Chapter Text
Their coffee is AMAZING! Jeong and I can take you sometime.
Sana reread Nayeon’s message for what had to be like the fifth time.
The word amazing was in all caps, which meant Nayeon was serious about it. Attached below was a location link, there was a little preview image showing a warm-toned storefront tucked between other shops.
Sana’s finger hovered over it.
There was no harm in just checking it out… right?
She let out a slow huff and dropped her phone onto her mattress, the device bouncing once before settling near her pillow. She stretched out across her comically oversized bed, arms spread wide like a starfish, eyes fixed on the ceiling. The faint hum of the air conditioner filled the silence of her apartment.
All her friends were busy.
Well… the friends she actually wanted to hang out with.
Momo was at the studio, probably halfway through yelling counts over blaring music while correcting someone’s posture. Even on her day off, Momo liked to teach. Mina had a photoshoot today—some luxury perfume campaign she’d mentioned in passing, eyes lighting up as she talked about the concept and wardrobe. Sana could already imagine her posing effortlessly in front of the camera, elegant as always.
And Sana?
She was stuck at home, staring at drywall.
She rolled onto her side, grabbing her phone again. The apartment felt too quiet. Too big. She’d thought upgrading to a larger place would feel like an accomplishment (and it did, sometimes) but on days like this it only made the silence louder.
She unlocked her phone and reopened her chat with Nayeon.
The cafe link was still there, waiting.
Sure, she could go with Nayeon and Jeongyeon. But the idea of third-wheeling made her nose scrunch. Not that they’d ever make her feel left out on purpose. It was just… the way Nayeon’s messages had started including “Jeong and I” more often lately. The way they shared inside jokes that Sana had missed the origin of. Too lovey-dovey for her.
She tapped the link before she could overthink it.
The page loaded slowly, revealing photos of latte art shaped like flowers, cozy wooden tables, sunlight spilling through wide windows. Reviews scrolled underneath, all glowing. There was a little under 100 reviews, but they were all fleeting colors.
Best espresso in the area. Perfect place to unwind. Staff is so friendly.
Nayeon hadn’t exaggerated.
Sana chewed on her bottom lip as she scrolled. Maybe going alone wouldn’t be so bad. It would be better than rotting in bed, letting her thoughts spiral into places they didn’t need to go. Besides, she used to love exploring new spots by herself.
She stared at the photos a moment longer, then glanced around her room.
A perfectly good free day.
It felt almost wasteful to spend it here.
Her thumb hovered over the “directions” button this time, and instead of hesitating, she pressed it.
The location was a little farther than Sana expected.
When the map zoomed out, she realized the café sat in a less bustling area, somewhere far from the glass towers and luxury storefronts surrounding her penthouse apartment. It wasn’t completely deserted, but it definitely wasn’t the kind of place you’d stumble upon while shopping or running errands.
It wasn’t a bad thing.
If anything, it made the café feel more… intentional. Tucked away. The kind of place you only knew about if someone told you.
Underground.
Sana liked that.
She zoomed in on the preview photos again, imagining narrow sidewalks and soft chatter instead of traffic and camera shutters.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
Maybe she’d meet someone there.
Cute boys who go to cafés had been trending lately. Trend followers were always easy to read. Easy to charm. Easy to wrap around her finger with a tilt of her head and a laugh that lingered just a second too long.
She didn’t do relationships.
Not seriously, anyway.
But flirting? Flirting was harmless! Flirting was fun. It was second nature to her. Just as easy to do as breathing. It filled empty spaces. Made slow days feel less slow.
With a sudden burst of energy, Sana pushed herself off the bed.
She moved to her closet, fingers brushing past fabric after fabric. Too flashy. Too plain. Too recognizable. Too safe.
She wanted balance.
Something that said I don’t wanna be swarmed by paparazzi
But also whispered You should still look.
After a small pile formed on the floor, she finally settled on an outfit that hit that sweet spot, one that seemed effortless but intentional. Soft fabrics, flattering lines. Nothing that screamed “supermodel,” but nothing that hid it either.
Most of it would be hidden under her coat anyway.
She reached for her designer fur coat hanging carefully at the front of her closet. It was thick, luxurious, warm enough to handle the creeping winter chill. The air become wayy colder as of late, stepping out onto her balcony that morning had been enough to make her retreat back inside immediately.
The last thing she wanted was to get sick on her day off.
She hated being sick. Growing up, she’d always felt restless during colds, like the world was continuing without her.
Once she was dressed, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror.
Casual. Unbothered. But still extremely good looking.
Perfect!
A flicker of excitement sparked in her chest. It was small at first, but it grew the longer she thought about stepping into somewhere new. Maybe it wasn’t just about the café. Maybe it was about doing something spontaneous.
Although Nayeon had raved about their coffee, Sana wrinkled her nose slightly at the thought.
She wasn’t in the mood for anything bitter.
She’d never liked bitter flavors. As a kid, she used to drown everything in sugar! Her milk, tea, even grapefruit slices her mother insisted were “good for you.” Even now, she gravitated toward sweeter drinks without shame. Life was already complicated enough. Why choose bitterness voluntarily?
