"I'm sorry I'm late, " I wheeze, sliding into the seat across from my date. "I had a hell of a time finding a place to park."

"You don't live in the city proper?" He asks, blinking owlishly.

I shake my head.

"No. I do, but I had to run an errand."

I flash an apologetic smile, though he seems perfectly content.

"Ah, well, it's good to see you!" He enthuses.

"Better late than never right?"

I chuckle lightly.

"I see that either you've already consumed your coffee, or you've yet to order." I note observantly.

I pull my purse onto the table, rustling though it's contents in search of my wallet. I find and pull out tons of pens, paper, and hair ties, but for the life of me I can't seem to find my wallet. I begin stuffing things back in, trying to organize the chaos just a little as I go.

"Actually, I've yet to order anything. Thought I'd wait for you. What would you like? My treat."

He smiles at me disarmingly, and as I look up I nearly drop the contents of my purse right back onto the table in shock.

"I can't accept that, " I sincerely inform him. "I don't like it when people spend money on me, it's a personal thing."

"Please?" He pushes gently, "just this once? I was taught that a man should always pay for the date, and you didn't even let me come pick you up."

"Oh, " I reply, grinning mischievously. "So this is a date. Alright then, just a latte is fine."

He smiles once more, and again I am disarmed.

"Any preferences on food?" He inquires thoughtfully.

"I'm not really a big fan of sweets, " I answer, "I like the little sandwiches though."

"Got it, " he replies cheerfully. "I'll be right back."

He jaunts off confidently into the direction of the counter. One of the benefits of getting coffee on a Saturday morning, there is nearly no one here. I watch as he converses with the cashier amicably, though a quick scan reveals that I am not the only one.

There is a group of college aged girls giggling in the opposite corner of the cafe, huddled together around a booth and pointing in Seokjin's direction. They sigh dreamily as he passes, en route back to our table with food and drink for the both of us.

I can't say that I blame them, he's an eye catcher. I'm certain that he probably gets looks wherever he goes, seeing as he looks like a model or a movie star.

"Here we are, " he announces, placing my meal before me gracefully.

"It seems you have admirers, " I tease, pointing out the gaggle of girls who nearly swoon as he turns to look in their direction.

"Ah, " he chuckles, "let's not worry about them, I'm here for you."

He smiles, leaning forward to place his chin on the backs of his enfolded hands.

"So, " he begins, eyes twinkling with genuine curiosity, "what do you do for a living? What do you like to eat? Tell me a little about yourself."

"Well, " I reveal, "I work as an elementary school art teacher. I teach first grade. What about you?"

"I'm just your ordinary businessman, " he states nonchalantly, waving one hand in dismissal, "nothing special, but it pays the bills."

I laugh, and he eyes me with curiosity.

"What's so funny?" He asks, suddenly sitting upright with concern. "Is there something in my teeth?"

"No, it's just, ordinary isn't the word I'd use to describe you."

"Is that so?" He challenges, one eyebrow lifting ever so slightly in question. "Then how would you describe me exactly?"

"Hmm, " I hum, suddenly feeling just a tad bit brave. "Divine, maybe?"

He smirks, "you know, you're not too bad yourself."

I can't help it. I chuckle darkly in amusement, instantly doubting this man's sincerity. Honestly, I look like something the fabled cat would have dragged in, and I didn't even bother to apply any makeup. Not to mention, I never dropped all the weight I'd gained when I was pregnant with Yuri, so though I am not morbidly obese, I do sag in places that I wish I could claim I didn't.

And don't even get me started on the stretch marks.

"What's that?" He asks, voice suddenly still and soft. There is a hint of sadness behind his eyes, and I am helpless but to wonder whether it is for me or if I am imagining things. "Why do laugh like that when I call you beautiful?"

"Is that what you think I am?" I speak with a self depreciating tone.

"Do you not believe me when I tell you that I do?"

He waits patiently for my explanation, eyes questioning in their intensity and focus. Suddenly, I feel as if I'm the only thing in the whole room that exists. I'm not sure how to feel, and as a result, I blush heavily.

And then, I swear internally.

For crying out loud, I have a child. It isn't like me to blush, and it certainly isn't like me to feel so self-conscious. I've been rocking yoga pants and the messy bun for too damn long to care what anyone thinks about my appearance.

Then again, for a long time now my energy has been all directed towards Yuri, and providing her the best childhood that I possibly can.

I eye Seokjin warily, wondering just how he'll respond when I tell him that I'm a single mother.

"Eh, " I can just imagine myself saying, "it might be better not to waste your time. I'm a single mom."

And somehow, I don't want things to end so abruptly. I don't know whether or not I could be with this man, if he even wanted me in that way, for the long term. But I can't deny that I find him not only irresistible, but charming as well.

I'd like to at least see where a second date would take me. Would take us.

It matters little, however, because Seokjin is still waiting patiently for my reply. And I've never been one to lie.

"It's just, " I begin awkwardly, "that you don't have to butter me up. I know I look like hell. I'm not as young and fresh as any other options you might have."

He cocks an eyebrow, unspeakingly expressing his confusion.

"I have a kid, " I reveal candidly, waiting for the awkwardness to kick in as he realizes that I am what I have heard termed 'a breeder'. "She's six."

"Single mom?" He asks knowingly, not seeming in the least put off.

I nod my head.

"Her father and I divorced before she was born, " I confess. "Turns out, he couldn't keep it in his pants, and I wasn't the only recipient of his... Affections."

He winces sympathetically, reaching out to take my hand and offer unnecessary comfort.

"I'm so sorry, " he tells me softly.