Dive Into You

Chapter 8: Ju Haknyeon

Ju Hak-nyeon grips the ends of the poles in his hands, staring down the black diamond slope. It's been a little bit since he's gone out skiing like this, but with a nice off day for The Boyz, he can't help but enjoy it. He runs a gloved hand over the few strands of crimson hair sticking out of his hoodie.

Here goes nothing.

He pushes off with the poles, heading down the final slope to the bottom, where his equipment and bags are. He skillfully tackles each turn and pocket of snow like a professional, even taking on and succeeding on small jumps like olympic athletes might handle. He's a natural.

Before long, he's reached the bottom, feeling the wind in his hair and face die down into stillness.

In the background, he can see the company's car waiting for him. The horn honks once.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming, Heechul," Hak-nyeon growls, working quickly to kick off his skis and gather all of his equipment together.

Heechul honks the horn once again.

Hak-nyeon shuffles toward the car. The door slides open and a voice scolds, "You're going to be late for your recording session sir."

Hak-nyeon pauses, one leg up and one leg still on the ground. "It's an off-day for us, Heechul, but I'm going to be late for getting food in me. I don't think you'll want to handle a grouchy, hangry Ju Hak-nyeon now. Am I right?"

Heechul groans. "Just get in."

Hak-nyeon plays with a smile on his lips and propels himself into the back of the car. "Heechul, you're moody today, everything okay?"

Hak-nyeon pulls the door closed, hearing the click of the lock.

"Just...dandy..." Heechul's response comes, with the start of the engine. "But don't call me Heechul."

Hak-nyeon halts in shedding his gloves and looks forward, cocking an eyebrow in perplexment. "Why...?"

"I'm not Heechul. He's got a little bit of a cold, so I took over his driving duties."

"Well, I'm going to file a complaint to IST for your grumpiness," Hak-nyeon says sassily and playfully, reaching to buckle his seatbelt.

"I wouldn't do that..." the mysterious driver says, a bit coldly.

Hak-nyeon cocks his head and his eyebrow. "What is this...? Can you handle a joke? I'm not really going to file...well, I wasn't, I--who are you?"

"It's not important. Do you know Boo Seung-kwan?"

Hak-nyeon blinks in shock. "Yeah...he put you up to this?"

"Oh no, I was just curious, because he desperately wanted a vacation. I mean, I know you and the others do too. I'm just trying to help you poor pitiful Idols out. Moon Tae-il called me a genie." There's a pause for a chuckle. "Tell me, Ju Hak-nyeon, do you long for a vacation or to go home?"

Hak-nyeon nods his head. "I do miss Jeju."

"So, sit back then. Seung-kwan is already there. What about a nice reunion for you two?"

Hak-nyeon gradually begins to relax in his seat. "Fine. Take me to Jeju. BUT there had better be food there."

"There is. Oh...there is...lots of food."

Hak-nyeon smiles and leans back, letting himself completely relax. That's when drowsiness fills him and his eyelids grow heavy. Unable to fight the feeling, he lets sleep take over him and blackness clouds his vision.

"Three more to go. Rest well."