𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 (바다)

𝟬𝟯

When you finally arrived at their destination you embarked on a walk to reach the Jusangjeolli Cliff. Bada walked close to the front and quickly overtook the family ahead of her. She was glad she had brought her cap because god damn it was fucking boiling out here. Bada had one earbud in, TXT's Devil by the Window playing. She tried to think of dances as she constantly familiarised herself with the beat and melody. Bada listened closely to the lyrics, hoping some spark of inspiration would stem from them. This, however, was a challenge because the song was entirely in English.

"Where are you originally from?" The sudden question pulled Bada from her thoughts and made her look at you. Your face was expectant, waiting for an answer.

"I come from Seoul. You?"

"Ahhh. I was born and raised here. Is Seoul nice?"

Surprisingly, conversation flowed naturally between the two of you. Bada wasn't the best at socialising but something was different about you. You made Bada want to talk. You made her want to share her stories. Time went by in a heartbeat, and she soon found herself at the destination. The sight of the dramatic rock formations, created from lava flows, against the backdrop of the azure sea, left Bada in awe.

"The view is amazing." She turned to look at you who waited for the others to arrive. "How often do you come here?"

You smiled and shrugged. "I come here once every fortnight. Occasionally tours are cancelled but yeah that's my usual schedule."

"Have you gotten sick of the view yet?"

"Hmmm." You pondered on the question for a bit. "Well I'm not necessarily sick of the view but I'm not overly excited about it either. It's kind of become part of my everyday life now. Y'know how..."

Bada watched as you talked. She saw how your hand gestures would come into play every time you were passionate about something. How you would reach to tuck her hair back behind your ear. And of course, Bada noticed your beauty. You were gorgeous with your deep brown eyes filled with warmth and kindness. Your hair was a glossy black waterfall, cascading down your shoulders and framing your face on either side.

Your beauty, however, was not just skin-deep. As Bada observed you interacting with the other tourists, she noticed the kindness in your gestures, the genuine smile that lit up your face, and the attentive way you listened to others. Your beauty was as much about your character as it was about your physical appearance.

The day went on and Bada could not keep her eyes off you. Even as you visited the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, a place of ethereal beauty, Bada's eyes continuously followed your figure. It was as if they were recognising the true beauty holder of the two.

The final stop was the O'Sulloc Tea Museum, where Bada savoured a cup of fragrant green tea with you sitting across from her. The tea's warmth seeped into her hands, the taste a perfect blend of bitterness and sweetness. Throughout the trip, Bada revealed certain parts of her life to you and you truly bonded over this experience. Bada realised that it was nice to talk to someone about something other than dance.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Bada arrived back at the villa. She stepped off the bus, bag hung on one shoulder and was ready to leave before she was stopped. You called her name. Bada turned to face her a sad smile on her face.

"I hope this isn't the last time I see you," she said.

"It won't be," you promised, you shoved something into her hands and hugged her.

When you left and Bada was all alone, she looked at the paper she held. A laugh escaped her. Because scribbled onto the paper were 11 wonderful numbers - your phone number.