TFL | MW [✔]

07.

The ride across the island was the most diverting morning Wonwoo had had in recent memory. Mingyu kept up a steady conversation that didn't require too much of Wonwoo's attention so that he could focus on the horse and his surroundings. The alpha pointed out different places and sights, mentioning a few other trips he had planned for them both. There were hills for rock climbing, old ruins from hundreds of years before to explore, and caves with glittering jewels embedded in the rock.

They stopped twice on the way to the lakes. Mingyu talked about how he liked to get out of the saddle and stretch his legs. Wonwoo strongly suspected the breaks were for his benefit. He couldn't complain—he didn't want to get saddle sore if he could avoid it. Each time they stopped, Mingyu was on hand with water from a flask and snacks in the form of nuts and berries in a cloth bag.

Wonwoo wasn't hungry the first time but ate a few to be polite. The second time, he savored the burst of sweetness on his tongue from the strawberries and the sharp taste of the nuts.

"We don't get strawberries this early in Morona," he commented as they got back on their horses.

"Summer arrives a little earlier here, and it was especially early this year," Mingyu said.

The ground was flat enough, and the trees and shrubs sparse enough that they could ride side-by-side for the last leg of their journey.

"There," Mingyu said suddenly, pointing ahead of them. "The lakes."

They were much closer than Wonwoo had expected, appearing suddenly in the near distance.

"How...?"

"We've just crested a small, flat hill. It's a barely noticeable incline on the way up but quite steep on the way down."

Sure enough, the path down to the lakes was steep enough to push Wonwoo forward in the saddle. Star didn't so much as twitch, carrying on smoothly down toward the shore. There were three lakes, but two were far smaller than the largest third. The water sparkled invitingly in the sun. Wonwoo's skin was warm and sweaty, and he longed to dive right in. But he hadn't thought to bring a towel or a change of clothes.

Mingyu was first off his horse, patting Whisper's flank and murmuring something that sounded suspiciously like, 'good girl' before he turned his attention to Wonwoo.

"May I help you down?" he asked, offering his hand.

"Yes, thank you." Wonwoo took it and swung off the saddle, feeling Mingyu's other hand catch him around the waist and slow his landing. His feet safely on the ground, he gave his head a moment to catch up, aware of Mingyu's hand still pressed against him.

"Steady on your feet?" the alpha asked, his voice a low murmur.

"I am. Thank you."

It was another beat or two before Mingyu stepped away, moving to his horse and the saddle bags.

"Why don't you take a look around for a good picnic spot while I unpack?"

"I can help," Wonwoo offered.

"I've got it."

Feeling a little like a spare part, Wonwoo wandered away toward the lakes. Some of the ground was rocky, and some of it was muddy, but there was a large stretch of meadow nearby that ran right to the shore. And near the shore was a willow tree, its branches creating a lovely patch of shade. It would be the perfect spot.

"Where to?" Mingyu asked, approaching him from behind with his hands full.

"Under the willow tree," Wonwoo said, pointing.

"Excellent choice. We can make the most of the sun, the shade, and the water."

Mingyu set everything down and returned to the horses. Wonwoo decided to take the initiative and shook out the largest blanket, laying it down so it was partly in the shade and partly in the sun. The food and drinks he put closer to the tree, in the shadiest spot he could find, and the spare blankets he folded neatly and set aside.