CHAPTER 47……………………………………………………….
Hana fastened her seatbelt and gazed at the scenery flashing past outside the window.
“Want me to play some music?”
Geonwoo asked.
“Sure.”
Soft music flowed from the radio. Hana crossed her arms and continued looking out the window.
Sunlight filtered through the trees lining the road, casting long shadows on the pavement.
Geonwoo held the steering wheel with one hand and stole a glance at Hana. Hana felt his gaze but pretended not to notice.
“Sleepy?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“You can sleep if you want.”
“Okay.”
But Hana couldn’t close her eyes. The air inside the car felt unfamiliar.
It wasn’t uncomfortable being alone together in such a small space; rather, her chest thumped strangely.
It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling… nor could she call it comfortable. It was an emotion she didn’t know where to place, rising up again and again.
The conversation was brief, and the music lightly covered the quiet.
About an hour passed.
The city buildings disappeared, replaced by fields and low hills. The blue sky stretched widely beyond the car window.
Only then could Hana take a deep breath.
“Thirsty?”
Geonwoo asked.
“A little.”
“There’s a rest area up ahead. Shall we stop for a bit?”
Hana nodded. She felt they should take a short break, even just to be considerate of his driving.
When they arrived at the rest area, the car slowed to a smooth stop.
There weren’t many people. The weekend morning air was cool, and the smell of fried food mixed with coffee drifted from afar.
“I’ll go to the restroom for a bit.”
“Okay.”
While Geonwoo walked toward the restroom, Hana headed to the convenience store.
She got two warm Americanos from the vending machine. The steam brushed her face, warming her fingertips.
After paying, Geonwoo returned.
“Oh, you already got them?”
“Yes. Coffee.”
Hana handed one of the cups to Geonwoo.
“Thanks.”
He took it and sipped.
“Tastes good.”
They sat on a bench, drinking coffee in silence. Sunlight slowly settled on their shoulders.
“Nice weather.”
Geonwoo said, looking up at the sky.
“It is. The sky is really clear.”
“It’d be even prettier by the sea.”
“…I think so too.”
Hana answered with a small smile, though the corners of her mouth quivered slightly. Geonwoo noticed but quickly looked away.
A light breeze passed between them.
Stray hairs fluttered, and the coffee in the paper cup rippled quietly. Sunlight reflected off the remaining sip, sparkling.
Hana stared at the tiny waves for a moment before speaking.
“I’ll drive from now on.”
Geonwoo shook his head lightly.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll keep driving.”
“But…”
“It’s okay.”
The car started moving again. The engine hummed softly, and the landscape widened. Green fields and blue sky stretched past the window.
Sunlight streamed through the glass, warmly covering Hana’s knees.
Neither of them spoke. Yet the silence wasn’t cold as it had been before. It felt like time to slowly sort out their feelings without words.
They drove for a while.
The sea appeared beside the road. Sunlight poured over the horizon, where the distant sky met the water.
“Wow…”
Hana murmured.
“Beautiful, huh?”
Geonwoo asked.
“Yes, really…”
Hana kept her gaze on the sea as she spoke.
Her eyes reflected the blue. The sparkling sea stretched endlessly. Geonwoo watched the view and slowly parked near a beachside lot.
When the car door opened, the sea breeze rushed in.
Hana spread her arms slightly and took a deep breath. Cool and refreshing, it seemed to ease a corner of her mind.
“There’s a café over there. Want to check it out?”
Geonwoo pointed to a small café by the beach.
“Sure.”
They walked along the sandy path. Sand brushed their toes, and sneakers crunched against the grains.
The café was cozy with floor-to-ceiling glass. The aroma of coffee drifted as they entered. They took a seat by the window with a full view of the sea.
“What do you want to drink?”
“Hmm… I’ll have a latte.”
Geonwoo nodded and got up. Hana stayed behind, staring out the window.
The waves rolled in and out repeatedly.
Regular. Peaceful.
Watching the waves, Hana thought about how overwhelming this trip had felt at first. She had worried if coming along was a mistake, if her heart would be unsettled.
But sitting here, it wasn’t bad at all. In fact, it was nice.
The gentle sound of waves, sunlight sparkling through the glass, and even the distant cries of seagulls.
Everything felt peaceful, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Since she had always loved the sea, being here again felt simply good.
Her chest felt open, refreshing.
Soon, Geonwoo returned, having briefly stepped away. He sat down, staring out the window for a while before speaking slowly.
“It’s been a while since you saw the sea, huh?”
“Yes, quite a while.”
“Me too.”
Geonwoo gave a wry smile. After a short silence, he turned to Hana.
“Don’t think about work today.”
Hana quietly smiled at his words.
“…Okay.”
“Let’s just rest and enjoy.”
“Alright.”
Just then, the server placed two lattes on the table. They sipped in silence. The coffee’s aroma tickled their noses, and warmth spread from their hands through their bodies.
The quiet wasn’t uncomfortable.
“Hana.”
“Yes?”
“What do you want to do today?”
Hana slowly turned her head from the window.
“Hmm… I just want to look at the sea.”
“The sea?”
“Yes. Just walk, explore.”
Geonwoo nodded.
“Alright. Let’s do that then.”
They finished their lattes, savoring even the last warm sip at the bottom of the cup.
When they stepped outside, the salty sea breeze brushed their faces. The sun shone gently, and the waves were still there.
They walked silently toward the beach.
The sand crunched beneath their feet, and the sea silently welcomed them.
They slowly walked along the shoreline.
They walked for a long time along the sea.
Only the gentle sound of waves filled the space between their footsteps.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
Hana pressed her hand lightly to her stomach and nodded.
“…Yes, I am.”
“Shall we get some lunch?”
“Yes, sounds good.”
They left the beach and walked toward the restaurants. Hair fluttered in the wind, and sand crunched underfoot.
After a short walk, small seaside shops appeared.
Seafood stew restaurants, sashimi places, and cafés lined up. Through the glass, smiling diners could be seen.
“How about that seafood stew place?”
Geonwoo pointed to a restaurant with a neat sign.
“Sounds good.”
Hana smiled.
They opened the door, and warm air enveloped them. The delicious smell made them inhale slightly.
“Welcome!”
The staff greeted them cheerfully.
“Is a window seat on the second floor okay?”
“Yes.”
They climbed the stairs and took the window seat. The view of the sea was wonderful.
“Ready to order?”
The server handed them the menu.
“One large seafood stew, please.”
Geonwoo ordered naturally. Once the staff left, it was just the two of them again.
The conversation paused, and the sound of waves reached them from afar.
“The view here is nice.”
Hana said, looking out.
“Yeah, we found a good spot.”
“Guess we got lucky.”
“Yeah.”
They exchanged quiet smiles. Soon, water and side dishes were set on the table, and the bubbling seafood stew arrived.
