The late afternoon sunlight poured through the large windows of a small café near the hospital, casting golden streaks across the polished floor. Go Eun had ducked in for a quick coffee after finishing her rounds, craving a brief moment of peace before heading back to paperwork and patient updates.
As she stood in line, she felt a familiar presence from the corner of her eye. Turning slightly, she froze for a split second.
Kang So Ra.
So Ra was casually scrolling on her phone, leaning against the counter, clearly unaware of Go Eun behind her. The casual, confident aura she carried drew Go Eun in instantly—there was no denying that even now, their brief past interactions at the dinner and at the police station had left a subtle impression.
Go Eun's heartbeat quickened, and she shifted slightly, unsure whether to approach or retreat.
"So… this is awkward," Go Eun murmured under her breath, brushing a hand through her hair.
Before she could decide, So Ra glanced up, spotting her. A small, surprised smile flickered across her face.
"Well, look who it is," So Ra said, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Go Eun's lips curved into a shy smile. "I could say the same. Didn't expect to run into anyone I… know."
"So you're not just here for coffee?" So Ra teased lightly, stepping aside to give Go Eun room.
"No," Go Eun replied, a little flustered. "I was… just finishing up some rounds and needed a quick break."
They moved to the side, waiting for their orders. The café was busy but not crowded, leaving just enough space for them to exchange small talk without drawing attention.
"So," So Ra said, glancing at Go Eun, "how are you finding things at the hospital? Keeping up with all the work, I hope?"
Go Eun laughed softly, the sound a little nervous. "It's… intense. But manageable. I'm learning a lot. And you? What brings you here?"
So Ra smirked. "A friend suggested this place. Thought it'd be good for a quick coffee. Didn't expect to run into you, though."
There was a slight pause, and Go Eun realized she was studying So Ra more than necessary—catching the way her hair fell over her shoulder, the faint curve of her smile, the ease in her posture. Something about So Ra drew her in, even though they weren't close.
"So Ra," Go Eun said carefully, "we… haven't really had a chance to talk outside of the police dinner or the station. This… is kind of unexpected."
"I know," So Ra replied, a faint blush touching her cheeks. "But… it's nice, isn't it? Running into someone you're not expecting and… having a moment like this."
Go Eun nodded slowly, sipping her coffee. "Yeah… it is."
They stood awkwardly for a few moments, neither wanting to overstep but both feeling the subtle pull of curiosity. The conversation meandered from casual remarks about the weather to the hospital's recent schedule, gradually easing the tension.
Go Eun noticed the slight warmth in So Ra's voice, the easy humor she sprinkled in when describing minor annoyances at work. So Ra noticed Go Eun's careful attentiveness, the way she smiled even when flustered, her patience with the small talk.
For a fleeting moment, it almost felt like time slowed, the ordinary café noises fading into background hums. Neither of them had expected to meet today, and yet, here they were, sharing a space that suddenly felt too intimate for a casual encounter.
As their drinks arrived, Go Eun took a careful sip, glancing at So Ra. "I guess… we'll probably bump into each other again sometime," she said lightly, though her tone carried an unspoken hope.
So Ra's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Maybe. Or maybe life will just keep surprising us with coincidences."
Go Eun laughed softly, feeling a strange sense of ease despite the unexpected encounter. "I'd like that."
"So would I," So Ra replied, her voice softer now, almost contemplative.
They lingered for a few more minutes, talking quietly, laughing at small shared observations about the café and the neighborhood, before eventually parting ways.
As Go Eun walked away, her steps felt lighter, though her mind lingered on the encounter. She didn't know yet where this unexpected meeting would lead, but she felt… intrigued. Curious. And just a little excited.
So Ra, watching Go Eun leave, felt a similar flutter in her chest. She didn't know her either, not fully—but there was something in this brief, unplanned meeting that left her thinking. Something she couldn't ignore.