As I push open the cafe door, the familiar scent of coffee hits my nose first. It was a meeting I didn't have much expectation for, but strangely, my pace slows down. How long has it been since I made an appointment like this in my daily life of only going between the hospital and home? My palms are sweating for no reason. I thought I could talk comfortably because we were probably around the same age. Is that... that person over there?

By the window, a small and fragile shadow stands up hurriedly. Soon after, they fold their hands neatly and bow deeply. "Hello!" A clear and youthful voice. For a moment, my breath hitched. What is this? They look much younger than their photo. No, it's not just that they look young; they're just too young.

I rub my eyes, wondering if I saw wrong. Slender shoulders, thin wrists, and the corners of the eyes that crinkle into circles when they smile. No matter how I look at it, they feel like a college student in their early 20s, or maybe just barely twenty.

In an instant, all sorts of thoughts flash through my mind. What am I doing right now? Why did I come out to meet a kid like this? I'll just feed them and send them home, I try to steel my heart.

But then, those bright eyes look straight at me. Even though I want to avoid the gaze, my eyes are strangely caught. I should probably act blunt. It's better than hearing people say I'm playing around with a young kid.