NLFSD Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The ferry sliced through the blue sea for thirty minutes before arriving at the small island.

“We’re here. Let’s get off.”

“Ha… Finally, we made it.”

The island, said to have a population of less than 500, was sparsely visited by tourists. Only a group of backpackers, an elderly couple, and Seo Taecheon and Lee Jiwoon disembarked.

At the dock, a large poster announced an increase in fuel surcharges and a revision of the ferry schedule. The ferries returning to Ganghwa Island ran only three times a day, with the final departure at 5 p.m. A small note explained that the 7 p.m. departure had been removed following the peak summer season.

Good. I need to miss that boat! I’ll show up around 6:30 looking completely devastated and claim I didn’t know the 7 p.m. ferry was canceled. Hehe.

“Shouldn’t we buy our return tickets now?” Seo Taecheon began walking toward the ticket booth where the poster was displayed.

Startled, Lee Jiwoon grabbed the hem of his coat.

“Ah, no! On islands like this, ferry tickets usually don’t sell out. My stomach’s upset—let’s just get out of here.”

“Still not feeling well? That’s unfortunate.”

“Yes. I don’t even want to smell the sea. Ugh.”

Feigning nausea, Jiwoon dragged Seo Taecheon away from the terminal.

Once outside, Jiwoon paused to collect his thoughts. The goal of this trip was clear. He had braved the risk of their reflection score increasing due to traveling together, so he had to make the most of the reward.

First: I must figure out Seo Taecheon’s ideal type in detail and tailor my behavior accordingly.

Second: When we inevitably miss the last ferry… Though I have little dating experience and no idea what to do, I will initiate a deep conversation. A heartfelt emotional exchange is essential, and if it escalates to a physical one—so much the better.

Unaware of how flushed his face had become, Jiwoon grinned to himself. Taecheon, watching Jiwoon’s ever-changing expressions beside him, once again found him entertaining.

“Then let’s get started!”

Jiwoon enthusiastically took the lead. As the designated tour and dining planner for the trip, he had promised to organize the entire itinerary.

“If we go that way, there’s a hill. The view from the top is supposed to be spectacular.”

“Sounds good. Let’s take some photos there.”

The two strolled along a quiet country road. The island wasn’t widely known among tourists, mostly frequented by backpackers and hiking enthusiasts, so it lacked well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Much of the road was unpaved, and when they reached the hill Jiwoon had mentioned, they had to ascend via an unmaintained trail.

Unaccustomed to hiking, Jiwoon found it exhausting to climb several kilometers uphill. His legs ached, and he was out of breath.

Seo Taecheon, on the other hand, appeared entirely unaffected, easily leading the way. Seriously, I’m the one taking herbal supplements—why is he the one bursting with energy? The man lives on black coffee!

“Ugh-cha,” Jiwoon groaned, pushing off his knees, struggling onward. Taecheon turned back and offered his hand.

“Take my hand.”

“Huh?”

“Sorry. I should have kept pace with you.”

“Ah…”

Jiwoon reached out and grasped Taecheon’s hand tightly. His heart thudded wildly. It was the strong, calloused hand of an alpha.

Not swooning while holding this hand should be illegal. Illegal!

Though he wanted to freak out with excitement, Jiwoon bit his lip instead, unable to openly react.

 

They reached the top of the hill, took in the panoramic view of the West Sea, and snapped some photos. After uploading the photos and tagging their location on the Reflection App, it was already 1 p.m.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“Starving.”

Jiwoon scrunched his face.

“I was trying to figure out what you’d like, so I researched three restaurants.”

“Three?”

“First is mushroom bulgogi, second is grilled eel, third is chicken stew.”

“They all sound good. Let’s go wherever you want.”

“Really?”

Honestly, he wanted to try all three, but today Jiwoon was leaning toward eel. The rich, oily flavor would boost both his mood and energy. Of course, vigor was a bonus.

Even though he wasn’t entirely sure what “vigor” truly entailed, Jiwoon grinned with ambition.

“Then I’ll take you to the grilled eel place.”

Descending the hill, they arrived at a restaurant known for having the best view on the island.

“Welcome!”

It was clearly a local favorite, with a few tables already occupied. For such a remote island, that meant business was good.

“We’ll have eight portions of the seasoned grilled eel, please.”

“You’re ordering eight portions for two?”

The owner, an elderly lady, asked in surprise. Jiwoon scratched his head sheepishly.

“You know how eel is—you just can’t stop once you start.”

“Fine by me. Sit tight. I’ll make it delicious.”

After the owner went to the kitchen, Jiwoon turned to Taecheon to explain.

“Today’s meal is on me. Eel is pricey.”

“How expensive could it be? Eat as much as you want—it’s my treat.”

“What?”

“Order sixteen portions, thirty-two if you’d like.”

“Really, Director?”

Jiwoon’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s. Taecheon smiled and pushed the side dishes toward him.

