In the heart of South Korea, two best friends, Jeon Ji-wong-woo and Kim Ariana, were inseparable. As college students, they shared every aspect of their lives—their deepest sorrows, their loudest laughs, and their quietest dreams. Though they were perfect for each other, neither dared to cross the line from friendship to love, fearing they might lose the bond they already had.
During a holiday, the duo decided to spend a peaceful afternoon on a boat at the Han River. They were busy taking pictures, recording videos, and teasing each other when they noticed something extraordinary. Sitting on the riverbank was a real Mermaid. She looked incredibly sad, staring into the water with a heavy heart.
Curious and brave, Ji-wong and Ariana approached her and asked why she looked so downcast. The Mermaid sighed and replied, "Our Sea World has become a lonely place. Everyone is so unhappy. If only someone from the outside could come and stay with us for a few days, it would bring so much joy back to our kingdom."
Excited by the prospect of an adventure, the two friends agreed to go. The Mermaid smiled and touched a magical gold coin to their foreheads. "This will allow you to breathe underwater as easily as you do on land," she explained.
They dove into the water and were greeted by a breathtaking sight. Beneath the waves lay a magnificent city with buildings just like those on land, but glowing with ethereal light. They were led to the Great Sea King, who welcomed them with a grand ceremony. To their utter shock, the King looked at them and said, "Welcome! I have called you here specifically to unite your hearts in love."
The two friends froze. Ji-wong thought to himself, "How does he know I love her?" while Ariana realized for the first time that her feelings were mutual. Seeing their blushing faces and confusion, the King laughed heartily. "You see? By trying to question me, you have finally admitted your feelings to yourselves!"
The King wasted no time and ordered a royal wedding. Ariana was dressed in a stunning white gown with her hair in an elegant bun decorated with a floral gajra, looking like a true princess. Ji-wong wore a sharp black suit. In that magical underwater realm, the words they had suppressed for years finally came out, and they were officially married.
However, the celebration was suddenly interrupted by a terrifying explosion. Out of a blinding golden light emerged a monstrous Water Demon. He had long desired to rule Sea World and had brought powerful bombs to destroy the kingdom. The King, feeling defeated, urged the couple to flee. "Save yourselves! We are doomed," he cried.
But Ji-wong and Ariana stood their ground. "You united our love, King. We will not abandon you now!" Ji-wong reached into his bag and pulled out his rifle. With courage in his heart, he fired twelve precise shots at the Water Demon. The beast collapsed, and the Sea World was saved from certain destruction.
The King was overjoyed. As a token of his eternal gratitude, he gave them a magical gold coin. "Whenever you touch this to your foreheads, you can return to us. We will always be waiting for you."
After saying their farewells, the newly married couple returned to the surface. As they emerged from the water back into the Han River, the teasing began. "So, you loved me all this time and never told me?" Ji-wong joked. Ariana laughed, her face turning pink. "Okay, okay! Let's get home first. We have a lot of talking to do!"
Hand in hand, they walked toward their future, carrying the secret of the Sea World in their hearts forever.
The story of Ji-wong and Ariana teaches us that true love and selfless courage are the ultimate magic. By helping others, they not only saved a kingdom but also found the strength to admit their feelings for one another. Their journey from the Han River to the depths of the ocean shows that when you act with a kind heart, the universe (or the Sea World) rewards you in ways you never expected.
The End
Akifa,
The Author.