Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 71

Clara and Taehyung got back into the car so they could go visit some of the local sites. Taehyung contacted the security detail so they could follow, but promised them a sizable bonus if Clara never noticed them. He wanted the day to be as natural as possible.

They started by going to visit a local temple complex that overlooked the sea. It was full of beautiful statues and architecture with winding pathways, trees, and small streams. Clara wanted to see it all and Taehyung explained everything he knew about locations like this: how the buildings were constructed, what the murals meant, how the Buddhist monks lived, and then he shared stories about his own visits to temples as a child. Clara experienced the visit with wonder, loving everything from the intricacy of the painting on the beams to how the buildings were laid out in charming patterns. Several times she stilled just listening to the monks chanting, feeling utterly at peace in the environment with her hand threaded with Taehyung's. And even better, the complex had almost no other visitors so she felt like she could explore freely.

From there they went into the small beach town, window shopping at all the small stores. Some had been closed for the season but others remained open with their goods clearly on display. Taehyung grabbed Clara and brought her inside to a few shops where she stalled in front of the windows, admiring the beautiful materials or interesting designs. But all they bought was one new hair clip for Clara that she liked too much to turn down.

As they continued down the street they found a small hanok building which offered warm drinks, baked goods, and a few simple Korean dishes. They snuck in to grab a snack and found a table in the back where Taehyung could take off his mask without much risk of being seen.

They split each item they selected, Clara was trying a few for just the first time. After she discovered her favorite pastry Taehyung ordered a few extra to take with as they continued their day.

Next they went for a drive to a scenic viewing area. The drive was scenic enough and Clara had her face pressed against the window admiring the glimpses of the ocean between the trees. It was a short walk from the car to the overlook but Taehyung carefully wrapped his arms around Clara to make sure she stayed safe and didn't trip over any rocks or tree roots.

When they got to the overlook it was too windy and cold to stay long. So they took just enough time for a few quick pictures and almost immediately returned to the car to go back to their little cottage.

"What do you think, baby girl. Should we take a nap, then walk on the beach, and then dinner. Or walk on the beach, then nap, then dinner?"

Clara felt like she still had a bit of energy left and she wanted to enjoy their visit fully. "Let's talk a walk on the beach first, is that ok?"

Taehyung kissed her forehead. "Of course my love."

One nice thing about their walk on the beach was the ability to take off their masks, hats, and other gear designed to hide their identity. Although Clara had hardly started to remove her own hat when Taehyung came and put it back on her head. "I don't want your ears to get cold". He lovingly gazed at her as he gently returned her hat to its original position. From there they enjoyed a slow stroll on the beach. Taehyung had brought a blanket they could sit on but it was a bit too windy to enjoy, so instead he wrapped it around Clara to ensure she was well protected from the elements.

When they reached the spot where Taehyung thought they should turn back, he stood behind Clara and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close while resting his chin on her shoulder. Being by the ocean and hearing and seeing the waves felt so peaceful. And with his beautiful pregnant wife in his arms, it was really quite perfect.

With his arms firmly wrapped around her they began to return to the small cottage for some rest before dinner. As they took their shoes off sand began to cover the floor. "I'll clean that up later, in the meantime let me carry you to the shower so I can wash off your feet."

Taehyung didn't mind carrying Clara, but he rarely did anymore since her belly had admittedly become quite a barrier to finding an easy way to hold her. But the bathroom wasn't far, so he carefully brought her over and quickly set her down in the shower and helped her take off her pants, getting the hand held to spray her feet.

Clara couldn't help but laugh as Taehyung tickled her feet during his washing efforts. She stomped her feet in the water which then splashed him right in the face causing her to burst out in laughter. "Don't worry baby girl, I'm going to figure out a way to get my revenge."

After drying her feet Taehyung helped her to the bed in just a long sleeve t-shirt and her underclothes. He crawled in next to her and invited her to rest her head on his chest. "I'll stay here until you fall asleep, then I'm going to do a little bit of work. If you need me just shout, I'll only be next door."

Clara nodded in return and gave a big yawn, happy but tired from all the events of the day. It really had been quite perfect so far.