Criminal Love (SUNGHOON)

10: The Unseen Visitor

The next morning, Celine awoke to the sound of rain pattering against the cabin's roof. The sky outside was a muted grey, the forest shrouded in mist. She stretched and rose from bed, the cool air prickling her skin. Sunghoon was already up, as usual, and she found him in the kitchen making breakfast.

"Good morning," he greeted her with a smile, his eyes warm despite the dreary weather outside.

"Good morning," she replied, moving to help him. "What's on the menu today?"

"Pancakes," he said, flipping one expertly. "Figured we could use some comfort food on a day like this."

Celine smiled, appreciating the effort he put into making their lives feel normal despite the uncertainty that loomed over them. "Sounds perfect."

They ate breakfast by the fire, the sound of the rain providing a soothing backdrop. After they finished, Sunghoon suggested they use the day to go through some of the old belongings stored in the cabin.

"There might be some things here we can use," he said. "And it could be interesting to see what's been left behind."

Celine agreed, intrigued by the idea of uncovering more of the cabin's history. They spent the morning sorting through boxes and old trunks, uncovering a treasure trove of items that spoke of a life lived in quiet solitude. There were old books, faded photographs, and even some vintage clothing that made Celine laugh as she tried them on.

"Look at this," she said, holding up a photograph of a family standing in front of the cabin. "Is this your family?"

Sunghoon glanced at the photo, a shadow crossing his features. "Yes," he said softly. "That's my parents and me, a long time ago."

Celine studied the photo, noting the way young Sunghoon stood slightly apart from his parents, his expressions serious even as a child. "You look so serious," she teased gently.

He chuckled, though there was a hint of melancholy in his laughter. "I was always like that. Too much on my mind, even back then."

Celine placed the photo back carefully, sensing that there were stories behind it that Sunghoon wasn't ready to share. They continued sorting through the belongings, finding small joys in the process despite the lingering mystery.

By afternoon, the rain had stopped, and a light fog rolled in, giving the forest an ethereal quality. Sunghoon suggested a walk to stretch their legs, and Celine agreed eagerly.

They ventured into the misty woods, the air cool and fresh. As they walked, Celine noticed something unusual: faint footprints on the damp ground that didn't match their own.

"Sunghoon," she called, pointing to the tracks. "Look at these."

He crouched down, examining the footprints with a frown. "Someone's been here," he said, his voice tense. "These are fresh."

Celine felt a shiver run down her spine. "Do you think it's someone looking for us?"

"Maybe," Sunghoon replied, standing up and scanning their surroundings. "We should head back to the cabin, just to be safe."

They retraced their steps quickly, the sense of peace they had enjoyed earlier replaced by a creeping unease. Back at the cabin, Sunghoon double-checked the locks on the doors and windows, ensuring their safety.

Celine watched him, worry gnawing at her. "What do we do now?"

"We stay alert," Sunghoon said firmly. "And if we see or hear anything unusual, we prepare to leave."

The rest of the day passed in a tense silence, both of them on edge as they went about their usual activities. As evening fell, the fog thickened, cloaking the forest in an impenetrable shroud.

Celine sat by the fire, her thoughts racing. "Sunghoon," she said quietly, "do you think we'll ever truly be safe?"

He looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and something softer. "I don't know," he admitted. "But as long as we're together, we'll find a way to keep going."

She nodded, drawing comfort from his words. "I believe you."

That night, they took turns keeping watch, the cabin's interior lit only by the flickering flames of the fire. The forest outside seemed to pulse with unseen threats, each creak and rustle amplifying their unease.

During Celine's watch, she found herself thinking about the footprints and who might have left them. The mystery of their unseen visitor added another layer to the already complex web of secrets surrounding Sunghoon. She glanced at him as he slept, his face peaceful despite the tension of the day.

In the quiet, she felt a deeper resolve to stand by him, to face whatever dangers lay ahead. Their bond, forged in the fires of adversity, felt unbreakable despite the shadows that loomed large.

As dawn approached, bringing with it the promise of a new day, Celine hoped that their journey would not just be one of survival but one of discovery, leading them to a place where they could finally find peace. In the meantime, they would remain vigilant, navigating the treacherous path ahead with the strength of their connection guiding them.