#120)

the sun burns bright over the beach, waves glowing like scattered jewels.

you and hyunju have been counting down to this day. all you've been talking about for weeks if to drive five hours away to go to the beach.

now you’re here, sand soft under your bare feet, the salty breeze weaving through your hair.

hyunju’s laughter spills out as she dances with the surf, her dark hair catching the light, her eyes outshining the noon sky.

that oversized sunhat you poked fun at bobs adorably as she turns to flash you a grin.

“come on, love, get in the water!” she shouts, splashing at the foam.

you run to her, your sundress brushing the waves, and her hand finds yours, warm and certain. you wade in together, giggling as the cold nips your thighs.

the hours melt away with crafting a lopsided sandcastle, chasing shells hyunju swears are priceless, sharing juicy watermelon and iced tea.

hyunju never had the chance to go to the beach a lot, thanks to her parents and her demand with the military.

she swipes juice across your cheek, laughing at your mock glare, then leans in, kissing it away.

around three hours into being at the beach, you notice her shoulders are turning pink.

“hyunju, did you put on sunscreen baby?,” you warn, holding up the bottle.

she pouts, “i’m fine, it’s nothing! I've been burnt worse in the marines.”

you sigh, charmed by her stubbornness, and let her play on.

mistake.

by the time you pack up, her skin’s angry red from neck to arms, and she winces pulling on her cover-up, her usual spark dimmed.

back at the airbnb, the mood shifts.

the place is a cozy haven with white walls, blue linens, fairy lights glowing over the bed, the open window framing a fading sunset.

hyunju slumps on the plush couch, her sunhat a crumpled heap.

“I don't remember a sunburn feeling this bad,” she groans, touching her shoulder and hissing.

“told you,” you murmur, but your tone’s all love.

you fetch the aloe vera gel from the bathroom, its cool green scent filling the air, and kneel beside her, “let me fix this, okay?”

ju nods, her eyes soft, trusting. you dip your fingers into the gel, its chill soothing even to your hands, and start with her neck.

you move slowly, deliberately, spreading the gel in gentle circles.

hyunju's skin’s hot under your touch, and she flinches at first, then sighs, her shoulders loosening.

“you’re too good to me,” she whispers, voice low, her gaze locked on yours.

you smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, your fingers lingering there.

“someone’s gotta care for the princess,” you tease, moving to her arms. you take your time, massaging the gel into every red patch, your fingers tracing the familiar lines of her...her collarbone, the curve of her shoulder, the soft skin inside her elbow.

each touch is careful, like you’re mapping her all over again.

you grab a clean washcloth, soaking it in cool water, and wring it out until it’s just damp.

“this’ll help before we go get dinner,” you say, draping it over her neck.

she hums, eyes fluttering closed, and you layer another cloth across her shoulders, pressing lightly to ease the sting. you sit closer now, your thigh brushing hers, and take her hand, working the gel into her knuckles, her wrists, even the spaces between her fingers.

it’s quiet, just the sound of waves outside and her steady breathing.

your wife's free hand finds your knee, squeezing gently, and you feel her gratitude in that small gesture.

“feeling better?” you ask, voice barely above a whisper.

you’re close enough to see the faint red on her nose. the sunburn there gives her a cute blush.

hyunju nods, leaning into you, her sunburned cheek resting carefully against your shoulder.

“so much,” she murmurs.

you can’t help but kiss her temple, soft as a breath, avoiding her tender skin.

you wrap an arm around her, mindful of her burns, and pull a lightweight throw blanket over you both.

dinner can wait.

“you might be my favorite nurse,” hyunju mumbles, half-asleep, her lips curving into a smile.

you chuckle, tucking her closer, her warmth seeping into you despite the sunburn.

“sleep, tomato,” you whisper, and she laughs faintly. hyunju's breath tickles your neck as she drifts off, safe in your care.