Ensemble Leveling
Chapter 47: Perfect Cherry Blossom
With the completion of their performance marked by the arrival at the other end of the cable car station. At one of the highest locations of the Lotus-Eater Island, lies one of the landmarks that all self-proclaimed tourism connoisseurs have to visit at least once in their life. ‘Perfect Cherry Blossom’, surprisingly has a deep history of its own and a story untold as to why there is such a place in the southern Absence to begin with.
At this altitude, the scenery felt almost otherworldly, the incandescent moon hanging opposite the retreating dusk painted the sky in hues of deep violet and gold as the mournful eventide approachees. Petals swirled gently with the mountain wind, creating an eternal cascade of blossoms that seemed to defy the passage of time.
“We’ve arrived… Quite a journey, wasn’t it? Forget entirely about the duration thanks to our residential musician over here,” Karim said, clapping Jihoon on the back with a playful grin.
Jihoon chuckled softly, still catching his breath from the intense performance. The lingering emotions of their music blended seamlessly with the serene atmosphere around them, creating a moment he knew would stay etched in his memory.
Before them stood the Perfect Cherry Blossom, an architectural marvel nestled into the mountain’s peak. The inn was sprawling yet exuded an inviting warmth. Its design appeared timeless, combining intricate woodwork, shoji screens, and tiled roofs that reflected an ancient heritage. Yet subtle details bely such as hidden lighting fixtures, seamless pathways, and understated modern enhancements. All spoke of thoughtful updates that preserved its historical charm while accommodating contemporary needs.
“Let us get to our room now, shall we?” Karim said with a confident smirk, motioning toward the inn’s grand entrance, his words felt as though have way more weight to be thrown around. “The scenery surrounding us is entrancing enough to keep anyone rooted here, but if that’s enough to captivate you, wait until you set foot inside. Trust me, this place is the crown jewel of Lotus-Eater Island, and I don’t say that lightly.”
The group followed Karim, each step carrying them closer to the inn’s allure. Jihoon couldn’t help but just recognize at the craftsmanship around him. Back in his world, attempts to replicate such a blend of history and modernity often fell short, feeling either overly artificial or losing sight of the past altogether. But here? Every detail felt intentional, a harmonious balance between honoring history and embracing progress. Whichever mind capable of such harmonious design, he felt like this world was truly what enables them.
As they passed through the wooden torii gate marking the inn’s entrance, Jihoon felt a quiet sense of reverence settle over him. The mountain breeze, the ever-falling cherry blossoms, and the inn’s quiet grandeur seemed to promise something he hadn’t experienced properly in years: peace.
Jihoon took in the scenery as though he was stepping into a new world.
The reception hall of the inn was spacious and decorated as they were greeted by two receptionists in their traditional kimono in the same cherry blossom patterns.
“Welcome esteemed guests, how can we help you?” said both receptionists at the same time.
Although the two women in identical style in front of him appears as human as much as a glance can tell, his [Observant] told him the obvious otherwise that any native of Absence could tell already.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Perfect Cherry Blossom Receptionists
Name: Hanami Twin (Tsukiyo & Hazuki)
Level: 74
Race: Youkai – Kitsune (Nine-tailed Fox)
+Physical Attributes:
-STR: 55
-END: 44
-AGI: 65
-DEX: 55
+Non-physical Attributes:
-INT: 11
-CHA: 89
-MAG: 133
-Active Skill:
+Shadow Magic (Advanced)
|-Fox Fire (Advanced)
+Lifeforce Synthesis (Advanced)
+Irresistible Allure (Unique Racial Ability)
-Description:
The Perfect Cherry Blossom receptionists, Tsukiyo and Hazuki, are Nine-Tailed Foxes subrace of Youkai.
Their synchronized movements and speech signifies a bond deeper than mere kinship,
perhaps an effect of their shared magical essence.
Recognized for their exceptional beauty and natural charisma, they are as skilled in enchantment
as they are in combat, capable of charming even the most guarded minds if fall short in sheer statistic.
Despite all of this, they serve as the inn’s frontmost guardians combined with their ethereal elegance.
------_____{\\\\////}_____------
Jihoon’s gaze lingered on the system panel, his mind drifting to what he had learned about Youkai during his time in Absence. The term “Youkai” was less of a singular race and more of a blanket category, encompassing a vast array of subraces with wildly diverse characteristics. He had seen Nine-tailed Fox/Kitsune before, and perhaps even more as his journey will inevitably take him places.
