As Hara packed her belongings, she asked Yuto, "Where are we going today?"
"We're going to my family's villa. We'll be staying there for the week," Yuto casually replied.
"You have a villa?!" Hara exclaimed, clearly shocked by the revelation.
Yuto raised an amused eyebrow in response to her surprise.
"Yes, I thought I mentioned it before," Yuto replied with a chuckle. "It's a secluded place, perfect for some quiet time."
Hara's eyes widened in surprise. She had been so caught up in the excitement of the amusement park that she must have missed that detail. Nevertheless, she was thrilled at the prospect of spending more time in a beautiful villa.
"That sounds amazing!" Hara exclaimed, her excitement reignited.
As they made their way to Yuto's family villa, Hara couldn't help but admire the stunning scenery along the journey. The villa was nestled in the heart of nature, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. It truly was a tranquil and picturesque retreat.
Upon arriving, Hara was even more amazed by the villa's elegance and grandeur. It had a spacious garden, a private pool, and a breathtaking view of the mountains. The interior was tastefully decorated, combining modern comfort with traditional elements.
"I can't believe you never told me about this place," Hara said, looking at Yuto with a mixture of awe. Yuto only grinned at her.
As Yuto was occupied with unpacking their belongings, Hara took the opportunity to slip away quietly and explore the house. She was intrigued by the idea of staying in Yuto's family villa and wanted to take a closer look at the place.
As she wandered through the house, Hara marveled at the beautiful architecture and the serene surroundings. Hara couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and appreciation for the place.
Exploring each room, she admired the decor and the personal touches that gave the villa a warm and inviting ambiance. The experience allowed her to gain insight into Yuto's family and their history.
As Hara wandered around, she was startled by a sudden voice from behind.
"What are you up to?" Yuto asked.
"Ah! You scared me," Hara exclaimed while clutching her chest.
"You seriously need to stop sneaking up on people," she scolded Yuto.
Yuto responded with a slight pout, innocent eyes looking at her. He didn't seem bothered by her reprimand and instead found amusement in her reaction.
Yuto looked at Hara's belongings and remarked, "Your things, it's too much to handle."
Hara was taken aback by his comment, not expecting such a response. She glanced at her scattered belongings and realized that she might have brought more than she needed for the trip.
"Oh, I didn't mean to bring so much," Hara said sheepishly. "I guess I got carried away while packing."
Yuto paused for a moment then replied, "It's alright. I'll help you organize everything."
With everything now neatly organized, the sky turned cloudy, indicating that rain might be on its way.
Hara stepped out onto the balcony, gazing at the weather with a hint of annoyance on her face. She had planned to go to the spa today, and the possibility of rain dampened her mood slightly. Despite her disappointment, she remained hopeful that the weather might change, allowing her to carry on with her plans.
As a sudden clap of thunder reverberated through the air, Hara jumped in surprise. Hastily, she retreated inside and closed the door, seeking refuge from the unexpected storm. The sound of thunder and the darkening sky added a reminder for her of the need to stay safe and comfortable indoors.
The rain continued to pour outside, creating a soothing ambiance that made the house feel even cozier. From her bed, Hara gazed out the window, appreciating the beauty of the rain as it danced against the glass.
Feeling a desire to be in the company of Yuto, who was in the kitchen sipping tea to pass the time, she decided to join him. As she made her way towards the kitchen, she called out, "Yuto—"
But just as she uttered his name, another loud clap of thunder echoed through the surroundings, accompanied by a sudden darkness as the power went out. The kitchen was plunged into darkness, and Hara felt a momentary sense of unease, momentarily disoriented by the sudden change in atmosphere.
Yuto, who had been sitting in the kitchen, noticed her call but also felt the darkness and thunder. He quickly got up and found a flashlight, shining it towards Hara to reassure her.
"Don't worry, it's just a power outage," Yuto said calmly. "Let's wait for the storm to pass."
Hara felt a sense of relief as Yuto's reassuring words washed away her unease.
