Chapter 48: Chapter Twenty Five - Hot Spring and Sex (Part 1)

Chapter Song Suggestion - "Superman/WGW by Louis Mattrs"

— Five Days Later

It's been a month since my father fell into a coma. It's hard to imagine not having him in my life for the foreseeable future. The doctor says he's showing signs of recovery but for whatever reason, he won't wake up. Earlier before I left the hospital, I decide to call Minister Wang to thank him for saving my life. Again.

"Aera, I'm glad you're safe." Wang Won-Shik answers on the first ring.

"Minister Wang, it seems all I ever do lately is thank you," I don't hide my discomfiture. "I spoke to my mother recently and I've made up my mind. I would like to see you." I say tentatively. "If you have time, can we meet up?"

"Of course, I'm glad you called. How about next Sunday afternoon? I'll send a driver to pick you up."

"Okay." I pause briefly, injecting heartfelt gratitude into my next sentence. "Thank you for saving my life."

"Aera." He sighs, disgruntled. "You don't have to keep thanking me. I'm your father. I know I don't have rights like Suk-Chin does, but I want to make it up to you. If you'll let me."

He'll never replace my dad but what woman has the honor of having two fathers she can rely on in a heartbeat? A smile curves my lips. "I'd like that. I'll see you soon."

Disconnecting the call, I lean over Dad's immobile body, planting a kiss squarely on his forehead. "I love you, Dad. I'll come visit again. Please, wake up soon." I stare at the familiar lines of his weathered face. The scrapes and bruises are gone, he looks serene and most importantly, his chest rises and fall with each breath. "I miss you, very much. We all do."

Keeping the tears at bay, I leave before I fall apart. Riding the elevator to the lobby, I attempt to flag down a taxi when a black SUV rolls up in front of me. The tinted glass winds down, and Dae handsomeness greets me. "Need a lift?"

"Dae!" My heart flutters at the sight of him. He looks utterly delicious in his clean-cut hairstyle and button-down shirt. He unlocks the door and I climb in. "What are you doing here? I thought you're on a business trip?"

"I flew back as soon as the meeting was done." We pull out of the hospital driveway. "The afterparty scene isn't for me. Not anymore." Deftly, he takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. "I wanted to see you."

I blush, pulling my hand away. "We still need to talk."

"Yes." He agrees, lips quirking. "And we will. I'm abducting you for the night." He jerks a thumb at the backseat. "Your mom packed your things."

I twist around to see my overnight bag, scoffing. "Unbelievable! You convinced my mom to be part of your scheme?" Look at how far we've come. I pin him with wary stare. "And what about Ji-Hoon? Don't tell me you left your grieving son alone."

"Ji-Hoon's fine." He reassures positively. "We had a long talk about his mother, and he handled it better than I expected. Secretary Park's playing babysitter tonight, and I trust him with my son's life." Peeking from the corner of his eyes, he grins wolfishly. "Besides, I have a mission to accomplish."

I'm amazed how casual I sound when my heart is banging against my ribs. "Looks like you have it all figured out. And just where are you taking us?"

"Yangyang-gun. We're going to a hot spring."

I perk up like a flower in the sun, my anxiety flying out the window. "The hot spring! I've always wanted to visit one."

Dae chuckles at my enthusiasm, stepping on the gas. "Then settle back and enjoy the ride."

The drive to Yangyang-gun takes two hours and another forty minutes to reach the Carbonated Hot Spring. Alighting from the car, I stretch my tensed muscles and take in the simplicity of the place. We're parked at the hotel front — a five-story building with a notable green roof and a short, cylindrical tower. Since it's autumn, we're surrounded by a harmonious palette of red and orange hues. It's breathtaking. "Are we staying here for the night?"

"Yes. This hotel owns one of the few popular hot springs in Yangyang-gun. After we check in, we can hit the hot baths. Come on," He urges, grabbing our bags and holding out his hand. The hotel receptionist welcomes us amicably and allocates us our room. Or should I say 'room'.

"Here you are, sir." The receptionist hands over a key card. "For your one-bedroom suite."

"One bedroom?" I echo the word inanely. "Excuse me, but can we get two bedrooms please?"

"Darling," Dae yanks me to his side, his smile rigid. What's gotten into him? "Why would we need two bedrooms for our honeymoon? Go wait for me by the lift, okay? I'll be right over."

Darling? Honeymoon?

I flinch when he pinches my waist and pushes me towards the lift. Dae's treating this trip like we're a real couple. Then again…our relationship has been undefinable…we are neither here nor there…I can't even put a label on us. Whatever we're going to be, I guess I'll find out before the night is over.

The hotel room is a traditional Korean style, with wood panel walls and flooring, covered with partial cream wallpapers. There's a heater and television set in one corner, with a pair of leather couches by the wall. Simplistic and functionality must be their motto. It's definitely not the Ritz, but it still gives me the holiday vibes.

Dae sets down our bags, making sure we don't leave behind anything important before we head to the hot spring centre. We receive a warm greeting from the staff, and they give us a rundown of the facility - what we need to know, and the main rules often overlooked by guests.

Walking to the locker room, I ask curiously. "What are you going to try out first?"

"The steam rooms. You?"

"The hot baths. There are more than four kinds of hot baths here. I want to try them all." We stop in front of the segregated male and female rooms. "Well," I sigh happily, anticipation strumming my veins. "See you in a few hours."

"Wait a minute. Aren't you forgetting something?"

Confusion wrinkles my forehead. "Umm, no?"

He gestures for me to come closer, and I do. I should have known better when he reels me in for a kiss. When I'm boneless against him, he chuckles. "Much better. I've been holding back since you got into my car." Another melting kiss. "See you later, hellcat."

Jeez. I fan my face. He's certainly back to his usual self.

Pushing Dae out of my mind, I undress in the locker room. With a small towel to preserve my dignity, I walk to the bathing station and rinse off before entering the hot spring baths. I try the alkali bath, mug wort bath, hinoki bath and pine needle bath. By the end, I think I'm overheated and decide to use the resting room. In between, I rehydrate with cups of herbal tea and end my pampering session in the sauna.

Four hours later, I meet Dae at the lobby. A boyish smile tugs his lips when he sees me. "Well, look at you. You're glowing, hellcat."

On tiptoe, I brush his bangs playfully. "And you look younger without your executive hairdo."

His arm snakes around my waist, drawing me close to breathe me in. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Heck, yeah!" I refrain from doing a fist pump. "My skin is now as smooth and soft as a baby's bottom. Here, feel it." I lift his hand, only to burst out yelping when he pinches my cheeks.

"You're right, it's definitely softer."

"That hurts!" I pouted, rubbing my sore flesh.

He throws his head back and laugh, happiness softening the hard outlines of his face. The sight is so rare, I decide to let his misbehavior slide. I'm just glad he's happy to be with me. It's been too long since we both are.

His large hand engulfs mine, sending trails of heat up my arm. "Come on. I'm sure you're famished." He's right, I am. "The best thing to eat on a cold night like this is hotpot."