Nha Trang Paradise (Part 2)
As soon as we landed at Nha Trang Airport, the sweltering air hit us like a wall. I'd never been overseas before, so the humid heat felt both awkward and strangely exhilarating. We hopped off the plane and straight onto a massive bus that shuttled us to the terminal. Unlike the sticky outdoors, the airport was blasted with air conditioning—refreshingly cool. I stuffed the cardigan I'd been wearing into my bag and changed into something more comfortable right away.
There were plenty of foreigners milling about, making it crystal clear we'd crossed borders. "Whoa... I can't believe I'm on an overseas trip with you! This feels like a dream!" Seon-ah was buzzing with excitement at the exotic vibe, practically bouncing as she linked her arm with mine. The muggy, clingy weather didn't faze her—her skin felt soft and fresh against me.
The crowds were thinner than expected, so immigration was a breeze. We grabbed our suitcases and headed out, where our tour guide was waiting with a sign.
Lee Jin-ho ♡ Han Seon-ah
We burst out laughing at the bold heart between our names. "Did you set this up?" Seon-ah asked, grinning at me. But I hadn't. "Nah, no idea." As we approached, the guide spotted us and extended a hand with a warm smile. "Hello! I'm Kim Tae-ho, your Nha Trang guide. You're Lee Jin-ho, right?"
"Yes, that's me. Looking forward to a great trip—please take good care of us."
"Haha, you got it! Just leave everything to me. This place isn't super well-known in Korea yet, but it's amazing." Kim Tae-ho flashed a friendly grin as he grabbed our suitcases and led the way. A comfy van was waiting for us. He loaded our bags into the trunk and swung open the door, revealing a spacious interior with two plush seats.
"What do you think? Pretty nice, huh?" he asked proudly. "Yeah, it's perfect," I said sincerely—no exaggeration. We settled into the seats, and the flight fatigue melted away as we leaned back. "Not much time to waste, so we'll head out right away. Destination: Vinpearl Island."
Since we'd coordinated the schedule in advance, I knew what to expect: an island packed with an amusement park, waterpark, aquarium, and zoo all in one. Plus, resorts inside for nonstop fun. The guide took us to the Vinpearl pier. There were two ways to the island—cable car or speedboat—and I'd chosen the speedboat. While he arranged to send our bags to the resort, we boarded.
"Have a blast! We'll meet back here tomorrow at 3 p.m. Show this ticket at the opposite pier at 2:30, and they'll shuttle you over." It was a hybrid guided-free trip, so we had the run of the place. Our boat sped toward Vinpearl Island, kicking up sprays that cut through the muggy air—pure bliss, like all my worries evaporating.
We docked quickly and headed to the changing rooms first. With the waterpark right there, most folks wandered around in swimsuits. We'd sent our stuff ahead except for a small bag, so we changed into swimwear and stepped out. I was waiting with the bag when Seon-ah emerged from the changing room.
She was in a bikini topped with a beach cardigan, and her figure was straight out of a fantasy. Her pale skin gleamed transparently in the sunlight, her slim waist and full chest impossible to ignore. If not for the cardigan, I might've been lost for good.
"Hey! What're you staring at?!" Seon-ah yelped, pulling the cardigan tighter, embarrassed by my gaze.
"Huh? Oh! Yeah, let's go." Snapping out of it, I took her hand and led the way. "Enjoy the view, did ya?" she teased, looping her arm through mine with a mischievous smirk. But I couldn't respond—her soft breast pressed against my arm. I mentally belted out the national anthem to stay in control. No rising to the occasion over that thin swimsuit fabric.
"Tch, boring." Misreading my silence, she thankfully unlinked arms. "Come on, let's go." I gently took her hand instead. Being abroad gave me a surge of courage. Her cheeks flushed this time. We both knew our connection could ignite with the slightest spark—we were just pretending otherwise for now.
We splashed around the waterpark for hours, then hit the amusement park for thrill rides. It was busy but not Seoul-level packed, so we rode everything we wanted as much as we wanted.
"Getting hungry?" After water slides and coasters, our stomachs were rumbling.
"What should we eat?"
"Let's check the restaurant near the resort." We steered toward our lodging—it was close enough to walk, soaking in the stunning scenery. We picked the first spot that caught our eye. First-time Vietnam trip meant everything would taste amazing anyway.
This place served pho. The aroma hit us the second we walked in, tickling our noses. We ordered pho, bun cha, and banh xeo to share generously. The food didn't disappoint—the smells promised perfection, and it delivered. Maybe hunger amplified it, but damn, it was good. Especially the banh xeo: shrimp, pork, bean sprouts wrapped in crispy pancake. A standout delicacy. Pho and bun cha were solid, but the banh xeo stole the show.
I'd worried foreign food might not suit me, but it was perfect—like it was made for my taste buds. I might hunt down Vietnamese spots back home. Seon-ah cracked up watching me devour it. "Hey, slow down! You'll get a stomachache! Puhaha!"
"For real... this is... so good... wow..." I could only gasp between bites. Stuffed and satisfied, we headed to the resort. Check-in at the lobby, then a bellboy delivered our pre-stored bags. I tipped him generously; he bowed deeply in thanks.
No way were we booking separate rooms on this overseas escape. We entered one together. The lavish yet cozy suite left us unpacking in silence. It felt like history in the making—but it hinged on my resolve. I wasn't ready yet. With an uncertain future, I couldn't treat Seon-ah as a fleeting pleasure. I wanted marriage, so I stayed cautious.
Unpacked and awkwardly perched on the bed, Seon-ah broke the ice. "Jin-ho, wanna hit the spa?"
"Spa? They have one here?"
"Yeah. Come here." She led me to the terrace, where the sun was dipping toward the artificial sea—a perfect spa setup awaited. "This is amazing."
"Right...?" She filled the tub first. Still in swimsuits, we slipped right in, facing the ocean side by side. My arm draped naturally over her shoulder; she leaned her head on my chest. But that was it. I wasn't prepared for more... not yet.
Then my phone rang. Unknown number, but from Korea. "Mind if I take this outside real quick?" I asked Seon-ah, stepping out.
"Hello?"
"Is this Manager Lee Jin-ho? I'm the operations chief from the XX team."
"Yes, that's me. What's up...?"
"We understand you don't have a team yet. We're calling to offer you the manager position."
"Really?" My voice pitched up in shock.
"Yes. The front office is impressed by your mercenary handling and rebuilding skills. Details to be worked out in the contract, but we're thinking a two-year deal."
It was unbelievable—like a potential voice phishing scam. "Ah... I'm overseas right now. I'll contact you formally when I return to Korea."
"Understood. We'll await your call. Thank you."
"Thank you. Good night." I bowed to the phone out of habit. An unexpected team reaching out... I turned back to Seon-ah. Today was Yasuda...