Hopefully the café sold more than just coffee.
It would be a terrible business model if they didn’t.
Maybe they’d have hot chocolate. Or fruit ades. Or some ridiculously photogenic pastry that tasted as good as it looked. If they were good enough, she’d buy extra. Mina and Momo had promised they’d come over later tonight.
The thought alone softened her expression.
She slipped her phone into her bag and headed toward the door.
Maybe she’d talk to someone at the café. Just for a bit. A harmless conversation. A little entertainment to pass the time until tonight.
Someone to fill the hours.
And if they happened to be cute?
Well.
That would just make the coffee date with herself a little more interesting.
The café wasn’t flashy.
No neon sign. No oversized logo. Just a simple wooden storefront with warm light spilling through the windows. A small chalkboard sat outside with neat handwriting listing the day’s specials. The air here smelled faintly of roasted beans and something sweet—vanilla or maybe cinnamon.
The bell above the café door chimed softly as she pushed it open, and a wave of warmth wrapped around her instantly. The warmth was a perfect welcoming from the cold outside.
Soft piano music played low through the speakers. The walls were lined with mismatched frames filled with unique artworks and shelves of books. A few customers were scattered around, one guy typing on a laptop in the corner, two girls whispering over shared cake, someone flipping through a paperback by the window.
Sana inhaled slowly, the scent of fresh pastries hitting her properly now. Her gaze flickered toward the display cases. Colorful pastries filled them to the brim.
This cafe was already off to a good start.
She moved a little closer to the counter, there was no one at the register yet. Should she ring the bell?
Her lips formed a small pout as she scanned the large chalkboard menu behind the counter. Might as well decide before making a scene.
Americanos. Cold brews. Espressos.
Her eyes drifted downward looking for drinks other than coffee.
Strawberry Milk. Hot chocolate. Matcha
Much better.
Strawberry milk caught her attention immediately. She vaguely remembered reading a review that said someone got it every morning before classes, calling it “the only reason I survive 8 a.m. lectures.” That felt promising.
Her finger pressed down softly on the bell, a chime loud enough to alert whoever was working that she was here. But not loud enough to disturb the calming peace of the cafe.
A really short girl with black hair tied up in a messy bun peeked out from what Sana assumed was the kitchen. She offered a quick smile. “Be right there!” she called before disappearing again.
Sana adjusted her coat slightly, smoothing the fabric over her arms. A second later, someone else stepped out from the back.
Shorter than Sana, but taller than the first girl. Long black hair falling neatly past her shoulders. Fair skin that almost seemed to glow under the warm café lighting. There were faint smudges of flour dusting the dark apron tied around her waist.
And for a moment, Sana swore time stopped.
Her eyes follow the girl all the way to the register, taking in as many details as she could. Like the hints of flour on the adorable little cafe uniform.
“Hi” The voice greeted her from behind the counter, and this is the most “like music to my ears” moment in her life.
Sana had been complimented by producers, photographers, strangers on the street. She’d been told her voice was charming, captivating, addictive.
But this?
This felt unfair.
The girl’s smile was sweet, genuine in a way that didn’t feel rehearsed or polite for the sake of customer service. It reached her eyes.
Sana melted.
A beat passed.
And then another.
Sana could really get lost in those eyes and-
Oh.
Oh no.
She was speaking! And Sana completely zoned out!
Sana blinked, her mind rushing through a flurry of panic. “Sorry, could you repeat that?”
“Of course!” the girl chirped, still smiling. “I was just asking if you needed another minute to order.”
This was her moment.
Normally, this would be easy. She’d lean on the counter slightly. Flash her playful grin that could practically fluster anyone. Ask for a recommendation in that tone that always worked and start a little conversation.
Instead—
“Oh then… I’d like to try your iced americano.”
The words left her mouth.
And immediately betrayed her.
NO SHE DIDN’T.
Sana bit the inside of her cheek. Why was her mouth moving without her brain’s permission?
“Extra sugar please…” she added quickly, attempting to salvage the situation.
Any other time she would’ve corrected herself. Switched to strawberry milk. Made a joke out of it. But right now her body felt completely disconnected from her usual confidence.
“May I have a name to go with your order?”
“S-Sana.”
Did she just stutter?
The girl typed it in without missing a beat.
“Perfect. It’ll be done in just a few minutes, Sana.”
The way her name rolled off her tongue was so…effortless. It was dangerously intimate. Like it belonged there.
Sana’s heart did something embarrassing in her chest. A feeling that she didn’t like at all. Or was it that she really liked it?
She stepped aside to wait, gripping the strap of her bag tighter than necessary.
This was ridiculous.
She flirted with people for sport. For fun. For entertainment.
So why—
Why did she suddenly feel like the one being caught off guard?
The barista wasn’t even flirting with her!
She was just some girl.
A very pretty girl. With long black hair falling over her shoulder. And delicate hands dusted faintly with flour. And the kind of smile that felt unforced—like she smiled because she wanted to, not because it was part of customer service training.
Sana quickly scolded her mind.
