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Chapter 19
Bada shivered as he exhaled a warm breath, his sharp nose brushing against her cheek and the nape of her neck.
A tingling sensation ran along her collarbone, and before she knew it, he was teasing the curve of her chest with gentle touches.
Overwhelmed by the sensation, Bada instinctively twisted slightly, fingers entwining in his hair.
His hands moved up her waist, guiding her carefully, and she gasped at the closeness.
Though the pool was cold, the warmth between them felt almost like a heated spa, making her whole body flush.
Bada suddenly realized she was experiencing this kind of intimacy outdoors for the very first time. Though they were in a private villa, a part of her felt a mix of excitement and a tiny bit of nervousness.
She tried to push back slightly, murmuring,
“R-River… wait a moment.”
Her plea seemed to go unheard.
At that moment, a single drop of water splashed onto her chest. River paused, tilting his head toward the sky.
Soon, thick raindrops began to fall in earnest, a torrential downpour from the equatorial sky. Lightning and thunder rolled as though the world itself were announcing its end.
The rain pelted down so fiercely that even breathing felt difficult. River cupped his hands above her face like a shield, protecting her from the worst of it.
Bada managed a laugh through the rain, and River’s lips curved in a playful grin. The cold rain had interrupted their passionate moment, and the absurdity of it made them both chuckle.
After drying off and showering, they shared a simple dinner from the food they had bought earlier. The villa was lit by candlelight due to a power outage, creating a soft, romantic glow.
Bada peeled a fresh mangosteen, savoring the sweet, juicy fruit, her fingers sticky with juice. She caught River’s gaze through the flickering candlelight.
“Do you want me to peel one for you too?” she asked.
River sighed, amused and exasperated.
“You don’t seem to realize how much your actions affect me.”
Bada blinked innocently, licking the juice from her fingers.
“You should have warned me if you planned to wear that bikini. People aren’t merciful, you know.”
Blushing, Bada put the fruit down, realizing the effect her attire had on him. It had been her friend Caroline’s idea, not hers, but evidently, it had captured his attention.
River stood abruptly.
“Let’s go look at the stars.”
Bada followed him outside onto the terrace, the night air from the Indian Ocean cool against their skin. They dipped their feet into the pool, which still held the warmth of the day, and looked up at the sky.
The stars shone brilliantly, free from artificial lights. The sound of insects, rustling palm trees, and distant waves created a natural symphony. It felt as though the universe had shrunk to just the two of them.
“It’s so peaceful,” Bada whispered.
River naturally reached for her hand, their fingers intertwining. Her heart raced with every touch, and she feared she might lose herself in the intensity of it.
Bada spoke, trying to steady her racing heart.
“I never thought Nepi Day would bring so many stars. Sometimes what feels like misfortune turns out to be a blessing.”
River smiled, sharing her sentiment.
“I was thinking the same thing. Looks like we’re in sync.”
Before coming to Bali, Bada had felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff—trapped in a monotonous cycle of long nights and endless work. Despite working tirelessly to fulfill her team leader’s promise of a transfer to the Hong Kong APAC office, she had been disappointed, realizing her efforts had been taken for granted.
Coming to Bali had been an escape, though she hadn’t planned to meet anyone here—let alone River. Yet sometimes, misfortune pushes us toward unexpected, better destinations.
“Bada,” River said softly.
“Hmm?”
“Remember you promised to grant me one wish?”
“I remember. What is it?”
His serious voice filled the air.
“Don’t go back to Korea.”
He held her hand tighter, their fingers locked.
“Stay by my side.”
Bada’s heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his gaze, his blue eyes piercing the darkness.
“…I want to stay with you too. But I’m used to living life according to plans. I’m not accustomed to impulsive things like this.”
She thought back to her university days, where she had stayed at the library late into the night for early graduation, or focused solely on summer internships and interviews, never noticing the changing leaves along Locust Walk. Even after landing a good job, life had been cruelly competitive. She had always pushed herself to avoid being left behind.
River’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“Bada, life rarely goes according to plan.”
“True, but…”
“Just like we never planned to meet here in Bali.”
Bada bit her lower lip, fear mixing with excitement. She worried about the potential pain if their relationship deepened and ended someday.
River continued, unwavering.
“Yes, maybe we’re both being reckless. But I don’t want a cheap souvenir from Bali. I want memories of you with me.”
“….”
“Life is short. If we’re going to waste time, let’s waste it together on this beautiful island.”
His sincerity was palpable in the warmth that traveled through their clasped hands.
Bada asked quietly,
“What do you want to do with me?”
River looked up at the stars, thinking, before answering.
“I want to watch the sunset with you, sip Old Fashioned cocktails… and…”
He leaned in, pressing his lips gently to hers in a tender, fleeting kiss, leaving a faint smile on his face.
