𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[48]

The sea breeze tousled Namra's hair as she stood at the edge of the ferry, watching the deep blue waves ripple underneath them. The sun was bright, glistening off the water, and the air was fresh with a salty tang. Sooheon was beside her, standing tall, holding onto their luggage with one hand while the other rested casually on the railing. The sound of the ferry's engine roared in their ears, making it hard to hear anything clearly, but the excitement of the moment was infectious.

Around them, the others were in high spirits, with the atmosphere buzzing with joy. The group had decided to take the ferry to Jeju Island instead of flying, wanting to make the trip more leisurely and scenic. Though the journey would take longer, no one minded. It was about the experience, the fun of being together, and the adventure ahead.

Daesu was already munching on snacks as soon as they boarded the ferry, his mouth full of chips while Gyeongsu sat beside him, equally content with a bag of snacks. Woojin, with his camera around his neck, was busy snapping pictures, particularly of Jimin, who seemed oblivious to his attention as he stood near the rail, gazing at the horizon. Hyoryung and Isak were deep in conversation, laughing and occasionally gesturing toward the sea, while Cheongsan and Onjo were holding hands, occasionally sneaking glances at each other and smiling like they were on their own little island. Joonyeong, ever the quiet one, stood a little farther off, taking in the scenery with a peaceful expression, admiring the vastness of the sea.

But Sooheon and Namra? They stood at the railings, facing each other, the distant noise of the ferry's engine drowned out by the quiet between them. They shared a smile, something unspoken but so comfortable between the two of them. The sunlight caught Sooheon's face just right, making his features look softer, more handsome, and Namra found herself staring at him, a small grin tugging at her lips.

Namra tilted her head slightly to the side, her voice rising above the hum of the engine as she shouted, "You look handsome!"

Sooheon blinked, turning his head toward her, a smirk instantly forming on his lips. He raised an eyebrow, his tone playful as he responded, "What are you talking about? Who are you? Do I know you, miss?"

Namra couldn't help but chuckle at his response. He was so good at pulling her out of her thoughts with his teasing. She met his gaze, her grin widening.

"You might not know me," she replied with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, "but we can get to know each other. Let's take it slow."

Sooheon's expression shifted, and he leaned in a little closer, pretending to look her up and down with exaggerated interest. The look on his face told her he wasn't about to let her off easily.

"Oh?" he said, his voice dropping into a deeper, playful tone. "Excuse me, but you're very pretty and hot, miss."

Namra laughed, almost embarrassed at how easily he could make her flustered, but she couldn't help it. The way he spoke to her, like they were in their own world, made her heart skip a beat.

His teasing didn't stop there. With his hands casually resting on the rail, Sooheon added, "Maybe we should get to know each other better, huh? Take this slow thing to another level?"

Namra smirked back at him, feeling a little bashful but amused. "Oh, I think you might be rushing things, Mr. Sooheon," she replied, her voice playful but calm. "Don't you think we should let the moment last a little longer?"

Sooheon's grin widened, his eyes twinkling. "What can I say?" he shrugged dramatically, "I'm a man of action." He gave her a wink, leaning closer until their faces were just inches apart. "But hey, if you're not interested..."

"I didn't say that," Namra cut in quickly, her face flushed with warmth as she laughed, trying to regain her composure. "You're just a little too forward sometimes."

Sooheon chuckled softly, his voice warm and full of affection. "Just making sure you know how I feel." His hand brushed lightly against hers, and despite the noise around them, it felt like the world had quieted down for a moment.

As they stood there, caught in this light-hearted teasing and banter, they both knew there was something deeper behind their words. It was more than just playful flirtation; there was a connection between them that had only grown stronger over time. They weren't just a couple who had been through a lot together-they were a team, learning about each other, enjoying each other's presence, and, in moments like this, finding ways to make each other laugh and smile.

Namra leaned back slightly, her gaze drifting to the others in the group. They were all so relaxed, so carefree, enjoying the trip in their own way. But for Namra, there was no one else in that moment but Sooheon. She had everything she wanted right there with him, and she couldn't imagine spending the day any other way.

"Guess we're in this together now," she said softly, almost to herself. Her voice carried just enough for Sooheon to hear, and he nodded.

"Always," he said quietly, his hand slipping into hers once again.

The ferry rocked gently as they stood side by side, gazing out at the wide expanse of ocean before them, ready to enjoy the adventure ahead. And no matter what came their way, Namra knew she could face it with Sooheon by her side.

After a while, the group started to gather together, their voices and laughter mixing with the sounds of the ferry's engine. The mood was light, the energy contagious. They moved from one spot to another, pulling out their phones, eager to capture the moment.

They took pictures in groups, everyone posing with exaggerated smiles or goofy expressions, making memories they would treasure forever. The two couples-Sooheon and Namra, and Cheongsan and Onjo-took their own pictures, some cute and intimate, others more playful. They stood side by side, arms around each other, their happiness shining through in every frame.

The guys took a group shot, all of them standing together, while the girls did the same, some of them laughing as they tried to get the perfect angle. The moments passed in a blur of lightheartedness, with everyone laughing and teasing one another.

Sooheon, with his arm around Namra, grinned widely in one of the pictures, while Namra playfully rolled her eyes. In another photo, Cheongsan and Onjo exchanged a sweet look, their smiles soft and genuine. The excitement of the day lingered in the air as the ferry continued its journey toward Jeju Island, the world feeling a little smaller, a little more joyful, with friends gathered together.