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rafeyscurtainbangs · 15 days ago

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𝓻𝓪𝓯𝓮𝔂𝓼𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓫𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓼

𝙽𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚢 𝙻𝚒𝚜𝚝 | 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬

𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝔼𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕖𝕟: 𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤

𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚎!𝚁𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚡 𝚃𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚛’𝚜𝙶𝙵𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

*part of the “Sorry, Top” AU — writen to be read alone.

warnings: jealous!rafe, cheating, swearing, drinking, heavy angst, unprotected p in v, semi-public sex, fingering, kissing, dark!reader, dark!rafe, ownership “you’re mine, etc.”, pet names.

📖 All of my asks got deleted 💕😭 so I'm not sure who requested this, but thank you! This was not a kinkmas ask, but I made it one 😋 The premise is that you are dating Topper but hook up with Rafe secretly. You and Rafe had agreed that you mean nothing to each other, using one another to get off only, but the more time he spends with you, the more his feelings have grown. You have no idea because he’s so adamant about the fact that he’s using you. So, how would you know? Topper let Rafe know that the two of you had finally had sex, and between that and seeing you together at the Island Club Christmas party, he’s about ready to crash out.

Masterlist

The Island Club glimmers like a holiday movie brought to life��soft, candy colored lights curling around every banister, beautiful decorations meticulously placed.

Rafe barely notices the crowd around him—people he hasn’t seen in months. The hum and laughter surrounding him blends together when he sees you from across the room.

His blue eyes are sharp and burning with a feeling that he’s never felt before… Jealousy. Then again, maybe he has; maybe it was there all along.

Rafe lifts his whiskey to his lips, sipping slowly as he stands with his friends. He smiles and nods occasionally as he stares at you from a distance. His unease and anxiety mounts with each look you give Topper and every sweet nothing he whispers in your ear.

He can’t help but think how beautiful you look tonight. So good that it hurts.

He’ll never get to look at you like this—like him. Topper has it all. And what does he get? Stolen glances, late-night whispered conversation, quick passes in the hallway on your way to class, but that’s what he had wanted.

Rafe thought about it once. A few night back, when you were snuggled up in bed with Top, watching a movie. He thought about taking you on a date. A real date. Sitting across from him, dressed up just like you are now.

It didn’t help that he and Top had talked the day before, the two of you finally taking your relationship to the next level. The thought of you having sex with him—doing the shit that the two of you do together made Rafe physically ill.

He was confident in the way he made you feel. There was no denying that he made you feel good—made you feel something that would make walking away from your entanglement with him difficult. But what if… What if Topper was better? What if you no longer needed the only thing Rafe was good for? What if you didn’t want him?

What if he lost you?

The fact that he told you ‘you meant nothing to him’ haunts him like nothing else has, and the more he listened to you talk, the more he learned about you, and the more time he spent with you alone when Top wasn’t looking, the more the lines between “I don’t care” and “I care more than I should” blurred.

He had gotten so used to your company—the idea of you going on to live a life without him, to be done with him completely, and for Top to get that was suffocating.

Rafe’s nostrils flare, jaw tense, teeth gritted. He grips his glass, tossing back the rest of his liquor.

He shuffles toward the bar, nodding toward the bartender, pretending not to know exactly where he was placing himself—right next to you. “Top,” Rafe smiles, greeting his friend, pulling him in for a friendly hug, ignoring you as long as possible in an attempt to make you feel as desperate for his attention as he was fiending for yours.

His stomach churns as he watches you wrap your manicured fingers around Topper's tie, fixing the knot; his presence, not even felt by you. He imagines why you’re fixing it in the first place, picturing the two of you hooking up in the bathroom stall or the car before you walked in. He swallows thickly, feeling the pressure of his anxiety weighing on his chest. Rafe clears his throat in one last attempt to get your attention, too proud to fight for it any other way in front of Topper.

“Oh. Hey, Rafe,” you smile when you turn around, looking into his eyes. His usual swagger is gone, a flicker of something new in its place that you can't quite place. He takes a little breath, looking down at you in your party dress, eyes beating shut as he lands on your hips, seeing Topper's hand hooked around your waist.

Rafe bites his lips, holding back everything; next to impossible considering how beautiful you look tonight. His praise, right on the tip of his tongue, along with the words he can’t say…

“Are you thirsty, babe?” Topper asks as he tucks himself into your neck. The warmth of his whisper tickling skin, making you turn into him even more.

The bartender sets a drink in front of Rafe, and he shoots in back like a shot, knocking his gold ring against the bar top for another before he can even speak, wincing from the burn of the booze.

“Are you okay?” You ask gently.

Rafe rolls his eyes and sucks his teeth—anything but—but how can he let you know that when the two of you had been nothing but a dirty secret. The man labeling you as nothing more than a means to get himself off… You were supposed to mean nothing to him, but at this moment, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“Talk to you two later, yeah?” He rasps, looking out into the party, so deep in his emotions that he can’t even look at you to deliver those six parting words.

He grabs his drink off the counter, strolling back to where he came. Your eyes follow him; Rafe, not going far. And unless he came from somewhere else, there’s no way he didn’t see you before.

Conversation plays around him as he stews, his frustration boiling under the surface, threatening to bubble over any second if he sees much more.

His cold heart breaks as he notices how Topper looks at you now. It’s different—a new level of intimacy in his touch that wasn’t there before.

Rafe throws his gaze to the floor, battling with his irrational mind that’s screaming that “no one gets to look at you like that but him,” clearly, that is not the case considering that man is your boyfriend, not him… Those thoughts brew again, “no one should get pleasure or give you pleasure but him…” Not even the man you have been with for months… He knows he sounds insane, but he can’t help it, not when it comes to you. Rafe rolls out his neck, taking a moment to rein himself in.

Everything around him gets a little louder, the conversations he’s been zoned out on filling his ears— the swell of Christmas music surging around him. He takes a deep breath, pushing it out slowly, trying to keep himself from falling apart.

No strings, no feelings, nothingness… that is what he’s supposed to feel when it comes to you.

So why is he digging his phone out of his pocket? Why is he punching his thumbs against the keys, trying to come up with the right thing to say? Why is he fighting off tears for anyone, let alone his best friend’s girlfriend?

This had become far more than just a simple hook-up—the only question is, how long had he been lying to himself?

Rafe nervously brushes his fingers through his hair, staring at the text again before pushing send. He swallows hard, forcing himself to look away, not wanting to see your face when you get it, nervous that your reaction will be anything less than what he’s hoping for.

Rafe: I didn’t think you were gonna come.

You: Hey Rafe. Yeah. Topper wanted me to meet his parents.

Rafe tosses his head back to the ceiling, trying to shut off his mind as he grapples with that thought. You're taking another step forward with Top—just another step away from him.

You: Seriously. Are you okay?

Rafe gets the notification, looking down at his phone. His eyebrows shoot up as he reads your words like he’s trying to translate a language he doesn’t know, scoffing and laughing.

Am I okay? No, I’m not fucking okay. He thinks to himself. He looks over at you and Topper, and for the first time, you truly see it.

Rafe Cameron is jealous…

Rafe: Meet me outside. We need to talk.

You read and reread the message, half-hiding your phone from your boyfriend as your heart races in your chest.

Rafe’s phone is already out, staring at the screen as you type up a message, watching as you shove your phone back in your purse.

You: I can’t

Rafe stares at the message in disbelief again. You weren’t in a relationship… He didn’t get to demand your attention, so he had to ask. And you rejected him. The refusal made his chest tighten, pulse hammering in his head, making him feel like he could crawl out of his skin.

What the hell changed? Sure, you had been together in secret, but the hesitation was always just foreplay—just a part of the back-and-forth between you, building the tension you both knew would inevitably break.

This was different… This had nothing to do with sex for him. And the rejection, you meant it. The knife drove into his gut, twisting when you smiled up at Topper.

And in that moment, he truly felt like the words the two of you had exchanged were true.

He felt like nothing to you.

The party roared around him as Rafe watched, not focusing on anything but you. Rafe’s phone weighed heavy in his pocket. The urge to send you another message, demanding you meet up with him was all too strong. Rafe’s night was a nightmare—as he sat and watching a picture of what he could have had if he had been honest with himself from the start.

“Kelc,” Rafe mumbles between sips of liquor as he watches you shift your drink over to Top, whispering in his ear, putting two and two together, assuming you would go to the bathroom. “Top wanted to talk to you, man. Sorry, I forgot,” he drones as he nods toward the bar, buying himself some extra time. To Rafe’s relief, you slip away, and he doesn’t think… he just moves.

Rafe follows you fast, weaving through the thick crowd as you step into the bathroom, a hoard of women filing in behind you, leaving no hope for him to sneak in. He rests his back against the wall, looking both ways down the long hall, coming up with a plan.

He lifts his phone and types a new message, almost positive that, given the situation, you would see right through it, willing to take the risk nonetheless.

Rafe: Hey babe its Topper my phone died. We’re on the terrace smoking a cigar. You know how to get out here?

He walks down the hall, shifting his eyes before entering the billiards room. Rafe leaves the door cracked, lights off; ready to pull you inside.

You: Yeah. I’m just walking out of the bathroom now. Do I go to the left?

Rafe: Yeah babe

“Rafe!” You gasp as he pulls you into the darkness. He doesn’t let go, his big hands firmly locked on your arms.

“We need to talk,” Rafe breathes, his voice low and tight. The air between the two of you is thick. You swallow the lump in your throat, catching his quick breathing.

“Rafe, c’mon,” you whine. “Not here.” You try to step away, but the hold on your arm gets tighter.

“Why not?” He snaps as he cuts you off, drawing back enough to look into your eyes. “You barely looked at me all night. You turned me down when I texted you-”

“This isn’t the time, okay?”

“Then when is? Huh?” Rafe’s voice rises with yours. He grits his teeth, not wanting to get found before he can tell you how he feels, reaching out to shut the door before coming at you again.

“I’m here with Topper’s family. You can’t just drag me in a room and fuck me,” you hiss as you step in his face.

Rafe’s eyes widen in disbelief as he tries to think of the right words. Hating himself for treating you so awful that the only logical explanation you had that he would haul you back here was to get his dick wet.

“I have a life outside of hooking up with you, Rafe, and you’re trying to ruin it because you’re jealous.”

Rafe buries his head in his trembling hands, trying not to lose his mind. “I can’t… Shit. I-I can’t. Just.. Fuck-”

Your eyebrows pinch together, not understanding a word he’s saying as he rambles complete nonsense. “What the fuck are you saying, Rafe?”

“Cut me some fuckin’ slack. Alright?” He snaps as he steps in your face, getting angrier as you question his outburst, the words getting tangled on his tongue.

You look up at him, your face painted in confusion and annoyance as he looks down at you in desperation and frustration. “Take a breath and tell me what you want to say, Rafe. I’m not going to do this with you right now.”

Rafe rests his hands on his hips, drawing a deep jagged breath as he contemplates just keeping this shit to himself. He got himself in this mess… But he can’t let it go.

He blows his air past his trembling lips and moves toward you, grabbing your hands.

“Rafe seriously-”

“I can’t keep pretending that you mean nothing to me… Okay?” He stops you. “Because you do. You mean a lot to me.”

Your eyes widen on his, lips parting as you draw a shallow breath, trying to gather your thoughts.

“Just listen to me,” he pleads.

“I’ve gotta go, Rafe,” You whisper.

“What?” He asks, as the emotions he’s feeling clings to his words. “Why do you have to leave?

“You’re unbelievable…”

“How?”

You let out a growl of frusteration, pushing him back before banging your fists against his chest when he come right back in again.“Because I know you don’t mean it, Rafe. I know what you want from me. I know what I mean to you. Fucking nothing… I know what you want to do to me in here and why you drug out of the party in the first place. And I know that if I give in and let my guard down, that’s the moment you’ll let me know that you were fuckin’ with me. Playing mind games on me because ‘how could I possibly mean anything to you’? ‘I’m such a slut’, and ‘I wanted your dick so bad I believed you’.”

“You think that little of me?” He asks as his voice breaks.

“Why wouldn't I, Rafe?” You counter.

“So you don’t feel anything for me? Nothing at all?” He asks. “Tell me all those times we hooked up was just that…”

”Rafe, we agreed that we meant nothing to each other.”

“That's bullshit.”

“What do you want from me, Rafe? You curious about yesterday? That shit eatin’ you up inside? I know you only care about one thing. The sex was fuckin’ awful. Okay? It sucked just like you said it would. You were right. Alright? Can I just fuckin’ go?”

“No! Just stop. Just—” Rafe pinches his eyes shut, holding up his hands in defeat, his physical reaction to your words making your nerves rise. “That’s not the only thing I care about…”

“You’re saying this shit because Topper and I fucked. Now you’re jealous… You’re so fuckin’ predictable it’s nauseating,” you mumble as you grab your purse, heading toward the door.

“You’re right… I’m jealous. But that’s not the only reason I brought you in here.” Rafe stops you, huffing a frustrated breath. “I like you, sweetheart. You don’t have to believe me. I don’t blame you.”

“Right? So, let me go,” you clip as you yank your arm away, storming toward the door.

“So that's it…”

“What more do you want from me?” You scoff.

He laughs manically, at his witts end, looking back at you completely and utterly defeated. He sucks his teeth and shrugs, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Well, princess. Have fun with your boyfriend. I don't mean shit to you… Saw that one comin’. I deserve that. At the end of the day, we still get to fuck. Right?” He asks as he turns around, his voice on the verge of tears. “Right?” He shouts when you don’t answer. “I assume that that’s all I mean to you, too. Clearly.” Rafe mumbles. “See you back on campus.”

“Rafe…”

He hangs his head and turns around, his reflective eyes reaching yours, glossed with his emotion, threatening to give way. ”What?”

“It’s just-” you speak hesitantly. “I like you… Why the hell else would I keep risking my relationship for you? Why wouldn’t I have said something to Topper that first night? You were so fuckin’ adamant that I meant nothing that I believed it.”

“If you liked me, why wouldn’t you just leave him?”

“Because, Rafe,” you groan as your shoulders slump. “Topper and I… It’s fine. It’s not a bad relationship—I don’t know.”

“Tell me,” he mumbles as your words get caught up in a deep sigh.

”I just didn’t want to lose what little of you I had if I told you how I felt. I meant nothing to you… But I still got something, and that was enough-” Rafe surges forward, stealing your words in a desperate kiss. Your arms wrap around him, pulling him closer, shattering the tension. You moan against his lips as Rafe pushes you against the pool table, lifting you on top.

“You should have told me?” He breathes between kisses.

You tug his hair by the root in frustration, making him groan against your lips. “So you could throw it back in my face?” You whimper.

”I wouldn’t have done that,” he whispers as his lips brush against yours. “I’m sorry…”

You tug down the straps of your party dress, pulling down the front as Rafe hikes up your skirt, yanking your panties down your thighs between hungry kisses.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he whispers against your lips, using a softness he’s never used before, his voice rough and laced with need. You whimper against his lips as you tug at his belt and his button, splaying his zipper as your thighs widen on the pool table.

Rafe grabs your bare thighs, holding you apart as his lips ghost over the top of yours. “I like you… I swear. You gotta believe me. I’m tellin’ him tonight. Alright?” Rafe asks as he lowers his pants and his boxers, closing the gap between the two of you. “Can’t watch that shit anymore. I need you. You two are done.”

Shivers fall down your spine at his admittance and the weight of his words. “Rafe…” You moan as his fingers trace slowly up your bare leg, disappearing between your thighs.

“Just say ‘okay’,” he hums. “I don’t even care if you’re lyin’ to me right now. Just tell me that you’re leavin’ him,” he mumbles as his fingers trace through your slick folds, making you gasp. “And that you’re mine,” he hums, pushing two fingers inside. He groans at the feeling of your tight cunt pulling him in, his eyes falling low, looking at the lust in your eyes.

“I’m yours,” you whisper as his fingers curl inside you. Making your head fall back as he works them at the perfect pace. His lips connect with your neck, sucking down on your sweet spot. “I’m not lying to you,” you whisper weakly, feeling him breathe a sigh of relief against your neck.

“You’re not lying to me?” He asks as he slips his fingers out of your pussy, pushing them through your lips. You suck around his big digits, looking at him with soft mumbling a muffled ‘no.’ Rafe hooks his hand around your neck, lowering you back on the table. “Say it, princess,” he rasps as he loops his big biceps around your thighs, pulling you to the edge of the table.

“I’m not lying, Rafe,” you whisper as he fists his cock, looking down at you, swearing he’s never seen anything more beautiful.

“My girl,” he mumbles as he runs his fat tips through your arousal, watching you bite down on your lip—eyes rolling back in your head. “All mine.” Your eyes rest on Rafe again as he focuses on the place where you connect, pushing in slow enough to let you feel all of him. His big hands find your hips, pitching his hips, driving his cock as deep as he can go.

”Fuck, Rafe,” you cry as you shift your hips slightly, but he holds you in place. Your back arches off the tables, hands clawing for something to hold onto. Rafe circles his hips making a moan rip from your through stars dancing in your eyes. “So fucking good,” you whimper.

“That’s my girl. Shit… You like that, huh?” He asks smugly. You bite your lip and nod fast. “Pussy was made for me and only me.” Rafe drags his thick cock out to the tip before, fucking back in.

He looks at you underneath him, praying you’re telling him the truth, hoping that all the shit you were feeding him wasn’t a lie. Your hands wrap around his wrists clutching your hips, the contact grounding him, the look in your eyes telling him you were all his. Rafe’s emotion washes over him like a wave, desperate for your lips on his and his cock sheathed deep.

He reaches down, catching his hand around the back of your neck before drawing you close. His lips crash against yours, rough and messy, mirroring his thrusts as he pounds into your pussy. The connection, your taste, the feeling of your warmth around him, and the softness of your skin was everything and more. Every time he was inside, you felt like heaven; he never imagined it could feel any better than that, but fuck was he wrong.

You hitch your hands around his neck, rolling your body to meet his thrusts, the slick sounds of your wetness and panting breaths filling the space around you. Rafe grunt and groans, wanting to fill you full, fuck you so dumb you’d forget that you had ever let Topper go all the way. But for you, those thoughts were long gone.

“Rafe, just like that,” you whimper as he reaches down, finding your puffy clit, circling his fingers fast as he feels your body about to give way.

“Never want you to say anyone else's name again,” he mumbles against your lips. “Only mine.”

“Only yours…”

“Did he make you cum, princess?” He asks as you feel the thin band in your belly threatening to snap.

“No,” you whisper. “I couldn't stop thinking about you.”

Rafe’s smile spreads along your lips as he fucks it you a little faster, making you grip the edge of the table, knuckles frosting white. “That’s my girl.”

Your pussy flutters around his cock, making him cum with you. Rafe’s lips lock on yours, swallowing your pleasured sounds as he gives you a few more rough thrusts, leaving you melting in his arms.

Click.

Your heart stops as you look around Rafe, light pouring into the dark room from the hallway as you lock eyes with Topper. The two of you fumble, struggling to get your clothes back on like they're fighting against you. Rafe eyes find yours, demanding your focus as you pull up the straps of your dress, feeling the weight of the situation; your heart still banging from your orgasm, Rafe cum dripping warm down your thigh.

“I told you I’d deal with him. Alright?” He whispers firmly as he zips up his pants. And at that moment, you know he will.

“What the hell is this?”

tags: @rafesthroatbaby @littlelamy @kisses4angels @watchmerora @buckybarnessweetheart @anamiad00msday @namelesslosers @cades-outsider @romaescapes @starkeysprincess @oxpogues4lifexo @unrealmirrorball @sleepiibunniiii @gri959 @rafesgiirl @daryldixon83 @akobx @hyperfixationgirl @lhhlver @rrafeswhore @slut-4-gojo @blair-bears-blog @loveesiren @cameronwillow @rafegf-real @alphabetically-deranged

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atxxzist · 19 days ago

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this sea of despair | c.s

summary: you've always dreamed of exploring the vast lands and seas beyond the small and quiet town you grew up in... you just didn't think it'd come at the cost of your own dignity and integrity, getting thrown into a whole new world against your will where none of it matters and the only way to survive is to betray who you are in the face of choi san

pairing: choi san x f!reader

genre: pirates!au, angst, smut

WARNINGS: dubcon, sexual assaults, slut-shaming, san is a huge red flag, not a romance story sksjasjdsjs, half-assed smut, im failing to name all of them but pls go in cautiously & pls lmk if i should add something else

word count: 20.8k

you spot him immediately when you reach the top of the hill, the boy recognizable a mile away from the shirt he's wearing; the top once a white color but now a ragged and slightly dirty beige from all the years of owning it.

he looks over his shoulder when he hears the distant footsteps, a smile already on his lips before he's even sure it's you.

"hey," he greets, the soft gaze never leaving as you plop down on the grass next to him.

"hi," you return, adjusting yourself into a comfortable enough position before looking out into the horizon, seeing the sunset about to take over the sky while the waves crashes against rocks and each other.

this is your favorite place in the entirety of dune; sitting atop at such an angle with a sight makes you feel as if you have the whole world in the palm of your hand.

like if you look out far enough, you can see all the islands, other towns, and settlements in the south sea. and if you look even further, you just might be able to picture what those belonging to the north are like.

just the mere thoughts of it makes you excited--the illusion that you can achieve any and everything when you look down on a world that seems so much smaller than you.

but the place isn't just a spot for the eye candy but also safety. when you and minsoo wanna drown out the chitters and judgments of everyone else and escape into hushed whispers and sacred words you cannot say to anyone but each other.

you've known him for as long as you remember, and he always has a way to make you feel safe and comfortable; listened to and heard.

it always has felt like you found each other in a rather unfortunate world... at least that's how you see him. a speck of light in uncertain darkness.

"how's your father doing?" he asks, eyes and voice turning a soft empathetic.

the reminder brings out a low sigh, but it's an unfortunate reality you're living through.

"not well."

he was just fine a couple weeks ago, getting up and going about his routine when he fell ill out of nowhere, it came so quick and sudden, you couldn't process it at first that your own father was now stuck in bed all day while you ran across the town daily to find some kind of remedy... to no luck.

there's medicines that helps lessen the symptoms but things doesn't seem to be getting any better by the day.

"sorry to hear," he says, disheartened that he can't help you. it's hard to find any skilled doctors or expertise in such a field in a small place like dune. "keep trying. i''ll help, too, and let you know if i come across something."

"i appreciate it," you tell him, a genuine smile on your lips that he returns.

sometimes, you still wonder if not following the feelings budding underneath whenever you're with minsoo is a mistake.

if one day you're gonna grow to regret choosing your heart over safety and security, every time you're with him, the yearning and longing is felt on the surface you both won't scratch.

with how minsoo is, his nature always so selfless and self-sacrificing, he wouldn't let you. you know he still won't.

it was the day the topic finally showed its head after the both of you tippy-toed around it for so long... when it was clear as day even to those around that you held good feelings for each other.

more than gratitude and being friends.

"but i think it's best we don't," minsoo says, his delivery bittersweet as you shoot to him with fluttering and confused lashes.

you clear your throat quietly and ask, "why not?"

because usually if the feelings of love and admiration are mutual, there isn't any reasons not to try. that's how it works, doesn't it?

