Dahyun hated being late. It wasn't just about punctuality—it was about pride. But today, the universe had conspired against her. The bus had been late, she had forgotten her notebook at home, and to top it all off, it had started raining the moment she stepped outside.
Now, soaked and slightly out of breath, she pushed open the door to Café HOT, the small but cozy coffee shop near the broadcasting station. The bell jingled softly, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around her like a warm hug.
Dahyun sighed. At least she was here.
She wiped her damp hands on her jeans and scanned the café. The place was busier than usual—probably because of the rain. People were crowded at tables, some typing away on laptops, others lost in conversation. And at the counter, standing with perfect posture, was a girl with caramel-colored hair, dressed in an oversized sweater and jeans, staring at the menu like it held the meaning of life.
Dahyun didn't think much of her at first. Just another customer. But then—
"Oh, come on," the girl muttered under her breath. "Why are there so many options? Do I look like someone who knows the difference between a macchiato and a cappuccino?"
Dahyun bit back a laugh. Something about the girl's frustrated tone was oddly charming.
The barista, clearly used to indecisive customers, smiled politely. "I can recommend something if you'd like?"
The girl sighed dramatically. "Yes, please. Surprise me. Just... make sure it has caffeine. Lots of it."
Dahyun smirked. Relatable.
The barista nodded and started preparing the mystery drink. The girl, now freed from her impossible decision, turned slightly—and that's when Dahyun got a full look at her face.
Big, expressive eyes. Soft features. Lips slightly pouted in thought.
Dahyun blinked. Pretty.
Not that it mattered.
She shook off the thought and stepped forward, realizing too late that the girl had turned back toward the counter. Their shoulders brushed, and before Dahyun could react, her damp sleeve stuck to the other girl's sweater.
"Oh—"
"Oh my God."
They both froze. Dahyun looked down. The sleeve of her wet hoodie had somehow attached itself to the soft fabric of the girl's sweater.
"What the—" The girl tugged lightly. Nothing.
Dahyun, horrified, pulled back a little too hard.
"Wait, wait, don't—"
Rip.
The sound wasn't that loud, but in the small café, it might as well have been a fire alarm.
A tiny thread of the sweater dangled pathetically from Dahyun's sleeve.
"Oh, no." Dahyun's stomach dropped. "I—I'm so sorry."
The girl stared at the damaged sweater, then at Dahyun. For a second, Dahyun braced herself for anger, maybe even yelling.
Instead—
"Wow." The girl exhaled, pressing her lips together. "You just declared war on my sweater."
Dahyun blinked.
"I—uh—"
"I was already having a hard morning," the girl continued, staring at the loose thread. "And now? Betrayed by fabric."
