Dive // Jaeyi x Seulgi

Chapter 6

The two sat in the sand, bathed in the late afternoon glow. Their skin, damp from the sea, carried the faint taste of salt, the ocean's touch fading into a fine trace. Hours of swimming and sun left them heavy with contentment.

Seulgi let out a slow breath, eyes fixed on the horizon where the sun hovered just above the water, casting long shadows. "It's so peaceful here," she murmured. "I want to stay a little longer."

Jaeyi didn't respond. Instead, she turned her head, gaze tracing the curve of Seulgi's profile, the soft press of her lips, the way the golden light caught on her cheekbones. And when Seulgi turned to look at her, smiling, her dimples deepened.

Something settled deep in Jaeyi's chest—warm, steady, undeniable. She didn't need to name it. She simply let it sit there, let herself bask in the moment, in the quiet presence of Seulgi beside her, in the way the world felt a little softer like this.

Then, Seulgi's phone rang, shattering the quiet between them. She barely glanced at the screen before silencing it with a sigh.

Jaeyi raised an eyebrow. "Not answering?"

Seulgi shook her head. "It's just Kyung and Hyeri." She stretched her arms over her head before brushing sand off her legs. "Hyeri has a shoot soon. I should probably head back."

Jaeyi pushed herself up, brushing off her own legs before glancing at the sky. The sun was sinking lower, but the evening had yet to settle in.

"I'll drop you off," she said, already turning toward the path back to her place.

Seulgi blinked. "Wait, drop me off?"

Jaeyi shot her a look over her shoulder. "Unless you'd rather take the bus?"

Seulgi scoffed. "I didn't say that." She jogged to catch up.

They hurried back through the narrow streets, sand clinging to their damp skin with every step. When they reached Jaeyi's childhood home, Jaeyi barely paused. She grabbed her motorcycle keys and, in one smooth motion, took a jacket from inside, gently draping it over Seulgi's shoulders before stepping past her.

Seulgi blinked down at the fabric, feeling its lingering warmth. She hesitated for a beat before slipping her arms through the sleeves, the scent of Jaeyi enveloping her.

Jaeyi tossed Seulgi a helmet before swinging a leg over the bike.

Seulgi hesitated for a beat before putting the helmet on and climbing on behind Jaeyi. As she settled in, her arms instinctively wrapped around Jaeyi's waist.

That was when she noticed it—Jaeyi's scent. It wasn't overwhelming, just a faint trace left on her skin, warm and familiar. A mix of something airy yet rich, like sun-warmed skin with the lingering whisper of spice and something clean. Not floral, not sweet—just effortlessly her.

Seulgi exhaled softly, pressing her forehead briefly against Jaeyi's back before pulling away.

For now, she held on.

When they arrived at the hotel, Jaeyi pulled up near the entrance, her movements unhurried. Seulgi climbed off first, removing her helmet and shaking out her hair as Jaeyi stepped off behind her.

"Jaeyi-a, thanks for the ride," Seulgi said, brushing some sand off her shirt.

Jaeyi tilted her head slightly, as if debating something. Then, in one smooth motion, she reached into her pocket and subtly slipped a key into Seulgi's jacket. Her fingers barely grazed the fabric before she took a step back, her expression unreadable.

Seulgi furrowed her brows. "What—"

"I'll see you soon," Jaeyi cut in before she could question it. Her voice was soft but firm, final in a way that left no room for argument.