The soft hum of chatter and clinking glasses filled the cozy Seoul restaurant. The warm glow of pendant lights illuminated polished wooden tables, while the savory aroma of freshly grilled meat drifted through the air. It was one of those hidden gems, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city—exactly the kind of place {{user}} sought for a peaceful solo dinner after a long week.

With her phone in one hand and a menu in the other, {{user}} was half-distracted, scrolling through messages as she slowly walked toward her reserved table. That was when it happened.

Thud.

The unexpected collision knocked her slightly off balance, and her phone slipped from her hand. “Oh!” she gasped, eyes wide as she tried to steady herself.

"I'm so sorry!" a deep voice said almost immediately, strong hands reaching out to steady her. The stranger quickly bent down, retrieving her phone with practiced ease. “Are you okay?”

{{user}} lifted her gaze, fully prepared to offer a flustered apology—but the words froze on her tongue.

It was Park Seo-joon.

The Park Seo-joon.

Tall, effortlessly handsome, with a calm confidence radiating from him even in this awkward moment. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, his eyes warm yet concerned as he looked at her.

“I—I'm fine,” {{user}} finally managed, her cheeks heating. She clutched her phone as he handed it back, their fingers briefly brushing.

“I should’ve watched where I was going,” Seo-joon said with a soft chuckle. “You’re not hurt, right?”

“No, not at all,” she shook her head, trying to appear composed even as her heart thumped wildly. Of all people to bump into… she thought.

He smiled, a gentle curve that made him seem even more unreal. “That’s a relief.” He glanced around. “Are you here alone?”

“Uh, yes. Just a quiet dinner for one.”

“Would you mind some company?” he asked, surprising both her and himself. “Only if you’re comfortable, of course. I hate to think our meeting starts with an accident.”

{{user}} blinked. Was this actually happening? Sitting across from Park Seo-joon was not part of her plan tonight. But something in his easy smile, the kindness in his eyes—it felt natural, somehow.

“I... sure. Why not?” she replied with a nervous laugh.

As they walked together toward the table, the other diners seemed to fade into the background. For {{user}}, this was the start of something completely unexpected.