Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 43:

The next morning, the group set out for a day of wine tasting in the heart of Chianti, Tuscany's most famous wine region. The sun was just beginning to rise as they drove through winding country roads, flanked by endless rows of vineyards. The golden light cast long shadows over the lush green hills, and the air was crisp with the scent of earth, grapes, and morning dew.

Scarlet sat beside Ha-Joon in the open-roof vehicle, her head resting lightly against his shoulder. His fingers traced slow, absentminded circles on the back of her hand. It was peaceful, the kind of morning that felt untouched by time.

Behind them, Seung-Il and Esme were already debating something, probably about the disaster of Seung-Il's pottery from the day before. Ha-Neul sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the scenery, while the parents chatted amongst themselves about old memories and business ventures.

When they finally arrived at the winery, they were greeted by the vineyard owner, an older gentleman named Lorenzo, who welcomed them with warm enthusiasm. "Ah, you have come at the perfect time," he said, leading them through the vast vineyard. "The sun is rising, and the vines are alive with the morning light. This is when the land speaks to you."

Scarlet couldn't deny it, the beauty of the vineyard in the early morning was breathtaking. The rolling hills stretched endlessly, dotted with rows of grapevines heavy with fruit. The rich, earthy scent of soil and ripening grapes filled the air, mingling with the soft breeze that carried hints of lavender and rosemary from a nearby herb garden.

Lorenzo guided them deeper into the vineyard, explaining the winemaking process as they walked. "These vines have been in my family for generations," he said proudly. "Each grape, each bottle of wine, carries a piece of history."

Scarlet listened intently, her fingers still intertwined with Ha-Joon's. Occasionally, he would glance at her, a small smile playing on his lips, as if he were more interested in watching her than in learning about wine.

When they reached a secluded clearing, Lorenzo stopped and gestured toward a beautifully arranged picnic setup. A long wooden table was draped with white linens, adorned with fresh flowers and rustic baskets filled with bread, cheese, and an array of fresh fruits. A few bottles of wine stood ready, their deep crimson hues gleaming in the morning light.

"We thought you might enjoy a little breakfast before the wine tasting," Lorenzo said with a knowing smile.

Scarlet's eyes widened in delight. "This is beautiful."

Ha-Joon chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Only the best for my wife."

She rolled her eyes but didn't pull away. They settled at the table, the warmth of the morning sun kissing their skin as they indulged in the simple yet decadent spread. The freshly baked bread was warm and crusty, perfect with the soft, aged cheese that melted on their tongues. Juicy figs, plump grapes, and golden honey completed the meal, each bite bursting with flavor.

Scarlet took a sip of her wine, a smooth Chianti with notes of cherry and oak, and sighed contentedly. "I could get used to this."

Ha-Joon smirked. "Good, because I'm already planning our next trip."

She shot him a look. "You don't even know where we're going next."

He leaned closer, his voice low. "I don't care, as long as you're with me."

Her heart fluttered, and for a moment, everything else faded away, the laughter of their friends, the quiet conversations of their parents, even the vineyard itself. It was just the two of them, wrapped in their own little world.