"because i'll only hold you back."

you go blank at his words, attempting to mentally break down what he means exactly.

"didn't you say you wanna go out of dune? explore other nearby islands and towns, maybe even step foot into the north sea one day? i don't want you to have to choose between me or your dreams in the future."

you only stare at him, your throat feeling tight and head still a little confused, he has to add, "i don't plan on leaving dune. sure, it isn't the best place there is to be, but i like it here. it's where i was born and where i hope to die."

when you finally grasp what he's trying to tell you, a small sigh of defeat leaves your chest, but he takes your hands in his immediately and looks at you so assuringly like everything's gonna be okay.

"i'm not saying we shouldn't ever, but i hope to one day have the map you've always dreamed of creating in the grasp of my hand, and maybe you can tell me all about your adventures. but for now, i want you to freely dream of those things without having to consider anything else, okay?"

you don't know how he's still able to smile in such a situation, tucking a few strands of hair behind your ear and always with words that mends the doubts in you.

sometimes it feels like he has too much faith in you, and sometimes it's as if you're just chasing a false dream, but if it's to really happen one day, you'll do it for him, too.

you separate from minsoo on the path back to town, having to run to the only pharmacy in the town to pick up more medicines for your father.

the white building is quite small situating near the outskirts leading to the fields, and you've ever only seen one worker here who you've grown to be familiar with pretty recently.

she's a little older than you and very soft-spoken, her drive to always help the best she can is something you greatly appreciate.

walking into the empty pharmacy, she greets you immediately upon arrival and you wave as a response, watching as she bends under to pull out the bag she's already prepared beforehand.

"thank you," you tell her, pulling the few coins out of your pockets and handing it to her.

"your father doing any better?" she asks.

you shake your head, looking and sounding just as disheartened as when minsoo asked.

"unfortunately, no."

"sorry to hear," she says, also pitying you just as much as minsoo did. "if only dune were able to get exports from those in the north sea. but we have to do with what we're given. i hope you'll be able to find something better for your father soon."

you nod, a thin smile on your lips from the kind encouragement.

"yeah, i'm working on something," you answer, swiftly turning to the window and seeing the blackness that covers it entirely. "i'll take my leave now before it gets too late. once again, thank you."

you turn your back to head out when her slightly hesitant voice stops you.

"y/n."

"yes?" you stare wide-eyed over your shoulder.

"be careful, okay? i heard halateez are getting closer."

it takes you a few seconds to register what she's talking about, replying in a rather calm and casual tone, "yeah. you, too."

you didn't think much of what she said back at the pharmacy due to the sudden unexpectedness of it, but the closer you get to the town square, catching sight of the black and red bounty poster you've seen plastered for miles for the past months now, your body can't help but to get a chill that makes you wanna shiver in uneasiness.

halateez. they're one of the most notorious pirates crew roaming the seas of wonderland--well known for their disguises and hidden identities, now currently the biggest fear for everyone in dune because words are that they were just in the east sea a while ago, meaning as soon as they're done, they'll be heading down here.

no one knows what to expect but the fear definitely seems more real each passing day, waiting in apprehension for a mysterious ship to appear on the dock and just hope for the best.

and it might be because you're so deep in your thoughts, or that you can barely see in such darkness that the second you turn the corner to head down the road home, you hit face first into someone's hard chest causing the bag in your hand to drop and the few pill bottles to roll onto the ground.

you gasp and apologize under your breath, but there's no time to even see who it is because you're more concerned about salvaging your father's medications as you bend down immediately to pick it all up.

"again, i'm sor--" but you stop just short of finishing when you finally look up and the dark figure hovering over your body conjures up a knot in your throat, clearing it lowly and standing on your feet as you try to make out his features in the poor lighting.

he hasn't said anything despite the situation, though you're able to make out his brows as they curve at you in judgement.

your eyes lower to his chest, the black ink drawn on it intriguing you because it might be the first time you've ever seen anyone in dune with a proper tattoo.

you try not to stare too long, giving this man just one last look, finally adjusting to the lighting and seeing that he's actually quite good looking.

some intimidating features and a gaze that makes you wanna cower for sure, but he's handsome.

when he doesn't say anything, only continuously stare at you for what seems like the longest time, you apologize once more before bowing and excusing yourself, thinking of how odd such a man is on your way back home.

you wake up to what is the loudest commotion ever in your 20 years of living, looking up to where your father is resting and glad it didn't also jolt him from his sleep.

something already feels very wrong, the pit of your stomach is telling you it and the sudden knock at the door as well.

when you open it to minsoo's concerned eyes and voice saying your name so early in the morning, you know it's only gonna get worse.

but before you can even ask why he and what seems like the entire town are up so early and looking absolutely scared for their lives, the deep and roaring voice of another from a distance away makes you snap to the source, your heart beating so fast in your chest at the sight.

as if the men from the posters you were just looking at yesterday jumped straight out of them and is now in front of you--black attires, hats, masks, and all armed as they stand right in the middle of the town square as the one that spoke just now stands just a couple feet ahead of the rest.

"listen up! we want a thousand coins from each house within an hour! if you don't have it, you better find a way!" the man threatens, his right hand holding a gun that sits on his shoulder so comfortably.

cries and panics ensues instantly, your heart breaking at the distress written all over fathers, mothers, and children's faces as most of them cradles each other in a hug and cry together, then some retreating back into their house in defeat.

you turn to look at minsoo and he has the same look all over his face, sharing the same desperation as you but also disappointment and anger that nothing can be done.

"i'll get back to you soon. you let me know if you need me," he tells you much to a nod before going back to his own house and family.

you take another glance at the men in black as they just sit around and chat away like they're not ruining the lives of a community already going through a hard time.

your father is already awake when you return inside, asking you in his frail voice, "what's going on?"

"nothing," you tell him, putting on your best smile. he's sick and he doesn't need even more things to worry about. "just a town event."

he doesn't say furthermore but he does watch you go through your belongings until you pick up what looks like a jar full of coins.

"i'll be back," you assure, walking out and shutting the door because you don't want him to see or be a part of any of it.

as you await in the compacted living area for your turn, the longer you stare at the jar in your hand, the more you wanna cry because this is all you have from all the years of saving.

all of your dreams and future is in this small jar that you've spent the last few years putting all your blood, sweats, and tears into because if you were to ever get out of dune one day, you want it to be by your own doings.

a thousand coins is almost an entire year worth of living in the south sea. stupid fucking pirates.

you don't necessarily have a problem with them because just like people, there's good and bad pirates, and at least the ones that had passed through dune before were just rowdy at worst given most only came for the brothel, but they never held the townsfolk at freaking gunpoint.

at least half an hour goes by when you finally hear the voices before the knocks.

"are you sure it's this one?"

"yes. he couldn't shut up about it."

you open the door slowly with a racing heart, the two men in front glaring you down and making you feel all kinds of discomfort even through the disguises.

you don't say anything, only extending your hands with the jar in it, hoping and wishing for it to be over as soon as possible while you keep your gaze to your feet.

too long goes by when nothing happens, looking up again only for one of them to say, "we don't want coins from you." the statement making you raise a brow in confusion.

"you're y/n, right?" the other one who's just slightly taller than the first, says, with you returning a halfhearted nod. "it's been requested that you come with us."

and if they weren't holding your entire town hostage and parading around like they'll actually do what they say, you might think they're out of their minds because how in the hell do they know your name and is now demanding just the absolute craziest request.

"says who?" you reply, an edge to your voice that's starting to no longer consider the presence of these maniacs who could do anything to you.

"you don't need to know," the first one responds, the audacity to sound even more annoyed than you, before swiftly grabbing for your wrist but you're quick to pull back.

"i'm not fucking going," you spit. "i'll do anything and everything, even pay double, but if you guys think i'm coming with, you're insane."

he only laughs, his amusement clear even with the mask on.

"sweetheart, you're insane if you think you have a choice, now let's not make this even--"

it's probably stupid of you to shut the door in front of two very obviously strong men who's also taller than you, but you do it anyway and of course--it doesn't work, the one with a deeper and more annoying voice stops it immediately, pushing the frame back so hard it thumps against the wall and causes your father's voice to pierce from the bedroom.

"y/n, honey, is everything okay?"

"yes! everything's fine. please don't come out!"

when you look them both in the eyes again, backing away slowly with your throat and heart clenched as they only get closer, you're really not sure if you'll be able to get out of this.

"that your father?" the more annoying one asks again, his head tilted and mocking you through the tone.

"none of your fucking business."

but he only laughs again, like there's something so entertaining for him in other people's misery.

"oh, but it is. because if you don't come with us, you'll be putting your father in a lot of trouble."

you fume through your nose. "you wouldn't dare."

and just when you eventually loosen up and lets your guard down, not wanting to put your father in any danger, the other one comes at you so fast, you can barely react.

his hand clasp your mouth and nose tightly with something you can't even properly make out because you're busy struggling, eyes suddenly heavy and consciousness gone before all you see is utter darkness.

"seriously, what the fuck?"

"he asked us to do it."

"doesn't mean you had to. you know he's a fucking maniac."

"he also asked us to not smother her with chloroform but that also didn't happen."

"what else were we supposed to do? she was resisting."

"does hongjoong know about this?"

"not yet."

"jesus fucking christ... did she see you guys without your masks on?"

"no. but not like it matters now anyway."

you hear the conversation and booming voices for a good minute before you can fully make out your surrounding.

there's a brown nightstand in front of you with a badly lit lantern sitting on top, and when you're able to roll onto your back, you find the ceiling is made out of wood with multiple lines of thicker woods spreading across just a few inches apart.

you're constantly rocking back and forth, unable to stay still as if being swayed by the motions of water, and then comes the smell. something of fish and another you can't dissect just yet.

then it hits you. halateez and their threats, the two men walking into your house and demanding you come with them, then your attempt to fight when one of them suddenly came at you.

you wish it was all a bad dream, but you know it's not. it all feels too real and your current state is proof of it.

you turn to face the side of the wall made out of even more wood, a lone tear rolling down your cheek as you sniff the salty air when the door comes apart, causing you to jolt from your position.

standing there is a face you can actually see as you two just continuously stare at one another, your body naturally retracting and curled up because these people could do anything to you.

it's almost as if he can read your mind, shutting the door gently and telling you at the same time, "i'm not gonna hurt you, don't worry."

he looks a lot younger than any pirates you've ever seen in your lifetime... like he could be even younger than you.

"where am i?" you ask, volume barely loud enough and sounding like you're gonna break into a cry any second.

"a pirate ship," he answers, having stopped just short of the door and staring you down... but you knew where you are. maybe you were just hoping you would be wrong.

"please let me go back home," you beg, the waterworks already coming, usually not one to drop a sob story to get your ways but there's no other choice.

this is so wrong on so many levels and you actually cannot fathom it being a reality right now.

the man takes a short, almost remorseful breath, moving his gaze to the floor briefly before he locks eyes with you again.

"i'm afraid that isn't possible. the ship's already moved away from dune for a while now. plus, he won't let you leave. not anytime soon at least."

"he?" you quote, pitch high and curious.

"says who?" you reply, an edge to your voice that's starting to no longer consider the presence of these maniacs who could do anything to you.

"you don't need to know," the first one responds, the audacity to sound even more annoyed than you, before swiftly grabbing for your wrist but you're quick to pull back.

"he'll be here soon," is all he tells you about this mysterious man before going off about other things. "if you need to relieve yourself, it's the door to your right. probably different than what you're used to but you'll get the hang of it soon. dinner is at 7, and if you have any further questions, you'll have to ask san yourself. i don't know when i'll get to talk to you again."

you open your mouth to say something but a call outside cuts you short.

"jongho!"

he gives you another look, his expression unreadable. he seems to feel bad for you but it's hard to believe anyone's intentions and sincerity in your current state.

"i have to go," he says, turning his back to you, one hand on the handle when he stops to look over his shoulder to give you the final farewell, his pitch suddenly deeper as if sending you a warning. "i know it sucks, but please, try to be on your best behavior. he won't show you the same mercy."

you don't say anything, watching as he leaves and gaze drawn to the tattoo on the back of his wrist that you swear looks familiar but is unable to get a closer look.

left to your own devices, your mind is traveling at a thousand miles per hour, talking under your breath and pacing around the tiny cabin trying to digest everything just now while simultaneously trying to think of how to get the hell out of here.

san. jongho, who you think is his name, said it. san is the fucking lunatic that ordered for you to be here.

well, you definitely don't wanna be here when he shows up, searching the entire perimeter of the room for anything and even going into the so-called "restroom" jongho was referring to only to find two buckets--one filled with water and one empty, before shutting the door in defeat.

when you're just about out of ideas, plopping down on the edge of the bed and accidentally making eye contact with the porthole on the other side of the nightstand, you don't know why you didn't think of it sooner.

you can try breaking it... if you can find something, once again touring the area and busy looking over and under that when the door creaks open again, you just freeze in place.

"planning to escape?" a voice lighter but different from jongho and filled with amusement rings from behind as you swallow down the knot and spin around slowly. "i wouldn't do that if i were you."

he still has on his diguise attire or whatever the hell it is, but the second he locks eyes with you, he starts taking off just about everything, starting from his hat then his mask.

when it finally comes off, you visibily and audibly gasp.

“again, i’m sor–” but you stop just short of finishing when you finally look up and the dark figure hovering over your body conjures up a knot in your throat, clearing it lowly and standing on your feet as you try to make out his features in the poor lighting.

he hasn’t said anything despite the situation, though you’re able to make out his brows as they curve at you in judgement.

"you!" your finger weakly points at him in accusation, but the man just smirks like he finds a kick out it.

his chin nods off to the porthole and you follow, his voice soon filling up the space, "if you wanna try jumping out of that, i'll tell you now it won't work. we're so far from any lands at this point, you'll soon drown before you even know it."

now that you're able to see him clearly, his features more prominent and menacing in daylight, nothing welcoming like the boy that came before him especially with how he's literally undressing you with fox eyes, you can't help but to grow smaller and slowly retract away from this man.

"you're the one that ordered all of this shit?" you still manage to say despite the fear overtaking your body as you watch him take off the coat and pull the turtleneck off his head.

you avert your eyes to the floor to avoid the sight of his naked torso, but he seems to find something so funny about it as he laughs it off.

"i did," he replies nonchalantly, clearly unbothered even with the sincerity and seriousness of your question, only throwing himself down onto the bed with his hands behind his head as he continues to stare at you some more, never in your life have you ever felt this uncomfortable.

"why?" your voice cracks, all that anger and grief coming back up even stronger this time around. "what did i do to deserve this? i was just living my life, my father is sick and he needs me. what would he do without me?"

you're full on crying at this point, hoping and praying that maybe this man in front of you who looks like he's listening to just about the most boring past time story, will somehow take pity on you and let you go.

you've done nothing but tried your best to only do good deeds, so why you of all people?

you think of your father; of minsoo...

san shrugs, not moved by the tears or the breaking of your voice.

"i did it because i can? i did it because i want to?" he says, unsure himself much to your utter disbelief because he cannot be serious.

"so you're that fucking bored you just go around stealing lives of people because you can?" you scoff. "you pirates are so stupid."

he smirks and you regret the words the instant he gets off from the bed and starts walking toward you until your back hits the wall and you cannot go any further, really showing you where you stand in a situation like this.

you're holding your breath with clenched fists when he lowers his gaze to yours, tilting his head mockingly in a proximity too close for your liking.

"if you don't want anything bad to happen to you, i suggest you speak to me a little more fucking nicely, huh?"

you swallow the tension, staying quiet and choosing safety because you have no idea how he's gonna react and what he's capable of just yet.

then it catches your attention again while you're actively avoiding his gaze... the black ink on his chest in the shape of an 'a' and a circle around it.

that must also be what jongho has at the back of his wrist.

"good girl," he coos, breaking your train of thoughts as the pet name makes you feel all forms of disgust, the way he says it so affectionately when right now, all you wanna do is kick him in the shin.

you think if you don't say anything and let him be, he'll leave you alone, but he shamelessly rakes over your face and figure with a twisted gaze.

"you know," he whispers, breath ghosting the tip of your skin, finally looking up to meet his eyes. you hate the fact he's attractive for such a sick person, and you hate it even more the way he's biting at his lower lip. "you're even more beautiful up close."

you wonder if he can hear how loud your heart is beating, so afraid and fearful about what he's gonna do to you.

and when one of his fingers slowly creeps up to brush against your cheek, you visibly flinch, prompting a snicker from him before he backs away completely much to your relief.

you proceed to watch as he walks over to the nightstand and pulls a piece of clothing out of the top drawer, then throwing it onto the bed.

"change into this by tonight," he informs, tone calm but you know it's an order.

he isn't done just yet, going back to fetch one last thing before shutting it and putting on a show for you as he works on wearing the black top he got just now, pulling until it sits on his skin comfortably.

"i've got some unfinished business so i'll be back by dinner time. but for now, stay put and might i warn you one more time, don't try anything stupid and don't even try entertaining the idea of escaping," he states, the warnings sending a chill down your spine.

he doesn't wait for any kind of response from you, leaving the second after and lifting the heaviness off your chest even if just slightly.

this man really just came in here to intimidate you because he can.

there is really not much to do, especially in a small space you're unfamiliar with. you go back between sitting on the bed and looking through the porthole watching as the waves carry the ship along the dark water.

you don't allow yourself to sleep even if your eyelids are growing heavier each hour, your heart unable to be at rest with such a situation you had no say in.

you still haven't even changed into the outfit san demanded you to because you don't know why he wants you in such skimpy clothings for.

you absolutely refuse to wear it.

and although he's warned you to not even think of escaping, your mind can't help but to drift to the possibility of getting out of here. maybe not right now but in the future, it could happen.

he's a fool if he thinks you've already accepted your fate.

it's getting darker outside and you're failing at finding things to keep yourself occupied, when the sudden chatters outside takes your attention.

it's a tad muffled but you can still make out most of what they're saying--the voices sounding like they belong to the men earlier who's responsible for you being here in the first place.

"yeah, she's beautiful so i can understand, but san is still one crazy son of a bitch for doing this." you hear the laughters, such a matter being reduced to a casual discussion between the two.

"he didn't do it alone, though. we literally took the girl away from her home."

"you think san's going to... tonight?"

you don't even realize your ears are practically glued to the door attempting to eavesdrop, but you back away from it the second you finally digest the comment, not even bothering to hear the rest of the conversation.

is this why he took you in the first place and even ordered for you to change into some lingerie by the time he returns? it would only make sense because what other use would someone like you be good for?

just the thought of it sends your body into a state so scared and helpless, desperate to take back the rights of your life into your own hand but completely out of ideas as of currently.

minsoo would always tell you you're the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, and it was flattering at first... why wouldn't it be? it was until it wasn't; your appearance all anyone could talk about.

the aunties that lived next door would always tell your father jokingly that if he had just let you work at the brothel, the two of you could make way more than tending to crops and animals.

you don't have a problem with anyone who does that as a way of living, but it is simply not for you.

your beauty has done nothing in life for you but served troubles.

there's no way to tell time except for the darkness coating the porthole and the way your heart beats faster every passing minute, waiting in anxiety till san will eventually come back.

when you're just starting to doze off, managing to forget about him for just that quick moment, he finally makes an appearance again, the sound of the door opening jolting you from the drowsy state and into fear once again.

you watch him throw a mere glance at the piece of clothing still untouched on the bed.

"i'm pretty sure i gave you a clear order, no?" he looks at you, his antagonizing gaze already making you feel small.

but you stand your ground, spitting lowly but boldly, "i'm not wearing that."

he scoffs, shaking his head to the ground, honestly amazed at the amount of resistance and bravery one still has in a scene where they're clearly at a disadvantage.

he thinks you have absolutely no instincts for survival.

"what exactly do you plan to do with me?" you ask, desperate for a clearer answer, even if you have to annoy it out of him at your own expense. "where the hell are we even going, and can i please just know what's going on?"

he sits himself down on the lone chair near the door, eyes burning into yours as if shooting lasers.

"you sure have a lot of questions, don't you?"

"well i suppose you would too if you were taken away from your home by some lunatic."

san laughs at the jab, a smirk overtaking the shape of his lips after.

"curse at me some more, don't you? it kind of turns me on."

him abducting you should be more than enough proof you're not dealing with a sane person, but this seals it.

"you're out of your fucking mind," you say under your breath in utter disbelief but barely making an effort so he doesn't hear it.

"call me whatever names or insults you want, but it won't faze me, dear. i've heard it all."

you roll your eyes. "oh, i don't doubt it."

a couple seconds of fuming silence goes by before he's the one to speak up.

"we're heading to scorched bay. we'll reach it in a day or two. any more questions, princess?" he raises a brow, his tone a combination of teasing and purposely provoking you.

"why did you decide to ruin my life? why me?" your delivery a bit sarcastic and bitter, bringing about a chuckle from san. but he wouldn't really just do it because he can as he so-called claimed, right?

"that's some strong wordings, but i did it because i like you, is that so hard to believe?"

the room goes even more quiet than before, because this man in front of you who did just about the last thing anyone would do to someone they like, is saying that's exactly what this is.

"yeah, i do find it quite hard to believe."

he shrugs, still unmoved and only proceeding to stare at you with something in his eyes--a challenge--going on to say something that makes you even more uneasy than before.

"well, stick around longer and you'll find i mean every word i say."

if san couldn't get any crazier, he definitely hit his peak when he thought you'd sleep in the same bed as him.

he surprisingly didn't put up much of a fight when you obviously refused, but now you're starting to think he did it on purpose because he knew how uncomfortable the floor is, and that eventually, you're gonna end up regretting the choice.

"changed your mind just yet?" his voice in the dark making you jump slightly, but you try your best to maintain the composure.

"no," you say stubbornly.

because even if the wood flooring is hard and rough on your skin, you'd rather have that than spend the night sharing the same bed with a man you barely know.

"suit yourself."

you squeeze your eyes and force it shut, because if you can fall into darkness, this will all be over soon enough

san doesn't let you leave the room even the following day, only bringing you food when it's time so you'll have something and not die off--though you'd much rather prefer that at this point.

the only good thing is he isn't with you most of the day, always out and about and only showing up once in a while to warn you again, or get something before leaving for hours.

occasionally you'd listen to the conversations outside that's within earshot, none of them too interesting or important until you hear one concerning the ship's arrival in scorched bay by tomorrow morning.

you can't seem to trust san's words for now and you don't want to considering the person he is, but it only makes sense they're going in order.

after scorched bay, port cove would be up next.

you know you probably shouldn't entertain the idea, but you go to sleep tonight on the hard wood flooring with hope comforting you in your dreams and that tomorrow, there's a chance you could be free from this prison.

you're woken up by the much louder chatters foreign to a ship with a relatively small group of people, when the revelation of yesterday hits you, sitting up immediately only to see san raising an eyebrow at you while sitting on the edge of the bed shirtless.

"excited to wake up today, aren't you?" the way he says it, as if trying to get under your skin, but if you really want your plan to work, you have to go just the extra mile to stay on his good side.

you smile in return instead. "i've just always wanted to see scorched bay."

he smirks, shaking his head before standing up to look for his shirt.

"you're not going anywhere," he says, the same time he throws that same turtleneck over his head.

you already knew that but you still can't help but to feel a little dejected at the reminder.

