The chatter amongst customers is no more than a pleasant hum in the background as I sip my warm beverage, fingers curled about the mug, and brain pleasantly caffeinated. This cafe has the best coffee, and I sigh blissfully as the creamy late slides down my throat, bringing warmth to life inside of my belly.

I'm a simple girl really.

I've got my coffee and my favorite seat, the one that affords me the best of views. From this table against the window I can see the early morning hustle of the cities inhabitants through the large window to my left.

The line behind me moves sluggish, and I wince a little in sympathy for the poor souls waiting impatiently for their morning coffee. I can see the line clear out through the front door, a whole gaggle of people rather impatiently tapping their toes and checking their watches.

Sipping slowly on my soothingly hot beverage, I watch as one man pushes through the crowd. Scheming eyes landing upon my person, all alone at a table for two, he walks cockily in my direction.

I brace myself for a bad encounter.

"Hey babe, " he croons sleazily, "what are you doing here all alone?"

I wonder for a moment whether I should just get up and leave, it isn't like I absolutely have to sit to enjoy my coffee. I've already paid, so there's no need for me to stick around and endure this. However, this is my favorite seat and I don't intend to get up for anyone.

"Actually, " I reply, voice stony and unimpressed, "I'm not alone. My husband is with me."

I'll admit. I didn't have to lie.

I could have just told the man the truth; that I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole, but I don't want to be that rude. Besides, if my four years of being single have taught me anything, it's that men like this won't take no for an answer.

Better to let them think a husband will appear out of the woodwork any second to cause a scene.

"That so?" He sneers. "How come I don't see any ring on your finger?"

Suddenly, so quickly that I can't even respond, a pair of arms wrap around me from behind.

"I'm so sorry Jagi, " A masculine voice announces in my ear, sending involuntary shivers down my spine. "I couldn't find your ring anywhere, are you sure you left it here?"

A tall man with charcoal hair and a striking suit slides into the seat beside me. He's absolutely dashing, and I am perhaps just a little flustered. Though to the first male I must seem upset, because he scrams real fast.

"My name is Kim Seokjin, " my rescuer reveals, charming smile on full display as he takes in my dazed demeanor.

"Anna Lee, " I reply softly, far too winded suddenly to speak.

I down the rest of my coffee quickly, spluttering a bit as the hot liquid scalds my throat. Gathering my things quickly, I stand.

"Thank you for your help, " I tell him, offering my hand politely just as father had always told me to. He takes my hand in his own and shakes firmly, chuckling lightly as he does.

"Kind of awkward to shake hands after something like that, don't you think?" He teases playfully.

I blush crimson, and snatch my hand away as if I'd been burned.

"You're probably right, " I mumble quietly. Standing a little straighter, I determine to express my gratitude.

"Is there any way I can repay you?" I ask politely.

I look him straight in the eyes, and my body goes rigid under the weight necessary to hold that gaze without blushing.

"That's really not necessary, " he announces, surprising me as he too gets up to leave.

"I insist, " I demand.

I truly don't like being indebted to anyone, and this is a matter of pride. He smirks, catching me off guard once more.

"Alright, since you put it that way, " he proclaims, "why don't we get some coffee together sometime? Let me see your phone?"

Numbly, I hand him my phone, suddenly questioning just how it is that I got myself into this.

He puts our phones together, and they chime lowly. When he hands my phone back, his contact info is right there, on my screen, and I whistle in appreciation.

This is the first time I've gotten to use that function in ages, so I'd forgotten just how cool it is.

"Text me when you want to meet up, " he tells me, straightening his suit as he prepares to leave. "Shall I walk you out?"

He gestures to the door with one hand, holding his other elbow out to me so that I may grasp his arm. I look to the door and realize that the sleaze-bag from before is still here, and suddenly I understand.

I latch my arm into his, and we walk.

He leads me safely through the door, and even down the street just a ways to ensure my safety. We exchange good-byes under the shade of the plum-blossom tree, at the bus stop that will take me to work. I stare a good long while into the direction he'd disappeared into, wondering on the dream like quality of that encounter.

So lost am I, that I nearly miss my bus. In fact the doors slamming shut are what snaps me back to reality, and I rush at the bus frantically, and tap on the door.

The driver opens the doors, and smiles politely as I hold my phone to the electronic payment rig. I smile back, and quickly make my way to the first available seat, ignoring the looks of several passengers.

I tuck my mousy-brown hair behind my ears, suddenly cursing my decision to wear it down. Fumbling around in my purse for a hair tie, I manage to find one. With practiced efficiency, I tie it up and into a messy bun, allowing a few tendrils to frame my face.

I open my compact mirror, in order to take a quick glance and ensure all is in place. My olive, almond-shaped eyes are still looking somewhat exhausted, but I don't think any of my students will mind.

My pale skin doesn't help, as I seem to appear somewhat ghostly lately.

Applying some quick lipgloss to my modestly plump lips, I smile.

"It's gonna be alright, " I tell myself.