Always Seven // Xdinary Heroes 7th Member

ׂ╰┈➤ part 17.

I.

Their second and third days on Jeju Island blurred together in a whirlwind of activity and exploration. On the second day, the group set out early in the morning for Hallasan Mountain. The towering peak, shrouded in mist, was both awe-inspiring and daunting.

Minhee, with her boundless enthusiasm, led the way, her energy infectious as she bounded up the trail. Seungmin followed closely, his eyes never straying far from her to ensure she was safe. Jungsu and Jooyeon took up the rear, discussing the best hiking strategies and snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery.

The hike was challenging, but the camaraderie and the stunning vistas kept their spirits high. As they ascended, they paused frequently to take in the panoramic views of Jeju Island. The landscape stretched out below them, a patchwork of lush forests, sparkling rivers, and quaint villages.

At one point, they reached a cliff that offered an unobstructed view of the horizon. "It's like we're on top of the world," Hyeongjun said, his voice filled with wonder. Gunil, always the leader, suggested they take a break and enjoy the moment. They sat in a circle, sharing snacks and water, their laughter echoing off the mountainside.

Minhee leaned against Seungmin, her exhaustion tempered by the sense of accomplishment and the beauty surrounding them. After their rest, they continued their hike, the trail winding through dense forests and across rocky outcrops.

They passed by ancient Buddhist temples, their serene courtyards offering a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness. Jiseok, fascinated by the history and architecture, stopped frequently to take pictures and read the informational plaques. "These temples have been here for centuries," he marveled, his voice filled with awe. "Imagine the stories they could tell."

The group moved quietly through the sacred spaces, respecting the tranquility and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. Their hike also took them along scenic paths that seemed to be plucked from a postcard. Flowering trees lined the trails, their blossoms carpeting the ground in a riot of colors.

Minhee couldn't resist picking a few flowers, weaving them into a crown that she proudly wore for the rest of the hike. "You look like a forest princess," Seungmin teased, earning a playful swat from Minhee. The day stretched into the afternoon, the sun casting long shadows as they finally reached the end of their hike.

II.

Exhausted but exhilarated, they made their way back to the hotel, their conversations filled with plans for the next day. dark maw that promised mystery and excitement. Gunil led the way, his flashlight cutting through the darkness as they ventured inside. The air was cool and damp, and the sound of their footsteps echoed off the walls.

"This place is incredible," Jooyeon said, his voice tinged with awe. "It's like stepping into another world." They explored the cave's twisting passages, marveling at the intricate rock formations and the eerie beauty of the subterranean landscape.

As they delved deeper into the cave, they came across vast chambers where the ceiling soared high above them, adorned with stalactites that glittered in the light. Seungmin and Minhee stuck close together, their voices hushed as they whispered about the cave's history and the powerful forces that had shaped it.

"Imagine the lava flowing through here," Minhee mused, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's like nature's own artwork." The others spread out, taking in the sights and capturing the moments with their cameras. The cave seemed endless, each turn revealing new wonders and hidden corners.