The lake house rose from the treeline like a postcard, all warm timber and wide glass windows reflecting the late afternoon sun. A dock stretched into the still water, where a rowboat knocked gently against the wooden pillars.
gravel crunched under tires as the van pulled into the driveway. The front door burst open before the engine even cut.
Jay
jogging down the steps, oven mitts still on Finally! I was about to send a search party. The kimchi jjigae's been ready for an hour.
Jungwon
leaning out the doorway, grinning He's been checking his watch every five minutes since noon.
Heeseung stepped out of the van, stretching his arms above his head. The others spilled out behind him—Jake and Sunghoon already arguing over who got the better room last year, Sunoo carrying an absurdly large bag of snacks, Ni-ki yawning like he'd just woken up even though he'd been chattering the whole drive.
Heeseung
turning back to you, hand extended Welcome to paradise. Or at least, Jay's version of it. He's already planned three meals ahead.
Jay
pointing a spatula at him Complain all you want. You'll be begging for seconds tonight.
The lake shimmered in the distance, impossibly blue. A pair of ducks drifted across the surface, unbothered by the commotion.
Ni-ki
stretching, cracking his neck Please tell me the karaoke machine still works. I need to defend my title.
Sunoo
snorting You mean your only win? Against Jake's little sister?
Ni-ki
It counts!
Inside, the house opened into a sprawling living room with mismatched couches and a fireplace that looked well-loved. Fishing rods leaned against the wall by the back door, and a guitar sat propped in the corner. The kitchen smelled like garlic and sesame oil.
Jungwon
appearing beside you with a glass of something cold Heeseung said you've never been here before?
Heeseung
sliding an arm around your shoulder, easy and warm Not yet. But she's about to learn everything. Including why nobody swims after sunset.
Jake
from the hallway, already holding a pillow Because of the legend! Right? The one about—
Sunghoon
cutting him off, deadpan There is no legend. Jake just wants you all to be scared so he can win at mafia tonight.
Heeseung
looking down at you, eyes crinkling What do you think? Up for a week of no schedules, no cameras, just... us?
The screen door swung open behind them. One of the girlfriends—Jake's, you thought, you still hadn't met everyone properly—stepped out onto the deck, holding two fishing rods.
Unknown girl
calling out Jay says if you're not eating in ten minutes, he's feeding your portion to the ducks!
Jay's voice echoed from the kitchen: They'd eat it too! Spoiled things!
The evening light caught the water, turning it gold. Somewhere inside, someone started the karaoke machine, the opening notes of an old song drifting through the open windows.
Heeseung
leaning in, voice low, just for you Home for the week. You in?