FATE

6.

After 3 hours of travel, their destination was a secluded beach town. The small, cozy rest house of Jeong's family sat nestled amongst coconut trees, and behind was a lake that would add the beautiful scenery.

The following day was a whirlwind of exploration. They hiked through hidden trails and kayaked on a crystal-clear lake. Jeong reveled in Won's reactions. The way Won's eyes widened with delight when they stumbled upon a hidden waterfall, the soft sigh that escaped his lips as they watched the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. He softly looked at Won, small smile appeared, mesmerized by the person in front. I don't know what's happening to me, but seeing your smile, your pretty cat eyes, your dimples, everything about you, I'm loosing my sanity. What did you do?

Hmmm, I can see in my peripheral vision that Hyung is looking at me intensely. Nah! Haha, maybe he just appreciates the nature behind me. I secretly glanced at him, Viola! he is looking at me directly. Oh Lord! Geez.. don't panic! I looked back at Jeong-hyung and we met each other's eyes. No one tried to break it until I couldn't take it anymore. I concede! I lost! He smirked and smiled! Damn, that smile.

Jeong assembled the hammock, its ropes securing it between two ancient trees overlooking a breathtaking lake. Won watched, mesmerized, as the sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting a mosaic of light and shadow on Jeong's face. Ohhh..kiyowo

They spent the evening roasting marshmallows by a crackling fire. They finally settled into the hammock, sharing childhood stories and dreams for the future. Won listened while unintentionally his head resting comfortably on Jeong's shoulder.

**Hae-wons POV**

This is the first time I am with Jeong-hyung without the others. I can say that I'm okay with it since he does everything from cooking to cleaning our stuff. Everything. Lol. And, I am just here sitting, waiting, and doing nothing. *wink* Aside from that, something awakens me. I don't know how to explain it. You know the feeling when your heart pounded a frantic rhythm against your ribs. Like I am having a stomach ache or like throwing up. Every shared smile, laugh, every brush of our shoulders, and hands, sent a jolt through me. Sigh..

Ahm. . well, today is our second day here so I'll just enjoy it while we are here.

The sun beat down warming the sand through the thin soles of my sandals. Jeong-hyung, with his usual attentiveness, noticed my squinting eyes and offered a playful grin. "Beach umbrella?"

I chuckled, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "Thanks, but I think I'll soak up some rays for a bit. This place is incredible, hyung. Completely deserted." He just smiled.

The beach stretched out before me, a canvas of pristine white sand lapped by clear turquoise water. I waded into the cool water, the gentle waves are like whispering secrets in my ears.

Jeong-hyung joined me, kicking up playful sprays. I spent the afternoon building sandcastles. I shrieked with laughter as a particularly large wave soaked us both, the sound echoing playfully across the beach.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a hush fell over us both. I sat on the sand, leaning against Jeong-hyung's shoulder, mesmerized by the fiery display

"This is amazing," I murmured.

Jeong-hyung squeezed my shoulder gently. "It is," he agreed, his voice warm. "But not as amazing as the person beside me."

His ears and neck felt hot, hyung's words hanging in the twilight air. I turned to face him, and our eyes met. Looking fondly at each other. Ahhh that soft smile again! At that moment, under the vast expanse of the sky, with the sound of the waves as my only serenade, something shifted. The beach, once a beautiful backdrop, became a stage for a feeling I couldn't quite define.