Mina's P.O.V.

"Mom, Dad, I just wanted to let you know that next week, we'll be going on a two-day tour to a remote area near Chiang Mai," I said, my voice casual as we all sat in the living room watching a movie. Sana and Momo were lounging on the couch next to me, their attention split between the screen and their phones.

"Oh, I see," Dad replied, his eyes still glued to the television. "So, I guess you're starting to explore more of the remote areas here in Thailand? That's good." He shifted in his seat, adjusting his glasses. "You know, it's interesting to see how volunteer doctors operate in those regions. It really makes you appreciate what we do here. It's tough work." He glanced at me, offering a knowing look, as if to remind me how hard his job was too.

I nodded, trying to appear engaged in the conversation, but inside, my heart was racing. My mind was miles away, preoccupied with thoughts of the trip I had planned with Chaeyoung. My parents didn't know the full story, and I was worried they would catch me in a lie. If they pressed me further, I was certain I'd crack.

The truth was, I wasn't going on a school trip at all. Chaeyoung had invited me to join him in Chiang Mai for the Lantern Festival, a celebration I had dreamed of witnessing since moving here four years ago. The thought of it excited me more than I could express. It was my first real escape from the routine of school and life here, and I was looking forward to experiencing something new, something magical. But I couldn't tell my parents the truth. I knew they would never approve of me traveling with a guy, especially on a big bike, just the two of us. If they found out, I was sure I'd never hear the end of it. They'd never let me go, and I could already picture the lecture I'd get.

This was the first time I'd ever lied to my parents. I didn't feel proud of it, but the temptation was too strong. I told myself that it would be worth it—that this trip, this experience with Chaeyoung, would be something I would never forget. Besides, I wasn't alone in this. Sana and Momo knew the truth. I'd told them about the Lantern Festival, about the trip to Chiang Mai, and they were thrilled for me. Sana even joked that she wished she could go too, but no one had invited her. And Momo? She'd be stuck at home, feeling a little sorry for herself since she didn't have plans for the weekend.

I had to admit, it felt a little guilty to be sneaking around behind my parents' backs, but the excitement bubbling inside me drowned out most of the doubts. The thought of exploring the festival with Chaeyoung, riding through the quiet night on his bike, and watching the lanterns light up the sky was too perfect to pass up.

I retreated to my room later that night, staring at my phone, wondering if I should text him. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, unsure whether I should initiate the conversation or wait for him to reach out. Just as I was about to put my phone down, a message from Chaeyoung popped up: Goodnight. Are you asleep yet?

I couldn't help but smile. My heart skipped a beat, and suddenly, all the worries about lying to my parents seemed so insignificant. We texted for a while, chatting about the trip, the Lantern Festival, and everything in between. His words made me feel lighter, and more at ease, and before I knew it, the conversation faded as we both drifted off to sleep, thinking about the adventure we'd soon be sharing.

And as I lay there, the excitement for what was to come filled my heart. No matter what, this trip would be something unforgettable. Something special. With him.

The day I had been eagerly waiting for had finally arrived. Last night, Chaeyoung had texted me, telling me that he had arranged for Gin's girlfriend, Chanda, to pick me up from my house at exactly 6 AM. The catch? I was supposed to introduce her as one of my professors to my parents. At first, I was puzzled. Why a professor? I could easily introduce her as my classmate or a friend, but the professor's angle felt odd. I didn't press him for answers, though. I trusted Chaeyoung—after all, he always had a plan, and this must have been part of it. He'd mentioned he would meet us at a convenience store near our subdivision, but I had no idea why.

I sat on the veranda, my mind racing with curiosity and excitement. The sun was still low in the sky, casting a soft glow across the quiet morning, as I watched the gate, waiting for Chanda's arrival. What would she look like? Would I be able to tell she was the kind of person Chaeyoung could trust?

Suddenly, a sleek black sedan pulled up outside our gate. My heart skipped a beat. It had to be her. I stood up, grabbed my backpack, and turned to my parents, who had joined me outside. They smiled at me, and we exchanged a few words before the car came to a stop. Chanda stepped out, and my jaw nearly hit the ground when I saw her. This was the first time that I saw her.

