Chapter 40: Even When We're Apart, She Still Feels Close to Me

Chapter 40: Even When We're Apart, She Still Feels Close to Me

TL: looloo

Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat

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Mid-July.

Amidst scorching sunlight typical of summer, a spacious carnival van races down the highway, brushed by a fierce wind.

Inside, my friends and I are seated, all members of this valley trip. Thankfully, Shin Uihyun's aunt, who kindly picked us up all the way from Seoul, is driving.

A few days had passed since Heena and I had our date at the zoo, and now we were on our previously planned trip. The only change was that instead of an overnight stay, we now had a three-day, two-night itinerary.

Heena was a little downhearted last night because of this. We did part ways with a smile at the end, though.

Having Uihyun's aunt, who was kind enough to pick us up from Seoul, drive us around for such a long distance on consecutive days might be burdensome. However, she mentioned she had work in Seoul in a couple of days, so we adjusted our plans accordingly.

While I was relieved that the accommodation and transportation costs were covered, the downside was that I suffered from motion sickness, which I wouldn't have experienced had we taken the train.

Trying to calm my queasy stomach, I turned to Uihyun, who was seated in the passenger seat.

"How much longer?"

"If I remember correctly, about an hour?"

"Thank god we're moving smoothly. I would've thrown up if we got stuck."

"If you're feeling sick, let me know. Auntie! Isn't there a rest stop coming up soon?"

"Yes, there is. Want to stop?"

Out of consideration for me, I quickly shook my head, "I'm fine! I've been better with the motion sickness today than I thought..."

"Tell me if it gets too much. It's okay to stop for a while."

"Thank you."

I expressed gratitude to the concerned lady and leaned my head against the window, holding my phone.

The others, seemingly immune to motion sickness, had been watching YouTube on their phones for a while. But when I stare at my phone screen, it exacerbates my nausea, so I only check it occasionally.

[ Han Yeonho: We still have an hour left... I want to get off... ]

[ Heena: Is your motion sickness that bad? ᅲᅲ What should we do about that... ]

[ Han Yeonho: I'm still holding on... I'll message you again later ]

[ Heena: Yeah... Try to keep your gaze far off. It might help a bit ]

[ Han Yeonho: Okay ]

I sent Heena a message to let her know I'm still alive. She must have been looking at her phone as she replied immediately.

But even the short time I spent messaging made my stomach churn. I still forced myself to send these texts because Heena had requested it.

'Can you send a message every 30 minutes after we start the trip?'

'Every 30 minutes? Got it. I won't forget this time. It's not like there's anything else to do in the car anyway.'

'Thanks! Love you!'

After once not replying for several hours, I developed a habit of checking my phone more often.

I also try to reply to Heena's messages as quickly as possible.

I intended not to let go of my phone during this valley trip. Recalling how Heena seemed somewhat anxious as she tightly held my hand, I ended up sending messages not every 30 minutes, but almost every 15.

Of course, Heena knew about my severe motion sickness, so our conversation was brief.

As soon as I sent the message, I remembered Heena's advice and gazed at the distant mountains.

My phone rang again after a short while.

If it was from Heena, I'd check; if not, I'd ignore. This time, it was again a message from Heena.

Not even 5 minutes had passed since the last message. Curious about the sudden message, I opened the chat to find a short video file.

I've received many photos before, but this was the first time she sent a video. For a moment, I forgot about my nausea and immediately downloaded it.

My budget-friendly unlimited data plan meant I didn’t have to worry about data usage. The video itself was only 5 seconds long anyway.

The download finished quickly, and the video played.

Immediately, Heena's face filled the screen. She was smiling softly. Drawing her lips close to the camera, she made a kissing sound, mimicking a kiss.

That was all the video was about, and there was a message below it.

"How far is it?"

"About 5 minutes? There’s a path made by the locals and my uncle. Just a short walk down that way."

"Hey, guys! Gather up! The air's so fresh, and the view is stunning. Let's snap a photo!"

Eager to share with Heena, everyone assembled for a selfie.

"Kim Suhwang, move your big head!"

"Just snap it. If his head gets cut off, it's no big deal."

"Has all the food gone to his head?"

"Why are you all picking on my head?"

"Ready, everyone? One, two, three!"

After taking the picture, as expected, half of someone's head was out of frame. But, the eyes were visible, so it was fine.

The group then debated about the concept for a group photo.

With the liberation from the long car ride, the beautiful scenery, the fresh air, and the excitement of the trip, we didn't want just one snap.

Eventually, we decided on a pose inspired by a TV show we saw as kids.

"What was the Power Rangers pose again?"

"It varies by series. Should we look it up?"

While the super fans, Yoonsung and Uihyun, were busy with the details, I struck a pose and shouted, "I'm Han Yeonho! Born to be Megaforce Red!"

"Han Yeon's at it again... I'm Kim Suhwang! The epitome of cool, Megaforce Black!"

"I've never seen it. Is there a blue? What's the pose?"

Kim Suhwang and I took our spots, and soon after, Hyunwoo, who was previously unsure, quickly joined with the other two who were searching for poses on their phones.

"If you don't know, step back! I'm Jung Yoonsung, Megaforce Blue!"

"And I am Shin Uihyun, Megaforce Silver!"

"You guys are crazy..."

Our antics, somewhat embarrassing but entertaining among friends, were captured in a photo by Uihyun's late-arriving uncle.

It may have been a bit awkward, but when you're with friends, any silly moment becomes memorable fun.

After that, everyone eagerly rushed towards the valley. I trailed behind at a leisurely pace, sending photos to Heena.

It was a relief that even in this remote area, we had a strong LTE connection. Truly a testament to our nation's advanced internet infrastructure.

[ Han Yeonho : (photo) (photo) (photo) ]

[ Han Yeonho : Snapped these with the group before entering the valley, lol ]

[ Heena : Looks like you're all having a blast~ But is there really nothing around but mountains? ]

[ Han Yeonho : Yeah, absolutely no one nearby. It would've been great if you came along. ]

[ Heena : I wishᅲ I miss you already, what should I do? ]

In response, I quickly filmed and sent a video similar to one Heena had sent earlier, mimicking a kiss toward the camera.

[ Han Yeonho : (video) ]

[ Han Yeonho : Cheer up watching this! ]

[ Heena : ♡♡♡♡♡ So adorable!! I'm going to show it to mom and dad!! ]

?! Wait, what?!

[ Han Yeonho : ? What? No, wait! You can't show them! ]

[ Han Yeonho : Heena!! Please don't! ]

[ Han Yeonho : Heena? Heena!!!!! ]

Despite my desperate pleas, there was no reply. She's probably using the video I sent to stir up a story.

I was planning on visiting her soon, but how do I face them now?

Author's Note:

Hope you all look forward to the romantic development after graduation.

It might happen, or it might not.

Thank you.