Content Warning: This chapter contains themes of intense scenes, including sexual content. Please read at your own risk and ensure you are in a safe space to engage with these subjects.

This chapter may contain mature content if you're not interested in this, you can skip the parts, there's one warning given for extra mature content. This content may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised! 

Enjoy the tension, passion, and emotions as our characters get lost in the heat of the moment. I hope you don't feel uncomfortable. If so you're free to skip. Thankyou.
Sincerely,
ParkAaimin.

Chapter 41:

The sun was high in the Tuscan sky as the group made their way toward the famous Saturnia Thermal Springs, nestled among rolling green hills. The air smelled of fresh cypress and the faint hint of sulfur from the natural hot springs, which cascaded over smooth limestone terraces into pools of milky-blue water.

It was a sight straight out of a dream, steaming, mineral-rich waters flowing like nature's own luxury spa. After days of adventure and cooking classes, a spa retreat was exactly what they all needed.

The couples, Mr. and Mrs. Wi, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Kang, Esme and Seung-Il, and Aaira and Sung-Hoon with their one-year-old baby, looked forward to unwinding together. Ha-Neul, the only single one among them, acted indifferent, though his gaze lingered on the steaming pools with undeniable interest.

But for Scarlet and Ha-Joon, today was special. Ha-Joon had planned something romantic, a private couple's experience high on the hilltop spa, where they could enjoy the breathtaking view of the countryside.

***

As they were led away from the main pools, Scarlet felt a flutter of excitement. The spa staff guided them up a stone pathway to a private wooden deck, set high on the hill. From there, the Tuscan vineyards stretched endlessly, golden fields swaying in the breeze, the scent of lavender filling the air. Below them, the steaming terraces of Saturnia's thermal springs glowed in the afternoon light.

Scarlet turned to Ha-Joon. "This is... beautiful."

Ha-Joon smiled, watching her take in the view. "Only the best for my wife."

Her heart skipped at the word wife, they weren't officially married, but every time he said it, it felt natural. A pair of plush lounge chairs sat waiting for them, draped with soft towels. Beside them, a small table held two glasses of prosecco, a bowl of fresh strawberries, and a bottle of chilled water with lemon slices. The spa had thought of everything.

Scarlet ran her fingers through the warm steam rising from the private pool set into the deck. "This is like something out of a dream."

Ha-Joon smirked. "You deserve a dream, don't you?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Smooth talker."

Their personal spa attendant arrived, a woman dressed in crisp white, her voice soft and melodic. "Welcome to your private retreat. We have arranged a thermal mineral bath soak, a couple's massage, and an herbal detox treatment, for you today. Shall we begin?"

Ha-Joon looked at Scarlet. "Ladies first."

She smirked. "That's because you're scared of the detox wrap, isn't it?"

"I just want to see you relaxed first," he said smoothly.

Scarlet sighed happily as they stepped into the private mineral bath. The water was warm, silky against her skin, infused with healing minerals from the Saturnia springs. She leaned back, closing her eyes as the heat melted the tension from her body.

Ha-Joon slid in beside her, the water rippling around him. He exhaled, running a hand through his wet hair before shifting closer to her. "You look like you're enjoying this a little too much."

She peeked at him through half-lidded eyes. "That's the point, isn't it?"

He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. "You should always feel this relaxed."

Scarlet met his gaze, feeling the warmth of both the water and his touch. The moment stretched between them, the world narrowing to just the two of them.

***

After their soak, they were led to a shaded outdoor massage pavilion draped in white linen curtains. The spa had arranged side-by-side massage tables, where they lay down as two expert therapists began their aromatic oil massage.

Soft Tuscan music played in the background, the scent of lavender and rosemary filling the air. Scarlet let out a soft sigh as her therapist worked on her shoulders, kneading away any remaining stress. Ha-Joon, however, wasn't as silent.

"This feels... too good," he murmured, his voice thick with relaxation.

Scarlet laughed. "I take it back. Maybe I do like this spa day with you."

He turned his head slightly to look at her, a lazy grin on his face. "Oh? Falling for my plan?"

"Maybe," she admitted, eyes half-closed.

