Moon 'Oner' Hyeun Jun squinted at the map in his hands, brow furrowed. The bright morning sun cast long shadows over the sprawling grounds of Leyte National High School, where he currently stood—lost, and mildly frustrated.

The League of Legends World Championships had just ended, and his team, T1, was finally given their much-awaited break.

Each member was given the freedom to choose where and how they'd spend it, with a catch: they had to create content from their adventures to be uploaded exclusively for premium members.

He could have chosen to stay in Korea, basking in the comfort of his family's pampering, but no—because Gumayusi, curse his creative soul, had suggested they draw lots for their destinations, in the spirit of spontaneity and fun.

Zeus drew India, Keria got Malaysia, Faker ended up with Pakistan, and Gumayusi himself snagged Indonesia. Hyeun Jun? He drew the shortest straw.

Now, he found himself in a place he knew nothing about, cared nothing about, and to make matters worse, he'd somehow managed to get separated from his tour group within the first hour.

"Jezzuz Crust!" He muttered under his breath, the humid air clinging to his skin.

He glanced around, the map in his hand offering little help. Everything was in English, and while he could manage, deciphering the directions and itinerary felt like trying to read a summoner's spell book.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, likely the tour guide wondering where he was, but before he could check, something—or rather someone—collided into him, sending a jolt through his body.

"Ay! Kabayong buntis!" a female voice exclaimed.

Hyun Joon stumbled, barely catching himself as a flurry of papers and maps flew out of his grasp. The girl who had bumped into him quickly knelt down, her fingers brushing against his as she gathered the scattered pages. Her touch was warm, and he felt a sudden, unexpected spark.

"Sorry talaga! Waray ako kita. Pasensya na!" (I'm truly sorry. I didn't see you.) She handed him the papers, her face slightly flushed as she offered a sheepish grin.

Hyun Joon blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected encounter. The girl looked up at him, her eyes bright with curiosity and concern.

"Ay, porenjer!" She exclaimed. "Di makaintindi tak winaray. Anay la. Kalma, dughart!" (Won't understand my vernacular. Be still my heart!) She raised her right hand and pressed it between her breasts, her expression softening as she asked in halting English, "Are you lost?"

He hesitated, searching for the right words. "Yes, a little... I got separated from the group... tour bus..."

She nodded, her expression understanding.

"Let me see." She took the itinerary from his hands, their fingers brushing again—this time more lingeringly—sending a slight shiver down his spine.

"Ah, you're with the group visiting Sto. Niño Shrine next. That's just on the other block. You must have crossed a tiny bridge without noticing. This area is the school belt."

She pointed across the street. "That's Leyte Normal University—" Then, she gestured to the school behind her.

"And behind me is Leyte National High School, my high school alma mater. Don't worry, it's just a short walk back. I can take you there if you want."

Hyun Joon's face brightened with relief. "Yes, please! Thank you!" He bowed slightly, grateful for her help.

The girl smiled, motioning for him to follow. "I'm Khynny Myggz, by the way. You can call me Khynny."

"Moon Hyeun Jun," he introduced himself simply, offering a small smile in return as they started walking. He couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight caught in her shoulder-length hair, creating a soft halo around her.

Khynny led the way with a casual stride, her shoes clicking against the pavement. As they retraced the possible route Hyeun Jun took before he got lost, he explained, in halting English, how he had been so engrossed in taking photos that he didn't notice the tour bus leaving without him.

"That sounds like something I'd do," Khynny teased, glancing up at him with a playful smile, her shoulder brushing lightly against his.

"Guess we're both easily distracted by beautiful things."

Hyeun Jun chuckled, her words catching him off guard in a pleasant way. He stole a glance at her, noticing the soft curve of her lips as she spoke.

"Maybe... Or just not paying attention." He looked at her, catching her gaze this time, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to pause. He felt an inexplicable pull towards her, a magnetic force that made his pulse quicken.

"But I'm glad I ran into you. Literally."

Khynny laughed, a light, musical sound that seemed to dance in the air between them, the sound wrapping around him like a comforting embrace.

"Me too. It's not every day I get to rescue a lost foreigner." Her tone was teasing, but there was a warmth in her eyes that made Hyeun Jun's heart skip a beat.

As they walked, their conversation flowed naturally, the initial awkwardness melting away. They talked about their countries, their interests, and shared a few laughs over the differences in their cultures.

When they arrived at the Shrine, however, they discovered that the tour bus had already left.

Khynny raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Well, looks like you're stuck with me for a bit longer. What do you want to do? Should we try to catch up with your group or explore the Shrine on our own?"

Hyeun Jun thought for a moment, then shrugged, the thrill of adventure—and something else—coursing through him. "Let's see the Shrine. I can join them later."

There was something about the way Khynny's eyes seemed to light up that made him want to stay.

Khynny's grin widened. "You sure? I'm a stranger. For all you know, I could lure you into a dark alley and rob you blind."

