TDIMEH Chapter 45

 45. The Squall

“Since you won’t die, just eat it.”

Se-ah didn’t like Moon Sohee, but since they were in the same group, she offered her food again.

If she refused again, Se-ah resolved never to offer it again. There were still energy bars left, so if Moon Sohee wanted to starve, she could solve it herself.

Perhaps sensing the atmosphere, Moon Sohee reluctantly took the food, placing it in her palm.

“Ah, it’s hot!”

Despite being wrapped in corn husks, it was apparently still hot, and she made quite a fuss.

Watching her, Se-ah briefly thought about how she herself might have reacted in the past.

If she hadn’t come to the Philippines, if her home hadn’t fallen apart…

Perhaps she, too, would have reacted like Moon Sohee.

This thought made her feel a slight urge to understand rather than judge Moon Sohee's behavior outright.

Even though Moon Sohee was two years older than her, she probably wasn’t accustomed to such things.

Se-ah took the crab back from Moon Sohee, who was struggling to peel it, and skillfully removed the shell until the flesh was exposed, then handed it back.

Embarrassed by Se-ah’s kindness, Moon Sohee blushed and lowered her head slightly as she brought the crab to her mouth.

Was she… saying thank you?

Her movement was so quick that it was hard to tell whether she had lowered her head out of gratitude or if the wind had blown her hair.

“This… really is delicious.”

Chewing softly, Moon Sohee muttered quietly.

“Right? This might be the best crab I’ve ever had in the Philippines.”

Boss Nam enthusiastically agreed.

“When we get back, this crab’s flavor will be unforgettable, Coco.”

“I feel the same way.”

Boss Nam and Se-ah exchanged broad smiles.

Beside them, a large fish was being grilled to a golden brown.

No one was thinking about escaping the island. Perhaps it was because Junhyuk was there.

***

A week had passed since the four of them started living together.

It had been over two weeks since the shipwreck, but no one was particularly fearful about surviving.

They ate well enough and even had a relatively comfortable life.

The atmosphere was cheerful.

Though curt, Junhyuk took care of everything, while Boss Nam, despite his lack of skills, lifted the mood with his easygoing personality. Together, they made an unexpectedly good team.

Junhyuk still hadn’t regained his memory, but his naturally quiet demeanor meant Boss Nam and Moon Sohee hadn’t noticed his amnesia.

It was clear that the two weren’t particularly close, which put Se-ah’s mind at ease.

Se-ah mainly busied herself by following Junhyuk into the forest or helping with cooking and other chores. As for Moon Sohee… Se-ah chose to keep her thoughts to herself.

She only exchanged the necessary words with Moon Sohee and deliberately avoided initiating conversations, which minimized conflict.

Still, Se-ah tried to think positively, appreciating that at least Moon Sohee didn’t whine or complain.

It certainly felt livelier with more people around—it felt like they were truly living. 

Of course, Junhyuk grumbled that he preferred the quieter times when it was just the two of them.

Having watched popular survival dramas, Se-ah couldn’t help but reflect on how much of a luxury this current life was.

Two days ago, they had spotted a large ship passing in the distance, sparking renewed hope that rescue might be near.

Starting with Boss Nam, everyone began sharing what they planned to do when they got back, their faces bright and untroubled.

“I’m replacing my bed first—no matter how much it costs, I’m getting the most expensive one. The wooden bed here is killing my back. What about you, Coco? What’s the first thing you’ll do after being rescued?”

“I just want to stay at a hotel with air conditioning, do nothing, and order room service all day.”

“What about you, President Do?”

Though Boss Nam asked the question, Junhyuk’s gaze shifted toward Se-ah instead, with a playful glint in his eyes.

Worried he might say something strange, Se-ah quickly took a sip of water and looked away.

“I’d also stay at a hotel and order room service.”

“…....…!”

Se-ah nearly spat out her water but managed to hold it back just in time.

Junhyuk’s words sounded as though he was inviting her to do it together, causing her face to flush bright red.

“You two have the same wish. Hotels really are the best.”

Fortunately, the oblivious Boss Nam laughed heartily and said he might also stay at a hotel for a few days. He even joked about all of them staying at a hotel together.

