Summer Nights (Book 1)

Where Are We Again?

Chapter 11

After their cake-fueled morning, Yeon Jun and Diana packed up the camper and hit the road again. Diana, full of energy and cake-induced enthusiasm, was flipping through her phrasebook, while Yeon Jun navigated their path along the coast. The sun shone bright, and the breeze was cool, making it feel like the start of an adventure movie—minus the dramatic soundtrack.

"I am from Botswana. Nice to meet you," Diana said, reading aloud and practicing her pronunciation as they drove.

Yeon Jun grinned. "Not bad. But you need to say it with more enthusiasm, like you actually want to meet these people."

Diana shot him a playful glare. "Enthusiasm doesn't come easy when your 'teacher' keeps messing with you."

"Hey, I only mess with you sometimes. It's part of the learning experience," he replied, his tone far too innocent.

"Right. And when you taught me how to ask for directions, did you really tell me to say 'Please help me find the disco chicken?'" she challenged, one eyebrow raised.

Yeon Jun smirked. "That's a very important phrase. You never know when you'll need to locate a disco chicken."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "You're incorrigible."

The camper rolled through scenic routes, the ocean glinting to their left and lush greenery rising to their right. Diana set down the book, stretching her legs out and propping her feet on the dashboard.

"So, what's our first stop?" she asked.

Yeon Jun shrugged. "No clue. I'm making it up as I go."

Diana raised an eyebrow. "You don't have a plan?"

He gave her a sideways glance, looking genuinely offended. "Plans are for people who need to be in control of everything. We're free spirits."

"Uh-huh, 'free spirits,'" she repeated, clearly skeptical. "That's code for 'I have no idea what I'm doing,' right?"

He laughed, admitting nothing. "You'll see. We'll stumble upon something amazing."

They continued driving until, predictably, the road narrowed and signs of civilization became scarce. Diana squinted at the rapidly approaching "Road Ends" sign.

"Yeon Jun," she started, her tone a mix of caution and amusement, "I think we might be headed for—"

"I know, I know," he cut in. "Just a minor detour."

She shot him a look. "This is the definition of 'lost.'"

"Is not," he argued, sounding like a child refusing to admit he was wrong. "We're not lost; we're on an adventure."

She rolled her eyes, but her grin was unmistakable. "Okay, Mr. Adventure, what's the next step?"

He sighed dramatically, pulling the camper over into a small clearing near a field. "Alright, fine. We might need to regroup."

"And by 'regroup,' you mean you'll finally admit we should have bought a map?"

"Never," he replied, deadpan. "Maps are for quitters." He looked at her, and they both burst into laughter, the absurdity of the situation hitting them. Diana leaned back in her seat, wiping tears from her eyes. "Alright, Mr. Tour Guide, what's the plan now?"

"Well, since someone threw their phone into the ocean," he said, giving her a mock-glare, "and someone else decided to do the same"—he pointed at himself—"we're going old school. We'll just... figure it out."

"Oh, good. I was worried we might have a plan," Diana said, grinning. "I'd hate to see you so organized."

As they drove on, Diana suddenly perked up, pointing out the window. "Wait! Wait, wait! Pull over there!"

Yeon Jun squinted. "There? It's just a clearing by the ocean."

"It's perfect," she insisted. "Look how beautiful it is!"

The spot was indeed serene, with a wide stretch of sand leading to the ocean and tall, swaying grass surrounding the area. Yeon Jun sighed but obliged, steering the camper into the space. The moment the engine cut off, Diana jumped out, barefoot, and dashed toward the water like a kid seeing the ocean for the first time.

Yeon Jun watched her for a moment, smiling despite himself. She really knows how to enjoy the little things. She twirled around, her laughter ringing out as she let the breeze carry her hair.

"Careful," he called after her, "don't stand too close to the water!"

She turned and smiled at him, her eyes sparkling. "Scared I might drown?"

"No, scared you'll catch a cold and blame me for it later." He crossed his arms, leaning against the camper as he watched her dance around like a child. How is someone like her marrying a guy who doesn't appreciate this? he wondered, feeling a pang of something he didn't want to identify.

"Come on!" she called, waving him over.

He hesitated for a moment, then jogged over, joining her at the edge of the water. Together, they stood in silence, watching the waves lap gently at their feet. The setting sun cast a golden glow over everything, turning the moment into something almost magical.

Diana glanced up at him, her expression soft. "Totally random but it's my birthday tomorrow."

Yeon Jun smirked. "You want to plan a birthday party on the road?"

She nodded eagerly. "Cake, camper, and coffee."

He chuckled. "Again?"

Diana grinned. "I want cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

He raised an eyebrow. "High maintenance, huh?"

"Says the guy with a Rolex."

"Hey, this was a gift from my sister-in-law," he defended, holding up his wrist. "She said it was life-changing, like hearing angels sing during... an experience."

Diana's eyes widened, and she burst out laughing. "You really know how to keep it classy."

They continued to watch the water, and for a moment, Yeon Jun felt a peace he hadn't felt in a long time. What am I doing? he thought. Why does this feel so... right?