Collision

By the Sea

Chapter 7

The early morning sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Stray Kids arrived at the airport, their excitement palpable. Managers reminded them of the guidelines for their trip. Chan, ever responsible, nodded in acknowledgment, "Yes, yes. No photos, no autographs, avoid crowds, and if we experience stalkers, we go back to Seoul immediately."

Once their managers bid them goodbye, the boys boarded the plane, each finding their seats. Changbin, seated next to Chan, couldn't resist nudging him. "Got everything ready?" he asked, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Yeah, they'll be there," Chan replied, a subtle assurance passing between them.

During the short flight to Jeju Island, the boys found solace in sleep, their weariness momentarily forgotten in the embrace of dreams.

Meanwhile, Patricia and Maxine, embarked on their own journey, filled with excitement and the anticipation of the adventures that awaited them in Jeju. Patricia's chatter about beach volleyball and how she was excited to wear her brand new bikini, became a delightful distraction from the city's hustle and bustle.

As both groups touched down on the island, the wheels of the planes met the runway, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their shared journey. Patricia, in secret communication with someone, sent a message.

"We just landed. I think it'll take us an hour or so to arrive at the cafe."

A reply came swiftly.

"Gotcha. We landed a few minutes ago too, and we're on our way to the cafe."

Stray Kids, now in Jeju, were greeted by the sight of 'One and Only', a popular café with a breathtaking view of the sea. Felix, caught in the excitement, couldn't help but express his enthusiasm. "Yo Chan Hyung! Where did you find this cafe?"

"A friend recommended it," Chan replied, casting a subtle glance at Han, who seemed equally captivated by the serene beauty that surrounded them.

With orders placed and desserts in hand, the group settled into a quiet corner of the cafe, where the sea stretched out in a tranquil panorama. Han, breaking the peaceful silence, spoke, "The sea sure is peaceful."

"Yeah," Chan agreed, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "If given a chance, I'd marry the sea," he added, his words tinged with a touch of whimsy.

The once-quiet cafe now buzzed with the joyful banter of Stray Kids, the laughter of genuine camaraderie echoing through the air. Amidst the sharing of stories and reflections on their recent comeback, the boys reveled in the simple joy of each other's company, free from the intrusion of cameras and the watchful eyes of the public.

"You're the best, Chan Hyung! Thank you for taking us here!" Hyunjin praised, his words a heartfelt appreciation for the leader who had orchestrated this much-needed escape. The warmth of friendship and the soothing whispers of the sea set the stage for a vacation that promised not just relaxation but the possibility of healing hearts and creating lasting memories by the shore.

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As Stray Kids reveled in the joy of their newfound escape, the atmosphere in the One and Only cafe was filled with laughter, the soothing sound of the sea providing a backdrop to their camaraderie. Yet, in the midst of the tranquility, an unforeseen ripple disturbed the peace.

Han, lost in the delightful conversation, caught a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye. His heart skipped a beat as he turned his gaze, and there, amid the gentle ebb and flow of the cafe, stood a figure that tugged at the strings of his heart.

Patricia, oblivious to the internal turmoil, pulled Maxine excitedly into the cafe. "I'm going to order caramel macchiato to soothe my sweet tooth. What are you going to order, Max?" she asked, her excitement undeterred. However, Maxine remained frozen, her eyes locked with a certain someone who stood in the shadows.

"It's him," she mumbled, a tremor in her voice. "Why is he here?" The pain in her words resonated with a past that still lingered, the echoes of emotions thought buried suddenly resurfacing.

"Han?" Hyunjin, noticing the change in Han's demeanor, tapped him gently. "You okay?" he inquired, waving his hands in front of Han's face.

"It's her," Han answered, his voice carrying a mixture of disbelief and longing. "She's here," he added, his eyes fixed on Maxine, a silent plea echoing in the depths of his gaze.

The once-carefree atmosphere now hung in suspended animation, a delicate balance disrupted by the unexpected convergence of past and present. As Han and Maxine locked gazes across the distance, the cafe became a stage for emotions left unresolved, and the promise of the sea held within it the potential for a tide of change that could reshape the course of their intertwined destinies.