A Leisurely Camping Trip for Just the Two of Us
On the early morning of our camping trip day, I checked with Harang noona one last time in front of the car to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything.
She'd swung by her parents' place yesterday evening to pick up some stuff, and I'd been waiting at her officetel beforehand. We crashed there for the night and hit the road first thing in the morning. Yeoreum noona had been pretty annoyed about extending our schedule to a full three days and two nights, but she'd eventually given us the okay, which was a relief.
Anyway, we eyed the bags inside this cute little car parked in the lot. It was compact and adorable. Truth be told, I hadn't prepped much myself, so I had no clue what was what. While noona double-checked, I just poked around the car.
This looked like one of those models I'd seen in ads lately... and it was spotless and shiny. No way.
"Noona. Is this a new car?"
"Yeah."
"...You got a new car?"
"Dad bought it for me."
"Ah, got it..."
I knew Harang noona's family was well-off, but I hadn't realized they were that well-off—buying her a car on the spot like that. Still, it was great she was so loved at home. Hearing it was brand new, I touched the body even more carefully. I wasn't big into cars, so I had no idea what model it was, but I could tell it was a kei car. It stuck in my mind from all those recent ads.
True to its size, the trunk was tiny, so most of the gear was piled in the back seat. Noona gave everything a once-over, closed the back door, and came over to me.
"Looks like we've got it all."
"Cool. Ready to head out?"
"Hold on."
She stopped me and stood right in front, scanning me head to toe. Our outfits were identical today—white tees and denim jeans, a perfect couple look. I'd figured she'd go for a dress or skirt, but she seemed pumped for activity over style.
*Smack.*
After giving my clothes the once-over, she stepped closer and planted a light kiss on my cheek, then nodded at the car.
"Yeah. Let's go."
"Alright! Drive safe!"
Racing down the highway in that little car with noona felt both boring and fun. The boring part was how intensely she focused on driving, making chit-chat tricky. The fun part? She looked so pretty and cool doing it that just watching was entertaining enough.
I wished we could zoom there in no time, but about an hour in, traffic jammed up. Actually, seeing her exhale a tense breath now, maybe a break like this wasn't so bad. I gently brushed her side-swept hair back with my knuckles.
"Driving tough?"
"Haven't done much of it, so I'm a bit tense."
"You look awesome anyway, noona. Seems like you're handling it great."
"Yeah?"
"Totally. Hey, you're working hard—want a kiss as a reward?"
"Give me one."
*Smack!*
I'd figured she'd say yes, so I leaned right over and pressed my lips to hers. Kept it short to avoid danger. Her red lips tempted me to go all in, but no way—not while she was driving, especially as a newbie. One wrong distraction and it'd be risky.
After that, every stoplight or jam, I'd sneak in a recharge kiss as we crawled along like turtles. It took about three and a half hours total thanks to the congestion. Once we entered Yeongwol County as planned, we headed straight for the big mart we'd looked up ahead of time.
We'd brought instant noodles from home, but everything else—snacks and such—we'd grab here. Parked the car, held hands, and strolled leisurely through the aisles.
"Skewers and sausages... but no grilled meat? Can't we with the fire pit?"
"Meat takes too long and's a hassle."
"Ah~ Oh! Cheese on top would be yummy, right?"
"Dunno. Get one if you wanna try."
"Just a little then~"
We had a shopping list ready, so it didn't take long. We just browsed extra for fun. Oh, and I paid with my card. Not Yeoreum noona's money—my own savings from allowance. Even though we had a cooler and she could've bought stuff earlier, I insisted on here for this reason.
"......"
"Not sulking, right? We're on a trip together—you're not gonna make your boyfriend pay zilch."
"...No. Thanks."
"I'm way more thankful. You prepped and packed everything."
She didn't love me spending, but this much was on me. It cost more than expected, but she'd spent way more already. I didn't wanna hear or say anything about still being in high school. As her boyfriend, I was pitching in as best I could.
"Alright, let's roll. Can't wait to see that tent go up. One-touch is seriously intriguing."
"Yeah. Let's go."
We left the mart, hopped back in, and drove right to the campsite. The one Harang noona—no, we—had researched hard. Super basic facilities, just a river out front, wide-open field. Not many people came. Sure enough, only three groups scattered far apart when we arrived—so far you'd have to yell to be heard.
The crisp air. The decent natural views. The quiet peace. We exchanged smiles. Exactly the campsite we'd envisioned. Perfect fit.
"This is great. Bathroom's small, but hardly used, so it's fine."
"Yeah. Let's set up."
"Got it! Tent here? Or scout a bit?"
"Here. Far from entrance, others too."
"Cool. You just chill—I got this."
"Nothing for me to do."
"Huh?"
She pulled the round one-touch tent from the back seat, unzipped it, tapped a few spots, and tossed it forward.
"Whoa. It's... done?"
"Yeah. Easy, right?"
"Easy's an understatement..."
The tent was up. I'd come expecting a newbie camp experience, so no big tent, but I hadn't thought it'd be this simple. Figured one-touch still needed some work. In seconds, a cozy 2-3 person tent stood proudly before us. Inside was decent size for two—couldn't stand straight, but tall enough, with big mesh vents all around for openness. Heart raced thinking of sleeping bags inside with noona. Night was far off, but bedtime already excited me.
After admiring the tent, we unloaded: mats and bags for inside, folding chairs and table, mini fire pit preset for later, cooler. Arranged it all, and bam—proper campsite vibe. Felt legit. Noona stood gazing at it too, same thoughts probably.
I slung my arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
"Like it? Knew you were pumped for camping, noona."
"...Yeah. Love it."
"Good. Wanna sit for coffee? Grabbed iced Americano in my tumbler."
"For me?"
"You know I don't drink coffee~"
"Thanks."
*Smack!*
After her kiss, we grabbed drinks and settled in the chairs. Sunlight warmed the wide river ahead; we sipped coffee and cola leisurely, watching. Chairs close, she leaned her head on my shoulder mid-sip. I hugged her, stroking her hair. Nothing special—just being there. Felt perfect. Time like this with noona? I'd take up camping as a hobby.
About 30 minutes of blank river-staring, then hand-in-hand stroll, lunch as packed fried rice. Smart to bring it—who knew campsite vibes? But everything went smooth, and my hunch that noona alone meant no boredom proved spot-on.
One downside, though.
"...Wish the tent had front shade."
"This one? Pull the fabric forward?"
"No anchor."
"Oh, right."
Midsummer heat was brutal; sun too intense for chairs. So we hunkered inside, knees touching side-by-side. Post-meal walk and sun exposure left us sweaty. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Hesitated a sec: she looks hot, we're both sweaty—hug okay? One second later, arm out, shoulders pulled her in. Wanted to now.
"Wait, I'm sweaty..."
"It's fine. Unless I stink—then no."
"Well... no, it's good. Okay."
She hesitated, figuring she smelled, but soon melted into me. Cool breeze wafted in, river view open wide. Pure, lazy rest.