Around The Corner

16. first Dinner then nightmare

Jihoon shifted from one foot to the other, a little tick of anxiety working the back of his mind. He was dressed quite warmly but fidgiting almost continuously. He was excited, but he was also nervous. He’d been on planes, but he’d never been up in a helicopter before, and he was feeling a little worried. 

“You okay, princess?” Soonyoung ran his fingers over his hands gently, recognizing the look in his eyes. 

“Yea, just a little worried. I’m sure it’ll be fine once we take off.” Soonyoung was worried now. He wanted Jihoon to have a beautiful memory in his favourite place, but had he pushed him beyond his comfort?

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. You know I don’t mind. We could go lay out on the beach, or swim, or just hang out in the room. Whatever you want, Princess.” Soonyoung said, immediately looking at Jihoon reassuringly.

Had he begged Han for this ride to happen? Yes. But was he ready to let his effort go if Jihoon didn't like it? Also, yes. Without a thought.

“I know, but I really want to. I’ll be fine as long as I hold onto something." he smiled, squeezing Soonyoung’s hand a bit. 

“I won’t let go for nothing.” Soonyoung smile back beaming almost.

“Are you the Choi couple?” The pilot came out of the building they were standing in front of, giving them both a smile as he looked between them. 

“Oh no. They couldn’t make it, so we are here for the ride instead.” Soonyoung beamed. 

“Great, I’m Harper and , I’ll be your pilot for today. If you’ll come with me, we’ll get you all set up.” 

They followed him out, listening to the safety briefing and following the instructions they were given before climbing into the helicopter.

A few minutes later, they were in the air, sweeping across the coast, the scenery below like something out of a dream.

The evening view of the Amalfi Coast was mesmerizing as the sun began to set over the Mediterranean, casting warm, golden hues across the landscape. The light at this time was softer, highlighting the cliffs and giving the coastal villages a romantic glow. Pastel-colored houses in Positano and Amalfi seemed to radiate warmth, their facades bathed in the gentle pinks and oranges of the setting sun.

Jihoon was a bit scared at first, then he saw the view. The sky transitioning through layers of deep pink, purple, and orange, reflecting off the calm waters below, creating a seamless blend between sky and sea, almost as if the coastline was suspended between two worlds.

He leaned over to look out the window excitedly, his one hand pressed to the window, and the other still clutched onto Soonyoung’s. Soonyoung loved to see him relax and enjoy himself, snapping a few pictures, but mostly soaking up the moment with his phone forgotten. 

As darkness falls, the coast is illuminated by countless twinkling lights that outline the coastline’s rugged cliffs and picturesque villages. The deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea turned nearly black, providing a striking contrast to the illuminated towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

They rode around for a while before landing on a rooftop, the pilot letting them out and then lingering beside the helicopter. Soonyoung got off, then turned to help Jihoon down. He held him for a second longer than he had to, grinning at him before he sat him down.

This small vacay had made Soonyoung realize so many times, how thankful he was for Jihoon for being shorter than him as it provided him with the opportunities to hold him which if they were in normal times, would have annoyed Jihoon.