The flight to Jeju took an hour.
Soorin spent most of it pretending to sleep.
Minjae dozed beside her.
Head tilted back. Mouth slightly open.
She watched the clouds through the window.
Tried not to think.
But her mind wouldn't cooperate.
The burner phone sat heavy in her pocket.
She hadn't checked it since yesterday.
Didn't want to know what AF had sent.
Whatever warning was coming could wait.
At least until they landed.
The plane started its descent.
Her ears popped.
Minjae stirred beside her.
"We there already?"
"Almost."
He stretched.
Yawned.
"I can't wait to see the ocean."
"Yeah. Should be nice."
He smiled at her.
That warm, easy smile.
She forced herself to smile back.
The plane touched down.
Smooth landing.
Everyone started gathering their things.
The overhead bins clicked open.
Voices filled the cabin.
Excited. Energized.
They filed off the plane.
Into Jeju's small airport.
The air felt different here.
Warmer. Saltier.
Like vacation.
