Scarlet Strings.

Content Warning: This chapter contains themes of intense scenes, including sexual content. Please read at your own risk and ensure you are in a safe space to engage with these subjects.

This chapter may contain mature content if you're not interested in this, you can skip the parts, there's one warning given for extra mature content. This content may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised! 

Enjoy the tension, passion, and emotions as our characters get lost in the heat of the moment. I hope you don't feel uncomfortable. If so you're free to skip. Thankyou.
Sincerely,
ParkAaimin.

Chapter 41:

The sun was high in the Tuscan sky as the group made their way toward the famous Saturnia Thermal Springs, nestled among rolling green hills. The air smelled of fresh cypress and the faint hint of sulfur from the natural hot springs, which cascaded over smooth limestone terraces into pools of milky-blue water.

It was a sight straight out of a dream, steaming, mineral-rich waters flowing like nature's own luxury spa. After days of adventure and cooking classes, a spa retreat was exactly what they all needed.

The couples, Mr. and Mrs. Wi, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Kang, Esme and Seung-Il, and Aaira and Sung-Hoon with their one-year-old baby, looked forward to unwinding together. Ha-Neul, the only single one among them, acted indifferent, though his gaze lingered on the steaming pools with undeniable interest.

But for Scarlet and Ha-Joon, today was special. Ha-Joon had planned something romantic, a private couple's experience high on the hilltop spa, where they could enjoy the breathtaking view of the countryside.

***

As they were led away from the main pools, Scarlet felt a flutter of excitement. The spa staff guided them up a stone pathway to a private wooden deck, set high on the hill. From there, the Tuscan vineyards stretched endlessly, golden fields swaying in the breeze, the scent of lavender filling the air. Below them, the steaming terraces of Saturnia's thermal springs glowed in the afternoon light.

Scarlet turned to Ha-Joon. "This is... beautiful."

Ha-Joon smiled, watching her take in the view. "Only the best for my wife."

Her heart skipped at the word wife, they weren't officially married, but every time he said it, it felt natural. A pair of plush lounge chairs sat waiting for them, draped with soft towels. Beside them, a small table held two glasses of prosecco, a bowl of fresh strawberries, and a bottle of chilled water with lemon slices. The spa had thought of everything.

Scarlet ran her fingers through the warm steam rising from the private pool set into the deck. "This is like something out of a dream."

Ha-Joon smirked. "You deserve a dream, don't you?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Smooth talker."

Their personal spa attendant arrived, a woman dressed in crisp white, her voice soft and melodic. "Welcome to your private retreat. We have arranged a thermal mineral bath soak, a couple's massage, and an herbal detox treatment, for you today. Shall we begin?"

Ha-Joon looked at Scarlet. "Ladies first."

She smirked. "That's because you're scared of the detox wrap, isn't it?"

"I just want to see you relaxed first," he said smoothly.

Scarlet sighed happily as they stepped into the private mineral bath. The water was warm, silky against her skin, infused with healing minerals from the Saturnia springs. She leaned back, closing her eyes as the heat melted the tension from her body.