ESPRESSO | SANHAK [Hiatus]

5: Sunset At The Beach

The following morning, Dongmin woke to the soft light of the Santa Barbara sunrise streaming through the window. He stretched, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the late night. Donghyun was still asleep, snoring softly. Dongmin quietly got out of bed, careful not to wake him, and headed to the kitchen.

The villa was peaceful in the morning light, and Dongmin found himself appreciating the quiet. As he reached the kitchen, he saw Woonhak already there, making coffee.

"Good morning," Dongmin greeted, slightly hesitant but with a friendly smile.

Woonhak looked up and smiled back, his unique smile that Dongmin was starting to find familiar. "Good morning, Dongmin-ssi. Sleep well?"

"Yeah, surprisingly well," Dongmin replied. "You?"

"Pretty well, thanks. Coffee?" Woonhak offered, gesturing to the freshly brewed pot.

"Sure, thanks." Dongmin accepted the cup Woonhak handed him, taking a sip and savoring the rich flavor. "This is really good."

Woonhak chuckled. "It's a blend I like. I'm glad you enjoy it."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping their coffee. Dongmin felt the awkwardness from the previous night had lessened, replaced by a growing ease between them.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Dongmin asked, curious about what their plans might be.

Woonhak thought for a moment. "I was thinking of showing you all around Santa Barbara. There are some great spots-beaches, shops, maybe even a few local eateries. What do you think?"

"That sounds amazing," Dongmin said, excitement bubbling up. "I've always wanted to explore this place properly."

"Great," Woonhak replied. "We'll head out after breakfast. Feel free to let the others know."

Dongmin nodded and went to wake up the rest of the group. Jaehyun and Riwoo grumbled a bit about being woken up early, but the promise of exploring Santa Barbara quickly got them moving. Donghyun, who had woken up a bit earlier, was already getting ready.

After a quick breakfast, the group gathered in the living room, ready for the day's adventures.

The group decided to visit some of the popular tourist spots in Santa Barbara. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the picturesque town. They started their adventure by walking down State Street, the main thoroughfare lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques.

Dongmin, feeling more at ease after the morning's events, walked beside Woonhak, occasionally bumping shoulders and sharing small smiles. Donghyun and Riwoo led the way, pointing out interesting stores and taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Jaehyun, ever the social butterfly, chatted with the locals and took selfies in front of notable landmarks.

"Look at that art gallery," Riwoo said, pointing to a quaint building with colorful paintings displayed in the windows. "Let's check it out."

They wandered into the gallery, where Dongmin's eyes lit up at the sight of the eclectic mix of modern and traditional art. He admired a large abstract painting, losing himself in the bold colors and intricate patterns.

"This one's amazing," Dongmin said, turning to Woonhak. "I love how the colors blend together."

Woonhak nodded, his eyes following Dongmin's gaze. "Yeah, it's beautiful. You have a good eye for this."

Dongmin smiled, feeling a warm glow from the compliment. They continued their tour, visiting a few more galleries and artisan shops. Each stop was filled with laughter and friendly teasing.