"Just stay like that a little bit more! 1..2..3.." You counted down to snap the photo.

"How do I look?" Haseul asked right afterwards.

"Immaculate." You answered as you looked at the preview on your camera.

"No more photos! I look ugly! And the sun is making my cheeks red..." Haseul voiced out her concern.

"Okay okay! No more photographs for now." You obliged. 

Haseul skipped her way to you, and gave you a great kiss once she reached your proximity. You embraced her in return along with a kiss and rested your cheek on hers. The day was bright and beautiful, and these were only the starting blessings of what Jeju Island offered to two enigmatic, and blissful teenagers. Haseul admired the seaside view as she rested her head on your shoulder, never releasing the grip of that cuddle. You adjusted your glasses with the free hand before it completely slipped off the bridge of your nose, and Haseul buried her fingers intertwining in between yours with the other hand. Life couldn't get any better than this, but maybe it can? 

With the physical closeness intact, you can hear and feel Haseul's stomach growl due to hunger. Haseul instantly widens her eyes unconsciously, following a momentary pause of her being, only to end in a chortling note. Even though you and Haseul have been together for so long, she still hasn't effaced old habits from the seedling of your relationship. It's a given that it takes a long time before a couple get used to each other's humanity. Haseul was a woman in your eyes, but she was also human like any other, so it never really bothered you if she made any noises when she slept at night - it even made you fall deeper. 

You can see Haseul blush herself out of existence, it was either because she still felt embarrassed after all this time, or the sun was truly making her cheeks sprout red. You grabbed both her cheeks and lightly squeezed them out of adoration. 

"I see my baby is a little peckish now. Let's go have lunch." You declared. 

"Yes please! Let's go to that restaurant we passed by earlier! I want to try the black pig pork!" Haseul exclaimed. 

"What's the point in going to Jeju if you won't eat their staple, right? Come on, let's go back to the car." 

Haseul disconnected herself from your body and dashed to the rented car. You couldn't help but smile widely from Haseul's adorableness, and it all felt like a dream to be in the middle of this. You headed to the driver's seat and tried to unlock the door, only to find out Haseul locked all the doors once she got inside, and took the carkeys from your pocket earlier on. Haseul was always a mischievous girl, pulling pranks that would annoy you most of the time, and you would most likely retaliate with something equally impish. That wasn't the case this time around because the car you both are using is rented. Any damage caused to the car apart from force majeure was a toll on your bank account. Instead of getting even, you tried everything else in the book to move forward. 

You knelt outside Haseul's window seat, clasped hands together, begging like a helpless puppy - and Haseul only responded by filming you with her phone. You called Haseul's phone and verbally begged, only to be replied with non stop laughter. Ten minutes like this went by, and slowly your patience was drained out of your mind. Luckily, Haseul's famishment was stronger than her antics, so she finally unlocked the doors and let you inside. You opened the door, got on the driver's seat, took the carkeys from Haseul and started the engine. You were completely passive with your emotions and words after that little event, and Haseul knows you weren't in the mood for anything irksome anymore - so she apologised in the best way she knew she can. 

"Thank you for putting up with me." Haseul said as she kissed your cheek and cuddled you. 

You let out a heavy sigh and shook your head with great disappointment written all over your face. 

"I'm sorry..." Haseul repeated. 

"No, it's not that it's just ... Everytime you do something and you apologise - it just takes one kiss and I can't help but melt my heart to the floor. I am such a er for you, Cho Haseul." You admitted. 

Haseul couldn't reply but words, so she consolidated with another kiss on the cheek, a tad longer this time. 

"All right! I'm not mad anymore. Let's go eat lunch now." You said with a smile on your face. 

Haseul gave you one last kiss on the cheek, and returned the majority of her body to her sitting position, so you are free to drive. You switched from Park to Drive, and stepped on the gas to give it a little push. You and Haseul were back on the mountainous roads of Jeju Island, traversing through time to backtrack to that restaurant she mentioned. With your role as the driver, it's an unspoken rule that the one sat at the 'shotgun' is the Navigator for the driver, and a 'DJ' of sorts - choosing and surfing through songs on the radio or the playlists. 

Haseul always knew which song to choose, whether it was a Korean song, or an English song. She always knew which tunes would set the mood, and she surely proved that when she opened your phone's playlist and matched the Summer feeling with Romantic youth. 
The car suddenly started emitting through it's speakers the most powerful and recognisable intro of a song that explains your getaway with Haseul - 'Stolen' by Dashboard Confessional, from the Dusk and Summer Album of 2006. Truly a timeless song that captures the essence of love and the heatwave all in one track. 

