"You'll regret this move."
"Let me regret."
"Are you sure?"
"Shut up and get down."
Darkness shielded the room, faces partially illuminated by hazy moonlight. Alcohol muddled their brains, leaving only vivid desires burning like fire in their hearts. A loud moan shattered the silence of the cold room, tears soaking the pillow, sweat dripping onto the sheets.
"Why did you—" a confused mumble broke the quiet, met with no reply. Their bodies entwined, molded to fit perfectly in each other's arms.
...
A week ago,
The moist, rainy morning was lazily passing minute by minute. It was a monotonous day for Mira, with her incomplete assignments begging for her attention from the chaotic mess on her desk. She stirred from her short nap, unable to ignore the noise her drama club was making, which made it impossible for her to continue sleeping.
"Mira, are you done with your assignments?" one of her friends called out.
She lazily opened her double eyelids and groaned, "Crap."
Kohatsu Mira, a 24-year-old PhD student in Dirt Archaeology at Seoul National University, lived alone in the bustling capital, far from her home in Hokkaido, Japan. Mira had been an excellent but lazy student for the past three years, studying under the stern guidance of Professor Hong Jisoo, the infamous "lady terror" of the university. The more Mira resisted, the more challenging assignments she received from her mentor. Her days were spent trailing behind Miss Jisoo, but that was not the only activity occupying her time in Seoul. Despite receiving a scholarship, the cost of living in a metropolitan city was steep, and her poor farmer family back in Hokkaido couldn't support her financially. Paying off a mountain of loans forced her to work part-time as a bartender in a club in Itaewon, where she shed her obedient, innocent, studious persona to embrace her true self—a bold, fearless, straightforward woman, expertly handling shots of boozing alcohol. This job was her escape from a life filled with worries and struggles, allowing her to live a different life until the break of dawn.
It was the day of the first-year assignment submission, and all five students under Hong Jisoo lined up at her excavation site, each holding a stack of papers. Mira, however, stood with a single sheet, surprising everyone.
"What the hell? Do you really wish to die today?" her project mates whispered, pushing her to make changes to her assignment.
"Girls, let me take this risk today. Miss Jisoo has had it too easy since January," she reassured her classmates before stepping in front of Hong Jisoo, who was examining a pot found on the riverbanks of the Geum at Seokjang-ri Pre-historic site.
Jisoo's eyes, hidden behind spectacles perched on her sharp nose, turned towards Mira standing beside her chair.
She lifted her eyebrows, signaling, "??"
"June assignment," Mira stated.
"Where?" Jisoo demanded.
"Here," Mira replied, showing a paper with only three paragraphs written.
"You must be kidding, Kohatsu Mira," Jisoo's voice rose intimidatingly, sending shivers down the spines of the nearby students.
"Absolutely not, Professor. This is my assignment, perfectly complete," Mira said firmly, thrusting the paper towards her professor's face.
Jisoo snatched it away, holding it high for the other students to see.
"Is this what you're submitting after six months of research? Three stupid paragraphs?"
"Yeah, just like those lectures, totaling three hours over the past six months," Mira said calmly.
"Why do you expect your students to write hundreds of pages without any fieldwork or lectures? Everyone here has copied from Naver based on past research. Professor, we're not here to just carry out your documentation work; we want to be involved in your research or be given the freedom to conduct our own work on excavation sites. How much literature have we presented to you this semester? Did you even glance at those files? Is this what we're supposed to do in our doctorate studies? You are our guide, so please guide us."Hong Jisoo was left speechless by Mira's strong demeanor. Never had she thought that the quietest student in the batch could speak so boldly.
"Does everyone agree with Mira?" she asked the silent students.
"Yes, Professor," they all agreed, standing behind their brave friend.
Jisoo sat down, removing her spectacles. "Everyone, get inside the site and write down your observations and theories. The submission will be tomorrow. 3,000 words—not more, not less. If anyone fails, I'll drop Mira from this research."Everyone gasped, looking at Mira, who smiled and replied, "Okay, Professor. We'll get it done."
...
