She woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door. She shouted, "All right. Hold on a second." She got out of bed, her long t-shirt she wore for pajamas covering herself up just below the waist. She looked through the window, and saw it was In-ho. She went and opened the door a crack. "I just woke up."

"Sleepy head. I told you we'd be late." His teasing tone of his voice spoke volumes. 

"We must have both been worn out. But I'll get ready quick." She motioned through the crack in the door, the light still blinding her from the bright morning sun. "Just give me a moment to throw some things on and brush my teeth, okay?"

He motioned behind him. "I'll meet you at the coffee shop across the street." She heard his steps on the gravel driveway outside as she closed the door.

She went to dig something out of her duffel and pulled out some jeans and a bra. Quickly, she found a cleaner t-shirt to get into and went over to the sink to brush her teeth. She got her hair combed back and thrown into a ponytail, putting on some basic make-up to face the day. Throwing all her things into her duffel, she checked the room quickly to make sure everything was packed. Then, she headed over to the coffee shop.

Trish could see In-ho sitting in one of the booths by the window. His glasses were on his head, and he was looking out the window. When he saw her, he waved. She smiled back. Maybe it was fun doing a road trip with him after all. Seeing him was starting to feel familiar. Like it was meant to be. She shook it off. No. It was just a different kind of adventure with him right now. This couldn't be fate. But the thought kept bugging her.

As she walked into the restaurant, she noticed In-ho looked like a normal guy now. He had on something similar to her casual look. He wore a regular t-shirt, and his hair wasn't gelled up into a style today. He was wearing it brushed straight and normal like any guy. It still looked good though. How did he do it?

She walked over to his booth. "Hey you."

"Good morning," he said back.

"What happened to all the style?" She slid into the bench seat opposite of him.

"We're on the road now. No need to do all the LA dress-up."

"You're right. Image is everything down there."

He traced his finger into a crack in the booth table. "Sometimes I just have to get away from it all."

So, her suspicions were correct. She nodded, "There must be a lot of pressure in what you do."

"To stay on top. Yes." He put his glasses back down over his eyes. "Sometimes you just need a break from it all." He grabbed two menus from the metal holder by the window. He handed one to Trish. "I'm so looking forward to an American breakfast. It's been awhile."

She unfolded the menu and looked over the choices. "Our breakfasts are a heart attack waiting to happen."

"Yes. But not eating them everyday is the secret." He pushed his forefinger against the tip of his nose. "It's a treat if you only get to have it once in a year or two."

"You only come to the States once a year?" She lowered her menu, looking at him for an answer.

"Less than that now. I've been in the States only a few weeks, but the US Tour schedule won't allow much time to see friends. I wanted to get in a visit before all of that starts, including before the drama filming." He kept looking down at the plastic pictures of food. "I wanted to visit my American friends. But these days, I don't have the time like I used to. This is my one chance."

"Oh, that's right. You said you went to school in the Bay Area." She looked over the menu again and decided on a basic American breakfast herself. "I think I'll get bacon and eggs. Add hash browns, and it's a good go-to meal."

"And of course, coffee." He winked.

She couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, I sort of need that stat. I will admit to caffeine addiction."

Just as if she knew Trish was needing coffee, a waitress came over. "Good morning. Would you both like some coffee?"

In-ho answered for them both. "Please."

"I needed it, yesterday." Trish smiled at the woman dressed in a typical waitress uniform, brown with tan trim. Maybe to hide the stains. She had an apron that was the same color as the brown and white logo of the restaurant, mostly for looks she figured.

The waitress laughed. "Here you go, dear. You both up from LA?"

"Yeah. Getting away from it all." My comment made In-ho smile.

"Well, hope the fresh air does you good." Her accent sounded like from the south. People came from all over to live in California. The waitress waved her pen around as she talked. "You be sure to make it over to Hearst Castle. It's the whole reason San Simeon is on the map."

"We already have tickets," Trish assured her.

She finished pouring Trish's cup. "Well, are you ready to order?"

Trish perked up and went first. "Bacon and scrambled eggs."

"Same for me," added In-ho.

"Got it. Just let me know if you want anything more. Toast okay with you both?" They nodded, and she was gone as suddenly as she showed up.

"This Hearst Castle is the main attraction here?" In-ho folded his arms, real interest showing on his face.

"I'd say it was a main part of it. You didn't believe me from yesterday?" Trish put on her wounded look. "I'm hurt you didn't trust my tour guide skills."

"No. Give me your best go at being a tour guide."

Trish took the initiative and started in with her best authoritative voice. "Mr. Hearst was a media mogul in the 1930s. He owned tons of newspapers and was a millionaire. He built this huge vacation house with all the art and sculptures he collected around Europe. It's designed like a castle in some rooms, and has the coolest 1930s décor ever." She winked at him. "I've already been a few times, can't you tell?"

"I trust your judgment." He motioned to the waitress. "If the local waitress says it's why people come here, then it must be true. I'm looking forward to the tour."

He kept his eyes on her, and Trish sipped her coffee. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I enjoy it when someone displays passion for something."

"You know you're cray, In-ho." Trish smiled back, wide. He was anything but cray, but it was so cute to tease him.

"You've only got to just know me." He smiled back. "How do you know what is my best feature?" He turned his head, putting up his hand like he was modeling his face.

"Really? There's more to you than that pretty face." She held her coffee cup lower.

"Just wait and see, Trish." He winked. "There's much more to me. I bet there's more to you too." His stare was intense. Maybe the teasing had backfired. A flare of warmth filled her chest. Trish had to look down. She didn't want him to see her blush.