Silence That Warms the Heart

After all the tents stood firmly, we started arranging the items inside. Hana and I shared one tent, while Do Hwan and Da Reum shared another. After making sure everything was in order, we gathered in front of the tents, enjoying the gentle breeze carrying the scent of trees.

"I'm hungry," Hana complained while rubbing her stomach. "Can we start cooking yet?"

Da Reum opened the large bag and began taking out food ingredients. "Of course. But we need firewood first." He turned to me. "Narin, can you help me prepare the ingredients? I also need help lighting the grill."

I quickly nodded. "Sure. I'll help you."

"Good." He smiled warmly. "Meanwhile, the others can look for twigs or dry wood to make a campfire," Da Reum continued.

"Right. Before it gets too dark. The night will also get colder," I said.

Do Hwan immediately frowned, his eyes glaring at us. "So, you mean I have to go into the forest while you all just sit here?"

"No. You can go with Hana. Hana, can you do it?" I asked to make sure. Without much argument like Do Hwan, Hana immediately nodded.

"Thanks, Hana."

"You haven't even asked whether I agree or not," Do Hwan protested again, this time in a sharper tone.

I took a deep breath, trying to be patient. "Then do you want to switch tasks with us? I can go with Da Reum to get the firewood if you don't want to," I suggested. I didn't know what was wrong with Do Hwan today—he was acting so childish.

"Narin, that's not what I meant," Do Hwan replied in a softer tone, as if trying to suppress his emotions.

"Oh?!" I asked, confused. Then what did he want?

Da Reum glanced at him calmly. "Do Hwan, we can't just leave two girls alone here, right?"

Do Hwan scoffed, clearly understanding the reasoning, but still not liking the answer. "But still, why does it have to be me?"

Hana, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up, "Oh my gosh, Do Hwan. It's just collecting twigs—why are you making such a big deal out of it? I won't tease you like before. I don't actually like you, just so you know."

"I don't care whether you like me or not. But leaving Narin here..."

Somehow, I could predict what he wanted to say—the same thing I'd heard many times. So I cut him off.

"Do Hwan! The sky is getting darker. Can you just go and get it quickly?" I asked, making him fall silent instantly.

He still looked upset, his jaw clenched, but finally, he gave up. "Okay. I'll go," he said reluctantly.

---

Da Reum and I began to prepare everything. We set up portable folding chairs, assembled a portable barbecue grill, and took the food ingredients out of the bag. Da Reum set up the barbecue, while I arranged a few folding chairs and lined up some drinks on the mini folding table.

After I finished my part, I looked over at Da Reum, who was still busy burning charcoal on the grill.

"Da Reum!" I called.

"Hm?" Da Reum immediately responded softly.

"Is there anything I can help with?" I asked.

Da Reum turned around, scanning the area to make sure my work was truly done. "Are you finished?"

I nodded and took a step closer to Da Reum, who wasn't far from where I stood. "Is there anything else we need to prepare?"

"Hmm..." Da Reum thought for a moment. "We need to skewer the vegetables and barbecue ingredients on these sticks. But first, we need to cut them into small pieces."

"I'm ready to help."

He chuckled softly, seeing me so enthusiastic. Maybe because this was my first camping trip. There was a warm and peaceful feeling I'd never experienced before.

We started making barbecue skewers. I cut the food ingredients while Da Reum skewered them. For a while, we stayed silent, focusing on our tasks, until Da Reum spoke up.

"How's school?" he asked.

"Good." I chuckled lightly.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Oh? Eh, sorry. It's just... you sound like my dad."

"Really?"

"Yeah. My dad often asks me that. Even though I've been in that school for almost three years," I explained, unable to hold back a smile when remembering my dad's face.

"All dads are the same," he commented.

The light chat slowly turned warmer. Da Reum shared stories about his school days, full of pressure, while I listened, occasionally laughing.

After finishing the skewers, we started grilling them. The tempting aroma of grilled meat filled the air, making me swallow several times. Da Reum noticed and chuckled softly.

"If you're hungry, just say so. I can give you one skewer that's already cooked," he said while handing me a grilled shrimp skewer.

I hesitated. "No need," I refused.

"Are you sure? Not hungry?" he asked, confirming, even though his tone sounded teasing.

"Hm. I'm not hungry."

"Not hungry or just feeling bad?"

I fell silent, unable to say anything else.

"Narin, I know you're hungry. I'm giving you my portion. So, technically, I'm the one eating first, not you."

"But..." I glanced hesitantly.

"If they know you're feeling hungry, they wouldn't mind you eating first. Just like me. So, eat!"

Suddenly, Da Reum grabbed my hand and slipped the skewer into it.

"Why are you still thinking? Just eat!"

Seeing how sincerely he gave me the skewer, I couldn't refuse anymore. Slowly, I bit the shrimp at the tip, chewing hesitantly but also... feeling happy.

Da Reum, who watched me enjoy the food, just smiled while shaking his head. Then, when the wind suddenly blew, my hair fell over the remaining shrimp.

As I tried to fix it myself, Da Reum stopped my hand. Gently, he tucked the strands of hair behind my ear.

"Stay still. Don't move!" he whispered.

Unconsciously, my eyes locked onto the sparkle in his gaze, which felt so calming. How could it be that beautiful? My heart pounded wildly, and I had no idea why.

***