Strings of Fate

Chapter 9: Waves Between Us (Mixed POV)

By the third day, Marina had started teasing me about Min-Ho at every opportunity.

She leaned in closer, her voice soft but mischievous.

"It's okay to like him, you know. He's clearly interested."

Her words sent a flutter through my stomach, but I waved her off.

"He's not interested in me. He's just... nice."

I was secretly conflicted about all that. We were from different worlds, different countries. What was I supposed to do if I started to like him?

Thankfully Marina gave me a look that said she didn't believe me for a second, but didn't push further.

That afternoon, the family decided to spend time by the pool. It was a warm, sunny day, and the kids were full of energy.

While Marina packed towels and sunscreen, Gabriel wrangled the children, ensuring everyone had swimsuits and flip-flops.

We were just about to leave when Min-Ho appeared in the lobby, dressed casually in a light blue shirt and shorts.

He looked effortlessly handsome, and I silently cursed how much my heart seemed to notice.

"Going to the pool?" he asked, his gaze flicking to the kids with an easy smile.

"Yes," Gabriel answered before I could.

"Care to join us?"

Min-Ho hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck in a way that I now recognized as a habit of his when he was unsure.

"I haven't checked out the pool yet. It might be a nice change of pace."

"Vem, vai ser legal!"

(Come, it will be fun!)

Clara exclaimed, tugging on his hand.

"Well, I don't think that needs a translation, right?"

I laughed softly. He laughed back and let her pull him as she pleased. I followed close by.

"She got so attached to you that I don't doubt she will want to marry you later." I teased, keeping my voice low so only he could hear.

He glanced at me, his lips twitching into a grin.

"I would have to wait a few years for her to grow up. But l will have to say I'm interested in someone else."

I felt my cheeks flush. Luckily, the kids interrupted the moment. I didn't trust myself to keep it up without embarrassing myself.

The kids wasted no time jumping into the pool, their laughter echoing as they splashed and played.

Gabriel and Marina found loungers nearby, settling in with drinks while I helped Clara adjust her goggles.

When I turned, I saw Min-Ho pulling his shirt off. My breath caught slightly at the sight of his lean, toned body. I quickly looked away, but not before Marina caught me staring.

She raised her eyebrows and gave me an exaggerated thumbs-up. I mouthed "stop it" at her, but her teasing expression didn't waver.

- - -

Watching the kids dive in immediately, I decided to join them. While taking off my shirt, I felt Isabela's gaze briefly linger before she quickly looked away.

A small smile tugged at my lips. She wasn't as unaffected as she pretended to be.

But then she tied her hair up and removed her own shirt, revealing a simple bikini top paired with shorts, and I found myself just as distracted with her lean, nice curvy body and her neck now more exposed.

I averted my gaze, clearing my throat and focusing on the pool instead. Gabriel and Marina's quiet laughter in the background didn't help my sudden self-awareness.

The kids were a handful but in the most entertaining way.

Clara clung to me with determined focus as I guided her tiny arms and legs, helping her float on her back.

Sofia paddled confidently nearby, proudly demonstrating that she knew how to swim.

And Lucas was determined to get my attention by climbing onto the pool's edge and launching himself into my arms soaking us both with his splash.

I couldn't help but laugh. Their excitement was contagious.

Even though we didn't understand each other's words, it didn't seem to matter. I would say things in Korean, mimicking their enthusiasm. And they would respond in Portuguese, their tones making the meanings clear enough.

It felt like I was part of their family.

Isabela joined us soon after, her presence easy and natural. I found myself glancing at her occasionally. She had the most beautiful smile while watching me interact with the kids.

Then it happened. Isabela slipped and instinctively, I reached out.

With one hand, I steadied her body by her stomach, the other held her arm firmly. Her bare skin was warm and soft under my touch, and for a moment, time seemed to stop.

She kept her back to me, but I could sense her breath hitch and notice even more how petite she was. I wondered if she realized how fast my heartbeat was. A faint flush crept along her neck, and I had the sudden urge to see her face.

I should have let go. Instead, I lingered, caught in the closeness for a bit longer.

"You okay?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

"Y-yeah," she stammered, stepping away quickly. Her reaction was endearing.

"Careful," I added softly, letting my hands drop.

As the afternoon wore on, I noticed the subtle shifts in her demeanor. How she glanced at me when she thought I wasn't looking, the small smiles she tried to hide. I couldn't help but be drawn to her, not just for her beauty but the person I started to know.

When the sun began to dip lower, we all began gathering our things. Walking beside her as we headed to the lounge chairs, I felt the urge to prolong our time together.

"About tonight... are we still on for dinner?"

"Yes," she said, her voice steady but her cheeks slightly pink.

"But only if you don't let Clara boss you around again before then."

I laughed, shaking my head.

"No promises."

As we parted ways, I couldn't help but anticipate what that date could bring.