33

Scoups lounges in the passenger seat of a sleek black SUV—Jaehyuk's car. The windows are rolled halfway down, letting in the soft breeze.

Heyoung's hands are on the wheel, her eyes focused ahead but a little smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Her hair is tied back, and she is dressed casually but still effortlessly put together.

The sun has just started dripping behind the hills, casting everything in a warm golden light.

"You're not going to tell me where we're going, are you?" Scoups grins while glancing at Heyoung.

Heyoung smirked while her eyes were on the road, "Nope. That ruins the fun."

Scoups leaned back and dramatically said, "I could be getting kidnapped right now for all I know."

Heyoung snorts, "Yeah, because I'd definitely borrow my brother's car just to kidnap you. Genius plan."

"Wait—this is Jaehyuk's car? Did he even agree to this?" Scoups playfully replied.

"He's technically out of town and didn't say I couldn't borrow it..." Heyoung innocently replied.

"Wow. So this is a stolen car date?" Scoups said.

Heyoung finally glanced at him with a playful glare, "It's not a stolen car. It's a borrowed car he doesn't know I borrowed yet."

Scoups grins, "Mm-hmm. Just promise me we're not driving to the police station."

"If we are, I'm turning you in for being too nosy," Heyoung said.

Scoups laughed, "Okay, okay. I'll stop asking."

A comfortable silence stretches between them as the city fades into the countryside.

"...You've been planning this for a while, huh?" Scoups softly asked.

Heyoung slightly nods, "Yeah. I thought we could use the time away. No texts, no cameras, no Ayun-eonni, Jaehyuk-oppa, and SEVENTEEN barging in with snacks."

Scoups smiled, eyes lingering on her profile, "You really thought of everything."

"Of course I did. I'm amazing." Heyoung teased.

Scoups warmly looked at her and said, "Yeah. You really are."

Heyoung glances at him again—just for a moment. Their fingers brush briefly on the center console, and neither of them pulls away.

=====

The car pulls into a narrow, gravel path surrounded by pine trees. The sound of waves crashing nearby grows louder. As they pass the final curve, a small private cabin overlooking the ocean comes into view.

There's a deck with lantern lights already glowing softly, and in the distance, the ocean glimmers under the fading light.

Heyoung parks the car and turns off the engine. For a moment, there's just the sound of the ocean and cicadas humming in the background.

Scoups blink in surprise, "...Whoa."

Heyoung proudly grins at him, "Not bad, huh?"

"This is—okay, wow. Are we even still in Korea?" Scoups asked as he stepped out, turning in a slow circle.

Heyoung also gets out and starts to stretch, "Two hours away. No signal. Just us. And that view."

"You planned this? When?"

Heyoung smiled, "Booked it two months ago. You've been stressed. I figured we could use a break."

Scoups walks over and gently nudges her shoulder, "I thought you were sneaking off to get your nails done during your lunch breaks."

Heyoung snorts, "Maybe once or twice. But mostly I was calling this old lady who runs the place. She only answers after 9 p.m."

They walk toward the cabin together, bags in hand. Scoups opens the door and is hit by the smell of wood and sea salt. It's cozy—simple furniture, soft lighting, a fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean.

Scoups was deeply touched as he looked around, "This is perfect. Like... actually perfect."

Heyoung drops her bag, and brushes her hair back, "I'm glad you like it."

Scoups suddenly turned to face Heyoung, "Hey."

Heyoung looked at him as Scoups took a step closer, "Thank you. For this. For everything."

Heyoung softly shrugs, "I just wanted you to breathe for a while. With me."

He cups her face gently, smiling as he rests his forehead against hers.

"Then let's breathe together."

Outside, the waves continue crashing against the shore. The first stars begin to peek through the darkening sky. Inside, warmth fills the room—not just from the wood but from the quiet comfort of being with the right person in the right place.

=====

Scoups stands on the deck, leaning against the railing, silently admiring the moonlit ocean. His face is relaxed, eyes following the gentle waves in the distance. Inside, the soft glow of lanterns flickers.

Behind him, Heyoung moves quietly into the kitchen area. The small cake she brought—carefully packed in a cooler—is now set on the counter with a single candle on top.

She lights it, a soft flame dancing in the dim room. She picks it up and walks over with slow, quiet steps.

"Choi Seungcheol." Heyoung softly said.

Scoups turns around just in time to see her walking toward him, holding the cake, candlelit. He freezes for a moment, eyes widening in surprise.

"...What?"

Heyoung smiled, "Happy birthday."

Scoups repeatedly blinks, "Wait—how did you...?"

"You think I wouldn't remember your birthday? Please." Heyoung teased

He stares at the cake, touched and slightly speechless. Then, with a soft laugh, he looks at her.

"You really did plan everything," Scoups said.

"Well, make a wish."

Scoups looks at her, then at the candle. He closes his eyes for a second, then blows it out with a smile.

Scoups chuckled as he looked around, "I didn't even know it was past midnight already."

He reaches into his pocket and checks his phone screen. The lock screen glows: 12:02 a.m.

Scoups grinned as he looked at her, "Happy birthday to you, too."

Heyoung blinks, then lets out a quiet laugh as he sets the cake down on the table.

"You remembered?" Heyoung playfully said.

"Of course I did. We share the same birth date, remember?"

He gently takes her hands and pulls her close, resting his forehead against hers again, soft and sincere.

"Happy birthday, Heyoung. Thank you for giving me one of the best nights of my life."

Heyoung whispered, "Then let's make the rest of it unforgettable."

They stay like that for a moment—quiet, content, the night wrapping around them like a secret. Behind them, the candle still glows faintly, the room filled with the warmth of something deeper than just celebration.