Beneath a Ceiling of Stars
The ending credits of the romance movie playing on the massive screen drift quietly upward. But even the majestic orchestra melody filling the lounge can't drown out the ragged breaths of the two of us clashing in my ears.
"Haa, Jinwoo..."
How long have our lips been locked? Finally, as our breathing grows labored and our mouths part slightly, a hot, sweet breath escapes from Seol-ah's red lips, pressed against my chest.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the sun has fully set, leaving the pitch-black night sea stretching endlessly, cradling thousands of stars and gently rippling. The soft lights illuminating the yacht's deck shatter across the waves, creating an unreal illusion that we're floating in the middle of the universe.
"The movie's over. Didn't catch a single bit of how it ended."
I catch my breath and whisper teasingly. Seol-ah, her forehead resting on my chest, lets out a languid laugh.
"Who cares about the movie's ending? It's probably just some cliché where the leads fight and make up, then live happily ever after. I'd take the real Kang Jinwoo holding me tight right here over any fake love story on screen a million times over—he's way more fun and perfect."
Her slender fingers toy lightly with the buttons of my shirt, then slip into the gap, brushing softly over my bare chest. A sharp tingle races up my spine.
"Seol-ah, you gonna keep playing with fire like that?"
"And what if I do? We're in the middle of the endless ocean, and there's not a soul on this boat to interrupt us. I could devour you whole, and no one would ever know."
She lifts her head, whispering provocatively, her large eyes sparkling with deep affection and possessiveness brighter than the stars in the night sky. A bold, dizzying challenge no ordinary college girl could dream of. But for the real power behind Korea's mega-corp, the absolute queen of my world, this audacity feels like her natural right.
"This is getting dangerous. How am I supposed to fix this queen's bad habits?"
I scoop her slim waist in both arms and lift her onto my lap, pressing her fully against me. Seol-ah lets out a delighted squeal and throws her arms around my neck.
We share body heat, trading meaningless teasing and light kisses for a good while. Money, power, stacks of corporate paperwork, campus rumors—none of it can infiltrate this perfect hideaway. Only each other's presence is real.
Then, a quiet chime rings from the intercom in the corner of the lounge.
"Director, VVIP. The dinner you ordered is ready. We'll escort you to the dining room."
Seol-ah pouts regretfully at the polite voice.
"Ugh, seriously. Only the ship's clock dares interrupt our perfect alone time. Hungry, Jinwoo? Let's go eat."
She slides off the sofa first and takes my hand, leading me. We head to the private dining room on the yacht's second deck. The door opens to a breathtaking sight that steals my breath.
At the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the sea, a long crystal table glows with dozens of flickering candles and lavish fresh flower arrangements.
As we sit, the head chef and servers materialize silently from the shadows, serving the course meal with flawless precision—like a perfectly choreographed art performance.
"What is all this? Weren't popcorn and squid our dinner earlier?"
Seol-ah elegantly lifts her wine glass and chuckles at my question.
"That was just a snack. You think I'd buy a yacht worth billions just to feed my man popcorn for dinner? Tonight, I flew in Switzerland's top Michelin three-star chef on a private jet. Get ready."
No sooner does she finish than the dishes before us appear otherworldly. Golden caviar harvested from the finest beluga. White truffle carpaccio, dubbed the diamond of the sea. And a top-grade Hanwoo tenderloin steak that melts like cotton candy on the tongue. Brands and labels don't touch this—it's a gourmet feast crafted solely for the ultra-elite.
"Here, say ahh, Jinwoo."
Seol-ah cuts a piece of steak from her plate, spears it on her fork, and brings it to my lips.
"I have hands. I can feed myself."
"No way. I want to feed you. The reward for that cute thing you did at school earlier? We're only halfway. Open wide."
Irresistible sweet coercion. I chuckle helplessly and let her feed me. Rich juices and truffle aroma explode, electrifying my brain cells.
"Delicious. Softest meat I've ever tasted."
"Right? Eat up. Back when we played in the alleys, you used to whine about wanting meat. I promised myself then: when we grow up, I'll stuff the world's tastiest, priciest meats right into Jinwoo's mouth."
Her eyes curve tenderly, lost in fond memories.
The perfect dinner wraps up with dessert and fragrant black tea. Once the staff clears everything and vanishes, Seol-ah pulls a small, heavy matte velvet box from her handbag and sets it on the table.
"Jinwoo."
Her suddenly serious tone makes me set down my teacup and look at her.
"What's this?"
"Open it."
I carefully lift the lid. Inside lie two shimmering silver couple rings, carved as if from the starlight of the deep night sea. No flashy logos or ornaments from popular luxury brands. But their exquisite craftsmanship and smooth curves scream one-of-a-kind masterpiece from a master artisan.
"Huh... rings? But they're so simple—no patterns or anything."
I pick one up gingerly. Seol-ah slides next to me, pressing close.
"I didn't want some generic logo everyone knows. Anyone with money can buy that. I wanted to give my Jinwoo something one-of-a-kind."
She takes the ring from my hand and shows me the inner band.
"I designed these myself and commissioned Switzerland's top master engraver. Simple on the outside... but look inside."
Peering closely as she says, I gasp. Nestled secretly in the smooth inner surface that touches skin is a flawless, eye-searingly clear top-grade diamond.
"Why put the diamond inside, not out?"
I ask in surprise. Seol-ah gently takes my left hand and slides the ring slowly onto my ring finger. The cool, heavy metal encircles it, and the diamond's subtle texture presses distinctly against my skin.
"Diamonds are the world's hardest, unchanging gem. I wanted my unchanging love right there—closest to your heart, connected through your ring finger, touching you secretly."
Her clear eyes shimmer with unshed tears.
"No need for flashy show to others. Just us knowing is enough—how deeply I love you, how you're the only light in my life. Every time you feel this diamond against your skin, remember: I'm always protecting you, breathing for you."
A tidal wave of emotion surges from deep in my chest. I pick up her ring and gently take her trembling white left hand, sliding it onto her ring finger.
"I promise too. I'm so sorry for making you wait and hurt alone for ten years. From now on, like this diamond on your skin, I'll be unchanging—guarding you forever by your side."
"No matter what, I won't leave you alone."
At my heartfelt vow, a tear drops from her eye, scalding my hand.
"Hng... for real? Kang Jinwoo, if you go back on this, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth and throw you into hellfire...!"
Even in this touching moment, her signature creepy obsession slips out, and I can't help bursting into laughter.
"Got it, got it. Hellfire or golden cage—anywhere you are, I'll go. Stop crying now."
"You're ruining the world's prettiest face."
I pull her waist, settling her softly on my lap, cup her wet cheeks in both hands, and wipe away the tears. Seol-ah clings to my neck, sobbing like a child. I stroke her back rhythmically, comforting her longer and deeper than the starlight outside.
How much time passes? Her sobs fade, and we listen to each other's heartbeats while gazing at the endless sea beyond the dining room's wide windows.
"Jinwoo."
Sniffling cutely from my arms, she calls softly.
"Yeah, my pretty queen?"
"Shall we... head up to the master bedroom on the third deck? The bed there has a transparent glass ceiling—you can see all the stars pouring down."
She looks up with a smile more dazzling and seductive than the night sea's stars. Our clasped