Scarlet Strings.

Wrapped in Crimson

Ha-Joon slid in beside her, the water rippling around him. He exhaled, running a hand through his wet hair before shifting closer to her. "You look like you're enjoying this a little too much."

She peeked at him through half-lidded eyes. "That's the point, isn't it?"

He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. "You should always feel this relaxed."

Scarlet met his gaze, feeling the warmth of both the water and his touch. The moment stretched between them, the world narrowing to just the two of them.

***

After their soak, they were led to a shaded outdoor massage pavilion draped in white linen curtains. The spa had arranged side-by-side massage tables, where they lay down as two expert therapists began their aromatic oil massage.

Soft Tuscan music played in the background, the scent of lavender and rosemary filling the air. Scarlet let out a soft sigh as her therapist worked on her shoulders, kneading away any remaining stress. Ha-Joon, however, wasn't as silent.

"This feels... too good," he murmured, his voice thick with relaxation.

Scarlet laughed. "I take it back. Maybe I do like this spa day with you."

He turned his head slightly to look at her, a lazy grin on his face. "Oh? Falling for my plan?"

"Maybe," she admitted, eyes half-closed.

The slow, rhythmic pressure of the massage lulled them into a state of pure bliss. Scarlet felt weightless, her body melting into the table. The warmth of the oils, the soft strokes of the therapist's hands, the quiet laughter between them, it was all perfect.

When the massage ended, they sat up, feeling light and refreshed. Scarlet stretched her arms with a small yawn, and Ha-Joon took the opportunity to pull her close, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder.

"You're glowing," he murmured.

She turned, arching a brow. "That's the oil."

He smirked. "No, it's you."

As the day neared sunset, they returned to their private pool, the sky painted in soft oranges, pinks, and deep purples. Scarlet leaned against the edge of the warm water, watching as Ha-Joon stood beside the table, opening the bottle of prosecco. The cork popped, and he poured them each a glass before stepping into the water beside her.

"To us," he said, raising his glass.

Scarlet smiled, clinking hers against his. "To this perfect day."

They sipped in silence, the world around them quiet except for the faint rustling of the breeze and the distant sound of flowing water. Ha-Joon reached over, running a finger along her cheek.

"I love seeing you like this," he murmured. "Happy. Relaxed."

Scarlet set her glass down and shifted closer. "I think you just love seeing me wet."

Ha-Joon let out a husky laugh. "That too."

She rolled her eyes, but before she could tease him again, he pulled her into his arms, his lips capturing hers in a slow, lingering kiss. The warm water lapped around them as she melted against him, their bodies pressed close, the heat between them rivaling that of the thermal springs.

When they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers. "Red," he murmured, voice softer now. "I mean it. I love seeing you like this. And I want to see you this happy... always."

Scarlet swallowed, her heart tightening. It was moments like this that made her fall for him all over again. "You make me happy, Moon," she whispered.

A satisfied smile curved his lips, and he pulled her in for another kiss, deeper this time. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with the last golden rays of the day, Scarlet realized something, this was more than just a romantic getaway. This was them. Together. Their love, growing stronger, day by day. And she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.