Yoonmin in Malta

21 - The Message (II)

A light and cool breeze blows in from the sea, which feels so good after these sweltering summer days. The sun has long since set, and the refreshing evening air is filled with the soothing sound of waves crashing against the nearby shore. The friends cautiously admire the view before them.

Their management has prepared a surprise for the last night of their vacation. The only thing they knew about this evening's plans was that they would be visiting a restaurant with the best view in Malta. Well, there's no denying that this restaurant has the best view of the main island, as the friends are currently being lifted 130 feet into the air by a crane.

They look down below, watching the tiny cars driving on the streets of Malta. The concept is called 'Dinner In The Sky', and it feels like they're flying, suspended in the open, oval gondola. Each guest's seat is mounted securely onto a continuous counter, and the staff moves around the narrow center area to serve them. The view is breathtaking, with the sea stretching out to the horizon and the stars beginning to twinkle in the sky.

A few minutes ago, when they were still on the ground, a countdown began for the gondola's takeoff. Taehyung's excitement was palpable as he eagerly counted down aloud from ten, a smile spreading across his face. Jungkook kept his eyes wide open, determined to fully take in the moment. The gondola rocked heavily at the beginning, causing Jimin's stomach to churn as his feet dangled in the air and his body felt weightless. He reached for a piece of bread to distract himself from the odd sensation and focused on the texture and taste, grateful for the distraction.

Now, as the gondola continues to rise in the air, Hobi sternly checks on Jin, who stares apathetically at the counter in front of him. Namjoon also looks around to make sure that he would know fast enough if one of his friends panicked. But they all seem to be more or less okay. So they watch some fireworks in the meantime that appear on the horizon and seem to take place very far away. Only Jin doesn't. He continues to concentrate on not looking down or into the distance.

"Hyung, you will let me know as soon as you don't feel well. Okay?" Hobi says to the eldest.

"How do you talk to your hyung like that? I'm fine," he says, waving off their worry. The others chuckle at his stubbornness.

As they watch the fireworks light up the night sky, Jimin lets the memories of their vacation flood his mind. He could practically feel the heat from the busking, the cool evening breeze in the Barrakka Gardens, and the greasy paper bags in their hands as they devoured fast food. Taehyung had been the perfect travel partner, always ready for whatever adventure Jimin had in mind. Their time together reminded them of their brief high school days together in Seoul prior to their debut. If it weren't for attending the same high school, they might have never formed the bond that they shared.

Suddenly, the crane comes to a halt, and the gondola rocks back and forth for a moment, causing Jimin's stomach to churn again. But as the movement stops, they find themselves suspended 130 feet above the ground.

"We've got the best seats in Malta!" Namjoon exclaims, raising his glass and the others follow suit.

"Cheers!" they say in unison, leading their glasses to their mouths.

"He'd never admit it, but I bet Suga would be freaking out if he was here," Hobi teases, grinning at the thought.

"Actually, Yoongi is one of the bravest people I know," Jin interjects, defending his absent friend. " You never know what's going on inside his head, but he always manages to stay strong and composed on the outside."

"I miss him, though," Jimin adds quietly.

Soon, the gentle sound of silverware clinking against plates fills the air as the first course is served. Tiny, flat dishes hold even tinier portions, a common sight in fancy restaurants. The friends chat animatedly, savoring the unique flavors and textures of the various delicacies, all while taking in the panoramic view of the island.