Devil’s Music

Chapter 53: Island Village Romance

The following day, beneath the blue-roofed house in Manjaedo, instead of his four family members, there were five. Due to worsening weather conditions, the boat couldn't return for two days, trapping Tsuh Mei on the island.

Every time news spread that Tsuh Mei couldn't leave the island due to the worsening weather, she couldn't help but smile at the actors and crew trying to contain their happiness. On the third day, upon hearing she still couldn't leave, she cheered, even snatching off Haejin's hat as he was about to light a fire.

Even after snatching his hat, Haejin, with an amiable laugh, looked at Tsuh Mei and said, "The wind's strong, and the waves might be high, but it's not like we can't go fishing. I'm planning to try behind that rocky valley beyond the island. The village chief said the big ones bite there. Tsuh Mei, want to come along with me and Geon?"

As Geon translated, Tsuh Mei grabbed onto Geon's arm excitedly, imploring, "Geon oppa! Geon oppa! I want to go fishing, let's go together, okay? I've never tried it!"

Geon glanced at Seungwon, who was drying clams, while Tsuh Mei persistently tugged at him.

Seungwon, stacking clams in a row, smiled, saying, "Go ahead, Geon. You and I can handle the food. Here, Yeongseok! Didn't they call this survival entertainment? What's so romantic about this? So fresh and youthful! Youth is great."

Yeongseok chuckled, "True, it's not exactly as planned, but the ratings should be guaranteed."

Chunho joined in, laughing, "Man, if I were twenty years younger..."

Interrupting Chunho, Seungwon said firmly, "Thirty years!"

After Haejin allowed it, he quickly gathered fishing gear, fetched a bicycle, and alternately addressed Geon and Tsuh Mei, "Oh... right··· this bike's for two... alright, you two ride. I'll walk."

Geon waved his hand, "No, senior. How could I? You go with Tsuh Mei. I'll walk."

Handing the bicycle handle to Geon, Haejin said, "Did you not hear what your mom said? If I carry Tsuh Mei, I'll just be a third wheel in your romance. It's better if I walk peacefully, enjoying the flowers along the way."

Haejin pushed the bike, gestured at the camera, and teasingly posed, making everyone laugh.

Reluctantly, Geon informed Tsuh Mei that they'd ride the bike while Haejin walked. Tsuh Mei squealed and dashed to hug Haejin. Delighted, Haejin received her hug like a daughter, displaying a gracious smile.

Geon packed the fishing gear in the bike basket and called Tsuh Mei, who eagerly sat behind Geon, holding onto his waist tightly. Blushing but visibly happy, she closed her eyes, smiling.

Seeing this, Chunho teased, "Isn't holding on that tight unnecessary? This isn't a ride."

Seungwon, stopping his work, chuckled, watching them.

"Are you an octopus? Clinging onto him like that. Ride like that and just bring back an octopus, Tsuh Mei."

Geon blushed at the teasing and quickly pedaled.

After passing a stone wall, Geon confirmed the VJ and one writer following on a motorcycle before slowly pedaling towards the rocky valley. The narrow path wound its way to the distant sea, the end merging with the blue sky. The path was adorned with countless white flowers, painting a beautiful landscape. Amidst the gentle sea breeze, Geon and Tsuh Mei smiled, embracing the faint scent of the sea and flowers.

As Tsuh Mei cycled past, she reached out, touching the roadside flowers, asking, "Oppa, oppa! Sing! Sing for me."

Geon briefly hesitated, then started singing after glancing at Tsuh Mei through the bike's side mirror.

Surprised by an unexpected Chinese song, Tsuh Mei's eyes widened.

"The clouds are drifting in the blue sky,

The waves are crashing in the blue sea,

This road we walk together is full of flowers,

I don't remember where this is.

I don't need to remember who I am or where this is.

Only this moment with you matters."

Captivated by the sweet lyrics and Geon's melodious voice, Tsuh Mei blushed, hugging Geon tighter, saying, "What... what song is this? I... It's in Chinese, I don't know this song..."

Geon, slightly embarrassed, sped up, pedaling harder, saying, "Just a song I made. Is... is it cheesy?"

As the camera director captured their disappearing figures, exclaiming, "M...My...My hands won't stop shaking! An... an alien has arrived!"

In contrast to the trembling director, the female writer riding on the motorcycle's back seat had a dreamy look.

"D...Damn... so...so jealous...!!!"

Shortly after, at the rocky valley, they awaited Haejin while setting up their fishing spots, as they were unsure of the exact location. When Haejin arrived, they climbed onto the slightly dangerous rocks, each fishing in their spots. Haejin attempted to teach Tsuh Mei and Geon how to bait, but due to Tsuh Mei's aversion to worms, he ended up baiting alone.

