The last of the meat had long since been eaten, their plates now cleared except for the small dessert dishes in front of them. Ji-hye slowly spooned up the last bite of patbingsu, the shaved ice melting instantly on her tongue.
Around them, the buzz of conversation faded as other guests finished their meals. Chairs scraped softly against the floor, the scent of grilled beef lingering in the air, faintly sweetened now by dessert and coffee.
Between bites, Ji-hye glanced across the table at Harin. "So… how did you and Joon-ho meet?"
Harin smiled, leaning back slightly. "We were classmates in university. Barely talked back then. Life happened, and we lost touch for years."
Ji-hye tilted her head. "And then…?"
