A fate for love

Chapter 23: Treasure hunt

The memory of Jieun's tear-streaked face flashed in Jiho's mind as he sat in the train, her words from that day echoing in his ears. He had made a promise—a promise that now felt like a heavy weight on his shoulders. As much as he wanted to be there for his sister, the idea of hurting someone like Emma, who seemed so genuine and kind, gnawed at his conscience.

"Jiho?" Emma's voice pulled him back to the present. She was looking at him with a gentle smile, her eyes curious yet unaware of the turmoil within him.

"Yeah?" he replied, trying to keep his tone steady.

"You seem a bit... off. Are you okay?" she asked, concern lacing her words.

Jiho forced a smile. "I'm fine, just spacing out a little."

Emma nodded, accepting his answer, though she couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering him.

After a moment of silence, Emma hesitated before speaking again. "Um, are your parents busy? I mean, no one came to see you off..."

Jiho gave a bitter smile and nodded. "Yeah, they're both really busy," he replied, his tone nonchalant. "They trust me to handle things on my own."

Emma nodded, feeling a pang of empathy for him. The idea of no one coming to say goodbye struck her as a bit lonely. "That must be tough sometimes," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Jiho shrugged, offering a small smile. "I'm used to it." he said making Emma nod slowly with a small comforting smile, as she realised he must've his reasons to be adapted to such type of situation.

As the journey continued, Emma found herself occasionally sneaking glances at Jiho. She remembered how he had come to her rescue at the game zone, how he had looked at her with that mix of determination and concern. It had left an impression on her that she couldn't quite shake. Despite her best efforts to shrug it off, it was becoming harder to deny that her thoughts about him were different now.

Jiho, noticing her gaze, turned to look at her with a slight tilt of his head. "Is something on your mind?" he asked, his tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.

Emma quickly looked away, feeling a bit flustered at being caught staring. "No, nothing," she replied hastily, her cheeks warming slightly. She busied herself with adjusting her belongings, trying to mask her embarrassment.

Jiho watched her for a moment longer before turning back to the window, a faint smile playing on his lips. There was something about Emma's presence that felt strangely comforting, even if he couldn't quite place it.

Am I doing the right thing....?

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Elina's point of view

As Elina stepped out of the bus, the cool breeze and the beautiful surroundings of the forest immediately lifted her spirits. The sky was clear, and everything felt just right for the day ahead. She joined her team members—Clara, Win, Aria, and Felix—as they gathered in the center of the clearing where all the participants were assembling.

Fredrick, along with a few other managers from various departments, stood at the front, preparing to brief everyone on the day's activities. As Elina made her way through the crowd, she spotted Fredrick, who recognized her instantly. They shared a warm smile.

"Ms. Elina," Fredrick greeted, his tone friendly. "Good to see you here. Please join me along with the managers here," he said, pointing to the area designated for the incharges.

"Am I an incharge as well?" Elina asked, a bit surprised.

Fredrick nodded. "Yes, all the managers are. We weren't sure if you'd be here, but now that you are, we're glad to have you with us." He smiled, and Elina returned the gesture as she joined the group.