Surprisingly, Tsuh Mei seemed to have a knack for fishing or perhaps beginner's luck, continuously catching palm-sized fish, astonishing everyone. Excited by the catches, Tsuh Mei kept handing her fishing rod to Haejin, unable to handle the fish. While watching Tsuh Mei's endearing actions, Geon smiled softly, gazing out at the sea.

Suddenly,

"Ah!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!"

"What!! What's wrong!!"

Startled by the loud scream, Geon quickly stood up from the rock he was sitting on.

"Tsuh Mei!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Tsuh Mei, thrilled by catching a particularly large sea bass compared to the ones they'd caught before, turned to boast to Haejin and, in her excitement, accidentally fell into the sea. The rock where the three stood jutted more than two meters above the water, causing Geon to panic.

In the midst of the chaos with steps and Haejin scrambling, Geon leaped into the sea. In a rush, midair, he flung his fishing rod aside and plunged into the water.

Despite the director's unfamiliarity with the situation, they captured Geon's actions on camera.

Thrown into the water by his leap, Geon momentarily submerged before resurfacing and shouting, 'Tsuh Mei!! Where are you!?'

As Geon thrashed in the water, trying to find her, he widened his eyes in shock as he saw Tsuh Mei standing soaked behind him, her face radiant in the sunlight.

Confounded by Tsuh Mei's appearance, Geon was left speechless as she gestured toward her waist and said, 'I'm only here, not too deep, just here ~'

Geon checked the water level against his own waist, finding it reaching up to the upper part of his thighs. Looking back at the rock, the director and crew, along with Haejin, were laughing heartily.

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Geon blushed and stood uncertain, but Tsuh Mei approached, taking his hand. The camera panned from the vast sea to the two, drenched and gazing at each other.

The waves splashed around a stunning young man, his T-shirt clinging to his body from the sea, and a girl with a bright, innocent smile on her face.

Tsuh Mei, with laughter sparkling in her eyes, said, 'Oh, Geon Oppa ~ I was so worried about you!'

Unable to respond and staring into the distance, watching the agitated sea water, Geon was interrupted by Tsuh Mei's words.

'Hehehe ~ Oppa, let's go, you might catch a cold.'

Geon, without making eye contact with Tsuh Mei, emerged from the sea.

[Interview on the night of that day]

Yeongseok: Tsuh Mei, when Geon jumped into the sea after you fell, how did you feel at that moment?

Tsuh Mei: I was so, so happy, and deeply moved!

Yeongseok: Haha, really? Geon seemed incredibly embarrassed.

Tsuh Mei: Yes, yes, you saw, PD-nim! Wasn't he cute?

Yeongseok: Absolutely. But it was amusing. When I heard the story and checked the footage, I thought everything had turned upside down.

Tsuh Mei: Hehehe! I love Geon Oppa so much!!!

Yeongseok: That much? Then what do you want to say to Geon's fans?

Tsuh Mei: Oh, it doesn't matter. Did you listen to the song Geon Oppa sang on the bike earlier?

Yeongseok: Yes, I did. Why?

Tsuh Mei: Geon Oppa said it was a song he made for me. That should be acknowledged.

Yeongseok: Acknowledged what?

Tsuh Mei: Geon's girl! Viewers should acknowledge that too, right?

Suddenly interjecting, Haejin: Our Geon~~ he's a total romantic guy, really. Tsuh Mei!!! Where are you!!!!

Helping from the side, Seungwon: I should've been there!! Ah~~~ I missed that!

Playing the guitar casually, Chunho: Love~ Love~ Who said that~~~~

Haejin hurriedly brought the drenched Geon and Tsuh Mei back home. Besides, Tsuh Mei had already caught enough fish—seven on her own—making the fishing trip complete.

Geon's embarrassment eased only after he showered with warm water. Until then, while waiting for Geon to finish showering, Seungwon, Haejin, and Chunho's amused glances lingered.

'Tsuh Mei!!!! Where are you!!!!!!!'

'Hahaha!!! Tsuh Mei!!!'

'I'm laughing so hard, seriously, when Tsuh Mei suddenly stood up in the water, Geon was like, 'Whoa!' Hahaha, hahaha!'

Geon, mimicking exaggerated gestures, imitated Haejin and laughed while Seungwon and Chunho rolled around on the floor, watching.

Since that day,

Haejin, Seungwon, and Chunho always called out to Tsuh Mei with a particular shout.

'Tsuh Mei!!! Where are you!!!!!'"

>

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