"2,998 words... Oh no, two words short," Jisoo said, curling her lips into a cunning smile.
It was Mira's best friend, Shin Yoomi, who had accidentally written two words fewer, having fallen asleep during their group assignment completion the night before. She hadn't checked the word count. Teary-eyed, she looked at Mira and then kneeled before Hong Jisoo.
"Ma'am, punish me however you like. But please, please accept my assignment."
"Darling, you know I never go back on my word. Mira-ssi, let's not meet starting tomorrow."
Mira, unlike her distressed friend, remained calm, unfazed by her professor's antics. She picked up her assignment from the desk, banged it on Jisoo's desk, and walked out of the classroom with a cool demeanor. She closed the door behind her, leaned against the wall, and let her head drop. Her lush black hair covered her face as she set her side bag on the ground. Her composure faded as she approached the washroom. Inside, she washed her face with cold water and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The silver nose ring, a gift from her mother, fell into the water. She picked it up immediately, but it was already broken.
"Ahh… you had to break today of all days… this day can't get any worse," she muttered.
Kohatsu Mira was the daughter of an Indian mother and a Japanese father. Her mother had given her the silver nose ring as a gift when Mira moved to Seoul after receiving a scholarship for postgraduate studies. It was the only thing she could give her, especially after Mira's father lost his job due to false corruption allegations five years earlier. The family had to move to his rural village and live in their old house. Once living in a city like Okayama, they had to adjust to a countryside lifestyle, farming for their livelihood. Despite these challenges, Mira continued her studies at the university, working hard and earning a scholarship for her future.
The sight of loan sharks barging into their house and beating her father unconscious was all too common for her. It was a do-or-die situation—to help her parents, to live a better life, to escape the poverty she despised. Losing this scholarship because of a cynical professor didn't make any sense to her.
Mira splashed her face with water one last time, put on the silver nose ring with the tiny broken emerald, pulled back her wet hair, looked at herself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and strode towards Hong Jisoo's cabin.
"May I…" Mira entered the cabin slowly. Hong Jisoo sat at her desk, reading a file in her hand. It was Mira's assignment submitted that day.
"Since when do you need my permission?" Jisoo gave her a sidelong glance.
"Since the day I stepped into this university," Mira replied in a gentle voice.
Professor Jisoo made a face at her polite tone. Mira was no stranger to her professor's peculiar behavior; she was often the target of it.
"Ma'am, I know you're not doing this just to kick me out of your research project. Even you know how valuable I am to this study. What do you want me to do?" Mira got straight to the point without lingering over her words.
"See! This is why I like you, Mira! So clever, yet with no purpose at all," Jisoo giggled. "So… I thought about giving your clever brain a purpose."
"Please explain it to me in plain human language."
Jisoo leaned back in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips. "Tell me about the ancient relics used during the Joseon Dynasty."
Mira raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the question. But she composed herself and answered confidently, "The Joseon Dynasty used various relics, including ceremonial objects, ornate weaponry, and symbolic artifacts. One notable relic is the Royal Seal, known as the 'Eobo,' used to authenticate royal decrees and important documents. Another is the 'Hwacha,' a multiple rocket launcher that was a significant military invention of the time."
Jisoo nodded, clearly pleased with Mira's response. "Good. Now, there's a particular relic I'm interested in, the 'Cheonmado,' an ancient painting believed to be buried under an ancient palace on Jeju Island."
Mira's eyes widened slightly. "The Cheonmado? The one depicting the celestial horse, used in royal ceremonies?"
"Yes, that one. Your condition for rejoining this research project is to bring that relic to our department," Jisoo said, her tone serious.
Mira frowned, confusion evident on her face. "Why go through all this? You could have simply sent me to Jeju for the sample collection. Why create such a huge scene?"
Jisoo chuckled, a mysterious glint in her eyes. "You'll know soon enough why I hung your scholarship on this bet. Consider it a test, Mira. One that will reveal much more than just an ancient painting."
Mira studied Jisoo's expression, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind her words. She realized there was no point in arguing further. "Alright, Professor. I'll get you the Cheonmado."
