Three Years Ago
Three years ago, when Seungmin and Han got admission into university and Christine and Jiwoo had begun dating, Mrs. Joon wanted to celebrate both milestones.
To congratulate them, she arranged a short trip — one that would soon become unforgettable.
She requested permission from Mr. Choi to take Seungmin and Seokmin along. He agreed, and together they set off for:
Aurefrost — The Island of Silent Radiance
Hidden in the northern mist, Aurefrost was an island unlike any other — a place of snow, silence, and strange beauty. The air was so still it felt sacred, as if the island itself was holding its breath. Each pine tree shimmered under soft sunlight, dusted with golden frost.
When the aurora swept across the sky, shades of green and violet danced over the snow, making the whole island seem alive — like a sleeping god turning in its dreams.
Visitors came here seeking peace.
There was a River of Glass
Cutting through the center of the island ran the River of Glass — a wide, frozen current that gleamed like crystal.
Beneath the perfect surface flowed a dark, unseen stream. The locals called it The Precaution, for it demanded respect. The ice could shift without warning, groaning like something alive. One wrong step, and cracks would spider outward like frozen lightning.
No one knew how deep the water went. Some said it connected to the sea through hidden tunnels.
Mrs. Joon booked reservations at the island's most luxurious hotel — a vast place built entirely from glass and stone, glowing warmly against the snow.
Seokmin had his own room, but he did wamt to sleep alone. He ended up staying with Seungmin and Han, making it nearly impossible for the two to have any quiet time together. Still, Han didn't mind; he had raised Seokmin like a little brother. The only one truly bothered was Seungmin.
The weather was harsh — snowstorms rolled in often, trapping them indoors. The hotel was large, with countless lounges and indoor arenas to explore, but Han longed to step outside.
He wanted to play in the snow, just once.
Eventually, on a rare sunny morning, he convinced everyone to join him.
Mrs. Joon stayed behind, worried about the temperature, but the others bundled up and went out.
They laughed, throwing snowballs, chasing each other across the frozen field. The world felt calm, almost unreal. Han ran ahead, his laughter echoing through the icy air. He scooped up snow and threw it playfully at Seungmin, who was still a few steps behind. Seungmin threw one back — both of them laughing, carefree.
And then — the sound.
A deep, hollow crack beneath Han's feet.
Before anyone could react, the snow gave way. Han disappeared through the ice.
For a moment, no one moved. The world froze.
Then Christine screamed, rushing forward, but Jiwoo grabbed her by the arm, pulling her back. "No! The ice will break more!" she shouted.
Seokmin stood motionless, horror written all over his face.
But Seungmin didn't hesitate. He ran towards han.
The second his boots touched the river, the surface groaned again — then shattered. He plunged into the freezing water. His fall marked the border of the river. So only Han was standing on the frozen river; the rest of them were on land. But Seungmin didn't care, he just jumped in the river.
Seokmin dropped to his knees at the edge, calling their names over and over. Christine was crying uncontrollably, Jiwoo trying to hold her steady so she didn't follow Seungmin and jump into the river.
A few locals came running, shouting for help, carrying ropes.
After what felt like forever — barely five minutes — the water burst upward.
Seungmin emerged, gasping, pulling Han's limp body with him.
The rescuers threw ropes toward them. Han wasn't moving. Seungmin clung to him tightly, one arm wrapped around Han, the other gripping the rope. His strength was fading; he slipped under again and again, lungs burning, but every time he resurfaced, he pushed Han up first.
Finally, hands reached out and grabbed Han, pulling him onto the ice.
Seungmin saw them take him and, for a moment, relief washed over him and then everything went dark.
As he sank deeper, cold swallowing him whole, suddenly Seungmin heard a voice — faint and familiar.
The last memory he had of her hiding in a dim room, clutching him and Seokmin tight as footsteps approached.
"Seungmin," she had whispered, "take care of your brother. I'll come back for you."
He opened his eyes underwater, and there she was.
His mother.
Now, in the icy dark, she was standing before him again, smiling faintly. She reached out, took his hand, and guided it upward — toward the rope.
Above the ice, someone shouted, "He's got it! Pull!"
Hands grabbed, ropes strained — and moments later, they pulled Seungmin from the freezing water.