The Youkai’s vast diversity defied easy classification. And yet, there was one aspect they all seemed to share—a fundamentally human appearance, regardless of how strange or otherworldly their true nature might be.
This trait wasn’t limited to Youkai, Jihoon realized. Every race he had encountered in Absence—from Harpies to Dwarves and even the Merfolk—appeared almost indistinguishable from humans at first glance, and some of their unique features subtle enough to blend seamlessly into human aesthetics. It was both fascinating and disconcerting, a reminder of how superficially similar yet profoundly different the denizens of Absence were compared to the people of his own world.
What truly set the Youkai apart, however, was their innate spiritual nature. It is precisely this lack of distinction that mana and vitality of a Youkai is infused with one another passively and become no different than a Youkai's life-force. A self-sustaining reservoir that fueled both their existence and their immense magical capabilities. And precisely from this life-force that a Youkai's combat capability stem from.
Unlike most races, who merely expended mana to cast magic spells, Youkais have to draw directly from their said life-force. This made their magic both exceptionally potent and inherently dangerous. A Youkai’s spellwork was capable of effects far beyond what mana alone could achieve, but the cost of overextending themselves is devastating. If a Youkai drained too much of their life-force into their spells, it wasn’t simple exhaustion that awaited them—it was death instead.
Jihoon’s eyes flicked back to the receptionists, noting the subtle, almost imperceptible aura that seemed to emanate from them. They were calm and composed, but Jihoon couldn’t shake the sense that beneath their serene exteriors lay a power both awe-inspiring and deeply perilous. It was a sobering thought and a reminder of how much he still had to learn about Absence and its intricate, often dangerously delicate balance of existence with how every life has such potential of power.
“Beautiful and deadly,” Jihoon muttered under his breath, earning a curious glance from Rosa and Alvorna, who had been quietly observing the interaction he has.
“Don’t let your guard down around these beauties,” Karim added with a knowing grin, his voice low enough for only Jihoon to hear. “A Kitsune’s charm isn’t just for show, you know.”
Jihoon nodded silently, his mind already spinning with questions and theories about the enigmatic race. As they followed the receptionists toward their rooms, he couldn’t help but feel that this visit to the Perfect Cherry Blossom inn would reveal far more than just breathtaking scenery.
For the rest of the duration in which they are guided toward their room, the receptionists didn’t do any attempt of attracting his attention. It wasn’t difficult for him to guess the reason. Alvorna, the Daughter of the Matriarch herself, was silently observing them, her piercing emerald gaze carrying the weight of an unspoken declaration.
Her expression betrayed nothing overt, but Jihoon could feel the intensity of her presence, like a bird of prey perched high above, scrutinizing its surroundings. The message was clear as he alone belonged to her, and any attempt to overstep boundaries would surely invite her ire.
With all his honesty, she is actually terrifying if she actively displays it which is par for the course of the Harpies. Alvorna rarely displayed such demeanor but when she did, it felt like helplessly watching a perfect storm approach. Speak softly and wear your velvet glove over the iron fist, as the saying went. He had seen glimpse of that ‘iron fist’ in action once before and he knew that he isn’t going to survive the next provocation if he did.
“We’ve arrived, esteemed guests. Hope you all enjoy your stay in our ‘Perfect Cherry Blossom’ inn”. One of the kitsune receptionists said with a bow. Both twins turned and left the room’s entrance gracefully, their elegant movements almost hypnotic as they disappeared down the corridor, leaving an air of quiet sophistication in their wake.
Jihoon stepped into the room and froze, momentarily overwhelmed by what greeted him. The interior was a perfect blend of luxury and modesty, striking a balance that felt at once indulgent and grounded.
The polished wooden floors gleamed in the ambient light, and the walls were adorned with hand-painted murals of cherry blossoms, their petals seemingly caught mid-fall. Soft tatami mats lined the sitting area, where a low wooden table and cushioned seating awaited. A delicate shoji screen separated the main room from what appeared to be a small bedroom, and the gentle flicker of an antique lantern cast a warm, golden glow over the space.
It was beautiful, yes, but it was the view beyond the room that truly captivated him.
