Eun-tae stood before the entrance to the massage parlour within Therme Erding, the plush robe wrapped around his body feeling strangely heavy. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts, and he hoped that the massage he had booked would help not just his body relax, but his mind as well.
It had been a few nights since that unforgettable exchange of text messages with A-ri. He couldn't forget the spicy messages that had led to the exchange of nearly nude photos and a simultaneous act of self-pleasure. It was a moment of intense desire and connection, but it had also been accompanied by a flood of embarrassment and misunderstanding in its aftermath.
Their messages had turned into a series of short responses, with yes and no answers to each other's questions. It was as if both of them were tip-toeing around what had happened, unable to confront the intimacy they had shared. There had been no phone calls, no voice to break the silence. Instead, they were stuck in a strange limbo, unable to move forward in their relationship.
Eun-tae had tried to make sense of it all, dissecting each message they had sent, looking for hidden meanings or signs of where they stood with each other. It was frustrating, to say the least. He missed the candid conversations they used to have, the laughter, and the easy camaraderie.
That's why he had chosen to get a massage today, hoping that the physical relaxation might translate into mental clarity. Perhaps it was time to break the cycle of short answers and distant interactions. He wanted to find a way to bridge the gap and reconnect with A-ri, even if it meant taking the first step.
As he stepped into the massage parlour, Eun-tae couldn't help but wonder if this massage would be the catalyst for change. He was determined to untangle the complexities of their relationship and move it forward, one step at a time.
At the same time, Ji-eun and Seo-jin quickly spotted an unoccupied thermal pool nearby and, with a shared excited glance, made their way towards it. They were eager to immerse themselves in the warm, soothing waters, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
Dae-hyun, always composed, identified another pool that looked inviting and informed Hei-ran of his choice. Just as he was about to step away, her hand gently but firmly pressed against his arm, halting him in his tracks. He turned to face her, and the curiosity in her eyes was unmistakable.
Hei-ran hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, her voice a hushed murmur amidst the cheerful ambience.
"Dae-hyun, about last night..."
But before she could finish her sentence, Dae-hyun interrupted gently. There was a certain hesitation in his eyes, and he spoke softly.
"Hei-ran, I think maybe now isn't the best time to discuss that. Let's just enjoy this evening together, okay?"
Hei-ran blinked, taken aback by his response. She wanted answers and clarity, but Dae-hyun's request to put it aside left her conflicted. The thermal pool's warm embrace did little to ease her racing thoughts.
As they settled into the pool, Hei-ran found herself deep in thought. Why had Dae-hyun deliberately avoided discussing last night? It was a question that seemed to consume her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story than she knew.
For Dae-hyun, the decision to avoid the topic was deliberate. He didn't want to come across as a stalker or someone who invaded Hei-ran's privacy by entering her room late at night. The mood was light, the atmosphere relaxed, and he didn't want to risk casting a shadow over the evening.
As they soaked in the thermal pool, Hei-ran and Dae-hyun were both lost in their thoughts, their unspoken questions lingering in the air between them, like the steam rising from the warm water.
Ji-eun noticed Hei-ran and Dae-hyun's contemplative expressions as they soaked in the thermal pool. Sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood and perhaps distract Hei-ran from her thoughts, she approached them with an inviting smile.
"Hei-ran, I think it's time we head to the spa and sauna," Ji-eun suggested. She didn't wait for Hei-ran's agreement or refusal; instead, she swiftly tugged Hei-ran along, their laughter echoing as they made their way towards the spa and sauna area.
Left behind, Dae-hyun and Seo-jin exchanged a glance. Dae-hyun wondered aloud.
"Should we go to the spa and sauna as well?"
Seo-jin nodded, and they both decided to give it a try. They were aware that the facilities were separated by gender, but the idea of relaxing in the sauna sounded appealing. With their minds set on unwinding, they set off in the direction of the men's spa area, ready to enjoy their evening at Therme Erding.
In the soothing warmth of the sauna, Hei-ran and Ji-eun basked in the steam, their towels wrapped around them. Beads of sweat formed on their skin, and the tranquil atmosphere encouraged a heartfelt conversation.
Hei-ran couldn't help but revisit the topic of love, which had been lingering in her thoughts. She confided in Ji-eun.
"You know, Ji-eun, I'm not sure I even understand what love is anymore." Her tone held a hint of confusion and vulnerability.
"What's been bothering you, Hei-ran?" Ji-eun turned to her friend, concern in her eyes.
