𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗑𝗂𝗂𝗂.

Bordeaux was a captivating tapestry of colours and history, a place where the charm of cobbled streets met the allure of artistic expression. As Jiwon awoke from her earlier discomfort, her spirits soared with the promise of a trip to the Art Museum, a plan designed to lift her mood. The anticipation brought a sparkle to her eyes, washing away the earlier tension that had clouded the air among her friends.

Eager to share her excitement, Jiwon video-called Minghao while they wandered through the museum, admiring an array of stunning paintings and sculptures. "Look, that piece is from the Jacobin Regime!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with enthusiasm. It was evident that she possessed a wealth of knowledge about French history, and with each fact she shared, her confidence seemed to blossom.

After a lengthy day of exploration, they stopped for lunch at a quaint roadside café. However, the meal took an unexpected turn when Jiwon caught sight of a camera trained on her and Jeonghan. She wore the black and white checked flannel shirt he had lent her during their first dinner together—a memory that made her smile. The flannel, soft and comforting, still carried the faint scent of Joshua, which both soothed and stirred her emotions. Jeonghan had mentioned that it was his shirt, often borrowed by Joshua, adding another layer to a complex connection with it.

Later, at Eric's insistence, they meandered through a mall, indulging in a bit of retail therapy. By seven o'clock, as the sky began its graceful transition to indigo, they returned to their luxurious mansion. Uncharacteristically, none of them felt fatigued; instead, a spark of energy danced in the air. It was Jayoung and Jeonghan who proposed the idea of a campfire by the beach, a suggestion that was met with eager agreement from everyone.

Eric took charge of kindling the fire beside the gently lapping waves, while Jayoung laid out an array of snacks on a nearby table. Jeonghan assisted Joshua in arranging chairs and mats over the soft, warm sand. Jiwon, despite her initial urge to help, was playfully shooed away from the preparations, much to her mock chagrin. Instead, she settled down to watch her friends, her heart swelling with fondness as she observed their camaraderie.

By half-past eight, they were all gathered around the flickering flames, sipping on drinks and basking in the tranquillity of the night. The atmosphere was serene, filled only with laughter and the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore. It was a perfect evening, one that felt like a breath of fresh air after the earlier chaos. Jiwon and Jayoung marvelled at the luminescent plankton that glowed a brilliant blue with each wave that lapped at their feet.

With an adventurous spirit, they ventured into the cool seawater. "Goodness, it's freezing!" Jayoung squealed, giggling as the chill seeped into her skin. Jeonghan joined Jiwon at her request, and the trio formed a tight circle, locking hands and spinning joyfully while singing childhood nursery rhymes. Eric and Joshua watched from the shore, sharing amused glances.

In a moment of inspiration, Joshua pulled out his camera and began snapping photos, capturing the infectious joy of the evening. Among the many images he took, one stood out above the rest: Jiwon, alone in the frame, her hair dancing in the salty breeze, clad in shorts and Jeonghan's flannel, her face illuminated by a broad, genuine smile. Joshua felt a swell of pride at having captured her in such a light, yet he hesitated to show her, fearing she might not appreciate it.

As Jayoung and Jiwon were enchanted by the glowing plankton swirling around their feet, Jeonghan challenged Joshua to a race. Joshua, initially reluctant, couldn't resist the taunting grin on Jeonghan's face and accepted. With Eric cheering for Jeonghan and Jayoung rallying behind Joshua, Jiwon watched with a calm, knowing smile, her heart lightening with every playful moment.

After a spirited race, in which Jeonghan emerged victorious, Joshua sank down onto the sandy shore beside Jiwon, panting slightly from the exertion. Jiwon, still captivated by the glowing plankton, cupped her hands in the water, the tiny organisms shimmering like stars cradled between her fingers. "Look, Shua! They're like little stars!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with delight as she swirled her finger through the water.

"Absolutely," Joshua replied, resting his chin on his palm and gazing at her with a tenderness that made his heart race. Jiwon's eyes sparkled, reflecting the ethereal glow around them. He opened his mouth, ready to express how beautiful she looked in that moment, how serene and enchanting she was, but was cut short by Jayoung calling them over for marshmallows.

"No campfire is complete without marshmallows!" Jayoung declared, her eyes twinkling. Jeonghan, ever the supportive friend, handed Jiwon and Joshua long skewers, and they set to work roasting the sweet treats. Laughter filled the air as Eric's marshmallow caught fire, prompting him to squeal and whine like a child, much to everyone's amusement. The salty breeze fanned the flames, casting a warm glow over their faces, while the sky above, speckled with stars, enveloped them in a comforting embrace, shielding them from the world's worries.

As they shared stories and laughter, Jayoung began to complain about the appalling fashion choices she had witnessed at her wedding. Throughout the banter, Joshua noticed that even when Jayoung was the focal point of Jeonghan's attention, his gaze often drifted toward Jiwon, who remained mostly quiet, contributing only the occasional comment.

But as the clock struck ten, Jiwon's expression shifted, contorting into a mask of discomfort. Unbeknownst to Jayoung, Eric, and Jeonghan, who were blissfully engrossed in their conversation, Jiwon clutched her stomach, her face paling. Concern creased Joshua's brow as he leaned closer and whispered, "Are you alright?" She managed a nod but quickly added with a strained smile that she needed to step away for a moment.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Jayoung asked, her voice laced with worry. Jiwon reassured her, insisting she merely needed to use the restroom. Slipping into her slippers, she made her way towards the mansion, but when ten minutes passed with no sign of her return, a knot of anxiety began to tighten in Joshua's chest.

"I'll check on her," he announced to the group, determination etched on his features. Joshua sprinted towards the mansion, its shadows stretching ominously in the night. He checked every room and bathroom, but Jiwon was nowhere to be found. Finally, he ventured into the kitchen, relief flooding through him when he spotted her, her back turned as she stirred something in a cup.

"Jiwon," he called softly, his heart lightening at the sight of her. She didn't respond verbally but turned slightly, acknowledging his presence with a quiet nod. Joshua moved closer, concern knitting his brow. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. But when Jiwon turned to face him fully, the look in her eyes sent a jolt of fear through him.