The slow, rhythmic pressure of the massage lulled them into a state of pure bliss. Scarlet felt weightless, her body melting into the table. The warmth of the oils, the soft strokes of the therapist's hands, the quiet laughter between them, it was all perfect.

When the massage ended, they sat up, feeling light and refreshed. Scarlet stretched her arms with a small yawn, and Ha-Joon took the opportunity to pull her close, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder.

"You're glowing," he murmured.

She turned, arching a brow. "That's the oil."

He smirked. "No, it's you."

As the day neared sunset, they returned to their private pool, the sky painted in soft oranges, pinks, and deep purples. Scarlet leaned against the edge of the warm water, watching as Ha-Joon stood beside the table, opening the bottle of prosecco. The cork popped, and he poured them each a glass before stepping into the water beside her.

"To us," he said, raising his glass.

Scarlet smiled, clinking hers against his. "To this perfect day."

They sipped in silence, the world around them quiet except for the faint rustling of the breeze and the distant sound of flowing water. Ha-Joon reached over, running a finger along her cheek.

"I love seeing you like this," he murmured. "Happy. Relaxed."

Scarlet set her glass down and shifted closer. "I think you just love seeing me wet."

Ha-Joon let out a husky laugh. "That too."

She rolled her eyes, but before she could tease him again, he pulled her into his arms, his lips capturing hers in a slow, lingering kiss. The warm water lapped around them as she melted against him, their bodies pressed close, the heat between them rivaling that of the thermal springs.

When they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers. "Red," he murmured, voice softer now. "I mean it. I love seeing you like this. And I want to see you this happy... always."

Scarlet swallowed, her heart tightening. It was moments like this that made her fall for him all over again. "You make me happy, Moon," she whispered.

A satisfied smile curved his lips, and he pulled her in for another kiss, deeper this time. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with the last golden rays of the day, Scarlet realized something, this was more than just a romantic getaway. This was them. Together. Their love, growing stronger, day by day. And she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

***

As the evening deepened, the group returned to the grand Tuscan farmhouse, their temporary home during this retreat. The mansion stood bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, its rustic charm blending seamlessly with the surrounding vineyards. The cool night air carried the distant hum of crickets and the lingering warmth of the thermal springs from which they had just returned.

Everyone had gone inside, laughing and chatting about their spa day, leaving only Ha-Joon and Mr. Kang standing in the quiet parking lot. Ha-Joon had just closed the car door when he heard Mr. Kang's voice. "하준아." (Ha-Joon-ah.)

Ha-Joon turned, slightly surprised. Mr. Kang stood beside him, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat. His expression was calm, yet there was a weight to his gaze, something serious but not unkind.

"네, 아저씨?" (Yes, Uncle?) Ha-Joon responded respectfully.

Mr. Kang exhaled, glancing up at the star-strewn sky before looking back at Ha-Joon. His voice was low but filled with gentle sincerity. "항상 그녀를 잘 보살펴 줘."(Always take good care of her.)

Ha-Joon didn't have to ask who "her" referred to. His gaze flickered toward the house, where Scarlet had disappeared just minutes ago.

Mr. Kang continued. "그녀는 마치 연약한 꽃 같아. 부드럽고, 소중하고, 강한 바람에도 쉽게 흔들릴 수 있는." (She is like a delicate flower. Soft, precious, and easily swayed by strong winds.)

Ha-Joon's throat tightened slightly. Scarlet was many things, strong, passionate, and fierce, but there was a quiet vulnerability beneath it all, something he had come to recognize in the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn't watching.

Mr. Kang's eyes softened. "넌 아마 아직 완전히 깨닫지 못할지도 모르겠지만, 내가 본 바로는... 그녀는 너를 세상 그 누구보다도 깊이 사랑하고 있어." (You may not fully realize it yet, but from what I've seen... she loves you deeper than anyone else in this world.)

Ha-Joon's fingers curled slightly at his sides. He swallowed, feeling an unfamiliar tightness in his chest. Mr. Kang stepped closer, his voice lowering. "사람의 마음이란 건 쉽게 변할 수 있지만, 그런 사랑은 평생에 한 번 올까 말까 한 거야. 절대 놓치지 마라." (A person's heart can change easily, but a love like that... it's something that may only come once in a lifetime. Don't let it go.)