"Before, I told you about my feelings for a man who was engaged. But now, things have changed. I'm not even sure if I had the right person in mind. It's all so confusing," Hei-ran sighed, her voice wavering slightly.
"Hei-ran, life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes, our hearts lead us down unexpected paths. But at this moment, right here at Therme Erdiat, don't dwell on confusion. Enjoy the present, savour the relaxation we've earned, and let your heart find its way," Ji-eun gave Hei-ran a reassuring smile.
Hei-ran appreciated Ji-eun's encouragement. As they wrapped up their time in the sauna, they headed to the spa section, where two female masseuses awaited them. The promise of a soothing massage was just what they needed to unwind further and focus on the pleasures of the present.
In the depths of the sauna, the competitive spirit of the two men flared up as they engaged in a silent contest to see who could endure the heat the longest. Typical of their gender, their egos came into play, neither willing to concede defeat.
As they sat in the sweltering heat, Dae-hyun finally mustered the courage to break the silence. He looked at Seo-jin, his face glistening with sweat, and cleared his throat.
"Hey, Seo-jin," he began, his tone hesitant yet curious. "Can I ask you something about... well, relationships?"
Seo-jin raised an eyebrow, his surprise was evident. He wasn't expecting this turn in conversation, especially not in the sauna.
"Uh, sure," he replied, his interest piqued. "What's on your mind?"
Dae-hyun hesitated for a moment as if carefully choosing his words.
"I've been wondering," he started. "Like how do you avoid coming across as, you know, obsessive or stalker-like when you're... interested in someone?"
Seo-jin couldn't help but chuckle at Dae-hyun's question. It wasn't often that he found himself discussing matters of the heart in a steamy sauna.
"Well," he began. "It's essential to give the other person space and not overwhelm them with constant attention. It's all about finding a balance between showing your interest and respecting their boundaries."
Dae-hyun nodded, seeming relieved by Seo-jin's response.
"That makes sense," he said. "I guess I've been worried about coming on too strong."
Seo-jin leaned back against the hot sauna wall, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"It's crucial to let things develop naturally," he continued. "Take your time to get to know the person, and don't rush into things. And always be a good listener; it helps you gauge their comfort level."
Dae-hyun absorbed Seo-jin's advice, nodding again.
"Thanks," he said sincerely, "I appreciate your insights."
Seo-jin smiled, appreciating the openness of their conversation.
"No problem," he replied. "Relationships can be tricky, but they're also incredibly rewarding. Just be yourself, and if it's meant to be, things will fall into place."
However, Seo-jin, while his face glistened with sweat, listened attentively and provided thoughtful responses to Dae-hyun's inquiries felt like the questions seemed to amuse him. So, he finally asked.
"Why are you asking me all of this, Dae-hyun?"
"Well, it's not every day I get to talk to a relationship expert. I've known about you and Ji-eun for quite a while now," Dae-hyun, his competitive spirit temporarily set aside, chuckled and replied.
Seo-jin was taken aback by this revelation. He hadn't expected their secret relationship to be so transparent. He covered his face with both hands in embarrassment, muttering.
"Are we that obvious?" Seo-jin asked, his voice tinged with embarrassment as he covered his face with both hands.
Dae-hyun chuckled in response.
"Not to everyone," he reassured Seo-jin. "Just those like me who pay close attention."
"Well, Ji-eun and I heard about Eun-tae forming a team in Germany, and we thought it was a great opportunity to represent our department. We were hoping something like this might happen," Still feeling a bit flustered, Seo-jin decided to explain further.
Dae-hyun listened intently, nodding as he understood their motivation.
"I see," he replied. "It sounds like you both wanted to enjoy this experience together."
As the conversation continued, Dae-hyun decided to reassure Seo-jin about how he put his relationship under wraps.
"You know," he admitted. "You managed to conceal your relationship with Eun-tae successfully. It seems like he had no idea."
Seo-jin, however, couldn't hide his surprise at Dae-hyun's revelation. It was clear that he had a lot to process. Just then, only hearing Eun-tae's name once again made him realize something. He sighed, covering his face once more in embarrassment.
"Oh no," he mumbled, "Hei-ran knows about us too, doesn't she?"
"Maybe Ji-eun told Hei-ran about it, you know, woman to woman," Dae-hyun, seemingly oblivious to the implications, nonchalantly suggested.
Seo-jin could only shake his head in mild exasperation, realizing that their secret had become something of an open secret within the team.