The school bus arrived, and Sol A’s group, along with Professor Yang, got on. The group chatted happily with one another, but Professor Yang did not join in their conversation. Instead, he only looked up at the mirror, where the reflection of Sol A sat right in front of him. During the ride, Sol A started to feel car sick and looked uncomfortable. Seeing this, Professor Yang handed her an anti-nausea patch he had bought earlier.
“Here, put this on.”
“Where did you even get that?”
“I picked it up.”
“Nae, nae,” Sol A answered with a scornful look.

He cared for her, but he still could not express it gently. That was just Yangcrates.

When they arrived, everyone stepped off the bus, excited by the atmosphere. Since winter was approaching, the air was quite chilly.
“Make sure you all dress warmly, it’s cold here,” the professor reminded.
“Nae,” the group replied in unison.

They unloaded their things and began their two-day, one-night trip at the beach. Joon Hwi, Bok Gi, Ji Ho, Seung Jae, and Ye Beom pitched the tents, while Ye Sul and Sol B washed vegetables to prepare for the BBQ. Sol A was in charge of starting the fire, but no matter how much she tried, the flames would not catch.
“Professor!”
“Wae?”
“I can’t get the fire started. Could you help me?”
“You’ve never started a fire before?”
“I have, but the wind is too strong here, so it won’t light.”
“Jinjja?”
“Jinjjayo.”

And so the professor and Sol A started the fire together.

By evening, everyone had gathered for the feast. Sol A grilled the meat for the group, and everyone praised her. With soju and roasted meat, the atmosphere was light, free of any burdens. No one felt distant from Professor Yang anymore, and even he seemed part of the circle.
“Soju’s gone,” Bok Gi said
“Is there anywhere nearby to buy more?”
“I’ll go get it,” Sol A offered
“I saw a convenience store on the way here.”
“Can you really go alone?” Ye Sul asked.
“It’s fine, I can.”
“It’s dark. I’ll go with you,” said Professor Yang.
“Nae.”

The road was quiet, without a single car passing by. The silence felt almost strange. The two walked side by side, taking in the scenery. Suddenly, Sol A turned to him.
“Professor.”
“Wae?”
“Have you ever been in love?”
“Ani.”
“Then do you understand what love is?”
“Yes.”
“What is it then?”
“When you love someone, just seeing them every day is enough to make you happy.”
“Love is that simple for you?”
“Umm.”

They continued talking like that all the way to the store.

“We brought back the soju!” Sol A announced as they returned, just as Bok Gi brought out a guitar.
“Yaa, Sol A, sing us a song,” he said.
“I don’t know how to sing.”
“Just sing, it’s fine.”

Bok Gi strummed while Sol A sang. Professor Yang’s eyes never left her. As her voice carried through the night, he mumbled under his breath, “Gwiyeopda,” unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
“Professor! You know how to smile?”
“Ani.”
“But I just saw you smile.”

Even Joon Hwi had clearly seen it, though the professor denied it. That only deepened his suspicions.

When Sol A finished, the whole group praised her for her beautiful voice. Only Professor Yang kept a cold expression. In truth, he wanted to praise her as well, but he did not know how.

After a while, everyone had drunk too much and went back to their tents. Joon Hwi, Ji Ho, and Seung Jae shared one; Bok Gi and Ye Beom another; Sol A, Ye Sul, and Sol B a third. Professor Yang alone had a tent to himself.

Everyone went to sleep, but Professor Yang could not. His mind kept returning to Sol A’s singing earlier, and without realizing it, he smiled to himself. Unable to fall asleep, he went out to walk along the beach. Coincidentally, Sol A, also restless, stepped out of her tent.
“Professor! Why are you still here at this hour?”
“I couldn’t sleep. What about you?”
“Me too. It’s a new place, so I couldn’t fall asleep.”

They sat by the beach, watching the waves in silence for a while.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“Nae.”

Professor Yang took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
“Aren’t you cold, Professor?”
“I can handle it.”

Sol A felt warmth spread in her heart. She turned to look at him.
“Wae? Is there something on my face?”
“No. I just think you’re a very warm person.”
“Jinjja?”
“Nae.”
“You too. You’re the first person to care about me.”
“No one has ever cared for you before?”
“Umm. You’re the first. The first to put a hand on my forehead. The first to buy me medicine. The first to eat with me. You are the first.”

Hearing that, Sol A was deeply touched and felt a surge of tenderness for the man in front of her.

They sat together until dawn. It felt as though the world only held the two of them. The sound of waves seemed sweeter, and the rising sun looked down on them as if blessing the moment. From night until morning, they never grew tired of each other’s presence. Perhaps the professor had been right, when you like someone, just seeing them each day is enough to bring happiness. Even a single second is enough to stir the heart. Two people, two different souls, yet their hearts now beat in the same rhythm, their eyes turned in the same direction.

To be continued.