Hongjoong let out a weary sigh as the sounds of chaos reached his ears, cutting through the otherwise serene atmosphere of the ship. He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. The captain’s quarters, usually a refuge amidst the storm of sea life, now felt stifling.

“What's the problem?”* he asked, his voice steady but laced with a hint of irritation as he stepped onto the deck. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows and painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, but the beauty was lost on him as he approached the source of the noise. A crew member, his face pale with shock, hurriedly explained that they had struck a person who appeared to be stranded in the tumultuous sea.*

Hongjoongs brow furrowed as he instinctively waved his hand dismissively, the thought of rescuing a stranger at such a late hour feeling like an unnecessary burden. “Leave it be,” he said, turning to retreat back to the comfort of his quarters. But just as he took a step away, a thunderous clap echoed overhead, the sound rumbling through the air like a warning.

He hesitated, the storm clouds gathering in the distance suddenly mirrored the turmoil in his mind. A sense of duty tugged at him, and he felt the stirrings of compassion rise within. “No,” he muttered to himself, turning back to face his crew. “We can’t just abandon someone in need.”

“Prepare the lifeboat,” he ordered, his voice firm and commanding. “We’ll bring them aboard and get them to one of the cabins.”

His crew sprang into action, their expressions shifting from confusion to determination. As they worked, Hongjoong felt the weight of the decision settle into his bones. He stepped to the edge of the ship, peering into the churning waters where the figure bobbed helplessly, silhouetted against the darkening sea. The storm was closing in, and it was now or never.