JD 118

The place they arrived at was a small island near Ganghwado. As Hakyung looked around at the serene, quiet scenery, he quietly murmured in admiration. He liked how peaceful and laid-back the atmosphere was, just like his hometown.

“But… is there really a warm swimming pool here?”

“Yeah, there is. We just have to go a bit further.”

“Oh, I see.”

Hakyung answered softly and looked around again, just as a rattling cultivator clattered slowly past Mugeon’s car.

“A cultivator…”

He muttered to himself. The area was surrounded by fields and rice paddies, and the locals seemed to be mostly elderly folks.

It made him a little uneasy, wondering what kind of place could possibly exist out here. He didn’t question it further since Mugeon had assured him, but there were more than a few reasons to be suspicious.

Unaware of Hakyung’s unease, Mugeon continued driving up into the hills, only stopping after quite a while. There wasn’t even a stream in sight, let alone a body of water.

“Where… are we?”

“I told you. A place where you can play all you want in warm water.”

“And just where exactly is that water?”

Clutching the expensive swimsuit and beach towel in his arms, Hakyung stared at Mugeon with even greater doubt in his eyes. If Mugeon didn’t show him the promised water soon, he looked ready to bite.

Back at the department store, his hand had trembled when giving over the card… no wonder, the swimsuit had been expensive. Clearly determined to get his money’s worth, the assertive river dolphin made Mugeon quietly laugh to himself.

Before Hakyung could get more anxious, Mugeon quickly started walking. After a few more minutes on a narrow path inaccessible by car, a dense bamboo forest appeared.

The bamboo grove was unexpected, and Hakyung looked confused. It was lush and green and refreshing to look at, but still not quite what he had in mind.

“Let’s go in.”

Luckily, the bamboo forest wasn’t their final destination. Mugeon pushed aside one part, and a bamboo gate slid open. At the same time, a rush of hot steam enveloped them.

“Uh…?”

“It’s not dangerous. You’re fine.”

Startled, Hakyung had shut his eyes, but at Mugeon’s reassurance, he cautiously opened them, and then opened them even wider.

Just as Mugeon had said, there was a place to play in warm water. It was an outdoor hot spring.

The natural stone hot spring was wide enough to fit ten grown men comfortably. Hidden deep in the forest, it was a place so unbelievable, it almost felt magical.

He only stayed frozen for a moment. Then, surrounded by puffy steam, Hakyung started bouncing around in excitement. The sulfur smell hanging in the air made the experience feel all the more real.

“I told you so.”

“Yeah! This is amazing! Wow!”

Worried that he might slip from jumping too much, Mugeon reached out and pulled Hakyung into his arms.

Nestled naturally against Mugeon, Hakyung raised his head and gave playful kisses along his neck and collarbone.

“When you said warm water, I had no idea you meant a hot spring!”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh! It’s actually my first time. I always wanted to try one after seeing monkeys in outdoor hot springs on TV!”

“Ah… there aren’t any monkeys here, though…”

He looked like he was seriously wondering where he could get one. Hakyung burst out laughing at his serious face.

“Whoa, whoa, relax. The hot springs with monkeys were in Japan, not Korea. You’re scaring me, what if you really do bring one?”

“Say the word. I’ll bring an elephant if you want.”

With a casually relaxed expression, Mugeon answered smoothly. Hakyung, laughing into Mugeon’s chest, shook with silent laughter.

Mugeon smiled along with him and gently took off Hakyung’s hat. Since it was just the two of them, Hakyung handed it over without hesitation.

His soft pink hair, hidden under the hat all day, bounced out cheerfully like it was greeting the light.

That pink color, it was always lovely to see. Mugeon ran his fingers through it gently, and not to be outdone, Hakyung reached up to stroke Mugeon’s sleek black hair.

“Let’s change and jump in already!”

“Let’s do it.”

“Wait—do you think anyone can see us through the bamboo?”

In his excitement, he hadn’t checked carefully, but now he was worried someone might be peeking through the gaps.

Of course, they’d be wearing swimsuits, but… it wasn’t guaranteed they’d stay in swimsuits the whole time.

Hakyung the cheeky river dolphin was more interested in what came after.

“This is private property. No people ever come this far, and even if they did, there are managers stationed below. I let them know in advance. Don’t worry.”

“Mmkay. Got it.”

Reassured by Mugeon’s words, Hakyung confidently began stripping. In no time, he was completely bare, crouched in front of the shopping bag inspecting his swimsuit from every angle. His plump backside wiggled occasionally, clearly excited.

The steam rising from the hot spring resembled the steam of a food steamer. And Hakyung’s rear looked just like a bun inside…

Mugeon stared at the tempting sight and shook his head. It looked like it would taste better after a bit more steaming.