The first light of dawn stretched softly across the sky, painting it in gentle hues of pink, lavender, and pale gold. A delicate breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean, mingling with the faint cry of seagulls waking from their nightly rest.

You and Jongho sat side by side on the warm, grainy sand, wrapped together in a single oversized blanket that fluttered lightly with each passing breeze. The world felt hushed, like it was holding its breath just for this quiet moment.

Jongho shifted closer, his broad shoulder brushing against yours, his fingers finding yours without a word. The warmth from his hand seeped through the fabric and settled in your heart. He looked out over the shimmering water, eyes calm and steady as the waves that lapped gently against the shore.

“You’re cold,” he murmured, his voice low and full of concern, pulling the blanket tighter around both of you.

You nodded, your head resting lightly against his shoulder. “A little.”

He smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face with a tenderness that made your chest ache. “Then don’t say a word. Just stay with me.”

Time seemed to stretch and fold in on itself as the sun slowly rose higher, casting golden ribbons across the water’s surface. The world beyond this small patch of sand and sea faded away, leaving only the steady rhythm of the waves and the quiet comfort of being together.

Jongho’s fingers traced gentle circles along the back of your hand, his touch grounding you in the moment. “I love mornings like this,” he said softly. “No noise, no rush—just us.”

You smiled, squeezing his hand gently. “Me too. It feels like we’re the only two people in the world.”

He laughed quietly, a warm, rumbling sound that made you smile even wider. “I could stay like this forever.”

You turned your head to look at him, the golden light illuminating the softness in his eyes. “Promise me we’ll come back here. Often.”

He nodded without hesitation. “Every chance we get.”

The tide slowly crept closer, its cool fingers teasing your toes. Jongho tugged you gently to your feet, his hand steady in yours. “Come on. Let’s feel the water.”

You laughed, the sound mixing with the sea breeze as you both stepped into the cool waves, letting the morning wash over you — simple, peaceful, perfect.