Summer Nights (Book 1)

The Night Out

Chapter 19 

After their time at the hot springs, Yeon Jun and Diana continued down the coastal road, eventually reaching a small town nestled between the mountains and the sea. It was the kind of place that felt cozy and welcoming, with narrow cobblestone streets, twinkling string lights hanging between buildings, and the scent of grilled food drifting from roadside stalls.

Yeon Jun parked the camper, and they hopped out, taking in the lively atmosphere. Diana's eyes sparkled as she looked around, excitement bubbling over. "This place is adorable! It's like something out of a postcard."

He grinned, holding out his hand like a tour guide. "Well, miss, welcome to one of the finest towns on the coast. Let's get some drinks and see where the night takes us."

She took his hand, letting him lead her down the street. "You really do know how to show a girl a good time."

He smirked, glancing at her. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet."

The bar they chose was a cozy spot tucked away from the main street. Dim lighting cast warm hues across the wooden tables, and a soft hum of conversation filled the air. They slid into a booth, and the bartender—a woman with a bright smile—greeted them with a friendly nod.

"What can I get you two?" she asked.

Yeon Jun glanced at Diana. "What's your poison?"

She grinned, feeling the lightness of the evening taking hold. "Surprise me."

He turned back to the bartender. "Two soju cocktails, and keep them coming."

As the drinks arrived, they clinked their glasses, the liquid sparkling under the warm lights. "To adventures," Yeon Jun said, his eyes meeting hers.

"To not getting lost again," Diana countered, laughing as she took a sip.

The first drink went down easy, as did the second. By the third, the warmth in Diana's cheeks had less to do with the temperature of the room and more with the way Yeon Jun's eyes kept lingering on her. She felt a flutter in her chest every time his hand brushed hers, every time their knees bumped under the table.

"Okay," she said, feeling bold as the alcohol loosened her tongue. "So you're a confirmed bachelor—have you really never been in love?"

He shrugged, swirling the liquid in his glass. "I have. Once."

Her interest piqued, and she leaned in, her chin resting on her hand. "Your sister-in-law."

He hesitated, the playful glint in his eyes dimming for a moment. "She was... everything, I guess. But sometimes, you meet someone at the wrong time, and no matter how much you want it to work, it just doesn't."

Diana's expression softened. "I'm sorry."

He shrugged, flashing her a small, sad smile. "Hey, no regrets. We had some good times before she changed into a complete psycho and married my brother." Then, his grin returned. "But enough about me. What about you? Ever have your heart stolen?"

She rolled her eyes, taking another sip. "I thought I did. But now I think I was just... scared to be alone, you know? Like, I convinced myself I was in love because it was easier than facing the truth."

He nodded, his gaze intense as it locked onto hers. "And what's the truth?"

"That I deserve more than just settling." She said it with more confidence than she felt, but the way he looked at her made her feel like maybe—just maybe—she was right.

Another round of drinks arrived, and their conversation grew bolder, more intimate. Their knees were touching now, his hand occasionally brushing against her thigh. It was a simple touch, but every time it happened, a shiver ran down her spine.

She was in serious trouble.