"so what am i going to be doing for the meantime?" you ask.

he shrugs, grabbing for his coat on the rack near the door.

"you don't try to do anything stupid before we return, which should be before it gets too dark."

you fume lowly at the response. it's like every time you try to talk to him like a normal human being, he always has a way to make you feel less in return.

"i'll be back," he tells you and storms off.

you sigh as soon as the door closes. you need to do it quick and fast before he leaves. that it needs to be believable and there's a big chance it might not work but you need to try.

scorched bay is the closest to dune and the further the ship drifts away, the harder and longer it will be to get back to your father and minsoo.

you make yourself more presentable during the time he's gone, waiting in apprehension because as soon as he comes back, you have to strike immediately.

when the door finally creaks open again, you jump up so fast, san might think you're just that excited to see him again.

"what do you want?" he asks, already able to tell from your body language you want something.

"san," you roll his name off your tongue, making sure you sound soft and sweet, watching the way he blinks at such a tone, "i really need to use the restroom."

"go in the bucket," he replies coldly.

"no, but, i-i'm not used to it yet. can i please just go out to use the restroom? just this once? i promise i'll return as soon as i'm done."

he exhales in annoyance, unable to believe you're doing this right now.

"please?" you try again, even more desperate this time. "i also want to see scorched bay just once. i've never been out of dune. i-if i try anything, you can do whatever you want to me."

you say the last line a little too boldly though a little regretfully, the consequences of the words slipped not even in your mind at the time you said it.

"anything?" he repeats after, a smirk creeping onto his lips.

you nod hesitantly, feeling yourself shrink when he steps closer to you.

"remember your words, princess. because if it turns out you have other things in mind, don't say i didn't warn you."

it was obvious he wouldn't send you alone, but you were surprised he didn't go with you himself and instead sends one of his men.

he's trailing behind you, eyes burning into the back of your head and never failing to remind you that he's watching your every moves.

you walk through the crowd of townsfolk, able to see mountains and trees peaking from behind their heads, and shops and stalls everywhere.

the place similar to dune but much livelier and spacious if judging by the amount of people there are compared to the small town square back where you came from.

you find yourself smiling and stopping in place to admire the new but almost familiar setting, the hit of nostalgia already through the roof even though you haven't even been away for that long.

it makes you miss the place, and more importantly, it makes you miss your father and minsoo.

"hey," the voice from behind knocks you out of your thoughts.

you snap your neck around to san's man's stern gaze as he ushers at the road ahead.

"no looking around. we have to get going."

"i was just admiring the scenery," you reasons, much to the continuously cold shoulder.

"doesn't matter. now go." he slightly nudges you by the back to keep walking and you scoff at the physical force.

what the hell is wrong with all these men and their need for aggression?

you avoid the hair raising at the back of your neck and keep walking until you finally spot a public restroom, turning around to tell him you'll be back.

"make it quick," he says rather harshly and a bit annoyed, much to an eye roll from you as soon as you turn the other way.

the women's restroom is a small four stalls with tan brick walls, your eyes scanning every corner for an escape route--immediately landing upon the lone window sitting at the very top of the biggest stall.

it looks like it could barely fit you but you think you might make it. you have to try. you just need something to help you get up there first.

thankful that no one's here to see such madness, you step inside the biggest stall and of course, there's absolutely nothing here that could help you reach that height.

you bite at your bottom lip, trying to reframe from panicking and pacing around the open space of the stall when it clicks.

you can just use the toilet itself as a stepping stool. it's not high enough, but it's a start and you'll be able to open it up from where you are.

the rest is up to your perseverence and whether you can really push yourself up and through such a tight opening.

there's no time to think the plan more through or pick out the flaws, because the longer you're in here, the more suspicious san's man will get.

you step on the toilet seat before moving up onto the tank, reaching your arm out at this angle and easily pushing the window open by the handle as you can hear the glass thump quietly against the other side of the wall.

on your tippy-toe, you grab the other side with both arms and grip it with all your strength, scraping the walls with your feet to help your body over it.

the good thing is that it's grass you'll be falling into. the part where you didn't think through is that you'll be falling face and head first.

thankfully, it's not too high but there's no way you'll make it out without getting some form of injuries.

you probably just stare at it for a few seconds, contemplating just about everything and if you really wanna do this, until the loud knock at the door with your name echoing from the other side reminds you just once again of how much you'd rather break a neck or a leg than to be stuck on that ship for who knows how long.

the pain is quick at first, your arms having covered your face as you brace the fall and land hard against your back. it doesn't really hurt till it settles in, the ache and burn on the surface of your skin that has been scrapped on the way down.

the amount of trees luckily covers the scene, and though you're still sore and hurting from the fall, there's no time to waste as you stand on your feet and limp away the best you can.

that if you can get far enough; if you can stay in hiding for a while, you'll be free again. you can go back to living the life you once were and be able to return to your father.

the townsfolk are probably only able to help you as much as the people in dune can--as in they're completely powerless when it comes to a crew like halateez so it's best you don't trouble anyone.

the best bet for now is to stay in hiding until you're safe and then go from there.

you manage to make it to another public restroom, using the crowd and scenery to blend in, running to the men's this time because it would be harder and unpredictable if they were to try to find you.

you breathe an air of relief when you finally sit down on the toilet seat, your back and just about every bones still sore and hurting but you're just so happy to have come this far.

the front of your hands and elbows are bleeding, using the toilet papers to quickly mend away the pain for now until you can get actual help later on if you make this.

then you wait and wait, each steps whether loud or quiet into the restroom making your heart jump in uneasiness, until a ruckus outside takes you and what sounds like about everyone's attention.

that must be them--san and the rest of his men doing what they do best; doing the same thing they did to the people of dune.

the voice confirms your suspicion, though it doesn't belong to san, the familiarity still rings a memory so clear.

you hate them so much. every one of them.

what rights do they think they have by taking away from others and playing god?

you wish you could do something but the hard to swallow truth is you can't. if you could, you wouldn't have been in this position in the first place.

you're no different than anyone currently being held hostage and threatened by these stupid pirates.

so you wait some more. wait so long that you've lost track of time and the night has gone so quiet, you haven't heard a single footstep or any signs of life nearby for a while now.

maybe you should wait it out longer until the sun comes up at least and increase the chances of being in the clear, but it has very certainly turned dark quite a while ago and probably past midnight.

you can feel the goosebumps on your skin raise from just the realization that you're alone in the restroom at night in a town you have little knowledge regarding.

it's way too quiet and late for halateez to still be at the dock.

san said they'd be leaving before it gets dark, and surely you don't mean that much to him just yet that he'd make the ship delay their route when he hasn't even known you for a week.

you can probably make it to the town hall, recalling seeing it on your way and maybe ask if the mayor or anyone can help.

you don't know if you can bear staying here for another hour.

quietly peeking out the stall, you walk with cautious steps and a conscious fully alarmed when exiting the restroom, ignoring spine-chilling sensation you get from the setting as you make your way to the town hall following a path you believe should lead you there.

the closer you get, the smaller the anxiety brewing in your chest becomes, feeling as if safety and security is only so close, you can reach it if you just walk a little faster.

your pace picks up and for a second there, you see the light. your heart beating faster and your breath harsher from the distance traveled here, because just a little more and you'll make it.

all it takes for your dreams and such a bright future ahead to be crushed is the sudden hand that appears out of thin air and latches onto your wrist at such a speed you can't even react to as it flings your body to the side and drags you away.

you think the same man san sent found you, when the figure comes to an abrupt stop and turns around, wishing that it had been him instead of san himself.

you swallow in fear, never in your life have you ever felt so scared before.

he stares down at you still in his diguise except the mask that has come off, a burning look of anger in his eyes and you can't predict what he's gonna do at all.

you fucked up. you officially got caught and ruined probably your only chance of ever escaping.

god, you feel so hopeless.

"what did i fucking tell you?" he growls lowly into the night, feeling his grip on you get tighter with every spoken word. "i warned you, didn't i?"

you're in such shock, mind out of ideas until the only thing you can think of in the moment to still possibly salvage the situation is to immediately scream for help.

you barely get more than one shriek when san pulls you toward him, flushed against his chest and one hand gripping at your jaw to shut you up.

"if you know what's good for you, you'd shut up and go back nicely. besides, what can these pathetic people do for you? you'll end up right back in my arms either way."

you spit in his face, pushed to your absolute limit and way past the point of caring.

"fuck you," you curse at him. "i will never like you. i hate you. hate you, you hear me?" you deliver your words with such boldness and resentment despite the tears starting to brew.

you almost expect him to hit you, but instead, he hurls out a deep and sinister chuckle, wiping the spit off with his free hand and angles you to look up at him with the grip he still has on your jaw.

"since you love spitting so much, i'm 'oughta teach that mouth of yours some respect."

you have no idea what he means until he suddenly crashes his lips onto yours in a swift motion, allowing you no room to breathe except to stubbornly close off your own lips and deny him any entrance or satisfaction.

though you're desperately trying to fight back, both palms at his chest trying to push him away, he barely moves from his spot because he's so much stronger than you.

not only have you ever felt so hopeless, but now also violated as this person who's already stripped you of your future is trying to take ownership of your body, too.

it's the longest few seconds of your life when all you can focus on are the sloppy movements of his tongue, finally able to free yourself when he loosens up, pushing him away as you weep quietly into the night.

you don't get the time to mourn or cry about the fact this man just took your first kiss by force given he has no sympathy and only seems to care about himself.

"if you wanna make it through the night, you better keep that mouth shut and rethink any other ideas you have in mind, because trust me, i can do much worse."

you absolutely don't doubt he can, which is why you keep your sobs quiet while he drags you by the wrist to that godforsaken ship you thought you would never see again.

"san, it hurts," you try telling him plenty of times throughout the trip back only for your pleads to go in vain.

he doesn't care how tight he's holding onto you or how fast he's walking and that you're unable to keep up. this is your punishment for what you've done and he's gonna make sure you feel the wrath of it.

when you guys finally aboard the ship, he drags you through the few people watching just as harshly.

some wearing the same outfit as him but with masks on and some without--one of them you recognize as jongho, and then the rest in much casual attire similar to the man san sent with you in the first place.

you meet jongho's eyes briefly and you can't tell if it's sympathy that's present in them due to how fast san is moving until the door to the cabin you've been trapped in for the past days is standing in front of you.

with a quick unlock, it all happens so fast you can't even process san tossing you onto the bed until you're planted face first, turning on your back only to cower away in fear of what he's gonna do--especially now that you two are actually alone.

you're able to make out his features better in the ship's lighting, a look of unamused and anger crossing both at once that makes you regret the events of today.

he gave you a clear warning and you defied it. there's no way you're coming out of this unscathed.

and you don't wanna think about what could be even worse than forcefully shoving his tongue down your throat.

there's a few seconds of stare off as you try to predict his next moves.

"you're sleeping in the bed with me from now on. i don't wanna hear it," he tells you sternly.

you keep your mouth shut, knowing that continuously pissing san off is probably the last thing you wanna do right now, especially after having annoyed him enough for today.

"did i make myself clear?"

when you don't say anything, he walks closer that you can barely stutter out a, "y-yes."

"great. when i come back, i better see it."

and he walks out, the aftermath of the door shutting is the first peace and relief you get after being in the presence of him.

you really don't wanna do it but there's no other choice. you've ran yourself into this corner and the only way out--at least for now--is to abide by his rules.

you finally hop into bed after a few minutes of mentally battling yourself.

being able to sleep on an actual bed for what feels like a while is the upside, so it sucks that you're gonna have to share it with what is basically the spawn of satan himself.

you just hope to fall asleep fast enough so you won't have to deal with it when he actually comes back. praying that when you wake up the next morning, he'll also be gone before you know it.

but too much is going through your mind; your thoughts absolutely consuming, that before you can even black out, you hear the fidgeting of the door handle and then the opening of it, much to your disappointment.

you force your eyes shut, pretending to be asleep but the smallest curiosity has you opening just one eye to see what he's doing, having to keep from reacting when you can make out his shirtless torso.

when he senses some movements and suddenly snaps your way, you have to keep up the act of being asleep although the sounds of his clothes hitting the floor makes you extremely uncomfortable.

it gets harder to keep it up the second he starts crawling onto bed, pulling up the blanket to situate himself under and then next to you, his chest now flushed against your back and you just wanna kick him off already.

you think it can't get any worse but he proves you wrong by snaking an arm around your waist and practically crushes you with his own skin until you can feel something hard rubbing against the back of your thighs.

"i know you're not asleep," he whispers into your ear, the surprise making you flinch as your eyes open fully to darkness.

you can't see him but you can hear his genuine and amused laughter, immediately attempting to pry off his arm much to no use.

"shhh. don't try to fight it."

and maybe the weight of today finally hit you, because you don't even have the strength to fight him anymore. between sleeping in the same bed with san and him occasionally placing small kisses at your neck, you eventually manage to fall asleep.

the next couple of days goes by with you holding your breath every second you're with him.

he has become stricter; although he didn't let you out of the cabin before, he's now made it an official rule you cannot go out unless he gives you permission.

if he has to leave for his daily business, he makes one of his men guard the door outside and practically has you on watch 24/7.

if he can't bring you food himself, he'd also leave it to them. your whole entire world is basically the perimeter of this room at this point.

you have become so bored (though you've rather be bored and not have him here than be alerted with him), you begged him to let you do something or at least give you something to do.

he dropped off a bunch of books and told you to "do whatever you want with it."

he also tries to treat your injuries at one point despite your stubbornness that finally shows its head again after some time--a stubbornness that only gets worse when you discover something.

because just when you think san's already cruel enough, he goes even further to really show you just how much of an asshole he really is.

the first argument after your little attempted escape happens the night they return from port cove, when you happen to see the man who accompanied you that day to scorched bay when you needed to "use the restroom".

him and someone else were assigned to keep watch on you while the rest were out doing what they do best to the new place they just arrived in, and you just so happened to see him all bruised and battered through the small crack of the door window, or at least in a recovery state where you can still see very clearly the marks made on him.

you confront san as soon he walks into the room and starts his usual undressing for the night.

"were you the one who did that? to the guy that was with me at scorched bay?" you ask, sitting at the edge of the bed.

he almost has to do a double take, the question catching him offguard but not more than the fact you're even talking to him. you usually never do.

"yeah?" he answers, more like a question in return because why are you asking.

an inaudible gasp leaves your mouth at that, the reality setting in that this is who you're really messing with.

someone capable of inflicting physical harms onto others without an ounce of regret or sympathy.

"why?" he adds, his tone starting to sound more taunting. "you have something to say about it?" his head tilts at you mockingly, his hands stopping short at the waistband of his pants.

you gulp before speaking, "i-i just don't think you should've done that."

"and why not? he's one of my men. shouldn't i discipline him if he fails to carry out an order?"

"but it wasn't his fault."

"then whose fault was it?" he tests you, mirth in his eyes and if you could, you would punch him.

"m-mine," you stutter out.

he moves closer to you, your body naturally shrinking and your throat feeling tight.

"then should i punish you instead?" he bends down to look you in the eyes but you're quick to avoid his gaze, grabbing a pillow to stand up and head for the floor at the end of the bed.

"just being with you is already enough of a punishment," you mutter to yourself but you know he hears it, if the chuckle from behind means anything.

"i'm sleeping on the floor tonight," you tell him, setting the pillow down and immediately laying flat, regretting starting the conversation and now just hoping he'll leave you to be.

surprisingly, he shrugs it off and doesn't fight you on it.

"your choice. but if the waves ever gets too much and you wanna hop in bed again, know i'll always welcome with open arms."

the way he says it makes your skin crawls, feeling more annoyed than ever and just wanting to fall asleep for the sake of it all.

"goodnight, love," he coos the same time the bed creaks from above, your only response is to let out a slight puff through your nose.

you probably haven't said more than three words to san in the past couple of days, going out of your way to avoid conversations and only giving him the cold shoulder whenever he's around.

you still haven't slept on the bed since and he doesn't seem to care about it despite making it one of the rules you have to follow.

maybe he's so relaxed about it because he knows you can't do anything even if you act as tough as a nail; at the end of the night, you're still stuck in this stupid cabin with him.

on a day you're passing time the only way you can, he busts into the room earlier than usual and knocks you out of the page you're reading.

"get dressed," he demands out of thin air.

"what?"

"change into something more fitting, i'm bringing you out to meet the rest of the guys."

the book in your hands is forgotten, the mere idea of finally getting the hell out of this tiny cabin more enticing even if you're gonna have to meet a bunch of other guys probably like san.

you're just happy to catch some fresh air for what feels like forever.

"what should i change into?" you ask, watching him walk over to the top drawer as he pulls something out, turning back to extend an arm.

you look down at the fabric and see what looks like a white dress, taking it from him with slight hesitance.

you're about to ask more questions but he's already walking past you, only muttering out, "come out to the deck when you're ready." and leaving you with no choice but to follow his order.

you inspect the piece more closely after, seeing it's a white square neck midi dress and just wondering where does san even get these things from before eventually changing into it.

even if you don't know the ship too well, it's not hard to find where exactly san wants you to be; the noises hard to miss and coming from one direction only.

you've never gotten a proper look at the ship considering the only times you had the chance to, san's quick to rush you through it, you've never even realized just how detailed and cluttered everything is.

ropes and barrels almost everywhere and the sea smells much saltier out here, watching the way waves crashes against each other in front of your very eyes just under your feet.

when you make it out to the deck and feel the first pair of eyes on you, it's as if everyone else follows and you suddenly become the center of attention.

the once loud chitters comes to a stop the second you arrive and all you can hear is the background music, scanning the surrounding and seeing jugs of alcohol and men of all kinds standing around with smiles on their faces moments just before you arrived.

you swallow the knot in your throat and look for anything to detract the attention--a familiar face maybe, spotting san at a table a few feet away with two other men before noticing jongho just mere inches from you and alone.

you've barely spoken to jongho but he's the only other person here that you know. and frankly, you feel a lot safer with him given he has shown to have at least some sympathy towards you.

you walk quickly and sit yourself down just right across from him; such choice taking him aback before he eventually breaks the ice.

"don't feel like sitting with san?" he quirks an eyebrow.

"don't feel like ever doing anything with him, to be honest," you let slip even though it might not be the best idea to bad mouth him in front of his people, but jongho just laughs it off.

"why are they all even looking at me?" you add, evidently bothered by all the stares.

"they're curious about you. we all are."

you sigh and roll your eyes at that.

"you all want to see the poor soul he has under his grip?" you say sarcastically despite the lack of animosity and that jongho actually comes off quite genuine.

"no. he just has been talking about you a lot. nonstop. aside from me, yunho, and mingi, none of the other guys and seamen on the ship has really gotten a close look at you. san's a bit stingy."

"stingy is an understatement."

jongho snickers lowly.

"it took a lot of convincing to get him to finally let you out here. hongjoong said it isn't good to keep you in one place for too long... that you might start going crazy."

"well, hongjoong would be right. whoever he is."

"hongjoong's our captain," jongho says, nodding off to a direction you follow, unexpectedly meeting san's unamused gaze. "the one on the left of san. and then to the right would be seonghwa, our quartermaster. when hongjoong isn't around, he takes the lead."

you raise a brow, quite unfamiliar with all these pirate terms but you're learning.

"and you guys steal for a living?" you quip, relieved everyone has gone back to chit chatting and minding their own business as more music and voices fill the background.

you can see the conflicts written all over his face. from what you've known of him so far, jongho seems like a rather decent person it's almost hard to believe he's one of the pirates currently posing a threat to the citizens of wonderland.

"we don't steal because we want to, but because we have to. i know it's hard to believe but it's the truth."

"you guys surely don't seem to feel very bad about it, though..."

jongho is silent, a part of him knows that you're not entirely wrong. but also not entirely right.

"some of us manages to stay true to ourselves despite the circumstances and some loses it along the way. just all part of it, i guess."

it's almost as if he's talking to himself, the bittersweet tone in his voice and the sadden smile, his eyes kept to the table until he finally looks up to you again.

"i know it doesn't excuse his behaviors, but san's had it quite rough before we eventually accepted him as an official member. always been a little fucked in the head but he's reliable and gets things done, which is why hongjoong made him the gunner. his violent nature has benefitted us more than not."

you visibly grimace at such information, or maybe it's just the mention of san himself.

"so you guys just let him run loose and do whatever he wants?" like stealing the future of an innocent girl.

jongho recognizes your anger, knowing you're in the absolute right to cry, kick, and scream about this.

"hongjoong did advocated to let you go when he found out but san said you already saw his face and mine and that it would be too dangerous to let you go. i'm sorry."

you certainly wanna cry about just being let go and you won't ever tell on them but you know it's not even worth it.

"so what do you do? i mean, everyone else seems to have a role, you must too, no?" you switch the subject.

he chuckles, a soft smile on his lips after.

"i thought you'd never ask. i'm the crew's navigator. no one knows the ins and outs of wonderland better than i do. at least no one on this ship."

"really?" you beam, the first time you ever felt true and pure excitement ever since stepping foot here. "like... you also have a map?"

he nods.

"can i... can i see it?" you ask shyly, to a genuine giggle from jongho.

"yeah, of course. i was just gonna work on it."

you watch in amazement as he turns to his side to fidget at something before pulling out the rolled up map in the palm of his hand, spreading it out on the table as your eyes go wide.

"wow," you sing, one finger tracing along the drawn islands, towns, rivers, and just about everything with names labeled on each. "this is amazing."

jongho hums along, nodding.

"sorry," you apologize, blushing lightly when you realize just how excited you might've come off. "it might sound silly but it was always my dream to make my own map of wonderland."

"is that so?"

"yeah... i've studied charts, currents, winds, coastlines, and read just about almost everything from the local library regarding the geography of wonderland. of course, nothing beats actually seeing the places for yourself. i hear each maps are always a little different. some more detailed than others. still, i think it'd be fun to create one of my own."

"you can!" he says just as elated as you. "how about... i give you some papers and pens to start with? i mean, it's a start, right?"

"that'd be awesome. it would also really give me something to do in that tiny cabin."

you're actually having such a good time with jongho as he tells you about his finding, walking you through every little thing on the map until you're both joined by the addition of yeosang and wooyoung, two other official members of the main crew.

you learn yeosang is the officer, usually in charge of giving everyone else not on the main crew their daily tasks, and then wooyoung is the cook--the brilliant mastermind behind all of the meals you consume.

the three are so much more lighthearted and easy to talk to compared to san and the other two you had the displeasure of meeting first, you almost wanna be in denial that they're even remotely on the same team.

you might've gotten a little too comfortable and carried away by the presence of the three that you have forgotten about san and completely misses his disapproving gaze the entire time.

it's only when wooyoung suddenly stops mid-sentence and gulps down nervously that you ask what's wrong.

