"THE SUN SET ON HER LIPS, THE MOON ROSE IN HER EYES, HER SOUL WAS BUSY FORMING GALAXIES.
AND HE? HE FELL IN LOVE WITH HER DARKEST SKIES."

Yoon Min had completely healed from the harrowing experience of her kidnapping, although both visible and hidden scars remained. Seokjin realized this the day she was discharged from the hospital two weeks later. When he went to pick her up from the hospital, he overheard her doctor telling her she might have irregular nightmares and insecure thoughts for a certain time.

Knowing Yoon Min so well by now, he was aware she would continue to constantly blame herself for the unfortunate event. Even though the support from his members had helped her break insecurity, he knew she would remember this incident for the rest of her life as a reminder that she never deserved Seokjin.

However, he was not going to let that happen. Lucky for her, he had a camping trip planned for the two of them to escape the city that one hell of a month and help them both find a moment of solace and privacy.

After another week of planning, they had chosen a destination, one that was perfect for a relaxing gateway. Dumulmeori is a scenic camping spot located in Yangpyeong, South Korea, where the Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet. Surrounded by nature, it offers breathtaking views of riverside landscapes and mountains, making it ideal for a quiet, nature-filled camping experience.

So around late November, they both managed two days for themselves. For two days, they could be the destined lovers they were, away from their lives' daily routine, away from the public's searching eyes, away from the difficult phases of their past and away from everything that could separate them.

The RV rolled to a stop with a gentle crunch of gravel under its wheels. Seokjin shifted the gear into the park and turned off the engine, letting out a sigh as the tranquillity of Dumulmeori enveloped them. The outside air was fresh, with the subtle aroma of pine trees blending with the rich scent of the nearby river. Next to him, Yoon Min gazed out the window, absorbing the vast, idyllic landscape. The peaceful atmosphere hit her instantly, making her sigh in contentment. He could feel the excitement growing in her heart.

"This place is marvellous, Jin-ssi."

He knew this place was phenomenal. That's why he wanted to come here. Through the window, he could see a few scattered cars and campers parked here and there, but the place was remarkably peaceful.

Yoon Min leaned forward from the passenger seat, peering out of the window with curious eyes. "Is it just me, or does the campsite seem pretty empty? Did we come too early?"

"Nope. It's all ours for two days."

She blinked at him, her face unreadable for a moment. Then, she started yelling in disbelief. "Wait, what? You rented the whole place?!"

He wasn't surprised by her question because he was clearly proud of his decision.

"Are you like showing off your wealth? Because I already know what your Net Worth is, thank you very much!" She opened the door, stepping out onto the gravel. "This is absolutely unnecessary! It's not enough that you managed a semi-luxurious RV, but you also had to rent the entire campsite."

He laughed, following her out of the RV. "Of course," he teased, stepping onto the ground next to her. "I wanted this trip to be perfect. Just you and me. No distractions, no one else."

"You're ridiculous. And what about my money? The envelope I gave you that contained my expenses."

He chuckled, leaning against the car. "It's back in your place, sleeping exactly where you left it."

Yoon Min actually gasped in shock.

"I'm not letting you pay. It's my job. So just relax and enjoy the experience."

"But we agreed I would share the expenses with you," she pouted.

He reached over to gently ruffle her hair. "This is your first time on a trip in your entire life. I have to let you enjoy it, Yoon Min. You deserve this. I'm going to make sure these two days are unforgettable."

She shook her head but couldn't stop the smile creeping up. "Fine. But only this time! I'm not a baby that needs to be spoiled on her first-ever trip."

"You are a baby."

"You know who's the real baby?" she pointed her finger at him. "The one who brought TWO gaming consoles on a CAMPING trip and packed his bedtime snacks!"

"Hey, snacks are an essential part of survival and I brought that extra console for you. I'm being responsible."

"Sure, keep telling yourself that, baby." She stomped away to the campsite like a cartoon character.

Seokjin took off his sunglasses and stared at her with a wide, almost boyish smile. He chuckled under his breath, following her. He couldn't wait to spend these two days with her.

✦✧✧ - ✧✧✦

Their morning began with the soft hum of the heater combating the chilly late-November air. The RV, thoughtfully chosen for comfort, was cosy yet functional, featuring two separate bedrooms with plush bedding, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a small dining nook by a window offering a serene view of Dumulmeori's tranquil waters. They had opted for the RV instead of a tent, knowing the winter cold would make camping less enjoyable.

The RV's warmth enveloped them as they enjoyed a simple breakfast of toast, scrambled eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. After their meal, they laced up their hiking boots and headed outside, eager to explore the trails meandering through Dumulmeori.

Golden sunlight streamed through bare trees, creating elongated shadows on the frost-covered paths. Yoon Min was captivated by every detail- the way the reeds gently swayed along the riverbank, the sparkling dew on the fallen leaves, and the distant sounds of waterfowl. The tranquillity of the natural environment left her in wonder, prompting a smile from Seokjin at her childlike amazement. They strolled hand in hand, their breath visible in the cold air, often pausing to admire the breathtaking views of the confluence where two rivers unified, their waters mirroring the pale sky.

Later, they found a secluded spot by the riverbank, perfect for fishing. This was Seokjin's domain, and he eagerly showed Yoon Min how to cast a line with precision. His passion was evident in his technique, wisdom pouring out at every step of the lesson. She watched him in admiration when he started catching fish on a roll. She tried her hand at fishing, but her lack of experience led to more tangles than catches so instead, she settled onto a blanket nearby, reading a crime-thriller novel, glancing up every so often to cheer when Seokjin reeled in another fish. Hours passed this way, with him catching an impressive variety of fish, which he carefully stored for their dinner.

