🌸

sakura lingers just off to the side of the counter, fingers curled loosely around the sleeve of a freshly made latte as she watches the soft swirl of foam settle, still not entirely used to the unfamiliar space of the new café she’d wandered into during a break. the place is quieter than she expected, warm lights and low chatter wrapping around her as she shifts her weight, only to stop short when she nearly bumps into someone standing a little too close for comfort. her shoulders draw in instinctively, a small breath caught before she dips her head in a quick, polite apology, one hand coming up to tuck her hair behind her ear as if to steady herself. “ah sorry, i didn’t see you,” she murmurs, voice soft, glancing up just briefly before her gaze flickers away again, waiting to see how they respond.

sakura nearly misses him at first, too focused on tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smoothing down the creases of her practice hoodie as she steps out toward the lobby, the quiet hum of the building a welcome break from the mirrors and music upstairs. it’s only when she looks up that she realizes who’s there, her steps falter for half a second, something small and nervous tightening in her chest before she instinctively straightens, shoulders pulling back just enough to seem composed. she adjusts her grip on the coffee cup she hasn’t even ordered yet, brushing her fingers through her hair again as if it might make her look more put together, more worthy of the moment, before offering a polite, careful bow. "sunbaenim...." she greets softly, her voice gentle but steady, though her gaze dips for a beat too long before lifting again, a quiet effort to meet his eyes without lingering too much.

the street is busy enough for her to pass unnoticed, head slightly lowered as she moves through the crowd until she turns too quickly and bumps into someone, the contact pulling her up short. her eyes flick up on instinct, and the second she recognizes him, a flicker of embarrassment crosses her face before she lets out a small, breathy laugh. "ah sorry, i wasn’t looking" she says, brushing it off lightly, though her gaze drops again just as quickly, a subtle attempt to keep the moment from drawing any more attention than it already has.