At around five in the morning, SoMi hurriedly packed her suitcase and ran out to the taxi waiting outside her house. As it was a cool September morning, she put on a denim jacket to keep warm on the way to the airport. The sun was slowly rising above the horizon, warming the air to a pleasant temperature.
Lee Hyun and MinJi were already waiting for SoMi at the airport, along with her fiancé and his two friends. Today, they were all going on a trip to Busan for a wedding photo shoot, followed by a night at the luxurious, five-star Signiel Busan hotel, which boasts incredible coastal views. The day had been planned down to the last detail.
After checking in, SoMi sent Do Hwan a quick message to let him know where she was and when she would be back. However, she didn't receive a reply as it was still very early and he was probably fast asleep, unaware that his neighbour was away.
The flight was short, but the drive from the airport to their destination seemed longer. SoMi enjoyed the view of the bustling city and the landmarks they passed through the taxi window. As they got closer to the coast, she breathed in the sea air through the open window. She could taste the saltiness on her tongue. The calm music in the car was soothing and gave the trip a special mood, as if today were their last meeting with their friends and it would never happen again but remain etched in their memories forever.
After settling into the hotel, the girls got ready for the photoshoot, doing their makeup and hairstyles, putting on their hanboks and evening dresses. It was ten in the morning, and there was still no response from Do Hwan. But SoMi never had time to think about him. Today, MinJi and KiHyun (the groom) were her top priority.
Once they were ready, they went to some of the most beautiful places in Busan, from the bustling metropolis to Haeundae Beach, where they could enjoy the beauty of nature. They also visited the Haedong Yonggungsa Buddhist temple, where they took some stunning photos wearing hanboks.
Today, another of SoMi's dreams came true — she saw the sea for the first time. In between photos, she stood barefoot on the white sand, gazing into the distance where ships could be seen. The subtropical climate was in full effect with high humidity and stifling heat. Cold water, icy cocktails and ice cream — which SoMi tried in every flavour today — were a salvation.
The day was coming to an end. The sun was slowly setting on the horizon, casting its final warm and light rays. The guys settled into the room next door together. The girls rented a three-person room too. The bedroom had wide beds with snow-white sheets, and there was a large bathtub with a Jacuzzi and a living room with a huge sofa and two armchairs — everything you could need for comfort. The best thing about the room was the spacious balcony overlooking the sea, the sound of which was pleasantly soothing.
A light, warm breeze often blew into the room, bringing with it the salty smell of the sea. Light music played in the background. The table was laid with delicious food that MinJi had ordered. After swimming in the pool and relaxing in the jacuzzi, the girls sat on the huge sofa in their bathrobes, sipping wine and enjoying the food. There was silence for a while, but once the alcohol had loosened them up a bit, conversation flowed naturally.
"MinJi, how does it feel knowing you'll spend the rest of your life with one man?" Lee Hyun asked suddenly, taking a sip of wine.
"To be honest, I haven't thought about it," MinJi admitted, taking a deep breath and pursing her lips. "I think we'll have a wonderful life together. After all, we are honest with each other. Even if we disagree, he is always the first to apologise, whether it's my fault or his. Then we sit down together for dinner and discuss why the conflict arose, so that we can understand each other better."
"Yes, talking is very important. Even when it's about insignificant little things, you learn more about each other's views. I only realised this after the divorce. It took me ten years of living with a man who was first the love of my life, then a friend and, in the end, just a roommate with whom we ate dinner in silence. Now, I can speak openly about what I want and what I don't like. I've learned to listen to myself," said SoMi proudly because she was truly proud of this.
"And I've always been honest with myself and my suitors. I think they guessed that I was just using them for my own purposes," joked Lee Hyun.
"And they were still with you," remarked SoMi.
"Yes, and they gave me expensive gifts," Lee Hyun stated. "Let's drink to being honest with ourselves and talking to our chosen ones. So that MinJi's marriage doesn't turn out like SoMi's – no offence, friend."
"No, you're right. My failed marriage is a great example of how not to do it," SoMi sighed, raising her glass. "To your marriage, MinJi. Remember, in any situation, we will always be there to support you."
