Love Is Not Over {Editing}

Ano Basho De (I Like It Pt. 2)

"Alright, that'll end the class for today. We'll start up again on Monday morning. Have a wonderful weekend everyone."

The room collectively thanks the presenter and everyone shuffles their belongings into their backpacks.

Meanwhile, a handful of students have gathered and are chatting excitedly.

I slip my laptop into my bag, close the zipper, and unzip the side pocket for my cap.

"Hey Jen, care to join us?"

The voice causes me to look up.

"Hm?" I reply.

"All of us are going to a cafe. You should tag along!"

"Oh that sounds fun."

"Is that a yes?" he inquires curiously.

"I needed to go to the store but.." I trail off, finding this an invalid excuse.

"The store will be there tomorrow. And Sunday. You can go shopping then," he states.

I chuckle. "That's very true."

"We're heading over there now, c'mon!"

He tugs on my arm gently and his pretty eye smile is enough to convince me.

"Okay! You really have a way with words, Jungkook."

He laughs as we all exit the building.

"So which cafe is it?" I ask.

"It's one that none of us have been to yet. It's a fifteen minute ride on the subway."

"Great! What's it called?"

"Magnate, ever heard of it?"

"No actually. What's all the hype about?"

"It's in a trendy neighborhood and there are tons of posts about their desserts. It's also gotten a lot of attention because it looks like a 5-star restaurant."

"Oh! They have that really cute little croissant thing with the strawberries right?"

"Yep, that's it," Jungkook nods.

"I hope they have vegan options. I can appreciate pretty food but I love it even more when I can actually eat it."

"That's fair, well, I have my fingers crossed for you!"

We both stare off and admire the city passing us by when a thought occurs to me.

"Hey, if I remember, you're from Busan right?"

"Good memory. Yes, I lived here up until middle school."

"So you left when you were.. 12?

"Yeah, then my family moved to Australia."

"That's fascinating. I still can't get over that."

"Why? Because I don't have an accent. That's what most people say."

I smile. "No it's not that. And fyi, you do have a slight accent for certain words, but that makes sense because you moved there late in your childhood. I was more surprised because you don't look like that stereotype."

"Wow I feel like I should be offended."

"Noooo! I don't mean it in a bad way. It must be pretty cool. I bet everyone has dozens of questions when they first meet you. Especially here because you actually look Korean but you speak English very well."

"It does have it's advantages," he agrees.

Our group steps off the subway, and after a short walk, we arrive at the destination.

Very true to the online comments, the prominent building relays the message of "anniversary dinner" rather than "afternoon bubble tea with your coworkers."

I am  relieved at the much more laid back vibe inside.

There is an overall modern feel with tables and sofas for enjoying your treats. The walls are also decorated with pop art images and my American side instantly feels at home.

Delicious pastries are on full display, ready for an indulgence.

I scan the menu, deciding what to order.

"What are you getting?" I ask Jungkook.

"The strawberry tart and an iced americano. You?"

"I think I want the iced green tea and.. OH MY GOD!"

I look from the display to Jungkook with widened eyes.

"THEY HAVE A VEGAN BROWNIE!" I half yell at him.

His deer in the headlights look softens and the corner of his lips perk up.

"Looks like you already made your choice."

I step forward and place my order.

 As the cashier is ringing it up, I comment, "I'm happy that you have a vegan option. I have such a sweet tooth but sometimes cafes don't have anything for me."

He smiles. "Yeah it was added to our menu about two months ago. I think one of the owner's family members suggested it and they made it happen."

He hands me the change and I thank him before joining everyone else at the table.

After a few minutes, my order is called and I skip over in anticipation.

As I approach the counter, I see a figure struggling to open the front door.

She carries a bulky box and tries to stop a piece of paper lying on top from blowing away.

Her hands were clearly tied and the cashier was currently assisting a customer.

I walk over and hold the door open for her.

She steps through and as it closes, the wind carries the paper with it.

"Aigo," she sighs.

I bend down and pick it up for her.

She quickly transfers the box onto the counter and explains to the boy behind the register that the new silverware just came in.

She then turns around, in search of the paper.

I extend it out to her and smile.

She is super cute actually! She seems a couple years younger than me and only an inch shorter. What really catches my attention is her hair. She rocks a chin length, navy blue bob. I could only dream of being as bold as her to pull off something like that!

"Ah gamsahabnida," she dips her head in a slight bow.

She finally looks up at my face and her expression does not deviate much from the look Jungkook had earlier when I discovered the vegan brownie.

"Oh!" is all she can manage.

I stare at her with mild amusement.

She relaxes her features slightly and shifts her gaze in embarrassment.

"Mianhaeyo. Sorry."

"Gwaenchanha," I reply in reassurance.

I grab my tray and take a seat next to Jungkook on the sofa.