Ha-Joon's jaw clenched trying to process everything. Mr. Kang said in english finally. "Trust me my son. She loves you deeper than anyone else in this world... A love like that may only come once in a lifetime. Don't let it go."

Ha-joon wasn't the kind of man to dwell on words, but Mr. Kang's sincerity struck something deep inside him. "감사합니다, 아저씨." (Thank you, Uncle.)

There was a beat of silence, the night air settling between them. Mr. Kang simply gave him a firm nod, his wisdom imparted. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the house, leaving Ha-Joon standing alone in the moonlit parking lot.

Meanwhile... Not far away, Ha-Neul stood by one of the large windows, watching the interaction unfold. His father, his own father was offering Ha-Joon his blessing, speaking of Scarlet as though she were the best thing to happen to him.

His jaw tightened. Why? Why was his father such a strong supporter of them? He turned away from the window, his chest heavy with disappointment. It was clear now, his father had already chosen a side. And it wasn't his.

***

As Ha-Joon stepped inside the grand farmhouse, his mind lingered on Mr. Kang's words. "She loves you deeper than anyone else in this world... A love like that may only come once in a lifetime. Don't let it go." A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Uncle Kang was right.

Scarlet was the best thing that had ever happened to him, even in the chaos that surrounded them, even when she drove him insane with her stubbornness. She was his. And he intended to cherish her, just like Mr. Kang had said.

As he made his way upstairs, Scarlet walked beside him, her arm loosely linked with his. The moment they reached their room, Scarlet opened the door, only to pause in complete shock. The entire room had transformed.

Flowers covered every surface, roses, orchids, lilies, jasmine, tulips, wax flowers, and carnations. The soft, lingering fragrance of fresh petals filled the air, blending with the faint scent of vanilla and lavender candles that flickered softly around the space.

Scarlet blinked, then let out a small, awkward laugh. "I guess Uncle Kang is good at organizing such things."

Ha-Joon huffed out a short chuckle, shaking his head. "He's really going all out today."

Scarlet ran her fingers over the delicate petals of a white tulip, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, clearing her throat, she turned to Ha-Joon and smiled softly. "I'll go get fresh."

Ha-Joon only nodded as she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving him alone in the flower-filled room. Now that Scarlet was gone, Ha-Joon took a moment to truly take in his surroundings. The warm glow of hundreds of candles cast a golden hue across the room, their soft flames flickering in the dim light.

They weren't just on the bedside tables, they lined the window sills, the dresser, and even the floor in delicate, intricate patterns. The scent of sandalwood and roses mixed with the floral aroma, creating something comforting and intoxicating at the same time.

His gaze wandered to the bed, the sheets had been changed to deep crimson silk, smooth and inviting, with a scattering of white jasmine flowers artfully placed over them. It was elegant yet intimate, as if the room itself had been designed for a night of whispered confessions and stolen touches.

Ha-Joon exhaled, running a hand through his hair. This was too much. His uncle really had outdone himself. A small wooden box sat on the nightstand, catching his attention. Curious, Ha-Joon walked over and flipped it open. Inside, he found delicate chocolates wrapped in gold foil, a small handwritten note resting beside them.

"

Cherish every moment. Love isn't just about passion, it's about the quiet gestures, the moments when words aren't needed.

"

Ha-Joon huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. Uncle Kang was playing a matchmaker now. His eyes drifted toward the full-length mirror by the closet, where a single red wax flower was placed thoughtfully on the vanity table. Ha-Joon picked it up, twirling the stem between his fingers.

"She loves you deeper than anyone else in this world... Don't let it go." Mr. Kang's voice echoed in his mind again, and for the first time, Ha-Joon truly let those words settle in his heart. Scarlet wasn't just someone he cared for. She was his home.

Ha-Joon didn’t know what had changed in him. Maybe it was the flowers, the candlelight, the note, or the memory of Uncle Kang’s words. Maybe it was just Scarlet, his Scarlet, her presence filling every part of his world. 

His fingers tightened around the red wax flower as he exhaled deeply. Then, almost absentmindedly, he placed it back on the vanity and turned toward the gramophone in the corner. He flipped through the records, his touch lingering over a familiar one before setting the needle down. 

