The sun begins to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the scene, the perfect backdrop for Seul-ki's solitary exploration.
.....
As Seul-ki strolls along the beach, she notices a figure approaching from the direction of the villa.
The setting sun casts a long shadow ahead of the newcomer, but she recognizes the silhouette as that of Jun-ho, Ji-hoon's friend.
He walks with a casual ease, his hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers.Jun-ho reaches Seul-ki, offering a small nod in greeting.
......
"Nice evening for a walk," he remarks, his voice carrying the faint white noise of the sea behind him.
Seul-ki nods in agreement, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun is slowly sinking into the ocean. They walk together in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore.
Jun-ho breaks the silence, turning to Seul-ki with a curious expression.
....
"You seem to enjoy the quiet here," he observes, gesturing towards the vast expanse of the ocean. Seul-ki smiles, her eyes reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. "It's peaceful," she replies.
"A nice change from the constant noise back home."Seul-ki and Jun-ho make their way back to the villa, the cool evening air a pleasant contrast to the warmth of the beach.
As they step onto the patio, they are greeted by the sight of Ji-hoon and the others gathered around a large dining table, the surface laden with an array of gourmet dishes.
Ji-hoon stands up as he sees them, gesturing for Seul-ki to join them. "Seul-ki, come, sit with us," he says, his voice carrying a note of insistence.
Seul-ki offers a polite smile, shaking her head gently. "Thank you, Ji-hoon, but I think I'll retire to my room for the evening," she replies.
Without waiting for a response, she turns and walks through the villa, her steps echoing softly in the spacious corridors.
She navigates her way to her assigned room, a sanctuary of calm amidst the bustling household.
Once inside, she closes the door behind her, the soft click signaling the end of her interactions for the night. She moves to the window, drawing back the curtains to take in the view of the moonlit garden below.
The tranquility of the scene brings a sense of peace, a welcome respite from the day's events. She settles into a comfortable chair by the window, losing herself in the quiet beauty ofSeul-ki's stomach emits a low growl, a clear reminder of her decision to forgo the dinner invitation.
She sighs softly, acknowledging the discomfort. "I should have joined them," she murmurs to herself, the realization dawning that her pride may have led her to an unnecessary inconvenience.
A knock echoes through the room, pulling Seul-ki from her thoughts. She rises from her chair and moves to answer the door. Upon opening it, she finds Ji-hoon standing in the hallway, a tray of food in his hands.
"I know you were hungry, so I brought you food," Ji-hoon says, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "I didn't want you to sleep with an empty stomach.
"Seul-ki's expression softens as she takes in the sight of the thoughtfully prepared tray. She reaches out, taking it from Ji-hoon's hands.
"Thank you, Ji-hoon," she says sincerely, the aroma of the food wafting up to greet her. "I appreciate it. "Ji-hoon nods in acknowledgment, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Get some rest after you eat," he advises before turning to leave, his footsteps fading down the corridor.
Seul-ki closes the door and returns to her chair by the window, setting the tray on a small side table. As she begins to eat, the flavors of the meal bring a sense of warmth and comfort, easing the pangs of hunger and the tension of the day.
With her hunger now sated, Seul-ki leans back in her chair, the tray of food pushed aside. She gazes out of the window, her eyes tracing the contours of the moonlit garden below.
The tranquil scene provides the perfect backdrop for her thoughts to wander. She finds herself lost in a reverie, her mind drifting over the events of the day, from the warmth of the sun on the beach to the unexpected kindness shown by Ji-hoon.
The world outside continues on its quiet way, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant call of a night bird the only sounds to punctuate the stillness.
Seul-ki's thoughts meander through various scenarios and possibilities, her imagination painting vivid pictures as she daydreams into the night.