Finding Each Other

Chapter 17 - A Break from Routine

"They said yes!" Shinyu announced, barely able to contain his excitement.

His friends erupted in cheers, their excitement infectious. "Let's go!" Chaeyun said, grabbing Shinyu by the arm and pulling him towards the door.

"Wait, wait!" Shinyu protested, laughing. "I still have to finish my short shift."

"Fine," Dohoon said with a mock sigh. "But don't take too long, or we might kidnap you for real."

Shinyu shook his head, still smiling as he returned behind the counter to wrap up his tasks. The time passed quickly, and before he knew it, his short shift was over. As he stepped out of the café, he spotted his friends waiting for him in a cab parked just outside.

"Did you wait the whole time?" Shinyu asked, surprised by their patience.

"Of course," Dohoon replied. "We're not leaving without you."

"Wait, guys, I don't have any stuff with me. I need to go back to my place to pack!" Shinyu exclaimed, suddenly realizing that he hadn't prepared anything for a trip.

"Don't worry about it," Chaeyun said cheerfully from the front seat. "Dohoon let us into your place, and we prepared everything you'll need for the next three days."

Shinyu looked at Dohoon, who was sitting in the backseat with a big, satisfied smile on his face. "Since when do you enter someone else's house without their permission?" Shinyu asked, a teasing grin tugging at his lips.

"Come on, by now, you can basically say that we live together," Dohoon replied with a smirk, clearly enjoying Shinyu's reaction.

Shinyu stared at him, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all. But deep down, he couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through his chest. The idea that Dohoon thought of his place as their shared space made him oddly happy, though he would never admit it out loud.

With everything settled, Shinyu squeezed into the backseat between Youngjae and Dohoon, while Chaeyun continued chatting with the driver up front. As the cab pulled away from the curb, Shinyu couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. A spontaneous trip was not something he usually did, but with his friends by his side, he knew it would be an adventure worth remembering.

The cab ride was filled with laughter and banter, the four friends already buzzing with anticipation for whatever lay ahead. They hadn't planned much beyond the idea of getting away together, but that was part of the fun. As they drove out of the city, the landscape gradually shifted from urban sprawl to the serene, snow-dusted countryside. The sight of the snow-covered fields and forests was like stepping into a winter wonderland, and the mood in the car grew even more festive.

After a few hours on the road, they arrived at their destination: a quaint cabin nestled in the woods, far from the noise and bustle of the city. The cabin was small but cozy, with a fireplace in the living room and a stunning view of the surrounding forest. As they stepped out of the cab, the crisp winter air hit them, and they all took a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the place.

"This is perfect," Chaeyun said, her voice filled with awe as she looked around.

"Yeah, it's like something out of a postcard," Youngjae agreed, already snapping pictures with his phone.

Shinyu couldn't help but smile as he took in the scene. It was exactly what he needed—a break from work, school, and the stresses of daily life. "How did you guys even find this place?" he asked.

"Chaeyun's uncle owns it," Dohoon explained as they started unloading their bags. "He lets her use it whenever she wants, so we figured it'd be a great place for a getaway."

"Good call," Shinyu said, feeling grateful for his friends' thoughtfulness.

Inside, the cabin was even cozier than it looked from the outside. They quickly set up their things and decided to make the most of the afternoon by exploring the area. They spent the next few hours hiking through the snow-covered woods, laughing and playing like children as they threw snowballs and made snow angels. It was a carefree, joyful time, the kind of day that reminded them all of the simple pleasures in life.

As the sun began to set, they returned to the cabin, their faces flushed from the cold and their spirits high. They decided to spend the evening by the fireplace, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. The warmth from the fire and the glow of the flames created a magical atmosphere, making them feel even closer as they shared their thoughts, dreams, and memories.

Later that night, after a hearty meal cooked by Youngjae and Chaeyun, they all gathered in the living room with blankets and pillows, ready to wind down. Shinyu found himself sitting next to Dohoon on the couch, their shoulders touching as they settled in for the night.

"You know," Shinyu began, his voice soft, "I really needed this. I didn't realize how much I needed a break until now."

"I'm glad we could drag you away from work," Dohoon replied with a smile. "You deserve some time to relax."

Shinyu nodded, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. "Thanks, Dohoon. For everything."

"Don't mention it," Dohoon said, his tone casual but his eyes warm. "That's what friends are for, right?"

"Yeah," Shinyu agreed, leaning back into the cushions. "That's what friends are for."

Soon after, they both fell asleep, tired from the day's activities and looking forward to what awaited them tomorrow.