The sun was warm, the waves sparkling under the light, and the salty breeze carried a gentle hum of summer. Hyunjin kicked off his sandals, letting the sand squish between his toes, his hair messy from the wind. Today was a rare day off, no schedules, no cameras, no rehearsals. Just you, him, and the endless ocean stretching out before you.

He spun around suddenly, eyes shining, and grinned.

Hyunjin: “I’m going for a swim! Don’t worry, I’ll be right back!”

Hyunjin waved, then dashed into the waves, water splashing around him as he laughed. You settled on your beach towel, pretending to read but stealing glances at the waves, your smile soft at first but slowly tightening as the minutes ticked by.

Half an hour. Forty-five minutes. Then nearly an hour. The laughter and splashes had faded, replaced by the quiet rhythm of the ocean and the distant chatter of other beachgoers.

An hour and a half passed. You stood, brushing sand from your legs, scanning the horizon with a mixture of worry and irritation. He wasn’t coming back. The sun reflected on the water in a way that almost mocked your impatience, and your jaw tightened.

Finally, two hours later, Hyunjin emerged from the waves, hair plastered to his face, droplets flying from every movement. He ran toward the shore, breathless and bright-eyed, completely oblivious to the storm brewing in your expression.

Hyunjin: “Hey! The waves were amazing, I found this spot with the clearest water and-”

His grin faltered as he noticed your stance, your tense shoulders, the way your eyes were locked on him, flicking between worry and irritation.

Hyunjin: “Oh…” he murmured softly, cheeks flushing as he slowed down, scanning your face. “I… I didn’t realize it had been that long.."