[Sim Seju]

I love this island. I love its soothing atmosphere, the shades of coral red, bright green and turquoise blending in an ethereal sky and crystal clear waters. I also love how lively it is, between the diverse animal species and the welcoming, outgoing people.

Most importantly, I enjoy being here with the person who has brought me nothing but joy over the years. Everything is perfect around us. We've woken up to a picture perfect dream come true.

Out of a sudden, I feel the urge to share the photos Kevin and I have taken so far with Himchan and Daegwang. Just to let them know how this place has left the mark on me—not to make them seethe out of jealousy.

I show a picture of tropical birds (honestly, I forgot how they're called) to Kevin for feedback. "Look, they're amazing! I think the guys will love this one."

"Yeah, you're right. It's your best—plus, I'm sure they'll take those little ones over pigeons." I laugh, knowing those birds are only meant to be here in this corner of paradise. That's for the better, considering they're an endangered species.

I send that photo, along with thirty more. I don't plan to send everything at once—I don't want to overwhelm my brothers. They must have other stuff to think about.

When I'm done with WhatsApp, I notice Kevin's expression has turned gloomy, in stark contrast with the lively and refreshing atmosphere. He shows me his phone, which makes it clear there's an emergency that can't be left unattended.

He makes me read a number of messages, all from a familiar number. Nina. She doesn't text us for work related stuff, which means something a lot more serious must've happened back home.

'Kevin, I'm done with Bret. I want a divorce, he wants it too. The problem is, he wants to be the one making the last move. He claims he has leverage on me. You've got to help me expose him. He's so full of shit.'

Oh, God. I knew she'd be stuck in a loveless marriage, which is a major red flag itself especially because she wasn't allowed to bring her close friends, including Kevin and I, to the reception. But for Nina to send such a strong text message and at a moment of peace, it means things are terrible with her and she needs help now.

I catch a glimpse at Kevin's reply. 'Oh, Nina, I knew there was something fishy, but not that much! Keep your head up—he can't have the upper hand.'

'I need some advice. I need someone who can help me pull off the perfect plan. Maybe Seju? She's great when it comes to trouble.'

When Kevin shows me the latest message, I feel the urge to chime in and give her that advice myself. 'Well, what cards have you played? And what makes you think he has leverage on you? He could be bluffing!'

'Well, he's right on that one. He saw my chats with Alivia. Before you ask, he got help to crack my passcode and read our messages. I changed password thrice over the last two weeks. He's such a control freak when it comes to me, but thinks he can do whatever he wants without getting caught.'

Oh, shit. I don't know what to do. Our marvelous vacation will be over tomorrow, but Nina needs our help now. However, we can't counterattack without a strategy. We'll use the time to unwind between one of the remaining activities and the other to prepare our plan.

'Okay. So, what are you going to do now?'

'Well, I have to go. I can't tell you exactly, since I'm still stuck on that cruise with Bret. I promise I'll update you all on the news, though. Bye!'

I don't know if Nina has already something in mind to contrast her scumbag husband or if she already plans to have fun with Alivia regardless of the complicated divorce procedure. What I'm sure of is that I can trust her when it comes to plotting for revenge. Well, it should be the other way around. I'm simply used to seeing her take the lead in this kind of mission.

Kevin leaves his phone on the desk and turns his attention solely to me. "Tomorrow is our last day on this island, then we'll return home. Let's make what's left of our time here special." He has a couple of suggestions in mind, or, at least, if I base myself on my intuition.

"So, what do you plan to do?"

"First of all, let's have dinner. Then, you know the pool party that was announced earlier today? Let's join, okay?" I like this plan. The last time I took part in a pool party was in my college years, and it was a dreadful one—the host had been anything but pleased to see me.

This time is different, though. I'm writing a completely different story. I'm sure I'll have a blast. After all, this is the best chance to recall the most pleasant moments from our vacation.

***

I don't want to go back home. Trouble awaits me there, and only God knows if I can get out of it without feeling burnt out or, worse, betrayed by someone who's supposed to be close to me. But I can't stay here forever either. This was just a getaway for a few days, a distraction, a way to create positive memories.

The moment Nina's worried messages popped up on Kevin's phone, I realized home drama is catching up on us. The fact it hasn't exploded just yet is a coincidence. So, I try not to think too much about it and enjoy our last activities before heading to the airport for our flight: a guided visit to the Natural Art Museum, and a photo session.

The former goes on without hassles. Our assigned guide is competent, but is talkative. There's no room for questions because his explanations are so detailed that he looks like a human textbook. I'm fascinated by the vibrant colors of the paintings, the elegant wooden sculptures and... the guide's voice. I could listen to him all day long.

When the visit is over, we have a chance to buy keepsakes. Like every other activity I've taken part so far, I buy a postcard. This time, however, I indulge on other items, as well, spending a lot of money.

"Wow! That's a lot!" exclaims Kevin. "Are you planning to set up a museum at home?"

I laugh. "No, no, some of these are gifts for the others. If I have time to create some packages before our flight-"

"Come on! The photo session will start in half an hour. Let's go!" This is a reminder that our time on the island is running out.

The session itself doesn't last that long; however, it feels like an eternity. As I said before, I'm not ready to let go of these colorful landscapes. Hopefully, the return to routine won't be as traumatic as I thought.

Well, I've spoken too early.

I receive a weird text message from an anonymous sender. I don't know how they'd get my phone number. It's not the usual spam. I read it in my mind, knowing this is the sad epilogue to a fantastic holiday.

'Seju, Seju, you're having fun, aren't you? Well... You won't have as much fun when I show you Nina's true face.'

Who's that? And who would be interested in dragging Nina in the mud for personal benefits? Could it be Bret, her arrogant and manipulative soon to be ex-husband? Or someone close to him? But, most importantly, how do they know me?

I don't recognize this number, but the level of danger about this text message screams instant alert.

Nina has to know she isn't safe. But I don't tell her now on the phone. I want her to see it in person. So, I take screenshots of the message and prepare myself to head to the airport with Kevin, paying close attention not to ruin his bright mood with this bombshell. It's not the moment, just not yet.