Chapter 128: Travel (1)

 

Yesterday, as promised, we went to the cherry blossom festival.

 

We took a lot of photos and had a great time, but there wasn’t much time left before midterms.

 

There were plenty of assignments to submit, and right after, Han-gyeol started preparing for the midterms.

 

Even though we were busy with exams, Han-gyeol suggested going on a trip.

 

“Eun-ha, how about we go on a trip after midterms?”

 

“Huh? A trip?! That sounds awesome! Where do you want to go?”

 

“Do you have a place in mind?”

 

“I want to see the ocean! Let’s fly to Jeju Island!”

 

The idea of taking a flight with Han-gyeol and going far away sounds exciting.

 

It would be nice to look at the ocean from outside our accommodation as well.

 

“Jeju Island is hard to get around by public transportation. We could rent a car, but... renting for all ages can be pretty risky.”

 

“I’ll be fine! I like walking around!”

 

“Still, Jeju might be a bit difficult. How about we go to the East Sea instead? We can visit Jeju during the vacation. What do you think?”

 

“Yeah, the East Sea sounds good too. Honestly, as long as I’m with you, anywhere is fine!”

 

Han-gyeol looked at me with a loving gaze when I said that.

 

“Then, how about we leave right after classes on Friday? If we return by Monday lunchtime, we won’t miss any class.”

 

“Sure! Let’s do that. We need to start planning!”

 

“Let’s eat first.”

 

After we ate, Han-gyeol and I cleaned up together and went into the computer room.

 

With the dual monitors, we could both comfortably look at the screen.

 

I pulled my chair next to Han-gyeol’s and sat down beside him.

 

“We originally planned to go on a trip before entering college, but we’re only going now.”

 

“Back then, getting permission to live together was more urgent. And once we started living together, we were so happy that we didn’t even think about it.”

 

“Yeah, we delayed it a bit, so let’s make sure to have a blast this time. Just thinking about it makes me excited!”

 

“Right. What kind of traveler are you?”

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

Han-gyeol looked at me with a search window open.

 

“People often argue when they travel, right? It’s important to know each other’s travel styles beforehand.”

 

“Oh, that?”

 

“Yeah, so I’m asking, are you the type who plans everything?”

 

“Yes, I’m a planner. What about you, Han-gyeol?”

 

“I’m also the type to plan things out before going. Looks like we’re off to a good start.”

 

As Han-gyeol was about to move on to the next question, I jumped in first.

 

“Ah! Let me ask the next question!”

 

“Sure, go ahead.”

 

“Is the accommodation important to you?”

 

“I was just about to ask that too. It’s funny. I’m neutral on this. As long as there are no bugs, I don’t mind.”

 

It seems like we might have some differences here.

 

Personally, I’m a bit particular about accommodations.

 

“What about you?”

 

“Me? Hmm... I don’t expect anything luxurious, but I do prefer places with a nice view. If it’s not too expensive, I’d like to stay somewhere with a good view. But if the price difference is significant, I’m fine with just avoiding bugs, like you said. I’m okay with choosing a more economical option!”

 

“Then, since it’s a 3-night, 4-day trip, how about we find a budget-friendly place for the first two nights, and for the last night, we stay somewhere with a nice view, like you want?”

 

“Oh! I love that! Since Friday and Saturday will be expensive, let’s do that for the last night, from Sunday to Monday.”

 

“That’s smart and economical.”

 

Talking about our travel preferences with Han-gyeol like this was really fun.

 

“Do you prefer staying inside the accommodation or exploring outside?”

 

“I don’t mind if we do it like our usual dates, but since we’re going far away, I’d like to walk around more than usual. After all, we’ll be by the ocean, right?”

 

“I feel the same way.”

 

“Yeah! I’m already excited!”

 

“Now, let’s start looking into transportation options.”

 

“Alright!”

 

I Planned the Trip with Han-gyeol, Side by Side.

 

We booked train tickets from Cheongnyangni Station to Gangneung Station.

 

“Eun-ha, do you like window seats?”

 

“Yeah, I love them. Do you mind?”

 

“Not at all. I like window seats too.”

 

We exchanged glances for a moment before I quickly raised my arm.

 

“Rock-paper-scissors!”

 

Han-gyeol threw scissors, and I threw paper.

 

“Darn it!”

 

“You can have the window seat on the way back.”

 

“Really? You’ll do that for me?!”

 

“I’ll let you have it~”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

Afterward, we booked our accommodation.

 

As expected, places with ocean views were pricey, so we first looked at other options.

 

We compared several sites, checked reviews, and shortlisted a few candidates.

 

“This one seems the best, right?”

 

“It looks a bit small. Are you okay with that? Location-wise, this place seems better.”

