Dive Into You

chapter one

심연의 신비 속에

into the mysterious abyss 

dive into you, iland

        I woke to Yeonjun's lovely voice, his angelic melodies streaming through my ears, as Sugar Rush Ride started playing. I had fallen asleep while listening to music. As I wearily pushed off the covers, I vibed to the music, its rhythm seemingly hypnotizing my body. All of TXT's songs were so well written and produced. I checked the time. It's already 9:25? I immediately broke out of my daze, ran into the bathroom, and started brushing my teeth. I have to be at the dock by 10:00! 

        I finished brushing my teeth and rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes as I checked myself out in the mirror. I looked horrible. Dark circles, eyebags, tangled hair, check, check, check! I immediately turned the sink on and splashed water on my face. I couldn't go looking like this when the trip was clearly high class. I sped through my skincare routine and makeup at the speed of lightning and became stuck on the task of selecting my outfit for today. What do you wear to board onto a submarine?  I certainly didn't know. 

        I didn't usually have the money to splurge on these kinds of things, but luckily, I managed to find an opportunity to treat myself to this once in a lifetime luxury. Just over two weeks ago, I saw a poster for a lottery that offered two tickets on a year-long submarine voyage with all amenities included, even Wi-Fi, and I couldn't help but enter, as I had always dreamed of such an experience. I was happily shocked when I won the tickets. It would have cost me more than my life savings. I would be going on the trip with my brother, Jungwon. However, we lived in separate houses so we would meet up on the submarine itself.

I finally made up my mind and chose this outfit.

        I made sure I had everything I needed and left the house as quickly as possible. It was already 9:50. I buckled myself in, started the car, and was on my way. I was just short of being fined at the speed I was driving. As I left the car, I checked my phone. It was 10:05!  Hoping they hadn't left without me, I sprinted to the dock. A worker was standing next to the open hatch and I quickly showed them my ticket and identification. 

The worker said, "Are you Yang Ari? They were just about to leave, but you caught them just in time. Go on down the hatch. There's a ladder." 

Panting, I replied to the worker, "Thank you!" and started down the ladder. 

        I just had a few rungs to go when my backpack strap slid down my arm, causing me to lose balance and fall from the ladder. I yelped in surprise, squeezing my eyes shut as I braced for impact. But, I didn't hit the floor. A strong pair of arms caught me, holding me by my waist. 

"Miss, are you ok?" a lilting voice prompted with worry. 

        I opened my eyes and found myself staring at the most exquisite man I'd ever seen. He was definitely taller than me, with doe-like eyes and beautiful pink hair. He was everything I looked for in a man's physical appearance. Stunned by his beauty, I nodded, unable to form coherent speech. I steadied myself so his arms weren't the only thing supporting me. We stared at each other for a few moments longer until he realized he still had his arms around my waist. He let go as soon as he realized, with a slight flush on his cheeks. Cute. I thought, my brain still mush. I came to my senses and somehow managed to speak. 

        I thanked him and introduced myself to him with my full name. "My name is Yang Ari."

        He listened attentively. I stuttered, flustered as he stared intently with his deer-like eyes into mine. 

I asked, intrigued, "What's your name?" 

He replied back in slightly separated English, "My name is Lee Heeseung." 

"If it's easier for you, we can speak in Korean."  I replied in fluent Korean. 

He switched to Korean, teasing me, "Wow, you've already satisfied my conditions for a girlfriend; you speak Korean, look like an angel, and, as seen just now, are already falling head over heels for me." 

        At this, a light blush dusted my cheeks, my rattled state evident. I was not used to getting flirted with. 

I whined, annoyed, "Stop teasing me! What's your room number?" 

        To this, Heeseung responded with a smirk, not letting the matter go. 

"Why? Planning to come along?" he attempted to provoke me. He succeeded as I turned a bright shade of pink.

"You know that's not what I- just tell me!" I exclaimed, annoyed.

        A tiny smile played along his lips. He was definitely enjoying this.

"I'm staying in room 406." I was surprised at the revelation. 

"Really? I'm in room 405." Heeseung smiled even wider. 

"Seems like we're meant to be, Ari." he murmured slyly, winking as he uttered the words. 

        I didn't bother to respond, flipping him off, turning around, and stomping off.

"Our rooms are this way!" he yelled, amused, pointing in the other direction. "Whatever." I snapped, embarrassed. We walked together in the right direction.