Law Of Love

16) Second Date???

"Uhm, Taehyung-ssi, what is going on? I thought we were here for our date?" Ji-ah really didn't want to think negatively and assume the worst without even giving Taehyung a chance to explain. But that was easier said than done. When Taehyung had asked her out on a second date out of the blue moon, Ji-ah wouldn't lie, but she was a bit skeptical at first. Especially after how their first date had gone. So, she really didn't have high hopes for their second date either. But when Taehyung told her that they were going to the beach, she naively thought that maybe this time they would have a real romantic date. I mean, why else would anyone go to a beach if not to have fun? What could possibly go wrong?

"What do you mean? We are here for our date. Why else would I bring you here?" Taehyung asked, looking confused, making Ji-ah wonder if he was alright in the head.

"And how do you suggest we have a date when the beach is closed for cleaning today and isn't open to the general public?" Ji-ah asked the obvious question, pointing at the signboard on the entrance and at the people wearing 'Save Earth' jackets spread throughout the entire beach area carrying buckets and rods to pick up the trash.

"Yeah, I know. That's why we are here. I saw a post about this on Twitter and the best thing is that they accept volunteers. So, I signed us both up the second I found out about it. Isn't that great?" Ji-ah had to take a double take to make sure that she wasn't just hearing stuff and Taehyung was actually being serious.

"You're kidding with me, right? We are not here to actually help clean the beach, right? Please tell me you're joking." Ji-ah begged, hanging onto the very last shred of hope which soon broke with the next words out of Taehyung's mouth.

"Why would I ever joke about something like this? I told you on our first date that I want my future partner to support me and be equally passionate about the things I love. And this is another thing that I am passionate about. I am a big environmentalist. And I support their cause. People come to beaches and then treat it like their own private property, throwing trash here and there and dirtying the whole place. It's not just an environmental problem but it also affects the aquatic life. Now let's not waste anymore time talking and go pick up some trash. Come on."

Ji-ah stood there in disbelief as Taehyung handed her a similar green jacket with 'Save Earth' written on the back of it and a bucket hat which was too big for her head while he wore the same jacket and hat before walking away to join the other volunteers, leaving her gawking after him.

Ji-ah was convinced up until then that her experience at the orphanage was fucking hell. But two hours under the scorching sun and burning sand which caused blisters on her feet while picking up other people's trash, a task which she considered beyond degrading and humiliating, and she was done. Her clothes were completely drenched with sweat and her feet were burning with every single step. And she was close to passing out from the heat wave at this point. Never in her life has she ever done so much work. Her parents made sure that her feet never touched any hard surface. And now here she was, picking up garbage. She was certain she would die of humiliation if her parents or anyone from her life finds her in this situation.

She searched for Taehyung amongst all the volunteers since he had gone missing sometime during the first hour. And since they were all wearing the same jacket and hats, it was nearly impossible for her to find him. While the man who she was searching for so desperately was doing the very thing she had dreamt of doing before coming here. He was sitting far away from her eyesight under the shade of a sun umbrella, sipping on a glass of Margarita while he observed her actions from time to time using a binocular with a smirk on his face.

"Sir, do you want me to refill your drink?" A waiter asked, politely, gaining Taehyung's attention.

"Yes. And are the snacks and refreshments ready for all the volunteers?" Taehyung asked as the waiter refilled his glass.