Jisoo's smile widened. "Good. Now, pack your bags and prepare for the journey. Time is of the essence."
Mira nodded and left the cabin, her mind racing with thoughts about the upcoming task. As she walked down the corridor, she couldn't shake off the feeling that this journey to Jeju Island would change everything.
...
Two days later.
The cloudy skies overshadowed Jeju International Airport as the flight landed on the runway. The vast blue ocean and thick forest landscapes slowly came into view. Mira pulled off her sleep mask as the landing announcement echoed through the cabin.
"Here we are…" she murmured, fastening her seatbelt.
It was her first time visiting Jeju Island, having been in South Korea for only six months. She was supposed to meet one of Hong Jisoo's acquaintances, who would lead her to the royal museum where the painting was documented. Mira was dressed in a sage green shirt with rolled-up sleeves tucked into white shorts for this important meeting. Her long, silky black hair flowed down in curls at the ends, and light makeup enhanced her already beautiful face. She flaunted her mixed-race features, turning heads as she walked out of the airport terminal in search of the person she was supposed to meet. Her big, petal-shaped eyes flickered around, looking for that person.
"Kohatsu Mira!!!??" A loud voice struck her ears. She looked back, rubbing them.
"Han Jiwoo?" she asked to confirm the lady's identity.
"Yes!! I've been waiting here for the past hour!! This gloomy weather is making me even more sad… Ahhhh." Jiwoo kept talking as she helped Mira with her luggage and placed the bags in the car's backseat. Mira sat down inside the car beside Jiwoo, who held the steering wheel with her small hands.
"Ahh, Mira-ssi, I'm so, so done with your Professor Jisoo! Did you know I was enjoying my honeymoon here when she suddenly called me to pick you up and help with the Cheonmado??!! Can you believe her behavior?? Does she treat her students the same way??"
Mira was baffled by her continuous chatter. She didn't know how or when to pause her to ask about the Cheonmado paintings. She kept searching for a chance to speak, but Jiwoo just kept complaining on and on. Suddenly, Jiwoo paused for a moment. "Wait a sec… You're Japanese, right? Do you understand Korean? Can you speak Korean?"
"That was quick…" Mira scratched her head, looking at the hyperactive Jiwoo. "But no worries! I am fluent in Korean! TOPIK level 6! Hehehe."
"Level 6?? Girl, even I can't speak Korean at that level…" Jiwoo looked out the window, astonished.
"Obviously, I needed that score because it was the top requirement to apply for a Ph.D. in Hong Jisoo's project."
"Why do you like her so much? Leaving your country and all for a terror like her?"
"Like??? Good lord… I HATE HER! But… she's not just one of the best but the BEST professor working in Korean archaeology… what else could I have done?"
Mira sighed and leaned back in her seat. Jiwoo looked at her with an adoring smile. She seemed like an ambitious little girl sitting next to her, with a cute pout on her face.
They reached the royal museum in fifteen minutes. Jiwoo parked the car while Mira got out with her cream-colored sling bag. Her white shoes were smeared with mud as the soil was moist on the path from the parking area to the museum building. They walked inside the museum, and Mira looked around at various paintings and artifacts from the Joseon dynasty. She was amazed at every step, her mouth wide open, eyes full of curiosity, wandering like a little butterfly hovering over flowers.
"Mira-ssi, come here!" Han Jiwoo called her toward the innermost cabin. Mira ran inside.
"See, here you can see the copy of Cheonmado. Of course, this is not the original; they have just tried to recreate it based on descriptions in the manuscripts," Jiwoo explained.
"I must say, they're successful with this recreation," Mira exclaimed.
"No… not even close to that beauty…" Jiwoo chuckled, "Maybe… like 10% of that painting…"
"How can you say that so surely?" Mira asked curiously.
"Hmm, you'll understand once you see the original one."
...
As the museum tour concluded, Han Jiwoo drove Mira to a charming beach home stay arranged near her own honeymoon suite. The drive was short, but the scenery quickly transitioned from the historical grandeur of the museum to the serene beauty of the coastline. Mira couldn't help but gasp as they approached the home stay, which stood just a stone's throw from the beach.
