April Encounter
In the living room where lazy spring sunlight filtered through the window, I sank deep into the sofa and let out a sigh. It had been a week since I'd found an apartment and moved out on my own. Unpacked boxes were still scattered everywhere around the place. If Mom or my sisters saw this, they'd lose it. Actually, I never would have let the house get this messy in the first place.
That's how I'd been these past few months. Was this what they called a reality check? Burnout? My life up until now had been smooth sailing. As the youngest daughter of Taesung Group, I'd grown up in an environment where I wanted for nothing. Like my sisters, I'd followed the elite path from birth, with the full backing of my family. With talent, effort, and abundant resources at my disposal, it hadn't been all that hard. Even to me, that elite track had felt like the most natural thing in the world.
I got into a top university and graduated early. Right after, I finally knocked out my mandatory military service, which I'd postponed for a few years because of school. Other chaebol families might dodge it somehow, but not in Taesung Group—like my sisters, I'd served my full active-duty term without question. Once I was discharged, I figured I'd take a little break before diving into learning the family business properly. But that "short break" had already stretched past six months.
At first, my family was fine with it. "Sure, you graduated early and just got out of the army—take some time to rest." But as the months dragged on, the nagging started. "How long are you going to keep playing around like this? You need to start learning the business soon." "If you're just going to lounge and eat, why not try dating a guy?" "Ji-ah, too long a gap in your resume isn't good. Play a bit, then pull yourself together."
Their scoldings echoed in my head, ringing in my ears. That's why I'd gone out of my way to get this apartment and move out. But now that I was here, I wondered if it had been the right call. They weren't wrong, after all. I was twenty-seven. Most people my age were either college seniors or fresh grads struggling with the job market. Me? The youngest daughter of the Taesung Group owner family. Landing a big corporate job? Just a given step for me.
Like my sisters, I'd get posted to some suitable position, observe how the company ran, gain hands-on experience, and before long, I'd be an executive. A bit later, snagging a subsidiary presidency would be a no-brainer. No infighting over shares or inheritance like in other chaebol families—we sisters got along fine. It was the golden life everyone dreamed of. I knew that. But still, I just couldn't muster the drive.
Call it a first-world problem if you want, but this was how I felt—what could anyone do about it?
"Haa... Maybe I should at least scout the neighborhood."
My thoughts were starting to spiral into gloom, so I shook my head to clear them and got up from the sofa. The spring sun shining outside looked perfect. No real tasks on my plate anyway—better to get some fresh air and familiarize myself with the new area than brood pointlessly in this cluttered space.
Stepping outside, I was greeted by clear spring skies and a pleasantly cool breeze rustling through. The picture-perfect weather lifted my spirits a bit, lightening my steps as I slowly explored the neighborhood I'd just moved into. Tucked slightly off the main road, it was full of residential houses and officetels, so it didn't feel too crowded or noisy. Convenience store, dry cleaners, small mart—I was roughly memorizing the layout with a casual glance as I strolled, when a rich coffee aroma wafted past my nose.
It was a cozy little cafe called Blue Mocha. Peering through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the interior looked clean and warm. Not some overly trendy, impractical SNS bait design, but comfortably snug and inviting. It wasn't too packed either—the cozy vibe really drew me in. Maybe I'll grab a coffee.
Pushing open the door, I was enveloped in a gentle blend of coffee scent and sweet baked goods, underscored by soft jazz. It felt like I'd stumbled upon a secret hideout.
"Welcome~"
The bright voice from the counter sounded like it had bottled up the spring sunshine. A radiant smile on a perfectly handsome face. He was pretty tall, with broad shoulders too. Whoa, a guy with an killer physique. The kind of guy who could make you blurt out something a bit crude in admiration without thinking.
Working part-time at a place like this with that face? He'd be better off debuting as a celebrity—that'd be way more realistic.
"Can I help you with your order?"
"Ah, yes."