For lunch, they ventured to a nearby eatery. The warm, bustling café offered local delicacies, and the duo savoured hearty dishes that perfectly complemented the cold weather. Seokjin insisted Yoon Min try a spicy fish stew, which she found nasty and almost vomited.

Upon returning to their RV, the late afternoon unfolded in a cosy calm. Yoon Min took a short nap in her room, soothed by the gentle hum of the heater and the warm blankets, while Seokjin stayed in his own room engaging in video games.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they set up a small camp outside the RV. A portable firepit crackled, its warmth cutting through the cold. Seokjin took charge of preparing the fish, marinating it with a blend of spices, while Yoon Min flitted around him, offering unsolicited advice and occasionally assisting in cooking. Her playful antics included hugging him from behind, standing on her toes to kiss his face, and making weird, funny sounds to bother him.

In addition to grilled fish, they barbecued skewers of vegetables and meat. The simple yet flavorful meal was made even better by their shared laughter and their neverending banter. As they ate by the firelight, the stars emerged one by one, a dazzling display in the clear winter sky, wrapping up their day with a sense of peace and fun.

The evening deepened into a tranquil, starry night as Seokjin and Yoon Min basked in the soft glow of their firepit. The warmth of the flames wrapped around them, much like the cosy atmosphere they'd created with their silent talks and infinite stories. Seokjin had an arm draped lazily over Yoon Min's shoulders as she rested her head against him. The smell of grilled fish and barbecue still lingered in the air, mingling with the crisp, earthy scent of the riverside.

Just as he leaned closer for a kiss, she froze, her attention snagged by a faint rustling sound from the shadows beyond their firelight.

"What is it?" he asked, sitting up slightly.

She didn't respond. Instead, she removed his arm from her and stood before tiptoeing her way towards the dark edge of the van. He followed her direction and found the object of her attention.

A small white kitten, barely larger than an apple, timidly padded into the circle of firelight. Its fluffy coat glowed faintly in the flickering flames, and its dusty blue eyes darted between the approaching Yoon Min and the fire. It looked fragile, its tiny form shivering slightly as it cautiously crept away, hiding behind a chair.

"Oh my gosh, look at him!" Yoon Min squealed, springing up with excitement. She knelt and extended her hand carefully, coaxing the animal toward her with soft whispers. "It's okay, little love. Come to me."

The kitten startled momentarily at her movement but quickly regained its courage by letting out three meows and taking slow hesitant steps closer. In no time, it surrendered to her charm, rubbing its tiny head against her palm and letting out the softest of purrs.

She scooped the kitten into her arms, cradling it gently against her chest. "Jin-ssi, isn't he adorable?" she gushed, her eyes sparkling as she scratched behind the kitten's ears. "Do we have some leftover fish? I want to feed him."

Seokjin, however, was far from excited. He watched the kitten warily, his lips turning down into a frown. He wasn't fond of this little dude effortlessly capturing his girlfriend's attention in less than a minute. The sight of her attention on the unexpected stranger hurt more than he wanted to acknowledge. He let out a huff and crossed his arms before turning his gaze elsewhere.

Yoon Min chuckled, easily catching on to his mood. "Come on, don't be a stranger," she teased and walked to him, holding the meowing animal. "Who is the prettiest cloud puff in the world? You are! Yes, you are. You're the softest, sweetest, most precious bundle of joy I've ever seen!"

She started to feed him. Meanwhile, he glared at the animal munching the fish slices greedily. First, this dude steals his woman, then sits on her lap and now eating his food!

"What are you going to do with it?" he asked, feigning disinterest.

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well, I could keep him. I always wanted a cat or a dog. My mother never allowed us to have pets. But now I can raise him." She stroked the kitten's soft fur, and in response, she received a meow. "Just look at him- he's all alone out here. No sign of his family."

Rolling his eyes, he ignored the animal wrongfully getting her attention and held onto his patience. Okay, maybe the kitten was cute, but it had no right to be cuter than him.

"Let's name him Yoongi!" Yoon Min suggested playfully. "Or Boongi!"

"Absolutely no." He glanced back at them. "It doesn't even match his face."

"Alright, alright, how about...Toothless? Whiskers? Gizzy? I can't choose one!" She cried, holding the kitten closer to her face as if it would help her. "Oh, I got it. From henceforth, he shall be called Frodo, named after a character from my favourite series!"

The kitten- Frodo meowed cutely and licked her cheek, approving the name.

Seokjin opened his mouth to add a dry comment, but she cut him off with a wistful smile. "You know...he kind of reminds me of Jjangu."

At the mention of his late dog, his expression softened. The kitten's wide, curious eyes and tiny, vulnerable frame did vaguely resemble Jjangu as a puppy. A lump formed in his throat as memories of his family's beloved dog flooded back.

Sensing the shift in his expression, Yoon Min reached out, placing a hand on his. "I know how much you loved Jjangu. I wish I could have met him..."

He sighed, his resolve crumbling as he looked at the kitten again. It was now snuggled contentedly in her arms, looking impossibly tiny and innocent. "Yes," he relented, his voice soft. "He does look a bit like Jjangu."

She sighed, too, and leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek. "Hey, maybe this little ball can fill a part of that missing space. Won't you, little love? Won't you take care of Jin-ssi when he gets sad?"

The kitten mewed softly, as if agreeing, and Seokjin rolled his eyes with a small, reluctant smile. He leaned forward and patted the kitten's head, earning a giggle from Yoon Min.

As the night deepened, the three of them huddled by the fire, the tiny kitten already felt like a part of their little family. It was a moment of warmth and quiet joy, made all the sweeter by the love and understanding they shared.

☆THE FAULT IN OUR STARS☆

THANK YOU FOR READING
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