Chapter 5

Saturday Morning

Yujin’s alarm blares, pulling her from a restless sleep. Groggily, she rubs her eyes with the heels of her hands, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. The room is dimly lit by the morning sun filtering through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the walls. As her vision clears, she notices the calendar on the wall directly in front of her. The date circled in bright red ink jolts her fully awake. Today was the day she’d be meeting Jin-woo, and a foreign wave of excitement mixed with nerves washes over her.

Taking a deep breath, Yujin swings her legs over the side of the bed and waddles softly to the bathroom. Her morning routine was a comforting ritual brushing her teeth, splashing cold water on her face, and running a comb through her tangled hair. Each step helped her fully awaken and focus on the day ahead. After a quick shower, she walks back into her room.

Feeling more awakened and energized, Yujin makes her way to her wardrobe, her mind fill with anticipation for the meet up. Standing in the middle of her walk-in-closet, She stares at the array of outfits hanging surrounding her, her fingers grazing over fabrics and colors. She contemplated each option: a sleek dress for a polished look, a casual yet stylish blouse and jeans for a relaxed vibe, or perhaps something more unique to make a memorable impression. 

“What should I wear?” questions Yujin

“Jeans and t-shirt? No.” 

“Sweater? Too hot. UGH why is this so hard? What should I do? Why is it taking me so long?” Yujin grabs her hair in frustration.

“This is just a hang out right? Should I go casual, or a bit fancier?” ponders Yujin “Ugh what am I doing? Why do I care about making an impression? Me Ahn Yujin wanting to make an impression for an idiot?”

After a few moments of thoughtful consideration, she still couldn’t make her decision. To be truthfully honest, she was a bit confused about why she was so excited about it. The memorizing blue eyes, sharp jaw line and not forgetting the hidden muscles…Yujin shivers and shakes her head trying to disperse the thoughts in her head. Looking back at her wardrobe she decided to wear a classic comfortable outfit.

“Not bad, and now a swimsuit. Why do I need a swimsuit?”

Walking out of her room to the living room, she sees the others chilling on the couch watching TV. 

“Yaa that shibal-sekki, get out of here, no one likes you.” Screamed Rei

‘It seems like they’re watching love next door. I’ll watch it when I get back.” Thought Yujin

Gaeul noticed Yujin’s presence, staring at her, she stares at her from head to toe. She looked too dressed up for a rest day.

“Yujin-ah where are you going today? You don’t have anything schedule today?” asked Gaeul curiously

“I’m just going out to hang out with a friend. I’ll be back later tonight so don’t wait for me.” Said Yujin

“oohh who are you going out with? Minju-unnie? Youngji-unnie? Eunbi-unnie or is it Jin-woo-oppa?” asked Liz

Yujin blushes and quickly turns away and gets her shoes on before quickly leaving. All the IVE members look at one another and laugh.

“It is soo prince charming.” Giggles Wonyoung 

10 mins later

Seoul

Walking through Seoul guided by her phone, she arrives at a narrow alleyway between a bookstore and a 7-eleven. Checking her phone again, Yujin enters the alleyway, her footsteps muffled by the cobblestone steps, until she stumbles upon the entrance of a quaint cafe she had never seen before, hidden and tucked away from the main road. Stepping inside, a cool breath of air splashes her with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee. Her eyes wander around the empty café, staring at the walls filled with a mix of photographs: filled with stunning landscapes of America and Canada, and framed snapshots of celebrities alongside what appears to be the cafe’s owner. The atmosphere is serene, a stark contrast to the usual frenetic pace of her life. Yujin slides into a corner table; unmasking her face as she waits as a friendly waitress approaches. 

“Welcome to Abditus Café, What can I get for you?” the waitress asks. 

Yujin smiles softly and replies, “I’ll have an ice americano, please.”

“I’ll be back with your drink in 5 mins.” Replies the Waitress walking back to her station.

Now alone, Yujin glances at her phone and sees that it is just 10:55 a.m. She exhales slowly and surveys her surroundings. The cafe was empty, likely due to its hidden location, but it had a well-kept charm despite it not exactly seeming like it was new. 

“How does he know of this place? Didn’t he just return to Korea after 8 years? Also why does the waitress seem familiar?” ponders Yujin tapping her chin with her finger as she stares at the waitress making her order.

Speaking of the devil, a door charm rings and in comes the man in thought, Jin-woo. Wearing a blue high collar shirt, with a black T-shirt and grey shorts wearing his signature glasses and a small dark green jaded cylinder necklace. Making eye contact with him, he walks over to her and takes a seat in front of her before giving the waitress and nod.

“Well Good morning.” He speaks in a go lucky tone

“Morning” replies Yujin unconsciously pushing back a strand of her hair behind her ear looking straight at Jin-woo

“You look great today, obviously not as much as me but great nonetheless.” Says Jin-woo

Rolling her eyes she replies “Wow thanks for the compliment. I’m so honored to be compliment by the most egotistic person in the world.”

“You're welcome! Any who, are you ready for today?” asks Jin-woo

“I don’t know. You never told me what we were doing.” replies Yujin

“Well, I hope you aren’t wearing any heels because that’ll be a pain.” Said Jin-woo

“Wait what? What do you mean?” questions Yujin

“Well look at that, the coffee here.” Says Jin-woo avoiding the question, grabbing the coffee from the waitress, he stands up from the table and walks straight for the door.

“Wait hold on, where are we going and how the hell do you get coffee without ordering???” screams Yujin rushing to grab her bag and standing up to follow him

Exiting the alley, Yujin rushes to follow Jin-woo who just exited the alley making a right onto the sidewalk. Reaching him, she gave him a small shuffle which she received a small giggle in response. 

“How could you just leave me there.” Scolds Yujin flaring up at him

“You're just slow.”

Walking forward, Jin-woo stops near a black Mercedes Benz parked by the side of the road.

“Well, what are you waiting for, get in, you don’t want anyone to catch you in public with your mask.” says Jin-woo as he opens the passenger door for Yujin

Not realizing she is standing still in awe nor was she wearing her mask; she gets her sense back and quickly enters the vehicle mumbling a small thanks. Walking to the driver’s side, Jin-woo opens the door and enters the car. Putting on his seatbelt, he gets comfy and starts the car, about to drive he looks to his right and sees Yujin staring right at him. Confused, he asks,

“What are you looking at? Put your seatbelt on?” 

“Where did you get this car? And do you even have a license?” asked Yujin

“Sigh, I just bought this car since I’d be staying here for a while, and I have an international drivers permit.” Replies Jin-woo like it was obvious

“Well, if you are going back then why not rent? And you still haven’t answered my question about the café.” 

Being a bit impatient, Jin-woo leans over and gets her seatbelt and buckles her in.

“YA what are you doing?” Yelps Yujin as he was up close in front of her, she could feel his breath against her face.