PTT - 75

The destination Ra-on and Si-heon reached by speedboat was one of the Maldives’ islands, known for offering a wide variety of activities. After unpacking their luggage at the resort, they changed into swimsuits and headed straight to the beach.

A cloudless azure sky greeted them. The picturesque scenery washed away all the fatigue and stress accumulated from their demanding missions. Ra-on dipped her ankles into the cool water, letting the breeze envelop her body.

The salty scent of the sea, the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore, and the warmth of sunlight on her skin awakened every sense. Spreading her arms wide, she took a deep breath, feeling fully alive.

“Now that we’re in Maldives, we have to drink a ‘Mojito.’ Shall we toast?”

“What’s that? If we’re in the Maldives, we should drink a mojito.”

“It’s a line from a popular movie back in the day. You don’t seriously not know it, right? Judging by your serious face, I think you really didn’t… You’ve got this old-fashioned side to you, Agent Yoo Ra-on.”

“I just don’t pay much attention to trends, that’s all.”

Si-heon clinked his glass lightly. Taking a sip, the refreshing taste of mint and lime pleasantly coated his mouth. Ra-on sipped her cocktail through a cute polka-dot straw.

After gazing endlessly at the cerulean sea, the two reclined on sunbeds placed in the middle of the sandy beach. Thanks to the large parasol overhead, they could relax without sunglasses.

After sipping her refreshing mojito, Ra-on turned her head to gaze at Baek Si-heon lounging beside her. His broad shoulders, well-defined chest muscles, and perfectly toned abs were enough to catch the eyes of passing foreign women. He was undeniably attractive.

‘Hmm…’

Ra-on stared at him thoughtfully before rising from her seat to drape a beach towel over him. Once his chest and swimsuit were completely covered, she nodded with satisfaction. Still lying on the sunbed and browsing a tourist map, Si-heon chuckled in disbelief.

“What’s this? Am I being protected now?”

“You’re too exposed. Don’t you have a longer swimsuit?”

“Well, if my swimsuit were any longer…”

Though he laughed awkwardly, he made no effort to remove the towel. Instead, he squinted his eyes playfully and looked up at her with amusement.

“But Yeon-ah, covering only this part makes it seem even more revealing. It’s like you’re undressed.”

“…You’re right. Maybe it’s better to take it off.”

“It feels oddly satisfying to be scolded by you. Does this make me a pervert?”

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. Startled, she ended up sitting on the sunbed next to him, leaning her head against his broad shoulder. Surrounded by the vast ocean and serene scenery, a profound sense of peace settled over her.

“…It’s nice. So peaceful.”

“What will we do if we don’t want to leave when the time comes, Yeon-ah?”

“Still… we’ll have to go back someday. Every beginning has an end. I think I’ll miss this view.”

“Next year, let’s travel somewhere else. Once a year, we’ll conquer places we’ve never been to. How does that sound?”

“Hmm, it’ll cost quite a bit, though.”

Ra-on giggled softly, blinking her eyes. Listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves—swish, swish—a wave of drowsiness began to wash over her. She murmured softly, her lips barely moving.

“I’m sleepy… but I don’t want to sleep.”

“Shall I wake you up? I know a way to wake you instantly.”

“…What is it?”

At Ra-on’s question, Si-heon simply shrugged and winked mischievously. His unusually playful expression stirred a sense of unease within her. Sensing something suspicious, she slowly tilted her head.

---

“…I’m definitely awake now.”

“Right? It’s a surefire way to snap out of it. I planned to come tomorrow, but since the weather’s so nice today, I figured why not.”

The place Si-heon had taken Ra-on to was a bungee jump platform located on the opposite side of the island—one of the reasons he had specifically chosen this location.

The platform was so high that its end was barely visible. Even as they ascended 150 meters via elevator, Ra-on pinched her cheek to check if this was real or a dream.

“But did we really come all the way to the Maldives to do high-altitude training? They make us do enough of that at work.”

“This isn’t just any training. Take a look down there.”

