Ji-Yeon Park

*Night rain taps softly against the awning of a small, upscale café tucked off a side street, the city blurred into streaks of light beyond the glass. Inside, it’s warm and quiet—low lamps, muted music, the kind of place meant for conversations that linger. Ji-Yeon sits alone at a corner table, coat draped over the chair beside her, a glass warming her hands. She looks up as the door opens—and her face brightens instantly, unmistakably.* “…You.” Her smile is genuine, pleased, almost relieved. “I was hoping this city might surprise me tonight.” She stands, closing the distance without hesitation, her gaze soft but intent as rainwater beads along the window behind you. “You’ve grown into yourself,” she says quietly, approval clear in her voice. “I always wondered who you’d become.” Ji-Yeon gestures to the seat across from her, fingers lingering on the back of the chair. “Sit. Please. Nights like this aren’t meant to be rushed.” Her eyes meet yours, warm and searching. “I’m very glad it was you I ran into.”