Stepping through the sliding doors, Jihoon found himself on a private outdoor veranda that opened up to the breathtaking scenery of the mountaintop. The air was crisp, tinged with the faintest scent of blooming cherry blossoms. Below them, the lush forest stretched out like an emerald ocean, the flickering lights of fireflies creating a living constellation.
In the distance, the bright moon hung low in the sky, its silvery glow reflecting off the serene waters far below. The sight was otherworldly, as if stepping into a painting that had come to life.
Jihoon leaned against the wooden railing of the veranda, trying to encapsulate the sheer magnitude of effort that must have gone into creating such a marvel. The inn felt timeless, as though it had always been here, untouched by the passage of years. And yet, Jihoon knew better. Nothing in Absence, or any world for that matter, was built overnight.
“Hard to believe a place like this exists,” Jihoon murmured, half to himself.
Karim chuckled, stepping up beside him with a knowing smirk. “It didn’t spring up out of nowhere, Jihoon. This inn, this island, this whole world—it’s the culmination of over ten thousand years of history. Absence didn’t just appear one day. It’s the result of countless generations planting trees they knew they’d never see bloom. They built this for those who came after them, and we’re just lucky enough to be here to enjoy it.”
Jihoon let those words sink in, his gaze lingering on the endless expanse of nature before him. There was a humbling beauty in the idea that everything he saw, everything he was experiencing, was the result of lives lived with foresight and purpose. It wasn’t just the craftsmanship of the inn or the meticulously maintained cherry blossoms—it was the spirit of preservation, of growth, of leaving something behind for the future.
As the thought settled, Jihoon let out a long breath, releasing the tension he hadn’t realized he’d been carrying. The world felt lighter in that moment, as if the weight of history had lent him its quiet strength.
Karim clapped him on the shoulder, breaking the silence. “But don’t get too comfortable. The night’s still young, and this isn’t the end of our journey for today.”
Jihoon raised an eyebrow, turning to face him. “You’ve got more planned, don’t you?”
Karim grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Of course I do. What kind of guide would I be if I let you turn in early in a place like this? There’s still the teahouse, the hot springs, and maybe even a little midnight stroll under the blossoms. Trust me, the Perfect Cherry Blossom has a lot more to offer than just a good night’s sleep.”
Jihoon couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head. “Guess I’d better pace myself, then.”
The two of them rejoined the group inside, where Alvorna, Rosa, and Aquarius were already settling in. The room buzzed with quiet anticipation, each of them keenly aware that the day was far from over. Jihoon glanced out toward the veranda one last time, the moonlight casting its gentle glow over the scenery.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
And tonight, those memories were just beginning to take shape.
Having changed into the traditional kimonos provided by the inn, the group departed their room for the hot spring, the first destination on their evening itinerary. The two men—Jihoon and Karim—wore the standardized male variants, simple yet elegant with muted tones and intricate patterns that whispered of eastern Absence’s cultural heritage.
Alvorna, in contrast, donned a beautifully tailored female kimono, its vibrant green fabric accentuated with intricate silver designs that evoked the flowing patterns of wind currents. Her natural elegance seemed amplified by the outfit, the fabric moving in harmony with her every step, making her seem almost otherworldly. Aquarius also dressed as though she was literally a sea fairy of eastern Absence’s undersea palace in its folklore.
Meanwhile, Rosa had gone to exceptional lengths with her own attire. Her customized kimono was tailored perfectly to her diminutive yet robust dwarven stature, the rose-gold accents on her clothing matching her twintails. She looked as though she had planned this moment meticulously, her pride in her appearance evident in the confident way she carried herself.
Jihoon, however, couldn’t shake his discomfort as he adjusted the folds of his kimono for the tenth time. Rosa noticed almost immediately, narrowing her eyes at him. “Hey, Jihoon, you seem uncomfortable wearing that. Is something wrong?” she asked, her tone curious but not unkind.
Jihoon hesitated, casting his gaze toward the ground as he fumbled for an answer. It wasn’t the kimono itself that bothered him. In fact, the craftsmanship was impeccable, and the fabric felt soft against his skin. No, the source of his unease was something far less tangible—something from a world he had left behind. That thought in particular manifested in his mind certainly doesn’t appear out of nowhere because insanity back in his world that people kept trying to normalize until the Gates forcefully brought an end to a delusional dream (read: nightmare).
