everything from picking ripe tangerines to managing the market stalls. Though Ji-Won, Uncle Baek, and Byeong-Ho sometimes expressed their hesitation about taking up so much of Andrew's vacation time, he brushed off their concerns with a gentle, reassuring smile. "I don't really have any plans," he would say, surveying the farm with a quiet warmth. "I might as well be useful."
But it was more than just a desire to help. Each moment spent with Ji-Won and Uncle Baek filled a longing in Andrew's heart—a yearning for the sense of family he had never truly known. While he had always been content with Secretary Choi's care, whom he had considered his uncle, there remained a piece of him that felt incomplete. Being with Ji-Won and Uncle Baek awakened something deep within him, a feeling of connection and belonging that he had been searching for. In their presence, Andrew began to understand what he had been missing all along—a true sense of family that embraced him wholly.
One afternoon, while Ji-Won and Andrew packed crates of tangerines, James stretched out under the shade, tossing a half-eaten tangerine from one hand to the other. "So sweet," he drawled, raising a brow at Andrew with a smirk. "Who is this chatty guy? Where's the Andrew I know? You're like a completely different person!"
Andrew simply smirked, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he wiped the sweat from his brow. With a relaxed flick, he tossed a tangerine at James, who barely caught it mid-air
James rolled his eyes, taking a loud, exaggerated bite of the tangerine, juice running down his chin. "Didn't know you had this side to you," he teased, shaking his head. Andrew's laugh followed—full and genuine, a sound so rare it made James pause, his mouth dropping open in surprise. He'd never seen Andrew look so unguarded.
***
In the bustling market, Andrew and Ji-Won busily worked alongside Uncle Baek and Byeong-Ho, helping them sell their fish and sort produce. Meanwhile, James was a walking display of disgust, recoiling every time a new, unfamiliar fish crossed his path. He wrinkled his nose, grimacing as the pungent scent lingered in the air.
"Seriously, how do you guys stand this?!" he groaned, taking a dramatic step back from a stall stacked with freshly caught seafood. Pointing to a particularly odd-looking fish, he shuddered, "Is that… alive? What even is that?"
Despite James's reluctance, his over-the-top reactions kept everyone amused, lightening the mood. Andrew, typically composed and reserved, seemed more relaxed than ever, while James unintentionally played the clown, sparking laughs throughout their group.
Later that evening, after a long day, Andrew and James returned to their hotel. James tugged at his shirt with a grimace, his nose wrinkled as he muttered about the fish smell that seemed to cling to his clothes. Andrew simply shook his head, smirking at James's dramatic protests.
Once inside their room, James couldn't hold it in any longer. "When are you planning to leave this place?" he demanded, flopping onto the couch with an exasperated sigh.
Andrew, unfazed, crossed the room to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. He glanced over, arching a brow but saying nothing, his face showing nothing but quiet amusement.
Unsettled by Andrew's calm, James leaned forward, his tone accusatory. "I mean, seriously, Andrew—you're doing all this with everything going on in your life right now?"
Andrew shrugged and took a long sip, then leaned against the open fridge door, his expression unreadable.
Exasperated, James's eyes narrowed. "And what's with the way you've been acting lately? Are you actually into Ji-Won? Don't lie to me!" His voice held a tinge of disbelief, as if he were trying to figure out if Andrew had genuinely changed.
Andrew calmly closed the fridge, set the water down, and crossed the room to the couch. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it, taking a long, steady drag, his expression a mask of indifference even as James's frustration continued to mount.
"This place has zero nightlife, no handsome guys… I've been bored out of my mind the entire week because of you!" James huffed, running a hand through his hair.
Andrew barely reacted, his eyes drifting toward the faint glow of the cigarette as he took another drag, already accustomed to James's outbursts from their time together in America.
Hoping to strike a nerve, James crossed his arms, his voice softening but still laced with concern. "Don't tell me you've forgotten how you used to say you'd never fall in love because you didn't believe in that kind of crap. You always insisted being alone was better—now look at you, swallowing every word."
Andrew's expression remained indifferent, barely acknowledging James' nagging. With a detached air, he turned and walked toward the bathroom without a word, leaving James frozen on the couch, bewildered and exasperated.
"Hey, Andrew!" James shouted after him, his frustration boiling over. "You crazy bastard! Are you even listening to me?"
***
James jolted awake, the faint scent of Andrew's cologne lingering in the air like a whisper of his presence. Blinking sleepily, he rubbed his eyes, squinting at the clock—it was barely morning. Groaning, he propped himself up on one elbow, only to see Andrew fully dressed, carefully spritzing himself with cologne, his expression both focused and upbeat.
"Why are you up so early and all dressed up?" James mumbled, his voice still heavy with sleep. He squinted at Andrew, struggling to adjust to the morning light streaming in through the window.
Andrew looked over, a playful smirk spreading across his lips. "I'm heading out for a tour with Hyung," he replied smoothly, slipping his phone into his pocket with a satisfied air.
James snorted, giving a dismissive wave as he burrowed back under the blankets. "A lovely little date, huh?" he teased, muffling a yawn and pulling the covers over his head.
Humming softly, Andrew moved toward the bedroom door, his cheerful mood unmistakable. Just before stepping out, he glanced back with a grin. "See you later, James."
As the door clicked shut, James pulled down the blanket slightly, tilting his head with a sleepy frown. He muttered under his breath, "What a fool. If you get your heart broken, don't expect me to comfort you." Shaking his head, he settled back onto his pillow, closing his eyes once more.
