CHAPTER 44 - SUMMERTIME HEAT

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As August rolled in, the heat of summer settled heavily over the city, wrapping everything in a warm embrace that made even the simplest tasks feel exhausting. People flocked to parks and beaches, dressed in lighter clothing, their skin glistening under the relentless sun. The air was thick with the scent of street food and the sound of laughter, a perfect backdrop for the month's most celebrated occasions.

For Jaemin, August meant more than just the heat; it was his birthday. This year, he wanted to make it special—not just for himself, but for his soulmates that had become his family. He'd been brainstorming ideas for weeks, and after some discussions, they settled on a trip to a popular tourist spot in Korea known for its vibrant culture and stunning views.


As they packed their bags early on the morning of his birthday, Jaemin felt a thrill of excitement bubble inside him. He watched Haeeun and Donghyuck moving around the apartment, their energy infectious. Haeeun was tossing clothes into her suitcase while occasionally shooting him playful glances, and Donghyuck was balancing a stack of snacks precariously in one arm, trying to grab his own essentials with the other.


"Are you sure you don't want a cake?" Haeeun asked, her tone teasing yet genuine. "I mean, it's your birthday, after all."

Jaemin chuckled. "Nah, let's save the calories for all that street food we'll be eating!"

Donghyuck grinned, nodding in agreement. "Plus, I heard the tteokbokki at the market is legendary! Who needs cake when you have spicy rice cakes?"


With their bags packed, they piled into the car, the sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over their excited faces. The drive was filled with laughter, music blaring from the speakers as they sang along to their favorite songs. The journey felt liberating, a welcome escape from the pressures of their academic lives.

As they approached the tourist spot, the landscape transformed. The bustling city slowly gave way to rolling hills and shimmering waters. They parked and made their way to the entrance, anticipation bubbling in the air.

The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by the vibrant colors of the market stalls, the aroma of food wafting through the air. Haeeun's eyes lit up as she spotted a stall selling fluffy, colorful cotton candy.


"Can we get some?" she asked, practically bouncing on her toes.

"Sure, as long as you share," Jaemin replied with a playful smirk.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "You two and your sugar cravings. Let's get some for everyone!"


They made their way through the market, sampling various foods—crispy fried fish cakes, sweet melon bread, and spicy rice cakes. Each bite was filled with flavor, and they shared stories and jokes between mouthfuls, their laughter harmonizing with the bustling atmosphere around them.

As the sun reached its zenith, they found a quiet spot by the water, setting down their bags to take a moment to relax. The view was breathtaking; the shimmering water reflected the clear blue sky, and a gentle breeze danced around them.


Jaemin leaned back against the cool grass, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face. "This is perfect," he said, his voice laced with contentment. "I couldn't have asked for a better birthday."

Haeeun, still buzzing from the sugar rush, lay back next to him, her fingers idly brushing against the grass. "We should do this more often. Just the three of us, away from everything."

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