"it's probably best you return to san. he doesn't look very happy."

you glance his direction again and can feel the hostility from the distance, the way he chugs at his drink and loudly slams it down on the table after, the sight already making you dread having to be alone with him.

maybe you should've just sat with him. but then again, he did say he wanted you to meet the guys... which you did, a couple of them at least.

you frown at wooyoung's suggestion, your expression already enough of a response that you'd rather much stay here but you don't say it, instead opting to watch san get out of his seat and laser you a glare before storming off.

you just roll your eyes in return, hoping to resume whatever conversation you were having with the guys and not have to worry about what awaits you after all this.

the rest of the night goes by and you probably feel the most relaxed you've been in a long while, only trying to enjoy the small moments and not think about what horrible things these guys are capable of in spite of actually being quite nice to talk to.

hongjoong and seonghwa shortly introduced themselves after san's departure, and the longer you're with hongjoong the more you can understand why he's the chosen captain.

something about him; the way he talks and presents himself, an aura so strong that you can feel it by just briefly locking eyes for a few seconds.

he controls the topics and knows exactly what to say to keep it going.

seonghwa is a lot more soft-spoken on the other hand, the kind to let things flow and let the people around him talk rather than take charge.

point is, you had a much better time than expected, you don't even wanna go back into that suffocating cabin if not for the night slowly coming to an end.

you bid farewell to the guys and make your way back to the cabin with a tight throat, every second closer to the door makes you wish you could turn back the other way.

you can see from the small window it's pitched black, knocking twice quietly with baited breath before just twisting the knob and finding it unlocked.

keeping the door opened while you reach for the lantern on the side, you jump the second the room lits up and you're finally able to make out san's eyebrows creasing together and with a gaze that could kill while he's sitting on the end of the bed with hands planted onto the sheet, having waited for you the entire time and not asleep like you thought he was.

"had your fun?" he speaks with a tone you can't quite read into, head lowering to the pen and parchment paper jongho had given you.

you clear your throat, shutting the door behind and setting both of it down on the free space shared with the lantern.

"yeah," you answer casually, unaware to the bubbling tension and that such carefree attitude might just be making it worse, walking past him to head for your clothes sitting on top of the drawer. "the guys were a lot more tolerable than i thought."

you mumble the same time you grab your clothes, "i'm gonna change so if you can--" your words dying in your throat midway when you barely spin around and san's already standing tall in front of you, you're literally only centimeters away from bumping into his chest.

"--go out," you finish off awkwardly, the way he has you cornered suddenly shifting the atmosphere--or maybe you just haven't noticed.

"thick-skinned of you to be acting so modest now when you were just throwing yourself at everyone earlier," he accuses, that same look of anger showing but now with something else as well. jealousy.

you retract, offended at such false claims.

"what the hell are you talking about? you wanted me to meet them and i did. that was all that happened."

"all that happened, huh? well you seemed to really enjoy yourself out there with all the attention."

you're in complete and uttter disbelief, you're not even sure what to say; only feeling smaller with his voice raising over you with such ridiculousness.

"whatever, san. think whatever you wanna think, but if you can leave for just a minute so i can finally--"

the clothes fall out of your grasp when he roughly grabs at both your wrists and cuts your words short due to the shock.

"you know what i hate more than a disobedient little bitch?" he growls lowly in your face, the goosebumps on you raising at that. "a disobedient little bitch who's also a whore."

he throws you onto the bed so fast you can barely process it, your worst fear coming to life when he crawls on top of you and traps you in between his arms.

your breathing becomes hitched and you try with your utmost strength to push him away but the effort goes to waste, his hands going to restrain your own as he pins them down onto the sheet beside your head.

and as if you haven't learned your lesson the first time, you spit right in his face again and he's expectedly pissed off about it... more than he already is.

he lets go of one of your hands to shove it under your dress to your protest, kicking with your legs and pushing with your free hand so he doesn't reach the place you're most afraid he would.

"san, please... stop," you cry, all you can do is hit his shoulder pathetically with whatever strength still left in you, but of course, he doesn't listen.

you feel his fingers sneak past your undergarment and to the very spot you've always thought only a lover should feel and see. not someone like san.

the warmness of his fingers running along your flesh has never made you feel so dirty in your life, but when you look into his eyes and see the sinister smile plastered so smugly on his lips, all you can feel is hatred.

his fingers entering you makes you shutter in disgust even if you arch your back slightly and let just the smallest moan slip, you realize in this very moment where you're powerless, the only thing that still holds some of that power are your words.

so you aim to hurt.

"i don't care. you can take my body, you can take whatever you want, but you'll never take my heart. i hate you and i always fucking will!" you shout at him, some of the smugness disappearing slowly at that.

"shut the fuck up!" he curses back, his speed picking up with his anger, but you just keep going.

"you ruined my life! i was doing just fine before you came along, and i already have someone i love! if you didn't take me, i would still be with him!"

that seems to about done it, his fingers stopping the same time his chest heaves in and out with fumes brimming under his nose.

"you think i give a fuck about that? about him? about whether you two loved each other?" he gets in your face. "you're mine now and i can do whatever i want to you."

you're just about to bite back when he roughly takes your lips in for a messy kiss and his fingers in your core goes back to pumping in and out at such a pace that has you almost squirming.

you shouldn't feel like this. you should only hate everything about this but your body has a mind of its own and you can't deny the pleasure overflowing from the work of san's fingers.

he's kissing you too roughly--biting, pulling and tugging, you have to brace your hold onto his shoulders just to keep from falling out of place.

"you act like you hate it, but you actually fucking love it, slut," he pulls from the kiss briefly to say, not allowing a response from you before crashing his lips onto yours again.

it all goes on for a while too long until you feel the walls of your vagina close in on his fingers and he finally pulls out with a plop the same time he breaks the kiss.

you feel dirty, used, and pathetic after. especially still laying in bed trying to catch your breath with your core still soaking wet, watching as san says nothing but gets up and leaves the room with a slam of the door.

you haven't seen san since he stormed off two days ago after such an experience that you'd rather forget about.

every time thinking back to it, you feel disgusted with yourself for even finding the slightest pleasure and enjoyment in a moment where you shouldn't--the guilt building in your stomach whenever the scene plays out again, and all you can think of is minsoo.

it's as if you've betrayed him--letting another man touch you in ways he shouldn't be allowed to.

different people comes in and out through the day to bring you food, each of them you cannot put a name to.

it's usually at 7 p.m. where your last meal is delivered, expecting for another nameless face to show but is taken aback when you see it's jongho himself.

he has a plate of cooked fish and water on the side, greeting you with a thin smile as he steps into the room and sets the food aside.

"how's things going for you?" he asks, voice a tinge of pity already.

you've been busying yourself with the same parchment paper and pen that jongho gave you, having drawn the cardinal directions and just about almost every islands belonging to those areas that you're aware of--its existence at least.

"i'm... alive, i guess?" because you're not really living. at this point, you're merely just breathing and coping. "how about san? i haven't seen him in two days."

it's not that you care. you much rather prefer it this way, but you just wonder what else he could be doing.

"he's upset."

you scoff, genuinely surprise someone like san can even remotely feel such an emotion.

"about what?" you ask dryly because you're failing to believe it.

"he wouldn't tell us all of it, but something about you having another lover already."

you keep quiet out of incredulity, because he can kidnap you and force things against your will, but dare you say something back that holds some truth and he's like a wounded animal.

"he said he'll be coming back tomorrow," jongho informs, seeing the irritation mixed with horror that crosses your face the second you hear those words.

"listen, y/n," he continues, voice still full of that softness you know jongho to sound like, but it's similar to the first time he met you in this cabin again, almost as if he's lecturing you. "i know it sucks."

"yeah, it does suck," is all you say, at this point derived of pretty much all hopes and chances of leaving this ship.

"but if you want to raise the odds of getting out of here, you have to stay on san's good side."

just jongho saying that feels like the first slip of sunlight you've gotten in ages; the revive of hope, even if only slightly. your eyes go wide and you can only stare before blurting, "you mean it?"

he still looks hesitant but eventually nods.

"we're now heading west... we've been for a couple of days now. i'm sure you're somewhat familiar with the myths regarding the seas surrounding the west. they're bigger, more dangerous, unpredictable... especially rocky port."

you only nod and continue to let him speak.

"it's the one place the guys want to avoid, though i've been trying to convince them we should try for it. i've been studying the currents and tide surrounding the area and i think we can make it there safely if we go at certain times but they still think it's too risky. lots of pirates and sailors are known to not make it out of the area."

"my point is," he adds, shaking his head as if going off on an unrelated tangent, "you have to convince san to head to rocky port. if he's with it, he might be able to get the rest to reconsider. and if you do make it happen, i'll help you escape."

your throat closes up, too much information to process and so many questions at once, but at the same time still able to feel the thrill from just the possibility of being free.

"how exactly is something i'm still working on, but i know all of their schedules; when san goes in and out of the cabin. i'll be the one to bring you food when most convenient and when i eventually think of something."

"but how am i gonna be able to convince him?" you ask, probably the part you're most confused about.

conflict is written all over his face before he answers, "you have to win his heart. whatever you have to do, it's the only way to gain his trust."

he looks over his shoulder to the door. "i have to go. i know this is asking a lot of you in return but there's no reward without risk, and we're both gonna be taking pretty big ones, so think of it as an exchange of favor."

when you don't say anything, he excuses himself, his back facing you.

"wait," you stop, just short of his grip on the door handle. "why are you helping me?"

you can see his smile from the side, his head only slightly turned back to look at you.

"because i think you deserve to choose your own destiny, don't you also?"

and even though he phrased it like a question, it's more of a statement because he doesn't let you answer, bidding you a goodnight and walking out leaving you to digest what happened just now.

you don't fully grasp the meaning of jongho's words until you're left to your own devices moments later, tossing and turning in bed.

“but if you want to raise the odds of getting out of here, you have to stay on san’s good side.”

“you have to win his heart. whatever you have to do, it’s the only way to gain his trust.”

the comprehension makes your skin crawls and you feel dirty all over again, similar to the last night you saw san.

but the cold, hard truth is that this is the world you're living in now. a world that you cannot survive in unless you strip yourself bare of any ounce of dignity and self-respect you have.

that if it's the only way you can possibly make it back to your father and minsoo again, you might have to take the chance.

betray who you are and lie in the face of the person you hate the most just to have your life back in your hand, though it should've never been taken in the first place.

san returns the following day just as jongho said he would; a creak of the door while you work on correcting details of the map, unmoved from your seat all day.

you look over your shoulder and merely meet his eyes but neither of you says anything before you pull away to look back down at the map.

there's a minute of silence just listening to him shuffle behind you, the small room allowing you to feel his presence not far away, glancing back as discreetly as possible to see he's unbuttoning his now white shirt.

if you have a choice, you wouldn't do it. but jongho's words ring loudly in your ears and all you can hear is the mission you're out to fulfill and the freedom that might come from it.

you take a deep breath and brace yourself for whatever's about to happen, sure enough that you've thought it through after a night of restless sleeping.

standing from your seat, you walk over to san and you can tell even he's surprise when your hands suddenly overtakes his on one of the buttons he's working through.

he glares at you, raising a brow in response.

"what?" he says coldly.

you clear your throat before speaking. "i-i just want to help you... as an apology for the other day."

you can barely look at him, afraid that he just might be able to see through you--and as much as you hate his guts, you have to admit he's attractive with very prominent features that complements the work he does.

he smirks at your answer because for someone like san, nothing strokes his ego more than thinking he's in the right; feeling your heartbeat multiply when he slowly pulls you in closer.

you thought you were ready to sacrifice anything but every inch of space closed off between you two, the doubts start creeping up if you truly are ready, given how much you actually wanna run.

"is that so?" his breath ghosts against your skin, proceeding to lift your chin up to lock eyes that has you blinking in apprehension; just the way he's staring at you sends a jump of butterflies to your stomach.

you only nod, trying to keep yourself from faltering on the spot when he goes to guide your fingers with the last three buttons, unclasping them one by one with a tension in the air that only grows when the last one comes undone.

his naked torso sits in front of you, and though you've seen it a couple times by now, you don't think you ever truly want to admire it more than right now, tracing the lines of his abs and rubbing over the bumps tenderly by your own doing.

soon, you take it upon yourself to pull the shirt off as it drops to the floor, the sight in front of you almost too delicious but wrong at the same time.

still, you have to get on his good side, staring up at him and biting at your lips like he's the only person you're ever gonna need for the rest of your life.

he's quick and fast to fulfill the look in your eyes, pulling you even closer by your arms until you're flushed against his bare chest and now trying to hide the fear despite knowing it's too late to back out now.

"how sorry are you, exactly?" he teases, eyes lowering to mock you.

"r-really sorry," you stutter out, attempting to keep the composure.

"then show me." he almost growls but it actually comes out a lot more mellow, his head dipping in for an immediate kiss that unlike any of the ones before, you don't fight it.

instead, you wrap your arms around his neck and return the kiss like you mean it. like you don't actually loathe his guts and wanna throw him overboard.

clashing your tongue along with his and continuing that even when your back hits the sheet of the bed and he's hovering over you before pulling away, a look in his eyes never so hungry and desperate in his life.

you watch as he unbuckles his pants and sees the bump protruding from his underwear, time seemingly passing by so slow and torturous you just wish for it to be over with.

and after a couple more minutes of passionately making out (at least that's what it looks like) where he undresses you in the process, he sends his fingers down the same way they were in before the last time you two were in this position.

moans and cries of pleasure escapes your lips against your will until your vision fills itself with only stars, your skin also betraying you and shuttering when he whisper words of insults into your ear.

"you look much better like this. under me where you belong."

and when he finally spreads your legs and rules over your body the only way he can--a squirm leaving you when he buries his entire length inside your cunt, the conflict swirling in your stomach reaches its height.

you've ever only imagined doing such a thing with someone you love, your heart clenching and a lone tear escaping at the fact that won't be happening anymore.

despite still having your arms around his neck and displaying no signs of resistance, you think of minsoo and your father to get through with it.

that you're doing it for a greater good; a chance. and one day, it will be worth it, even if it doesn't seem like it currently.

you learn what it means to really get on san's good side. that only when you throw away any ounce of respect you have for yourself, that's when you get his in return.

he's nicer to you and talks nicer to you, a sweet tone always on his tongue every time he tucks a hair behind your ear or every time he meets your eyes--staring at them so lovingly like he wasn't the one bringing out tears from them not even that long ago.

but you go with it. of course you do. stare at him right back with blinking lashes and return the same sweet words you don't even mean, all because he finally lets you out of the cabin.

not only allowing you out when he says so, but whenever you want. whenever you wanna get some fresh air or just walk around the ship, he said.

doing so has led you into the two other boys you haven't properly met up until this point--yunho and mingi, who were almost as responsible as san for your capture, and who doesn't seem to be as approachable as the others, always with a cold look on both their faces.

it just makes sense they were the ones to help san.

but on the bright side, sometimes while on the deck, you'll catch jongho coming from his cabin or already at a table, always sending you a smile and a knowing look.

though san lets you roam freely, a luxury you've still haven't earned is being able to talk to anyone.

he doesn't seem to trust you regarding that just yet, or maybe because every time you bring it up, there's still always that tinge of jealousy present similar to the first night when you finally met the other guys.

luckily, you don't have the need to talk to anyone but jongho, who does so as he said he would--sneaking an appearance in one day when it's time to eat.

it's also the one thing you told san you'd be okay with still doing in your room even if he gave you permission to go out with the rest. all so you can get the chance to speak one on one with jongho to know where exactly the plan is heading.

"how are you doing?" he asks, sitting across from you in the spare chair as you make the end of the bed your home.

to be in your position is tough. he knows this. he didn't wanna say it. tell you what you really have to do to get someone like san to even remotely look at you as a person of your own.

"it's been alright," you answer, doubting for second if it's the right one.

if you truly have been brainwashed, used to being confined down here like a prisoner all day that even being able to go out and catch some air is considered a privilege.

you should be more bitter and spiteful because in the end, no matter how high the highs are, it's still at the cost of yourself.

"i'm sorry again. for making you do this. it's... the only way i know how to get you out."

you shake your head, again with the half-baked lies you're feeding yourself, but you need the push to keep going so that the reality doesn't set in. something positive in all of this mess.

"it's fine, trust me," you tell him, as much as you're trying to tell yourself. "i'm okay. as long as we go through with it, it won't be for nothing."

because san's actually quite tender and loving after sex; his temper and need for aggression seemingly having died down after the first night and you're at least glad for that.

jongho stays silent, maybe a part of him already knows how you're feeling even if you don't say so.

"we'll be hitting up mist island tomorrow. it'll be the first place from the west. shortly after should be rocky reef. you have about four days from now to convince san. after reef, if we don't head for port after, the guys will make a detour and it'll be too late."

"also," he adds, "it's best you don't wander while we're still in the west. again, the waves are more aggressive here and it's gonna be pretty hard on the ship for the meantime."

you nod understandably.

"no chance of us flipping over or anything?" you let the joke slip as an attempt to lighten the mood.

jongho snickers lowly.

"i hope not," he replies with the same lighthearted tone. "no, but really. we'll be fine. i've advised them to take a less taxing route."

you smile at that, though the idea of the ship overturning doesn't sound too bad, especially if it takes san with it.

jongho goes on, "by the way, just so we're clear and you're not thinking why i didn't help you sooner, if there's a place that you'll have the best chance of successfully fleeing, it'll be rocky port. i heard they have one of the best systems, as well as some of the best sailors and navigators to know the sea due to having lived in such a rough area. it will be your best bet back to dune. plus, you said your father is sick?"

"yes."

"they have good medicines. plants known for curing diseases no man was able to. if you do return, it might help your father."

you've never felt happier (at least in the entirety you've been on this ship) that you might not only be free from san's grip but that there's also a chance you'll be able to help your father if he already hasn't gotten better.

"if i'm able to convince him, how would we go at it if we do get there?"

he quirks his lips slightly. "you make up some kind of excuse and i'll fight to be the one to escort you, whatever it is. from there, i'll give you all the coins you'll ever need to get someone to take you back to dune, along with any medicines you need for your father which i should be able to acquire considering we usually tour the places out of disguise beforehand."

"and if san comes looking for me?"

"he won't. i'll make sure he won't. just stay in hiding and don't even come out until the crack of dawn. our ship should be leaving by then and i'll also make sure of that. we also won't be stepping foot into any of the south seas again and if san tries, you can put your trust in me i'll do everything that doesn't happen."

you don't know whether to be impressed or scared the fact jongho seems to have thought just about everything through.

"thank you, jongho. really." your voice full of gratitude you can't express enough in words.

he smiles in response.

"no need to thank me. i'm just trying to do the right thing, i guess."

there's a few seconds where you guys just embrace the comfortable silence until jongho speaks again.

"i have to go. stay any longer and the others might start raising an eyebrow. good luck, okay? i'll talk to you soon."

you nod. "you, too. good luck."

it sounds like enough of a thorough and executable plan, right?

you can tell san's in the mood based on the first few gestures he makes when he gets in bed, usually whispering into your ear and running his fingers under your shirt if he's up for it--and delivering just a short kiss to your cheek and goodnight if he isn't.

when he sends a quick peck to your cheek, you're not surprise he doesn't want to tonight.

they'll finally be landing in the west tomorrow so the guys must've had quite a hefty discussion considering he was gone for most part of the day.

"san," you call his name quietly in the night, taking it upon yourself to start a conversation and shifting on your side to meet his eyes in the darkly lit room.

"yeah?" he replies.

he looks so calm in such a setting, his face deprived of any malice and signs that tells of the actual man he is.

"we'll be landing in mist island tomorrow?" you ask with feigning innocence.

"yeah."

"i-is it okay if i go out tomorrow? for a little bit? i really wanna see the place." you put on your sweetest tone because it's a genuine question. you do.

you've always wondered what islands, towns, and cities beyond dune are like, but even more so what's beyond the south seas. you hear they're more prosperous; filled with riches and buildings you won't ever see down in the south.

even the people are different.

but when san is seemingly unfazed, his thumb going to caress one side of your face instead, you already know the answer.

"sorry, dear. can't just yet. not until we get to the north at least. you'll be able to roam more freely then."

the north. you think of how nice that sounds. finally seeing for yourself what you've always dreamed of, as if places from fairytales you've been reading since you were a child coming to life.

but for once, you wish you won't have to see it. wish that the west--that rocky port is as far as you make it.

you take a deep breath, sighing into the night. "fine."

at least when they're gone tomorrow, it'll give you time to really think through a believable enough lie that'll get san and the rest to where you need to be.

the spot next to you is empty when you wake up, your head slightly throbbing whether from how the ship fought the sea of the west last night, or maybe it's the new chatters and voices of the morning.

one of the biggest signs of being close to land are the presence of other people.

the event of yesterday hits you, recalling the ship should now be in mist island, you're quick to peek outside the small window of the door, only able to see crates and maybe the heads of a few passersby.

it doesn't hurt to just get a glance, right? it's the least san should allow you to do if he isn't gonna let you out.

you twist the knob of the door, pushing it forward only to come face first with one of san's men standing outside. of course.

but the smell... it's fresher, your nose sniffing the air like a fish fresh out of water and the cold that grazes your skin along with a breeze is different.

you're not very used to such weather and condition because you grew up in the south where it was basically summer all year long--the reason why most of the places there are named either after the sun or the heat.

"you can't be out here," he tells you sternly that you almost wanna roll your eyes to.

"i know. i just wanna look for a bit."

you quickly scan the area (at least the parts you can see) with awe, noticing along the way the light fog that seems to grace the place permanently and sticking to its name of mist island.

the buildings isn't rundown or made of bamboo and whatever woods they could find, and though it doesn't hold the familiarity of dune and the south seas with townsfolk running all over the place, citizens still populates the sidewalks and talk to each other... in a more calm and tame manner.

no running or fooling around, a certain grace in even the way they stand, but especially in the way they dress.

no clothes that looks worned or unwashed, the fabrics clean and polished to the eyes.

"ma'am?" he breaks your train of thoughts, to which you really roll your eyes in return this time.

"i know."

you give the place one last admiration before stepping back inside the cabin of doom, jongho's words playing in your head.

"you have about four days from now to convince san. after reef, if we don’t head for port after, the guys will make a detour and it’ll be too late.”

you only have three more days. tonight, they will leave for reef and you're gonna need to strike as soon as possible--pacing around the room to think of anything you can possibly use against san.

he's an asshole, but he isn't stupid.

and after a few hours of going in circle, you think it just might work.

“they have good medicines. plants known for curing diseases no man was able to. if you do return, it might help your father.”

it's the next night after mist island and before they can even reach rocky reef. you figure the time is as good as now, giving san at least two days to think it through instead of stalling and only having one where he could possibly rush the decision.

his chest is pressed up against your back with his hard-on rubbing at your thighs, his fingers slowly sneaking under your shirt.

he's more likely to be in the mood on days where he does very little and has more energy reserved at the end of the night. you also made sure to be extra sweet to him today since you planned this out, but now going on to stop his hand short of reaching your breast.

"san," you call, similar to the other night.

"what?" he answers boredly, at this point already accustomed to you only calling his name when you need something, which you admit you're guilty of.

you turn to face him, holding your breath before spewing the first few words of the lie you've been brewing, having thought out every possible scenarios and responses ahead of time.

"i'm not feeling too well."

not only did you make sure you were on your best behaviors today, but you also made sure to act sick whenever he was around--coughing, sighing from time to time, lower energy, and maybe be a bit dramatic so he'll notice.

it doesn't seem like he did, or maybe he just doesn't care. but he won't have any reasons to doubt if you bring it up.

