"Since 1894" Captain Kim ✓

81

AUTHOR'S POV-

The café was bustling with the usual crowd of early-morning patrons, their conversations mixing with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. YN entered, her heels clicking on the tiled floor as she made her way to the counter. She was always composed, her presence commanding attention without her even trying. But today, her thoughts were preoccupied with the lingering effects of last night’s dream the most vivid one yet.

“Good morning, Ms. YN. The usual?” the barista, Hyeri, asked with a bright smile as she recognized her regular customer.

“Yes, please,” YN replied, offering a polite smile in return. “And make it a double shot today. I’ve got a lot on my plate.”

Hyeri nodded, quickly preparing the order. YN tapped her fingers on the counter, her mind wandering back to the dream. She could still feel the touch of the wind on her skin, the warmth of the sun as she stood on that balcony, waiting for someone. But who?

“Here you go, Ms. YN,” Hyeri said, handing over the coffee. “Anything else?”

“No, this is perfect. Thanks, Hyeri,” YN replied, taking the cup. As she turned to leave, she collided with someone, the hot coffee spilling onto the floor.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” a deep voice exclaimed. YN looked up to see a tall man with sharp features and a mop of dark hair, his expression a mix of concern and embarrassment. “Are you okay? I didn’t see you there.”

YN was momentarily speechless. There was something familiar about him, something that tugged at the edges of her memory. But she quickly regained her composure. “I’m fine. It’s just coffee,” she said, brushing off the incident.

“Let me get you another one,” the man insisted, his voice sincere. “It’s the least I can do.”

YN shook her head, though she was still intrigued by the strange sense of recognition. “No, really, it’s okay. I was just leaving anyway.”

The man hesitated, then offered a smile. “At least let me introduce myself. I’m RM.” He extended his hand.

“YN,” she replied, shaking his hand. The moment their hands touched, a strange sensation coursed through her, like an electric spark. She quickly pulled her hand back, trying to mask her surprise. “Nice to meet you, RM.”

“Likewise,” RM said, though he too seemed a bit taken aback. “Do you come here often?”

“Most mornings, yes,” YN replied, her curiosity growing. “And you?”

RM nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been coming here to clear my head before rehearsals. I’m a musician…well, trying to be,” he added with a self-deprecating laugh.

“A musician?” YN repeated, her interest piqued. “What kind of music do you play?”

“A bit of everything, but mostly I write my own songs,” RM said, his eyes lighting up as he spoke about his passion. “It’s been a tough road, but I’m getting there.”

For a moment, YN felt a connection, as if RM’s struggles resonated with her own hidden yearnings. She found herself wanting to know more, but quickly reminded herself that she barely knew him. “That’s admirable. I wish you the best of luck with it.”

“Thanks,” RM said, his smile returning. “Maybe I’ll see you around here again.”

“Maybe,” YN said, offering a small smile before turning to leave. As she walked out of the café, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter was somehow significant, like a piece of a puzzle falling into place.

Inside the café, RM watched her leave, the strange sensation lingering. He had never met YN before, yet he couldn’t deny the pull he felt toward her. As he sat down with his own coffee, he couldn’t help but wonder if their paths would cross again. And if they did, what it would mean for both of them.

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