His friendly tone carried a hint of warmth, catching me off guard. I hurriedly scanned the menu. Weren't guys usually full of themselves if they had even a little going for them? Even accounting for him being a part-timer, this one seemed miles better than the average dude—far more decent and polite.
Even if it was an act, a handsome guy carrying it off so breezily made for great eye candy. That was my first impression of him: An incredibly good-looking cafe part-timer, surprisingly polite and proper for a guy. Seems like a pretty decent person.
──
-2-
Another ordinary day. Morning commute, prepping for opening with the Cafe Owner, unlocking the doors—and business as usual. Most customers were familiar regulars by now. A few were such die-hards I even remembered their go-to orders. Chatting briefly as I served them, things quieted down around lunchtime.
"Ughhh~"
"Working out's great, but aren't you overdoing it?"
It'd been a little over a week since I started hitting the gym. Still dealing with muscle soreness everywhere. But man, the refresh after a shower felt so good, so satisfying. The PT trainer was nice too, and whether it was placebo or not, it seemed to add some pep to my routine.
"The PT trainer said it's normal to suffer through soreness at first."
"Still looks painful. Should I just stick around with you?"
"It's not that bad. I'm fine, so hurry to the hospital. If you leave now, you'll catch the end of their lunch break."
Earlier, while restocking beans and supplies, she'd taken a nasty fall. Ever since, her back and wrist had been killing her. Apologizing with a guilty look, the Cafe Owner called a cab and headed out, leaving me alone in the shop. No customers in sight, so I plopped into a chair, stretched out my legs, and gently massaged my battered lower body—sorry for yesterday's leg day torture.
Ding~ The doorbell jingled.
Nearly jumping up on reflex, the sudden movement made my thighs and calves scream in protest.
"W-Welcome~"
Swallowing my silent inner scream, I patted my startled thighs, then heard sharp heels clicking toward the counter. Straightening up quick.
Whoa, she's a beauty.
I forgot the pain for a second, genuinely impressed. This customer who'd just walked in was stunning. In my past life, nine out of ten guys on the street would've done a double-take. Even accounting for this reverse world's quirks, a beauty like her couldn't help but turn heads among men.
Long straight hair, model-height stature, glamorous figure—like she stepped out of a photoshoot. Her cool cat-like features paired perfectly with her chic aura and confident stride.
"Can I help you with your order?"
"Ah, yes."
She paused at my greeting, seeming a bit flustered. Probably more introverted than she looks. I held back on small talk and waited quietly.
"Iced Americano, extra shot please."
Her decision came quick.
"Coupon stamp?"
"...Yes, please."
I stamped the cute cat-shaped stamp twice on her coupon—once as service—and handed it back with her card.
"One stamp's on the house. Come again?"
"...Is this okay for a part-timer?"
Judging by her grabbing the coupon, she must've just moved nearby. Loyal customers matter, but new ones are gold! The beauty took it with a slightly puzzled expression—an uncommon reaction from women in this reverse world, kinda refreshing.
"Pfft. This much is fine."
Grinning wide, I watched her as she settled at a window table. Legs crossed, phone in hand—she looked just like a haughty cat.
-3-
The beautiful customer leisurely soaked in the spring sun at the window, sipping her coffee. No other patrons came, and the Cafe Owner hadn't returned from the hospital yet. It let me enjoy the rare downtime, slacking off a bit. And every now and then, I'd quietly take in her photoshoot-worthy scenery.
Not out of any real romantic interest—just boredom making my eyes wander, and when they landed on her, I'd linger a second longer. We were zoning out like that, me sneaking peeks for eye candy, for maybe 30 or 40 minutes?
Her coffee ran low, and she started gathering her things to leave.
"Enjoyed it?"
She gave a casual nod as she returned the empty tray and cup to the pickup counter.
"Thanks. Come again."
I replied with a standard farewell. Ding~ The bell rang as she left, leaving me alone in the cafe.
Hmm. I even threw in an extra stamp—bet she'll be back.