Chapter 38

Darwin checked again the contents of the backpack given by Randy which he would use when climbing Mount Hallasan in a few moments. Double-check the items inside, such as compasses, penknives, small flashlights, disposable raincoats, multi-purpose bags, walkie-talkies, bottles filled with drinks, some snacks, and of course the first aid kit.

Even though this climb didn't reach the top and wasn't like professional climbers in general, Darwin still had to prepare everything carefully. Anticipating good or bad things that they might experience while on the trip later.

"Are you all ready?" Darwin asked Velove, who at that time was wearing gloves and special shoes for climbing.

"Yes," the woman nodded as she looked up. "Everything is in order. Just leave."

Darwin also nodded. Ten minutes later, his cell phone rang. There was Samuel who called, then asked her and Velove to immediately gather in the lobby of the resort.

When they got there, Randy was already there and also several companions who might accompany them this morning ascent.

"How about it, Win? Are you and Velove ready?" asked Samuel to make sure. Judging from his appearance, the man was really ready to leave.

"Me and Velove are ready, really. I have also checked all the items needed."

"In that case, while it's still really early and the weather is sunny, let's go right now," Samuel said afterwards.

"Is Luna not joining you?" he asked. From the start when he arrived at the Lobby, he didn't find Luna joining them. I do not know where the woman is at this time.

"Luna doesn't want to join in, Win. You know that her asthma tends to recur in cold weather. After all, Kalvin also doesn't want to be left behind by his nurse. So, today's climb was just me, Randy, you, Velove, and three other people." escort, one of whom is assigned to be the navigator."

Darwin nodded in understanding. He knew very well about Luna, who really had asthma and often didn't feel comfortable in cold weather. Moreover, on the mountain the air temperature can change or be erratic. Considering that unwanted things will happen later, it's better if Luna really doesn't need to come.

"Since there is nothing to wait for and all the preparations are already 100% safe, let's leave now," Randy asked then directed her cousins to immediately walk towards the car. Equally all of them drive from the resort to the Hallasan mountain complex which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Hallasan Mountain itself is actually the highest mountain in Korea and is centered on Jeju Island. Interestingly, this mountain was named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2007.

Hallasan Mountain itself was originally a volcano, and features many geological formations and flora. The crater at the top is filled with water, which then creates Lake Baengnokdam with a circumference of 3 kilometers. This mountain attracts climbers all year round in all weather.

Actually, Samuel didn't think about spending her vacation time going hiking on Mount Hallasan. But, on the advice of Randy who was so curious, he finally invited Darwin, who already had experience climbing there several times, and then went together.

"Before climbing, we split into two teams," said Randy. At this time, everyone has arrived at the gate of the tourist spot, and prepare themselves before actually starting the climb. "Me, Samuel, and Park Hyo Jin, let's be a team. Meanwhile, you, a team with Velove and Lee Byun Hae. Let Mr. Choi Min Soo be the foremost and earliest road navigator."

Darwin nodded in agreement. As soon as the team members had been divided, he and Velove immediately followed the instructions to start the climb.

"Actually, there are many starting points and hiking trails along Hallasan Mountain. However, only two can lead us to the top, namely the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails."

Choi Min Soo, a 42 year old man who was chosen by Samuel as the navigator, began to explain. Occasionally, the man would tell me about the important things that mountain climbers should and should not do.

"In that case, which route shall we take, sir?" asked Randy curiously. Because it was his first time climbing Hallasan Mountain, the man looked very enthusiastic.

"Most Koreans start from Seongpanak on the east side and climb down to Gwaneumsa Temple on the north side. We can all start on another route, then switch to one of these if we want to see more of the scenery," the man explained. . "However, due to the vast area of the mountain range, we might not be able to reach the top if we don't hurry."

"In that case, I'll take you all there. The time it takes to reach the first post if the weather is good like now is about three hours. That's why, I hope, no one gets off track or separates from the group without discussing it first." so that we can arrive on time and without problems.

The group of Samuel, Darwin and Randy then continued their journey starting from the Seongpanak Information Center. The Seongpanak Trail itself passes through the famous Sokbat Field as the entrance to the Saraoreum Volcanic Cone.

