Brace up. It's a long one. Keep the comments flowing in!

There's something therapeutic about traveling, it's hard to explain really.

Still, it wasn't until they were in the road did Amina truly appreciated having agreed to take the weekend off and take a break for herself. She needs it after all else she's afraid she'll have a mental breakdown soon enough.

Being cooped up all alone in her apartment will do nothing but make her feel even more depressed.

Then came Benazir, like the Ray of sunshine she's always been, illuminating where ever she finds herself. She's her savior.

The woman handled everything from booking a flight for Amina, down to their transport there and everything. It was like she planned for it beforehand.

And as it turns out, the family was the one Inaya intended to set her up with. It wasn't until they were casually having the conversation on the plane about how she has a friend that wanted to introduce her to a family there, even went ahead to show Benazir the information when it all clicked.

Ambassador Bashir Tafida. The man whose vacation home they were headed to.

The knowledge lessened some of Amina's burdens slightly about crashing a private family affair. She'd spoken to the man's wife once since she arrived, and even then, it was the jovial woman that called and asked her to drop by.

She hadn't, and had no intentions of doing so till Benazir dragged her out of the whole she intended to bury herself in all in the journey of trying to prove herself.

Upon realizing it, Benazir seemed elated. She even prided herself in knowing he would surprise her aunt by bringing Inaya over. She knew she would love it, or so she hoped.

The flight from Seoul to Jeju passed by in a blur with the two old friends casually chatting away to realize the time it took. To them, it seemed quite short.

Nonetheless, they eventually founded themselves boarding off the plane and doing the necessities in the airport there.

Upon rounding everything, they causally strolled out side by side, the two chuckling over something Benazir said. One hand around the small suitcase they each packed, despite it being a two days trip but well, they are both women and boy do they have a lot to pack just for those two days.

From a mile away, it was impossible to miss the effortless fashionable look they both pulled off perfectly.

Benazir exudes a stylish yet casual vibe with her carefully curated ensemble for an end of the week outing. She opts for a loose-fitting, oversized white blouse made from a lightweight, flowy fabric. The blouse drapes effortlessly over her figure, lending an air of relaxed elegance to her look.

Pairing the blouse with high-waisted denim jeans, she embraces the timeless appeal of Korean street style. The jeans feature a slightly tapered silhouette, accentuating her curves while offering comfort and freedom of movement. Distressed details and subtle fading add a touch of edginess to the overall outfit.

For footwear, she chooses a pair of sleek white leather sneakers, adorned with minimalistic accents. The sneakers effortlessly blend comfort and style, making them a perfect choice for her casual night outing. Their clean lines and understated design contribute to the overall chic aesthetic she aims to achieve.

To complete her look, she throws on a lightweight camel-colored trench coat. The coat effortlessly drapes over her shoulders, adding a layer of warmth and sophistication to her outfit. Its timeless design and belted waist create a flattering silhouette while maintaining a relaxed vibe.

Her hair, which she had lulled into a low ponytail was covered with a scarf she picked up, having seen it match her outfit. It was pulled back slightly though, revealing a considerable amount of hair.

However, upon arriving at the Island and met with the warm air there, she was quick to rid herself odd the trench coat.

Amina on the other was starting to regret her choice of outfit, particularly the top. Because she embraces a beautifully casual ensemble, effortlessly combining comfort and style for a relaxed yet eye-catching look. She starts with a soft, pastel-colored oversized sweater crafted from a luxurious blend of cashmere and wool. The sweater drapes elegantly over her frame, offering a cozy and indulgent feel.

Pairing the sweater with a pair of high-waisted skinny jeans, she accentuates her figure while maintaining a laid-back vibe. The jeans feature a faded wash with subtle distressed details, adding a touch of character to her ensemble. Rolled-up cuffs give a relaxed and effortless touch to the overall look.

To elevate the outfit, she opts for a pair of white leather ankle boots. The boots boast a sleek design with a chunky heel, providing both style and comfort for her casual outing. The crisp white color adds a fresh and modern touch, making them a versatile choice for various occasions.

