Chapter 6

Walking down a grass path, reaching a forest they follow a dirt path guiding them deeper into the forest. Walking down the dirt path covered with trees and a bunch of natural flowers, they are envelopes with just the sound of nature. Yujin is just looking around with a small bounce of her feet surveying the area and occasionally stopping at flowers to take a quick picture of them. Unfortunately for Jin-woo, he was tasked to take a couple of photos of her to which he secretly didn’t mind. 

Yujin and Jin-woo continue down the dirt path, the gentle crunch of leaves underfoot with the distant calls of birds. After a few moments, the path became obstructed by a thick tangle of branches and leaves. Jin-woo turns to Yujin with a playful glint in his eye.

"Ready to be amazed?" he asks, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Without waiting for her response, Jin-woo pushes aside the branches, revealing a hidden gem. As the foliage parts, a breathtaking scene unfolds before them. The dense forest opens up to reveal a serene pond nestle in the clearing. A graceful waterfall cascaded down from the rugged mountain on the left, its clear water sparkling in the sunlight.

In front of the pond, a natural ledge jutted out, offering a panoramic view of the forest below. The vast number of trees stretches out like a vibrant green carpet. The tranquil sound of the waterfall and the soft rustling of leaves created a soothing backdrop to the stunning vista.

Yujin's eyes wide in awe, taking in the beauty of the secluded spot. It was as if they had stumbled upon a hidden paradise, far removed from the bustle of the world. The peaceful atmosphere and the magnificent view left Yujin momentarily speechless, lost in the sheer splendor of the scene before her. 

“You got your swimsuit?” interrupts Jin-woo with a wide grin.

Yujin nods her head slowly, noticing the grin on his face.

“Well, you got 5 mins before I push you into the pond. I’m nice, I know.” Said Jin-woo head tiling to the side with a shrug and the same wide grin

Not wanting to wet her clothes she quickly searches for a place to change. Seeing the area behind the waterfall, she zooms to it not before screaming

“Don’t you dare look!”

“Yea, yea, yea” said Jin-woo before turning around and started taking off his clothes into his swimming trunks.

After changing, Jin-woo waits for the Yujin signal to turn around. Receiving a tap on the shoulders he sees Yujin in a brown swimsuit with straps.

Jin-woo’s eyes lingers on Yujin, taking in the way her swimsuit complements her body showing her smooth skin and curves. "You look good," he said with a grin, his gaze lingering on her.

Yujin blushes slightly and glances at Jin-woo, her eyes tracing his lean and muscular physique. "Thanks, you too." she replies softly, her cheeks flushing.

Jin-woo’s playful expression shifts into a mischievous smirk. "Although I wonder how you’d look wet?" he teases, his gaze twinkling with amusement, slowly moving forward.

Yujin’s eyes widens in surprise, but before she could respond, Jin-woo swepts her up into his arms. The sudden lift caught her off guard, and she felt a rush of wind as he sprints towards the pond. With a gleeful shout and jump, he launches them both into the air, causing Yujin to scream, splashing into the pond with a resounding splash. The cool water envelopes them, momentarily obscuring their vision. As Yujin surfaces, she hears Jin-Woo’s laughter echoing around the pond, his joy unmistakable. She wipes her eyes, her initial shock giving way to exasperation. 

"You jerk!" she exclaims, splashing water towards him with a playful annoyance. “You scared the hell out of me!"

Jin-woo laughs heartily, clearly amused by her reaction. 

"Hahaha, just trying to have fun!" he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Yujin huffs but couldn’t suppress a small smile. She swims around the pond, the cool water refreshing her from the heat of the sun.

“Ahh” squeals Yujin as a small jet of water sprays her face. Wiping her face she looks back at Jin-woo who has his hand intertwined together floating in the water with the small gap in his hand directed towards her.

“Is that how you want to play?” Responds Yujin as she raises her hand up before splashing it down, splashing the water towards Jin-woo. He immediately retaliates, sending a wave of water back at her, turning their playful exchange into a full-blown water fight. Laughter fills the air as they chase each other, splashing relentlessly. In this moment, Yujin forgets everything else, only happiness fills her heart.

After a while of swimming and splashing around, they sit against one of the large rocks around the waterfall staring at the horizon beyond the cliff, feeling the sun gaze upon them but the cool water covering their waist down. Sitting there, head facing upwards resting on the warm rock behind her.

“Thank you Jin-woo.”