A smooth jazz melody filled the air, deep and rich, the kind of sound that curled around the senses and seeped into the skin. Ha-Joon closed his eyes for a moment, letting the music settle something restless in his chest. Then, as if pulled by an unseen force, he moved toward the bathroom. 

⚠ Smut Warning ⚠

The door was slightly ajar maybe she forgot to close, or thought Ha-joon wouldn't enter it, steam curling out from the gaps, the scent of vanilla and soft florals heavy in the air. He pushed it open.

Scarlet stood beneath the cascading water, her head tilted back, eyes closed, letting the warm stream run down her body. Strands of her dark hair clung to her damp skin, and for a long second, Ha-Joon just watched. 

Then he stepped forward. Scarlet barely had time to react before Ha-Joon was in front of her, his body pressing her back against the cool marble wall. She gasped softly, startled, but the moment she opened her eyes, any protest died on her lips. 

His hands slid to her waist, fingers pressing against her damp skin as his mouth found hers, claiming her in a kiss that was deep, slow, and all-consuming. Scarlet responded instantly, her hands reaching up, threading through his wet hair as she pulled him impossibly closer. 

The warm water poured over them, but Ha-Joon barely felt it. All he knew was the way Scarlet melted against him, the way her lips parted so easily beneath his, the way she tasted, like something familiar yet intoxicatingly new. 

He tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss, his tongue sweeping against hers, coaxing, demanding. Scarlet whimpered softly, her nails digging into his shoulders as he pressed her harder against the wall. The heat between them burned hotter than the water cascading down their skin. 

Ha-Joon trailed his lips down her jaw, to the hollow of her throat, tasting the drops of water clinging to her skin. Scarlet arched against him, a quiet moan slipping past her lips, sending a shiver down his spine. "You drive me insane," he murmured against her skin, his voice rough, almost accusing. 

Scarlet let out a soft laugh, breathless. "Good." Her lips found his again, urgent, desperate, as if she, too, was drowning in this moment. Ha-Joon groaned into the kiss, his grip on her tightening. For once, neither of them held back.

Ha-Joon didn’t think, he just acted. His hands gripped Scarlet’s thighs, lifting her with ease as he pressed her against the cool glass wall of the shower. A sharp gasp left her lips at the sudden movement, but it quickly turned into a quiet moan when his mouth claimed hers again, desperate and unrelenting. 

Scarlet’s arms wrapped around his shoulders, her fingers tangling in his damp hair as she kissed him back just as fiercely. The contrast between the burning heat of their bodies and the cool slickness of the glass sent a shiver through her. 

Her hands moved quickly, almost frantic, pushing at the soaked fabric clinging to Ha-Joon’s skin. He didn’t stop her, he only groaned against her lips when her fingers brushed over his bare chest, sending a thrill through him. Scarlet fumbled slightly in her rush, her breath coming in soft, uneven pants as she tugged at the last piece of clothing between them. 

The second it was gone, Ha-Joon’s mouth moved lower, tracing a burning path down her jaw to the curve of her neck. He pressed hot, open-mouthed kisses against her damp skin, his tongue teasing just enough to make her head fall back against the glass with a quiet whimper. 

“Red…” he breathed against her pulse, his voice rough, filled with something deeper than just desire. 

Scarlet shivered at the sound, her legs tightening around his waist as her nails raked down his back. She barely recognized herself in this moment, she wasn’t thinking, wasn’t hesitating. She just knew that she wanted more. 

Ha-Joon’s lips found hers again, his kiss searing, possessive. The water cascaded over them, lost in the heat of their bodies, lost in the moment where nothing else existed but each other.

Ha-Joon’s breath was heavy, his pulse thrumming in his ears as he pulled Scarlet from the shower, not giving her a moment to catch her breath. Water dripped from their bodies as he carried her effortlessly through the dimly lit room, the scent of roses and candle wax thick in the air. 

With a low growl, he dropped her onto the bed, the crimson silk sheets cool against her damp skin. Scarlet barely had time to react before he straightened, his hands moving to his belt. His gaze never left hers as he unbuckled it with slow, deliberate movements, the metal clinking softly in the otherwise silent room. 

