Splash!

The lake swallowed the two of them.

A white water storm erupted over the surface where lotus flowers bloomed profusely.

The edges of their clothes fluttered gracefully, like the wings of a bird gliding elegantly, and the underwater currents spread gently like mist.

As Geon tightly embraced Yeonwoo, the lake seemed to inhale her breath incessantly.

The sweet fragrance emanating from Geon’s lips permeated Yeonwoo’s entire being.

There was no room for the fear of being submerged in water.

Yeonwoo couldn’t distinguish whether the world she was embraced in belonged to the lotus flowers or to Geon.

One thing was certain; in the underwater world, only the two of them existed completely.

When their lips finally parted, Yeonwoo’s eyes, intoxicated by the breath, slowly opened.

A radiant array of light penetrated through the submerged lotus leaves and enveloped the two.

Geon’s gaze, uncooled even within the lake, was filled with longing for Yeonwoo.

“Puh-ha!”

“Puhoo.”

Gasping for breath, the two emerged from the water.

Geon tightly held Yeonwoo’s waist and swam toward the shore.

When the water level reached their waists, the two separated and walked onto the land.

Until she saw Geon’s back approaching, Yeonwoo felt dazed.

But as they approached the shore, Yeonwoo regained her senses upon noticing Geon’s gaze.

“Huk!”

Yeonwoo was thoroughly soaked.

Her wet clothes clung to her body, revealing every curve of the woman.

Belatedly, Yeonwoo covered her upper body with her hands.

There was nothing to hide her body properly, but she couldn’t stand in front of Geon in this state.

As her mind became increasingly confused, Geon’s cape fell onto Yeonwoo’s shoulders.

“……!”

Unbeknownst to her, Geon had firmly fastened the front of the cape that Yeonwoo had covered herself with.

The ample cape, more than enough to cover Yeonwoo’s wet body, remained even after he securely covered her.

Geon then embraced Yeonwoo, holding her tightly.

Yeonwoo’s body, as well as her heart, seemed to melt in Geon’s warm body temperature.

‘This can’t happen…’

Geon was acting this way due to the shock of parting with Yeonhoo.

So, she shouldn’t focus on his actions, and she shouldn’t accept him like this.

“Nari, you shouldn’t do this.”

Yeonwoo squirmed in Geon’s embrace, trying to break free.

However, she couldn’t escape Geon’s strong arms.

“You shouldn’t kiss me and hug me like this.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not Yeonhoo’s sister.”

“Sure, I know you’re not Yeonhoo’s twin sister.”

“Really?”

Yeonwoo’s eyes shook at Geon’s response.

She thought Geon had acted this way because he mistook her for Yeonhoo, the woman he had feelings for.

But now, the reason wasn’t because of Yeonhoo. How could Geon’s previous actions be explained?

“Then why…”

“Because you’re Hong Yeonwoo.”

At the sound of her name, Yeonwoo raised her head to look at Geon.
Then, I met eyes with black pupils that seemed to desire me intensely.

While still embracing Yeonwoo, Geon spoke in a gentle voice.

“I kissed you because you’re Hong Yeonwoo.”

With those words as the last, Geon tightly embraced Yeonwoo’s shoulders as if they were about to break.

The arms that Yeonwoo should push away felt sweet, and her body did not easily follow her reason.

Through the wet clothes, Yeonwoo heard Geon’s breathing, and she felt the busy heartbeat from the embraced chest.

The scent of lotus flowers surrounding them penetrated even into the hearts of the two.

Under the azure sky of early autumn, the brilliant sunlight shone on the two, accompanied by a refreshing breeze that tickled the heart.

Before they knew it, Yeonwoo and Geon had arrived at Gwangho’s military base. The distance that seemed far was quickly overcome by riding horses.

Geon carefully dismounted Yeonwoo from the black horse.

“I have some business to attend to briefly.”

Since the morning when she visited the lake and then walked in her dreams, Yeonwoo’s mind had been hazy.

It was due to the warmth and scent of Geon.

“Starting today, we will return together. Don’t leave the base; wait for me without coming out from there as I might be a bit late today.”

“Ah…!”

Yeonwoo snapped back to reality that slowly returned.

Until now, she had always been fine going home alone after work, so it was strange to suddenly suggest going together.

But with the events of the morning still unexplained and the two being alone without proper clarification, it would only make her mind more confused.

“It’s okay; I can go alone.”

“Alone is not allowed.”

Despite Yeonwoo’s diplomatic refusal, Geon firmly responded.

On the day when they were attacked by Kim Taeseok at Choa’s house, Geon regretted not following Yeonwoo from the beginning.

If he had been a little late, he could only imagine how terrible things might have happened to Yeonwoo.

“What if it becomes dangerous like last time? I have to be by your side to protect you.”

“Ah…”

Yeonwoo recalled the recent encounter with Kim Taeseok at Choa’s house.