Interrupting her while adjusting her helmet, Ra-on peered down below the platform. The turquoise sea shimmered brilliantly, reflecting light like a jewel. Each time the waves crashed against the cliffs, white foam sparkled. Jumping while gazing at such a breathtaking view would surely feel extraordinary.

Quickly understanding, Ra-on followed the safety officer’s instructions and fastened her harness. Though the height was impressive, it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle. After all, she had jumped from helicopters hundreds of meters above during parachute training.

“Hey, aren’t you scared? Everyone who comes up here shakes like a leaf. But you and your boyfriend are so brave.”

“Well, I don’t really have acrophobia. As for this guy... I’m not sure.”

A twenty-something guard tightened Ra-on’s harness as he spoke to her. Excitement outweighed fear. She glanced at Si-heon, recalling how he had acted terrified on a roller coaster at an amusement park not long ago.

With a harness strapped over his muscular torso, Si-heon smirked confidently. He flicked his index finger with self-assurance.

“You shouldn’t underestimate your direct superior. That time, I was just pretending to be scared.”

“If you don’t scream while falling, I’ll acknowledge you. Want to make another bet like last time?”

Fully equipped, Ra-on stood at the edge of the platform. One more step, and she’d plummet 150 meters. After completing his safety checks, Baek Si-heon moved close beside her, flashing a mischievous grin.

“Didn’t you hear Daniel earlier? This is a couple’s bungee jump. It’s boring to jump alone.”

“When did you exchange names?”

“As you know, I’m pretty good at making friends. What position should we jump in?”

Sensing their conversation, the safety officer mimicked a princess carry pose.

“How about holding your girlfriend like this? Very romantic. I don’t recommend it to everyone, but you look strong enough to pull it off.”

“That’s a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion, Daniel.”

Taking the hint, Si-heon bent down, sliding his right hand under her knees. With his left hand supporting her back, he effortlessly lifted Ra-on into the air. Startled, she reflexively wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head back.

“Senior, you really… Do whatever you want, don’t you?”

“That’s why you like me, isn’t it?”

“…Haa, always one step ahead.”

Smirking, Si-heon stepped into position. Alone, he wouldn’t have felt nervous, but holding her close made his heart flutter slightly.

“Alright, countdown begins now. Ready?”

“Of course.”

“Three, two, one… Bungee!”

On Daniel’s cheerful cue, Si-heon leapt off the platform, securely holding Ra-on. There was no hesitation in his clean jump.

As soon as their feet left the ground, a powerful gust of wind hit their faces. Ra-on’s short hair whipped to one side. In that fleeting moment, she glanced downward.

The emerald expanse of the endless sea filled her dark eyes. It was a mesmerizing sight just to behold. Breaking through the roaring wind, Baek Si-heon shouted:

“Yeon-ah! Yoo Ra-on!”

Everything surrounding her felt unrealistically beautiful—even the warmth of his skin pressed against hers. Clutching his neck tightly, Ra-on locked eyes with him.

“Let’s officially date!”

Against the backdrop of a vivid blue sky and turquoise sea, Si-heon smiled. This was the setting he had carefully chosen after resisting labeling their relationship casually.

Tears welled up in Ra-on’s eyes at his heartfelt declaration. What was she to do with this lovable man? Nodding vigorously, she spoke with the happiest expression she’d ever worn.

“Then today marks Day 1!”

The rope, which had been stretching endlessly, pulled taut and began lifting them back up. The salty scent of the sea brushed against their noses. Their love wasn’t a reckless freefall—it was a bungee jump with a tether. Whether falling or rising, as long as they were together, they would always be safe.

High above the ground, Ra-on and Si-heon kissed. Sweet laughter escaped between their breaths. “I love you,” Ra-on whispered, her lips trembling. The weather, the air, and the person beside her—all were perfect on this spring day.

BANG! A single bullet to the heart. We were pierced by the bullet of love.

〈 Pull the Trigger - FIN. 〉

Thank you for reading!