33. The Heart that Vibrates Again

Inside the coffee shop on a tranquil evening, soft golden lights cast a warm, inviting glow over the space. The air was thick with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, intermingling with the sweet scent of pastries and the faint notes of various teas. The wooden tables and chairs were neatly arranged, offering a mix of cozy corners and open spaces for patrons to settle into.

Some tables were occupied by solitary figures, engrossed in their laptops or books, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their screens or the gentle light overhead. Others were shared by pairs or small groups, their conversations a soft murmur that added to the overall ambiance without overwhelming the peaceful setting.

Ha-neul and a young woman sat at one of the tables near the window, his thoughts far away even as he took in the familiar surroundings. The steam from his coffee cup curled lazily into the air. He glanced around the coffee shop, observing the other patrons as if seeing them for the first time. Ha-neul's gaze drifted back to the woman.

Ha-neul smiled. "Luna, I didn't expect to see you here."

Luna smiled back. "Me too. By the way, are you enjoying being here?"

Ha-neul nodded. "I always enjoy it whenever I come to this city. Unfortunately, I come more often for work, so I don't have much time to explore."

"That's a pity. You should explore the city more," Luna suggested.

"You're right." Ha-neul smiled. "Would you like to show me the beauty of this city?"

Luna didn't answer immediately. She glanced at Ha-neul—The one Luna knew was named Kim Min-soo—briefly, then looked away again. Her heart was pounding wildly. Invitations like this weren't new to her, but none had ever made her heart race like this. Maybe, just maybe, her heart was reacting to a special man like the one in front of her.

As she took a deep breath to steady herself, Luna's thoughts wandered back to their previous encounters. She remembered the first time they met, how his genuine smile and kind eyes had left an impression on her. There was something about him that felt different from anyone else she had ever known.

She turned back to Ha-neul, who was watching her intently, waiting for her response. The gentle hum of conversations and the clinking of coffee cups in the background seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in a moment that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. She knew that saying yes would mean opening herself up to new possibilities, new experiences, and perhaps, a new kind of happiness.

Summoning her courage, Luna finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "I'd love to show you around the city, Min-soo. There are so many beautiful places that I think you'd enjoy. Let's make some time for that."

Ha-neul's face lit up with a smile that made Luna's heart flutter even more. "That sounds wonderful, Luna. I can't wait to see the city through your eyes, but we have time after our work is done. Tomorrow is our time to work."

Luna nodded. "Yes."

"Ah, and I'll be bringing someone to introduce to you. She will also be happy to meet you."

Luna was startled. "She?"

Ha-neul's words sparked a whirlwind of questions in Luna's mind. Who was this woman Ha-neul was referring to? Was he planning to bring his girlfriend, or perhaps just a colleague? The joy she had felt moments ago turned into uncertainty. However, Luna quickly brushed it aside and tried to convince herself that she might be overreacting and thinking too far ahead.

As Ha-neul began to describe the places he'd seen and the ones he still wanted to explore, Luna found herself getting lost in the conversation. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget the uncertainty and just enjoy the time they were spending together. The night was still young, and there was so much more to discover in their conversation.

The warm lighting inside the coffee shop cast a gentle glow on their faces, highlighting the spark in their eyes as they continued to share stories. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of pastries from the counter. Around them, the quiet chatter of other patrons created a comforting background noise, adding to the intimate atmosphere of their conversation.

...

In Luna's dimly lit apartment, the soft glow of the moon casting gentle shadows on the walls. The room was a cozy sanctuary, filled with personal touches that reflected her tastes and personality. Her bed, nestled in the corner, was adorned with a plush, soft comforter and an array of decorative pillows. A small bookshelf lined with her favorite novels stood nearby, and a desk with a few scattered papers and a laptop occupied the opposite side of the room. The gentle hum of the city outside filtered through the slightly open window, mingling with the soft rustling of the curtains swaying in the night breeze.

Despite the serene ambiance, Luna found herself unable to sleep. She lay on her back, staring at the ceiling, her mind a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions. She was filled with a mixture of anticipation and unease. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Ha-neul and their conversation at the coffee shop. The way he had spoken, his enthusiasm for exploring the city, and the genuine interest he had shown in her stories—all of it had left a lasting impression on her. The idea of spending more time with him tomorrow filled her with excitement.

But amidst the excitement, there was also a lingering uncertainty. Ha-neul had mentioned another woman in their conversation, a mysterious figure whose identity and significance were left unexplained. Luna couldn't shake off the curiosity and the faint pang of jealousy that surfaced whenever she thought about it. Who was this woman? What role did she play in Ha-neul's life? The questions swirled in her mind, refusing to settle.

Luna turned to her side, her gaze shifting to the window. The moonlight painted a silver path across the floor, leading her eyes to the night sky outside. The stars twinkled faintly, distant yet mesmerizing. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm of thoughts within her. She knew she needed to trust her instincts. The mention of the mysterious woman didn't necessarily mean anything negative. It could simply be a part of the job.

Taking a deep breath, Luna opened her eyes and focused on the present. She was looking forward to tomorrow, to the opportunity to show Ha-neul the hidden gems of the city that she loved so much. She wanted to create new memories with him, to share moments that would strengthen their bond. The excitement for their upcoming day together slowly began to outweigh the unease about the unknown.

As the night wore on, Luna's thoughts began to settle. The gentle rhythm of the city outside and the soft glow of the moonlight brought a sense of calm. She allowed herself to drift into a peaceful state, focusing on the positive feelings and the anticipation of what tomorrow would bring. In the quiet of her apartment, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of her belongings, Luna found solace. Outside, the city continued to hum with its own rhythm. Cars murmured softly along the nearby streets, and the occasional distant sound of laughter floated up from the bustling neighborhood below.

Lost in these musings, Luna felt herself gradually surrendering to the soothing embrace of sleep. Her eyelids grew heavy, and her breathing slowed as she sank deeper into relaxation. The night around her seemed to embrace her with a quiet, comforting embrace, wrapping her in a cocoon of serenity.

Finally, with a small smile on her lips, Luna closed her eyes. Her last conscious thought was of Ha-neul and the hope that their journey together had just begun. The anticipation of the new day ahead and the promise of more shared moments gradually lulled her into a restful sleep, casting aside the worries and uncertainties of the night.

Just as she was about to drift deeper into sleep, her phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence of the night. Luna jolted awake, her heart skipping a beat. She glanced at the clock—it was late. Her mind raced, wondering who could be calling her at this hour. Could it be Ha-neul? The thought flickered in her mind briefly, but she quickly dismissed it. No, it couldn't be him.

With a sigh, Luna answered the call, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity and slight weariness from being abruptly awakened. The voice on the other end was familiar, yet unexpected, and Luna's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the late-night call.

"Hello, Luna, my love," A man's voice, warm and familiar, greeted her from the other end of the line.

A man calling Luna "my love"? Who could he be? Did Luna actually have a boyfriend? Or perhaps this man was someone who had once held a place in her heart in the past?