“For what?” Questions Jin-woo, eyes looking at her as she gathers her thoughts.

“For bringing me here. I think I understand why.”

Smiling, Jin-woo looks forward as he says, “Do you now, why did I?”

“ Well, isn’t it for me to relax and to have fun. Maybe showing me a place where I can escape to?” answers Yujin, turning towards Jin-woo.

Jin-woo chuckles, before saying “Well, you aren’t wrong,” Yujin smiles, opening her mouth “Thank-” “you aren’t completely right either.” Interrupts Jin-woo causing Yujin’s smile to falter.

Tilting her head in confusion, she asks “Then what is it.”

“It’s true that I brought you here to relax and escape from your hectic life as an idol, but my true intention is more symbolic. You see, I found myself at the orphanage one day after an argument during a road trip to a neighboring town. I kept walking and walking until I met Uncle Lee and Auntie Ahin, who were just coming back from buying groceries. Thinking I was a lost child, they took me in and showed me the orphanage, back then it wasn’t like it is right now. No toys, no slides, and they were barely able to feed the kids as they weren’t funded by the government. They could barely live by themselves, yet they spent all their income and every day of their lives helping those orphans. I’ve never met a anyone who is this kind and selfless in my life, they make the kids laugh and scream in joy no matter what shitty situation they are in. Do you know what a downside of being an orphan?” ask Jin-woo, staring at the sunset his eyes fill with warmth reflecting the yellow and orange sky.

“No.” says Yujin quietly

“It’s that they never forget they are orphans. They’re constantly reminded, whether consciously or unconsciously. Because of this, orphans often question themselves, asking, ‘Why don’t they love me?’ or ‘Why did they leave me?’ Those who are adopted will grapple with feelings of inadequacy, developing abandonment issues, constantly wondering if they are truly wanted and when they will be left. Thus, they feel the need to prove their worth, striving to show they deserve love, or they completely shut themselves out. Their lives are fundamentally changed. No longer do they see the world through the lens of carefree innocence, but rather through a lens shaped by their experiences and the harsh realities they’ve faced. Every time I see them, I remind myself that no matter how difficult my situation may seem, there are others who are experiencing similar or even greater struggles. What I want you to understand is that our lives, though different, are not lacking. We each have our own paths shaped by our circumstances, and while we may not have had the childhood we once hoped for or envied others for, opportunities will still come our way. These opportunities will be unique to us, and they are not to be missed.” Explains Jin-woo face completely emotionless as if he’s lost in thought.

Yujin sits in silence, her mind replaying every significant moment of her life: from watching her idols on TV, deciding to become an idol herself, competing in Produce, joining IZ*ONE, and now being part of IVE. As these memories play through her mind, tears well up in her eyes. Remembering about the pain and hardship she endured to reach this point, but also the joy she experienced along the way.

“Yujin-ah, I’m glad you’re finally eating.”

She is pulled from her reverie by the feeling of a hand on her shoulder. Jin-woo drew her close, resting her head against his chest. The warmth and comfort makes Yujin to instinctively snuggle closer, her body trembling as if on the verge of breaking down.

“Let it out,” Jin-woo whispers gently.

With his simple encouragement, Yujin couldn’t hold back any longer. Tears streams down her face, her cries breaking the tranquil setting. Jin-woo tenderly rubs her back, offering his silent support.

“I’m just SO tired of everything, working tirelessly, hate comments, helping everyone. I’m just so tired.” Cries Yujin into his chest.

“Whenever you’re exhausted from life as an idol or anything else,” Jin-woo said softly, “come here. Enjoy this, visit the orphanage; Uncle and Auntie will take care of you. And if you want to call me, we can go on another journey together. Though I must warn you, I’m pretty expensive.”

Yujin chuckles quietly at his words; her tears gradually subsiding as she continues to nestle against him. The silence that followed was soothing, enveloping them both in a comforting embrace.

“Why.”

“Hmm?”

“Why did you do this for me.”

“I’ve explain it didn’t I?”

“No, you explain why you brought me here, but not why you did it for me. Our first conversation was an argument about turtles and penguins. We’re not even friends nor do we know each other.”

“We aren’t friends, oh my heart! It burns!” Jin-woo exclaims dramatically.

“Well, now we are, but my point still stands,” Yujin replied, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement total contrast a minute ago.

“Hmm, let’s say I just want to,” Jin-woo said with a mischievous grin.