"i think it may be that i'm not used to the cold or maybe i caught something, i'm not sure," you add onto the lie when he doesn't say anything, only slightly raising a brow in response.

"and how long have you been feeling like this?"

"starting yesterday. i thought i was just feeling a little under the weather and it'd go away but it seems to have gotten worse today."

you wait in anticipation, not wanting to jump ahead of yourself. it's better you be patient and calculate the responses when the timing is right, but the way he looks just permanently stuck in a trance of thinking is slowly starting to tick you off.

"it shouldn't be too bad. it'll probably go away after a few days, and if not, we're reaching reef tomorrow and can get you something there."

well, he sure does have a way to disappoint.

"but what if it doesn't?" your pitch grows higher, even turning your lips downward for a pout. "c-can we go to rocky port after reef?"

you have expected the confusion to cross san and it's exactly what happens. but you also know that as much as san claims to give a shit about you, that reason alone isn't gonna be enough to move him.

"plus, wouldn't it also be good for you guys to go there? skipping an entire island means losing an entire island's worth of coins, goods... they also have advanced medicines and remedies. you guys can take some for the journey."

you can't tell if it's annoyance crossing him or he's just in deep thoughts trying to digest your words and weighing all the pros and cons of it.

"i'll think about it," he finally says after some time, much to your relief and joy.

it's a good start. not a definitive answer but at least he isn't dismissing the idea entirely.

"i'll have to talk it over with hongjoong and the rest first," he adds, to a nod from you and a smile he doesn't fully see in the dark. "if you're not feeling well, then get some rest . i'll talk to you in the morning."

he places a kiss to your forehead before pulling back to your blinking eyes.

"goodnight, san," you coo.

"goodnight."

you wake up a couple times throughout the night due to the harsher ripple of water, most of them to san staring back and attempting to calm you to sleep again.

for your final wake, he takes you into his arms and cradles you, resting his chin on top of your head that's buried into his chest as you close your eyes and let the drowsiness take over.

it's almost weird how safe you can feel in the presence of him in a situation like this.

the arrival to rocky reef is no different than before; only thing different is the time much later in the afternoon, allowing for you to spend some time with san, proceeding to ask him briefly before he leaves if you can take a look at the place from where you are.

he says to not make it too long, taking his official leave and sending one of his men outside the door again in replacement.

and if you think the people and buildings in mist island were nice, rocky reef is even nicer. it's plausible that at this point, the further you head north, the more sophisticated it will only get.

the entire time he's gone, you keep your head straight so you don't lose focus on your initial goal--that tonight, san has to make the decision or else it'll be too late.

"i got these for you," he says, handing you a bottle of pills after returning from the long day, his black attire still stuck to his skin. "you feeling any better?"

you shake your head, quite desperate at this point. you really need it to work or else you'd have to face jongho with the news of failure.

"not really," you answer, voice timid and sick to the best of your ability.

he doesn't say anything while he changes out of his shirt, facing you again when it's off--a look on him like something dying to leave his throat.

"i talked to hongjoong and the rest."

you keep calm and let him talk even if you can hear your own heartbeat in your ears.

"they said it'd be good to give it a try. rocky port... jongho's also talked about it before and knows a way around it."

"r-really?" your heartbeat seems to get louder, but this time out of relief and an excitement different from any before.

"yeah," he confirms, the smile on him morphing into a smirk at the state of you. "a bit esctatic, aren't you?"

you gulp. "well, yeah. i mean, i-i wasn't sure if it was gonna happen at all."

"it's gonna happen, and you have me to thank for."

the next two days are a mix of anxiety and thrill, now that you've set the course, all there's left is to execute it.

jongho shared a knowing nod just the other day when you passed by the deck, casually and naturally starting a conversation with you before quietly slipping a note that you opened only when you were alone.

i'm glad you followed through. i appreciate it. i haven't been bringing in foods because i want to avoid any attention and suspicions for when we do eventually arrive at port. i hope you're taking care of yourself in the midst of all of this. when we're there, i'll give you the sign and just follow my lead - jongho

you still carry on your performance of being unwell so san knows whatever he got you from mist island didn't work; the pretentious state serving you more benefits than you would've thought.

other than kissing you a good morning and good night and cuddling you from behind during sleep, he doesn't initiate any other forms of intimacy, you honestly can't believe you haven't put up the act sooner.

but even if he does, you console in the hope that in just a day, you'll be free from his grip forever; that you'll do anything in exchange for freedom even if that's spending another night with san, body tangled and having to catch your breath under him.

everyone has been warned to keep off the deck aside from jongho who knows the route more than anyone, so if san isn't stuck to the bed flipping through pages of whatever he's reading, he's sniffing the hair down your neck and taking interest in the progress you've made on the 'map' so far.

it's the most restless night of sleep you've ever gotten, having to reframe from tossing and turning due to your back being practically glued to san's chest, but you still stare into the darkness with a heavy heart.

everything you and jongho did is for this very moment. a part of you thrilled, of course, but another is also filled with doubts with just the smallest possibility of it going wrong.

what would san do to you if he found out? if he caught you in the midst of the plan and realized everything that has been going on. what would he do to jongho?

and exactly what sign is jongho gonna use? what if you miss it? your mind races with uncertainty, scaring yourself into sleep because you wouldn't want san to suspect why you're still up and about and with a heartbeat that's about to burst.

the morning after san leaves as he usually does, you pace around the room biting your nails in apprehension, eventually deciding to fold the map you've been working on the smallest you possibly can and shoving it into the pocket of your pants.

it's the only thing in this room worth bringing if you have to make a run for it now.

the voices outside seems to only get louder the more hours go by, and just when you're thinking when jongho's gonna give you any sort of sign, the knock at the door takes your breath away.

it's jongho, his expression neutral and eyes skimming past your shoulders into the room before uttering a "come with me".

you follow behind him to the rest of them on the deck, all their heads turning at once, but you especially don't miss san's--a rather unamused look on his face that makes you swallow the knot in your throat.

"i told you, i can take her myself," san says, glaring straight at jongho.

"no. hongjoong and the rest need you. it's best you stay here. we'll be back before you even know it," jongho assures, the way he talks full of confidence and you could almost believe him.

san fumes, annoyance written all over him, but before he can object again, seonghwa beats him to it.

"jongho's right. it's best he takes her. he knows the place better, and plus, we'll need you here in case anything happens."

you watch san struggle with himself, a word on the tip of his tongue not coming out and sighing in irritation until he eventually gives in.

"fine. but no later than evening, or else i'll come to scrounge these ground myself."

a calm smile rest at jongho's lips, his body bending forward to bow slightly. "of course."

as you follow jongho off the ship, you sneak a brief glance at san because if everything goes as planned, it'll hopefully be the last time you see him.

"what did you tell them?" you ask, when at a safe enough distance from the watchful eyes of the others.

"that it's best you go see a doctor," he explains.

"and where are we going exactly?"

"somewhere far enough from here," is all he says. you don't question him or even have the time to admire the scenery, your mind too entirely occupied by a single goal.

you just keep walking, not sure for how long but when jongho finally stops for the first time, your know your legs are gonna be sore tomorrow.

"here," he says, taking off the pouch that has been sitting around his waist the entire time and handing it to you. "it has all the coins you need to get someone to take you back and extra as well for anything else. i also dropped by the pharmacy as soon as we arrived and got what i could."

you're speechless, staring at the pouch a little too long. the moment bittersweet like saying goodbye to a lifelong friend.

"thank you, jongho," you tell him the same time you take the pouch, throwing it over your head and onto your shoulder like a crossbody bag. "i don't know how to thank you enough."

"there's no need. i already know, trust me," he comforts you with a smile. "you remember what i said, right?"

you nod, repeating the words he said to you last time, "stay in hiding and don’t even come out until the crack of dawn."

"good. i'll be on my way now."

you're surprise when his back is already to you and feet about to start walking away, your voice raising to stop him for one last time.

"jongho..."

he stops in place and turns to you only halfway, "yeah?"

"how are you gonna deal with it when san finds out?"

he smiles and proceeds to tell you calmly, "don't worry. i have my ways. good luck, y/n."

you take a short breath, choosing to believe in him.

"you, too. good luck, jongho."

6 months later

at the time, you weren't sure if it was gonna work; the chances of it all crashing down higher than not... but it did.

you stayed in hiding on a hungry stomach and barely any sleep even past the crack of dawn, the ship probably already gone for hours by the time you finally peeked around the corner, each steps bolder and closer to the dock to confirm the departure of the ship that filled your head with mostly negative memories.

from then, with the money jongho had given you, you were able to get someone to take you back to dune--the look on your father's face when you returned as vivid as the day it happened, as if you came back from the dead.

it's the same look minsoo and a few other townsfolk gave you, none of them able to accurately explain your disappearance; only that it happened the same day the pirates raided.

some thought you were dead, or worse--sold off somewhere, because there was no way a girl like you would be able to survive out in the seas with a group of thieves and possibly murderers.

they all considered your return a miracle, and so did you--the first couple of days bombarded with questions of your exact whereabouts and you remember not even knowing where to start.

you remember still processing everything and mourning for the life you thought you had lost; as if given another chance at it again.

everyone you told asked if you saw the faces of the pirates that took you, but you simply lied and said you didn't. you just think everything is better left in the past, not having to dwell on it or to want some kind of retribution for what happened.

you feel that somewhat and somehow, jongho must've known this; the fact you wouldn't rat them out.

but the event gave you a new outlook on life, how you used to want to get out of such a small place but now you have no other desire but to stay here with the people you love for as long as possible.

it taught you to be grateful for what you have because in any given second, those things could be taken away.

minsoo had been caring for your father during the time you were gone, and with the remedies and medicines jongho gave you, your father was able to recover within just a matter of days.

now, you've gone back to the routine of tending crops and animals with your father to make ends meet and you wouldn't trade it for the world--life seemingly back to just as it was before. safe and secure.

you spent the first two months in paranoia, afraid every single day that just by chance, jongho would break his promise or knowing how san is, he'd find a way back somehow.

only until you realized you were wasting more time worrying than living life did you learn to give it up. if he wanted to find you, he would've already.

but just because he wasn't next to you anymore didn't mean he still didn't hold some sort of power over you, ever since sleeping with him and doing things only lovers did, you no longer wish to do any of those with minsoo.

even if you hold great feelings for minsoo--feelings you can't ever hold for san, you can't help but to think of him at any thoughts of intimacy.

there isn't a single thing you're unable to talk about with minsoo, the boy the least judgmental person you know, but you won't ever tell him what you had to give up in order to come back to him.

the view from atop of the hill is the same as you remember, a few months ago your breath taken away when you finally saw it again for the first time in a while.

ever since, you and minsoo has been making it more of a habit to show--even more than before.

when you look out far enough, you can still picture all the other islands, towns, and settlements--most of them you've actually been to yourself. but now, only the mere idea of it sounds good.

you like being here, exactly where you are.

"so, you ever think of finishing the map?" minsoo would always ask, and you'd always tell him 'maybe'.

he thinks it's impressive but you wish he had seen jongho's work. sometimes, you get the urge to tell him about jongho and how much he helped you. but again, it's all things you wanna leave behind.

on the way home, you pick up a couple groceries to make soup for your father, learning new recipes a hobby of yours lately on top of picking up new books.

you've adapted to the routine even if it's repetitive, making sure your father eats before sending him off to bed so you can occupy yourself with whatever book you managed to find from the library this week for the next hour before calling it a night.

you're just about to sip on your tea when the knock at the door at such an odd hour takes your attention, placing the book down on the nearby table immediately and getting up from the seat.

if it's not minsoo, you don't know who else. unless one of the neighbors wanna complain again.

you fling the door open, a snarky remark already slipping because you're so sure it's minsoo. "why are you--"

but all you need for confirmation it's not him and that life really is so cruel and unfair, is for you to come face first with that stupid tattoo that is every reminder of the hell you thought you were free from.

that black ink on his chest in the shape of an ‘a’ and a circle you wanna scrape off just as much as the equally stupid smirk on his face.

"miss me, princess?"

a/n: story has been in my drafts for over a year now & iomt san rlly helped in finally making it happen. literally got most of my pirate knowledge from the one piece live action lmfaooo

#expected it 2 b like 15k words max #anyway #turned mafia san into pirate san instead lol #ateez smut #san smut #ateez angst #san angst #ateez x reader #san x reader #choi san x reader

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peavhyshy · 28 days ago

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⋆˚ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ - THE LOVE CLUB (pt.1)

ᯓᡣ𐭩 paring ─ ୨୧ ─ heir!rafe cameron ⋆ life!coach!reader

ᯓᡣ𐭩 summary ─ ୨୧ ─ love island au - in which love island contestants, you and Rafe, are drawn to each other despite being coupled up with other people, leading to heightened tension and drama in the villa.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 warnings ─ ୨୧ ─ angst, drama, explicit language, suggestive language, sexual tension, love triangle, alcohol use, competitive/aggressive behavior, jealousy/possessiveness. mention of substance abuse. mention of family dysfunction, manipulation/deception, and pick me behaviors.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 wc ─ ୨୧ ─ 15,791

⋆˚✿˖° a/n ─ ୨୧ ─ this skips around a lot, it's not clear what day it is but according to people who actually go on the show that's accurate so whatever. part 2 coming out before or after Christmas. also, if you do celebrate christmas, hope you have a great time.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔.:･The Love Club･:.ೃ࿔.⋆❀°

(༝༚༝༚ lorde)

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── Outer Banks Masterlist ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── Navigation ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

The sun beams down on the pristine villa courtyard as the contestants gather for their first challenge. Rafe lounged on one of the plush outdoor sofas, his expensive designer swim shorts and carefully styled hair marking him as distinctly out of place among the more casual islanders.

Sarah Hyland stepped onto the challenge platform, her heels clicking against the decorative tiles. "Islanders! Welcome to your first challenge - 'Spill the Tea'!"

"Each of you will take turns reading a secret about someone in the villa," Sarah continued, gesturing to the ornate box of cards placed center stage. "If you guess correctly, you can pour this lovely pitcher of 'tea' over them. And trust me, these secrets are... explosive."

The ten contestants arranged themselves on the stools, Rafe's fingers drummed against his thigh, his other hand adjusting one of his gold rings.

"I'll go first!" volunteered Emma, a kindergarten teacher practically bouncing off her stool excitedly. Her cotton candy pink bikini matched her equally bubble-gum personality. She reached into the box, pulling out the first card with theatrical flair.

"Ooh, this is interesting," she giggled, clearing her throat. "This islander once crashed their father's luxury yacht while trying to impress a date."

Rafe's jaw clenched involuntarily, his eyes narrowing as several heads turned toward him. The memory of that particular incident - and the subsequent screaming match with Ward - flashed unwelcome through his mind.

"That's got to be Richie Rich over there," drawled Marcus, the personal trainer and chef, jerking his thumb toward Rafe. "Am I right?"

Emma clapped her hands together. "Correct! Sorry Rafe, but it's tea time!"

As she approached the pitcher, Rafe's entire body tensed. The cold liquid splashed over his shoulders, and for a brief moment, his mask slipped - revealing a flash of genuine rage before he forced out a laugh that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Real mature," he muttered, pushing his wet hair back from his forehead. Lilly, the girl he’s coupled up with, reached over to sympathetically pat his arm, but he shrugged her off with barely concealed irritation.

"Next up," Sarah announced, maintaining her host's enthusiasm, "James, you're up!"

The motorcycle trainer moved forward, his tattooed arms flexing as he selected a card. He unfolded the card, a mischievous glint in his eye as he scanned the contents.

"This islander," he read slowly, building suspense, "once got fired from their job for starting an unauthorized therapy session during a corporate team-building exercise."

Rafe's attention immediately snapped to you, his fingers absently twisting one of his gold rings. He watched as several other contestants shifted their gazes between you and the others, clearly trying to piece together who might've done something so boldly inappropriate.

"Got to be our resident life coach," Rafe called out before anyone else could speak, his voice carrying that distinctive entitled drawl he'd perfected over years of private school education. The corner of his mouth twitched into something between a smirk and a sneer as he adjusted his still-damp designer swim shorts.

"Correct!" Sarah announced, her voice carrying across the villa's outdoor space. "James, go ahead and serve that tea!"

As James readied the pitcher of cold tea, you let out a genuine laugh, your eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well damn, you got me!" You stood up from your spot and smiled. "But for the record, that corporate team needed way more help than HR was willing to admit."

The other islanders chuckled as James approached the pitcher. You raised your hands in mock surrender, your black bikini already glistening with sweat from the sun. "At least make it quick!" You called out, closing your eyes as the cold liquid splashed over your skin.

"Fuck!" You gasp, wiping tear from your face while laughing. You glanced over at Rafe, still damp from his tea shower. "Good catch there, Cameron. I see you've been paying attention," you teased, wringing out your hair. "Though I'm starting to think these producers are just trying to get us all wet."

Lilly giggled from her position next to Rafe, her perfectly manicured fingers trailing along his forearm. "Babe, how did you know that one so fast?"

Emma leaned forward on her stool. "I mean, it kind of makes sense. Like, imagine being stuck in some boring meeting and suddenly someone's trying to psychoanalyze your childhood trauma."

"Some people just can't help themselves," Rafe drawled, his tone dripping with calculated disdain. His comment earned a few uncomfortable chuckles from the other contestants.

The game continued, with the social media manager Blake drawing the next card. "This islander," she read, "has a trust fund worth over fifty million dollars but has never held a real job."

Rafe's entire body tensed, his knuckles whitening around the edge of his stool. The familiar anger bubbled just beneath his carefully maintained surface, threatening to crack his composed exterior. He could feel the weight of the cameras tracking his reaction, waiting for him to snap - just like everyone always expected him to.

"Come on," he muttered under his breath, his leg resuming its anxious bouncing. The morning had barely started, and already he could feel the familiar itch under his skin, the one that usually led him to make regrettable decisions back home. The kind that Ward would have to clean up with carefully placed phone calls and generous donations.

The tension in the air grew thicker as Blake's eyes scanned the group, clearly weighing her options.

You sat perched on your stool. "Well, that's obviously Rafe," You spoke up, your voice carrying across the challenge area. Your eyes fixed on him with an amused glint. "I mean, the designer swim shorts kind of gave it away." You gestured toward his expensive attire, earning a few snickers from the other contestants.

"Time for more tea!" Sarah announced with exaggerated enthusiasm. As Blake approached with the pitcher, you couldn't help but notice how Rafe's jaw clenched, his knuckles whitening around the edge of his stool.

"Looks like someone's having a rough morning," You commented. His barely contained rage was evident in the way his eyes darkened, a muscle twitching in his cheek.

Emma leaned over to whisper something to Marcus, but your attention remained fixed on Rafe. As a life coach, you’d dealt with plenty of volatile personalities before, but something about the way he carried his anger - like a loaded weapon ready to go off - made you wonder what exactly was simmering beneath that carefully maintained surface.

"Oh, someone's feeling brave today," Lilly chimed in, tossing her platinum-blonde hair over her shoulder. The Instagram model's voice dripped with manufactured drama as she shifted closer to Rafe on her stool. "I mean, at least he earned his trust fund. What's your claim to fame? Giving pep talks?"

You rolled your eyes, wringing out the last drops of tea from your hair. "Honey, I help people become their best selves. But clearly, some need more help than others." Your gaze flickered meaningfully between Lilly and Rafe.

Finn the travel photographer let out a low whistle. "Damn, the life coach's got claws!" He high-fived Lee the accountant, their muscled arms flexing in the sunlight. "This is way better than watching rich boy sulk all morning."

"Can we just get on with it?" Rafe snapped, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.

"Ooh, my turn!" Lilly reached for a card, "This islander once..." she trailed off, eyes widening. "Oh wow. This islander once punched a hole through their bedroom wall after losing a golf tournament.

Aish the research chemist gasped dramatically. "Another Rafe special?" She turned to you with an exaggerated whisper. "Girl, I think your professional services might be needed here."

All eyes turned to Rafe. You watched as his fingers pressed harder against his chest, his breathing becoming more rapid. You recognized the signs of an impending anxiety attack, but before you could say anything, Rafe stood up abruptly, knocking his stool backward.

"Fuck this," he snarled, storming away from the challenge area. He disappeared into the villa, leaving a wake of stunned silence behind him.

Sarah cleared her throat awkwardly. "Well, islanders, let's take a quick break, shall we?"

As the other contestants dispersed, whispering among themselves, You remained seated, your eyes fixed on the villa entrance where Rafe had vanished.

"That was intense," James commented, moving to stand beside you. "You really got under his skin."

You shook your head slightly, your wet hair leaving droplets on the tiles. "That wasn't about me," you reply softly. "That's about something much deeper." You stood up, adjusting your bikini. "And I think it's about to explode."

You lounge by the pristine infinity pool, your skin glistening with a light sheen of tanning oil. James sat beside you on the adjacent lounge, his tattooed arms flexing as he adjusted the umbrella to better shade you both.

"I'm just saying," James continued your discussion about the morning's drama, his voice low enough that the microphones would struggle to pick it up, "the way he stormed off was intense. Like, who gets that worked up over a game?" His fingers absently traced patterns on your shoulder, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by the figure aggressively lifting weights nearby.

Rafe's jaw clenched as he watched the interaction, nearly dropping the dumbbell he was curling. Lilly hovered around him like an attention-starved butterfly. "Babe, you're going to hurt yourself if you keep lifting that heavy," she pouted, reaching for his arm. "Besides, I thought we could maybe go somewhere more... private?"

Your trained eye caught every micro-expression that crossed his face. The way his nostrils flared slightly when James leaned closer to whisper something in your ear. The tightening of his grip on the weights when you laughed in response.

"You know what's funny?" James mused, his fingers now playing with a strand of your hair. "I don't think he's actually interested in Lilly at all. Man's spent more time staring over here than at his partner." He paused, studying your face. "Unless it's not me he's watching."

Rafe abandoned his workout entirely, stalking toward the pool with Lilly trailing behind him like a designer-clad shadow. His blue eyes locked with yours for a brief, electric moment before he dove into the water, the splash deliberately sending droplets toward their loungers.

"Real mature," You called out, but there was an undercurrent of amusement in your voice that made Rafe's eyes narrow as he surfaced. Water ran down his chest, his wet hair falling into his eyes in a way that somehow managed to make him look even more attractive – and he knew it.

"Oh my god, Rafe!" Lilly squealed, hovering at the pool's edge. "You got my new bikini wet!" She shot a venomous glare at you as if somehow this was your fault. "This is designer!"

James snorted, pulling you closer in a possessive gesture that made Rafe's hands curl into fists beneath the water. "Everything here is designer, babe," he says. "Including some people's personalities."

Rafe hoisted himself out of the pool, his eyes never leaving your face, even as Lilly rushed to hand him a towel.

"At least my personality didn't get me fired," Rafe shot back, his voice carrying that distinctive mix of arrogance and barely contained aggression. "Some of us actually know how to maintain professional boundaries."

"And some of us," you replied smoothly, "know how to process our emotions without putting holes in walls." Your eyes sparkled with a challenge as you watched his jaw clench at the reference to the morning's revelation.