Accessorizing with delicate gold jewelry, she wears a dainty pendant necklace and a few stacking rings, adding a hint of elegance and refinement to her ensemble.

She embraces a natural makeup look, with a soft, rosy blush and a touch of lip gloss, enhancing her natural beauty. Her hair falls in loose waves, framing her face with a carefree elegance. She wore a silk vintage scarf over it though a few strands were still left out.

The problem was the sweater she wore. She didn't think to even check the weather there when she picked an outfit, she simply choose style over comfort and boy was she starting to regret it.

However, Benazir's sudden excited shriek reached her ears, putting a halt to those thoughts of remorse. "Tada!" She had stepped away for a while, leaving Amina alone thoughts only to arrive holding something in front of Amina's face.

The latter's head tilted to the side slightly as she stared at it. "Keys." She stated, with an energy that opposed that of Benazir's. She didn't get what the excitement was for. "You got...car keys?"

Benazir shook her head, dropping her hands by her side before her excited voice came. "I got us a rental car to reach there."

"Okay...just one question. Why?" They could simply take a cab, what's the essence of going through all this?

"Because it's better when you're driving. The experience is just better, you'll see." Her lips slanted into a wide grin, it was contagious "Come on, let's go, you'll see."

Amina's lips curled into a small smile as she shook her head, but nonetheless followed her to the vehicle up ahead.

She hates to admit, but, not really hate to, but Benazir was right. It wasn't until they were on their fourth song in a row while Benazir drove on the road that will take them to their destination did Amina believe her.

Life Goes On by BTS blared through the speakers as the two sang along, despite not knowing the lyrics. Benazir did it better though, because she seems to be better in the language in general.

Nonetheless, neither of them cared that they were butchering the lyrics that if the members of the Kpop boy band hears it might actually send them to an early grave due to acute myocardial infarction, they enjoyed the moment.

Long road drives, windows down, Kpop Playlist and the wind in their hair with laughter all around, how could they not enjoy it. Their destination seemed to be a considerable miles away, but they were unbothered.

But all good things comes to an end, because before Amina could realize it, they were pulling down the gravel of the little driveway leading to the rest house in the outskirts of the Island, an incredibly beautiful one might she add.

As Amina stepped out of the car, her eyes were drawn to the vacation home before her. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Jeju Island's outskirts, the modern two-story building with its captivating glass walls stood like a work of art. The soft sunlight bathed the structure, casting a warm glow on the volcanic stone accents that adorned the exterior.

The little gravel driveway beneath her feet led to the entrance, inviting her to explore further. As she stared at the house, a sense of tranquility washed over her. The surrounding greenery seemed to embrace the property, and the glass walls seamlessly merged the interior with the breathtaking landscape outside.

With a quick intake of breath, Amina felt a profound connection to this place. It was more than just a vacation home; it held the promise of unforgettable moments, a sanctuary where she could immerse herself in the serenity of nature.

There was something about it, she simply couldn't point a finger at it.

Benazir, having stepped out of the SUV as well rounded the car, her lips slanting into a knowing grin upon seeing the look masking her friend's features. "Stunning, right?"

"Breathtaking." Amina nodded, tearing her gaze from the building to meet Benazir's. She offered her a warm smile that did nothing to hide the anticipation of further venturing into the house and appreciating it. "It's really beautiful."

"Well..." Benazir pulled out her suitcase from the trunk, and before Amina could make a move to help her get the other hand, she did the honor. Casually dropping Amina's suitcase on the gravel as well, she looked up and offered her the cheekiest grins. "...the inside is even better."

Before Amina could part her lips to speak, the sound of footsteps approaching them cut the conversation short, signifying the arrival of a third party.

"Benazir, you're here. Welcome, welcome." Came a seemingly middle aged woman trudging in their direction, a warm smile adorning her features.

The middle-aged woman exuded timeless elegance in her warm, flowing dress that gracefully reached her feet. The long sleeves added a touch of sophistication, while the gentle hues of the dress complemented her radiant smile.

