Chapter 1 : A Chance Encounter

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The rain fell gently over Seoul, creating a soothing rhythm that echoed through the bustling streets

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The rain fell gently over Seoul, creating a soothing rhythm that echoed through the bustling streets. In the heart of the city, where modern skyscrapers soared against the grey sky, Minji found solace in a quaint café tucked away on a corner. It was her sanctuary, a place where she could escape the demands of the world and immerse herself in her art. Surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft chatter of patrons, she often sat by the window, sketching the scenes outside or painting her emotions onto canvas.

On this particular afternoon, the café was filled with the warm glow of fairy lights, illuminating the rustic wooden tables and mismatched chairs. Minji, with her paint-smeared hands and a notebook filled with ideas, was lost in thought as she stared out at the rain-soaked street. She had been struggling to capture the perfect image for her latest piece, a representation of longing and hope, but the words and colors eluded her.

Just as she was about to pack up for the day, the door swung open with a jingle, and a figure rushed in, shaking off the rain like a wet dog. Jihoon, an aspiring musician known for his captivating street performances, burst into the café, his hair plastered to his forehead and his cheeks flushed with the chill of the rain. He was a familiar sight in the neighborhood, his guitar slung across his back, always searching for his next gig.

Their eyes met for the briefest moment, and in that instant, something sparked. Jihoon's gaze lingered on Minji, and she felt a flutter in her chest—a strange mix of curiosity and excitement. He approached the counter to order, glancing back at her a couple of times, as if drawn to the artistic aura that surrounded her.

When he finally received his drink, Jihoon looked around for a place to sit. The café was bustling, and many tables were occupied, but his eyes landed on Minji's solitary corner. With a confident smile, he approached her. "Mind if I join you? It seems like you've got the best spot in the house."

Minji blinked, momentarily surprised but also intrigued by his charming demeanor. "Sure, go ahead," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. As he sat down, she noticed how his presence seemed to brighten the dimly lit space.

They exchanged names, and Jihoon wasted no time in breaking the ice. "So, what's the story behind your artwork?" he asked, nodding toward her sketchbook.

"Oh, it's nothing special," Minji replied, feeling a rush of shyness. "Just trying to capture some feelings. It's more of a work in progress."

"I'd love to see it," he urged, leaning forward with genuine interest. Minji hesitated, but something about his earnestness made her want to share. She flipped the sketchbook around, revealing a half-finished painting that depicted a lonely figure standing by a window, rain pouring outside.

"Wow," Jihoon exclaimed, studying the piece. "It's beautiful. You really capture the mood."

Minji felt a warmth spread through her at his compliment. "Thank you. I've been trying to express the feeling of longing," she said, surprised by her openness.

"Longing for what?" Jihoon inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Minji hesitated, unsure if she should dive into her deeper emotions with someone she had just met. "I guess... for connection. For understanding. You know, just feeling lost sometimes," she admitted, her voice softening.

Jihoon nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I get that. Music is my way of expressing those feelings. It's like... when I'm on stage, I can pour everything into my songs, and for a moment, it feels like I'm connecting with everyone."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, each sharing snippets of their lives, dreams, and struggles. Jihoon spoke about his aspirations to perform at bigger venues, while Minji shared her journey as an artist trying to find her voice. As they talked, the café transformed into their own little world, the noise around them fading away.

Minutes turned into hours, and the rain continued to fall outside, creating a cozy ambiance that felt almost magical. They laughed and exchanged stories, both feeling an undeniable connection that neither could explain. It was as if they had known each other for much longer than just a few hours.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden light through the window, Jihoon glanced at his watch. "Wow, I didn't realize how late it's gotten. I should probably get going," he said reluctantly.

"Yeah, me too," Minji replied, feeling a twinge of disappointment at the thought of their conversation ending.

Before he left, Jihoon hesitated for a moment, then pulled out his phone. "Can I get your number? I'd love to continue this conversation sometime."

Minji's heart raced at the request. "Sure!" She quickly gave him her number, trying to hide her excitement. As they stood to part ways, Jihoon flashed her a bright smile that made her stomach flutter.

"I'll text you," he promised, and with that, he waved goodbye, stepping back into the rain-soaked streets.

Minji watched him disappear, a smile creeping onto her face. She felt a sense of hope blossom in her chest, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. Little did she know, this chance encounter would set off a chain of events that would change both their lives forever.

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