Episode 27 – Sunlit Secrets
Morning in Jeju broke soft and gold, clouds drifting slow over forested hills. The team set out early, sneakers crunching gravel on the narrow path winding up the island's volcanic ridge.
Birdsong and wind whispered through cedar trees. For once, laughter floated freer than secrets.
---
Miran walked near the back, breath fogging slightly in the morning chill. Sunlight dappled across her hair, and despite herself, she almost forgot to be afraid.
Almost.
She felt Minjae's gaze long before she saw him. He'd fallen back to walk beside her, quiet at first.
"Don't trip, chemical girl," he murmured, voice low.
"I won't," she shot back, chin lifting.
He smirked faintly. "You say that, but you're shaking."
"I'm not." Her voice wobbled, betraying her.
His steps slowed, blocking her path for a heartbeat. "Stay near the group today," he said. Not a threat this time — something softer, edged with worry he didn't name.
She blinked, startled. "Why?"
Minjae looked away. "Just do it," he muttered.
Before she could answer, Guen called from ahead, teasing: "Hey, slowpokes! Sunrise's waiting!"
Miran stepped around Minjae quickly, breath caught between fear and… something else.
Minjae's eyes followed her, darker than morning shadows.
---
At the ridge summit, the sea glittered far below. The team stood together, quiet, letting the wind tug at their hair.
Kevin, usually the first to turn away, lingered. Guen stood beside him, shoulder brushing his arm.
"Pretty view," she said.
He glanced down at her. "Yes," he said — and for once, his eyes never left her face.
Her breath caught, a blush climbing. "Stop staring," she muttered.
"I'm not staring," Kevin said softly. "I'm… watching."
Their gazes tangled, unspoken words burning in the hush of dawn.
But then Guen turned away first, heart hammering so loud she could barely breathe.
---
They hiked down toward a small local shrine hidden in the woods, moss‑covered stones marking the path.
At the shrine gate, locals tied red and white ribbons for wishes. Dohee paused, fingers brushing the fluttering cloth.
"You gonna make a wish?" Alex teased, stepping closer.
She shrugged. "Maybe."
"Want me to tie it for you?" His voice dropped, softer than usual.
Dohee blinked, surprised. "You?"
Alex's gaze softened. "Just this once."
He took a strip of cloth, brushing her hand as he tied it around her wrist instead of the shrine. "For luck," he said quietly. "For you."
Warmth bloomed in Dohee's chest, words tangling in her throat.
"Alex, I—"
But her voice caught. Alex watched her, lips parting — as if he might say something he'd never dared.
Footsteps broke the moment. Kevin called them to move on.
Dohee turned away, heart beating wild. Alex let out a slow breath, regret flickering in his eyes.
---
They found a hidden cove for a picnic: volcanic stones warmed by sun, waves curling against black sand.
Guen sat with her knees drawn up, sketching quietly on her phone.
Kevin dropped beside her, handing over a chilled tangerine soda.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"You always draw when you're nervous," he noted.
She startled. "I do?"
"Since college," he said, eyes softer. "You just never noticed I noticed."
Her breath caught. "You… remember college?"
Kevin's jaw worked. "Too well," he admitted. "Some things don't fade."
She hesitated, heart pounding. "Kevin, I—"
But words failed. Instead, she reached for his hand, brushing her fingers over his knuckles.
For a moment, the world narrowed to touch and memory. Guen leaned closer, breath catching —
But laughter from the others jolted them apart, unsaid words lingering like salt on the breeze.
---
Farther down the beach, Miran picked shells near the tide. The breeze tugged her hair, sunlight making her forget to be afraid — until a shadow fell over her.
She turned quickly. Minjae stood barefoot on the rocks, shirt damp from wading, droplets catching light on his chest.
"Still running from me?" he teased, but the edge had dulled, softer than before.
"I'm not running," she lied, voice small.
He stepped closer, eyes catching hers. "You're trembling," he murmured.
She swallowed. "Stop… noticing things," she whispered.
Minjae's smirk faded. "I can't."
For a breath, silence. Waves lapped at stones, seagulls cried overhead.
Then he tilted his head. "Show me," he ordered.
"Show you what?" she asked, confused.
"The shells," he murmured, voice quiet.
Miran opened her palm. Small spiral shells glistened with sea salt.
He picked the smallest, gaze thoughtful, then slipped it into his pocket. "Mine now," he said.
She blushed, flustered. "Why?"
His lips curved faintly. "Because you found it. And I don't like sharing what you find."
Miran looked away, heart pounding so loud she feared he'd hear it.
---
Lunch was grilled mackerel, hot rice, and laughter under patchy shade.
Alex sat close enough to Dohee that their knees brushed. When she teased him about the spicy side dish, he shot back, "You ordered it, lawyer‑nim."
"You still ate it," she teased, eyes dancing.
"Maybe because you asked," he admitted quietly.
Her smile softened, warmth coiling low in her chest.
---
Nearby, Guen flicked sand at Kevin. "Smile, Mr. Kang."
"I don't smile," he deadpanned.
"You do," she shot back. "When you think no one sees."
He turned, eyes locking on hers. "You see too much."
"And you hide too much," she murmured.
For a second, their laughter died, heat sparking. Guen's gaze dropped to his lips — but again, the moment slipped away as the others called for a group photo.
---
As the sun dipped, painting the cove gold, Minjae walked beside Miran.
"You look calmer today," he noted.
"I'm not," she whispered.
"Liar," he murmured, almost fond.
She hesitated, then blurted, "Why are you nicer today?"
Minjae's smirk slipped. His voice turned quiet, rough: "Don't get used to it, chemical girl."
Her breath caught. "Why?"
"Because," he rasped, stepping closer, "one of us will get hurt."
His hand brushed her wrist — not grabbing, just touching. Then he turned, walking back toward the group.
Miran stood frozen, tears pricking her eyes, heart torn between fear and a feeling she dared not name.
---
Evening:
They walked back to the villa under swaying lanterns. The market glowed: red and yellow banners, drums echoing, laughter rolling.
Dohee and Alex bought grilled squid, sharing bites awkwardly close. Alex's gaze lingered on her lips, words trembling unsaid.
Kevin brushed Guen's shoulder when a child ran past, gaze protective.
And Minjae watched Miran, dark gaze softer, as if fighting himself.
---
Night:
At the villa, Miran sat on the balcony, sea breeze lifting her hair. She traced the spiral shell Minjae had left on the railing, breath shaking.
Inside, Minjae watched from the hall, jaw tight.
Why her? he wondered again, chest aching in a way that scared him.
Why do I care if she's afraid?
---
Under Jeju's thousand lanterns, laughter kept shadows at bay.
But the island had secrets darker than the sea — waiting to wake.
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