Even Eyes Closed, the Intense Dazzling Morning Sunlight
Even with my eyes closed, I feel the intense, blinding morning sunlight. And the gentle waves softly tickling my ears. This is nothing like my usual mornings in the clogged heart of Seoul, buried under exhaust fumes and car horns. Even the air seeping into my nose carries the salty sea scent mixed with the sweet aroma of tropical fruits.
"Mmm…."
I slowly push up my heavy eyelids, and the first thing that enters my view is the high ceiling draped with pristine, top-grade silk canopy. Then, I see Seol-ah's soft crown of hair, buried against my chest, her face the picture of utter peace as she sleeps soundly—the most serene expression in the world.
Last night, she'd dragged me onto the bed with a giggle, but exhaustion from the flight and released tension must've hit her hard. The moment she nestled into my arms, she was out like a light.
I carefully turn my head so as not to wake her sleeping form and survey the room. In the darkness last night, I hadn't seen it all, but now, bathed in dazzling morning sunlight, the bedroom reveals its true, perfect splendor.
Right in the center of the bed floor, through the transparent special glass, an unbelievably clear emerald sea ripples below. It's a shallow coral reef area, so the white sand bottom is fully visible, and schools of colorful tropical fish glide leisurely through it, sparkling in the sunlight.
It's like we're inside a massive aquarium floating in the middle of the ocean—thoroughly unreal, overwhelmingly surreal.
A helpless chuckle escapes me again at Seol-ah's obsessive love, buying the whole island for me and erecting pillars in the sea to create this glass floor.
"Jinwoo-ya…."
As I'm lost in thought gazing at the fish below, Seol-ah stirs in my arms, mumbling sleepily and hugging my waist even tighter. Her soft body heat against my bare skin and the cool touch of the silver ring on her finger hit me all at once.
"Awake, my queen?"
I whisper softly, gently brushing back the hair fallen over her forehead. Without even opening her eyes, she nuzzles her lips against my chest.
"Yeah… what time is it? We aren't dreaming, right?"
"Eight in the morning. Not a dream. Can't you see the pretty fish swimming right under your feet? We're really on that uninhabited island."
Only then does she blink open her heavy eyelids. Staring blankly at the sea through the glass floor, her face soon blooms into a radiant smile. She throws her arms around my neck and climbs right on top of me.
"It's real! Real ocean! Jinwoo-ya, I'm so happy I could go crazy. Waking up to you beside me, no one in the world to disturb us—it's unbelievable."
"Me too. Heaven itself. But aren't you heavy? Climbing on like this first thing in the morning?"
"What, am I? I weigh barely more than my bones. And on my island, on my man—who cares if I climb on top."
She sniffs haughtily, all dignified, then leans down to plant kisses like stamps on my forehead, nose bridge, cheeks, and lips. Smack, smack, smack. In the vast, silent bedroom, only our pleasant friction sounds and breaths echo intimately.
After rolling around on the bed for a good while, sharing the lazy morning warmth, a growl from our stomachs finally has us bursting into laughter and getting up.
After a quick shower in the expansive marble-finished bathroom, I pull on the most comfortable-looking white linen shirt and shorts from the haul Seol-ah swept up at that boutique yesterday. The fabric feels as light and soft as mist against my skin.
"Whoa… when did they set all this up?"
Right in front of the massive infinity pool connected to the terrace, on the outdoor dining table with a full view of the ocean horizon, a perfect breakfast is laid out. Warm, freshly baked croissants and pastries waft buttery aromas; chunks of mango, dragonfruit, passionfruit, and other tropical fruits are artfully arranged on ice; and two cups of premium beans steam invitingly. No sign of people anywhere, but the staff's precision shines—food at perfect temperature timed to our wake-up, then vanished without a trace.
"I told you. Within five kilometers of this island, the only sound is our breathing. Let's eat, Jinwoo-ya."
Seol-ah pulls out my chair, seats me, then takes her spot across. A cool breeze from the open emerald sea, waves as our BGM—pure perfection. The croissants melt divinely in my mouth, beyond any famous bakery.
