Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 42: Maldives

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Narae woke to the sound of waves gently lapping against the stilts of their overwater villa, a soothing rhythm that pulled her from the depths of sleep. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting soft golden patterns on the walls. For a moment, she just lay there, soaking in the peace and quiet. It was so different from the clamor of Seoul, the hustle and bustle of school, and the noise that had filled her life recently.

With a contented sigh, Narae rolled out of bed and stepped onto the cool wooden floor. The air smelled fresh and salty, mingled with the scent of tropical flowers. She quickly changed into a simple white swimsuit, slipping a light sundress over it. After a quick glance in the mirror, she grabbed her digital camera, eager to capture the beauty that awaited her outside.

Her mom was already out on the deck, leaning against the railing and gazing at the ocean. The light breeze ruffled her hair, making her look more carefree than Narae had seen in a long time. A smile tugged at Narae's lips as she approached quietly, not wanting to break the serene moment.

"Morning, Mom," Narae greeted softly, stepping up beside her.

Her mom turned, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Morning, sweetheart. Isn't it beautiful?" She gestured to the vast expanse of blue water stretching out before them, the horizon blending seamlessly with the sky.

Narae nodded, taking a deep breath of the fresh ocean air. "It is. I can't believe we're here."

Her mom chuckled, a soft, melodic sound that always made Narae feel at home. "Well, believe it. We've got a month of this paradise all to ourselves. No schedules, no deadlines, just us and the sea."

Narae grinned and leaned against the railing, letting the morning sun warm her skin. "That sounds amazing. What do you want to do today?"

"How about we start with a walk on the beach?" her mom suggested. "Then maybe we can try some local food for lunch?"

"Sounds good," Narae agreed. She slung her camera around her neck and took her mom's hand, pulling her toward the steps that led down to the beach.

The fine white sand was warm under their feet as they made their way along the shoreline. Narae snapped pictures of everything—the bright blue sky, the shimmering water, her mom with her toes in the surf, smiling at the horizon. They laughed together as the waves licked at their ankles, occasionally splashing higher and soaking the hems of their dresses.

"Let's sit for a bit," her mom said, pointing to a spot where the sand was dry and soft. They spread out their towels and lay down, letting the sun soak into their skin.

Narae closed her eyes, listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves, the calls of seabirds, and the occasional rustle of the palm trees swaying in the breeze. She let her thoughts drift, feeling lighter and more at ease than she had in weeks.

"Mom," Narae said after a while, her voice quiet, "have you ever thought about... you know, dating again?"

Her mom turned her head to look at Narae, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Where did that come from?"

"I don't know," Narae said, shrugging. "I was just thinking... you're always taking care of me and working. I want you to be happy, too."

Her mom's expression softened, and she reached out to brush a strand of hair from Narae's face. "I am happy, sweetie. Being here with you, seeing you smile, that's enough for me right now."

Narae bit her lip. "But don't you ever get lonely?"

"Of course I do, sometimes," her mom admitted. "But I've been focusing on us, on you. Maybe one day I'll be ready to think about that, but for now, I'm just enjoying being here with you."

Narae nodded, her chest tightening with a mix of relief and something like sadness. "Okay. I just want you to know... it's okay if you do want to start seeing someone. I won't be upset."

Her mom smiled gently. "I know, Narae. Thank you. I promise, if that time comes, you'll be the first to know."

The conversation lightened after that, and they spent the next couple of hours playing volleyball in the sand, their laughter mingling with the sound of the ocean. Narae felt like a child again, carefree and unburdened. She dove for the ball, her mom's playful shouts urging her on, and for a while, she forgot about school, friends, and the complications of her life back in Korea.

"Let's go for a swim!" Narae called, running toward the water.

Her mom followed, laughing. "You're going to get us both soaked!"

"As if that's not the point!" Narae replied, diving into the waves. The water was cool and refreshing against her skin, the perfect contrast to the heat of the sun. She splashed her mom, who retaliated with a wave that nearly knocked Narae over. They both dissolved into giggles, the tension of the past months melting away with the tide.

Later, after drying off and changing, they headed out to a beachside restaurant for lunch. The tables were set up under swaying palm trees, the air filled with the scent of grilled seafood and tropical spices. Narae's stomach rumbled in anticipation as they perused the menu.

"What do you want to try?" her mom asked.

"I'm thinking something new," Narae said, glancing at the list of local dishes. "Maybe the grilled fish with mango salsa?"

"That sounds delicious. I'll get the coconut curry," her mom decided.

As they waited for their food, Narae took out her camera, snapping pictures of the ocean view, the colorful drinks being served, and a few candid shots of her mom laughing over a story she was telling.

When the food arrived, Narae's eyes widened at the vibrant colors and enticing aromas. She took a bite of the fish, the sweet and tangy mango salsa bursting with flavor on her tongue.

"This is amazing," she said, savoring each bite. "We have to come back here before we leave."

Her mom nodded, taking a sip of her drink. "Agreed. This might be the best vacation we've ever had."

Narae smiled, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. As they finished their meal and walked along the shore, the sand cool beneath their feet, Narae couldn't help but feel that everything would be okay. Here, surrounded by the beauty of the Maldives and the comfort of her mom's presence, she felt like she could finally breathe again.

"Let's get some ice cream," her mom suggested as they passed a small stand near the beach.

Narae grinned. "Definitely. I'm not leaving this place without trying every flavor they have."

They sat on a bench, licking their cones as they watched the sun dip lower in the sky, turning the water to molten gold. Narae leaned her head on her mom's shoulder, feeling completely at peace.

"I'm really glad we came here, Mom," she said softly.

"Me too, Narae," her mom replied, wrapping an arm around her. "Me too."

As the evening wore on, they walked back to their villa, the stars beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky. Narae took a deep breath, the scent of the ocean filling her lungs, and knew that this was exactly where she needed to be.

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