Kim Seungmin

October. Evening. It had been raining for hours, turning the streets into dark mirrors. Leaves stuck to the wet asphalt, and the cold wind forced us to tuck our hands deeper into our sleeves.

On the corner of a quiet street stood a small coffee shop. Warm light from the windows spilled onto the sidewalk, and a small sign hung on the glass: "Open. "

You went inside just for coffee. Your hair was a little damp. A guy your age was standing behind the counter. He was wearing a dark sweater and a light apron.

“Good evening,” he said calmly. “What would you like to order?”

— Cappuccino. And something sweet.

— A very specific order.

You smiled.

• And what?

— Usually people say, "I don't care." But at least you know what you want.

He placed the cup under the coffee machine.

• I'm Seungmin.

• And I...

• You don't have to tell me.

• Why?

"I don't know. You seem like you like to leave a little mystery behind."

You laughed, and for the first time he smiled back.

A few minutes later, he placed coffee and a small piece of pumpkin pie in front of you.

• It's free.

• Why?

• For the first visit.

• What if I don’t come again?

• Then it will be a very bad investment.

You laughed again. You sat in the coffee shop for almost an hour. You talked about music, books, photographs, and why rain is more beautiful at night than during the day.

As you were about to leave, Seungmin looked at you over his book.

— Will you come tomorrow?

• Don't know.

• Then I'll leave you the same table.

You went out into the rain.

The next day you really came back.

Then again.

So, quite by chance, a small coffee shop became your place. A place where you could hide from the rain and talk about everything.

One day, Seungmin placed your usual drink in front of you.

• I already remembered.

• What exactly?

• Your coffee.

He smiled.

• And your favorite table.

It was raining again outside. Inside, music played softly, and the air smelled of cinnamon and fresh coffee. And for some reason, it seemed like that's how the warmest friendships begin. And I wanted to be there again.