34

Scoups stirs awake on the couch, a blanket draped over him. He blinks at the light, disoriented for a second. His gaze softens when he sees Heyoung—already awake, sitting on the deck outside wrapped in a blanket, sipping coffee, facing the ocean.

He walks over quietly and slides the glass door open. She doesn't look back but smiles when she hears his footsteps.

"Morning," Scoups said in his sleepy voice

Heyoung glanced at him, "Morning, birthday boy and... girl."

Scoups chuckled, "Right. We're officially older."

He plops down beside her on the wooden deck, rubbing his face. She hands him her mug.

"I made coffee. There's more inside, but this one's already cooled down." Heyoung said

Scoups took a sip and smirked, "Tastes like you made it in a hurry."

Heyoung shrugs, "I was distracted by the view."

They both look out at the endless horizon—waves gently hitting the rocks below, a fishing boat in the far distance.

"...You really brought me here just for this view?" Scoups said

"I brought you here so we could start the year differently. Not in the noise. Just us." Heyoung replied with a hint of sincerity.

Scoups softly smiled at her, "I don't think I've felt this calm in... I don't even know how long."

She leans her head on his shoulder. He tilts his head slightly, resting it against hers.

"What did you wish for last night?" Heyoung asked.

"...You," Scoups replied as he paused to look at her.

She blinks, then turns to look at him. He meets her gaze.

"I wish that no matter what happens next, I don't lose this. You. Us."

"...That's funny."

"Why?"

Heyoung softly smiled, "Because I wished for the same thing."

They both laugh under their breath, almost surprised by how in sync they are. He reaches over and laces their fingers together.

"Good. Then maybe we've got a shot."

=====

The car is back on the highway, sun and the sun begins to lower in the sky, casting warm orange light through the windows. The inside of Jaehyuk's car is quiet, filled with a comforting stillness that comes after a perfect trip.

Heyoung is driving again, sunglasses on, hair tied up in a messy bun. Scoups is in the passenger seat, one leg tucked up, lazily scrolling through his phone before setting it aside.

"Don't wanna go back." Scoups gently whined.

Heyoung glanced at him with a small smirk on her lips, "Me neither. We could keep driving until we hit Busan. Or disappear into the mountains."

"Tempting...but then we'd have to explain to Jaehyuk why his car is halfway across the country." Scoups said as he pretended to think.

"He'll survive. He's dramatic." Heyoung said as she rolled her eyes.

Scoups laughed, "True."

The road hums beneath them. He glances at her hands on the wheel, then out at the view.

"Do we go back to pretending again?" Scoups asked in his serious tone.

"...You mean at work?" Heyoung quietly replied.

"Yeah. The sneaking around. Careful glances. Scheduling lunch breaks like it's a covert mission."

Heyoung sighed, "It's exhausting. But I don't think we have a choice yet. Not with everything going on."

"I get it. Just hate hiding you."

Heyoung glances at him, "I know. But I'm not going anywhere, Cheol."

He reaches out and rests a hand over hers on the gear shift. She lets it stay there.

Heyoung softly replied, "Let's just keep holding onto what we had this weekend. Even when things get messy again."

Scoups nods, "We will. It's not just the cabin. Or the ocean. It's you. That's where the peace comes from."

Heyoung smiles—tired but content. They drive on in silence for a moment, the city skyline slowly appearing in the far distance.

Out of nowhere, Scoups suddenly asked Heyoung.

"Wait... did you actually tell Jaehyuk you borrowed the car?"

"...Define 'tell.'"

"Oh my God."

=====

The sun has dipped lower, casting long shadows across the road. The mood in the car is peaceful—Heyoung softly humming along to the music playing from the speakers. Scoups, relaxed in the passenger seat, is half-dozing when his phone suddenly vibrates on the dashboard.

He glances at the caller ID: Jaehyuk-Hyung

Scoups groans, "...Of course."

Heyoung glances over at him, "Jaehyuk-oppa?"

"Yup. Your brother. My manager. A walking threat to our peace."

He swipes to answer, putting the call on speaker.

[ "Seungcheol. Where are you?" ] Jaehyuk's voice is sharp and direct.

Scoups calmly replied, "Almost back in the city. Why?"

[ "Good. Come straight to the company. Bring Heyoung with you." ]

Heyoung tensed for a second as she sensed the seriousness of his brother. "What? Why?"

[ "Just get here. I'll explain when you arrive. Don't stop anywhere. Understood?" ]

Scoups exchanges a glance with Heyoung, "...Understood, Hyung."

The call ends abruptly. The car goes quiet, the cheerful music still playing awkwardly low in the background.

Heyoung quietly said, "...He sounded pissed."

"Yeah. Which means either something happened... or he found out we took his car without asking."

"If he's mad about the car, I'm throwing you under the bus."

Scoups immediately looked at her like he got betrayed, "Unbelievable."

Heyoung didn't smile—her eyes were focused on the road now, tension returning to her posture.

"You think... something happened? At the company?" Heyoung murmured

"I don't know. But Jaehyuk doesn't call like that unless it's serious."