Jiseok Short Story Collection

our little hideout

The afternoon sunlight beat down heavily, heating the rough, dry ground hard beneath the boots we wore. Shielding my eyes with a hand against the glare, I walked in step with my friends across the site. We were on a mission to find an old trampoline stored in one of the warehouses far off in the distance, and, in contrast to the barren landscape, our conversation was nothing but loud and cheerful.

As we passed a small red wooden building, weathered by time, sitting quietly at the edge of the path, the door creaked open.

A familiar, dazzling face peeked out from behind the corner. It was Ji-seok. He was wiping away a patch of dust on his forehead, and his black hair was a little mussed, but the brief instant his eyes met mine, he broke into a brilliant, proud smile that lit up his whole face.

"We’ve already finished making our little hideout!" he called out. There was so much boyish excitement and warmth in his low voice that the moment I heard it, my chest went all warm and tight.

Before I knew it, I let out a startled giggle, my heart beating pleasantly hard. I turned to my friends and pointed down the path. "The trampoline warehouse is just past those trees! Go on ahead, I’ll catch up in a sec!" My friends waved with playful smiles, and I immediately turned around, ran up the short steps, and followed Ji-seok into the red building.

The moment I crossed the threshold, I inhaled sharply without meaning to.

"Ji-seok, this is seriously amazing." Completely enchanted, I smiled as I looked around. It was a modest space, but designed with incredible care. Both floors of the lofted structure had more than enough room for us to stand up straight without ducking. The interior wood was finished in a natural but slightly deep brown, and it was so smooth and beautiful that light glittered off the stair railing like glass.

"Take a look at the downstairs first." Ji-seok murmured softly, gently wrapping a hand around my waist as if guiding me.

On the first floor, there was an adorable little mini kitchen, and the shelves were neatly stocked with all my favorite snacks and drinks. Right beside it was a gorgeous reading nook made by hollowing out a round patch of ground. It had the feel of a secret cave, offering complete comfort. The walls were lined with built-in bookshelves, and smooth, cool stone trim framed a large, luxurious sofa area piled high with soft cushions. Above it all, a warm bare-bulb ceiling twinkled softly, casting a magical, cozy glow over the whole space.

"And upstairs is here." Ji-seok led me up the sparkling wooden stairs, gently tugging my hand.

When we reached the top of the stairs, a pastel, cute sky-blue-and-pale-yellow floral curtain hung at the entrance, serving as a soft door. He lightly drew back the fabric curtain with his long, elegant fingers, revealing a cozy, perfectly minimalist bedroom. A large mattress was fitted snugly between the walls, filling the space from head to toe, and just beside it, beyond the wide, clean window, the sunlit outdoor view opened up at a glance.

"Do you like it?" he asked gently, returning to his usual calm manner as he studied my expression. He looked visibly shy for a moment, as if desperately hoping for my approval.

"I love it." I said with all my heart, turning to wrap both arms around his neck. "You did all this for us?"

"Every last bit of it." He whispered with a smile full of relief and deep affection. He tightened his arms around my waist, lifted me lightly, and carried me over to the mattress a couple of steps away.

Together we sank into the soft blanket, and the dry, harsh heat outside was completely forgotten. Settling into bed and drifting off for a nap, the world began to move in a slow, languid rhythm. Ji-seok clung to me as if he were my total and complete attachment, wrapping me tightly in his long limbs, and I, held snugly against his chest, watched the world glide silently by beyond the glass window. He pressed the cool tip of his nose into the curve of my shoulder and let out a long, contented sigh. Ji-seok’s fingers traced a slow, lingering line along my wrist, enveloping the two of us, and in that way we were wholly tucked away in the peaceful, safe embrace of the hideout we had made for ourselves.