James's arm tightened around your waist, his expression falling as he watched the exchange. "Babe," he murmured in your ear, just loud enough for the microphones to catch, "maybe we should take this somewhere more private?" His suggestion was clearly meant for Rafe's benefit, and judging by the way the other man's knuckles whitened around his towel, it had the desired effect.

"Actually," You stood up, stretching languidly, "I think I need a swim too." You moved toward the pool with fluid grace, very aware of how Rafe's eyes tracked your movement. "Unless someone's afraid of a little competition?"

"Afraid?" Rafe scoffed, his wet hair falling into his eyes as he took a step closer to the pool's edge. "Of what exactly? Your amateur lap swimming?" His blue eyes raked over your form with barely concealed interest, despite Lilly's attempts to recapture his attention.

You gracefully slipped into the water, the cool liquid a welcome relief from the afternoon heat. "Amateur? Please," you laughed, pushing your wet hair back from your face. "I was captain of my college swim team. But hey, if you're not up for it..."

"Y/N, babe," James called from his lounger, his tattooed arms crossed over his chest. "Don't waste your time. Richie Rich never had to actually compete for anything in his life."

Rafe's jaw clenched at the comment. "First one to the other end and back," he said, diving into the pool with practiced precision. "Unless you're all talk, life coach."

"Rafe!" Lilly whined, stamping her foot. "We were supposed to go get ready for dinner!" Her complaints fell on deaf ears as you and Rafe lined up at the pool's edge, your bodies coiled with competitive energy.

Other islanders began gathering around the pool, drawn by the mounting tension. Emma clapped excitedly from her spot next to Marcus. "Oh my god, this is like the Olympics but with sexual tension!"

"On your mark," James called out, his voice tight with irritation. "Get set..." He paused, watching as you both swimmers tensed, ready to spring forward. "Go!"

Water exploded around you as you pushed off, your bodies cutting through the crystal-clear pool in powerful strokes. You matched Rafe stroke for stroke, your competitive energy is palpable even underwater. You reached the far end, executing near-perfect turns within split seconds of each other.

"Come on, Rafe!" Lilly's shrill voice carried across the water. "Show her what you've got!"

The return lap was even more intense, your bodies practically parallel as you both surged toward the finish. You could feel Rafe's presence beside you, the water churning between you as you both gave everything you had. Your hands slapped the pool's edge simultaneously, sending a spray of water over the gathered crowd.

"It's a tie!" Finn shouted, earning a chorus of excited reactions from the other islanders. "Holy shit, that was intense!"

You and Rafe trod water, both breathing heavily as you stared at each other. Droplets ran down Rafe's face, his eyes with something that wasn't just competitive spirit.

"Not bad for an amateur," You teased as you moved closer to the pool's edge, "Beginner's luck," Rafe shot back, but there was a new note in his voice that made James shift uncomfortably on his lounger. "Best two out of three?"

Before you could respond, Lilly's voice cut through the tension. "Seriously? We have to get ready for dinner!" She grabbed Rafe's towel, holding it out like a peace offering. "Come on, babe. You've proved your point."

The moment shattered as reality reasserted itself. The other islanders began dispersing, chattering about the impromptu race. James appeared at the pool's edge, offering you his hand.

"Thanks," you murmured, accepting his help but not missing how Rafe's expression darkened at the gesture. Water ran down your skin as you stood, the late afternoon sun casting golden highlights across your shoulders.

"Whatever," Rafe muttered, hauling himself out of the pool with fluid grace. He snatched the towel from Lilly's hands, his jaw working as he watched James wrap his towel around your shoulders. "Dinner it is."

The glam room buzzed with excited chatter and the whir of hair dryers as the five girls prepared for dinner. Lilly perched at the main vanity, meticulously applying her third coat of mascara while boring everyone with tales of her poolside encounters with Rafe.

"And then he just, like, totally showed off his muscles during that workout," Lilly gushed, adjusting her hot pink mini-dress. "I mean, did you see how he was looking at me? He's obviously totally into me."

You sat cross-legged on one of the plush ottoman chairs, applying a light coat of mascara to your lashes. The reflection in the mirror caught your subtle eye roll as Lilly continued her monologue. You’d chosen a simple but elegant black dress maintaining an air of sophistication.

"Girl, are you sure about that?" Blake interjected, pausing in the middle of curling her dark hair. "Because from where I was sitting, he seemed more interested in..." she trailed off, shooting a meaningful glance at you through the mirror.

Emma, who was struggling with her false eyelashes, piped up from her spot on the floor. "Oh my god, that pool race though! The tension was, like, totally insane!" She giggled, nudging your leg. "James looked ready to throw hands!"

"Please," Lilly scoffed, now aggressively applying lip gloss. "Rafe was just being competitive. He likes to win, that's all. Right, Aish?"

Aish, who had been quietly perfecting her winged eyeliner, looked up with a knowing smile. "If by 'competitive' you mean 'eye-fucking Y/N the entire time,' then sure, honey."

"What?!" Lilly spun around so fast that she nearly knocked over her makeup bag. "That's ridiculous! Tell them, Y/N. Nothing is going on there, right?"

You carefully applied a coat of lipstick, taking your time before responding. "I don't know what you want me to say, Lilly. I'm coupled up with James, remember?" You stood up to smooth down your dress, the fabric clinging in all the right places.

"Besides," Blake added, unplugging her curling iron, "didn't Rafe basically ignore you the entire time you were trying to get his attention at the pool?"

"He was focused on his workout!" Lilly protested, but her voice had taken on a slightly hysterical edge. "And anyway, he chose me at the coupling, so obviously-"

"Because Y/N was already coupled up with James," Emma pointed out, finally managing to attach her second eyelash. "Come on, Lilly, even the cameras caught those looks they were giving each other."

"You're all just jealous," Lilly snapped, gathering her makeup with shaking hands. "Rafe and I have a connection. You'll see at dinner tonight. I'm wearing his favorite color and everything!"

You caught Aish's eye in the mirror, both of you sharing a knowing look. Lilly stormed out, her pink dress flouncing dramatically.

"Well," Blake drawled, applying the finishing touches to her hair, "dinner should be interesting." She turned to you with a sly smile. "Especially since you look absolutely killer in that dress, hun."

"James is a lucky man," Emma agreed, but her tone suggested she wasn't thinking about James at all.

You finished touching up your makeup and couldn't help but wonder what Rafe would think of your outfit choice - not that it mattered, of course. You were coupled up with James, after all.

But as you gave yourself one final look in the mirror, adjusting the delicate gold necklace that drew attention to your collarbone, you couldn't quite silence the small voice in your head that wondered if Rafe would notice.

The kitchen buzzed with activity as the guys prepared dinner, pots clanging and the sizzle of food filling the air. Rafe leaned against the marble counter, his fitted black button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves, watching the others work with barely concealed disdain.

"Mate, you could actually help instead of just standing there," Marcus called out, chopping vegetables with practiced precision. His chef's background was evident in the way he coordinated the meal preparation. "Or is cooking beneath the trust fund baby?"

James snorted from his position at the stove, stirring a pot of sauce. "Probably never had to cook a day in his life, right Rafe?" He shot a challenging look over his shoulder, his tattooed arms flexing as he worked.

"I have people for that," Rafe drawled, taking a long sip from his wine glass. His eyes tracked the movement in the kitchen with calculated disinterest. "Besides, someone needs to make sure you don't poison everyone."

Lee, who was attempting to plate appetizers, rolled his eyes. "Right, because standing there looking pretty is such hard work." He carefully arranged prosciutto on a platter, his focus intense. "How does Lilly put up with your attitude?"

"Speaking of putting up with people," Finn chimed in, pausing in his task of chopping herbs, "what was that pool situation about earlier?" His eyes darted between Rafe and James, testing the waters.

The tension in the kitchen shifted immediately. James's grip on the wooden spoon tightened noticeably, while Rafe's casual posture became more rigid. "Just a friendly competition," Rafe replied, but there was an edge to his voice that suggested otherwise. His fingers absently played with one of his gold rings, a sign of his agitation.

Marcus laughed, the sound cutting through the tension. "Friendly? You looked ready to drown each other." He pointed his knife at James. "And you weren't exactly thrilled about your girl getting cozy with Mr. Wall-Puncher here."

"Watch it," Rafe snapped, his composure cracking slightly. He set his wine glass down with more force than necessary, the sound echoing through the kitchen.

"Or what?" James turned from the stove, his expression challenging. "Gonna put another hole in the wall? Maybe throw a tantrum and storm off again?"

Lee stepped between them, holding up his hands. "Guys, come on. The girls will be down any minute. Can we not turn dinner into a testosterone-fueled disaster?"

"Too late," Finn muttered, just as the sound of heels clicking on tile announced the arrival of the girls. James immediately moved to greet you, but not before catching the way Rafe's breath hitched slightly, his fingers tightening around the edge of the counter. Lilly bounced in behind you, her pink dress a stark contrast to your choice.

"Something smells amazing!" Emma exclaimed, trying to break the obvious tension as she entered with Blake and Aish.

"Yeah," Marcus drawled, his eyes moving between Rafe and you. "Something definitely does."

The kitchen fell into an awkward silence, broken only by the bubbling of pots on the stove. Everyone gathered around the long dining table. Marcus proudly presented his carefully crafted main course - a perfectly seared sea bass with roasted Mediterranean vegetables.

"Alright everyone, dig in!" he announced, beaming with pride as plates were passed around. "And yes, before anyone asks, I did most of the actual cooking while some people just supervised." He shot a playful glance at Rafe.

Emma clapped excitedly as she took her first bite. "Oh my god, Marcus! This is incredible!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, drawing genuine smiles from around the table. "You could totally be on MasterChef!"

"Please don't inflate his ego more than necessary," Blake teased, reaching for the wine bottle. "He already thinks being a professional chef makes him Gordon Ramsay."

The evening continued with stories, laughter, and several bottles of wine. As dinner wound down, Emma suggested they all play a game of Never Have I Ever, earning both groans and excited agreements from around the table.

"Never have I ever..." Emma giggled, holding up her wine glass. "Had sex in public!"

The villa's outdoor dining area erupted in a chorus of groans and laughs as several islanders, including you and Rafe, took long sips from your glasses.

"Okay, spill!" Blake demanded, pointing at you. "Where was it?"

Before you could answer, Rafe's voice cut through the chatter, his eyes fixed intently on you. "Let me guess - some corporate team-building exercise got really out of hand?" His smirk was challenging, provocative.

"Never have I ever," Marcus interrupted quickly, sensing the mounting tension, "hooked up with someone just for their money."

Lilly's perfectly manicured hand hesitated halfway to her glass, earning several raised eyebrows. Rafe didn't move to drink, but his jaw clenched noticeably.

"Never have I ever," Aish continued, her dark eyes sparkling mischievously, "fantasized about someone else's partner in here."

The silence that followed was deafening, Rafe's fingers tightened around his glass before he deliberately raised it to his lips, maintaining eye contact with you as he drank.

James's arm around your waist tightened as Lilly's voice rose to a shrill pitch. "Rafe! What the hell?"

"It's just a game, babe," His eyes never left your face. "Besides, everyone's thinking about it. I'm just honest enough to admit it."

"Never have I ever," Lee jumped in, trying to diffuse the situation, "gotten fired from a job." He shot an apologetic look at you. "Sorry, but that story was too good not to bring up again."

"Never have I ever," Finn announced, "wanted to punch someone in this villa." His eyes darted between Rafe and James meaningfully.

Both men drank without hesitation, their mutual animosity barely concealed beneath the surface of forced civility. The other islanders watched with bated breath, waiting to see if this would be the moment the tension finally snapped.

"Never have I ever," Blake declared, her voice cutting through the thick atmosphere, "kissed someone just to make someone else jealous."

The game paused as everyone waited to see who would drink. The cameras captured every subtle glance and loaded moment as glasses were raised or remained untouched, telling stories without words.

The Love Island bedroom was dimly lit, filled with the soft sounds of sleeping contestants and the occasional rustle of sheets. Rafe lay rigid in his bed, hyper-aware of Lilly's presence beside him as she slept soundly, one arm draped possessively across his chest. The white silk sheets felt suffocating in the warm night, but that wasn't what kept him awake.

His eyes fixed on the ceiling, tracking the shadows cast by moonlight filtering through the villa's windows. Three beds over, he could make out your silhouette, your hair spilling across your pillow. James's muscled arm was wrapped around your waist, and the sight made Rafe's jaw clench involuntarily. His fingers twisted in the sheets, fighting the urge to get up and pace - a habit he'd developed during particularly bad nights back home.

You shifted in the bed, careful not to wake James as you adjusted your position. The thin black silk nightgown you wore rode up slightly, drawing Rafe's attention before he forced his gaze back to the ceiling.

Lilly stirred beside Rafe, murmuring his name as she pressed closer. He resisted the urge to push her away, instead lying perfectly still as memories of the day's events played through his mind. The pool race, the loaded glances during dinner, the way your dress had clung to you.

Across the room, you found yourself equally restless. James's arm felt heavy around your waist, his breath warm against your neck. But your thoughts kept drifting to blue eyes and gold rings, to the way Rafe had looked at you during the drinking game. You could feel his gaze on her even now, burning through the darkness that separated your beds.

The night stretched on endlessly, filled with unspoken tension and desires that couldn't be acted upon.

The morning sun streamed through the glam room windows as the girls went about their usual routines. You sat cross-legged in front of your vanity, carefully applying eyeshadow while Blake and Emma debated the merits of different self-tanner brands. Aish was attempting to teach Lilly how to properly contour when Rafe appeared in the doorway, a plate of elaborately prepared avocado toast in hand.

"Special delivery," he announced, his voice carrying that familiar hint of arrogance. He was already dressed for the day in fitted swim shorts and an unbuttoned linen shirt that showed off his chest. His gold rings caught the light as he handed Lilly the plate.

"Oh my god, babe!" Lilly squealed, abandoning her makeup to inspect the breakfast. "You actually cooked? This is like, so totally romantic!" She bounced excitedly, her pink silk robe fluttering around her thighs.

You caught Rafe's reflection in your mirror as he leaned against the doorframe, his eyes flickering between Lilly's excited chatter and your carefully neutral expression.

"I thought you didn't cook," Blake commented innocently, though her tone suggested nothing innocent about the observation. "Wasn't it just yesterday you were too good to help with dinner?"

"Maybe he's turning over a new leaf," Emma giggled, nudging Aish with her elbow.

Lilly took a big bite of the toast, making exaggerated sounds of appreciation. "This is amazing! See? My man can do anything he sets his mind to." She preened under Rafe's attention, though his gaze seemed more focused on the way your silk robe had slipped slightly off one shoulder.

"Anything?" Aish raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with suggestion. "Like staying faithful to his partner, perhaps?"

Rafe's jaw clenched, his fingers drumming against the doorframe in that nervous tick of his. "Just wanted to make sure my girl was taken care of," he drawled, but his eyes betrayed him as they drifted once again to your reflection.

"How thoughtful," You finally spoke, your voice carefully neutral as you applied some lip gloss. "Though I have to wonder what inspired this sudden domestic gesture."

The unspoken challenge in your words hung heavy in the air. Lilly's excited chatter about the breakfast faded into background noise as Rafe and you held each other's gaze in the mirror, the intensity of your eye contact making the other girls shift uncomfortably.

"Sometimes," Rafe replied, his voice low and loaded with meaning, "a man just wants to show his appreciation." His emphasis on the word 'his' was subtle but unmistakable.

Blake coughed dramatically, breaking the moment. "Well, this has been fun, but I think we should finish getting ready. The boys are probably waiting by the pool."

"Right," Rafe straightened, his casual demeanor returning like a mask sliding back into place. "Enjoy your breakfast, babe." He dropped a quick kiss on Lilly's head before leaving, but not before one final glance at your reflection.

As his footsteps faded down the hallway, Emma let out a low whistle. "Girl," she addressed Lilly, who was still happily munching her toast, "I don't think that breakfast was meant for you."

You carefully closed your lipgloss tube, your expression unreadable.

The villa's backyard had been transformed into a makeshift stage, complete with a single chair positioned center stage and colorful strobe lights. The men sat lined up, shirtless and wearing heart rate monitors strapped to their chests, their nervous energy palpable. Rafe lounged in his designated spot, affecting an air of casual indifference despite the slight tension in his jaw.

Sarah stood beside an oversized wheel adorned with all the girls' names, her enthusiasm infectious as she addressed the group. "Alright, islanders! Time for our sexiest challenge yet - the Heart Rate Monitor! Let's see who can get these boys' hearts racing!"

James shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his tattooed arms crossed over his chest as he watched the wheel spin. The tension mounted as it slowly came to a stop, landing on your name.

"And our first dancer will be... Y/N! And she'll be dancing for..." Sarah spun a second wheel with the boys' names. The wheel turned seemingly endlessly before landing on Rafe's name with a decisive click. "Rafe!"

You walk over wearing a black lace bodysuit your skin gleamed under the stage lights. "Remember," Sarah announced, "the boy with the highest heart rate spike wins a special prize for himself and the girl who caused it!"

His eyes locked onto you with an intensity that made the air crackle with electricity, his hands gripping the sides of the chair with barely contained tension.

The opening notes of "Pony" by Ginuwine filled the air as you began to move. The heart rate monitor's steady beeping began to increase as you circled his chair, your fingers trailing across his shoulders.

"Oh my god," Emma whispered loudly enough for the microphones to catch. "His heart rate is already at 90!"

You move with fluid grace as you position yourself between Rafe's legs. His breathing visibly hitched as you rolled your body against his chest, your hands sliding up his arms to pin his wrists to the chair.

The monitor's beeping increased rapidly as you lowered yourself onto his lap, grinding slowly to the music. Rafe's mask of indifference cracked as you threaded your fingers through his hair, tugging his head back to expose his neck. His heart rate spiked to 120 when you traced your lips along his jaw, never quite making contact.

"Fucking hell," Marcus muttered, watching the numbers climb on the display. "Man's about to have a heart attack."

James's expression darkened as you executed a perfect body roll against Rafe's chest, your back arching as you pulled away only to drop back down onto his lap. The monitor hit 135 as Rafe's hands instinctively moved to your hips before you quickly pinned them back to the chair.

"No touching," you whispered, loud enough for the microphones to pick up. The smirk in your voice was evident as Rafe's heart rate jumped to 140.

Lilly stood fuming at the side of the stage, her face growing redder with each beep of the monitor. "This is ridiculous! She's obviously trying too hard!"

The song reached its climax as you performed one final grinding motion against Rafe's lap before pulling away completely, leaving him visibly affected in his seat. The monitor showed a final spike of 150 before beginning to slowly decrease.

"Well!" Sarah announced, barely containing her excitement. "I think we have our number to beat! Rafe's heart rate peaked at 150 - that's our highest spike yet!"

The cameras captured every reaction: Rafe's attempts to regain his composure, James's barely contained anger, Lilly's outrage, and your satisfied smirk. As the challenge continued, the tension in the villa's backyard reached a fever pitch. Lilly was up next, strutting onto the stage in a purple lingerie that left little to the imagination. Her dance for Rafe barely registered a 95 on the heart rate monitor.

"Next up," Sarah announced, trying to maintain the show's energy despite the growing drama, "let's see who's dancing for James!"

The wheel spun again, landing on Blake. Her performance was sultry but safe, earning a respectable 110 on James's monitor. But everyone noticed how his eyes kept drifting to where you stood with the other girls, your black lace bodysuit still drawing attention.

"This is such bullshit," Lilly hissed loud enough for the microphones to catch. "She obviously practiced that routine beforehand. Like, who even moves like that naturally?"

Emma, who had just finished a playful routine for Marcus that earned a 105, patted Lilly's shoulder sympathetically. "Hun, I don't think practice was what got his heart racing..."

The challenge continued with each girl taking their turn, but none came close to matching the spike you had caused in Rafe's heart rate.

"And now," Sarah declared as the final performances wrapped up, "it's time to announce our winners! With a heart rate spike of 150 beats per minute, Y/N and Rafe have won tonight's challenge!"

Rafe maintained his casual stance, but his eyes burned with intensity as he watched James's hands on your waist.

"Your prize," Sarah continued, "is a romantic dinner for two in the private dining area!" She paused for dramatic effect. "However, you'll each be taking your current partners, not each other."

The relief on James and Lilly's faces was palpable, but the cameras didn't miss the flash of disappointment that crossed both Rafe and your expressions.

"Congratulations," Rafe drawled as he passed you, his voice low enough that only you could hear. "Nice moves, life coach. Didn't know they taught that in corporate training."

Before you could respond, Lilly appeared at his side, practically dragging him toward the villa. James's arm tightened around your waist as he watched them go, the muscle in his jaw twitching with barely contained anger.

"Well," Blake commented to no one in particular, "dinner should be interesting."

Later that night after your dinner with James you made your way toward the outdoor daybed. The cameras tracked your movement through the darkness, catching the slight hesitation in your steps as you approached the familiar figure already lounging there.

Rafe sat with one leg propped up, his gold rings glinting in the moonlight as he absently twisted them around his fingers. He wore black silk pajama pants and a thin white t-shirt that did little to hide his frame. His blue eyes followed your approach, taking in your oversized t-shirt and sleep shorts.

"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked, his voice lacking its usual arrogant edge. The night seemed to have stripped away some of his carefully maintained facade, leaving something more raw and vulnerable in its place.

You settled onto the opposite end of the daybed, tucking your legs beneath you. "Too many thoughts," you admitted, your eyes studying his face in the dim light. "That dinner was..."

"Fucking awful," Rafe finished, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. "Lilly wouldn't stop crying about the heart rate thing. Like I could control it or something." He paused, a bitter laugh escaping him. "Though I guess James wasn't much better?"

"He kept trying to prove something," you sighed, absently playing with the hem of your shirt. "Making sure everyone saw how 'together' we are. It was exhausting."

"My dad would love this," Rafe suddenly spoke, his voice taking on a harder edge. "His fuck-up son making a mess of things on national television. Another disappointment to add to the list."

Your training as a life coach kicked in automatically. "Tell me about him," you encouraged softly, recognizing the pain beneath his sarcasm.

Rafe was quiet for so long you thought he wouldn't answer. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. "Nothing's ever good enough for him. Sarah - my sister - she's the golden child. Can't do anything wrong. Me?" He laughed humorlessly. "I'm just the family embarrassment he has to keep cleaning up after."

"Is that why you..." you gestured vaguely at his chest, where his hand often went during moments of anxiety.

"The panic attacks?" Rafe's jaw clenched. "Started after Mom died. Dad remarried within a year - couldn't have the press thinking the great Ward Cameron was anything less than perfect." His fingers unconsciously moved to his chest as he spoke. "Rose tried, I guess. But she wasn't Mom."

The vulnerability in his voice made you shift closer instinctively. "My dad left when I was eight," you offered quietly. "Just... walked out one day and never came back. Mom had to work three jobs to keep us afloat."

Rafe's eyes met yours in the darkness, something shifting in their depths. "Is that why you became a life coach? Trying to fix broken people?"

"Maybe," you admitted. "Or maybe I'm just trying to fix myself."

"Sometimes," Rafe confessed, his voice rough with emotion, "I think about just walking away from all of it. The company, the expectations, the whole fucking Cameron legacy." His hands shook slightly as he ran them through his hair. "But then what would I be?"

You reached out without thinking, your hand covering his. "Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is choose ourselves."

