Chapter 52: Tangles and Tensions

“We’ve got to go. Bye.”

Do Yoon grabbed my hand and strode toward the elevator, away from the café. Confused, I followed, asking.

“Not getting coffee?”

“You go to the room. I’ll get it.”

I didn’t get why he turned overprotective after I nearly collided with a lightweight drunk girl.

“I’m fine.”

“That was all a ploy.”

“What?”

Do Yoon, maybe used to too much attention, assumed every girl near me was hitting on me. I snorted.

“That’s for you. She was genuinely drunk.”

“…Hyung, you’re clueless.”

“What? I’m getting coffee.”

“I meant her friend. Just stay oblivious.”

Why’s he snapping after we were having fun? He opened the room door, practically shoving me inside like a bodyguard. Suddenly, I was a reckless young master insisting on coffee. I grabbed his arm, yanking him into the room.

Caught off guard, Do Yoon looked baffled. I hugged him tightly without a word. The door clicked shut. He froze.

“Hyung…”

As expected, he softened instantly. I’d learned this was the fastest way to calm a sulky Do Yoon. Resting my chin on his shoulder, I rubbed his back gently, then playfully smacked it hard, making a loud slap. He squirmed.

“Ow! That hurts!”

“Don’t be a brat, got it?”

He pulled away, glaring like I’d stabbed him. I smirked smugly.

“Latte. Soy milk, not regular.”

Pouting, he left without protest. But I never drank that latte—I passed out on the bed moments later.

Morning sunlight woke me. Do Yoon was curled up in my bed, arms around my waist, face buried in my chest. No wonder I dreamed of being tied up—the culprit was right here.

It’s a twin-bed room—why’s he clinging to me? I pushed his forehead, but he grabbed my hand, guiding it to his back, pretending to sleep. Sneaky.

He loves this position. I should’ve stopped hugging him as a kid…

Half-asleep, I rubbed his back, muttering.

“You’re not small anymore. Why keep clinging?”

“I’m tiny. The tiniest in the world.”

He curled up like a snail, taking up more space, pushing me to the bed’s edge.

“Hey, I’m gonna fall! Choi Do Yoon’s killing me!”

He flung his long limbs over me, pulling me close. I was sucked into his embrace, tangled in blankets.

“Now you won’t fall.”

My eyes shot open. When did he get this strong? I used to pin him easily… His rustling woke me fully.

“Enough, get up.”

“Why? It’s only 9 a.m. Can’t we sleep more?”

“Nope. We’re exploring today.”

I had to do Seung Hee’s homework. But as I tried to stand, pain shot through my back, shoulders, and neck—yesterday’s swimming overload. I groaned like a dying man.

“Ugh…”

“Want a massage?”

Before I could answer, he sat me up and started kneading my shoulders. Through my thin white tee, his strong fingers dug in. I squirmed.

“Ah, wait, gentler…”

“Like this?”

“Yeah… ugh.”

“Hurt?”

“No… there, perfect!”

“…”

“More, harder… there!”

He stopped talking, focusing. His firm, surprisingly skilled massage felt great. I let out soft groans, feeling battered.

“There, deeper… perfect.”

Suddenly, he pressed so hard my back screamed. I yelped, jumping.

“Argh!”

“Sorry! I didn’t mean—really, you okay?”

I snapped.

“Why so rough?!”

Caught off guard, tears pricked my eyes. His face was tomato-red. Confused, I asked.

“…You hot?”

“No.”

“Did we set the heat too high?”

“It’s not that.”

I studied him, puzzled. He avoided my gaze, staring at the ceiling. Is he sick? Did swimming overdo it? As my eyes drifted to his waist, he yanked the blanket with insane force. I, sitting on it, tumbled off the bed. Ignoring me, he wrapped it around his lower half and dragged it to the bathroom.

“…What the hell?”

What is this? A four-year-old playing wedding dress with a blanket? I threw a pillow at his back, yelling.

“What’s your deal, Choi Do Yoon?!”

“I’m showering first! Too hot!”

You said you weren’t! Offering a massage, then pulling this? Just say you don’t want to! I stomped over, grabbing the blanket and pillow he’d left by the bathroom. Sitting on the bed, I heard the shower’s whoosh.

He emerged, lips slightly purple—had he taken a cold shower in winter? I tsked, toweling his wet hair.

“Why not jump into a waterfall while you’re at it?”

“…Sorry.”

No need to apologize to me. Our main character’s random antics were a slight issue. Ji An can deal with it later.

I showered too. Day two of our three-day trip was the main event. The endless sea from the balcony lifted my mood, but we explored the hotel facilities first. The pool and restaurant were great; the art gallery was clean but dull.

We visited a horse ranch, strolled the coast, saw a waterfall and volcanic cave, and even picked tangerines. For someone reluctant to go, Do Yoon had planned a packed itinerary. Skipping this would’ve earned me a decade of sulking.

After a full day and tasty food, we returned exhausted. Do Yoon collapsed onto the bed. I hesitated, then asked.

“Hot spring before bed?”

He sprang up like a recharged battery.

“For real? You don’t like hot springs.”

He must’ve been minding my preferences. No assertiveness in weird moments. Just say you want to go together.

“Not that I hate them, I just get dizzy fast. We did a lot today, so a quick dip sounds nice. Relaxes muscles.”

Skipping the hot spring would be a waste—private ones like Japanese ryokans were rare in Korea. Plus, I owed Seung Hee a review. I expected him to jump at it, but his face turned oddly serious. After chewing his lip, he said gravely.

“Then… you go first?”