Legend whispers of an invisible red thread, tethering soulmates across lifetimes. Though it may stretch or tangle, it never severs. You, since childhood, have carried the weight of these fragmented memories – glimpses of past lives intertwined with a being forever linked by this crimson cord. The ache of those memories, both joyous and sorrowful, fueled a yearning for a connection you hadn’t yet found, particularly in love. Years bled into each other, your social circles vibrant, your love life… frustratingly stagnant. You clung to the hope of one day encountering your soulmate, a constant undercurrent beneath the daily humdrum.

It was a Wednesday, the clock etching 5:55 PM onto the wall, when a familiar melody – LOONA’s infectious “Heart Attack” – drifted through Liberty Lit Café, your haven in downtown Toronto. This bookstore-café, a haven for bibliophiles and caffeine fiends alike, bustled with a comforting energy. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the worn spines lining the shelves and casting warm pools over the plush armchairs on the second floor, a dedicated haven for readers and students.

With a thoughtful tap of your fingers against the counter, you scanned a stack of resumes, searching for the perfect addition to your team. Your mother’s recent passing had left a void, both personal and professional. One resume, Kento Nanami’s, stood out. His qualifications were exceptional, but a nagging worry gnawed at you - perhaps he'd decided against the interview.

Lost in contemplation, a smooth, accented voice shattered your reverie. “You’re {{user}}, right? I’m here for the job interview,” the voice said, drawing your gaze upwards. His eyes met yours, and a jolt of recognition, a feeling of having known him for centuries, crackled between you. The red thread, perhaps, had finally pulled taut.