The home stay was a quaint, traditional-style Korean house with a tiled roof and wooden beams. It faced the vast ocean, offering an unobstructed view of the horizon. As Mira stepped out of the car, the salty sea breeze greeted her, and she felt an immediate sense of tranquility.
"Wow, this is incredible," Mira said, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Isn't it?" Jiwoo replied, smiling. "I thought you'd appreciate staying somewhere with a bit of Jeju's natural beauty."
Mira set her bags down and took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air. The ocean's waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, their sound soothing and hypnotic. The sky, still overcast from earlier, had begun to clear, allowing streaks of golden sunlight to filter through the clouds.
The beach was a mix of soft white sand and smooth, colorful pebbles. As she wandered closer to the water, Mira noticed tiny crabs scuttling across the sand and seagulls gliding gracefully overhead. Everything felt new and magical.
"This place is like a dream," Mira murmured, almost to herself.
Jiwoo chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. By the way, I have some exciting news for you. There's a Midsummer festival happening near the beach tomorrow to celebrate the summer solstice."
Mira's eyes lit up. "Really? What's it like?"
"It's a traditional festival with music, dancing, and lots of local food. There will be stalls set up along the beach, showcasing handmade crafts and Jeju's famous tangerines. It's a big event for the locals, and it's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture."
Mira's excitement was palpable. "I've heard about the summer solstice festivals in Korea, but I've never experienced one. This sounds amazing!"
Jiwoo nodded. "It's a special occasion, especially here in Jeju. The festival celebrates the longest day of the year, and there's a sense of magic in the air. You'll get to see traditional performances, and they even light a bonfire on the beach in the evening."
Mira spent the rest of the day exploring the home stay and its surroundings. She marveled at the beauty of the hibiscus and camellia flowers that adorned the garden, their vibrant colors contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean. As night fell, the sky turned a deep indigo, dotted with stars that seemed close enough to touch.
...
The next morning, Mira woke up to the sound of waves gently lapping the shore. She got ready quickly, her anticipation for the festival growing with each passing moment. As she stepped outside, she saw the beach already bustling with activity. Stalls were being set up, and the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air.
Dressed in a light summer dress, Mira felt the warm sand beneath her feet as she wandered through the festival. She sampled sweet tangerines, watched artisans create beautiful pottery, and joined in the laughter of children playing traditional games. The air was filled with the sound of traditional Korean music, and Mira found herself swaying to the rhythm.
As the sun began to set, the bonfire was lit, casting a warm glow over the beach. People gathered around, sharing stories and singing songs. Mira felt a deep sense of connection to this place and its people, as if she had found a second home.
Jiwoo found her by the bonfire and handed her a small lantern. "Here, it's a tradition to release lanterns into the sky for good luck."
Mira took the lantern, her heart full. As she watched it float up into the night sky, she whispered a silent wish, feeling grateful for the new experiences and the beauty of Jeju Island.
The sky transitioned into a deep, velvety purple as stars began to twinkle. The bonfire crackled, adding warmth to the cool evening breeze. Mira, still enchanted by the beauty and energy of the festival, noticed a small stage being set up near the shore. The buzz of anticipation grew as people gathered around.
"What's happening now?" Mira asked Jiwoo, who was sipping on a cup of makgeolli.
"Oh, there's a music concert by a local artist. He's quite popular," Jiwoo replied with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You might enjoy this."
Mira found a spot near the stage, curious and eager. The air was electric with excitement. A single spotlight illuminated the stage as a figure stepped into view, carrying a guitar. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
As he positioned himself on a stool and adjusted the microphone, Mira took in his appearance. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp features softened by the gentle ocean breeze that tousled his black hair. His eyes held a depth of emotion that hinted at a story untold.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's voice boomed, "please welcome Park Sangwon!"
Mira's heart skipped a beat. Park Sangwon? She had heard the name before. He was a former member of the famous K-pop group IGNITION, a veteran idol who had recently completed his military service. Now a soloist, he was trying to find his footing in the competitive entertainment industry once again.