After that, they also passed several flower gardens, one of which was the Azalea garden. Because it is currently spring in Korea, the Azalea flowers appear to be blooming with a sparkling pink color. Velove even looks very enthusiastic several times to capture images of rare plants, both flowers and trees.

"The flowers are really nice."

Along the way up, Velove was clearly seen capturing several pictures from the cellphone he was holding. Meanwhile Darwin, who accompanied his wife behind, could only smile seeing how happy Velove was at this time.

"This is not much. Above, there will be more and better than this," Darwin replied while continuing to walk.

"Seriously? This is already really good."

"I'm serious," said Darwin. "Later you just prove it yourself when we've got up there."

The Seoungpanak Line itself is the longest of all the trails in Hallasan. It stretches, 9.6 kilometers long, and takes about 3 hours one way.

For safety's sake, Choi Min Soo guided the climbers to arrive at the post at the azalea field at 12:30. After resting for a while, Darwin and the other group continued their journey to the next post, and arrived at Lake Baengnokdam at 14:00.

"Before we go back down, you can rest for an hour while looking around. Spots and views on this lake are indeed the best used to capture photos as mementos."

Randy and Samuel immediately took a sitting position. Meanwhile, Darwin and Velove looked around the natural flower garden, which happened to be blooming at this time. As before, Velove certainly didn't want to miss the moment by capturing what he saw in the form of several pictures.

"You don't want to take a picture together with Darwin?" Randy scolded when she saw Velove who was busy taking pictures. "How exciting if only a collection of photographs of flowers or landscapes are here."

Velove, who at that time was busy taking photos on his cell phone, immediately turned his head. Throwing a smile at Randy while answering, "So, what do you think I should do?"

"Yes, take a photo with Darwin, okay. Can you take a selfie together or do you want me to help take a photo? As long as the location and view are supportive. You can show off the photos on social media, Ve."

Velove nodded in agreement, shortly after, he immediately called Darwin who was currently engaged in conversation with the guards and the navigator.

"Why?" asked Darwin when he heard his name being called by his wife.

"I want to take a photo together. Do you want it or not?" asked Velove without the slightest preamble and that second Darwin immediately greeted with a nod.

The man then stepped closer. Even looking for a good spot for both of them to capture images.

"Just here. The background fits the lake and pine trees."

Velvet complied. He immediately approached, then took a standing position right next to Darwin. Meanwhile, Randy, who served as the photographer, immediately directed the camera while adjusting the position of the object.

"Are you husband and wife or not?" scolds the man. "It's time to take pictures far away. Be intimate, please!" Then Randy's gaze was immediately fixed on Darwin's figure who seemed to be standing stiffly. "Win, embraced by your wife. If you are far away, the photo is exactly like a couple who are in World War 10."

Darwin chuckled. I wanted to protest, but I was too embarrassed because there were a lot of people there. Then after that, he chose to obey by shyly embracing Velove's shoulder.

"No shoulders!" Randy protested once again. "You just put your arm around Velove's back. Why are you so shy? She's your wife. Or do you want me to change her position?"

Darwin let out a long sigh. Inside he cursed because Randy had succeeded in working on him. Instead of protesting, once again he just obeyed his cousin who directed him and Velove to try various poses.

As a result, there are so many images that have been successfully immortalized. In fact, more and more, Darwin and Velove seemed to be enjoying all the directions that Samuel gave them. It is also uncountable how many pictures are ultimately stored in Darwin and Velove's cellphone camera gallery.

"Because the rest time is enough and stamina has also returned, it's better for us to get down soon," said Mr. Choi warned. "Besides, if it's past noon, the weather on the mountain can change at any time. That's why, once again I remind you to keep your steps and not go off the beaten path so you can arrive safely."

"Normally, how long does it take to get off?" asked Samuel while tidying up her luggage.

"Faster than the climbing process. Because we go home through a different route and it's also shorter."

"Then, we go down right now," Darwin said later.

Then all the entourage who had filled their strength and energy immediately rushed down. Like what Choi Min Soo said, suddenly the weather which was initially hot slowly turned cloudy and cold.

