Min-jae:

My head spun round and round, my legs felt like they were about to give away and I couldn't hear, see or feel anything. I felt numb. 

There was a sea of darkness all around me...it was the first time I had felt something like this, and I wasn't sure if I could keep up with it.

There was a shooting pain in my stomach, and I could no longer stand. I felt my grip on the handles near the water filter weaken, and my ankles twist as I fell to the ground...

But the thing was, the fall never came. I suddenly felt a pair of strong hands wrap around my arm, and pull me up.

I fought against the heaviness, and fluttered my eyes open. For a second, everything went into slow-motion...had it been because of my lack of strength, or the fact that my face had been inches away from Kwon Na-Ra - the girl who I had talked to for the first time on the bus ride on the way to the airport.

"Gwenchana?" Na-ra asked. (You okay?)

"Eoh? G-gwenchana..." I struggled but immediately straightened up, careful not to put all my body weight on her. (I'm okay...)

"Jinjja? You look pretty sick...here, put your arm around my shoulder for support," she said, taking my arm and doing so. I was about to hesitate, but she didn't give me a chance to speak. (Really?)

"Mian-hae, I didn't mean to put you through all this trouble," I apologised, as she walked me to the fountain that was situated outdoors, in the centre of the resort ("Some fresh air will do you good," Na-ra had said). (I'm sorry)

"Aniya, it's no bother at all. I'm just glad that I reached in time, you know. It was such a coincidence, I was heading to the front desk to ask for a spare tent-key, when I noticed you," Na-ra explained. (No problem)

"Gomawo, Na-ra ya," I smiled weakly. (Thanks)

Na-ra smiled, and motioned me to sit on the stone bench near the fountain. She took a seat next to me.

The cold breeze hit my face, and I felt better in an instant. Na-ra was right, the fresh air did help. The freshly cut, green grass smelled like the rain... it was something that reminded me of home, and my family.

A sheet of dark, humid clouds enveloped the sky, and it seemed like there was a storm coming our way.

"Listen...I know we haven't known each other for long, but I'd love to get to know you," Na-ra said, breaking into my thoughts. 

I really hoped that this wasn't going where I thought it was, because I didn't want to lead her on...I was far from getting over Hae-ri. Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance on her...it would be nice to have a friend who wasn't a part of all the complications in my life; someone who I could talk to, without hesitating about her interacting with Hae-ri or Jessica or the guys, and making things even tougher. 

"Geurae, joha," I grinned. (Sure, I'd like that)

...

"Anyway, I don't know what's bothering you, but whatever it was...it seemed pretty deep. If you're ever in a situation like that again, try doing some breathing exercises. My little sister used to get panic attacks, it always helped her," Na-ra suggested.

"Does it? Gomawo, I'll try it out if you say so..." I appreciated, "So, you have a sister then," (Thanks)

"Oh yeah, she's 15. We've always been close, despite our age gap. I always took care of her before I left for Uni. It hurt the most to leave her behind, but I still video-call her every couple of days," Na-ra told me, "Sorry I'm talking a lot, I've always been an extrovert!"

"Aniya, to be honest I'm an extrovert too, so it's nice to hear someone do most of the talking, for a change. Between my other friends and I, I'm the chatterbox," I exposed myself with a laugh. (Not at all)

Weirdly, I found myself telling her about my hyung, "I've got a sibling too, an elder brother. His name's Min-woo. I've always been close to him. He used to be my best friend, until he had to go away to University...I was in 10th grade at the time,"

Immediately, I wished to change the topic. Min-woo hyung was not the best topic to speak about at that moment. 

"Ah, so you must've missed him a lot during the rest of your school years, then," Na-ra looked at me with curious eyes.

"Well, luckily for me, his university was very close to our house, so he used to come home pretty often," I smiled, remembering our old days.

* flashback - 4 years ago, at the Chois' home during the summer break*

The dining room was filled with laughter and happy conversations. It had been the first week of the summer break, and Min-ho had invited Jessica and Hae-ri to spend the evening at his house. Min-woo had come home from Uni for a few weeks, too. 

Mrs.Choi had cooked a delicious meal, and the teenagers were having a wonderful time. 

"Jeongal massisseoyo!" Hae-ri squeeled delightedly as she tried a bite of the Naengmyeon (which are chilled buckwheat noodles served in a cold broth, often garnished with slices of cucumber, pear, boiled eggs, and sometimes beef) and the grilled mackerel. (It's so delicious!)

"Gomawo, sweetheart. I'm so glad you like it," Mrs.Choi said, gently patting Hae-ri's back.

"Nae! Your cooking reminds me of my mom, Mrs.Choi. Back in Australia, she used to learn Korean recipes to cook Korean meals for me, because I craved it so much after watching so many dramas!" Jessica complimented.

"Geurae? Well, you can always let me know if there's anything that you're craving, and I'll send it to school with Min-jae yah, arrasseo?" Mrs.Choi smiled, ruffling Jessica's short, wavy hair. (Is that so?, okay?)

Although she didn't like to admit it, Min-jae had known that Jess had always been his mom's favourite.

"Algesseubnida!" Jessica laughed with gratitude. (Yes, ma'am!)

"Yoebo," Mr.Choi said to Mrs.Choi, "Why are you standing there? Join us at the table, you must be so tired after cooking this wonderful meal for us," he said affectionately. (Honey)

"Nae, eomma! Bbali, this food with get wiped out in seconds, it so soothing to our palettes!" Min-woo flattered Mrs.Choi. Her eldest son's praise meant everything to her. (Yeah, mom! Hurry)

Min-jae sat back, observing his family and friends interact with each other with warmth and love. Although the atmosphere was filled with chaos, that day had been one of Min-jae's happiest memories of his highschool life. 

*end of flashback*

Na-ra and I sat in silence, lost in our own thoughts. Suddenly, I felt a drop of water on my palm...and then another...and another. We looked at each other, realised that it had started to drizzle.

I stood up in a hurry, and whipped my jacket off my shoulders. Taking Na-ra's hand, I held the jacket above our heads, and led her back to her tent. 

We ran across the lawn, the golden lamps glimmering around us. 

For a few moments, all my worries had been forgotten.