Falling for the Omega Idol

Chapter 257: JEJU ACTIVITY (VI)

THE minivan was now heading toward Seogwipo Port. That was the place the older woman had pointed to when Eunwoo showed her the postcard. As soon as they had the answer, they didn’t waste any time and took off. Now they were on their way there.

Haneul gazed out the window, still seated next to Eunwoo. His body felt drained, and the muscles in his legs hadn’t stopped trembling since they’d climbed down from the mountain. Every slight bump in the road sent a dull ache through his thighs. He leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes for a moment, too tired to care about the camera pointed in his direction.

His stomach growled softly, reminding him he had eaten nothing substantial since breakfast. The hike had burned through whatever energy he’d had left, and now hunger was setting in along with the exhaustion. He pressed a hand against his stomach, hoping the others hadn’t heard it.

"We’ll grab something to eat first before we look for the next clue," Eunwoo said from beside him, clearly having heard his stomach growl which made him flush a little. "There should be plenty of restaurants around the port area."

Eunwoo’s voice was loud enough for everyone in the van to hear. No one argued against the idea. It was already past noon, and everyone was probably hungry by now. Even the staff, the driver, and the cameraman didn’t object.

"Yes, let’s eat first!" Suho agreed. "I feel like I’m going to pass out if we don’t."

"Where would you like to eat?" one of the staff asked. "Seafood or Korean barbecue? The show will cover the cost."

The casual conversation helped ease the embarrassment Haneul felt about his stomach growling. He didn’t bother answering the staff’s question. He was fine with eating anywhere, so he let the others decide.

"Seafood!" Suho answered right away. "We’re in Jeju, so we have to eat seafood."

Since no one objected, one of the staff members turned to the driver and started discussing where to take them.

***

The minivan pulled into the parking lot of the seafood restaurant they’d decided on. Haneul stepped out and looked up at the sign: Negeori Restaurant. The building stood on a corner, its exterior simple and unassuming, with large windows and a few cars parked out front. It didn’t look fancy, but it had a quiet charm that meant the food was probably good.

They walked inside, the cameraman close behind, still filming. Haneul wondered if he was going to keep filming while they ate. How would he eat then? Wouldn’t it be strange if the rest of them sat down to eat while he just stood there recording them?

As they entered, Haneul looked around. The restaurant was spacious. There were different sections for customers. Some tables had chairs while others were floor seating with cushions. The walls were decorated with autographs and photos of famous people who had eaten there. The place felt warm, the kind of busy local spot where the food was the main attraction.

Inside the restaurant, Haneul noticed a few of the customers already eating turning to look at them. Some whispered to the people at their tables. A couple of them stood up from their seats and pointed their phones in their direction, clearly recognizing who they were. Haneul tried not to let it bother him and kept his eyes forward.

One of the staff members walked over to a waiter and said something Haneul couldn’t hear. The waiter nodded and led them through the restaurant. They stopped when the waiter opened a door, and Haneul realized it led to a private room. Inside, there were two tables, each set with four cushions around it. A window on the far wall let in some natural light, and the room was quiet, cut off from the noise of the main dining area.

"Here’s your private room," the waiter said, stepping aside to let them in. "The menus are on the table. I’ll be back a little later to take your orders."

They walked inside and settled around the two tables. Haneul and his teammates took one table, dropping onto the cushions with tired sighs. The waiter stepped out and closed the door behind him, leaving them in the quiet of the private room.

The driver and one of the staff sat down at the other table, while the remaining staff and the cameraman started setting up equipment at the table where Haneul and his team were seated. They placed two small cameras on mini tripods at opposite ends of the table, positioning them to capture the group from different angles.

Haneul watched as the cameraman adjusted one lens, nudging it slightly to the left before stepping back to check the frame. The whole setup took less than a minute. Then the two went to the other table and sat down there.

He looked at the cameras. So, this was how they would film them. Well, at least the cameraman wouldn’t have to hover over them as they all ate.

Eunwoo picked up the menu and flipped it open. "So, what do you guys want to eat?"

"I want something expensive," Suho said. "Something you can only eat here in Jeju."

"How about the grilled abalone?" Eunwoo said, pointing at the menu. "It’s one of the more expensive items, and fresh abalone is a Jeju specialty. You don’t get it like this anywhere else."

"Then, I’ll chose that one," Suho said.’

Eunwoo turned to Haneul and Jeon Hyunsik. "What about you two?"

"I’ll have the seafood stew," Haneul said, glancing at the menu. "It sounds good after all that hiking."

Jeon Hyunsik looked over the menu for a moment. "I’ll go with the braised cutlassfish."

Eunwoo nodded, his eyes scanning the menu for a moment before he set it down. He’d just get the grilled mackerel set.

When the waiter came back, Eunwoo gave him their order. One of the staff from the other table also handed over their order. The waiter repeated everything back to confirm, then told them the food would be out shortly before leaving the room.