Summer Nights (Book 1)

Beaches and farewells

Chapter 33

The walk back to the campsite was heavy with silence. Diana and Yeon Jun walked side by side, their arms occasionally brushing, but there was a wall between them now—thicker, more solid than ever. They reached the camper, and Yeon Jun watched as Diana lingered by the door, her eyes distant.

They were supposed to be packing up and getting ready to leave, but the weight of the morning's conversation hung over them like a storm cloud. The moment they reached the campsite, Danny was waiting for them, arms crossed and an expression that said he knew something had gone down.

"Hey, kiddo," he called to Diana, his voice unusually soft. She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed and tired. "You good?"

She tried to smile, but it looked like it hurt. "Yeah. I'm fine."

Danny didn't buy it. "Right. And I'm a fairy godmother." He nodded toward Yeon Jun, who was leaning against the side of the camper, watching the two with a guarded expression. "So, are you going to tell me what happened, or do I have to guess?"

Diana sighed, rubbing her temples. "Nothing happened, Danny. I'm just... tired."

Danny's eyes narrowed, but he didn't press further. Instead, he pulled her into a tight hug, resting his chin on top of her head. "You know, you can't keep things from me forever, kiddo."

She smiled weakly, hugging him back. "I know."

He pulled back, his eyes flicking to Yeon Jun. "I still think you're making a big mistake."

Diana glanced between them, her expression pained. "Danny—"

"But," he continued, his tone softening, "I love you. And I respect you. So, I'll respect your choice." He ruffled her hair, and for a second, it was like they were just two friends having a normal morning.

Diana let out a small laugh, swatting his hand away. "Thanks."

Danny's face grew serious again. "Even if it is a fucking horrible one."

She laughed despite herself, and for a moment, it felt like the storm cloud might dissipate. But as Danny glanced toward Yeon Jun, his expression turned reflective. "I don't know what's going on between you two, but I hope you don't lose him. He's a good one."

Diana's smile wavered, and she glanced over at Yeon Jun, who was trying to look casual and failing miserably. "We all know that's impossible."

Danny sighed, pushing her gently toward Yeon Jun. "Kid, nothing is impossible."

Diana shook her head, clearly still unconvinced, but she blew him a kiss anyway before walking over to the camper, where Yeon Jun was waiting by the driver's door. Danny nodded at Yeon Jun, a silent message passing between them. Yeon Jun returned the nod, a mutual understanding settling between them—one that acknowledged that things were complicated, and that they both wanted what was best for Diana, even if they had different ways of showing it.

"Take care of her," Danny said simply. 

Yeon Jun's eyes softened. "I will."