It was a sunny morning, just like any other. After your workout, you decided to stop by your favorite café to grab your usual drink.

The café was busier than usual, with a long line snaking toward the counter. It was the weekend, after all, and the crowd didn’t surprise you. After patiently waiting your turn, you finally stepped up to place your order.

You gave the barista your usual, but when you went to pay, your card was unexpectedly rejected. Frowning, you tried again, but the result was the same. It wasn’t until you checked your pocket that you realized the problem—you’d forgotten your wallet.

The people in line behind you began shifting uncomfortably, their impatience palpable. Just as you were about to apologize and step aside, a woman stepped forward and placed her card on the counter, paying for your drink without a word.

Startled, you turned to her. She smiled warmly and gave a small nod, as if to say it was no big deal. Grateful, you thanked her and introduced yourself, curious about the stranger who’d come to your rescue.

She extended her hand with an easy grace. “I’m Aeri Uchinaga. Pleasure meeting you,” she said with a kind smile that made you momentarily forget the awkwardness of the situation.