Only Moon Sohee, watching them, looked troubled.

The days were so sunny and clear that they almost forgot it was the rainy season in the Philippines.

But on this particular morning, as Se-ah stretched and got out of bed, she felt an unusual stiffness in her back and neck.

“Could it be rain coming?”

She joked as she stepped outside, only to see that the previously clear sky was now covered with dark storm clouds.

“We’d better stay here today. Take shelter in your homes, and if you need help, come to me.”

Junhyuk spoke as he retrieved the traps and nets, and everyone nodded in agreement.

Like Se-ah, both Boss Nam and Moon Sohee relied entirely on Junhyuk. It was no exaggeration to say he was responsible for everyone’s survival.

“How long do you think it will rain?”

Boss Nam looked up at the sky, his face as gloomy as the darkening clouds. Se-ah and Moon Sohee had similar expressions.

Rainy days brought back memories of the day they were stranded, dampening everyone’s mood.

“Maybe tomorrow or the day after. Judging by the clouds, it shouldn’t last too long. But when it rains, it might pour heavily. As long as the houses don’t get washed away, staying inside will be the safest.”

Junhyuk replied indifferently to Boss Nam’s murmuring, his calm demeanor surprisingly reassuring.

Fortunately, they still had dried meat, freshly picked corn, and the fish they had just caught. They had enough food to last for three or four days of rain.

Dry branches and leaves for firewood were wrapped in plastic to keep them from getting wet, and everyone received their share to take to their shelters.

Since the weather wasn’t cold, it wouldn’t matter much if their fires went out. After Junhyuk told them to rest comfortably, Boss Nam immediately went inside, but Moon Sohee hesitated, glancing at Junhyuk.

Se-ah, who was about to go inside, paused and looked back.

Junhyuk had told her not to worry about it, but for some reason, her feet wouldn’t move. She hesitated, standing awkwardly between going inside and staying outside, when Moon Sohee’s weak voice called out.

“Um… Can’t I just stay with you until the rain stops? I won’t do anything.”

“No.”

His response was firm as he turned to leave, but Moon Sohee grabbed the hem of his clothes.

“W-Why not?”

“Let me go.”

His gaze darkened like the depths of the sea, and Moon Sohee, startled, immediately released his clothes.

“And why do you think it’s possible?”

“You stay with Coco. I’ll just sit and breathe quietly.”

Her defensive tone made Junhyuk tilt his head slightly, his sharp gaze briefly meeting Se-ah’s direction.

“Whether you’re breathing or holding your breath, the answer is no. And don’t compare yourself to anyone else.”

“Well, technically, I came to the Philippines with you, not her.”

Moon Sohee’s voice grew louder as she gestured toward Se-ah.

While Se-ah tried to figure out how to respond to Moon Sohee’s persistent provocations, Junhyuk answered coolly.

“I doubt I was the one who wanted that. You were probably part of Jisang’s group.”

At his cutting remark, Moon Sohee’s face turned red in embarrassment.

“Still, I was the one who suggested the cruise business idea first.”

Hearing this, Se-ah felt light and relieved, finally confirming that there was nothing between the two.

“If we’re not discussing cruise business anymore, I’d appreciate it if you respected personal boundaries. I’ve tolerated enough.”

The chilling air of his words reached even where Se-ah stood.

It truly felt like this was Moon Sohee’s last chance, and Junhyuk wasn’t holding back.

“B-But I’m scared of water.”

“Then talk to Boss Nam about it. That’s all.”

Even as Moon Sohee pleaded, Junhyuk didn’t look back and walked away.

Amid the awkward tension, Se-ah entered the house.

Not long after, the sound of rustling leaves announced Junhyuk’s return, holding red berries in his hands.

His gaze immediately found hers.

The coldness from earlier was gone, replaced by the gentle curve of his long, narrow eyes.

“I wondered when they’d ripen, and today I saw they’re ready to eat. I saved some for the others, so feel free to enjoy these.”

Seeing his hands stained red from picking the berries, Se-ah’s face flushed just as red.

Prev _ Next