She was stunning—absolutely breathtaking—and yet, noticeably older than us. Her age, however, seemed to add an air of sophistication rather than create any distance. Her presence was commanding, her elegance so effortless that it felt almost second nature. She carried herself with a quiet confidence, the kind that drew every eye in the room without her even trying. I did my best to play it cool, suppressing the surprise bubbling inside me. Could this really be Gin's girlfriend? She was nothing like I had imagined. In my mind, Gin's partner would've been someone loud, maybe a little wild to match his energy. But this woman—she was the exact opposite.

After the introductions, I hugged my parents goodbye and climbed into the car. As Chanda started the engine, she turned to me with a smile, extending her hand. "Chaeyoung asked me to do this favor for him," she explained. "He treats me like a sister because of Gin, that's the reason we've grown close. He's always been there for me, especially when Gin and I fight. Chaeyoung and Hyuga have been like brothers to me."

I listened, captivated by the way she spoke about her bond with Chaeyoung. It wasn't just a friendship; it was something deeper. Something I could understand, because the bond I shared with Sana and Momo felt the same way. We were cousins, but our connection was built on trust and love, not blood. It made me realize how lucky Chaeyoung was to have such a strong support system—Hyuga, Gin, Chanda. They had each other's backs, and I could see that they were all bound by something unspoken, yet unbreakable.

As the car rolled down the road, we talked more, and I found myself enjoying Chanda's company more than I had expected. She was easy to talk to, warm and inviting, even though I had just met her. It felt as though I had known her for much longer than a few minutes. She made the time fly by, and before I knew it, we had arrived at our destination.

Chaeyoung was waiting for us by the entrance, his bright smile making my heart flutter. He opened the door for me, and I stepped out of the car, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Chanda waved goodbye, but before she drove off, she stopped to speak with Chaeyoung.

"Take good care of her," Chanda said, her tone serious, but with a hint of playfulness. "If anything happens to her, I'll beat you to death."

Chaeyoung chuckled, his eyes softening as he nodded. "I swear, I'll protect her with my life, Chanda. Nothing will happen to her, I promise."

Chanda gave a satisfied smile, clearly content with his vow. With a final wave, she drove off, leaving Chaeyoung and me standing together, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

It was a strange mix of emotions—excitement for the adventure ahead, curiosity about what was to come, and a feeling of warmth from the connections I was making, not just with Chaeyoung, but with the people in his life who cared for him, and now, for me. I felt like I was stepping into something bigger than myself, something full of promise and love.

Chaeyoung turned to me, his smile wide and reassuring. "Ready for this?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with excitement.

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. "Ready as I'll ever be."

And with that, we set off into the unknown, together.

Chaeyoung looked effortlessly cool in his black leather jacket, a plain white shirt tucked underneath, and black ripped jeans. I couldn't help but smile at how good he looked, though I wasn't exactly sure why. Maybe because I had chosen to wear the same style today—black denim jeans instead of the ripped ones, but still matching him in that casual, laid-back way. From the outside, we probably looked like a couple, but we weren't. Still, there was something about the way our outfits aligned that felt oddly... connected.

As he walked towards me, I felt a flutter in my chest. He was always so confident, so sure of himself, and I couldn't deny that it was one of the many things that drew me to him. He smiled as he approached, tucking a few stray strands of my hair behind my ear. His touch lingered for just a second longer than usual, sending a wave of warmth through me.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low and calm.

I nodded, unable to hide the excitement that bubbled up inside me. "Let's go before someone sees us here," I said, glancing around quickly to make sure no one was watching.

He chuckled softly, his hand gently guiding me as he helped me put on the helmet. Once I was settled, he fired up the engine, and just like that, we were off. The sound of the engine revving filled the air, and I could feel the anticipation building inside me. This was it—the start of a new adventure.