 

“But the price difference is quite noticeable. Wouldn’t it be better to go for this one even if it’s a bit farther?”

 

“You’re right. Let’s go with this place for our stay. Now, let’s pick our accommodation for the last night.”

 

Planning the trip with Han-gyeol felt incredibly smooth.

 

I could definitely feel that our preferences matched well.

 

It made me happy, almost as if we were a perfect match.

 

Finally, after booking the ocean-view accommodation for our last night, we took a break.

 

“Shall we plan the detailed itinerary later?”

 

“Yeah! That sounds good. Planning the trip with you has been so easy.”

 

“I know, right? I was a bit worried about potential disagreements.”

 

“But we always find a way to work things out~ You’re so considerate. Thank you, and I love you~”

 

“I love you too~ Let’s have a great time on this trip.”

 

“Absolutely!”

 

*****

 

Time flew by, and midterms were just around the corner.

 

The exams would start tomorrow and end on Friday.

 

I only had one exam on Friday morning.

 

As soon as I finish the exam, we’ll board the train to Gangneung.

 

Although I was exhausted from all the assignments, there was a happy feeling inside me.

 

In Gangneung, I’ll eat delicious food with Han-gyeol and see the ocean.

 

Just imagining walking barefoot on the beach and taking a stroll in the cool night air brought a smile to my face.

 

Han-gyeol is the kind of person who makes me smile just by thinking about him.

 

I miss him.

 

“Eun-ha~ Are you done with your assignments?”

 

Jiyoung, who was sitting behind me, asked.

 

“Ah! I’m almost done. Should be finished soon.”

 

“Ugh, I don’t understand why we have so many assignments. I’d rather just take an exam...”

 

“Just hang in there a little longer. Once midterms are over, we can have fun.”

 

“I’m heading out now. Are you staying longer?”

 

“I’ll stay a bit longer to finish up. You can go ahead, Jiyoung.”

 

“Alright~ See you tomorrow~”

 

Jiyoung headed home first, and I stayed for about thirty more minutes before leaving the student center.

 

Han-gyeol had finished his classes earlier than me today and said he would study at the library while waiting.

 

I went straight to the library and searched for Han-gyeol.

 

After looking around, I found him studying hard.

 

I quietly took a seat next to him, but he didn’t move at all.

 

He seemed so focused that I didn’t want to disturb him.

 

He’s really working hard.

 

I found myself stealing glances at Han-gyeol as he studied.

 

It had been a while since I saw him study like this.

 

Back in high school, we used to study together all the time, but it had become a rare sight lately.

 

Even now, as a college student, Han-gyeol still has the habit of lightly biting his lip whenever he’s solving a difficult problem. I wonder if, as we continue to live together, I’ll discover more of Han-gyeol’s habits.

 

Does he also know about the little quirks I’m not even aware of?

 

Just watching him makes me happy. I can’t wait to get home, hug him, and kiss him.

 

Honestly, if I could, I’d carry him around in my pocket all day.

 

After a while, Han-gyeol pulled out his phone and sent a message to someone.

 

Immediately, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

 

Hearing the vibration, Han-gyeol turned his head towards me.

 

I shyly waved at him as he looked at me.

 

“Oh!”

 

Han-gyeol’s eyes widened in surprise. He gestured for us to head outside, grabbed his bag, and we left the library.

 

“You should’ve told me you were here. I almost screamed.”

 

“Hehe. You were so focused, I didn’t want to interrupt. It was nice to see you studying again after so long. How did it go?”

 

“I worked hard. What about you? Didn’t you have a lot of assignments?”

 

“I finished them all. I even submitted them.”

 

“Did you eat?”

 

“I waited to eat with you~”

 

“What?! You must be starving. Let’s go home right now. I’ll cook something delicious for you.”

 

This week, it was Han-gyeol’s turn to cook.

 

But I didn’t want to make him cook after he had just finished studying.

 

“You still have studying to do, so let’s just grab something simple on the way home.”

 

“Alright. What do you feel like eating?”

 

I felt so grateful and loved by how much Han-gyeol always tries to accommodate me.

 

“Let’s get whatever you want to eat this time. You don’t always have to think about me~”

 

“Then how about we stop by the rice bowl place and get some salmon bowls to go?”

 

“Sounds perfect~ Let’s go quickly.”

 

I tightly held onto Han-gyeol’s hand.

 

“Han-gyeol.”

 

“Yeah? What’s up?”

 

“Nothing, I just wanted to say your name.”

 

“What’s that about?”

 

“I love you~”

 

I’m so grateful to have Han-gyeol, who gives me strength in the midst of our busy lives.

--- The End OF The Chapter --

 

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