Chapter 57 (Continued)

 

There was a small private pool in front of the log cabin.

 

It was shaded under a canopy, blocking the sunlight, and lit by lights.

 

It felt cool.

 

In winter, it was used as an open-air bath.

 

Wearing a black rash guard, I soaked in the pool, taking in the view of the forest below the mountain.

 

If this were a normal retreat, I’d be enjoying the scenery and relaxing….

 

‘This is bad…. I’m getting more nervous.’

 

My heart was beating aggressively.

 

The retreat with Baek-seo felt more like a date, which I was trying to ignore.

 

‘Because of Mayeon High School….’

 

The presence of the Mayeon High School Disciplinary Committee brought the date-like feeling to the surface, making it undeniable.

 

My heart felt like it was going to explode.

 

‘This is crazy.’

 

Still, a vigorous body.

 

The freedom of the trip + being alone with the girl I like. The two combined made me feel extremely excited.

 

‘Can I get through today without breaking my image…?’

 

I had no confidence.

 

“Leader, did you wait long?”

 

“Oh, you’re….”

 

When I turned to the direction of Baek-seo’s voice, my time stopped.

 

Baek-seo in a swimsuit that accentuated her figure.

 

It was close to a rash guard, but the short hem of the top exposed her slender waist and smooth abdomen.

 

The bottom was very short, almost like underwear, showing off her legs.

 

‘Ugh…!’

 

I clutched my chest internally.

 

My heart hurt.

 

Baek-seo usually dressed in a modest and fluttery manner.

 

Perhaps that’s why her bold attire today was a strong stimulus to my heart.

 

Even though she wore long sleeves to cover the magic engraving on her shoulder, it didn’t matter.

 

“What’s wrong? Is this outfit weird?”

 

“No way….”

 

I was just grateful….

 

“Come in.”

 

“Okay. I’m coming in.”

 

Speaking in a soft tone, Baek-seo smiled like an angel as she entered the small pool.

 

She placed a tube and a tray on the pool, floating them.

 

On the tray were drinks.

 

Meanwhile, I pretended to look at the view, avoiding giving Baek-seo a proper glance.

 

‘I’m going to die…. Why is she so pretty?’

 

It was overwhelming.

 

The fact that it was just the two of us in a date-like situation made my heart pound even more.

 

“What are you looking at?”

 

Suddenly, Baek-seo came up beside me. She leaned her arms on the pool edge like I did, looking at the view together.

 

It was hard to maintain my expression.

 

“Just enjoying the scenery. Should I take a picture for you?”

 

Trying to change the topic naturally, I met Baek-seo’s eyes.

 

She shook her head and smiled.

 

“I’d rather just stay like this for now.”

 

“…We can take pictures later then.”

 

I didn’t expect that.

 

Don’t people usually like taking pictures? Not me, but generally.

 

“…It’s hard to do something fun with just the two of us. Retreats are meant to be enjoyed with many people. This is too quiet, isn’t it?”

 

I said whatever came to mind in the quietness.

 

If the other executives were here,

 

it would have been noisy even in this small pool, and the atmosphere would have been quite lively.

 

‘It’s a shame Baek-seo’s first retreat turned out like this.’

 

I didn’t know the exact intentions of the three executives, but it was a shame I couldn’t make it more enjoyable for Baek-seo.

 

“I’m already having plenty of fun.”

 

Baek-seo answered with a confused expression.

 

“Huh? Isn’t this the same as usual with just the two of us?”

 

“No, it’s different. I’m excited.”

 

Baek-seo smiled.

 

“It’s not a common opportunity, is it?”

 

…?

 

“It’s rare, yes?”

 

I thought it was just a polite response.

 

But seeing Baek-seo’s genuinely happy face, I was surprised.

 

“Hmm…. But it’s not just about me having fun, should we play a game?”

 

“Sure. What game?”

 

“Let’s do a duck walk race underwater to the other side, but with our eyes closed.”

 

An unexpected game.

 

“What kind of game is that? It’s unique.”

 

“Duck race?”

 

Why did she sound unsure of the game’s name?

 

“…Did you just make it up?”

 

“Caught me.”

 

Baek-seo laughed playfully.
Cute.

 

“Well, sounds fun.”

 

It was something active and not too difficult since it was in the water.

 

The pool was small, so it would be a quick round trip.

 

Even if we collided, it wouldn’t hurt, and it might create some funny moments.

 

“Let’s bet something. Like a light request?”

 

“Got it.”

 

After moving the tray with drinks and the tube out of the pool,

 

Baek-seo and I positioned ourselves at one end of the pool.

 

“Ready, go.”

 

At Baek-seo’s word, we squatted and submerged, and I started the duck walk with my eyes closed.

 

A few seconds later.

 

In the darkness, my hand touched the opposite wall.

 

‘Reached the other side.’

 

Turning around, I extended my hand and started to return to the original spot.
Squishy.

 

‘Huh?’

 

I felt a smooth sensation that shouldn’t have been there and opened my eyes in surprise.
Rising quickly, I saw Baek-seo’s smooth abs right in front of me.

 

As I lifted my gaze, I saw Baek-seo, her hair soaked, looking down at me.

 

I realized then that my hand had touched Baek-seo’s thigh.

 

“Pervert.”

 

Her gentle voice whispered in my ear.

 

Though not a serious accusation, Baek-seo was smiling softly.

 

“……”

 

Before I could feel embarrassed, I was momentarily dazed.

 

They say extreme surprise can make you calm?

 

That’s how I felt.

 

“Sorry…. As a leader, I made a mistake….”

 

Finally, an apology slipped out of my mouth.

 

Baek-seo shook her head playfully.

 

“It’s okay. I know it wasn’t intentional.”

 

“Of course, it wasn’t intentional.”

 

“Yes, that’s right. Anyway, you lost, Leader.”

 

“It seems so.”

 

But did Baek-seo really do the duck walk?

 

‘Come to think of it, I didn’t feel anything beside me while walking.’

 

Did she plan this from the start….

 

No way.

 

That’s too far-fetched.

 

In any case, I felt like I had lost to Baek-seo in more ways than one.

 

“Let’s get the drinks….”

 

Trying to act natural, I quickly moved away from Baek-seo and turned my head.

 

Swallowing my dry throat, I felt an intense thirst.

 

‘Can’t keep my expression neutral….’

 

Despite the cool water, my head felt hot.

 

I felt like I was losing my composure.

 

I needed to drink something to manage my emotions.

 

As I moved towards the drinks,
“?”

 

I suddenly noticed the log cabin where the Mayeon High School Disciplinary Committee was staying.

 

Jae-ho and Ga-yeon were in the small pool in front of their cabin, holding each other’s shoulders, gazing into each other’s eyes, lost in their own world.

 

“Leader? Ah.”

 

Baek-seo approached me and saw the same scene.

 

We both froze.

 

“……!”

 

Jae-ho and Ga-yeon noticed our gaze and quickly separated. The sound of splashing water echoed to us.

 

With flushed faces, they both looked down. It was a pure moment of youthful romance.

 

‘Please, don’t make me conscious of this….’

 

Seeing others in love makes you want to experience it too.

 

Because of them, the atmosphere between Baek-seo and me grew awkward.