***
In the hotel lobby, Andrew spotted Ji-Won, his face radiant with anticipation. They exchanged warm greetings, their laughter bubbling up as they discussed their plans for the day, excitement weaving through their conversation. Andrew leaned slightly forward, nodding enthusiastically as Ji-Won took the lead, his energy infectious.
Their first stop was the Haenyeo Museum. As they strolled through the exhibits, Ji-Won's eyes sparkled with nostalgia. "Remember that time we were heading to the market and saw those divers from a distance?" he asked, casting a fond glance at Andrew, his smile tinged with warmth. "You seemed so curious about them, so I thought I'd fill you in on the Haenyeo—the female divers of Jeju Island."
Andrew's expression softened, genuine intrigue lighting up his eyes. He leaned closer, captivated by Ji-Won's animated description of the Haenyeo's incredible history, absorbing every detail with rapt attention. They wandered deeper into the museum, both entranced by the legendary stories of the divers, their connection deepening with each shared moment.
Next, they meandered to the Jeju Folk Village, walking along rustic paths lined with traditional structures. Ji-Won gestured toward a quaint house, his face alight with appreciation. "This place is really something," he said, admiration threading through his voice. "Seeing how people lived back then…it's fascinating." His fingers brushed against the rough stone walls, as if trying to feel the pulse of history.
They spent the next hour lost in the rich tapestry of folk culture, allowing themselves to be transported back in time. Soon, they moved on to Eco Land Theme Park, where they strolled leisurely through lush gardens, the scents of blooming flowers enveloping them in a serene embrace. Finding a quiet spot, they spread out a picnic blanket, enjoying a light meal while laughter mingled with the soft rustling of leaves overhead.
Their final stop was a nearby beach. Ji-Won took the lead, his steps light and carefree as he savored the natural beauty surrounding him, a childlike wonder illuminating his features. Andrew followed a few paces behind, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, a thin smile gracing his lips as he watched Ji-Won, feeling a warmth spread in his chest.
The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the scene. The rhythmic sound of waves lapping at the shore blended with the gentle evening breeze, creating a perfect backdrop to their day of exploration.
As Ji-Won and Andrew approached the end of their tour and returned to the hotel, their laughter echoed softly in the air, their easy banter wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. However, as Andrew turned his gaze toward the door, his smile faltered. Standing there with arms crossed was James—his expression far from pleased. Beside him loomed two men who radiated authority, their presence accentuated by the luggage at their feet. Andrew's heart sank as he registered the shift in the atmosphere, anxiety tightening his chest.
"Andrew, I think it's time for me to leave," Ji-Won said, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of concern. He sensed the tension that had abruptly enveloped them.
"Hyung, wait—just stay for a little while, please. Don't go yet," Andrew replied quickly, his eyes darting back to the imposing figures at the entrance. He took a step closer to Ji-Won, desperation edging his tone.
Ji-Won hesitated but eventually nodded, sensing Andrew's unease. With determination, Andrew strode toward James and the bodyguards, his jaw set.
"I thought you ran off with Ji-Won," James remarked sarcastically, raising an eyebrow, his posture rigid and defensive.
Andrew frowned, irritation bubbling to the surface. "What nonsense are you talking about, James? And what is all this?" He gestured toward the bodyguards and luggage, his frustration palpable.
James sighed dramatically, irritation etched on his features. "They're from Seoul. Have you even checked your phone? I've been calling you, and so has your father." His voice dripped with exasperation, the annoyance evident in his narrowed eyes.
One of the bodyguards stepped forward, his tone formal and unyielding. "Young Master, your father has requested that you return to Seoul immediately."
Andrew clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath the surface as he stared at the men in front of him. He cast a glance back at Ji-Won, his expression conflicted.
"Just give me a minute," Andrew muttered, turning away from James and the bodyguards, his gaze pleading as it settled on Ji-Won.
"Hyung!" Andrew called out urgently, desperation threading through his voice as he quickly extended his phone toward Ji-Won. "Give me your number."
Ji-Won blinked in surprise, hesitating for a moment before gently taking the phone from Andrew's hand. "Uhhh... oh, sorry," he muttered, awkwardly fumbling as he typed in his number, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.
Andrew barely glanced at the screen as he spoke again, his voice tense. "I need to head back to Seoul right now."
Ji-Won's eyes widened, a wave of sadness washing over him. "Oh, I didn't expect that," he replied softly, his heart sinking.
"Me neither," Andrew sighed, frustration evident in the furrow of his brow. "But I'll be back here for sure."
Ji-Won forced a small smile, waving his hand dismissively. "No need to come back here," he said, "I might not be around by the time you return."
Andrew's brows knitted together in confusion. "What do you mean, Hyung?"
"I'll be heading back to Seoul in a few weeks for school," Ji-Won explained, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Really?" Andrew's face brightened slightly, a flicker of relief in his voice. "Then give me your address too."
Ji-Won paused, hesitation flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he reluctantly typed his school address and dorm information into Andrew's phone. "Here, I'm just staying at the school dorm," he said, his tone softening.
Andrew grinned, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Alright then, Hyung. I'll see you in Seoul."
Before Ji-Won could fully react, Andrew leaned in and placed a soft, unexpected kiss on his cheek. The warmth of the gesture was so sudden and gentle that Ji-Won stood frozen, his eyes wide with surprise as a rush of emotions surged through him.
Quickly turning away, Andrew waved goodbye with a playful smile, leaving Ji-Won standing there, still reeling from the unexpected contact. Ji-Won raised his hand slowly, giving a quiet, tentative wave, his heart fluttering as he watched Andrew disappear into the distance,
The story doesn't end here...