"Jinwoo-ya, this mango's so sweet. Ahh~."
She spears a big chunk of mango flesh and brings it to my lips.
"Damn, it is sweet. Worlds apart from Korea's. You eat plenty too."
"Watching you eat tasty stuff fills me up. Aww, it's all over your mouth. Hold still."
She jumps up, comes to my side, and instead of a napkin, wipes the juice from my lips with her thumb—then licks it off her finger. That seductive, provocative move nearly makes me spit out my coffee; I cough awkwardly.
"Hey, Han Seol-ah…! There's napkins— what're you doing?"
"Why? It's sweet and nice. Uninhabited island rules—I do what I want."
She winks playfully, pecks my cheek lightly, and slips back to her seat. This perfect isolation and freedom has clearly unlocked her suppressed naughty side completely.
After breakfast, we head to our respective dressing rooms to change into swimsuits for some real island time. The one Seol-ah picked for me in yesterday's brutal shopping spree is a simple dark navy design, but made of ultra-premium special fabric that repels water like droplets bouncing off.
After a quick stretch in front of the mirror, I step into the living room—and freeze, speechless, at the sight of Seol-ah already there.
"Jinwoo-ya! All set? How do I look?"
Under the blinding sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Seol-ah stands in a daring white bikini. Always wrapped head-to-toe in impeccable suits at work, her blindingly pale skin and perfect curves are fully on display now, pounding my heart.
A thin silk robe loosely tied at her waist flutters in the sea breeze, giving her an ethereal goddess vibe.
"Uh… yeah, I'm dressed… but is that all you're wearing? Isn't it too revealing?"
I fumble, eyes darting everywhere, unsure where to look. She laughs brightly and approaches.
"What? You don't like it? I tried dozens yesterday and picked the one you'd love most."
"No, it's not that… you're too gorgeous, that's the problem. Swimming outside in that? What if someone sees?"
At my instinctive possessiveness mixed with worry, she wraps her arms around my neck and whispers hotly in my ear.
"Silly. I just said a minute ago—only us two on this island. No one but you and the birds up there to see my body. I wore it for you. My gaze, my heart, my body—all yours. Look all you want."
"Or wanna touch?"
Her red lips graze my jaw in a dizzying declaration. I gulp, wrapping my arms firmly around her slim waist. Her soft warmth and faint scent against my bare skin threaten to short-circuit my brain.
"Teasing too much, my queen. Won't regret it?"
"Regret? I don't know the word. Hurry up and carry me into the water already."
I chuckle, scooping her up effortlessly. She squeals delightedly, clinging to my shoulders. I fling open the terrace doors and head straight for the massive infinity pool.
Splash!
We dive in together, cool water enveloping us like it's one with the sea. Refreshing chill spreads over our heated skin.
At the pool's edge, where the emerald sea panoramas out, I lift her in the water, her legs wrapping snug around my waist. Her smooth shoulders above the surface, wet hair, sparkling eyes in the sunlight—more beautiful than any gem.
"Ahh… so cool and perfect. Can't tell sky from sea."
She sighs in awe, arms around my neck, gazing at the ocean.
"Yeah. So peaceful. Finals back in Seoul or company docs? Feels like another planet."
She turns to me. I brush back her wet bangs; she rubs her cheek against my palm, whispering tenderly.
"Jinwoo-ya, I love you."
And Seol-ah reaches up, placing my hand on her chest. The heavy fullness fills my palm. The impossibly soft sensation dizzies my head. She wraps her hand around my nape, slowly lifting her face to press her lips deeply to mine.
Under the dazzling South Pacific sun, the pool's ripples gently cradle our bodies. Salty sea air invades my mouth, mingling perfectly with her sweet scent—a long, breathless, dizzying kiss.
"Hehe, feel good on my chest?"
"Yeah, too good."
"You could touch forever."
This time, I lightly kiss Seol-ah's lips. Like the endless emerald horizon where sea meets sky, our first summer vacation plunges endlessly into unfathomable bliss.