Haseul knows this was one of your favourite songs, and she never hesitated to enjoy it herself - especially when she knew what it meant for you and her. A few kilometres down the road, and the restaurant you aimed for was at good reach. You parked the car, and you both got off to have that anticipated meal. The time was only 12:45 PM, not bad for a trip of twenty minutes, added that little lark Haseul pulled off. You both knew this was going to be a great foodie experience, just right off the bat when the owner of the restaurant was an ajumma, and she personally showed you two to your seats and recommended some food off the menu. It was an authentic experience. 

Like discussed, The Black Pig pork was the most look-forward delicacy that Jeju Island prides itself in, so Haseul ordered that for the two of you. The time went on with just standard conversations between couples, reminiscing fun times, practically making new ones. 
The meal was hefty, and the ajumma thanked you and Haseul deeply for choosing her small business to eat in. You always knew in the back of your mind that the locals would be welcoming to tourists and vacationists like you and Haseul, but the genuine happiness the lady presented unto you and Haseul was from the bottom of her heart - it was wholesome. 

"Time check: 2:00 PM. Where do we go now? You want to keep exploring the islandside?" You asked Haseul. 

"No, I'm actually a bit sleepy after that meal we had. Can we just go back to the hotel for now?" Haseul pleads with her puppy eyes. 

"No problem, baby. We can just go out again later in the evening." You replied. 

You and Haseul went back inside the car, and as expected, even before making it halfway to the hotel from the designated islandside, Haseul was already in slumber. From there, you lowered the volume of the player, and continued driving whilst basking in the nature this island had to offer. Evergreen trees, scintillating blue waves of the sea meeting its destiny on the sandy shorelines, clear skies with calming colours, and the beauty of all things free. Life was more and more undodgeable to be enamoured with when you get this incentive everyday for the rest of your time. Trying to entertain yourself with hums as you drive back, it goes on and on for at least an hour, and it is almost over when you've finally made it back to the city. 

A few more roads to take, and the driveway right next to the posh gate indicated your hotel's entrance. You went right through, pulled up on the front, and woke up Haseul before you turned over the car to the valet service. Haseul woke up, held your hand, and gathered her senses before exiting the vehicle. You got out and handed the carkeys over to the valet that approached you. Obligatory 'Don't scratch the car' reminder, and then you and Haseul entered the lobby. Passing by the front desk and reception, the staff greeted you two, and you reciprocated with a bow. However, before making it to the elevators, the courteous front desk lady approached you and Haseul for an invitation of sorts. 

The hotel was going to have a mid-summer ball that evening, and all hotel guests were invited to join and partake in the celebration. At first, you and Haseul were hesitant because you had plans of your own to spend the evening that day during your stay; the lady said that it was completely free, courtesy of the hotel's management and corporation, so that slightly won you and Haseul over. Still, it was going to be far cry for reason and enticement to reach you and Haseul because you both knew you didn't bring any clothes that will match the soirée. A solution was ready for that concern when the lady answered back that the hotel was also willing to let hotel guests borrow some suits and gowns for the purpose, and all that was needed was an acceptance of the invitation - slots were limited so the response was right then and there. 

After hearing that solution, Haseul's eyes brightened up, and she was all aboard that decision now. She seemed excited for the thought of a ball, and an opportunity like this doesn't come around that often. With little persuasion from her part, and your curiosity hitting the corner of your mind - you finally agreed to participate in this party. The front desk lady was relieved to hear your approval of the proposal, and Haseul couldn't contain her joy. The lady guided you both to the front desk to sign the confirmation, and once you and Haseul signed, the lady gave you a piece of paper. She said to head down to one of the function rooms at the east corridor, and present the paper she gave to the hotel staff there to let you both in and meet with the wardrobe officers. 

You and Haseul did what was instructed, and the next thing you knew you were inside the room being measured from head to toe, so the wardrobe officers would know what size to give you and Haseul. The function room was divided into two via divider, with one room for the men, and the other for the women. You and Haseul were chatting through the divider, and it was a little difficult because she would have to go away from the middle at times, and the muffled voice wouldn't go through even with big effort. At least ten minutes went by for the preparations, and once the choosing of the available garments are done, the hotel staff informed you that they will give the clothes you and Haseul chose one hour before the party. With that in mind, you and Haseul finally got to return to your room, and had a small nap before doing anything more.

