10 Reality

They arrived at the beach, and headed towards the lighthouse. "Watch where you step." Jin cautioned her. They had briefly stopped at her studio to pick up the cameras, and extra batteries, then set off to their location. They had engaged in lively conversation about their childhood, and college life. Jin was careful not to mention his training years, instead focusing on attending college, and early education. Each learned new information about one another, their friendship growing every minute.

"Here," Jin reached out for Seo-yeon's hand as they began walking the rocky surface, "Keep an eye on the floor."

Seo-yeon was thankful that he continued to face forward, not seeing the pink tint of her cheeks. She knew he was just being a gentleman, but that did not stop her heart from doing somersaults in her chest. She wouldn't be surprised if he would've heard it had the sound of the sea not drowned out the pounding occuring within her.

Jin continued to move forward, holding onto her hand. He regretted not putting his mask back on. 'Why is it so hot?' he questioned, using his other hand to lightly touch his cheek. He intended to help her cross over without any other intentions. "I can see why you wanted to take pictures here."

The lighthouse was surrounded by a small garden, that was neatly tended to. Whoever owned it made sure to maintain the landscape, and added a bench, and table. There were lights connecting from the top of the lighthouse to the nearest trees. It was breathtaking.

"It's even better up close! I've never had time to explore this area, so I was going to use that day we met as my opportunity to capture it."

"Why don't you ever have time?"

"I know I don't have a lot of customers, but when I'm not working, I'm helping at home. Hye, my brother I told you about, attends school, so I help my mom with our family store."

"Store?"

"It's a small convenience store. Mom and Dad opened it when they were young, and after Dad passed, she continued the business. It's small, but it's in a good spot in our neighborhood, so it stays busy."

Jin is a big believer in family, and making sure they are taken care of. He sends money, and finds any way possible to support his own family. Whatever they need, he will do what he can. They are his biggest fans, and have always supported his career. Being financially supported by his parents, and loved by both of them, along with his older brother, are reasons why family holds a soft spot in his heart.

"Shall we take some pictures?" Seo-yeon suggested, playfully wiggling their hands which were still clasped. Jin quickly let go, not realizing he had still been grasping her hand tightly. Trying to hide his embarrassement, he began to look at the landscape pretending to find "inspiration." He lifted the camera and began to take pictures of random items.

Seo-yeon captured him in the process, taking advantage of his distraction. Jin turned and caught her. He smiled and posed as if at a photoshoot. He didn't forbid her from taking his pictures as she feared he would. They continued goofing around, each taking silly pictures of each other then "fighting" to delete unappealing ones. The sun began to set as they kept on with the impromptu session. The sound of the sea splashing against the shore, and their laughter echoing into the night.

***Later that night***

"Where were you all evening?" Yoongi was sitting on the couch writing in a notebook. Jin was taken back to seeing him working in the living room, rather than secluded in his own room. He had secretly hoped to avoid Yoongi until the morning. He had had such a mesmerizing night with Seo-yeon, and wanted to bask in the memories. He knew he had been reckless to allow her to take his picture, and even more so for staying out so late with a woman. Staying out in the open, and without the shield of his mask had been the least of his worries.

"This is a first. What brought you out of your cave?" He jokingly asked.

"I was hungry, so I made...hey, don't avoid the question!"

"Dang, it almost worked," Jin mumbled. Sometimes he felt like Yoongi was the elder of the group, and braced himself for a lecture. "I was hanging out with Seo-yeon. We were at that lighthouse."

"All evening?"

"We had dinner first, then spent most of our time out there.

"What's so special about that lighthouse?"

"It was actually really pretty. I'll show you the pictures when I upload them."

Yoongi sat up straight at this statement, "What pictures?"

"Breathe. She gave me the memory card to both cameras. She asked that I at least send the pictures of the lighthouse." Jin smiled fondly at the memory. She was about to step out of the car, when she paused. She turned towards him, and stared at his smiling face. "Here," she said, holding the two memory cards in her hands, "I know how you don't like your pictures taken. I had a blast. I don't want to ruin our time together by making you worry about what I did with these." Jin's eyes widened. He completely forgot who he was while they were at the lighthouse. Forbidden pictures, and media slipped his mind. He was caught up in the play, and laughter to remember the rules. He took the cards out of her hands, and gazed at Seo-yeon's face. He took in every feature, realizing how much he liked her in that moment. "Could you send me pictures of the lighthouse at least? Here's my email." She handed him a card with her infomation.

They shyly said good-bye, and parted ways. Yoongi sat on the couch staring at Jin as he replayed the night's events. Yoongi sighed, and stood.

"You like her." It was a statement, not a question. You didn't have to be a genius to read how Jin felt. His face showed it all.

"What?" Jin attempted to play dumb.

"We leave the day after tomorrow. I don't want you to get hurt, or hurt her. You know when we get back, we'll be busy. Our vacation ends in two weeks, and we'll be back with the guys soon."

"I know." Jin was brought back to reality. It had only been three days of knowing her, but he had hoped that they could continue getting closer.

"I'm sorry. I have no intention of ruining your happiness. We have one more day before we leave, so if you want to spend it with her, I won't stop you. She's aware we're not from here, and you're both adults. I'll support you any way I can."

Yoongi is a realist, but didn't want to destroy Jin's first love. No matter how short it would be, he would support his hyung at any cost. Jin gave a half smile, a little disheartened knowing his relationship with Seo-yeon would end before it really had a chance to begin. Suddenly standing taller, Jin's smile broadened. With Yoongi's words of encouragement, he made plans on how he'd spend his last day with her.