Seoul (ryeji)

16

RYUJIN POV

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, everyone!" Jackson said with a big grin as we stepped off the bus.

After the paintball field earlier, Jackson called us and now we found ourselves in...

"Of course! We love your parties, especially when you're the host," Jeongyeon replied, her voice full of excitement as we made our way onto the beach.

"Thanks for bringing me along too!" Yuna added, bouncing happily.

I folded my arms, looking over at Yeji. "So, you canceled our meeting tonight just for this party? What makes it so special?"

Yeji pointed at Lia. "It's Lia's idea."

Lia shrugged with a smile. "We've all been working too hard. Sometimes you need to pause and just have fun—no business talk allowed! That's why we asked Jackson to set up this party at Busan Beach."

Soft waves rolling up the shore, music spilling into the air, string lights illuminating little tents around us, and the scent of street food wafting through the breeze.

Yeji, Lia, Nayeon, Sana, Yuna, and Wonyoung are back by the tent, preparing food, grilling samgyupsal, and setting out drinks for us.

Meanwhile, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Chaeryeong, Yujin, Jackson, and I are in the middle of an intense beach volleyball game.

After Jeongyeon serves the ball, she glances at me, a teasing smile in her eyes. "You're in a good mood, huh?" she says, her tone soft but knowing.

As Dahyun hits the ball back, I quickly respond, sending it over the net.

"Just having fun," I say, my heart feeling lighter. The other team misses the ball, and we pause the game for a moment.

Jeongyeon, breathing a bit heavily, walks over, looking me straight in the eye with a warm expression.

She reaches out and pats my head gently. "It's good to see you like this again, Ryujin. You're back."

I give her a small, grateful smile. It's been so long since I felt like this—free, alive, and unburdened.

"I'll just head to the bathroom, freshen up," I said before leaving the volleyball play.

I was about to step in when I heard Yeji's voice nearby.

"Wow, you look so cute!" she said, her tone filled with warmth.

I paused by the door, catching the soft exchange.

"Yes, Auntie, I love this Wednesday Halloween costume!" I heard a little voice respond—it must be Lucy.

And, oh, right. Halloween season.

"Alright, just be careful, okay? Message me when you get to Itaewon," Yeji said, with that familiar, gentle tone.

"Yes, Auntie! Bye-bye!"

Watching her with Lucy, seeing how gentle and caring she was, somehow made me feel something I couldn't quite name.

When the call seemed over, I walked into the public bathroom, finding Yeji at the sink, washing her hands.

"Was that Lucy?" I asked, heading to the sink beside her.

"Yeah," Yeji smiled, glancing at me. "You heard us?"

"Just bits," I admitted, then asked, "So, she's going to celebrate Halloween in Itaewon?"

"Yes. She's still with her Girl Scout club," she nodded, finishing up.

As I washed my hands, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My hair was a little messy from the beach, but something about the way I looked right now—relaxed, genuinely happy—felt different.