Hyeun Jun chuckled. "Let me be the judge of that." His eyes danced with a playful light. "Later."

Khynny laughed again. There was an energy between them—something unspoken yet undeniable—that made Hyeun Jun's heart beat just a little faster.

Inside Sto. Niño Shrine, the atmosphere shifted to a reverent calm. The thick wooden doors creaked as they entered, the air cool and faintly scented with incense. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished wooden floor.

Khynny became an impromptu tour guide, her voice soft as she explained the history of the place. "This was once the residence of Imelda Marcos. Now, it's a museum that houses some of the most significant artifacts from the Marcos era."

She gestured toward a grand chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, its crystals glinting in the light. "That was imported from Austria, I think. Everything here has a story."

As she spoke, Hyeun Jun couldn't help but notice the way her voice softened when she talked about her city's history. There was pride in her words, a deep connection to the place that made him feel more grounded. He found himself captivated—not just by the stories she told, but by the way her eyes seemed to light up as she shared them.

He reached out to touch the smooth, cool surface of a mahogany table, the wood polished to a mirror-like sheen. The scent of old wood and faint traces of floral perfume lingered in the air, a nostalgic reminder of the mansion's storied past.

As they moved through the rooms, Khynny pointed out various artifacts—porcelain vases, ornately framed portraits, and delicate lace curtains that swayed gently in the breeze from the open windows. Hyeun Jun found himself drawn to a large painting of the Leyte Landing, the scene depicted with such vivid detail that he could almost hear the crash of waves and the shouts of soldiers.

"This is incredible," he murmured, more to himself than to Khynny.

She smiled, noticing the way his eyes lingered on the painting. "That's the Leyte Landing, when General MacArthur returned to the Philippines during World War II. It's a very important part of our history."

Hyeun Jun's brow furrowed slightly, and he nodded slowly. "MacArthur... He was in Korea too, during the war. I remember reading about him. He led the UN forces during the Korean War and helped push back the North Koreans. My grandfather used to tell me stories about how MacArthur's strategies saved so many lives. He's a big figure in our history as well."

Khynny's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "I didn't know that. It's amazing how one person can have such a huge impact on different parts of the world. Maybe that's why you felt drawn to this painting. There's a connection."

Hyeun Jun nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Maybe... It's like a piece of home, in a way." He paused, then added, "Do you think we could visit this place in person? The landing site?"

Khynny's smile widened. "Absolutely! It's not far from here. We can head there after we finish up at the Shrine. The MacArthur Landing Memorial Park is a must-see. It's beautiful, and standing there, knowing what happened, gives you chills."

As they lingered in the Shrine, Hyeun Jun found himself drawn to the quiet strength in Khynny's presence. The way she moved with purpose, the warmth in her voice, the ease with which she navigated the history and culture of her homeland—it all captivated him. There was something about her, something he couldn't quite put into words, that made him want to know more, to spend more time in her company.

After finishing the tour of Sto. Niño Shrine, Khynny and Hyeun Jun made their way to MacArthur Landing Memorial Park. The Park was expansive, the grass trimmed neatly, with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. As they approached the memorial, the towering bronze statues of General Douglas MacArthur and his men stood tall against the backdrop of the sea, their expressions solemn and resolute.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air, mingling with the distant calls of birds. The salty scent of the ocean breeze mixed with the earthy smell of the wet grass underfoot. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything, making the statues appear even more imposing.

Khynny and Hyeun Jun walked up to the edge of the memorial, where a plaque detailed the history of the Leyte Landing. Khynny pointed out the exact spot where MacArthur and his men waded ashore, fulfilling his promise to return.

"This is it," her voice almost reverent. "This is where it all happened. Where history was made."

Hyeun Jun stood silently, taking it all in. The history he had learned, the stories he had heard, all seemed to come alive in this place. He could almost see the soldiers trudging through the water, feel the weight of the moment in their determined gazes.

After a long moment, Hyeun Jun turned to Khynny, his eyes meeting hers with a new sense of connection. "Thank you, for bringing me here. It's... powerful."

Khynny nodded, her smile gentle yet knowing. "I'm glad you liked it. There's something special about this place. It's like you can feel the history in the air."

Hyeun Jun's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, the budding attraction between them growing stronger. He found himself drawn to her in ways he hadn't expected, and as they stood side by side, he realized that this wasn't just about the history or the sights they were seeing. It was about the connection they were building, something deeper and more meaningful than he could have anticipated.

After taking in the history and the powerful atmosphere of MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, Khynny suggested they grab something to eat from one of the nearby food stalls. The smell of sizzling meat and aromatic broth filled the air, making Hyun Joon's stomach rumble in anticipation.

They walked over to a small stall just across the park, the sign overhead proudly advertising pares—a local specialty. Khynny led the way, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she gestured to a small table covered in a checkered red-and-white cloth. The stall was simple, but the food being prepared looked and smelled incredible.

