19. An Unexpected Location

It wasn't long before they pulled over at the docks of the Han river. There were a lot of different boats there, but Seol could figure out that they were more for private use then commercial Han river tours. Seol was frozen in her seat as Sunbae got out of the car. She didn't move until he had his hand on the door handle. They both opened it at the same time. Sunbae gestured her to get out but Seol just turned towards him in the seat, one leg hanging out.

" You didn't rent a private boat right?"

Sunbae laughed before answering "No, I didn't." Seol let out a sigh in relief.

"My dad already owns a boat that we dock here." Seol froze with one foot in the car and the other on the ground.

"What?" Sunbae just smiled and pulled her along, clicking the car door closed as they reached the beginning of the docks. Seol just closed her eyes, took deep breaths and kept telling herself not to freak out, to be cool about it.

Once Seol could find her voice again she asked

"Which-Which one is it?" Sunbae gestured to a boat that was at the end of the docks. This time Seol's heart dropped.

(I don't know anything about boats..so I just found an extravagant but pretty picture. I also don't know if the logistics of having a private boat like this is possible on the Han river. But this is my imagination. ;))

Seol froze not moving even as Jung tugged on her arm. She slowly turned to him.

"Sunbae, is this really okay? Will you father be okay about this?"

"Don't worry. To be honest it is just a place for my father to have business gatherings. It goes unused most of the year. He wouldn't mind at all." Seol was still glued to where she stood. Jung realized then how severe her reaction was. So he turned to fully face her, blocking her view. Taking her shoulders in a firm grasp he looked into her eyes, not saying a word. He tried to reassure her with his gaze because words would be of no help now. Seol took the comfort he offered so readily and tried to come to terms with the situation. When she had her bearings together she asked.

"When did you learn to drive a boat Sunbae?" Jung burst out laughing.

"No, I don't know how to sail it." He corrected her subtly. "We have a crew that does all of that. We will have a sailor to sail the boat and some extra staff. Trust me, we will be in safe hands."

As they neared the boat, four people came out to stand at the end of the little bridge used to get on. Sunbae shook the hand of the man wearing a sailors uniform, they exchanged a greeting before turning to Seol. The captain introduced himself and the rest of the crew. There was a male chef and two women in smart uniforms that were basically waitress/housekeepers. One of the women led them onto the boat, Seol and Jung followed behind quietly with Jung holding Seol's hand reassuringly. They were led up to what they called the upper deck for the best view during cast off. There was beautiful spread of rich snacks of different cheeses and crackers with plats of cut fresh fruits and nuts. There was a bottle that looked like champagne chilling in an ice bucket. But it was the view that was the most breathtaking. Seol walked slowly across the deck taking everything in, eventually reaching the railing.

Jung looked at Seol's back as she made her way across the deck. He knew that the boat wasn't the best idea for a first date. In the past he and Seol were happy doing what regular couples did, like movies and going out to eat. But they weren't kids anymore and couldn't hide away from the reality of what his life would be like. Seol could learn the extent of his family's wealth with time of course, but Jung was losing patience. If he could have it his way, they would at least be living together now. It wouldn't be hard to separate Seol from the public eye and the consequences of being associated with his family. Jung however, decided long ago that Seol would stand next to him and never in the shadows. The boat was just a tiny example of the way things would be once Seol's position became public information.

Seol felt the boat lightly leave the edge of the dock. The wind from the river pushed her hair into the air and the dress molded to her body. Her amazement was apparent. It was then that Jung wrapped his arms around her from behind. His hold strong and determined. Seol felt his lips in her hair, against her temples, he left a hard kiss there before tucking is chin by in the juncture of her neck and shoulder.