The touch sent electricity through both of you, the chemistry you’d been fighting suddenly impossible to ignore. Rafe's fingers intertwined with yours, neither of you pulling away despite knowing you should. You listen intently as he talks about his drug addiction.

"It started after a particularly bad fight with Ward," he finally spoke, his voice rough. "He'd just promoted Sarah to junior executive, completely bypassing me. Again." His bitter laugh cut through the darkness. "Barry - this dealer I knew from college - he was at this party I went to. Said he had something that would make everything stop hurting for a while."

You remained silent, your thumb unconsciously stroking the back of his hand as he continued.

"First time was... fuck, it was like everything finally made sense, you know?" His eyes looked almost black in the darkness. "All the pressure, all the disappointment, all of Ward's fucking expectations - they just disappeared. For a few hours, I could breathe."

He pulled his hand away to run it through his hair. "But then you need more. And more. And suddenly you're calling Barry at 3 AM because you can't handle being in your skin without it."

"The holes in the walls," You spoke softly, understanding dawning in your eyes. "They weren't just about anger, were they?"

"Cocaine's a hell of a drug. Makes you feel invincible one minute, then you're punching walls the next because the crash is so fucking bad." His hands were shaking now, the gold rings catching the moonlight as he twisted them. "Ward tried to buy Barry off, of course. Throw money at the problem like always. But by then..."

"You were already addicted," You finished gently.

"Seven months clean now," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not that anyone in there would believe it." He gestured toward the villa where your fellow islanders slept. "Easier to just be the rich fuck-up everyone expects."

The weight of his confession hung heavy in the air between you. You shifted closer, drawn by an instinct to comfort that went beyond your professional training. The daybed creaked slightly under your combined weight.

"Is that why you came here?" You asked softly. "To prove something?"

"Maybe," he admitted, his vulnerability striking in its rawness. "Or maybe I'm just trying to escape Ward's shadow for a while. Fat lot of good that's doing." His bitter laugh held an edge of self-loathing. "Still fucking everything up, aren't I?"

Without thinking, you reached up to cup his face, forcing him to meet your eyes. "Hey, you're seven months clean. That's not nothing, Rafe. That's strength."

The touch seemed to break something in him. His hand came up to cover yours, his eyes intense with a mix of vulnerability and desire. You sat frozen in that moment, both of you acutely aware of how close you’d gotten.

The night stretched on as you continued talking, sharing pieces of yourselves you’d kept hidden from the cameras and other islanders. The weight of your respective partners sleeping inside the villa seemed to fade away.

The early morning sunlight filtered through the villa's kitchen windows as you and Rafe moved around each other with surprising synchronicity.

"Pass me those eggs," Rafe murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. He wore sweatpants and a white t-shirt, his hair adorably mussed from the few hours of sleep you’d managed after your late-night conversation.

You reached across him to grab the eggs. "I thought you didn't cook," you teased, referencing his earlier claims.

"I said I had people for that," he corrected, a genuine smile softening his usually sharp features. "Didn't say I couldn't." His hands moved with unexpected confidence as he diced vegetables for an omelet.

The kitchen was filled with the sizzle of bacon and the rich aroma of brewing coffee.

"You're doing it wrong," Rafe commented, moving behind you to adjust your grip on the whisk. His chest pressed against your back as he guided your hands in a circular motion. "Like this - it makes the eggs fluffier."

"Where did you really learn to cook?" You asked softly, aware of the sleeping islanders and not wanting to break the peaceful morning atmosphere. You began plating the first batch of omelets while Rafe handled the bacon.

His jaw tightened slightly before answering. "Mom taught me," he admitted quietly. "Before she got sick. Sunday mornings were our thing - just us in the kitchen while everyone else slept in."

Your hand found his arm, squeezing gently in understanding. The touch lingered longer than necessary, both of you hyper-aware of the contact.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by footsteps on the stairs. You moved apart naturally, though something intimate remained in the air between you both. Emma appeared first, her eyes widening at the spread of food.

"Oh my god, this smells amazing!" she exclaimed, though keeping her voice low for the others still sleeping.

More islanders began trickling in, drawn by the smell of breakfast. James appeared and Lilly wasn't far behind, immediately attaching herself to Rafe's arm.

"Babe, you made breakfast?" she squealed, too loud for the early hour. "That's so sweet!"

"Actually," You started, but Rafe caught your eye with a subtle shake of his head. You understood - let Lilly have this moment. Some truths were better kept between you like whispered confessions under starlight.

"Morning lovebirds," Finn called out as he descended the stairs, his camera dangling from his neck as usual. His eyes took in the domestic scene before him, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Something smells amazing."

Marcus followed close behind, already in his workout gear. "Damn, who knew Richie Rich could cook?" He grabbed a plate, piling it high with eggs and bacon. "This is actually good, man."

"Don't sound so surprised," Rafe drawled, though his usual sharp edge was softened by the early morning atmosphere. He moved around you to reach the coffee pot, your bodies brushing in a way that didn't go unnoticed by the newcomers.

Aish entered next, her silk robe trailing elegantly behind her. "Mmm, proper breakfast for once instead of protein shakes," she teased, nudging Marcus playfully. Her dark eyes tracked the subtle dance between you and Rafe as you navigated the kitchen space.

"Is that fresh coffee?" Blake appeared, making a beeline for the pot. "Thank god. I thought I was going to have to suffer through another morning of instant." She accepted the mug Rafe handed her, raising an eyebrow at how naturally he and you worked together.

Lee stumbled in last, still half-asleep. "Food," he mumbled, dropping into a chair at the kitchen island. "Need food."

"Here," You handed him a plate of perfectly fluffy eggs, your movement bringing you close to Rafe again. Your fingers brushed as you reached for another plate, "So," Finn spoke up, his photographer's eye missing nothing, "how long have you two been up? Must have taken ages to prepare all this."

Lilly's grip on Rafe's arm tightened possessively. "My baby just wanted to do something nice for everyone, didn't you?"

"Actually-" You started again, but this time it was Blake who cut you off.

"Please, Lilly. We all know Rafe wasn't alone in this kitchen this morning." She took a deliberate sip of her coffee, her eyes moving between the two of you. "The question is, were you two up early... or just never went to sleep?"

The tension in the kitchen shifted as James's fork clattered against his plate. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Aish intervened smoothly, though her expression suggested otherwise. "Just that it's nice to see people getting along, isn't it?"

Marcus snorted into his orange juice. "Yeah, 'getting along' is one way to put it."

You busied yourself with cleaning up, very aware of Rafe's presence as he moved to help you despite Lilly's attempts to keep him by her side.

"These eggs are perfectly seasoned," Lee commented, oblivious to the tension or choosing to ignore it. "What's your secret?"

"Just something my mom taught me," Rafe replied quietly, his eyes meeting yours across the kitchen. The shared memory of your early morning conversation hung between you, invisible but palpable to everyone in the room.

"Your mom?" Lilly's voice rose an octave. "You never talk about her!"

The muscle in Rafe's jaw ticked as he turned away, focusing intently on wiping down the counter. You instinctively moved closer, your presence offering silent support that didn't go unnoticed by the others.

"Well," Finn broke the awkward silence, raising his coffee mug. "Here's to unexpected culinary talents and..." he paused meaningfully, "new connections."

The kitchen buzzed with unspoken tensions and growing suspicions as the islanders enjoyed their breakfast, each of them watching the subtle dance between you and Rafe with varying degrees of interest and concern.

The makeshift gym area buzzed with energy as the islanders gathered for their morning workouts. The sun catching the sweat is already beginning to glisten on toned bodies. Marcus had claimed the weight bench, showing off as he spotted for Lee who struggled with his final rep.

"Come on, man! Push through it!" Marcus encouraged his muscles on full display in a tight tank top. "You got this!"

Rafe occupied the pull-up bar, his movements controlled and precise as he executed perfect reps. His white tank clung to his chest with sweat, gold rings glinting as he gripped the bar. His eyes kept drifting to where you struggled with adjusting the resistance bands, clearly frustrated with the equipment.

"Here," Blake offered, moving to help you. "These things are tricky. You have to..." She demonstrated the proper technique, her athletic background evident in her form.

James paced near the dumbbells, his tattooed arms flexing as he curled weights that were clearly too heavy for proper form. His jaw clenched each time Rafe's gaze wandered toward you.

"Babe, can you help me?" Lilly whined from the yoga mat, her pink workout set more suitable for Instagram than actual exercise. "I can't get this pose right."

"Kind of busy," Rafe grunted, dropping from the bar with fluid grace. He grabbed his water bottle, deliberately moving past your station. "Your form's off," he commented, his voice low. "You're going to hurt your shoulder like that."

Emma bounced between machines, her endless energy making everyone else look lazy in comparison. "This is so fun! It's like we have our own private gym!" She attempted a burpee, nearly colliding with Finn who was trying to get the perfect shot of everyone working out.

"Watch it!" Aish called out, stepping back from her kettlebell swings. "Some of us are actually trying to exercise here."

The air grew thick with tension and sweat as the morning workout continued.

"Fuck!" You swore as the resistance band snapped back, catching your arm. The sharp sound drew everyone's attention, especially Rafe who moved instinctively toward you before catching himself.

"Let me see," James stepped in quickly, his possessive concern obvious. "You need to be more careful, babe."

"I'm fine," You brushed him off, irritation clear in your voice. "I can handle myself."

"Clearly," Rafe muttered, just loud enough to be heard. His smirk earned him a glare from James and an eye roll from you.

The workout continued, the villa's gym equipment getting a thorough use as the islanders pushed through their routines. Rafe and you kept finding reasons to occupy the same space, your respective partners grew increasingly agitated with each interaction.

Rafe had moved to the cable machine, deliberately positioning himself with a clear view of your struggle with the resistance bands. "You're still doing it wrong," he called out, his voice carrying that familiar mix of arrogance and amusement.

"Then why don't you show me?" You snapped back, frustration was evident in your voice as you untangled yourself from the equipment.

"Babe," James interrupted, stepping between them with dumbbells still in hand. "I can help you. You don't need-"

"Jesus!" Marcus's strained voice cut through the tension. The barbell wavered dangerously above his chest as Lee scrambled to help him. "Little help here?"

Rafe moved first, his quick reflexes getting him to the bench before anyone else. Together with Lee, they helped Marcus rack the weight safely.

"Fuck," Marcus gasped, sitting up with a sheepish grin. "Maybe I should stick to cooking."

"Maybe you should stick to your own workout," James muttered, still hovering near you who had returned to fighting with the resistance bands.

Lilly's voice carried across the gym, high-pitched and demanding. "Rafe! Come show me how to use these weights properly!"

"In a minute," Rafe replied absently, his attention still fixed on your increasingly frustrated attempts with the equipment. Without warning, he moved behind you, his hands covering yours on the bands. "Like this," he demonstrated, guiding you through the proper motion.

The air in the gym grew thick with tension as James watched Rafe's hands on your waist, adjusting your stance.

"I said I can handle it," You insisted, but you didn't pull away from Rafe's guidance.

"Clearly," Rafe's breath ghosted across your neck as he corrected your form again. "Just like you handled that band snapping earlier?"

"Rafe!" Lilly's voice had taken on a whining edge. "I need help too!"

"Better go," you murmured, finally stepping away from his touch. "Your girlfriend's calling."

The muscle in Rafe's jaw ticked as he watched you move to the other side of the gym, deliberately putting space between you. He turned back to the cable machine, his movements more aggressive than necessary.

"Show-off," Blake commented under her breath, but loud enough for the cameras to catch. She exchanged knowing looks with Aish as they continued their workouts.

The villa's backyard had been transformed into a spicy challenge arena. A long table was set up with ten chairs, each place setting containing a row of increasingly intimidating hot wings and a glass of milk. The cameras captured the nervous energy as the islanders took their assigned seats, Sarah Hyland standing at the head of the table with a stack of cards.

"Welcome to 'Spicy Confessions'!" Sarah announced, her enthusiasm infectious. "The rules are simple - answer the question truthfully, or eat a wing. Each round, the wings get spicier, and the questions get... spicier too!" She winked at the cameras.

Rafe lounged in his chair, affecting his usual air of casual indifference despite the way his fingers drummed against the table. He was seated directly across from you.

"First round!" Sarah held up a card. "These wings are seasoned with jalapeño - barely a warm-up. The question is... What's the most public place you've ever hooked up?"

Emma giggled nervously, eyeing the first wing. "Do we go in order, or...?"

"Let's start with..." Sarah made a show of choosing, "Rafe! Set the tone for us."

Rafe leaned forward, that familiar smirk playing at his lips. "Easy. The Met Gala bathroom, last year." His eyes locked with yours across the table. "Sometimes the most exclusive venues provide the best... opportunities."

"Babe!" Lilly squealed, hitting his arm playfully. "You never told me that story!"

"Probably because you weren't there," Blake muttered under her breath, earning a sharp look from Lilly.

"Y/N," Sarah continued, "your turn! Answer or eat?"

James's hand found your thigh under the table, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by the cameras - or by Rafe, whose jaw tightened slightly.

"Well," your voice carried across the table, a challenging glint in your eyes as you met Rafe's intense stare. "There was this corporate retreat in Aspen. The CEO had this private ski lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains..."

"Oh my god," Emma leaned forward eagerly, nearly knocking over her milk glass. "Please tell me you didn't!"

"Let's just say," You continued, your lips curving into a knowing smile, "the view wasn't the only thing that was breathtaking that weekend."

"Next question!" Sarah announced, flipping to a new card. The second row of wings glistened ominously with a deeper red sauce. "These babies are made with habanero peppers. And the question is... What's your biggest turn-on that you've never told your current partner?"

"Pass," Lee immediately reached for a wing, taking a brave bite before his eyes widened in panic. "Holy shit!" He grabbed for his milk, chugging it desperately as the others laughed.

"Rafe?" Sarah turned to him again, the cameras zooming in expectantly.

Rafe absently twisted his gold rings as he considered the question. "Power," he finally said, his voice low and deliberate. "I get off on having complete control."

Lilly shifted uncomfortably beside him. "But baby, I thought you said-"

"Moving on!" Sarah interrupted smoothly. "Blake?"

"Easy. Watching," Blake smirked, shooting a meaningful look between Rafe and you. "Especially when the people being watched don't know they're putting on a show."

The tension around the table thickened as more confessions spilled out. Marcus admitted to a thing for rope play, while Emma surprised everyone by confessing her love of public exhibition.

"Y/N," Sarah's voice cut through the charged atmosphere. "Your turn. What's that secret turn-on?"

"Control," you answered, your eyes meeting Rafe's directly. "But not having it - losing it. Completely." You paused deliberately. "To the right person."

"Next round!" Sarah's voice was almost too bright as she held up another card. The third row of wings glowed an alarming shade of orange. "These beauties are made with ghost peppers. And your question is... What's the most inappropriate thing you've ever fantasized about someone in this villa?"

"Fuck that," Marcus reached for a wing immediately but froze with it halfway to his mouth. "Actually... there was this one time in the shower when-"

"Just eat the damn wing," Aish interrupted, rolling her eyes. "Some of us would like to keep our breakfast down."

"Next question..." Sarah held up a new card, the late afternoon sun catching the sweat beading on everyone's foreheads from the previous rounds of spicy wings. "If someone other than your current partner is actually your ideal type in here - who is it and why? Or face the ghost pepper wings."

"I'll go first," Blake offered, breaking the awkward silence. "Marcus, sorry babe, but Lee's actually more my type. Those surfer vibes just do something for me." She shrugged apologetically at Marcus, who took the confession with good humor.

The question continued around the table, some islanders choosing to brave the wings rather than admit their true attractions. Emma confessed to having a crush on Finn, while Aish admitted she found Marcus's chef skills irresistibly attractive.

When it came to your turn you straightened in your chair, very aware of James's presence beside you. Your eyes met Rafe's across the table, holding his gaze as you spoke.

"Rafe," you stated simply, your voice steady despite the way James's entire body tensed beside you. "He's exactly my type - damaged, complicated, with just enough danger to make it interesting."

"Plus, I've always had a thing for guys who think they're unfixable."

The silence that followed your confession was deafening. Lilly's face had turned an alarming shade of red, while James's grip on his glass was so tight it looked in danger of shattering.

"Your turn, Rafe," Sarah prompted, the cameras catching every nuance of the charged moment. “Tell us who’s your type or what’s your biggest regret so far?”

His eyes never left your face as he spoke. "My biggest regret here was the safe choice instead of going after what I really wanted."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lilly's voice had risen to a near-shriek. "I'm right here!"

"It means," Rafe continued, still holding your gaze, "that sometimes playing it safe isn't worth the price of denying what you really need."

"Well!" Sarah's voice was overly bright as she tried to diffuse the situation. "That was... enlightening! Next question-"

"No," James stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the patio tiles. "I think we've heard enough 'enlightening' confessions for one day." His voice was tight with barely controlled anger as he stormed away from the table.

"James!" You called after him but made no move to follow. Your eyes returned to Rafe's, the heat between you palpable even across the table.

"Drama!" Emma stage-whispered to Finn, who was busy capturing every moment with his camera. "This is better than any reality show I've ever watched!"

Lilly tugged desperately at Rafe's arm. "Baby, you didn't mean that, right? Tell me you didn't mean that!"

But Rafe's attention remained fixed on you, his expression intense with something that went beyond mere attraction. It was clear that the real heat in the villa had nothing to do with ghost peppers.

That night, the flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the villa's fire pit area as the islanders gathered for what Sarah had cryptically called a "special surprise." The men sat blindfolded, their partners beside them on the curved benches.

"Islanders!" Sarah's voice carried across the space. "Tonight, we're shaking things up. Boys, keep those blindfolds on tight!"

The sound of heels clicking on stone drew everyone's attention to the villa entrance. Tessa emerged, dressed in green lace lingerie. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back, catching the firelight as she moved with deliberate sensuality.

"Holy shit," Blake whispered, loud enough for the microphones to catch. "She's not playing around."

You shifted uncomfortably next to James, very aware of how Rafe sat directly across from you, his blindfolded face turned in your direction despite not being able to see. Lilly's grip on his arm had become almost desperate.

"Boys," Sarah continued, "you're about to meet our newest bombshell. Tessa, why don't you tell us what brought you here?"

Tessa's voice was honey-sweet with an underlying edge as she circled the fire pit, her fingers trailing across each blindfolded man's shoulders. "Well, Sarah, I've had my eye on one particular islander from the start." She paused behind Rafe, her hands sliding down his chest. "I always get what I want, and what I want is sitting right here."

Tessa leaned down to whisper something in Rafe's ear, her lips brushing against his skin. The muscle in his jaw ticked, but he remained still under her touch.

"And what exactly do you see in Rafe?" Sarah prompted, though the question seemed redundant given how Tessa's hands continued to explore his shoulders.

"Where do I start?" She moved to stand in front of him. "The bad boy exterior hiding daddy issues? The complicated relationship with authority? The addiction struggles?" She smiled predatorily. "I work in addiction counseling. I know exactly how to... handle cases like his."

Your hands clenched in your lap, your professional mask slipping slightly at Tessa's casual mention of Rafe's personal struggles. "You can remove your blindfolds now, boys," Sarah announced with barely contained glee.

The reaction was immediate. Lee whistled low under his breath while Marcus muttered a quiet "damn." But all eyes were on Rafe as he took in Tessa's appearance, his expression unreadable behind his usual mask of indifference.

"Like what you see?" Tessa asked, deliberately positioning herself between Rafe and your line of sight.

"Seen better," Rafe drawled, but his voice held an edge that the cameras quickly focused on. His eyes kept trying to find you around Tessa's deliberately positioned form.

Tessa made herself comfortable on the bench next to Rafe, forcing Lilly to scoot over. "Well," she smiled, "you'll be seeing a lot more of me. Sarah, should I tell them the best part?"

"Go ahead," Sarah encouraged, clearly enjoying the mounting tension.

"Tonight," Tessa announced, her hand finding its way to Rafe's thigh, "I get to steal one of you for a private date in the Hideaway. And I think we all know who I'm choosing."

"Rafe," Tessa's voice cut through the night air as she stood from the fire pit, extending her manicured hand toward him. "Let's have that chat, shall we?"

"This is bullshit!" Lilly exploded the moment they were out of earshot, her voice rising to a pitch that made several people wince. "She can't just come in here and-"

"And what?" Blake cut in, raising an eyebrow. "Do exactly what you did to Y/N when you picked Rafe at the first coupling?" The cameras caught you slightly flinching at the reminder.

Emma tried to diffuse the situation, her perpetual cheerfulness somewhat strained. "Come on, guys. It's just a chat. It's not like-"

"Not like what?" Lilly snapped, mascara already starting to run. "Not like she's practically naked? Not like she's obviously trying to steal my man?"

James shifted closer to you on the bench, his arm sliding around your waist in what appeared to be comfort but felt more like possession. "Maybe some people's men are worth stealing," he muttered, just loud enough for the microphones to catch.

Tessa led Rafe to the day beds, her body language deliberately seductive as she settled beside him. Even from a distance, the islanders could see how she kept touching him - a hand on his arm, fingers trailing across his chest, playing with his gold rings.

"I can't watch this," Lilly stood abruptly, wobbling slightly in her heels. "This is... this is just..."

"Karma?" Aish suggested sweetly, earning a death glare from Lilly.

You remained silent, your eyes fixed on the scene unfolding at the day beds.

"You're being awfully quiet," Blake observed, studying your face. "No professional insight into this situation, life coach?"

Before you could respond, a burst of laughter carried across from the day beds - Tessa's, high and deliberately performative. The sound made Lilly sink back onto the bench, tears now flowing freely.

"I mean," Marcus spoke up, trying to be diplomatic, "she is fit. And she seems... interested in helping with his issues."

"Oh please," Blake scoffed. "The only thing she's interested in 'helping' with is getting him out of those shorts."

Your fingers tightened around your glass at Blake's words, though your face remained carefully neutral. "Well," Finn mused, his photographer's eye taking in the whole scene, "this should make for some interesting footage. The addiction counselor and the recovering addict - it's like a bad romance novel."

"Or a tragedy waiting to happen," You muttered, speaking for the first time since Tessa had arrived.

The daybed creaked softly as Tessa shifted closer to Rafe, her perfume - something expensive and deliberately chosen - filling the space between them.

"So," her voice has an underlying edge, "tell me about your recovery. It must be so hard, being in here with all these... temptations." Her emphasis on the last word made it clear she wasn't talking about substances.

Rafe's jaw ticked, but his usual sharp retort died on his lips as Tessa's hand found its way to his thigh. Her touch was different from Lilly's desperate clutching - more assured, more knowing. "What makes you think you know anything about my recovery?"

"Please," Tessa laughed, the sound carrying deliberately across to the fire pit. "I've worked with enough addicts to recognize the signs. The way you fidget with those rings when you're anxious, how you rub your chest during moments of stress..." Her fingers trailed up his arm. "The constant need for control, yet the desperate desire to lose it with the right person."

Rafe's eyes flickered toward the fire pit, seeking your silhouette before Tessa deliberately blocked his view. "And you think you're the right person?" His voice held its usual sarcasm, but there was something else there too - a hint of genuine curiosity.