Sangwon struck the chords of his guitar, and the first notes of a romantic song filled the air. His voice, rich and velvety, resonated with an RnB beat, blending perfectly with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The lyrics were tender and heartfelt, telling a story of love and longing.
The crowd was mesmerized. Women swooned over his handsome face and honey-dripping voice. Mira found herself captivated, her gaze fixed on him as he sang. Each word seemed to reach out and touch her soul, drawing her into the world he created with his music.
Sangwon's eyes scanned the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, they met Mira's. She felt a jolt, as if an invisible thread connected them. His gaze lingered, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. The wind continued to play with his hair, adding a touch of wildness to his otherwise composed appearance.
As he sang, Mira could sense the depth of his emotions. He was pouring his heart into the performance, and it was clear that music was not just a profession for him but a lifeline. She could see the vulnerability in his eyes, the struggle of a man trying to reclaim his place in a world that had moved on without him.
When the song ended, the crowd erupted into applause. Sangwon smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made Mira's heart melt. He bowed and thanked everyone, his voice humble and sincere. The spotlight dimmed, and he began to play another song, his fingers dancing over the guitar strings with effortless grace.
Mira leaned over to Jiwoo. "He's amazing. I can feel the emotion in every note."
Jiwoo nodded. "He's been through a lot. After IGNITION disbanded, he's been trying to find his own sound. It's not easy, but I think he's getting there."
As Park Sangwon strummed the final chords of his encore, the crowd's applause grew thunderous, echoing across the beach. He stood, bowing deeply, a genuine smile lighting up his face. He had missed this—the thrill of performing, the connection with his audience. But something else was on his mind tonight.
Stepping off the stage, he handed his guitar to a crew member and glanced around, searching the sea of faces for the girl whose eyes had met his during the concert. He remembered her gaze—curious, sincere, and somehow different from the others.
"Sangwon! Great performance tonight! We need to get you back to the vanity for a quick debrief," his manager called out, hurrying after him.
But Sangwon was already moving, weaving through the dispersing crowd. "Just a minute!" he shouted back, his eyes scanning the beach. The festival was winding down, the bonfire now a smoldering glow, and people were beginning to head home.
He moved quickly, dodging festival-goers and ignoring the murmurs of fans recognizing him. He reached the spot where he had seen her last, near the front of the stage, but she was gone. His heart sank. He hadn't even caught her name.
"Sangwon, we really need to—" his manager panted, finally catching up to him.
"I know, I know," Sangwon replied, slightly out of breath. "Just give me a moment."
His manager sighed but gave him space. Sangwon continued his search, his eyes darting around the now sparsely populated beach. He ventured closer to the water, where the waves lapped gently against the shore, the night breeze cool against his skin.
In the distance, he saw a group of people laughing and talking, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of paper lanterns. He approached, hoping to catch another glimpse of her, but it was no use. She was nowhere to be seen.
Disappointed, Sangwon turned back toward the main festival area. Maybe it was fate, he thought. Maybe their paths would cross again. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had to see her once more, to talk to her and learn who she was.
"Sangwon, we really need to go," his manager insisted, this time with a firmer tone. "You have an early schedule tomorrow."
Reluctantly, Sangwon nodded. "Alright, let's go."
As he walked back to the waiting car, his mind lingered on the girl with the captivating eyes. The festival had been a success, his comeback performance well received, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something important had slipped through his fingers.
Mira, meanwhile, had wandered back to her home stay, her heart still fluttering from the concert. She replayed the moment when their eyes had met, the intensity of his gaze. She felt a connection, a spark that she couldn't quite explain.
As she settled into bed, listening to the distant sound of waves crashing, she wondered if she would ever see him again. The night had been magical, a perfect blend of music and nature, and she felt a tinge of regret for not staying longer to catch another glimpse of the enigmatic Park Sangwon.
Little did they both know, this was only the beginning of their intertwined destinies. As the stars twinkled over Jeju Island, the universe had already set the wheels in motion for their paths to cross again.