"Thank you, friends. You are the best." They all drank some more wine. Silence reigned again, muffled by the sound of the ocean coming in from the open balcony.
"SoMi!" LeeHyun broke the silence once again. "What about your personal life?' she asked, raising an eyebrow as if there were something she knew.
"Me? the girl asked in surprise, nervously hiding her gaze behind her fringe.
"Yes, you. You went on a date with the director, didn't you?"
"Yes, just the once. But I recently told him the truth: our professional relationship will never become romantic."
"Oh, really? And what did he say to that?" MinJi asked, moving closer.
"He took it in his stride. It was as if he himself could see that nothing could happen between us."
"He acted like a grown-up. No questions, no excuses?" Lee Hyun asked, looking suspiciously at her friend. "It's strange. Why didn't he suit you? He's elegant and handsome, and he buys you gifts and takes you out to restaurants."
"That's not important to me. What matters is how I feel around someone. I want to be free and be myself. With him, I felt like I was in a cage. I couldn't express my emotions the way I wanted to. I spoke carefully so that he wouldn't think I was uneducated. That's not the kind of relationship I want."
"It's good that I don't have to play a part in public. I am who I am. If someone doesn't like it, then we're not on the same page," said Lee Hyun.
"I think you're only real with us," said So Mi.
"Oh yes, SoMi, you're right. You've seen me at my best and worst, and you've always been there for me. For that, I cherish our friendship. It will go through fire and ice and withstand any test." Minji suddenly burst into tears at these words. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I... I..." she sobbed. 'I'm just afraid that when I get married, our friendship will fall apart. After all, I'll have a family and everyday problems. But you'll be free as birds, able to go to cafés and clubs without me. You'll drink soju without me," she said, wiping her nose.
'MinJi, the fact that you're getting married won't change anything. Yes, your life will be different, but we'll still come to your place for soju nights if you can't come to ours. Let all the problems fall on your future husband's shoulders. What kind of man would he be if he couldn't solve them?" SoMi reassured her, hugging her friend because she had experienced this herself and understood all her fears.
"And if he refuses to solve problems or forces you to drown in laundry, cleaning or cooking, we'll come and "take care" of him," Lee Hyun threatened, hugging her.
"Really?" the girl asked.
"We swear!" SoMi replied firmly.
"I love you, girls," MinJi cried, drowning in the embrace of her two friends. On this emotional note, the hen party ended.
A cool breeze rushed into SoMi's bedroom through the open window. The smell of rain was in the air. A storm was approaching on the horizon, with lightning flashing in the darkness of the sea. The quiet rumble of thunder echoed from afar, slowly growing louder.
SoMi was getting ready for bed. Having just packed her bags, she remembered that she hadn't picked up her phone all day. She had been so busy that she had forgotten she had put it in her bag, and she hadn't thought to check social media because she was surrounded by real life and incredible views. She took out her phone and tried to unlock it, but the screen remained black — it was dead. She charged it on the bedside table and comfortably dived into the fresh sheets of the hotel bed. The pillow was so soft that, as soon as SoMi leaned against it, she felt ready to fall into a deep sleep. But the sound of a notification prevented her from doing so.
SoMi
Hi! Today I'm going to Busan with my friends.I'll be back tomorrow. :)
Read at 11:44.
Do Hwan
Have a good time!Be sure to walk barefoot on the white sand of Haeundae Beach.You'll love it!
Received at 11:45.
Hi! How was your day?Did you feel the sand under your feet?
Received at 22:35.
SoMi
Hi! It was an incredible day.I had a great time with my friends.The sand was warm and dazzlingly white. :)
Sent at 23:45.
... Do Hwan is typing a message
"Oh, he's still awake?" SoMi was surprised to see the message icon.
Glad to hear you had a good time!It's unusual when you're not home.It's too quiet. :)
Sent at 23:46.
SoMi
I'll annoy you with loud music again tomorrow.
Sent at 23:47.
Do Hwan
So, I need to get a good night's sleep today!Good night!
Sent at 23:48.
SoMi
Sweet dreams!
Sent at 23:49.
It started raining outside. The storm was raging. But that didn't stop SoMi from sleeping soundly in her crisp bed. She was enjoying the sweetest sleep of her life, filled with pleasant emotions.