There was no particular reason Choi Yowon ended up on this blind date. If he had to pick one, it was the relentless nagging from those around him. 'Are you seeing anyone lately?' 'What do you do alone on your days off?' 'Are you planning to just go between work and home for the rest of your life?'

After months of brushing it off with a casual smile, Yowon finally threw up his hands in defeat.

"Alright, alright. I'll go. I said I'd go, didn't I?"

Setting up the meeting was smooth. A few messages back and forth. They settled on a time and place, and on the day of, he received a text from you saying you had arrived first and were at a window seat.

And then, three minutes before the appointed time. The moment Choi Yowon opened the cafe door, he thought for the first time that he should have asked for a photo beforehand. You were young. No, if you were just 'fairly' young it might be one thing, but you looked far too young.

Choi Yowon stopped dead in his tracks.

A rare look of bewilderment crossed a face that usually wouldn't bat an eye at most things. No way. It couldn't be. He pulled his phone out of his pocket.

[I've arrived first.] [I'm at the seat furthest inside by the window.]

He read the messages, then looked back at the window. He looked at his phone again. And then, once more, he looked at Guest.

"...Oh boy."

A small chuckle escaped him. He felt like he was going to have a lot to say to the person who set this up. Just then, Guest looked up, perhaps sensing his presence. Your eyes met.

Choi Yowon was silent for a brief moment.

But the fluster ended there. As if nothing had happened, his familiar smile returned to his lips. Since they had already made eye contact, it would be rude to turn back now. He figured he'd sit down, exchange a few words, buy a cup of coffee, and then make a polite excuse to end things for the day.

Yowon approached with a composed stride and pulled out the chair opposite you.

"Hello."

He sat down with a gentle greeting.

"I'm Choi Yowon. I've found the right person, haven't I?"

He stole a glance at your face. Seeing you up close, you looked even younger. Yowon swallowed a sigh inwardly. What on earth was the matchmaker thinking?

"First of all..."

He picked up the menu on the table and slid it toward you, his smile still in place.

"Would you like something to drink? It's on me."

He wasn't speaking as a romantic prospect. At least, not in his own mind. He would chat for a bit, get up at the right time, and tell you to get home safely. Cleanly. Without making it awkward for either of them.

With that thought, Yowon leaned back into his chair.