Criminal Love (SUNGHOON)

9: Whispers in the Forest

The morning dawned with a gentle mist settling over the forest, the air cool and filled with the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves. Celine woke to the soft sound of birdsong, the peaceful atmosphere a stark contrast to the turmoil of their recent past. She stretched and smiled, finding a sense of calm in the quiet surroundings.

Sunghoon was already up, his silhouette visible through the window as he tended to something outside. Celine dressed quickly and joined them, the crisp air invigorating her senses.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice cheerful.

Sunghoon turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. "Good morning, Celine. How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby," she replied, stepping closer to see what he was working on. He was setting up a small garden, the soil freshly turned and ready for planting. "What are you doing?"

"Thought we could try growing some of our own food," he explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "It might be nice to have something to tend to, something that's ours."

Celine smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to help."

They spent the morning planting seeds and tending to the garden, their hands working in unison as she chatted about mundane things. The simplicity of the task and the shared effort brought them closer, each moment a quiet affirmation of their partnership.

After lunch, Sunghoon suggested exploring a different part of the forest. "There's a stream nearby," he said. "It's a beautiful spot. Thought you might like it."

Celine agreed eagerly, grabbing a light jacket as they set off. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, the path winding through dense foliage and towering trees. Sunghoon walked beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of the wilderness.

As they neared the stream, the sound of running water grew louder, a soothing melody that blended with the rustle of leaves. The stream was crystal clear, its banks lined with smooth stones and wildflowers. Celine knelt by the water, trailing her fingers through the cool current.

"This is beautiful," she murmured, looking up at Sunghoon.

He smiled, sitting beside her on a large rock. "I used to come here often, whenever I needed to think or escape for a while."

Celine sensed the weight of his words, the unspoken stories that lay beneath the surface. "Did you ever come here with your family?"

Sunghoon's expression turned thoughtful. "Once or twice. But mostly, I came alone. It was a place where I could be myself, away from everything else."

She nodded, understanding the need for such a sanctuary. "I'm glad you brought me here. It feels special."

"It is," he agreed, his gaze distant. "There's a lot about my past that's complicated, Celine. But being here with you... it makes it easier to face."

Celine reached out, touching his hand lightly. "You don't have to face the shadows alone."

He squeezed her hand, gratitude and something deeper shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Celine."

They sat in companiable silence for a while, the sounds of the stream and the forest enveloping them. Celine felt a sense of peace settle over her, a momentary reprieve from the uncertainty that had followed them.

As the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, they made their way back to the cabin, the forest casting long shadows along their path. The air grew cooler, and Celine wrapped her jacket tighter around herself, her thoughts drifting to the mysterious layers of Sunghoon's past.

"Do you ever miss the city?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Sunghoon chuckled softly. "Sometimes. There's an energy there that you can't find anywhere else. But it's also where all the trouble seems to find me."

Celine smiled, understanding his sentiment. "I get that. There's a certain thrill to the city, but this place... it feels like a different kind of escape."

He nodded, his expression contemplative. "It is. It's a place where we can just be, without all the noise."

They reached the cabin as the last light of day faded, the cozy interior welcoming them with warmth. Sunghoon stoked the fire, and Celine prepared a simple dineer, their movements synchronized in a quiet dance of familiarity.

As they ate, Celine felt a sense of contentment, they mysteries of Sunghoon's past lingering but not overshadowing the present. They talked about their dreams and hopes, the conversation flowing easily as the night deepened.

Later, as they settled into bed, Celine lay awake, the whispers of the forest a soothing lullaby. She thought about the layers of secrets that surrounded Sunghoon, the glimpses of vulnerability he had shared. In the quiet of the cabin, she felt a growing determination to understand him, to unravel the mystery that was Sunghoon.