In the dimly lit kitchen, Yuto and Hara sat face to face, the glow of the flashlight casting gentle shadows on their expressions. Yuto savored his tea with a sense of contentment, finding solace in the tranquility of the moment. On the other hand, Hara struggled to hide her restlessness, feeling the weight of boredom settling in.
As the rain continued to patter outside, the atmosphere inside the kitchen was a mix of coziness and tedium. Hara fidgeted slightly, trying to find something to occupy her mind, but the lack of electricity limited her options. She stole glances at Yuto, who seemed to be at peace despite the circumstances, and wondered how he managed to remain so composed.
Seeing her restlessness, Yuto remembered a conversation he had with Hara's father after their marriage, his thoughts drifted back to that moment.
"Does she cause a lot of trouble for you?" Mr. Chen had asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
"No, she's fine," Yuto reassured him with a nod.
"It was all so sudden. It must've been hard on both of you," Mr. Chen sighed, concerned for his daughter's well-being.
"It's fine," Yuto replied, trying to put Mr. Chen's worries at ease. He poured a cup of tea for Hara's father, a gesture of hospitality amidst their conversation.
"If you can, please take care of her," Mr. Chen said, his voice trembling slightly. Yuto understood the depth of a parent's concern for their child's happiness and safety, and he responded with a sincere nod, promising to protect Hara.
"By the way," Yuto began, his curiosity piqued, "I hope this question isn't too sensitive, but does Hara have a younger brother by any chance?"
As Yuto asked the question, he couldn't help but recall the familiar face he had seen beside Ji-Eun at the wedding. The resemblance between the boy and Hara was uncanny, and he wondered if there was a connection he wasn't aware of. Mr. Chen's expression turned slightly solemn at the mention of Hara's younger brother, and Yuto sensed that there might be a deeper story behind the question.
"Yes, she had a younger brother," Mr. Chen replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "Her mother ran away from our family to be with someone she loved." He looked down, tears forming in his eyes.
"When Hara was just six years old, and her brother was only four, their mother left, and it was a devastating time for all of us," Mr. Chen continued. "Hara was so sad back then, longing to be with her younger brother again. But circumstances kept them apart."
Yuto listened intently to Mr. Chen's heart-wrenching revelation about Hara's past. As her father spoke of Hara's younger brother and the painful events surrounding her mother's departure, Yuto could sense the depth of the family's pain and sorrow.
"I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Hara," Yuto said softly, a sense of empathy welling up within him. "Losing her mother and being separated from her younger brother at such a young age..."
Mr. Chen nodded, wiping away a tear. "It was a very trying time for all of us."
"He might not remember her now," Mr. Chen added with a heavy heart, knowing the passing years might have obscured any memories of their time together. "It breaks my heart to think about it."
Yuto felt a deep sadness for Hara and her family, understanding the void left by the absence of her mother and the potential loss of connection with her younger brother. He realized that her past experiences had shaped her in ways he could only begin to comprehend.
"I'll do my best to be there for her," Yuto assured Mr. Chen, his voice filled with sincerity and determination. "I promise to support her in every way I can."
Mr. Chen looked at Yuto with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you. I can see that you truly care for her, and that means a lot to me."
"What is her brother's name?" Yuto asked.
Mr. Chen looked up, touched by Yuto's genuine interest. "His name is Chen Yun," he replied softly.
As Yuto noticed that Hara had drifted off to sleep, he gently took a last sip of his tea, savoring the moment of quietude. He appreciated the peacefulness of the night, knowing that the rain outside had brought a sense of calm to their surroundings.
Carefully placing his empty cup aside, Yuto approached Hara, who was sleeping peacefully.
Gently, he scooped Hara into his arms, cradling her with care. As he lifted her, she stirred slightly, but then nestled closer to him, finding comfort in his embrace even in her sleep.
With a soft murmur of reassurance, Yuto carried Hara upstairs. He tucked her in with the warm blanket, making sure she was comfortable and snug.
As he sat by her side for a moment, he admired the peacefulness of her sleeping form. He gently put aside her hair that had fallen across her face. His fingers brushed softly against her cheek.