Episode 3

The faint glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light over Eun-Ji’s room as she tied her hair into a loose bun and settled into bed. She pulled the blanket up to her chin, her mind drifting over the day’s events.

Her conversation with Ji-Ah replayed in snippets, and her friend’s over-the-top reaction made her smile. Ji-Ah really knew how to make a spectacle out of anything.

Then there was him.

Eun-Ji frowned at the ceiling, trying to push Sanghoon from her thoughts. She didn’t care about him, and she certainly didn’t want to waste time overanalyzing the way he’d smiled at her. Celebrities like him probably smiled at everyone the same way.

With a soft sigh, she rolled over and closed her eyes. Tomorrow would be another routine day at the café, and she was determined not to let today’s unexpected encounter distract her.

The sound of her alarm shattered the stillness of the morning. Eun-Ji groaned and reached over to silence it, then lay there for a few moments, enjoying the rare calm before her day began.

She got up, stretching lazily, and went through her usual morning routine: a quick shower, brushing her hair into a simple ponytail, and putting on her café uniform. Her reflection stared back at her in the mirror, practical and no-nonsense, just as she liked it.

In the kitchen, Ji-Ah was still asleep, her door firmly shut. Eun-Ji grabbed a slice of toast, her bag, and headed out the door. The cool morning air was refreshing, and she took her time walking to the café, savoring the quiet streets before the city fully woke up.

By the time she arrived at La Lune Café, the early rush of regulars had already begun. Eun-Ji tied on her apron and greeted Min-Seo, who was busy ringing up an order.

“Morning!” Min-Seo chirped. “Ready for another exciting day?”

Eun-Ji gave her a wry smile. “If by exciting, you mean the usual, then sure.”

Min-Seo laughed and handed her a clipboard. “You take inventory; I’ll handle the counter for now.”

The day moved along at its usual pace, regulars coming in for their usual orders, the occasional new face, and the comforting rhythm of the espresso machine steaming milk and pouring shots of coffee.

It wasn’t until late morning, as the lull between the breakfast and lunch rush set in, that the café door chimed, and Eun-Ji glanced up.

There he was again.

Sanghoon walked in, his manager trailing behind him. Today, he wore a simple white button-up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, looking effortlessly put together. As he entered, the café’s atmosphere shifted slightly. Patrons whispered to each other, and Min-Seo froze mid-step, her mouth falling open.

“Eun-Ji,” Min-Seo hissed, elbowing her. “It’s him! Again!”

Eun-Ji rolled her eyes and moved toward the counter. “I see him,” she said quietly.

This time, Sanghoon’s gaze found hers immediately. That same soft smile from yesterday appeared on his face, and Eun-Ji could feel Min-Seo practically vibrating with excitement beside her.

“Welcome back,” Eun-Ji said, her tone even as she placed her hands on the counter.

“Good morning,” Sanghoon replied, his voice smooth and warm. He nodded toward her name tag. “Eun-Ji, right?”

She blinked, slightly surprised he’d remembered her name. “That’s right. What can I get for you today?”

“The same as yesterday,” his manager interjected before Sanghoon could answer.

Eun-Ji nodded, jotting down the order. She noticed that Sanghoon’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, as if he were waiting for her to say something more.

When she handed them their drinks a few minutes later, Sanghoon accepted his with that same deliberate smile. “Thank you,” he said, his gaze steady on hers.

“You’re welcome,” Eun-Ji replied, her tone polite and professional.

This time, instead of sitting by the window, Sanghoon and his manager took a table near the counter. She could feel his presence even when she wasn’t looking directly at him, which was irritating in its own way.

“He’s totally into you,” Min-Seo whispered when they were out of earshot.

“Don’t start,” Eun-Ji muttered, shaking her head.

Min-Seo grinned. “I’m just saying. He came back two days in a row. That’s not a coincidence.”

Eun-Ji busied herself wiping the counter. She wasn’t interested in indulging Min-Seo’s fantasies about Sanghoon’s intentions.

Later that afternoon, Eun-Ji received a message on her phone. It was from Tae-Min, her childhood friend, who was as lively and persistent as ever.

Tae-Min: Eun-Ji, don’t forget, my birthday party is this Friday at 7 PM! No excuses, okay?

Eun-Ji smiled at the message. Tae-Min had been one of her closest friends growing up, and though they didn’t see each other as often these days, he always made an effort to include her in his life.

She replied quickly: I’ll be there. Happy early birthday!

His response came almost immediately: Good. Bring Ji-Ah if you want. And don’t forget to dress up this time!

Eun-Ji chuckled. Tae-Min had always teased her about her simple style, but she appreciated his easygoing nature.

“Something funny?” Min-Seo asked, leaning over to peek at her phone.

“Just Tae-Min. He’s having a birthday party this Friday.”

“Oh, that sounds fun! Are you going?”

“Of course. He’d probably show up at my door and drag me there if I didn’t.”

Min-Seo laughed. “You have to tell me all about it. Maybe you’ll meet someone cute!”

Eun-Ji rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. She doubted anything exciting would happen at Tae-Min’s party, but at least it would be nice to catch up with old friends.

The rest of the day passed without incident, though Eun-Ji caught herself glancing toward the table where Sanghoon had been sitting long after he’d left.

It wasn’t that she cared, she told herself. He was just another customer, and his visits would eventually stop. But as she walked home that evening, she couldn’t help but wonder why his gaze had felt so… persistent.

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