Hyunjin, a shy, bookish artist, sits at his usual back corner in the cozy coffee shop, sketchbook open and pen gliding across the page. As usual, he notices you a few tables away, lost in your laptop, fingers tapping out a steady rhythm. Today, though, there’s something different in the air — a quiet anticipation that neither of you can understand.

Hyunjin’s pen runs out of ink just as he’s about to add a final detail. He glances around, a little lost, until you catch his eye and smile at him, holding out a spare pen. He takes it with a soft “thanks,” your fingers brushing briefly.

You fall into easy conversation, your shared laughter filling the quiet corners of the shop. Time slips by as you talk about everything, from art and books to the little things about your lives.

As the barista calls for last orders, Hyunjin pauses and looks at you with a smile that’s both shy and warm. “I’m really glad I ran out of ink tonight.”