9

9: I Met The Captain

I slowly sat up. I was in a bed. Had someone bring me here ? I looked to the side of the bed I was in, finding clothes already laid out. Where did they get these ? I decided not to dwell on this as I showered & got dressed.

I walked out of the room drying my hair when Wooyoung quickly sat me down. A plate being put before me. We were currently docked. "We're docked, already ?", I asked a bit disappointed to not be at sea. Wooyoung looked concerned as he sat across from me. "실망했어요, 나래아? 우리는 몇 시간 전에 정박했어요. 대위님이 깨어날 때까지 옆에 있으라고 했어요." (Are you disappointed, Narae ah ? We docked a few hours ago. Captain told me to stay back with you until you woke up.)

Why did their captain want to take such good care of me ? I sighed as I ate. "How long was I asleep ?" Wooyoung made an awkward expression before giving a small smile. "Four days..."

"4일이요!?" (FOUR DAYS !?), I yelled as I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I was asleep for four days ?! Wooyoung simply nodded. "You cried so much it scared Jongho. I guess you exhausted yourself too much, Narae ah."

I sighed as I finished eating. I can't believe I cried again & that it completely exhausted my body... "Can I go into town then ? I assume that is why the ship is empty." Wooyoung grinned as he cleared the plates. "Feel free, Narae ah. I  won't go since someone needs to stay with the ship if Captain isn't aboard when we're docked."

Excited. I was completely excited. Even if I was only mimicking what I knew as excitement for the time being. I ran off the ship & ventured into town. I found this store that reminded me of home. The shopkeeper greeted me upon me coming in. "Hello ! How may I help you ?"

I smiled as I greeted back. "제가 입을 수 있는 옷이 있나요? 집이 그립고 향수병을 치료해 줄 보석을 갖고 싶어요." (Do you have anything that I can wear ? I miss home and want a piece of jewelry that will cure my homesickness, Sir.) The shopkeeper went to find me what I had asked for. I was casually looking around when I accidentally knocked into someone. 

"I am so sorry. Are you alright ?" The man turned around with a look I have never seen before. His face was stoic, but his eyes said otherwise. He also had a eyepatch with the symbol I remember seeing from the ship. "You have quite the habit of clumsiness, Narae ah. How are you supposed to survive on the ship if you can't pay attention to those around you ?"

My eyes widened. "Captain ? Is that you ?" He smirked as he nodded, "저는 캡틴 홍중입니다. 정식으로 만나서 반가워요, 나래아." (I am Captain Hongjoong. Nice to formally meet you, Narae ah.) He didn't say anything else before the shopkeeper reappeared. 

"I found this. For some reason I thought you'd enjoy this, Miss." I looked at what the shopkeeper held. It was a lamp, but was shaped like an hourglass with sand. I liked the chrome color it as well. "Odd. I think I will enjoy this. Thank you," I said happily paying for it.

Hongjoong left the store with me as I let out a yawn. "Tired again ? You should head back to the ship & rest, Narae ah." Am I still tired ? I sighed as I walked with him. "What about Wooyoung ? He hasn't left the ship..."

Hongjoong smirked as he let out a chuckle. He clutched a compass in his hand. It must've been a subconscious action he is used to. "성화에게 나머지 선원들을 배로 돌려보내라고 전하겠습니다. 어차피 여기 오래 정박하기로 했잖아요." (I'll tell Seonghwa to get the rest of the crew back to the ship. We weren't supposed to dock here for long anyway.) I yawned once more before I made my way back to the ship.

Once back to the room I woke up in on the ship, I set up my new lamp. As soon as I laid down I went straight to sleep. I must've been more tired than I realized...