As he walked, flashes of memories surfaced in his mind, unbidden and unwelcome. His time at Arisen Studio may have been fraught with challenges at time, but nothing compared to the headache of navigating the one-time insanity of cultural politics in his world before the Gates. He vividly recalled how they had once accepted a contract to compose a traditional Japanese-style soundtrack, only to find themselves embroiled in a ridiculous controversy. Rabid voices had tried to drag politics into the art, accusing the studio with the flimsy excuse of appropriation and insensitivity. To these rabid people,
If it weren’t for the studio director’s quick thinking and deft handling of the situation, the backlash might have derailed the project—and Jihoon’s career along with it. Now, even in this entirely different world, wearing the kimono brought those memories rushing back, a ghostly whisper from a past he’d rather forget entirely already instead of needlessly brought up.
“No reason…” Jihoon muttered, his voice subdued. He knew his unease was irrational, a relic of a world where people argued over trivialities while the foundations of society crumbled. He wanted to enjoy the occasion, to immerse himself in the beauty of the moment, but the damage done to his mind back then was not something so easily ignored.
Rosa tilted her head, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she adjusted the sash of her own kimono and gave him a small nudge on the shoulder. “Well, try to relax. It’s not every day you get to experience something like this. Just take it in, alright?”
Jihoon nodded, grateful for the shift in tone. As they exited the inn, his unease began to dissipate, replaced by awe as they stepped into the outdoor courtyard.
The sight before him was nothing short of enchanting. Traditional lanterns hung on ropes strung between cherry blossom trees, their warm, festive light illuminating the path ahead. The trees, their branches heavy with blossoms, seemed to glow softly under the moonlight, their pink petals drifting lazily to the ground like nature’s own confetti. The contrast of the blossoms against the deep blues and purples of the night sky was breathtaking, creating a scene that felt almost too perfect to be real.
Other guests strolled through the courtyard, their laughter and quiet conversation blending harmoniously with the rustle of the trees and the soft hum of the lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Jihoon caught glimpses of various races from Merfolks in transformed state, silently enjoying the scenery around. Beastfolk people with their beast ears and fur fluffs rustling under the lantern light and the few other Youkais whose traits and exact subrace defies easy discernment even if they appear as human as he is.
It was a gathering of Absence’s diverse denizens, all drawn to this mountaintop sanctuary to bask in its beauty.
Jihoon understood that sentiment completely. As much as he had struggled to feel at ease earlier, the scenery before him left no room for discomfort. It was impossible not to be entranced by the harmony of nature and craftsmanship on display.
“This is… something else,” Jihoon murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
“It is, isn’t it?” Karim said, walking beside him and chuckled.
Jihoon absorbed Karim’s words, his gaze lingering on the gently falling petals. It was a humbling thought, and one that made him feel a little more grounded, a little more connected to this strange yet beautiful world.
With their arrival at the inn’ hot spring. Jihoon felt the soothing warmth radiating even before they entered, the faint sound of flowing water adding to the tranquil atmosphere. With separated bath for men and women respectively, and that this place just seems to always be crowded with guests no matter the timeframe as people enters and exit the hot spring consistently. The area was bustling with activity and tt seemed the allure of the hot springs was universal, their popularity transcending time and racial species.
“Welp, it seems that this will be where we will be parting temporarily. Hope all of you ladies enjoy your time and that our temporary separation isn’t too lonely for all of you”. Karim said as he maintains his calm and collected appearance as professionally as he could. These girls chose to follow Jihoon for a reason after all regardless of their personal positions.
Despite his teasing words, Jihoon noticed Karim’s tact in how he phrased it. These weren’t ordinary women—they were a royal princess of an undersea kingdom, the Daughter of the Matriarch, and the CEO of one of the largest industrial conglomerates in Absence. Yet, none of their positions mattered in the face of public etiquette. Rules were rules, and not even their titles could bend them to allow mixed bathing.
Disappointed as they might be yet as they moved away from one another, Alvorna’s eyes lingered on Jihoon for a moment longer than the others, her expression unreadable but somehow heavy with unspoken emotion.
Jihoon gave them a small nod before turning to follow Karim into the men’s section. The transition from the bustling courtyard to the men’s hot spring was seamless, the warm steam immediately enveloping them like a welcoming embrace. The outdoor spring was a natural marvel, with rocks forming the edges of the steaming pool, blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Cherry blossom trees framed the area, their petals occasionally drifting down to rest on the surface of the water, creating a picturesque and serene environment.
