Her Song, His Heart

Sun, Sand and Overprotective Brothers

The sun was high, casting a golden glow across the beach as Mannon stepped out of the hotel room and into the warm air of the coastal town. Today was their much-needed day off, a break from the whirlwind of photoshoots, events, and constant attention. She had been looking forward to this moment of relaxation for weeks. But she didn’t know that it would also be a day of mixed emotions, tension, and unspoken words.

She was feeling good—no, she was feeling great. She had chosen a chic, relaxed outfit for the beach day: a white bandeau bikini top paired with a flowing sheer sarong that reached just above her knees. The fabric danced in the breeze, and the sun-kissed gold of her skin only highlighted her natural beauty. Her hair, which had been in its usual curls for the past few days, was let loose for the first time in a while. It cascaded in soft waves down her back, the sunlight making the deep brown curls almost shimmer with a hint of bronze. The light makeup she wore only enhanced her features—glowing skin, delicate highlighter on her cheekbones, and soft, dewy lips that barely needed any color to look flawless.

She didn’t want to think about anything else today. No work, no photoshoots, no pressure to be perfect. Today was for her. She planned to soak in the sun, relax with her friends, and just enjoy the beach.

However, there was one small detail she hadn’t considered: her brother.

Chan was being... extra today. She wasn’t sure what had gotten into him, but he was more protective than usual. Normally, Chan was cool, supportive, and let her do her own thing. But today, it was as if he was determined to keep her under his watchful eye every second.

“Channie, you’re doing it again,” Mannon called out as she turned her attention to her brother. He was adjusting his sunglasses on the lounge chair just a few steps away, but his eyes kept darting around, checking in on her, as if he thought someone would try to approach her at any moment.

“I’m just making sure you’re okay, Mannon,” Chan said, glancing at her with a look that said don’t argue with me.

Mannon raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’ve been like this all day. It’s the beach. I’m here to relax, not be your bodyguard.”

Chan chuckled lightly but didn’t budge. “I’m just being protective. You never know who could be lurking around here.”

Mannon rolled her eyes. She loved her brother, she really did, but sometimes his overprotectiveness made her feel like she was back in high school. She was twenty-two, not a teenager anymore. But Chan had always been her rock, and she knew his intentions were good.

She glanced around the beach, seeing groups of people scattered on the sand, some sunbathing, others swimming in the clear blue water. It was the perfect day, and she was determined not to let her brother’s overprotectiveness ruin it. She sighed, deciding to let it slide for the time being, and made her way to the beach chairs where her friends were lounging.

As she walked down the beach, Mannon felt the familiar weight of attention follow her. It wasn’t anything new—her beauty had always attracted looks. But today, with the ocean breeze tousling her hair and the sun casting the perfect light, she was the it girl. And though she didn’t crave the attention, she couldn’t help but notice how every eye seemed to follow her.

Hyunjin caught sight of her just as she made her way to the group. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw her. Even in the laid-back beach setting, she looked absolutely breathtaking. Her presence was magnetic, and despite the brief exchange they had shared earlier, he still couldn’t quite shake the tension that had been building between them.

“Hey, Mannon,” Hyunjin greeted, his voice soft as he waved her over.

Mannon offered him a smile as she took a seat next to him, setting down her towel. She glanced around at the group, which included Felix, Jeongin, and some of the other members of Stray Kids. It was a typical beach day with friends, yet she couldn’t help but feel the unease that seemed to sit heavy in the air, especially when it came to Hyunjin.

She was grateful for the distraction of the day—no press, no interviews, just fun in the sun. But there was no escaping the electricity that lingered between them.

"Having fun?" Hyunjin asked, leaning back on his elbows, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Mannon nodded, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Yeah. It’s nice to just... breathe."

Hyunjin watched her for a moment, a trace of something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "You look amazing, by the way."

Mannon blinked at the compliment, not expecting it. "Thanks," she said, a little taken aback. Her eyes briefly flickered over to where Chan was sitting, making sure to keep a close eye on her. His intense gaze was fixed on Hyunjin now, his posture more rigid than before.

She sighed internally. As much as she loved her brother, this whole situation was starting to feel suffocating.

“I think it’s time to cool off,” Felix announced suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. “Who’s ready to swim?”

Mannon smiled, grateful for the shift in attention. "I’m in," she said, standing up and walking toward the water. She dipped her toes into the cool ocean, relishing the refreshing sensation on her skin. For a moment, she let herself forget about everything—the press, the tensions, her brother’s protective gaze—and just focused on the waves crashing around her.

As she waded deeper into the water, she felt free. She could breathe again. She was starting to feel like her old self.

But just as she was about to dive in, she noticed Chan—standing at the water’s edge, arms crossed, eyes scanning the crowd again. His protective instincts were on full display, and it only made her want to defy him more.

Hyunjin, noticing the tension between them, called out to her. "Mannon, you good?"

She shot him a quick grin, "Yeah, I’m good. Just... needed a moment to myself."

But as she swam out deeper into the water, she couldn’t help but feel the gaze of her brother on her. He was always looking out for her, always protecting her. But today, it felt different. It felt like he was watching over her more than usual.

---

Back on the shore, after an hour of swimming, Mannon returned to her towel, feeling lighter than she had in a while. The waves had worked their magic, and she was finally able to let go of the anxiety that had been building up in her chest.

As she dried off, she caught Hyunjin’s gaze again. He was lounging on a chair with his sunglasses on, looking effortlessly cool. Despite the casualness of the day, there was still something palpable between them.

Chan, though, remained a constant presence in the background, always watching, always aware. As if he could sense her need for space, he suddenly approached her with a smile, his usual protective attitude still lingering.

"Feeling better?" he asked, his eyes softening.

Mannon gave him a genuine smile, thankful for his concern, but also needing her own space. “Yeah. Just... needed some time away from everyone, you know?"

Chan nodded, his expression unreadable, but Mannon could see the care in his eyes. He would always protect her, no matter what. But today, she needed to be her own person—someone who could make her own decisions without feeling like she had to answer to anyone, even him.

---

As the day wore on, the tension between her and Hyunjin simmered beneath the surface, but Mannon couldn’t help but feel like she was in a battle of sorts—trying to balance the protective presence of her brother, her growing feelings for Hyunjin, and the desire for freedom to be herself.

Tomorrow, she would have to face it all again, but for now, she was content to let the waves wash over her, both literally and figuratively.