With each step, the dress swayed gracefully, mirroring her graceful presence, and she looked every bit the epitome of refined and tasteful fashion. Her hair was covered with a jersey veil wrapped into a hijab, though it seemed to be done with little care whether it looked good or not.

She choose comfort there.

Amina watched as the woman embraced Benazir whom took a few steps to close the distance between them faster. The exchanged a few hushed words that seemed to be light hearted before the latter turned around to acknowledge her company.

"Amma, guess who I brought along." Though they were still wrapped around each other's arms, the two still stared at Amina whom stood there uncomfortably.

She shifted on her feet, offering the woman a warm smile. "Ina wuni?"

Amma spared Amina a glance, her look filled with amusement before her eyes met Benazir's, which was filled the brim with unfiltered amusement swirling in her orbs. "Kice tamu ce." She joked, lightening the mood. She the shifted her warm gaze to Amina. "Lafiya qalau, alhamdullilah. How are you my dear?"

"I'm good, Alhamdullilah."

Benazir took that as her cue to continue. "Amma, this is my secondary school best friend. You remember her, I used to talk about her all the time."

The woman didn't need to think hard before the memory came. "If course." She nodded, then chuckled slightly. "You used to throw such a fuss because your cousin used to 'bully' her."

"I wasn't exaggerating, Amma, I swear. Ya sa ta a gaba kaman me." How could she sit still when he kept perturbing her friend? It was funny to a certain extent, but seeing the furious look Amina sports upon seeing him each time made it less amusing. "That aside. You remember the woman Inaya told you about, right? Her friend."

"The one working in Seoul?" She recall calling her a few weeks back when they were back Seoul as well. Inaya is a good friend of theirs, or more like her father is. Nonetheless, when she called and asked for a favor, she couldn't say no. Not that she wanted to.

"Meet Amina." Benazir dramatically stretched her hand out, her head tilted to the side slightly.

Realization dawned on the woman's expression quick enough. Then, her grin widened even more if possible, as she stepped out of Benazir's embrace and reached out to pull Amina into a warm one.

"Ai ban gane ki ba. Daman ke ce? Welcome, sannu da zuwa." She pulled back, and held her within arms length. "Ya hanya? I didn't know you and Benazir were acquainted. I would've had her brought you over sooner."

Amina couldn't think of the right answer to give. She could only smile and hang her head low. There were too many questions.

Thankfully, Benazir came to her rescue as she took both their suitcase, and dragged them into the house. Not before leaving an answer. "She and I met for the first time in years yesterday. Kawai dai Allah yayi zamu hadu ne."

"Well, regardless, you're welcome to the family. I'm so glad to have you here with us." Amma's words were warm, and motherly. Not to mention the look on her face, it was enough to make one feel at ease.

"Thank you." That was all Amina could say. "I hope I'm not being another by coming unannounced."

"Don't be ridiculous. The more, the merrier." The woman was quick to wave it off. "Come on, let's go in. The others are here already."

As the two stepped foot inside the house, Amin was instantly welcomed by the scent of bakhoor, the first she's smelt in months. It certainly gave off the feeling of being at home, something that gave Amjna internal comfort.

Amma smelt just of that homely bakhoor. She reminded her of her mother.

Amina was quick push those thoughts aside, unwilling to venture down that path. While she and Amma were engrossed in small conversation about their trip and all, Benazir made an appearance again, skipping down the stairs with no suitcase in sight again.

"Amma, ni kuwa where are the guys. I can't seem to spot them anywhere." She looked around, as if they would magically show up.

Amma shrugged, her lips slanted into a slight frown. "I don't know. They're probably in the backyard playing football or something. Nan bada dadewa ba zaki gansu sun shigo all sweaty. They have guests as well."

"Oh. I guess Hunter and the others are here as well."

Amma could only nod in response, and as she parted her lips to say something, her eyes fell on something, or rather, someone. "See, they're here already."

Benazir was quick to whip her head around to follow Amma's line of sight, her lips curling into a deep frown almost immediately. "Ew. When will you guys stop coming back all sweaty? Gaskiya Amma na qoqari."

