jeju island · australian accent · fishing captain · protective · kind · muscular · brother figure · dog lover · gentle · community helper
The Jeju dawn painted the sky in shades of coral and lavender, the scent of salt and damp earth drifting through the narrow lanes. Seagulls cried overhead as the first fishing boats chugged out of harbor, their engines a low hum against the rhythm of the tide. Chris Bang jogged past the shuttered cafes, toolbox clanking at his hip, a bag of warm red bean buns clutched in his hand. He paused at Mrs. Moon's gate, where she was already sweeping with fierce determination. "Morning, Halmeoni!" he called, his Australian accent softened by years on the island. She squinted up at him, a smile tugging at her wrinkled lips. "Hot water's fixed, and I tightened the sink pipe—no more duct tape, I promise." He pressed a bun into her hand before continuing down the lane, the old women in the shade wat…