The first light of dawn appeared, revealing the sun and dispersing the gray clouds of the stormy night. It was hard to believe there had been a storm just the previous night, was a perfect day for exploring the Arboretum, even though rain, just like yesterday, would have added a magical touch to the atmosphere. Anyway, rain or shine, the beauty of this place remained truly incredible!
Jin Young and Ah Reum studied the Arboretum map.
"It's huuuuge! Can we visit all the places?" Ah Reum asked with an excited smile.
"You want to visit everything lol. Where do you want to start?" Jin Young inquired enthusiastically.
Ah Reum responded, "For the cafe hihi, to get there, we can take the forest ecology trail. We'll be completely inside the forest, and it'll be nice to walk there with you, feeling nature together..." She said with a slight smile.
"We..." Jin Young smiled happily. "I love hearing that; it feels like I'm still dreaming." He said with a radiant smile.
"Me too hihi, so, we lol we, we" Ah Reum joked.
The eco-trail led them into the a dense forest, where raindrops still ran the leaves, and a gentle breeze swayed the trees. Nature's sweetness and refreshment enveloped them; it made Jin Young wonder if this place was like this every day, so serene and refreshing.
Jin Young and Ah Reum were captivated, and took some pictures while enjoying the beauty around them. Ah Reum focused on Jin Young, finding him shining beautifully, always shining for her.
"Hm? Are you taking pictures of me?" Jin Young asked, flashing a big, radiant smile that warmed Ah Reum's heart.
"I think I've been caught hihi. You were so serene, walking and admiring the fir trees; I couldn't resist...hehe" Ah Reum replied shyly.
"I want some too! Photos of you in my gallery, smiling at me like you're doing now." Jin Young said playfully.
"I don't know how to pose lol" she laughed embarrassedly.
"Just smile at me!" He exclaimed while filming her.
Ah Reum made funny faces and awkward smiles, which were the most beautiful to Jin Young, who love enjoyed capturing her.
There was so much to explore. They stopped in their first break at the cafe near the Pantanal Botanical Garden, with plants of different species next to the lake. Ah Reum wanted to see the lakes, in fact, all the lakes and streams in the Arboretum.
Close by was the enchanting Garden of Coniferous Trees, probably the place they both most wanted to visit. The coniferous trees were charming, with an elegance of their own and a hint of Christmas.
"Wow! They're so beautiful and big!" Ah Reum exclaimed.
"Wow! That's nice! We mustn't forget, when we come to our chalet again, we need to bring our Christmas tree! It would also be nice to come back here in the fall; we're almost there." Jin Young exclaimed with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
"Yeah!!! Let's pick a really big one! Wow, I traveled for a second, the autumn colors here, wow wow wow, we have to come back!" Ah Reum said, literally traveling in her thoughts.
They headed to the forest road, where Ah Reum couldn't resist making a playful remark.
"Catch me if you can lol!" She shouted when running out.
"That reminds me of something lol" Jin Young ran after her.
The greenhouse was interesting, like everything in this captivating place! They continued learning and enjoying the day, exploring the museum and unraveling the amazing tales whispered by tree rings. Contemplating the extraordinary revelation of vast information concealed within a tree ring left them in awe.
Along the cozy stone path, they ventured towards other points. Ah Reum insisted on savoring every part of this place.
At each new point, there were new fascinating discoveries, as well as new sweet smiles. Jin Young and Ah Reum continued to capture these moments in photographs, but without ever losing the feeling of experiencing and treasuring everything with their own eyes. The best memorie are the memories!
On the evening of that day marked by fond memories, they returned home, light and even more in love.
Jin Young arrived home flying on the wind of happiness, overwhelmed by the joy he had experienced during the unforgettable moments he had shared with Ah Reum.
His mother, Shin Ji Hyun, was anxiously awaiting his return. She, like Jin Young's husband and father, is a renowned architect in South Korea, responsible for several buildings and planned residences in Gangnam-gu and other districts, including their mansion, Jin Young's small chalet and the architectural cottage in the forest.
In contrast to the charming chalet in the forest, Jin Young's family residence stood out for its unprecedented for its aligned elegance and modernity. Its interior showcased renowned arts, a testament to the architectural expertise of those who designed it. It resembled a splendid modern museum, in which the main masterpiece was the mansion itself.
"Welcome back, son. I was worried, but judging by your expression, things went well for you." Said Ji Hyun, after waiting patiently for him.
Jin Young kissed his mother. "Mom, she said yes! The girl I love said yes to me!" He exclaimed happily and a little clearly tired from the trip and the extensive walk they had taken in the Arboretum.
"She really does exist..." Ji Hyun thought, then added with a cheerful tone, "I think I'll like this girl, since she brings so much joy to my son."
"Yes, you will! Mom, I'm going to get some sleep." Said Jin Young with a small smile.
Concerned, his mother asked: "But son, won't that be a problem at the agency?" Her worried eyes turned even more attentive to Jin Young.
"I've taken care of everything; there's no need to worry!" He replied firmly.
Despite genuinely rejoicing at her son's happiness, there was a hint of worry in Ji Hyun's heart. The child who had been away for years had grown into a man, and she sincerely shared in his joy. Yet, perhaps precisely because he had matured without her constant presence or simply due to her maternal instinct, a subtle fear lingered, something was bothering her.