She shifted her weight and casually scanned the room again, pretending she wasn’t completely focused on the girl behind the counter. A few customers were typing, chatting, existing peacefully.
Her attention snapped back when the barista stepped forward again, placing a clear cup on the counter.
“Iced americano,” she said gently, sliding it closer. “With extra sugar.”
Her eyes lifted, meeting Sana’s directly.
There it is again.
The eyecontact between them was held for just a second longer than necessary.
“Thank you,” she managed, grateful her voice sounded normal this time.
The girl tilted her head slightly. “If it’s too bitter, let me know. I can adjust it.”
Sana nods thankfully, taking the clear cup and carefully taking a sip. She immediately regretted it, her face twitching before she could stop it. It was still pretty bitter even with the extra sugar. Still, she forced herself to swallow gracefully, she didn’t wanna embarrass herself any further.
Instead of leaving, or walking over to the guy she’d mentally labeled as potentially flirt-worthy earlier. Sana found herself drifting toward the nearest empty table.
It wasn’t even the best seat in the café. Not by the window. Not tucked into a cozy corner. Just… close enough to the counter.
Close enough to her.
She sat down, crossing one leg over the other, and pulled out her phone. Her thumb moved automatically, scrolling through social media without actually seeing any of it. Pictures blurred together as she doubled clicked whatever made her look natural.
Something (someone) about this place made her not want to leave.
And it wasn’t just the warmth. Or the music. Or even the pastries.
From the corner of her eye, she watched the girl behind the counter. The way she wiped down the surfaces in small, efficient motions. The way she tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear again when they slipped forward. The way she paused to adjust the display case, making sure each pastry was angled just right.
The shorter girl from earlier popped back out from the kitchen, leaning in to whisper something. Whatever it was made the barista let out a soft laugh.
Oh.
That laugh. It made Sana’s stomach flipped in a way she did not approve of. She wanted to heart it again.
She lowered her phone slightly, pretending to adjust her grip while really just trying to get another glance. The girl’s eyes crinkled when she smiled. There was a tiny dimple near the corner of her mouth. Sana inhaled slowly as she watched every small detail.
This was new.
Usually, she liked the chase. The spark of knowing she could make someone flustered with a single compliment. She liked watching their confidence waver under her attention.
But this girl completely through her off balance!
She forced her eyes back to her phone, though her attention kept drifting. She listened the soft piano blending into quiet conversation. She let her gaze wander across the walls instead, trying to look occupied.
The paintings on the walls caught her attention this time. They were all different. Some of them were abstract, some delicate florals, one that looked like a rainy street at night. In the corner of each frame, a small signature read “CY.”
It meant the art wasn’t random décor. Someone here cared enough to fill the space with original work.
At some point, she realized her iced americano was more than half gone. She’d been sipping it absentmindedly. It was still bitter. Even with the extra sugar. But she barely registered the taste.
Sana quickly took the initiative and stood up before she could overthink it. She was feeling confident again, and she didn’t wanna suddenly lose her charm like she did earlier.
When she approached the counter again, the girl looked up immediately and visibly brightened. That simple reaction did something dangerous to Sana’s ego.
Welp. There goes her confidence.
“Hi again,” the girl said, smile soft but familiar now. It was practically engrained into Sana’s mind.
Sana opened her mouth, fully intending to say something charming. Something smooth.
Instead, she only glanced at the display case.
“I’ll take… um. That one. And that. And—” She pointed at whichever pastries looked the most interesting. A strawberry tart. A cream bun dusted with sugar. Something chocolate-filled that looked almost too pretty to eat. And whatever pastries she figured Momo would love to devour tonight.
As calm and composed as she was, she was mentally freaking out at herself! All the lines she’d prepared in her head completely dissolved.
She was supposed to ask for a recommendation.
She was supposed to compliment her laugh.
Ask for her number or something—anything!
Sana’s eyes flickered down briefly in midst of her inner turmoil. Her eyes glazing over the name tag that clung itself onto her uniform.
“Dubu” and next to it was a tiny tofu character drawn in black ink, complete with a smiling face.
She found that so cute for some reason.
“That’s a lot,” Dubu said lightly, ringing up the order. “Planning a party?”
Sana smiled now was her chance! She opened her mouth but words stopped again. She almost said No, just trying to impress her. But instead she had replied to Dubu with, “Something like that.” Could 3 people count as a party??
Oh she was such a coward.
The total appeared on the screen. Without really thinking (like at all) and absolutely zero hesitation, Sana tapped her card and added a tip.
A large one.
A ridiculous one.
Three hundred dollars.
It wasn’t about showing off. At least, that’s what she told herself. (It totally was)
Sana felt good at watching Dubu’s eyes widen in shock, “Thank you, Sana,” she said softly but it was obvious she was awestruck, carefully placing the pastries into a box and tying it with twine.
After registering the fact that whoever this.. supermodel of a customer was just tipped her $300 dollars, Dahyun snapped out of whatever flabbergasted trance she was in and yelled out to Sana who was almost out the cafe door. “Thank you so much! Come again!!”
Sana grinned to herself as she made her way to her car, box of pastries in hand and a big goofy grin on her face.
She’s definitely coming again.