Seo Jin stood in the middle of the chili pepper field, feeling completely out of place. How did he end up here, tending to crops and trying to fit into this rural setting? It was all because of that one unfortunate incident with the stomach ache and the impromptu fertilizer application.
As he wiped the sweat off his brow, Seo Jin couldn't help but steal glances at Cheol working diligently a few rows away. Cheol, with his rugged hands and sun-kissed skin, was a stark contrast to Seo Jin's city-slicker appearance. But there was something about the way Cheol's eyes sparkled when he smiled that drew Seo Jin in.
Despite his initial intentions of using Cheol for convenience, Seo Jin found himself laughing more, sharing stories, and feeling a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a long time. Cheol's simple way of life and genuine kindness began to chip away at the walls Seo Jin had built around his heart.
But as the days passed and their bond deepened, Seo Jin couldn't shake the fear creeping in. Fear of vulnerability, fear of being hurt, fear of letting Cheol in completely. Could he let go of his past, embrace this unexpected chapter in his life, and allow himself to love and be loved in return?
As the sun set over the chili pepper field, casting a warm glow over the two men working side by side, Seo Jin knew that the answers lay within himself. And maybe, just maybe, the spicy allure of the peppers wasn't the only thing that had ignited between him and Cheol.
