The next morning, sunlight filters through the curtains of our hotel room, casting a warm glow over the tousled sheets. I stretch, feeling the pleasant ache of muscles well-used from yesterday's adventures. Seonho and Jaewook are still asleep, their breathing steady and rhythmic. I smile at the sight of them, tangled in the sheets like they've always belonged there.
"Rise and shine, boys," I whisper, nudging them gently. "We've got a full day ahead."
Seonho groans, rubbing his eyes. "Do we have to?"
Jaewook stretches lazily, a grin spreading across his face. "If Iseul's got plans, we follow."
After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we head out to explore my city—Los Angeles. Avoiding K-town is a given; too many familiar faces and prying eyes there. Instead, I take them to East LA for some authentic Californian Mexican food.
"Trust me," I say as we pull up to a hole-in-the-wall taqueria. "This is the real deal."
The scent of grilled meat and spices hits us as soon as we step inside. We order tacos loaded with carne asada, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime wedges. Seonho takes a bite and his eyes widen in delight.
"Holy shit," he mumbles through a mouthful of taco.
"Told you," I reply with a smug grin.
Jaewook nods appreciatively, savoring each bite. "You weren't kidding about LA food."
From there, it's off to In-N-Out for burgers and fries—another must-have on my list. The drive-thru line is long but worth it. We park and eat in the car, laughing as Seonho tries to figure out how to properly eat his animal-style burger without making a mess.
"There's no right way," I assure him between bites. "Just enjoy it."
Jaewook laughs, wiping ketchup from his chin. "I'm starting to see why you love this place."
With our bellies full and spirits high, we make our way to Santa Monica Pier. The sun blazes overhead as we stroll down the wooden planks, taking in the colorful chaos of street performers, vendors, and families enjoying their day out.
"I used to come here all the time," I tell them. "It was my escape when things got tough."
Seonho squeezes my hand gently. "Well then, I'm glad we got to see it."
Jaewook looks out at the ocean waves crashing against the shore. "It's incredible."
We kick off our shoes and run towards the surf like kids let loose from school. The cold water shocks our senses as it rushes over our feet, but soon we're all laughing and splashing each other like we've got no worries in the world.
Seonho dives into an incoming wave with a whoop of joy while Jaewook tries to tackle me into the water. We end up tumbling together in the surf, soaking wet but exhilarated.
"This is perfect," Jaewook says breathlessly as he helps me back up.
I nod, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me that has nothing to do with the ocean waves. "Yeah, it really is."
We make our way back up the beach, dripping wet and sandy, but happy beyond measure.
Later, we find ourselves at Venice Beach; the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything. The salty breeze ruffles Seonho's hair, which is now hidden beneath a ridiculously oversized tropical basket hat. He also sports a gift shop t-shirt emblazoned with "I <3 LA" in neon letters. It's such a far cry from his usual chic and polished image that Jaewook and I can't stop laughing.
"Seonho, you look like a tourist who got lost on his way to a luau," I tease, snapping a picture of him.
He strikes a pose, unbothered. "Hey, when in Rome … or LA, right?"
Jaewook shakes his head, grinning. "You're absolutely ridiculous."
We wander through the eclectic maze of street vendors and performers. The scent of grilled sausages and churros fills the air, mixing with the sound of guitars and drums from boardwalk musicians. We grab some street food—corn dogs for me and Jaewook, and elote for Seonho.
We find a spot on the sand to sit and watch the sunset. The sky is painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, reflected in the gentle waves rolling onto the shore. It's like something out of a postcard.
"This is perfect," I say around a mouthful of corn dog.
Seonho nods, savoring his elote. "I could get used to this."
Jaewook leans back on his elbows, looking completely at ease. "We should do this more often."
As we sit there, basking in the warm bubble of happiness that surrounds us, I can't help but feel incredibly lucky. It makes me feel a little mournful when I acknowledge that this peace can only exist while we're here in relative anonymity. Once we're back on Korean soil where our faces are not just three out of millions and our names mean something, we will no longer have this sort of freedom and carefree ease.
A street performer starts playing an acoustic version of one of my old songs from my high school days. I smile at the memory but don't dwell on it too long; tonight is about the present.
"Iseul," Jaewook says after a while, his tone gentle but serious. "Have you thought about visiting your father before we leave?"
The question hits me like a cold wave crashing over my feet. My smile falters as reality seeps back in.
"No," I reply quietly, staring out at the ocean. "I have no interest in using up my precious, peaceful time on him."
Seonho reaches over and squeezes my hand. "You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."
Jaewook nods in agreement. "Whatever you want, we'll go with you."
I appreciate their support more than they know. My father is a complicated subject—a lot of unresolved emotions and daddy issues that I've never fully untangled.
"I know," I say softly. "But right now, I just want to enjoy this moment with you guys."
They both smile at me—warmth and understanding in their eyes—and it's enough to push away the shadows that threatened to creep in.
We sit there until the sun disappears completely below the horizon, leaving behind a sky full of stars. Darkness settles over Venice Beach, we listen to the music from boardwalk performers blending into an ambient soundtrack for our evening.
"Let's make a pact," Seonho suddenly says, breaking the comfortable silence.
"A pact?" Jaewook raises an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Seonho continues. "That no matter what happens or where life takes us next, we'll always find time for moments like this."
I look at them both—my two constants in this unpredictable world—and feel an overwhelming surge of affection.
"I'm in," I say without hesitation.
Jaewook grins. "Me too."
Seonho holds out his hand palm-up between us. One by one, we place our hands on top of his—a silent promise sealed under the starry sky.
With our pact made and hearts lighter than before, we gather our things and head back toward civilization. The streets are still alive with energy—neon lights flickering against brick walls while laughter and music fill every corner.
We stop by another vendor selling ice cream cones despite already being full from our earlier feast because why not? Tonight is about indulgence after all—the kind that feeds not just your body but your soul too.
As we stroll back toward our car with ice cream cones in hand—mine strawberry cheesecake flavored because it reminds me of summers spent chasing after ice cream trucks—I can't help but think how grateful I am for these two men who've become such integral parts of my life.
Tomorrow will bring its own challenges; there's no escaping that reality entirely—but tonight? Tonight is ours—and nothing else matters right now except this shared happiness under LA's starlit sky.