As we cruised down the road, the wind whipping through my hair, I turned to him, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Chaeyoung," I began, my voice a little hesitant, "is Chanda really Gin's girlfriend?"

He let out a small laugh, a light, almost teasing sound. "You don't believe me?" he asked, glancing over at me with a knowing smile.

I frowned, puzzled. "Well, I just... I didn't expect her to be that kind of person, you know? I mean, she's ..."

Chaeyoung's eyes softened as he spoke. "Chanda is actually 20 years older than us. She is the school president of Suzuran University. She's incredibly intelligent and capable, and her relationship with Gin is... something special. You have no idea how strong their bond is."

I blinked in surprise. "Wait—she's the president? But that means—"

"Yeah," Chaeyoung continued, nodding. "She's not just Gin's girlfriend. She's a woman with her own life, her own ambitions. But the way she and Gin met... it's a story I'll never forget."

I leaned in, curious. "How did they meet?"

Chaeyoung let out a long breath as if he were replaying the memory in his mind. "Gin and Chanda met not long after our high school graduation," he began, his voice steady but laced with a tinge of nostalgia. "Back then, Gin was in a really rough spot. Life wasn't exactly kind to him, and he was struggling to find his footing with everything that was happening. He had no plans for college, not because he lacked ambition, but because he simply couldn't afford it." His expression softened as he continued. "And that's where he met Chanda who was a regular customer. She was... different. Strong, smart, driven—everything that Gin thought he wasn't at the time. But she didn't see him the way he saw himself. Where Gin saw his failures and struggles, Chanda saw potential. She saw someone who was kind, loyal, and hardworking. Someone worth knowing." He paused, his eyes shining with a mix of admiration and amusement. "And then, one day, that closeness turned into something more. Gin couldn't believe it at first. Chanda wasn't looking for perfection. She was looking for someone real, and that's what Gin was."

He exhaled deeply, a quiet sense of pride evident in his expression. "It's not every day you meet someone who sees you for everything you are and still chooses you, flaws and all.

"That's beautiful," I whispered, my heart swelling at the thought of their love. "But how did she end up helping you with all of this?"

Chaeyoung smiled, his gaze focused on the road ahead. "Chanda's doing this as a favor to me. She knows how important this trip is, and she respects what I'm doing. It's a small gesture, but I think it means a lot to her."

I thought about that for a moment, then asked, "But doesn't Gin get jealous? I mean, you are close to her, and it's not exactly... well, normal, is it?"

Chaeyoung let out a quiet laugh. "Gin trusts us. He knows that whatever happens, I'd never do anything to hurt him or Chanda. Hyuga and I have always been open with him, and when it comes to Chanda, we don't make any moves without his approval. Gin's not possessive, but he's protective of her. And we respect that."

His words stayed with me, resonating deeply. There was something so genuine in their friendship, in the way Chaeyoung spoke about Gin and Hyuga. It wasn't about jealousy or ownership; it was about trust. They shared a bond that seemed unbreakable, built on years of loyalty, respect, and understanding.

As the miles stretched on, I found myself feeling more and more at ease, not just because of the beautiful scenery passing by, but because of the unspoken connection between Chaeyoung and me. Despite the distance, and the quiet moments in between our conversations, I could sense the bond growing stronger. Whatever this was between us—this friendship, this adventure—it felt right.

As we rode through the winding roads, the world falling away with every turn, I couldn't help but wonder if this trip was the beginning of something even deeper than either of us had expected.

The path extended endlessly, winding through lush fields and peaceful rivers, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle of the city I was used to. My head leaned gently against Chaeyoung's shoulder, and I couldn't help but inhale deeply, taking in the scent of his cologne. It was comforting and familiar, and I couldn't stop myself from sniffing the scent from his shoulder, hoping he wouldn't notice my quiet obsession with it. I felt like I could stay like this forever, the warmth of his body next to mine, the hum of the bike's engine, and the peaceful view surrounding us.

