Second Chance

21

The drive to Jeju Island was filled with a mix of anticipation and underlying tension. Jisoo kept stealing glances at Chaeyoung, who seemed lost in thought, her bandaged hand resting on her lap. Lisa, sitting in the backseat, was busy planning out the finer details of their stay, her phone buzzing with updates and reminders.

As they arrived at the luxurious villa overlooking the serene beaches of Jeju, Chaeyoung seemed to relax a little, taking in the stunning views and the fresh sea breeze. Jisoo hoped that this trip would provide the perfect cover for their plan, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest.

Later that evening, as they unpacked and settled into their rooms, Jisoo found herself alone with Chaeyoung on the balcony, the moon casting a soft glow over the ocean.

"You didn't have to do all this for me," Chaeyoung said, her voice gentle but firm.

"It's not just for you," Jisoo replied, reaching out to touch Chaeyoung's bandaged hand.

"I needed this too. We've both been through a lot." Chaeyoung looked down at their joined hands, then back up at Jisoo, her eyes searching.

"Jisoo, is there something you're not telling me?"

She hesitated.

Jisoo hesitated, her heart pounding.

She wanted to confide in Chaeyoung, to share the burden of her revenge, but she knew it could put them both in danger.

"No," she finally said, forcing a smile. "I just want us to enjoy this time together."

Chaeyoung studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. Let's make the most of it then."

As they stood there, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, Jisoo vowed to protect Chaeyoung at all costs. She would see her plan through, but she couldn't bear the thought of losing the one person who had come to mean so much to her.

The next morning, the villa was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of seagulls in the distance. Jisoo woke up early, her mind already buzzing with the day's plan. She found Chaeyoung in the kitchen, her bandaged hand skillfully pouring two cups of coffee.

"Good morning," Chaeyoung greeted, a soft smile on her lips. "I thought you might need this."

"Thanks," Jisoo replied, taking the cup gratefully. "Did you sleep well?"

"Better than I expected," Chaeyoung admitted. "This place is beautiful."

"It is," Jisoo agreed, gazing out at the sparkling ocean. "I thought we could take a walk on the beach today. Just relax."

"That sounds perfect," Chaeyoung said, her smile widening.

The beach was a short walk from the villa. The sand was warm beneath their feet, and the gentle waves lapped at the shore. Jisoo and Chaeyoung walked side by side, their hands occasionally brushing against each other. Lisa had opted to stay back, giving them some privacy under the guise of planning more details.

"Chaeyoung, there's something I need to ask you," Jisoo said, her voice barely above a whisper as they stopped near the water's edge.

"Anything," Chaeyoung replied, her eyes filled with concern.

"How did you hurt your hand?" Jisoo asked, her gaze fixed on the bandage.

Chaeyoung looked away, the tension returning to her face. "It's nothing, really. Just an accident at work."

"Chaeyoung, please. I know something's been bothering you," Jisoo pressed gently.

For a moment, Chaeyoung seemed to struggle with her words. "Jisoo, there's a lot going on that I can't explain right now. I promise you, when the time is right, I'll tell you everything."

Jisoo nodded, though her worry only deepened. She reached out and squeezed Chaeyoung's hand. "Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Back at the villa, Lisa was pacing the living room, her phone pressed to her ear. "Yes, everything's in place. We'll move forward as planned," she said, her voice hushed. She ended the call as Jisoo and Chaeyoung walked in, their hair tousled by the sea breeze.

"How was the beach?" Lisa asked, her usual cheerful demeanor masking the urgency she felt.

"It was nice," Jisoo replied, glancing at Chaeyoung, who was heading to their room. Once Chaeyoung was out of earshot, Jisoo turned to Lisa. "Any updates?"

"Everything is set. Your family is arriving tomorrow," Lisa said quietly. "We need to be ready."

Jisoo nodded, her resolve hardening. "We'll discuss tomorrow then."

"Alright have fun with your wife now."