ESPRESSO | SANHAK [Hiatus]

4: A Night Walk

Jaehyun was hanging out in Dongmin and Donghyun's shared room. Both were sipping tea while Dongmin stepped away from the table to make a call to his landlady. After a few minutes of conversation, he returned, looking relieved but slightly resigned.

"So, what's the verdict?" Jaehyun asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dongmin sighed. "My landlady said my belongings are safe, but I shouldn't stay at the apartment for now because of health issues. She's even cutting off the rent until it's safe to go back."

Jaehyun chuckled. "Well, looks like we were prepared for a reason."

Dongmin narrowed his eyes playfully. "Do you see visions or something? How did you know to bring me here?"

Jaehyun laughed, shaking his head. "No visions. Donghyun and I planned to stay here for a vacation. We figured you could use a break too."

Dongmin looked surprised. "So, I was part of this plan all along? And you didn't even ask for my permission?"

Donghyun grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Pretty much. We knew you'd resist, so we decided to surprise you. Besides, you need some downtime."

Dongmin glanced down at his borrowed clothes. "But I didn't bring any clothes with me. I can't keep wearing someone else's."

Donghyun's grin widened. "That's why I brought your clothes with me." He pointed to the bag he had tucked behind his seat the previous night. "Explains why I had that bag, right?"

Dongmin's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, that's what was in the bag. You sneaky bastards."

Jaehyun shrugged with a smirk. "Guilty as charged. Now you've got everything you need to relax and enjoy this little impromptu vacation."

Dongmin sighed, a mix of exasperation and gratitude in his expression. "Well, I guess I can't argue with that. Thanks, I guess."

Donghyun handed him a teacup before sipping from his. "Here's to a stress-free few days. You've earned it, Dongmin."

Dongmin, finally feeling more relaxed, took a sip of his tea before something occurred to him. "Wait a minute, where exactly are we?"

Jaehyun grinned mischievously. "We're in Santa Barbara."

Dongmin's eyes widened in shock. "Santa Barbara? Are you serious?"

Jaehyun chuckled, pointing towards the window. "If you don't believe me, look outside. You can see the ocean."

Dongmin quickly got up and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains. The breathtaking view of the ocean confirmed Jaehyun's words. He turned back, incredulous. "You guys brought me all the way to Santa Barbara without telling me?"

Donghyun shrugged, trying to suppress a grin. "You never want to go far away, so we had to deceive you a little to get you here."

Dongmin's jaw dropped in mock outrage. "You tricked me twice!"

Jaehyun laughed, standing up and clapping Dongmin on the shoulder. "Relax. You need a break, and this place is perfect for that. Plus, now that you're here, you have to admit it's pretty nice, right?"

Dongmin sighed, looking back at the stunning view. "I guess you're right. It is beautiful here."

Donghyun joined them at the window, nudging Dongmin. "See? Sometimes a little deception is necessary for your own good."

Dongmin rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Alright, alright. You win this time. But next time, at least give me a heads-up."

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