-

The clock interprets 5:30 PM when your cellphones are alarmed simultaneously, so it was time to get up and start preparing for the ball. Haseul went to the shower first, and whilst waiting for her, the hotel staff delivered the suit and the gown earlier than expected. You thought Haseul would take her time in the bath, but she steps out sooner than you thought with her robe on. You told her that the gown was inside the closet, and it was your turn to take a shower. You brought the suit in the bathroom with you, and you proceeded to do what you intended to do. You took a shower, cleaned yourself up, and got out in record time. It was time to put on the tuxedo and style your hair in the bathroom. A total of twenty minutes at your disposal, and the exact time on the clock was now 6:35 PM. You got out with your tuxedo on, but you were struggling to put on the bowtie, so you went up to Haseul to ask for help. Unbeknownst to your presence, what you saw next left your jaw on the floor, and gave you an arrhythmia. 



She was lovely, it was like Heaven manifested itself through a human being, and she was the spitting image of divinity. She took your breath away, you stood still where you were, and without the intention she still was able to knock you out by asking with these words. 

"How do I look?" Haseul blushingly asked. 

"Perfection." Was all you could mutter. You were frozen, and Haseul couldn't snap you out of it. Your eyes were stuck in Haseul's wherever she moved. She went up to you and gave you a solemn kiss on the lips, and proceeded to help you with your bowtie. 

"If you keep staring, I might melt, love." Haseul quips whilst tying your bowtie. 

"Pardon me, you just look very wonderful." You replied. 

"And under ... There we go! You're all good." Haseul accompanied with a smile. 

"Thanks, baby." You accompanied with a kiss on the cheek. 

The time whittled away with not much effort, and before you knew it, you and Haseul were in the elevator holding hands and on the way to the ball. You can feel it in Haseul's hand that she was quite tizzy, and you understood this because you yourself were in great expectations of the unfolding night. You tightened your grip on Haseul's hand the moment the elevator rung its bell to indicate your arrival at the ground floor. The lift doors open, presenting the crowded lobby of ball goers like you two, and it was an ocean of men and a few women wearing tuxedos themselves, and most women wearing the gowns they have selected. They were a scene of technicoloured distraction, but in your heart and mind, Haseul was the only one you saw. You both stepped out, and the front desk lady who talked you both into attending the festivity was there to greet you in great peace. She lead you both to the middle of the looby, called one of the servers over to offer you and Haseul a few cocktails to initiate the mood of the night. You and Haseul initially wanted to keep a sober though, but then you were both persuaded with great influence from the other partygoers. Champagne for your tastes, then you and Haseul drank up to the occasion. 

7 PM sharp, and the large ballroom opened its doors for everyone. Couple per couple, all went inside in great style. Some were looking extravagant, and some were pulling off the 'simplicity is beauty' façade. You and Haseul were none of that - you were both teenagers exploring the world together. You both went inside looking like the youngest couple the floor has ever laid eyes on, and this was the truth. Not that it bothered you, or should it bother you - it was just a verray situation that people have to start getting used to and accept, but never was it any wrong in the first place. Your love was stronger than anything else, and with Haseul it always felt right. She can hold your hand and drag you through whatever, and you'll be glad to have that than any other way. 

Once inside, you were led to your table, and along with older couples, you all exchanged pleasantries. Different kinds of couples, of different nationalities - it was like you were both classified at that table for the exact purpose. Few minutes passed, and the masses were settled down by a welcoming and thanking speech by the hotel chairman. No further stalling had to take place, so straight to the dance floor you and Haseul went when it was time. It can never be explained if it was the already settled inebriation from the champagne that prompted you and Haseul to be the starring couple on the floor - but there was nothing left to lose. 

Slow dancing the night away, it was pure love. Haseul's arms around your shoulders, and your hands on her waist. The love between you two that you share couldn't get any better, even if you knew it always would. Fast forward to the end of night, exactly around 10:20 PM, you find yourself at the hotel bar with Haseul but the drinking of liquor is over, and you both decided to wash it away with a cup of tea for her, and a cup of coffee for you. Sat next to each other on the stools, Haseul rests her head on your shoulder, and takes a sip of her tea. You gave her forehead a kiss, and she planted a good kiss on your cheek. 

"I love you, Cho Haseul. Forever and always." You said. 

"나도 사랑해." Haseul replied. 

"I never got to tell you, but you looked stunning on that dress." 

"I know, but sadly we gotta give it back to the hotel." Haseul digresses. 

"Maybe we don't have to. Remember the clause we had to sign? If it gets damaged, then we have to pay for it, but we get to keep it." You implicated. 

"No ... This dress is too beautiful to be ruined!" Haseul stresses. 

"Don't worry, we'll just make a small incision at the back-" You said as you sheared a part of the dress. 

"Oh my god! You jerk!" Haseul shouted.

"I love you too." You replied with a wink. 

Haseul can only shake her head in disbelief for what you just did, but the smirk on her face tells you that she only reacted that way to make it look authentic. She quickly rested her head on your shoulder again, wearing that beautiful smile. At the end of the night for the best one of the best ones, you'll both sleep well.