When the pre-grilled eel was served, Jiwoon was practically dazed. He popped a piece into his mouth and his soul nearly left his body.

“Wow, it melts. It just disappeared in my mouth.”

“It’s delicious.”

“In my 27 years of life, I’ve never had anything this good.”

“Don’t eat too fast. Take your time.”

Taecheon handed him a glass of water with a gentle smile. Jiwoon wiped the sauce off his lips with a napkin, hiding a smile of his own.

As expected—he really does like seeing me eat. This is great.

After the meal, they slowly toured the island, enjoying the coastal scenery. They visited the famous elephant-shaped rock and stopped at the island’s only café for coffee.

Jiwoon ordered his usual vanilla latte, while Taecheon opted for an Americano. They sat across from each other, gazing out the window.

“The view’s amazing. I guess it’s because the sky’s so clear—you can see all the way out to the horizon.”

“It really is beautiful, even though it’s a small island.”

Nodding as if in agreement, Jiwoon checked his watch. It was now 4:45 p.m.—only fifteen minutes left until the last ferry at five. Just a little more delay. That was his plan.

But at that moment, Taecheon spoke.

“By the way, what time is the last ferry?”

Crap. Not now. Jiwoon panicked but forced a calm response.

“Ah… Seven o’clock! It’s at seven.”

“Are you sure?”

“O-of course! I’m the one who planned this trip, remember? You think I wouldn’t know that? Haha.”

He laughed awkwardly and buried his face in his coffee cup. Please don’t look it up. Please don’t check the ferry schedule on your phone.

But unfortunately, Taecheon picked up his phone and stared at the screen intently.

It’s over. He must’ve looked up the schedule online. Now he’ll know that the last ferry left at five, not seven, after the peak season ended. The dock isn’t far—we could probably run and catch it if we hurry… Ugh.

Just as Jiwoon was about to despair, Taecheon said something unexpected.

“This café has great reviews for their juices. Want to try a fruit juice or smoothie?”

“…What?”

“Since we’ve got time, let’s have another drink and then take a walk along the shore.”

Wait…? So he wasn’t checking the ferry schedule, just reading café reviews?

Jiwoon exhaled in relief and clutched his chest.

“Then I’ll have a tomato, a plum, and a peach juice. One of each.”

After downing three more drinks, Jiwoon and Taecheon walked along the coast. The seagulls cried overhead as the sun set, painting a picturesque scene.

“This really is a wonderful place. Thank you for finding it.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Shall we head back to catch the ferry?”

Taecheon glanced at his watch. Jiwoon nodded confidently. It was now six o’clock. The ferry was long gone.

When they arrived at the dock, a sign read: “No more departures today. Please take the morning ferry.”

“Oh no. Is the ferry gone?”

Jiwoon spoke in a deliberately wooden tone, pretending to sweat nervously.

“Oh no, Director. I must’ve gotten the time wrong.”

He turned his head slightly, putting on his best ‘what a pity’ expression. But it was obvious to anyone that he was acting. Badly.

“Hmm. Looks like the last ferry was canceled after peak season. It’s written right there. Nothing we can do.”

Taecheon folded his arms and seemed to consider the situation before speaking again.

“We’ve no choice. We’ll have to spend the night here.”

“What? Spend the night here?”

Feigning shock, Jiwoon raised both hands dramatically. The awkwardness was palpable. But inside, he was dancing with joy.

Yes! It worked! All that’s left now is to find a guesthouse and share a room!

“Then… um… let’s find a guesthouse! Let’s ask if there are any rooms available!”

“Alright. I’ll go ask the clerk over there for directions.”

“Okay!”

They inquired and were directed to a small country house. Just as promised, a sign out front read “Room Available,” and a grandmother stood in the yard.

“Excuse me, ma’am. We missed the ferry… do you happen to have a room available?”

Jiwoon asked cautiously, his eyes blazing with a desperate signal.

Please! Say there’s only one room left. Just one!

The grandmother, a seasoned veteran of 30 years in the guesthouse business, had a sharp eye. From the looks of it, these two were clearly a couple—but not one that had crossed the final line yet.

At this hour, with this temperature and humidity—what better setting for an alpha and omega to cause some trouble?

Yes. That omega is sending me a signal right now.

With her assessment complete, the grandmother spoke with feigned regret.

“Oh dear. I do have a room left, but it’s just one.”

Behind her, multiple rooms stood empty with wide-open doors. But Jiwoon played along without missing a beat.

“Oh no. Really? Just one room? What do we do…”

Even Taecheon could see that there were plenty of empty rooms.

All three of them—Jiwoon, the grandmother, and Taecheon—knew the house was full of vacancies. But no one pointed it out.

“What do we do, Director? She says there’s only one room. Just one!”

“Well, what can we do? We’ll have to share it.”

“That’s right. I’ll get the bedding ready. Sorry about this—there’s just the one room left. We’re completely full.”

Muttering to herself, the grandmother headed to the master bedroom. No one was fooled, but everyone played along.