Stay Stay Stay ||Choi Yeonjun||

16

I'm pretty sure my butt has some bruises. When I said I didn't know how to ski, I meant it. I started with enthusiasm after getting decked up in Dasom's extra pairs of ski apparel. We took the ropeway up the slope, then Yeonjun held onto me as I took tentative steps before my first glide. At first, it felt like flying. Then I toppled over and landed on my face. All because of my non-existent sense of balance.

Yeonjun was immediately by my side, looking concerned and helping me up. But I was determined to not give up. So I insisted on doing it again.

Again and again and again....

Until the fifteenth time when Yeonjun had enough.

"I'm just saying, you should take some rest. Then we'll start again. "

I pouted, but limbs and back were aching with all the tumbles I had taken. So I let him pull me up gently and lead me to the cabin. I see Sinji and Chanmi already there. Sinji looked tired after all the skiing she did. I go to the vending machine placed in the corner and get myself a can of hot espresso. Sipping on the warm drink, I talk to Sinji while feeling the warmth slowly seeping back into me.

After an hour or so, Mr. Choi comes back. He takes me and Sinji outside. I expected to see my ski sets, instead there was a sledge with two seats.

"You both must be tired after all that exercise-" I narrow my eyes at the mention of exercise which makes him only laugh more. "So I talked to your parents Sinji. We got this sledge for you two. You can have fun and not be tired. "

Yeonjun gave us two helmets then bent down to fix Sinji's helmet. Sinji settled into the first seat and I crouched behind her. Yeonjun pushed the sledge off the cliff, until we were hurtling down the slope.

It was fun, exhilarating, with snow spraying around us and the chilly air whipping us in the face. Our happy screams echoed off the mountains. The sledge finally stopped at the foot of the hill. I got out and started trekking up while pushing the sledge.

"You go next! "

"No, I got it for you. "

"It's alright we'll take turns! Right Sinji? "

Sinji giggled out a yes. I coaxed Yeonjun to take the seat. It was a little difficult to push the sledge, but I persevered and sent them whizzing down the snow clad slope. Their shrieks of mirth sounded so sweet. Then Yeonjun pulled the sledge back up, laughing loudly with Sinji.

We took turns then, until we both had three or four turns. By then Sinji's parents return and she rushes to them, giggling still and telling them all about flying off the slope.

"That's so fun, sweetie! But I think you look tired. Maybe we should head out, yeah? "

"Yeah Dad, but can you help Mr. Choi and Ms. Chae go on the sledge together? They couldn't do it together and they are the best of friends. "

Sinji's outrageous request only met with incredulous laughter from her parents, while the we both could sputtered out protests simultaneously hence muffling out the other. I couldn't even look in his general direction.

"Yes yes, good one sweetie! Honey, let's help these 'best friends' on the sledge! "

There was some pushing, some scuffling and some pretty tears and adorable pouting from Sinji which none of us could resist and before we knew it, we two were snug on sledge. His towering form moulded around me snugly, warmth emanating from every slight spot of our bodies touching. "Here we GO!! "

This time it was so different. I had sat in front so I could see everything. Yeonjun's breath was warm against my neck, flushing the skin with goosebumps. His hands were now tightly holding on my shoulders holding me close to him. I couldn't decide if the somersaults my heart was doing was due to the adrenaline rush from plunging through snow or from him.

Reaching the bottom we both leapt out at the same time, rocking the sledge in the process and toppling over to land in a heap of tangled limbs on the cold snow. I could feel his hand on my waist which was making me go insane and I scrambled away from his electric touch.

We don't say anything just quietly pulling the sledge up the slope. Chanmi had the most mischievous smile and Mr. Min was also smirking. "Let's go sweetie. I'm really feeling tired. Yeonjun, Ahrin there's some lunch we ordered for you. Eat it please. Don't mind us, we're going to go rest. "

What is happening?!....

◦•●◉✿✿◉●•◦

"Uh no, Sinji... I can't. I'm so tired. "

I was too knackered to get out of bed, aching all over. But Sinji wanted us to go out and was now using her pouting powers to influence. That little girl knew damn well the power she held on mere mortals.

"Uh.. Ahrin just come out for a minute. We won't go out for long. "

I looked at Yeonjun who also tried to persuade me for Sinji's sake. And the two make a powerful duo. I throw on a warm, thick hoodie along with jeans and wrapped a woollen scarf.

Sinji holds onto me and Yeonjun, skipping all the way. We both had gotten really fond of the little girl and she had us wrapped around her tiny pinkie finger.

"You both can head out, we'll take her from here, distract her a little. "

With talks of plushies Chanmi distracts the little girl and they walk off to explore. Me and Yeonjun keep on walking and looking around.

"Are you really tired? Or do you think you can stay up for some delicious hot chocolate? "

I smiled at him and asked him to lead the way. He brings us to a cute little cafe. We sit down on the wooden seats. A waiter took our orders for two hot chocolates with marshmallows.

"How do you know this place? "

"My family used to come here for vacations and I would definitely come here once for their hot chocolates. It used to be so delicious and creamy... But then again it has been a long time since. I just... wanted to see if it was the same or not, I guess. "

"Must be nice.... My family never really took vacations so I used to be sad when summer vacations came around and all of my friends left to go travel. "

"Your parents must have busy jobs? "

"Uhmm... Yeah, Mom was editor of  The Korea Times. You know, how people in this field never get holidays. Even in catastrophes and calamities, my Mom had to go to the office. She would say that if they took leaves, the world would have to hold. "

"Your Mom sounds to be an amazing lady. "

"That she is... "

Our hot chocolates arrived, thick and creamy with big soft marshmallows floating on it. I took a sip and it felt like heaven. It was so rich and creamy, not too sweet with a hint of bitterness of dark chocolates.

"It's sooo good—"

"Yeonjun, is that you...? "