"Why are you here again?"

That voice. It was what piques Amina's interest.

As Amina's gaze shifted to stare at the owner of the voice, her lips parted as her mouth hung open up in seeing the literal last person she expected to see a the moment. She was sure for a second her eyes were playing tricks on her.

At least, so she believed until his voice came yet again, holding the same bored tone as earlier. The same frown that seemed to be a permanent part of him gracing his lips. He casually strolled on, using a small towel to wipe away the sweat adorning his forehead. He was slightly breathless, no doubt, courtesy of the game.

"-I thought you said you wouldn't be able to make it?"

Benazir's lips slanted into a fake smile. "I'm happy to see you as well. In fact, you just made my day." She stated sarcastically, before rolling her eyes. Blowing out a breath, she then shook her head and gestured to Amina. "Well, in case you haven't noticed, I brought someone along. Amina. You remember her, right? From high school. You weren't nice to her, you can't tell me you've forgotten her."

He hadn't. He'd seen her the minute he stepped into the room. He just chose to ignore it. Until then.

His emotionless eyes slanted in her direction, his eyes meeting hers unwavering. It was electric, for the few seconds of silence that dragged between them felt like years. The tension only the could feel stretched out, a result of not seeing each other since the day she stormed out on him.

That was a little over a week ago.

She doesn't know why, but she suddenly wished the ground would open up and swallow her. She wanted to be anywhere but there, despite having done nothing wrong to feel that way.

And just as she felt the silence had dragged in for far too long, he broke it.

"Of course." His voice was low, and dismissive. "The little fool with short memory." He recognized her from day one at the airport. But of course, with her short memory, she couldn't even when he was practically the exact same person with the same attitude.

Suddenly, all his hostility made sense, not that it was justified. She never understood what she did to deserve it, but she get it now why he kept acting the same way.

He's an asshole. He's always been, and will seemingly forever be one.

"Aahil." Amma scolded lightly, her eyes narrowed.

He shrugged, unbothered. "I'm not wrong." He didn't elaborate, and neither did Amina because the last thing she wanted was to be associated with him in any way.

He picked up a bottle of water that was on the nearest coffee table, and casually strolled away, not paying any of them a second glance. He simply disappeared away from the scene like that.

Benazir sighed, shaking her head slightly. She then shifted her gaze to Amina. "Don't worry, I promise, his brother is much nicer. You'd even forget he's around." As if knowing what she just uttered, the sound of a few voices tangled reached their ears, signifying the arrival of new characters into the room. Benazir smiled, upon seeing the familiar faces. "Here they come."

Four men trooped into the house, all seemingly around the same age group. They were watching and laughing over some joke only known to them. Just like Aahil, they were all sweaty though Benazir made no comments regarding that.

"Hey guys." She waved.

"Hey."

"Bena, where did you get here?

"Sup, beautiful."

"Benazir, you're here." The last one to answer slapped the one who made the last remark in the back of his head, side stepping the three and making his way further. "Yaushe kika iso?"

"Not long ago." She smiled, her gaze shifting to Amina while he does the same. "Amina, meet Aahil's younger brother." She gestured to the guy, "Dean."

***

Our Jeju babes don arrive. Clear za road, we don arrive in Jeju Island!!!

And yall have met the Jeju Squad, though you're yet to get an official introduction.

DEAN AND AAHIL ARE SIBLIBGSSS, who saw that coming?? It's one thing to know each other, it's another to be blood related and that intimate.

I actually dropped a hint that they're siblings in the chapter I introduced Dean and Aahil together.

Now we have two brotherw in love with one girl. Who will it be? The rude one or the nice one that gives us butterflies? Who is it going to be, people????

My faculty is out for my life. They've resumed in full force like ah ahnnn, why nowwww?? Why are you making my life hell already? Whyyyyyy??

Anyways, anyways, we move. We're used to it, so, yeah.

Take care and stay safe.
Love, Jannah Mia ❤️