NLFSD Chapter 77

Chapter 77

The mention of “prizes” piqued Jiwoon’s curiosity at first, but then he remembered the last time — first place at the quiz contest had earned him nothing but a pile of Sookryeo‑Doongyi¹ merchandise. He tamped down his expectations quickly. Even if they won again, it would just be more of the same. Honestly, roaming the forest hand‑in‑hand with Taecheon is the real prize.

And with that thought, Jiwoon saw through the organizer’s intent completely.

In truth, there weren’t many treasure notes hidden, and the prizes weren’t spectacular. The whole point was simply to get couples to walk together, enjoy the woods, and cooperate.

“Once the treasure hunt is done, we’ll gather back here on the grass for a communal picnic. Tonight, there will also be a campfire. Lodging has been arranged — each couple gets their own log cabin. A cozy experience, indeed.”

Paragliding would’ve been fun, but this really is healing. I’m glad we chose this course.

“Treasure hunt begins now for the next hour. Start!”

“Let’s go quickly!”

Beaming, Jiwoon tugged on Taecheon’s hand. Running didn’t necessarily mean finding treasures faster, but his mood was high just to run and laugh.

Crisp, fresh air filled his lungs. Early winter chill softened by daytime sun made the forest uplifting with every breath.

“Walking like this, it’s not cold at all.”

“Same for me.”

Good. My body feels stable — no fever swings this time.

Relieved, Jiwoon squeezed Taecheon’s hand tighter.

Here and there forest interpreters in park uniforms greeted couples, explaining the hidden wonders: secrets of phytoncides², the meaning of forest as an ecosystem. Jiwoon and Taecheon paused often, listening to tales of old trees and their life force.

“Oh no, we should be looking for treasure!”

“Indeed. Time has passed quickly.”

Thirty minutes already gone, simply holding hands and talking.

“Feels like time flows all on its own.”

“It is strange… I feel the same.”

“Honestly… this feels like a dream. Just walking hand‑in‑hand with you like this.”

It was natural — in the early stages of romance, even idle gazes felt fun. Jiwoon playfully wriggled his fingers in Taecheon’s, tightening grip then pretending to slip out. Taecheon watched tenderly, murmuring:

“Can’t sit still, can you?”

He tucked Jiwoon’s hand into his jacket pocket.

“Let me tie it down properly.”

“T‑Taecheon…”

“Warm, isn’t it?”

Trapped in his pocket, the hand was confined yet cozy. Jiwoon’s ears flushed pink. Despite being physically intimate many times already, even such small everyday skinship made him blush furiously.

My chest feels like bursting, it’s all so overwhelming. Like one poke from a needle would make me explode.

Flustered, embarrassed, giddy — he was drowning in it when—

“Look, over there!”

At the base of a giant tree trunk, amidst tall grass, a folded note peeked out.

“The treasure note.”

“Yes! That’s it!”

Running over, they snatched it up. Sealed with a Sookryeo‑Doongyi sticker, inside read: “Congratulations, First Place!”

“What—! First place!”

“Indeed it is. Well done, Jiwoon.”

Even expected to be trivial, the joy of winning was undeniable. Grinning, Jiwoon clasped the note to his chest.

“Since we found it early, should we eat our lunch?”

“Kimbap? Sounds good.”

Still thirty minutes left, plenty enough for food. They spread their mini picnic mat, laid out the drinks and lunchbox. The kimbap looked like abstract art, but coffee and juice gave an air of legitimacy.

On the mat, Jiwoon handed a roll to Taecheon.

“Say ‘ah.’”

“I won’t refuse.”

Over‑oiled, over‑salted — the rolls were barely edible. But Taecheon reminded himself of the sincerity. He quietly ate, piece by piece, until the container was empty.

“Delicious. You could open a Kimbap Heaven³ chain.”

“Really?”

“Would sell out instantly.”

“Try the coffee too. I made it this morning on the capsule machine.”

He handed over the tumbler. Luckily, he had picked exactly Taecheon’s preference: a high‑caffeine espresso pod.

“Excellent. I like it very much.”

“Thank goodness.”

“You’re not eating kimbap?”

“Ah… I snacked too much during prep, so I’m tired of it.”

“Then at least drink orange juice.”

He reached for the cap.

“No, no. I already drank lots in the morning.”

“You usually go crazy for orange juice.”

“I actually had three bottles already before we left. I’m fine.”

In truth, his stomach ached dully since earlier. The same heavy feeling from last night. Alarm bells rang inside him — but he smiled, hiding it.

Body, don’t fail me here. Please settle down.

Feigning fullness, he covered the lunchbox.

“I’ll wait for the proper dinner later.”

They packed away food, rolled up the mat, and walked back to the trailhead.

“Did you all find treasures?”

“Yes!”

Jiwoon raised his hand high. So did most couples.

“Who found first prize?”

“We did.”

“Oh, our lucky winners! Come forward.”

Led ahead, Jiwoon received a surprisingly large box. Its weight was hefty.

“Here is your first prize!”

“What is it?”

“Open and see.”

Inside was a figure about 20 cm tall—another Sookryeo‑Doongyi, except finished in rigid plastic, not plush.

“…A doll? But we already have one at home.”

Disappointed, he recalled the previous plush. But the organizer beamed.

“It isn’t a plush — it’s AI! Artificial Intelligence Sookryeo‑Doongyi!”

“What?”

“It answers commands: ask it today’s weather, and it’ll find data. It can control appliances by voice, and even play word games when bored.”

“Wow.” Participants murmured it was actually quite useful.

“And here’s the best part — press the heart button on its cheek.”

Jiwoon examined. Indeed, a heart‑shaped button. He pressed it.

“Darling! I love you!”

The synthetic voice blared, LEDs flashing across its chest with scrolling text: <Darling! I love you>.

“Surprised? That’s just an example recorded by a voice actor. Each couple can record your own personalized messages and place it by your spouse’s bedside.”

“Now that is neat.”

Jiwoon was genuinely impressed. He imagined leaving sweet recordings to surprise Taecheon — maybe hide it in bed, or more daringly place it on his desk at work. The thought thrilled him.

“I like it! Thank you so much.”

“If the winners are happy, so are we! Applause!”

Back at his seat, Taecheon smiled wide.

“So you like it this much?”

“Yes. Especially the ‘Darling, I love you’ feature. Amazing.”

As if to prove it, Jiwoon pressed the cheek again. The robotic voice echoed: I love you.

Yes. Someday, I’ll say the words myself. Then Taecheon will answer back with his incredible voice.

But then—his thoughts snagged.

Wait a minute. I—I haven’t said them yet, out of shyness. But come to think of it… hasn’t Taecheon never said “I love you” to me either? Not even “I like you”?

The hollow feeling he’d sensed during the proposal resurfaced, sharp.

We’re dating now, married even, but something felt missing. Now I know… it’s this. We never exchanged those words.