Scarlet swallowed, her chest rising and falling quickly, heat flooding her face as he slid his jeans down his hips, then pushed his underwear off with the same agonizing slowness. The flickering candlelight cast shadows over the sharp lines of his body, highlighting every toned muscle, every drop of water sliding down his skin. 

She expected him to climb over her immediately, but instead, Ha-Joon smirked, a dark, knowing smirk, as he picked up the belt he had just discarded. Before she could even question him, he grabbed her wrists, pulling them above her head. 

"Joon..." Her breath hitched as he expertly wrapped the leather around her wrists, securing them against the headboard. 

"Shh," he murmured, brushing his lips over her temple as he tightened the knot just enough to hold her still. "Trust me." 

A shiver ran through her at the husky command in his voice, at the way his fingers lingered against her skin before trailing down her bare arm, sending sparks across her body. 

Then, without another word, Ha-Joon dipped his head, his lips finding the sensitive skin along her collarbone. He pressed a soft, lingering kiss there before sinking his teeth in just enough to make her gasp. 

A quiet whimper left her lips as he sucked at the spot, his tongue soothing the sting before moving lower, mapping out a path of red blooms across her skin. He took his time, leaving no inches untouched, her shoulders, the swell of her chest, the dip of her waist. Each mark was deliberate, each touch possessive, as if he wanted to brand her as his. 

"Mine," he murmured against her skin, his voice thick with need, and Scarlet shivered, her wrists tugging against the restraint, wanting to touch him, wanting more. But Ha-Joon only chuckled, dark and low. "Not yet." 

And then his mouth was on her again, stealing the last of her restraint, pulling her deeper into him, into this moment where nothing else mattered but the heat between them.

For a moment, he simply looked at her, taking in the way her damp hair fanned out over the crimson sheets, the way candlelight flickered against the smooth curves of her body. And then, with a deep, shuddering breath, he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that was slow, reverent.

Ha-Joon hovered over Scarlet, his breath mingling with hers, his gaze burning as he took in the sight of her beneath him, tied, flushed, waiting. He dragged his lips over her skin again, pressing one last lingering kiss to the deepening hickeys he had left. Then, he met her gaze, searching. 

Scarlet gave a slow nod, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came. She didn’t need to speak, Ha-Joon could feel it in the way her body responded, in the way her wrists flexed against the leather restraint, in the way her breath hitched as he moved closer. 

His hand slid down her waist, fingers tracing the curve of her hip before gripping it firmly. A soft gasp left her lips as he finally pressed himself against her, his body molding perfectly with hers. His forehead dropped against her shoulder for a moment, his breath uneven, as he let himself sink into the heat of her, the feeling so overwhelming it sent a shudder through him. 

Scarlet whimpered, her legs tightening around his waist, her head tilting back as sensation overtook her. Ha-Joon groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating against her skin as he moved with deliberate slowness, taking his time, savoring the way she trembled beneath him. 

The scent of roses and candle wax surrounded them, the warmth of the silk sheets beneath them a stark contrast to the fire building between them. Ha-Joon’s grip on her hips tightened as he deepened the rhythm, his name falling from Scarlet’s lips like whispered chants. 

As the night stretched on, the only sounds in the room were hushed murmurs, quiet gasps, the rustle of silk against heated skin. Time blurred, lost in shared breaths, stolen kisses, and whispered confessions neither had dared to speak before.

And when they finally collapsed together, breathless and spent, Ha-Joon didn’t untie her right away. Instead, he pressed one last kiss to her wrist before finally freeing her, his fingers brushing over the faint marks left by the belt. 

Scarlet barely had the strength to move as he pulled her into his arms, wrapping himself around her, his warmth chasing away the lingering chill of the night air. She nestled against his chest, her ear pressed to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. 

Ha-Joon sighed deeply, his hand running through her damp hair before settling on her waist. "Sleep," he murmured, his voice husky, softer now. "I’ve got you, Red." 

Scarlet smiled faintly at the name, her fingers curling against his skin. And as exhaustion finally pulled her under, she knew, Ha-Joon wasn’t just holding her. He wasn’t just keeping her close. He was keeping her.