"I know how to handle men like you. The ones who push everyone away because they're scared of being seen. The ones who use anger and arrogance to hide their pain."

"The ones who need someone who understands their demons." Rafe's breath hitched slightly as Tessa's hand moved higher on his thigh. Her words were hitting closer to home than he'd like to admit, striking chords that you had first exposed during their late-night conversation.

"And what about Lilly?" He asked, though his tone suggested he didn't really care about the answer.

Tessa's laugh was dismissive. "Please. We both know she's not equipped to handle someone like you. She wants the bad boy image without the complicated reality behind it." Her fingers found the nape of his neck, playing with his hair. "I, on the other hand, specialize in complicated realities."

Her words were perfectly chosen, each touch deliberately placed to break down Rafe's defenses.

"I could help you," she murmured, her lips dangerously close to his. "Really help you, not just play at being your savior like some people." Her pointed glance toward the fire pit made it clear who she meant.

Rafe's hand found her waist almost unconsciously, drawn in by her promises of understanding and acceptance. Tessa had done her homework well, knowing exactly which buttons to push, and which wounds to probe. And despite himself, Rafe found his carefully constructed walls beginning to crack under her expert assault.

Time passed as Tessa made her way over as the tension around the fire pit crackled. The islanders watched as she positioned herself next to Sarah, her lingerie still managing to catch every eye despite the hours that had passed.

"Well," Sarah's voice carried across the space, heavy with anticipation. "Tessa, you've had the chance to chat with all our boys. Time to make your choice for that private date in the Hideaway."

Lilly had practically melded herself to Rafe's other side, her mascara-stained face a stark contrast to Tessa's perfectly maintained appearance. You sat rigidly beside James, your eyes fixed on some point in the distance as if trying to detach yourself from the situation.

"It's not really much of a choice, is it? From the moment I walked in, I knew exactly who I wanted."

"Rafe, obviously."

"Rafe," Sarah turned to him, "How do you feel about spending the night in the Hideaway with our new bombshell?"

His blue eyes flickered briefly toward you before settling back on Tessa. "Why not?" His trademark smirk slid into place, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Could be interesting."

"Interesting?" Lilly's voice rose several octaves. "That's all you have to say? After everything we've-"

"Babe," Tessa cut her off smoothly, "it's just a date. Though..." her hand trailed down Rafe's chest suggestively, "I can't promise we'll stick to just talking."

"Well then," Sarah clapped her hands together, clearly delighting in the drama. "Rafe, why don't you go get ready? Tessa will meet you in the Hideaway in thirty minutes."

As Rafe stood to leave, Tessa pulled him down for a deliberately passionate kiss, making sure everyone - especially you - had a clear view. His hands remained at his sides, not quite participating but not pulling away either.

"Don't keep me waiting too long," She released him, her voice carrying clearly across the fire pit.

The night air grew thick with tension as Rafe disappeared into the villa.

The islanders gathered for breakfast, the tension from the previous night still hanging heavy in the air. Lilly sat at the counter, her eyes red and puffy from crying, while the others tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

"This is all your fault," Lilly suddenly spat, her voice cracking as she pointed an accusatory finger at you. "If you hadn't been throwing yourself at him during that stupid spicy challenge-"

"Excuse me?" You set down your coffee cup with deliberate control, though your hands shook slightly. "I'm not the one who chose to go to the Hideaway with someone else."

Blake and Emma exchanged worried glances while Marcus continued flipping pancakes, trying to appear absorbed in his cooking.

"Oh, please!" Lilly's voice rose higher. "We all saw how you've been looking at him! Those late-night conversations, the workout flirting, the breakfast cooking together - you've been trying to steal him from day one!"

"That's rich," Blake interjected, coming to your defense. "Considering how you coupled up with him in the first place. Or did you forget snatching him away from Y/N on day one?"

James, who had been silently brooding beside you, suddenly spoke up. "Maybe if Rafe wasn't such a fucking player, none of this would be happening."

"Don't you dare," Lilly whirled on him. "This isn't about Rafe! It's about your girlfriend being a homewrecking-"

"Careful," Your voice cut through the kitchen like ice. "Think very carefully about what you're about to say."

Aish leaned against the counter, watching the drama unfold. "Oh honey, if anyone's doing any homewrecking, it's that blonde bombshell upstairs currently wrapped around your man."

"She's not wrapped around anyone," Finn corrected, unable to help himself. "Rafe came back down after an hour. Apparently, they just talked."

"Then why isn't he down here?" Lilly demanded. "Why is he avoiding me?"

"Maybe because you're acting crazy?" Lee suggested, immediately regretting his words as Lilly turned her fury on him.

"I'm acting crazy? My boyfriend just spent the night with another woman, and everyone's acting like I'm the problem!" Tears started flowing again. "And it's all because she," she jabbed a finger at you again, "had to go and admit he was her type!"

"At least she was honest," Blake shot back. "Unlike some people who pretend they're okay with their partner clearly wanting someone else."

James stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh come on," Emma finally joined in, her usual cheerfulness replaced with exasperation. "We all see how Rafe looks at Y/N. And how she looks at him. And how you and Lilly are both trying to pretend it's not happening."

The kitchen erupted into chaos as everyone started talking at once. The cameras panned frantically between faces as accusations flew and alliances formed. Marcus abandoned his pancakes to hold back Lee, who looked ready to physically intervene as James stepped threateningly toward Finn.

"Enough!" Your voice cut through the noise. You stood slowly, your composure cracking slightly. "I'm done being everyone's scapegoat. Rafe made his choice last night - multiple choices, actually. None of them involved me or you," you looked pointedly at Lilly. "So maybe instead of blaming everyone else, you should ask yourself why he's so eager to explore other options."

The silence that followed your outburst was deafening. Your hands trembled slightly as you walked out of the kitchen, leaving behind a group of stunned islanders and a breakfast that had gone cold in the wake of their confrontation.

The sound of footsteps on the villa's stairs drew everyone's attention as Rafe appeared in the kitchen doorway, his hair still messy from sleep. He wore sweatpants and no shirt, his gold rings catching the morning light. Tessa followed close behind, wearing one of his t-shirts like a trophy.

"What the fuck is going on down here?" Rafe's voice cut through the tense atmosphere as he took in the scene - Lilly's tear-stained face, James's aggressive stance, and the obvious divide among the islanders. "I could hear the shouting from upstairs."

"Oh, just your girlfriend having a complete meltdown," Blake supplied helpfully, earning a death glare from Lilly. "Apparently, it's Y/N’s fault you chose to spend the night with Barbie over there."

Tessa's perfectly manicured hand found its way to Rafe's bare chest, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed. "Where is Y/N, anyway?"

"She left," Emma explained, fidgeting nervously with her coffee cup. "After Lilly accused her of trying to steal Rafe and-"

"She what?" Rafe's voice dropped dangerously low, the muscle in his jaw ticking. His eyes fixed on Lilly with an intensity that made her shrink back slightly.

"Baby, I can explain," Lilly started, her voice wavering. "It's just... the way you two are always looking at each other, and then that confession during the challenge-"

"So you decided to attack her?" Rafe stepped forward, shrugging off Tessa's touch. "Make her responsible for your insecurities?"

Tessa’s confident smile faltered slightly. This clearly wasn't how she'd planned the morning going."I'm not insecure!" Lilly protested, fresh tears spilling. "I'm trying to protect what's mine!"

"Yours?" Rafe's laugh was harsh. "When exactly did I become your property, Lilly? When you picked me first? When you decided to ignore every sign that this wasn't working?"

James pushed off from the counter where he'd been brooding. "Rich coming from you. Playing with both of them while you've got a new toy upstairs."

"Careful," Rafe's warning was soft but deadly serious. "You might want to think about why your girlfriend's name keeps coming up in conversations about me."

Marcus and Lee moved closer, ready to intervene if necessary. "Nothing happened upstairs," He continued, his voice carrying clearly. "We talked. That's it. Because, unlike some people, I actually give a fuck about not hurting people unnecessarily."

"Could've fooled me," Lilly sniffled. "You didn't seem to care about hurting me when you were confessing your regrets during the challenge."

"Maybe because they were true?" Rafe's words fell like bombs in the quiet kitchen. "Maybe because I'm tired of pretending this is something it's not?"

Tessa stepped forward, trying to salvage the situation. "Rafe, baby, let's go back upstairs and-"

"Don't," he cut her off sharply. "This isn't about you. This isn't even about Lilly anymore." His eyes scanned the kitchen. "Where did Y/N go?"

"The beach," Finn supplied, ignoring the warning looks from several islanders. "She headed down to the water."

Without another word, Rafe turned and strode toward the villa's exit, leaving behind a stunned kitchen full of islanders.

"Well," Blake broke the silence, reaching for the coffee pot. "I guess we know whose side he's on."

The sound of waves crashing against the shore provided cover as Rafe reached behind his back, yanking off his microphone pack and tossing it onto the sand. His eyes fixed on you near the water's edge, your hair whipping in the ocean breeze.

You stood with your arms wrapped around you as you stared out at the horizon. You didn't turn when you heard his footsteps in the sand, but your body tensed slightly, recognizing his presence.

"If you've come to defend your girlfriend's tantrum, save it," Your voice carried over the sound of the waves, deliberately steady despite the emotion underneath. "I'm not interested in being everyone's villain."

Rafe moved closer, positioning himself beside you but not touching.

"She's not my girlfriend," he stated simply, his voice rough. "Not anymore. Maybe she never really was."

The wind whipped around you, carrying the salt spray and the weight of unspoken words. You finally turned to look at him, your eyes meeting his blue ones with an intensity that the cameras, even from their distance, couldn't miss.

"What are you doing, Rafe?" Your question held layers of meaning - about Lilly, about Tessa, about the growing tension between you that neither could deny.

"Something I should have done from the start," he moved closer, his body angling toward yours like a compass finding north. "Stop playing it safe. Stop pretending I don't feel what I feel."

The ocean crashed behind you, providing a dramatic backdrop as Rafe reached out, his hand hovering near your face but not quite touching. The sun caught his gold rings, creating patterns of light that danced across your skin.

"And what exactly do you feel?" Your voice was barely above a whisper, your body moved slightly toward his, drawn by the same magnetic pull that had been there since day one.

"You know exactly what I feel," Rafe's voice dropped lower, more intense. "You've known since that first night. Since every fucking moment after." His hand finally made contact, fingers brushing your cheek with a gentleness that contradicted his usual sharp edges.

The beach stretched empty around you, the distant villa forgotten as the space between you charged with electricity.

"This is a mistake," You breathed, but you didn't pull away from his touch. "The villa, the cameras, James, Lilly, Tessa-"

"Fuck the villa," Rafe cut you off, his other hand coming up to frame your face. "Fuck the cameras. Fuck all of it." His thumbs traced your cheekbones as he held your gaze. "The only mistake was denying this for so long."

The waves provide a rhythmic soundtrack to your moment of truth. But was soon interrupted by a text about a new challenge.

The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink as the islanders gathered in a circle on the beach. The tension from the morning's drama still lingered in the air as they settled onto the sand, carefully maintaining space between certain couples.

"Alright, islanders!" Sarah's voice carried across the beach. "Time for Beach or Deep! The rules are simple - when the bottle lands on you, you choose Beach for light and flirty, or Deep for the real tea!"

The glass bottle glinted in the sunset as it spun, eventually slowing to point at Blake. The cameras zoomed in on her confident smirk as she considered her options.

"Deep," she declared without hesitation. "Let's start this right."

Sarah pulled out a card. "Who in the villa do you think is playing the biggest game?"

Blake's eyes swept the circle deliberately before landing on Tessa. "Our newest bombshell, obviously. Coming in here pretending to be some sort of addiction counselor savior when we all know she's just trying to create drama for the cameras."

Tessa's perfectly maintained smile tightened slightly. "Interesting theory from someone who's been trying to get with Lee behind Marcus's back."

The bottle spun again before the argument could escalate, landing on Emma. "Beach!" she chirped quickly, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Give your best cheesy pickup line to the islander of your choice," Sarah read.

Emma turned to Finn with an exaggerated wink. "Are you a camera? Because every time I look at you, I smile!"

The groan that went around the circle was interrupted by the bottle's next spin, landing on Rafe. "Deep," his voice carried that familiar edge of danger. The other islanders shifted nervously, aware of the morning's unresolved drama.

Sarah's smile was almost predatory as she read the card. "Have you caught feelings for someone else's partner?"

The beach seemed to hold its breath as Rafe's blue eyes locked with you.

"Yes," he stated simply, his voice carrying clearly across the circle. The bottle spun again, this time landing on you. The sunset cast dramatic shadows across your face as you considered your options, very aware of Rafe's intense gaze.

"Deep," you finally decided, your voice steady despite the charged atmosphere.

"Reveal your biggest villa secret," Sarah read, barely containing her excitement.

Your eyes met Rafe's across the circle as you spoke. "The night after the heart rate challenge, I couldn't sleep. I went outside and found someone else there too. We talked until sunrise about things we've never told anyone else." You paused deliberately. "And every night since I've gone back hoping to find them there again."

The game continued as the sun sank lower, the bottle spun again, catching the last rays of sunlight as it landed on Rafe. The tension around the circle thickened as he leaned forward, his gold rings glinting in the dying light.

"Beach," he drawled, though his blue eyes held something deeper as they fixed on you across the circle.

Sarah's smile was wicked as she read the card. "Kiss the islander you find most attractive. And make it count - we want to see some real passion!"

"Finally," Blake muttered under her breath, loud enough for the microphones to catch. "About damn time."

Rafe crossed the circle with deliberate steps, his intention clear in every movement. James started to shift protectively closer to you, but your hand on his arm stopped him. The sunset painted everything in shades of gold and red as Rafe reached down, pulling you to your feet.

"Been wanting to do this since day one," he murmured, just loud enough for the nearby microphones to pick up. His hand came up to cup your face, thumb tracing your cheekbone with unexpected gentleness.

The beach seemed to hold its breath as Rafe leaned in, his other hand sliding into your hair. The kiss started soft, almost tentative - a stark contrast to his usual aggressive demeanor. But as your hands found their way to his chest, something shifted.

The kiss deepened, becoming something raw and desperate. Rafe's fingers tightened in your hair as you pressed closer, both of you forgetting about your audience, about your partners, about everything except this moment you’d been denying yourself.

"Jesus Christ," Emma whispered, fanning herself. "Is it getting hot out here?"

When you finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, the sunset had painted the sky in deeper shades of purple and red. Rafe's forehead rested against yours for a moment, his hands still tangled in your hair.

"Fuck," he breathed, his voice rough with emotion. The microphones barely caught his next words, meant only for you. "This changes everything."

"Well," Sarah's voice carried across the beach, heavy with satisfaction. "I think that answers quite a few questions, doesn't it?"

The night was settling in around you as Rafe and you returned to your spots in the circle, though something fundamental had shifted in the villa's dynamic. The game continued, but no one could focus on the questions anymore - not after witnessing what had clearly been more than just a dare.

Rafe's eyes kept finding yours across the circle and you touched your lips unconsciously throughout the rest of the game.

The villa's glam room buzzed with nervous energy as the girls prepared for the recoupling ceremony. The air was thick with hairspray and perfume as they flitted between mirrors and makeup stations, their conversations a mix of excitement and anxiety.

You stood at your designated area, rifling through your suitcase with uncharacteristic excitement. Your fingers brushed against the silky material of your chosen dress - a deep burgundy number that hugged you. The kiss on the beach still lingered on your lips, making you smile softly at your reflection.

"Someone's in a good mood," Blake observed, applying another coat of mascara. "That kiss must have been even better than it looked."

Tessa's perfectly manicured hand paused midway through applying lipstick. "Don't get too excited, honey. The night's not over yet." Her voice carried a sharp edge beneath its sweetness.

"Oh please," Emma chimed in, wrestling with her curling iron. "After that beach display, we all know where this is heading. Even Lilly must see it by now."

As if summoned by her name, Lilly emerged from the bathroom, her eyes still red and puffy despite layers of concealer. "You're all acting like it's some great love story," she sniffled. "When really, it's just Y/N stealing someone else's man. Again."

Your hands stilled on your dress. "I haven't stolen anything," you replied calmly, though your grip on the silk tightened. "And maybe if you spent less time playing victim and more time actually seeing what's in front of you-"

"What's in front of me?" Lilly's voice rose sharply. "You mean how you've been throwing yourself at him since day one? How you manipulate him with all those late-night talks about his addiction?"

"That's enough," Blake stepped between you two, her dress half-zipped. "We all saw what happened on that beach. That wasn't manipulation - that was something real."

Aish nodded from her position at the vanity. "Girl, that kiss had more chemistry than my entire science degree. And trust me, I would know."

You turned back to your suitcase, pulling out your heels as the other girls continued their debate. Your hands trembled slightly as you laid out your outfit - the dress, the shoes, the delicate gold jewelry that would complement Rafe's rings.

"You know," Tessa spoke up again, her voice carrying clearly across the room, "it's interesting how quickly some people forget their partners when something shiny and new catches their eye. James has been nothing but loyal to you, Y/N. But I guess that doesn't matter when there's a bad boy to fix, right?"

The room fell silent as you slowly straightened, meeting Tessa's gaze in the mirror. "You want to talk about loyalty? How about coming into the villa specifically targeting someone else's partner? At least I didn't have to strip down to my lingerie to get Rafe's attention."

"One of us is definitely going home tonight," Emma voiced what they were all thinking, nervously adjusting her dress straps in the mirror. "With Tessa here now, someone's getting dumped."

You smoothed down your dress, watching the other girls' reactions in the mirror. "It won't be Y/N," Blake stated matter-of-factly, applying another coat of lipstick. "Not after that kiss. Rafe's made his choice pretty clear."

Tessa's laugh was sharp as she adjusted her deliberately revealing white dress. "Has he though? Men say a lot of things in the heat of the moment. Trust me, I know exactly what kind of conversation we had in the Hideaway last night."

"Oh please," Aish rolled her eyes, fastening her earrings. "You mean the conversation that lasted all of an hour before he came back downstairs? That really sounds like true love."

"This isn't fair! I've been with him since day one. We were happy before she," Lilly jabbed a finger at you, "started playing her mind games!"

"Happy?" Blake scoffed, turning from her mirror. "Girl, he's been looking at Y/N like she hung the moon since the moment she walked in. The only person who couldn't see it was you."

Emma tried to diffuse the situation, ever the peacemaker. "Maybe we should focus on looking our best? I mean, it's not just about Rafe. Any of the guys could switch things up tonight."

"Right," Tessa's smile was predatory as she adjusted her cleavage. "James seemed pretty interested in our chat earlier. Maybe he's ready for someone who won't abandon him for the first broken bad boy that comes along."

Your hands stilled on your jewelry. "Careful, Tessa. Your desperation is showing." Your voice was calm but carried an edge that made the other girls shift nervously.

"At least I'm honest about what I want," Tessa shot back. "I don't pretend to be some noble life coach while stealing other people's partners."

"The only thing you're honest about is your push-up bra," Blake muttered, earning a few nervous giggles.

Your confidence seemed to grow with each passing moment, while Lilly's anxiety manifested in increasingly frantic makeup touch-ups.

"Ten minutes, ladies!" A producer's voice called through the door.

"Well," Aish stood, smoothing down her dress. "I guess we're about to find out who's going home and who's staying to fight another day."

"May the best woman win," Tessa's voice carried across the room as they prepared to leave, though her eyes fixed challengingly on you.

"Oh honey," Blake linked arms with you as you headed for the door. "I think she already has."

The fire pit crackled with tension as the islanders gathered for the recoupling ceremony. The girls stood in a line, their evening wear glinting in the firelight while the boys sat on the curved benches, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. Sarah stood at the head of the fire pit, her expression promising drama.

"Islanders," Sarah's voice carried across the night air. "Tonight's recoupling will determine who stays in the villa and who goes home. Boys, you have the power. When I call your name, please stand and tell us who you want to couple up with, and why."

"Rafe," She called first, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "You're up."

The fire cast dramatic shadows across Rafe's face as he stood, his blue eyes intense in the flickering light. His gold rings caught the flames as he ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of barely contained emotion rather than his usual arrogance.

"The girl I want to couple up with," he began, his voice carrying clearly across the pit, "is someone I should have chosen from the start. Someone who sees past all my bullshit, who isn't afraid to call me out when I'm being an ass." His eyes found you across the flames. "Someone who makes me want to be better, even though that fucking terrifies me."

"She's the first person I've ever met who makes me want to face my demons instead of running from them. Who doesn't try to fix me, but makes me want to fix myself." He paused, his intensity making the moment electric. "The girl I want to couple up with is Y/N."

The fire pit crackled in the silence that followed as you stepped forward, your eyes never leaving Rafe's. The burgundy dress caught the light as you moved, creating the illusion of flames dancing across your skin.

"Took you long enough," You murmured as you reached him, just loud enough for the nearby microphones to catch.

Rafe's hand found your waist as you settled beside him, his touch possessive yet gentle. The cameras didn't miss how perfectly you fit together, or how his thumb traced small circles on your hip - a gesture that seemed unconscious yet intimate.

"James," Sarah's voice cut through the moment. "You're next."

The tension ratcheted up another notch as James stood, his expression barely contained with fury. His eyes lingered on you for a moment before sliding to where Tessa stood, her white dress practically glowing in the firelight.

"Well," his voice carried an edge that made several islanders shift uncomfortably. "Seems like loyalty doesn't mean much here anymore." His gaze lingered pointedly on you, who remained steady under Rafe's protective arm.

"The girl I want to couple up with," James continued, his tone shifting to something calculated, "is someone who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Someone who understands the value of... professional expertise." His eyes fixed on Tessa, whose white dress seemed to glow against the night sky.

"I choose Tessa," he declared, watching your reaction from the corner of his eye. "At least she's honest about her intentions."

"Thanks, baby," she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I promise you won't regret it."

The recoupling continued as Marcus chose Blake, Lee picked Emma, and Finn selected Aish, leaving Lilly standing alone in her pink dress, mascara-stained tears tracking down her cheeks.

"Lilly," Sarah's voice held false sympathy. "I'm sorry, but as you weren't chosen, your time in the villa has come to an end. You have thirty minutes to pack your bags and say your goodbyes."

Your slight flinch of guilt was quickly soothed by Rafe's tightening grip on your waist, Tessa's had a triumphant smirk as she pressed closer to James, and the varying expressions of shock and satisfaction among the other islanders.

"This isn't fair," Lilly's voice cracked as she looked pleadingly at Rafe. "We were happy. We were good together until she-"

"Don't," Rafe cut her off, his voice firm but not unkind. "We both know that's not true. We were never really together, Lilly. Not in the way that mattered."

The night air grew thick with tension as Lilly's sobs echoed across the fire pit. The other islanders began to move, some following Lilly to help her pack, others lingering to watch the aftermath of the dramatic recoupling.

"Well," Blake muttered to Emma as they headed inside. "I guess we know who the real player in the villa is now." Her meaningful glance toward Tessa and James.

You turned in Rafe's arms, your eyes meeting his blue ones in the firelight. "You okay?" You asked softly, your hand coming up to rest on his chest.

"Better than okay," he murmured, his fingers tracing the line of your jaw. "For the first time since coming here, everything feels... right."

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