"You have to try this," Khynny said as they sat down.

"Pares is a local favorite. It's beef stew served with garlic rice and a side of clear soup. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect after a long day of exploring."

Hyeun Jun looked at the steaming bowl of pares in front of him, the rich aroma of soy sauce, star anise, and garlic wafting up to his nose. The beef was tender, glistening in its dark, savory sauce, and the garlic rice was fragrant, with tiny, golden-brown bits of crispy garlic scattered on top.

He picked up his spoon, hesitating for a moment as he looked at Khynny. "You're sure I'll like this?"

Khynny grinned, her eyes twinkling. "I promise you'll love it. Just take a bite."

Hyeun Jun took a deep breath, then scooped up a piece of the beef with some of the garlic rice. As the flavors hit his tongue, his eyes widened in surprise. The beef was incredibly tender, practically melting in his mouth, and the sauce was rich and flavorful, with just the right balance of sweetness and umami. The garlic rice complemented it perfectly, adding a satisfying crunch and a burst of garlicky goodness.

"Wow," he said, nodding in approval as he went in for another bite.

"This is really good. I didn't expect it to be so...savory."

Khynny laughed, her cheeks dimpling with the force of her smile. "See? I told you! It's one of those dishes that just makes you feel warm inside. It's a go-to comfort food for a lot of Filipinos."

They continued eating, the conversation flowing easily between them. Khynny shared stories of her childhood, explaining how her family would often visit stalls like this after school or on weekends, making it a tradition. Hyeun Jun listened intently, occasionally adding his own anecdotes about growing up in Korea, where street food was also a beloved part of the culture.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light over the park and the nearby stalls. The sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation. There was something intimate about sharing a meal together, something that brought them closer in a way that the grand history of the park couldn't.

As they finished their meal, Hyeun Jun leaned back in his chair, a contented smile on his face. "I'm glad you brought me here, Khynny. I would've never tried this on my own."

Khynny beamed, clearly pleased. "I'm glad you liked it. There's so much more to Filipino food than what you might find in fancy restaurants. It's the simple, everyday dishes that really capture the heart of our culture."

Hyeun Jun nodded thoughtfully, feeling a deeper appreciation for the place and for the girl sitting across from him. "I can see that. And I'm starting to really like it here."

They exchanged a smile, the connection between them growing stronger with each shared experience. As they got up to leave, their fingers brushed against each other's.

As they walked back to the park, the conversation between them grew more playful, with Khynny occasionally bumping into him, her laughter infectious. At one point, they both reached for the same stone to skip across the water, their hands meeting and holding for a moment longer than necessary. They locked eyes, a soft breeze blowing a strand of hair across Khynny's face.

Hyeun Jun instinctively reached out, gently tucking it behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her skin, the touch sending a shiver down both their spines. Khynny's breath hitched, her lips parting slightly as she looked up at him, the space between them charged with an unspoken tension.

Without thinking, Hyeun Jun leaned in, their lips brushing in the faintest, briefest of kisses. It was tentative, almost hesitant, but the spark it ignited was undeniable. They both pulled back, eyes wide, hearts racing.

"I—" Khynny started, her voice breathless, but Hyeun Jun shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Later," he whispered, echoing his earlier words with a new depth of meaning.

As the sun began to set, Khynny finally suggested they head back to Hyeun Jun's hotel. But just as they were approaching the entrance, the tour bus he had originally lost sight of pulled up to the curb.

Hyeun Jun's tour mates and the guide waved him over, visibly relieved to see him. He exchanged a few words with them in rapid Korean, assuring them he was fine.

Khynny watched the reunion with a small smile, her hands tucked into her pockets. When Hyeun Jun turned back to her, she raised a hand in farewell.

"Looks like this is it," she said, her tone light but tinged with a hint of something more. "Take care, Hyeun Jun. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Leyte."

He hesitated, something in him not quite ready to let go of this unexpected connection. But before he could speak, the guide called him back to the bus.

With a final nod, he turned to leave. But before stepping inside, he looked back at Khynny one last time. Their eyes met across the distance, and he smiled.

"Later."

The drive back to the hotel was quiet, the events of the day replaying in his mind. Hyeun Jun leaned his head against the window, watching the scenery pass by in a blur of green and gold.

The air inside the bus felt heavy with missed opportunities and lingering questions.

But as he reached into his pocket for his phone, he felt something else. His fingers brushed against a piece of paper, unfamiliar and out of place.

He pulled it out, unfolding it slowly. It was a small, handwritten note, the paper creased from being hastily shoved into his pocket.

In neat, slanted handwriting, it read:

"If you're ever in Leyte again, find yourself lost, look me up. KM."

A phone number was scrawled at the bottom.

Hyun Joon stared at the note for a long moment, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Then he carefully folded it and tucked it back into his pocket.

Maybe, just maybe, he'd take her up on that offer.