@โงห k. chaewon It was still early as Xiaotong left the house, she decided to be on foot since the location wasn’t that far from her house. She was prepared with everything she needed in her backpack that she always carries whenever she was going on hike, looking at her phone to check for the time so she won’t be late. Just as she arrived at the trail, she spotted Chaewon who was waiting for her, the young photographer smiled happily as she waved at her new friend. “Hello there, hopefully I didn’t make you for too long. “Pointing at the trail as she led the both of them toward the stairs, looking around at the mountain and making sure that they still got time to reach the viewing point that she mentioned before “ So, how are you doing?”
@โงห s. xiaoting Sitting by the base of a tree, Chaewon hums. She's a bit early for the meet up so she's not surprised that the other is here. Fiddling with her keys in her hands, she notices a car pull up. That has got to be her, Chaewon thinks and stands up. When Xiaoting gets out the car, Chaewon beams a smile and begins to wave at the other. "Over here!!" She yells, jumping a bit to gather her attention. Chaewon is glad that it wasn't someone suspicious getting out of the car.
@โงห k. chaewon It was early in the morning as Xiaoting finally finished developing the last few pictures she took the other day, knowing that it today was the day that she would meet her new friend. They had been talking online and through text, her name was Chaewon. Gathering all the necessary items for the occasion, water, snacks, sunscreen and some towels just incase her new friend forgot. After checking everything , she them in the small backpack that she always carries whenever she went for hiking or camping.: Hopefully I won't be late for this." Immediately rushed out of the door as she drove up to the the mountain that they agreed on, Xiaoting felt a little bit nervous since this would be their first time meeting each other away from phone screen." Wondering if Chaewon is already there." She arrived at the meeting spot, parking her car in an empty space as she gets out of the car to search for Chaewon.
@โงห s. xiaoting Bright and early, Chaewon packs a small hiking bag and heads out her house. It's a beautiful day out with no rain clouds in the sky and Chaewon could not be any happier. As she makes her way to the destination, she checks to see that she packed everything she needed which included but not limited to: water, snacks, a hand towel just in case, some extra sunscreen, and even a small first aid kit. She definitely wasn't going anywhere without that last one. Nodding, she zips up her bag again as she arrives at the spot where she is supposed to meet her new friend. She can only hope that the other isn't a serial murderer or something along those lines. That would really .
@โงห l. saerom when saerom's voice reached his ears, calling him 'love' — his shoulders tensed involuntarily. he hated that she always used that terms so casually as if it's could bridge the distance between them. it was almost funny — lee saerom , with all her flawless confidence, always just a step behind him, hoping for a look, a word or a gesture that showed he cared.
honestly, he agreed to this engagement under pressure, a strategic alignment between their families , something that his parents told him it's for the greater good. but every time he looked at her, with her hopeful eyes and the perfect way she present herself, always trying so hard for him — he felt a pang of guilt he didn't want to admit to. he knows she didn't ask for this life either , yet she tried so hard — too hard sometimes.
he saw through her determined smile and the pristine hiking gear she wore to prove she belonged here with him. it wasn't her fault exactly — saerom was much a pawn in their families' game as he was. her presence constantly reminded him of the life he was being forced into — even though he knows better he needs to do this due to his actions before.
still, he couldn't be cruel to truly ignore her in public. after a long pause, he turned halfway, eyes drifting over her figure. "hey saerom. sorry I didn't know that you were tagging along. hiking is a bit rough, don't you think? can you really do it?"
his friends still smirking at the exchange, threw her a few more jabs, and for a moment, seungcheol almost felt sting of sympathy. he looked down, busting himself with adjusting the straps on his backpack. "you really didn't have to be here you know. its not something you need to do." he glanced up briefly meeting her eye for the first time.
there it was, he hadn't intended to reveal his gentle side, but he quickly masked it as he turns away. he didn't want to drag her into this part of his life , didn't want her to force her way into the few moment he had where he could just breathe. but again, he knows better, she'd take even the smallest acknowledgement and hold onto it like a lifeline. he sighed.
the truth was, seungcheol didn't hate her, but he didn't love her either. he might didn't feel much at all beyond the pressure, maybe if things had been different, he might had fall for her. he straightened his posture and clears his throat, "just try to keep up, don't get lost." without waiting for her response, seungcheol moved on ahead.
