”

They touched the tank, and the water inside started to sway, covering the glass in hundreds of droplets and making it difficult to see inside. The dripping, wherever it was coming from, grew louder and faster. The wooden floorboards darkened in color as the sea began seeping in, and the entire ship began to shake.

“The sea’s fair game,” he hoarsely answered. “Those bilge-rats. We’re sinking.”

He ran for the exit, but a cold hand swiftly grabbed his wrist and snapped him back. He tried to pull away, but their grip was unrelenting. Meanwhile, more and more water flooded in, tipping the ship backwards.

“The captain goes down with the ship.”

“I ain’t captain anymore!” he lied. The tanks were cracking under the impact of sliding crates and barrels, and he wanted out before the creatures could break free. “I’ll get the real one for you if you let me go.”

The sound of running footsteps and his cabin boy shouting, “Captain! Captain Lee! The boat is going down!” entirely disproved his claims. The footsteps retreated after sending the message, and Captain Lee once again cursed his useless crew.

“Don’t listen to him!” he pleaded.

The figure only derisively laughed in reply. Soon the tilt of the ship grew steeper, but the figure’s hold on him prevented him from moving a single bit. He wondered how they were still standing upright.

“Captain Lee Minho, also known as the Black Cat,” they said over the rush of incoming water, unbothered by the calamity around them, “sea creatures are not meant to be kept confined and gawked at for your pleasure. Stealing away a mermaid from her home and locking her away, the ocean cannot forgive you. Let the water be your judge.”

Suddenly the ship lurched downwards, and he fell with it as his wrist was freed from its grasp. The seawater tumbled down onto him, and he knew he was going to drown if he didn’t do anything about it. He opened his eyes, ignoring the stinging of the salt, and found himself face-to-face with his pretty little fishy. Her wide eyes stared back at him, taking in the details of his face. Apparently, her timid nature had washed away, and she patted his cheek in a mock-reassuring manner. Too panicked by his predicament to do anything in return, he watched as she swam to the figure, hood still covering their face, cloak billowing in the currents. They appeared to be unbothered by the water, and he wondered if they were something magical like a mermaid too.

Captain Lee did his best to swim upwards towards the air, but it seemed like the ocean would not allow it. His prized exotic fishes, having finally escaped their glass cage, circled him, restricting his movements. If he was not deterred by that, the water above him would push him down to the ever-sinking floor of the boat.

The figure and the mermaid seemed amused at his efforts, and he could hear the mermaid’s bubbly giggles. Her friend, however, only viewed in silence, almost savoring the moment. He couldn’t decide which reaction was worse.

He was running out of air, and his futile attempts only helped diminish his supply. His heart thumped at an increasing rate, and black slowly obscured his vision.

He wondered how his crew was faring.

The ship, ov