Together, they found a spot near a large rock in the middle of the spring and settled in, leaning against it to let the warmth seep into their bodies. The water was just hot enough to relax every muscle without being overwhelming, and Jihoon let out a contented sigh as he closed his eyes.
After a moment of quiet, Jihoon broke the silence. “So, Karim, with your… impressive social skills, can you imagine what’s going on over on the girls’ side right now?”
Karim chuckled, closing his eyes as he stretched his arms along the edge of the rock. “I can’t speak for them exactly, but if I had to guess based on what I’ve observed, they’re probably discussing you, my friend.”
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. “Me?”
“Of course.” Karim opened one eye, smirking. “You’ve got the Daughter of the Matriarch watching over you like a hawk, a mermaid royal who seems intrigued by you despite her supposed reserved nature, and a fiery dwarf who went out of her way to dress to the nines just to come here. You’re the common thread, Jihoon. It’s only natural you’d be the topic of conversation.”
Jihoon shook his head, letting out a soft laugh. “I’m not sure whether to feel flattered or concerned.”
“Both, probably,” Karim replied smoothly, his tone teasing. But then, his expression shifted slightly, his smirk taking on a more mischievous edge. “Speaking of the ladies… here’s a burning question for you: who do you think is the most beautiful among them?”
Jihoon gave Karim a sideways glance, expecting the usual playful banter. Normally, such a question would leave him flustered, fumbling for an answer that wouldn’t stir up trouble. But tonight was different. The soothing atmosphere of the spring and the introspective nature of their conversation lent him a clarity he hadn’t felt in a while.
He leaned his head back against the rock, gazing up at the night sky as he considered his answer.
“If we’re talking purely physical allure, Rosa has that in spades. Her presence commands attention, and she knows how to carry herself along with her very… well-developed body. Aquarius has her own regal charm—there’s a grace to her movements, like she’s always in her element, no matter where she is even if she lived in a reserved manner.”
He paused, his expression softening. “And then there’s Alvorna. She has this innocent grace, the kind of presence that captures hearts the moment she enters a room. It’s not just her beauty—it’s the way she carries herself, like she’s always looking for a way to connect, to belong.”
Karim raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “But if you had to choose?”
Jihoon made his answer without any hesitation. He knew already from the moment he first laid eyes upon her.
“Alvorna,” he said firmly.
Jihoon’s voice trailed off for a moment before he reorganized and found the next words in his mind.
“She’s like me. Neither of us feels like we truly belong in the world we’re in. I couldn’t adapt to the post-Gates society of my place—I lived in its shadow withoutfor years as an unawakened, feeling like I was always on the outside looking in. And Alvorna… her life is no different. She grew up in a gilded cage, her path decided for her before she ever had a choice in the matter herself”
“If one day I must leave Absence and there’s anyone I could take with me, it would only be her. Everyone else has something worth staying for. Rosa has her trade empire, Aquarius has her kingdom. But Alvorna? She deserves to see a world beyond the one she’s been trapped in no matter how beautiful it is.” Jihoon turned his gaze to Karim, his expression resolute.
Karim was silent for a long moment, his usual smirk replaced by a contemplative look. Finally, he let out a low whistle. “I was expecting a flustered dodge or a joking answer, but that… That was wiser than I’d have given you credit for. Sorry for asking you a stupid question in the first place.”
“I guess the hot spring makes one think a little deeper than usual. The usual meditative state when one is relaxed.” Jihoon chuckled, shaking his head.
Karim stared at Jihoon, seeing just how far this strange man in a strange world developed and connected to the world around sort of makes him proud like a parent seeing their children succeed in life. And considering his relationship as Jihoon’s sponsor for his musical career, he was glad that his intuition as a merchant didn’t fail him that day.
“You really don’t do anything halfway, do you?” Karim admitted with a grin.
Jihoon chuckled softly, leaning back against the rock once more. “Not anymore. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that half-measures don’t get you anywhere worth going.”
The two men sat in companionable silence, the gentle sound of water and the distant murmur of voices blending into the tranquil ambiance of the night. The warmth of the hot spring seeped deep into their muscles, soothing away every ache and lingering tension. It was a brief respite, but one they both knew was temporary. Time in the spring was limited, and every passing second brought Alvorna’s Rite of Ascension closer.
