Chained by Expectations | Park Sunghoon

Thirteen

Haneul and Jake set off on an exploration, venturing into the heart of the tropic path near their vacation home. The air was filled with the symphony of rustling leaves and distant bird calls as they followed a meandering path, "You know if you were wanting to go on a hike you probably should have worn more comfortable clothes and shoes." Jake said as he looked over at Hanuel.

"What you don't like my outfit?" She asked as she spun around showing off her long floral skirt paired with a black cropped tank top and a pair of strap sandals. "plus what if we want to go to the beach, that's why we wore our swimsuits duh!" She said as she started to go a bit of the path.

"Yes, your outfit looks great but I'm just saying don't ask me to carry you when you get tired and sweaty." He laughed as he followed behind her. "Shouldn't we stay on the path?" He asked as he struggled to step over branches and leaves.

"Probably, but i swear I can hear water over here, we must be close to a stream or some-" Haneul stopped talking at the sight in front of her

They stumbled upon the hidden gem of their adventure – a breathtaking waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool.

"I told you!" Haneul exclaimed looking back at Jake. "Lets go swim come on!"

Eager to cool off in the refreshing waters, Haneul and Jake exchanged playful glances before stripping down to their swimsuits. The atmosphere around them was charged with a subtle tension as they waded into the inviting pool, the spray of the waterfall creating a magical ambiance. As they swam together, the natural beauty around them seemed to amplify the connection between them.

Their laughter echoed off the rocks, and in a moment of shared vulnerability, Jake and Haneul found themselves drawn closer.

"It's really pretty right?" She asked barley above a whisper their eye's locked keeping her head above the water.

"Really pretty." Jake replied as his eyes fell to her lips.

The possibility of a kiss lingered in the air, a magnetic force pulling them together. However, fate had other plans.

Just as their lips were about to meet, the tranquility of the scene was shattered by the intrusive ringtone of Haneul's phone. Startled, they pulled away, exchanging a shy look. It was Sunoo on the line, "Haneul, where did you guys go? Dinner is about ready we're all waiting for you guys." Sunoo announced.

"O-okay we're coming." She said motioning for Jake to get out of the water and hanging up on Sunoo.

"They're waiting for us! We don't have time to go back and change." Haneul said panicking a bit. "We can't show up drenched." she said as she rung out her hair.

"We can take it off." Jake said who was now also standing with her attempting to dry his hair.

"W-what?" She asked her face flushing.

"Yeah, i mean we can just take our swimsuits off and leave them here to dry we can come back." He said turning around.

"Hurry" He said and Haneul just stood there before also turning around and stripping completely and putting on her dry clothes. She walked away her face burning at the thought of anyone possibly seeing them right now.

"Okay, your turn hurry." She said still not looking back at jake but ringing out her swimsuit and laying out to dry.

"Okay lets go." Jake said taking her by the hand as they ran back to the original path.

As they ran back Haneul couldn't help but laugh causing to Jake to look over at her and also laugh. "Jake this is the craziest thing I've ever done!" She said playfully pushing him as they continued to run side by side. "what is? The waterfall or the part where we're about to go eat dinner with executives with no underwear on?" Jake asked in a playful tone.