POV: Ryu Minho
The plane lifted off from Gimpo, leaving the sprawling chaos of Seoul behind. Syndicate was finally taking a break, a short trip to Jeju Island to celebrate the recent comeback and to recharge. For Minho, it felt surreal to be away from the city, away from corporate manipulation, fan scrutiny, and most importantly… away from Ara.
He stared out the window, the ocean gleaming under the afternoon sun. A pang of loneliness hit him. Ara had insisted on staying in Seoul to manage her agency responsibilities and personal obligations. That meant no late-night walks, no secret giggles in quiet hotel corridors, and no stolen moments between rehearsals.
He sighed, leaning back in his seat. "It's not the same without her," he muttered quietly, almost to himself.
Jisoo, sitting across from him, perked up immediately. "You mean Miss High-and-Mighty Ara?" he teased, nudging Minho's shoulder. "You're pining for her already? Hah! Should I start making a 'Missing Minho' poster?"
Taeyang, seated behind them, laughed loudly, throwing his towel over his shoulder like a cape. "Better yet, we'll prank him all week. You'll miss her even more."
Hyunwoo groaned from the back row, eyes narrowed. "Guys, focus. This is a break, not a circus. Minho, try to act normal for once."
I tried to smile, but the ache of missing Ara lingered. I pulled out my phone and opened FaceTime. Sure enough, Ara was waiting on the other end, her face lighting up like the sun breaking through clouds.
"Minho!" she exclaimed, voice brimming with happiness and mock scolding. "You're supposed to be enjoying the island, not sulking on video calls."
"I am enjoying it… kind of," I replied, sheepishly. "But it's not the same without you."
She laughed softly, her tone carrying warmth. "I miss you too. Just don't let the pranksters drive you crazy."
---
POV: Han Ara
Watching Minho on FaceTime made my heart swell. Even on a small screen, he looked alive, energetic, and yet… undeniably missing me. I had tried to focus on my own work, but the longing to be near him was persistent, a constant ache I couldn't shake.
I smiled as Jisoo's voice erupted in the background of his video feed. "Hey, Minho! Don't tell Ara you're playing video games without her! Traitor!"
Taeyang's laughter followed. "Yeah! And we're going to make him eat Jeju tangerines one by one until he admits he misses you!"
Minho groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You guys are evil."
I couldn't help but giggle. Even from a distance, they had this chaotic energy that made me feel part of their world, part of Minho's life, even if I couldn't physically be there.
---
POV: Ryu Minho
Landing in Jeju, the group spilled into the sunshine, their energy as loud and vibrant as ever. Jisoo immediately ran toward the beach, barefoot, kicking sand at Taeyang, who retaliated with exaggerated theatrics. Hyunwoo sighed, muttering about discipline, while Daehyun quietly observed, occasionally jotting notes for their next performance.
I followed slowly, feeling the gap Ara left more acutely with every step. Even surrounded by my friends, the absence of her presence was glaring.
"We're going snorkeling first!" Taeyang announced, pulling a bag of gear from the trunk. "Minho, you better not sulk or we'll make you wear a ridiculous floatie!"
I rolled my eyes but laughed. "Deal. But only if someone else wears the ridiculous one first."
Jisoo clapped enthusiastically. "I volunteer! Let's make it a competition—who can make Minho laugh the hardest."
Throughout the day, the group's energy was infectious. We hiked Hallasan, visited the Jusangjeolli cliffs, and tried every street snack Jeju had to offer. Yet, every time I glanced at my phone, Ara's FaceTime notifications reminded me she wasn't here, that she was missing all of this too.
---
POV: Han Ara
Even though I stayed behind, I made sure to join as many FaceTimes as possible. I watched them bicker, laugh, and get into trouble—Jisoo tipping over a cart of tangerines, Taeyang getting chased by a seagull—and I couldn't help but smile.
I teased Minho mercilessly. "I see Jisoo already started tormenting you. Do you need me to call reinforcements?"
He laughed, shaking his head. "You'd make it worse!"
I felt a pang of longing, wishing I could throw myself into the middle of their chaos, to be there for him in the sun and laughter. But for now, FaceTime had to suffice.
---
POV: Ryu Minho
That evening, after a day of exploration, the group gathered on the hotel terrace, the ocean stretching endlessly before us. The sky bled orange and purple as the sun set.
"Hey Minho," Hyunwoo said quietly, nudging me. "Even without Ara here, you're… you're leading us well. Don't forget that."
I nodded, eyes drifting toward the horizon. "I know… but I still miss her. It's hard enjoying anything without her here."
Jisoo snorted. "You're hopeless. But it's cute."
Taeyang added, grinning, "You're like a puppy. We should draw a sign that says 'Missing Ara' and attach it to your back."
I groaned, but there was a warmth behind their teasing. They had always been my family, my brothers, and even in this playful chaos, I felt grounded.
I opened FaceTime again, and Ara's face appeared, bathed in the soft glow of her apartment.
"I wish I could be there," she whispered softly, eyes glistening. "I see you all, having fun… but it's not the same without me."
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Not the same for me either. But when I get back, we'll make up for every moment we missed."
Her lips curved into a smile. "I'll hold you to that."
The rest of the evening passed with laughter, jokes, and playful pranks. Jisoo dared me to attempt a dance routine on the terrace under the moonlight, and Taeyang encouraged him. Hyunwoo shook his head, muttering about dignity, while Daehyun quietly filmed the chaos for posterity.
Even without Ara physically present, her influence lingered. Every time I laughed, every time I stumbled and fell into Jisoo's antics, I felt her silently cheering me on.
---
POV: Han Ara
Watching him from Seoul, my heart ached and soared all at once. Minho, surrounded by Syndicate, smiling, enjoying life—even in small moments—reminded me of why I had fallen for him in the first place. He was resilient, compassionate, and utterly human.
I whispered into the FaceTime call, almost a mantra for both of us, "Come back soon… I miss you."
His reply was immediate, his eyes soft but determined. "I miss you too… more than you know. And I promise, when I return, we'll be together—no distractions, no interruptions, just us."
---
By the final night in Jeju, Syndicate had bonded stronger than ever. The laughter, the chaos, and the shared experiences had reignited energy and creativity. Minho felt grounded, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them back in Seoul. And Ara, though distant physically, remained the center of his world, a quiet but unwavering presence that would guide him through the storms ahead.
The trip had been a respite, a reset—but it also reminded Minho that love, distance, and dedication could coexist, and that the moments apart made the reunion all the more powerful.