Time passed and the final day of their trip was finally here. Just as they promised So yeon, they headed to Hamdeok Beach for a picnic.
The drive was long and winding, but the destination was worth it. The beach was pristine, with crystal-clear water and soft, white sand. It was already bustling with people, but they found a quiet spot under a palm tree.
Min-ju spread out a blanket, and Joon-ho unpacked the sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. So-yeon ran around, playing in the sand and laughing.
They sat down to eat, signaling So-yeon over. Min-ju couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her. Their trip was coming to an end, and she wasn't ready to leave this beautiful island or the peaceful moments they'd shared.
Joon-ho seemed to sense her mood and reached out to take her hand. "Hey, let's make the most of our last day here," he said with a smile.
So-yeon, oblivious to the sentimental moment, continued to play and laugh, bringing joy to their little picnic. With her parents calling out to her over again, she rushed over.
Moments after they finished their lunch, Min-ju suggested a walk along the shore. The sun was shining, and the sea breeze was refreshing. They strolled hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean.
Suddenly, So-yeon stopped and pointed to a nearby rock formation. "Look! A heart-shaped rock!" she exclaimed.
Min-ju and Joon-ho smiled at each other, knowing that this moment would be etched in their memories forever.
While they continued their walk, Min-ju noticed a figure in the distance, watching them. She felt a shiver run down her spine, but when she turned to point it out to Joon-ho, the figure was gone.
"Joon-ho, do you see that?" she asked, but he just shook his head, distracted by So-yeon's antics.
Min-ju brushed it off as mere paranoia. The afternoon wore on, as it saw them playing in the water and building sandcastles.
With the sun beginning to set, they gathered their things and prepared to leave. So-yeon was exhausted but happy, her face smeared with sand and ice cream. Min-ju and Joon-ho exchanged a knowing glance, both thinking that this had been the perfect ending to their trip.
On walking back to their car, Min-ju noticed a small package on the sand, her name inscribed on it. She picked it up, wondering who could have left it behind. It was wrapped in plain brown paper, with no return address. Just a note attached to it:
From a fan to you.🌸🌸
It read.
"Joon-ho, look at this," she said, handing it to him.
Joon-ho's eyes narrowed as he examined the package. "I don't know, but let's open it later. We should get going."
Min-ju nodded, tucking the package into her bag. As they drove away from Hamdeok Beach, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. But she pushed it aside, focusing on the happy memories they'd made that day.
About an hour of driving, they pulled into the forecourt of their accommodation. The next few minutes saw them getting their stuffs into the house.
Settling in, Min-ju pulled out the package and unwrapped it. Inside, she found a small, intricately carved wooden box. She opened it, and her heart skipped a beat.
Within the box was a delicate silver necklace, identical to one she had described in her novel that was not even out on the market yet. A chill ran down her spine as she glanced at Joon ho who just walked into the sitting room's face.
Joon-ho's expression was a mix of confusion and concern. "Where did this come from?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.
Min-ju shook her head, feeling a sense of unease wash over her. "It's from the box I picked up but I don't know who it's from." She said, looking over the box for any inscription. "What's even weird is that, it's the same necklace I described in my novel. The one that's not even published yet."
So-yeon, who had been quietly playing with her toys, suddenly looked up at her parents with curious eyes. "Eomma, what's wrong?"
Min-ju forced a smile, trying to reassure her daughter. "Nothing, sweetie. Eomma and Appa are just trying to figure out where this necklace came from."
So-yeon's gaze turned to the necklace, and she took a step closer. "Ooh, pretty!"
Joon-ho quickly tucked the necklace back into the box, trying to distract So-yeon. "Why don't we freshen up for bed?" He said, carefully guiding her daughter to the edge of the stairs to her room.
"Okay, Appa!" So-yeon replied, heading off. Making sure she was gone, he retrace his steps back to Min- ju.
Joon-ho's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "This is not just a fan gift, Min-ju. Someone knows about your novel, and they're trying to send you a message."
Min-ju's hands trembled as she held the box. "But how? This doesn't make sense. I haven't even published it yet."
"What if you're reading too much meaning into this, honey?" Joon ho snapped. "What do you know, it might just be just a little surprise from a fan as stated."
But Min-ju knew better. She felt a chill run down her spine as she realized that someone had been watching them, following their every move.
As the night wore on, Min-ju couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows.
Joon-ho tried to reassure her, but she knew he was worried too. They both knew that this was more than just a fan gift. It was a message, a warning, from someone who knew their secrets.
Min-ju's eyes locked onto Joon-ho's, her voice firm. "I know what I wrote, Joon-ho. And this necklace is identical to the one in my novel. Someone knows our secrets."
Joon-ho's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Okay, let's assume that's true. What do you think it means?"
Min-ju's mind raced, her thoughts tangled. "I don't know, but I think we should be careful. This feels like more than just a fan gift."
Joon-ho nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "I'll look into it, see if anyone's been asking questions about your novel."
Min-ju's grip on the box tightened. "Be careful, Joon-ho. I don't want anything to happen to you or So-yeon."
Joon-ho's face set in a determined expression. "I'll take care of it, Min-ju. We'll get to the bottom of this."
As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Min-ju knew that their peaceful life was about to be turned upside down, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that they were in grave danger.
Suddenly, a creaking sound echoed from upstairs, making them both jump. "So-yeon?" Min-ju called out, her voice trembling.
But there was no response.
Min-ju's heart racing, she rushed up the stairs, Joon-ho close behind. As they reached So-yeon's room, they found her fast asleep, the window open, and the curtains billowing in the wind.
Min-ju's eyes met Joon-ho's, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did we leave the window open?"
Joon-ho's face was grim. "No, we didn't."