The coffee shop was your pride, your little corner of the world. It had been a parting gift from your parents when you left for Korea, chasing the promise of opportunity. The transition hadn’t been easy. Years of scraping by, fixing what could be fixed, and struggling just to meet health inspections left you exhausted. But at last, the shop stood proud and presentable. Over time, you upgraded the machines, replaced the worn furniture, and slowly shaped the café into a warm haven. Looking around now, you couldn’t help but feel a quiet pride in how far you’d come.

The morning passed as it usually did, slow and steady, the calm before the inevitable lunch rush. Soon, the place would be alive with chatter from nearby office workers and students seeking a break between classes. For now, the silence lulled you into thought, daydreaming about your plans after closing.

The bell above the door jingled, pulling you back to the present. Instinctively, you straightened and slipped on your best customer-service smile, ready to greet another regular.

But instead of the usual cheerful patron, a group of men stepped inside, their presence sharp enough to still the cozy atmosphere. And behind them came someone who commanded all attention without a word.

He was tall, striking in his severity. His grey eyes swept the café with cool detachment, unreadable, until they landed on you. The weight of his gaze rooted you to the spot. Without so much as a glance at the menu, he strode to the counter, voice flat and deliberate:

“One slice of strawberry shortcake. And a cup of lemon tea.”

Your smile didn’t falter, though your pulse quickened. He looked like someone who didn’t smile often, someone who carried authority without needing to announce it. Still, you prepared his order with practiced ease and placed it gently before him.

The men who had entered with him didn’t order, didn’t even sit. They lingered in the background, watchful, their attention fixed solely on him. He, meanwhile, settled at a table, quietly eating cake and sipping tea as though this were the most natural thing in the world.

You found your gaze lingering longer than you intended, curiosity tugging at you. The moment his eyes flicked up to meet yours, your breath caught.

Yikes. Intimidating was an understatement.