@โงห c. seungcheol Lee Saerom stood at the base of the trail, clutching the straps of her backpack, her heart already racing—not from the hike ahead, but from the anticipation. Her eyes scanned the group of men up ahead, her gaze zeroing in on Choi Seungcheol almost immediately. He looked effortlessly handsome, dressed in a plain t-shirt that clung to his broad shoulders, his toned arms flexing as he adjusted his own backpack. His dark hair was tousled just enough to give him that rugged, windswept look.
ใHe always looks so goodใ, she thought, trying to steady her breath. There was something about the way he carried himself—strong, silent, and completely unaware of the effect he had on her. He was talking casually with one of his friends, his deep voice barely audible, but every time he shifted or laughed, she felt a pang of longing.
She swallowed hard, reminding herself to stay calm. This was a chance—maybe not the one she had hoped for, but still a chance. When she overheard that Seungcheol and his friends were going hiking, she’d been quick to act, reaching out to one of his friends who she had a decent acquaintance with. After a little hinting, she managed to get the said friend to invite her along, or at least, let her tag along without it seeming completely out of place.
But now that she was here, standing among the group, she couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. Seungcheol hadn’t even turned to acknowledge her yet—typical, really. She tried not to dwell on it, but the sting of his indifference was always sharper than she liked to admit.
One of his friends noticed her first, his brows lifting in playful surprise as a grin spread across his face. He sauntered over, clearly enjoying himself already. "Well, well, if it isn’t Haepung’s very own princess gracing us with her presence," he teased, his voice loud enough for the others to hear.
Saerom forced a bright smile, though inwardly, her stomach twisted.
ใHere we go.ใ
She had expected this. The teasing, the subtle jabs about her showing up uninvited. But she was used to it. It wasn’t the first time she’d been underestimated or mocked for simply showing up where people thought she didn’t belong.
"Guess we’ve got some royal company today."
Her smile didn’t falter, even though their words stung more than she wanted to admit. They saw her the same way the rest of the town did—a pampered princess trying to play at something she didn’t belong in. "Don’t worry," she replied, trying to keep her voice light, "I can keep up."
One of the guys stepped in and his eyes roved over her, taking in her pristine hiking outfit, and he let out a low whistle. "Sure you can. Did you just come straight from a photoshoot or something?" His wink was playful, but the underlying mockery was unmistakable.
ใI should have worn something more rugged,ใ she thought, glancing down at her spotless gear.
But she lifted her chin, determined not to let them see how their words affected her. "Just because I look good doesn’t mean I can’t handle a hike."
She couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Seungcheol again. He hadn’t even turned around. He was too engrossed in his conversation, his indifference cutting into her like it always did.
ใWhy won’t he just look at me?ใ she wondered, though she’d never admit it out loud.
"You sure you’re here for the hike and not just to… enjoy the view?" His words dripped with innuendo, and the guys nearby erupted in laughter.
Saerom’s cheeks heated, but she kept her expression neutral. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of knowing how much their teasing hit home. "I’m here for the hike," she insisted, though her gaze flickered to Seungcheol once more, as if willing him to acknowledge her presence.
Seeing as this is a futile effort,, Saerom adjusted the straps on her backpack. Ignoring the jeers from his friends, she walked up to Seungcheol, her heart thudding in her chest. As she approached, she tried to keep her expression casual, though her pulse raced. "Hey, Love," she said, her voice slightly breathless, though she hoped it came off as confident.
She stood there, determined, waiting for the moment when he’d finally turn those beautiful eyes her way.