In fact, out of nowhere, the fog seemed visible in the middle of the road. The group of Samuel, Randy and Darwin even stopped for about 15 minutes at the first post.

After making sure the conditions were a bit safe and catching up on the time before it rained, everyone hastily continued their steps to go down to the next post.

However, just one hour down the mountain, the fog returned to attack. Even thicker than before. As a result, because of the short visibility, their steps were interrupted for a while. Walking a little settles, in the end the whole group arrived at the last post.

"Sir, how long does it take to get to the entrance gate?" asked Samuel to make sure.

"About 15 to 20 minutes."

Samuel nodded in understanding. Intending to confirm other conditions, the man then looked back. Start counting the participants, until finally finding an anomaly.

"Relict?" called the man to make sure the entourage members behind him. Because it was covered in fog, visibility was not very clear.

"Yes, I'm here," said Randy.

"Park Hyo Jin? Lee Byun Hae?"

The two names that Samuel called immediately answered together. Making sure it was safe, Samuel then called out the next name.

"Darwin, Velove?"

"Yes Ken," said Darwin. "I'm in the ---" Darwin's voice, which had been loud before, stopped. Then before long, the man was heard screaming. "Velove isn't in line!"

"Huh? Really?" said Samuel and Randy together.

Instant panic ensued. Velove, who had been in front of Darwin from the start until the way home, suddenly disappeared from the line.

"Mr. Choi, how is this?" Darwin couldn't hide his anxiety. Immediately mixed feelings after finding his wife was not there beside him.

"I contacted the officer for help first."

While Choi was calling the officers, Darwin checked the backpack on his back. Confirming all the equipment he had brought, the man decided to try to find the whereabouts of Velove which might have been left above.

"Sir, I have to go up first. The day is getting cloudy. I'm worried that my wife will be caught in the rain. She doesn't have much equipment in her bag."

"But, we have to wait for the officers first," Choi warned.

"How much longer should we wait? It's even getting dark, sir. I know this terrain. Besides, this is not my first time climbing in Hallasan."

After confirming the conditions and circumstances around them, Choi and Lee decided to accompany Darwin who was going back down the mountain to find Velove. The three of them walked along the path they had previously descended. Hoping that Velove can be found before the day turns rainy or gets darker.

***

Vicky seems to be sitting pensively in his work chair. His mind wandered. Recalling the meeting he attended a few days ago with someone, before deciding to return to Kalimantan.

"I'm sure you must really love Darwin, right? Are you willing if the man you've been waiting for suddenly moves to another heart?"

Vicky at that moment also looked up. Throws a questioning glance at his interlocutor.

"Move to another heart? You mean?"

"Yes. Just so you know, Darwin and Velove are starting to feel comfortable with each other in their marriage relationship. And if later they really have a serious relationship, are you willing?"

Vicky took a deep breath. Of course she is not willing that the man she has fought for has instead moved on to another woman.

"But I'm sure that Darwin can't be a traitor."

"Says who? Darwin even invited Velove to try to become a real husband and wife for the next month. If this experiment is successful, they will cancel all agreements regarding divorce after six months of marriage."

"Impossible!" shook Vicky many times. "Darwin can never break a promise."

"And if that really happened, are you sure you're going to just shut up? Are you sure you want to just let it go?"

Vicky was then stunned. The question just now made him think hard.

"Even if I'm not willing, I can't do anything now. Velove has even threatened to do anything if I violate the agreement."

"That's why, I invite you to work together. We separate Darwin and Velove before it's too late."

Because of this invitation, Vicky had trouble sleeping. He is the one who is worried and keeps thinking about it. Is what was conveyed to him the truth that Darwin began to have a change of heart. Or just boasting to take advantage of the situation for a specific purpose.

Even if all that was true, should he accept the invitation to cooperate? If he agrees, he must be prepared to accept the consequences that Velove has conveyed. And if he refuses, like it or not, he must be prepared to lose Darwin.

That's why, Vicky kept weighing. Think carefully about all the risks that he might have to accept later.