criminal love; jungwon

15

It was a rare sunny day in the middle of winter, and the amusement park bustled with life despite the chilly air. Bright lights twinkled against the backdrop of a clear sky, and the sound of laughter and excited screams filled the air.

Nanhee adjusted the scarf around her little brother Seojun’s neck as they walked through the entrance. The six-year-old bounced on his toes, eyes wide with excitement. Jungwon followed closely behind, his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets.

“I can’t believe you agreed to this,” Nanhee said, glancing at Jungwon.

He shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I figured it’s about time I meet your brother. Plus, who doesn’t like amusement parks?”

Seojun tugged on Nanhee’s hand. “Noona, can we go on the Ferris wheel first?”

Nanhee ruffled his hair. “We’ll get there. Let’s start with something less scary.”

Jungwon crouched down to Seojun’s level. “How about the bumper cars? You can crash into me as much as you want.”

Seojun’s eyes lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically.

The bumper cars turned out to be a hit. Seojun giggled uncontrollably as he repeatedly rammed his car into Jungwon’s, who played along, pretending to be dramatically “injured” each time. Nanhee watched from the sidelines, her heart swelling at the sight of Jungwon’s easy laughter.

It was strange, seeing him like this—so carefree, so willing to let his guard down.

After the ride, Seojun grabbed Jungwon’s hand, dragging him toward the next attraction. “Let’s go on the roller coaster!”

Nanhee raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that? It’s pretty tall.”

“I’m brave!” Seojun declared, puffing out his chest.

Jungwon chuckled. “Then let’s do it.”

As they stood in line for the roller coaster, Nanhee felt a sudden pang of anxiety. Seojun was brave, but he was also small, and the ride looked intense.

“You don’t have to do this,” she whispered to Jungwon.

He glanced at her, his expression softening. “I’ve got him. Don’t worry.”

The reassurance in his voice calmed her more than she expected.

When it was their turn, Seojun insisted on sitting between them. As the ride climbed higher, the boy’s excitement turned into nervous giggles, and he reached out, gripping both Jungwon’s and Nanhee’s hands.

The drop came suddenly, and Seojun’s squeals of delight mixed with Nanhee’s laughter and Jungwon’s whoops. By the time they stumbled off the ride, Seojun’s face was flushed with exhilaration.

“That was awesome!” he shouted, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Nanhee chuckled. “I can’t believe you liked it.”

Jungwon ruffled Seojun’s hair. “Told you he was brave.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the park, playing games, and indulging in cotton candy. Seojun managed to win a small stuffed bear at one of the booths, proudly showing it off to anyone who would listen.

As the sun began to set, they finally made their way to the Ferris wheel. Seojun’s energy had waned, and he leaned against Nanhee’s side, his eyes drooping.

The three of them squeezed into a small cabin, and as the wheel lifted them into the sky, the city lights twinkled below.

Nanhee glanced at Jungwon, who was staring out the window, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Thanks for today,” she said softly.

He turned to her, a small smile playing on his lips. “I had fun.”

Seojun, half-asleep, mumbled something incoherent, clutching his stuffed bear. Nanhee reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

“You’re good with him,” she said, glancing at Jungwon.

Jungwon shrugged, but there was a hint of pride in his eyes. “He’s a cool kid. Like his sister.”

Nanhee felt her cheeks flush, and she quickly looked away, focusing on the view outside. The Ferris wheel reached its peak, and for a moment, everything felt suspended—quiet, peaceful.

“I think he likes you,” she murmured.

Jungwon chuckled. “Good. I was trying to impress him.”

Nanhee smiled, the warmth in her chest spreading. It wasn’t just Seojun Jungwon had impressed.

As the Ferris wheel began its descent, Nanhee realized something else: this wasn’t just another day at the amusement park. It wasn’t just a casual outing.

It felt like more.

And maybe, just maybe, she was okay with that.