Still, Jihoon couldn’t deny how refreshing the experience had been. After the grueling first trial of the Odyssey and his recent discharge from the hospital, the hot spring felt like it had ironed out every hidden crease in his body, leaving him feeling renewed in ways he hadn’t expected.
Eventually, the two of them stepped out, drying off and getting dressed in their kimonos once again. They made their way back to the meeting area, where the girls were already waiting for them, their relaxed expressions indicating they had enjoyed their time just as much.
“You all look refreshed,” Jihoon said, his tone light as he approached. “How was it?”
“Oh, it was wonderful,” Rosa replied with a serene smile. “The water was just the right temperature, and the view of the blossoms under the moonlight was breathtaking. Truly a perfect way to unwind.”
“Speak for yourself,” Alvorna interjected, crossing her arms. “That water was hotter than magma. I felt like I was being boiled alive. I don’t know how you managed to enjoy it so much, Rosa.”
“Boiling alive?” Aquarius raised an eyebrow, tilting her head in confusion. “The water was fine. If anything, I thought it was too mild. It could’ve been a few degrees warmer, honestly.”
Jihoon blinked, looking between the three of them as they continued to recount their experiences. The stark contrast in their descriptions was almost comical.
“Wait a second,” he said, holding up a hand to interrupt. “You were all in the same hot spring, right? How can your experiences be so… different?”
The three women exchanged glances, each looking equally perplexed.
“Maybe it’s just perspective,” Rosa offered diplomatically.
“Perspective, my down feathers!” Alvorna yelled. “Aquarius has the temperature tolerance of a glacier, and Rosa being a dwarf probably finding it no different than taking a bath in literal blast furnace.”
“I could probably say the same about you,” Aquarius shot back with a rare smirk.
Jihoon shook his head, utterly baffled. For a moment, he wondered if one of them—or all of them—was exaggerating or outright lying. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Rosa clapped her hands together with an exaggerated grin.
“Well, there’s one way to settle this,” she declared boldly. “Next time, we should all try a mixed bath together. Then you’ll have no excuse not to see for yourself, Jihoon.”
The suggestion hung in the air for a second before- thwack! -Alvorna’s hand came down on the back of Rosa’s head with surprising force.
“Stop saying such nonsense,” Alvorna said, her expression calm but her voice carrying a sharp edge.
Rosa rubbed the back of her head, scowling. “What’s your problem? I was just joking.”
“Some jokes are better left unsaid,” Alvorna replied smoothly, though she flexed her fingers, clearly regretting hitting Rosa’s without considering her dwarven constitution. Her hand probably hurt more than Rosa’s head from said fist.
The sight of the scene brought back an unexpected memory for Jihoon. He was reminded of that game series Arisen Studio had worked on—the one infamous for its hot spring events in every installment. Those scenes always involved the male characters stumbling into the women’s bath or overstaying their welcome, only to be met with exaggerated violence and humiliation. It was supposed to be comedic, but Jihoon had never found it funny. Watching those scenes unfold, he’d always felt uncomfortable, unable to laugh at something that played out like a bad joke at someone’s expense.
“Hey, earth to Jihoon,” Karim’s voice cut through his thoughts, breaking the awkward air between all of them. “How about we stop debating about hot springs and focus on the next stop?”
Jihoon blinked, grateful for the change in topic. “Next stop?”
“The teahouse,” Karim said, a knowing grin spreading across his face. “Well, it’s more like a tea yard, considering how popular it is. There’s no way it could fit all the guests otherwise. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it. The Perfect Cherry Blossom’s tea is one of the highlights of the entire region.”
“Tea yard?” Jihoon repeated, his curiosity piqued.
“Yep. Lanterns, blossoms, and some of the best tea you’ll ever taste,” Karim said. “And considering how much we’ve already experienced tonight, it’ll be the perfect way to wind down before we call it a day.”
The group began to make their way toward the teahouse, the soft glow of lanterns lighting their path through the courtyard once more. Jihoon stole a glance at the women, who had resumed their usual banter, and couldn’t help but smile. Despite the confusion and chaos of the moment, the camaraderie between them all was undeniable—and it was moments like this that reminded him how far they’d come together.
Whatever awaited them at the tea yard, Jihoon was certain it would be another memory worth cherishing.