Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 39:

Scarlet stirred awake, feeling the warmth of Ha-Joon’s embrace around her. His arm was draped lazily over her waist, his chest rising and falling steadily against her back. A small smile crept onto her lips. "Sleepy bear."

She shifted slightly, careful not to wake him. His grip loosened for a second, but he sighed in his sleep and snuggled deeper into the pillow. Scarlet stifled a laugh. It was so easy for him to fall asleep anywhere, anytime. 

Stretching her arms, she slipped out of bed and padded toward the balcony, feeling the cool morning breeze against her skin. She leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath. Tuscany in the morning was breathtaking, the sky still painted with traces of dawn, the vineyards bathed in a soft golden light. 

Her eyes trailed across the estate, taking in the serene beauty, but then, her gaze fell on Ha-Neul. He was asleep. On the swing. Scarlet’s brows lifted in surprise before a soft chuckle escaped her lips. Did he sleep there all night?

She turned on her heel, slipping back inside to grab her phone. She moved swiftly, her lips curving into a mischievous smile as she returned to the balcony. She lifted her phone, angling it just right before snapping multiple pictures. 

One. Two. Three. Each photo captured his peaceful expression, the way his dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, the way his lips were slightly parted, the way his hand rested limply by his side. 

How rare. Scarlet bit her lower lip, flipping through the pictures before shaking her head. "He’s going to kill me if he finds out."

But then, the morning air nipped at her skin, and she frowned. "It’s too cold for him to be sleeping out here."

She set her phone down and leaned over the railing slightly, whispering, “Ha-Neul.” 

No response. She tried again, softer this time, “Ha-Neul.” 

Nothing. Scarlet tilted her head before smirking. “Alright,” she muttered under her breath. She bent down, plucked a small flower from a nearby vase, and without hesitation, threw it at him. 

The moment the delicate petals landed on his face, Ha-Neul jolted awake. His body stiffened before he shot up, looking around in confusion, his sleep-heavy eyes darting from left to right. His fingers brushed the flower off his face as he frowned. 

Scarlet pressed her lips together, barely holding back her laughter. Ha-Neul blinked at her, his mind still catching up. “What the…” he trailed off, eyes narrowing. “Did you just...?” 

Scarlet leaned over the railing, her expression all too innocent. “Good morning,” she whispered. 

Ha-Neul ran a hand down his face before looking at the flower in his lap. “Really?” 

Scarlet grinned. “You wouldn’t wake up.” 

He sighed, finally realizing where he was. His brows furrowed slightly before a small, lazy smile formed. “Oh… yeah. I must’ve fallen asleep gazing at the stars.” 

Scarlet nodded, completely buying his words. “That makes sense,” she whispered back. 

But Ha-Neul only smiled bitterly to himself. "Lie? I didn’t. I did sleep gazing at a star. My star. So far away from me."

Scarlet tilted her head. “But, really… why are you sleeping here?” 

Ha-Neul hesitated before shrugging. “Guess I lost track of time.” 

Scarlet hummed before stepping away from the railing. “Anyway, you should go inside. It’s too cold out here.” 

He nodded but made no effort to move. She watched him for a moment before leaning against the railing again. “Thanks for driving me to the airport last night.”