Chapter 124: Outside. Sea Song (1)
Part 1
“Ugh… no way.”
—That’s such a predictable reaction, it’s almost deflating.
A melodic, almost feminine laugh burst through the phone—a clear, crystalline voice that didn’t seem to belong to a man in his early 20s. Some would pay to hear it, yet here was Yoonseo, her face scrunched in distaste. What cruel twist of fate.
—It’s summer. You don’t have any big plans, right?
“I’ve got streaming. Helping Sanghyun. Studying.”
—You weren’t joking about grad school and a master’s?
“Are you seriously stalking my streams?”
—Stalking? I’m just a quiet viewer cheering you on.
A heavy sigh escaped her. It might be rude mid-call, but with this guy, she knew he’d laugh it off, so guilt didn’t linger.
“Anyway, no.”
—Lemme guess: you’re afraid of standing out and getting hassled?
“For starters, I don’t want to show you my bare skin.”
—Swimsuits aren’t always revealing. So indecent of you.
“I’m hanging up.”
A faint “Wait—” came as she pulled the phone away. Staring at the name on the screen—Choi Sihyun—and the ticking call time, she sighed again, bringing the phone back to her ear.
“What.”
—Sorry for teasing, but it’s a private island—no crowds. A summer getaway at a seaside villa, staff handling everything. A commoner’s dream, right?
Damn it, there it is. The convenient, rich-kid trope straight out of a novel.
“…Why are you so set on going together?”
—Huh? You really don’t know?
Feeling a twinge of embarrassment for being tempted, she kept her voice steady. His tone had a teasing edge, almost condescending. Frowning slightly, she braced for more, but his bright, cheerful voice rang out again.
—It’s summer. Missing you in a swimsuit would be a shame.
“I’m hanging up.”
—Yoonseo, wait—
This time, she ended the call. Glaring at Choi Sihyun on the screen, she locked the phone with a firm press of the side button.
“Who was that?” Sanghyun asked.
“An acquaintance.”
“You’ve got too many to pin down just one,” he said, his voice raspy from just waking, tilting a water bottle as he stood disheveled in the kitchen.
“…Sihyun-ssi.”
“That guy who had the same illness as you, right? Used to be a girl a few years back?”
“Yeah?”
Sanghyun’s head tilted curiously as he gulped water, letting out an ambiguous hum. His eyes, gaining clarity, darted awkwardly around.
“I mean, I get it’s possible, but…”
“Hm?”
“Why’s a former girl talking about your bare skin?”
Yoonseo stared at his averted gaze, then let out a small laugh. Was he worrying about her feelings? Were they both adjusting to this changed life, their reactions and titles settling into place?
“He asked if I wanted to go to the beach.”
“…The beach?”
Let’s keep it simple, she thought, brushing off complex thoughts. Sanghyun’s shoulders twitched, and his attempt to play it cool looked pitiful. She decided to let it slide.
“Yeah, the beach. Didn’t he say his family’s super rich?”
“…Right?”
“They own a private island, apparently. No prying eyes, staff handling chores—just relax. Sounds nice, right?”
“Hm… the life of the rich…”
Her words trailed off with a chuckle, and she fell silent. A brief quiet settled in the kitchen. She watched Sanghyun rinse his cup at the sink.
How much time passed?
“Let’s go.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s go to the beach. With family, if possible.”
The cup clinked onto the drying rack. Sanghyun spun toward her, his face oddly excited.
“Why so sudden?”
“C’mon, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Let Mom and Dad enjoy it too. Plus, a memory for me.”
“What about streaming?”
“I’ve got a cam and phone!”
His steps, overly enthusiastic, brought him back to the table, eyes blazing as he leaned in. Startled, Yoonseo flinched, and he leaned closer, hands on the table.
“Let’s go!”
“Wait, I just turned him down.”
“They invited us first! Say you changed your mind—they’ll be thrilled!”
His groggy demeanor was gone, replaced by fiery determination. Confused, Yoonseo sensed something off. This guy, who preferred gaming indoors, suddenly pushing for a beach trip with family? Suspicious.
“…Sanghyun.”
“Yeah!”
No way he just wanted to swim. There had to be an ulterior motive. If he was this fired up, even dragging family into it…
“…You planning to sneak pics of me in a swimsuit?”
“…What?”
“Even so, eyeing your family’s swimsuit look for stream clout? Kinda low.”
Silence fell, heavier this time, laced with unease for one person. Their eyes met briefly. His wavering gaze confirmed her suspicions.
“…Sneak pics? That’s harsh, Noona.”
“No way I’m showing skin in public. Nope. Can’t do it.”
“No, listen—”
“No—pe!”
Part 2
SaintessLOL: About earlier
SaintessLOL: How many people’s okay?
Me: Family? As many as you want. I was hoping to thank them sometime.
SaintessLOL: Then
SaintessLOL: 3-4
SaintessLOL: That fine?
Me: …What?
Part 3
In the end, the beach trip was settled. Her parents’ “A luxurious vacation sounds nice~” sealed the deal.
To prevent Sanghyun’s antics—and because it’d be more fun—she invited friends and acquaintances too. Sihyun’s reaction was odd, but he said it was fine.
“Right…”
Opening her contacts, Yoonseo texted one by one, asking about schedules and interest in a lavish vacation. Her half-joking “10 people” remark felt real as responses piled up—she was shocked to realize it might actually hit that number.
The 4Gang, Flying Rabbit staff, Bonfire-nim, the doctor…
“That’s it, I think.”
Half were old connections, half from her new life. To gain new bonds and lose none despite such changes—she felt blessed by these ties.
Sending the last text, she flicked off the bedside lamp. Moonlight streamed through the window, unusually bright. A soft laugh escaped her.
Just thinking about it, she felt she’d dream well tonight.