The mountain was actually much tougher than Sungjae expected. Sungjae’s estimations on its difficulty based on its looks, was off by a large amount. The roads were rough without any signs of human passage. If he was wearing shoes instead of trainers, he would have gotten tired easily. 

“This is what’s good about going to a mountain.”

Seeing Moonjoong climb the mountain without a hitch, Sungjae was flabbergasted. An elderly man nearing his seventies was much more energetic than him. Just like a professional mountain climber that had conquered numerous mountains, Moonjoong walked up the mountain in steady steps. Sungjae clenched his teeth as he tried to follow. He didn’t want to get left behind. Although he was panting heavily, he forced himself forward. This was a different kind of tiring than when running on a treadmill machine. He felt like he was lifting himself up the mountain with each step.

“I fell in love with this place when I came here to check out the place last time.”

“I-is that so?”

“Is it hard?”

“N-no.”

Sungjae wiped off his forehead with the back of his hand.

“Endure just a little more, we’re almost there.”

This place is quite slippery - added Moonjoong as he pointed at a tree root. Sungjae took off the cheque-patterned shirt. When his sweat was exposed to...