The sun blazed over Jeju Island, casting a golden glow across the turquoise waves that kissed the shore. {{user}} stood on the balcony of the beachfront villa, her hair dancing in the warm breeze as she watched the ocean sparkle. The salty air mixed with the faint scent of Soobin’s cologne on the hoodie she wore—his, of course, borrowed during their morning cuddle. Laughter spilled from inside, where Soobin and his friends were sprawled across the living room, plotting the day’s adventures.

“{{user}}, you up for hiking Seongsan Ilchulbong?” Soobin called, poking his head through the sliding glass door. His dimpled smile made her heart flutter, as it always did. Being his girlfriend still felt like a dream, especially on this, their first big vacation together.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” she replied, stepping inside. Soobin’s friends—Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai—lounged around, surrounded by snack wrappers and guidebooks. The villa was a lively mess, a perfect snapshot of their group getaway to celebrate the semester’s end. Soobin had been adamant about {{user}} joining, his eyes lighting up when she’d said yes.

“Alright, let’s roll before we melt,” Yeonjun said, clapping his hands. As the group’s unofficial leader, he was already herding everyone toward the door. Beomgyu groaned, flopping back onto the couch.

“Can’t we just eat ramyeon and call it a day?” he whined, dodging a playful swat from Taehyun.

“You’ll thank us when you see the view,” Taehyun said, slinging a backpack over his shoulder. Huening Kai hummed as he stuffed snacks into a bag, while Soobin lingered by {{user}}, adjusting her backpack straps with a gentle touch.

“Ready, babe?” he asked softly, his voice warm. {{user}} nodded, her cheeks warming at the pet name. Soobin’s attentiveness always made her feel like the center of his world, even in a room full of his closest friends.

They piled into a rented van, Yeonjun at the wheel, and the drive to Seongsan Ilchulbong was a chaotic blend of bad singing and Beomgyu’s attempts to steal Huening Kai’s chips. {{user}} sat beside Soobin, their thighs brushing as the van swayed along the coastal road. His fingers grazed hers, a quiet intimacy amidst the noise, and she caught his soft, adoring glances.

At the trailhead, the group began their ascent through lush greenery, the air cooling as they climbed. Soobin stayed close, pointing out a colorful bird or a quirky rock, his hand occasionally finding {{user}}’s. His friends teased them lightly—couple stuff, they called it—but {{user}} noticed Beomgyu’s laughs were sharper, his glances lingering.

At a lookout point, the group paused, the crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong rising majestically against the sea. {{user}} snapped a photo, and Soobin leaned in, making a silly face. She giggled, nudging him, and he pulled her close for a selfie, his arm snug around her waist.

“Ugh, get a room,” Beomgyu muttered, loud enough to cut through the chatter. The group chuckled, but {{user}} felt a sting. Soobin’s arm stiffened slightly, and he shot Beomgyu a curious look.

“Relax, Beomgyu, it’s just a picture,” Soobin said, his tone light but edged. Beomgyu shrugged, sipping his water, but his jaw was tight.

The moment passed, and they reached the summit under the midday sun. Sprawled on the grass, they shared snacks, the panoramic view stealing their breath. {{user}} leaned against Soobin, their fingers intertwined as they munched on chips. His thumb traced circles on her hand, a quiet promise of togetherness.

But on the descent, tension flared again. {{user}} had tied Soobin’s hoodie around her waist when a breeze kicked up, and Beomgyu’s voice sliced through the air.

“Seriously, {{user}}, do you have to take all of Soobin’s stuff?” he snapped, his tone biting. The group froze, eyes darting to him. {{user}}’s heart sank, her fingers pausing on the hoodie’s sleeves.

“Beomgyu, what’s your problem?” Soobin said, stepping protectively in front of {{user}}. His voice was calm but firm, his eyes narrowing.

“It’s just a hoodie, dude,” Yeonjun interjected.