The sun stood high in the noon sky, bathing everything in a bright, golden light over the vast rice fields that stretched for miles. It was beautiful here—so different from the city. There were no towering buildings or endless streams of people. Just the natural world, vast and untouched. I could hear the soft rustling of the wind through the fields, the distant chirping of birds, and the gentle hum of the bike's engine.

Chaeyoung's voice broke my reverie. "Are you hungry? We can stop somewhere to grab a bite."

I shook my head, not really feeling hungry. "I'm fine," I said, still mesmerized by the view. "I'm just enjoying this. Everything about this place is... peaceful."

We rode on for what seemed like hours, the scenery changing with every mile. After almost seven hours of travel, we finally reached our destination. I could see the arc in the distance, a welcoming sign that read, Chiang Mai. My heart raced with excitement as we pulled into the city. We were here.

I turned to Chaeyoung, eager to know if he had been here before. "Is this your first time in Chiang Mai as well?" I asked, curiosity lacing my voice.

He looked over at me, a small smile on his face. "No, I've been here before many times. We always come for the Lantern Festival with Gin and Hyuga. This is actually my first time here without them."

"Do you miss the old times?" I asked, my voice soft.

He shook his head, a wide grin spreading across his face. "No, I'm really happy right now. Being here with you... it feels special. I've never been so excited about a trip before."

His words made my heart flutter. I couldn't help but blush, quickly hiding my face as I chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you're enjoying this too."

We started looking for a place to stay, but it quickly became clear that finding a room wasn't going to be easy. Most hotels were fully booked due to the festival rush, and even the transient houses were all taken. After some time, we found a small motel along the road. The man at the front desk informed us that there was still a room available, but only one with a single bed. Chaeyoung asked for my opinion, and after a moment of thought, I agreed. I was exhausted from the long ride, and right now, I just wanted to rest.

The man showed us to the room, and I gasped slightly when I saw the bed. It was barely big enough for one person. Chaeyoung, ever the problem-solver, immediately spoke to the receptionist, asking for an extra mattress. "You can lock the door, and I'll go take care of it," he said as he handed me the key.

I nodded and began to unpack my things. After everything was laid out, I flopped onto the bed, my body sinking into the soft mattress. I closed my eyes for a moment, just wanting to relax. But I didn't realize how exhausted I was, and before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up, I was surprised I couldn't find Chaeyoung. I sat up quickly and looked around. My eyes landed on him, and my heart softened. He was lying on the floor, wrapped in a blanket, using his backpack as a pillow.

My heart ached at the sight of him, sleeping so uncomfortably. I didn't want him to be on the floor, but I knew he would never complain. I just watched him for a moment, noticing how peaceful he looked. His side profile was striking, even more beautiful in sleep, and I smiled at the soft sound of his gentle snores. I checked the time and realized it was already five in the afternoon. I was starving.

Carefully, I slid off the bed, making sure not to wake him. I grabbed some cash and stepped outside to find something to eat. The area around the motel was unfamiliar, so I asked the guard if there was a nearby convenience store. He pointed me in the right direction, and I made my way there.

When I arrived, I picked up a few things for both of us. I knew Chaeyoung would be hungry after the long ride, so I bought six pieces of bread, two bottled waters, a chocolate drink for me, and a chocolate bar. Satisfied with my purchases, I headed back to the motel, eager to get back to Chaeyoung.

But as I walked, two guys suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my path. I tried to walk around them, but they moved with me, their smiles more predatory than friendly. My heart raced as fear crept up my spine, but I refused to let them see my anxiety. I kept my head down, walking as quickly as I could, hoping to get away from them.

But then one of them grabbed my wrist. Panic surged through me, and I jerked my hand, trying to break free. His grip tightened, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I cried out for help, but there was no one around. I was completely alone, and the fear grew, twisting in my chest.

They began dragging me toward the back of the convenience store. I offered them all the money I had and my phone, hoping they would take it and leave me alone, but they weren't interested in that. It was me they wanted.

"Chaeyoung!" I screamed, my voice breaking as I called his name. "Chaeyoung, help!"