Now my story takes a little bit of a detour. We move away from the chaos of Seoul to a seaside town situated five hours from the capital. For the sake of protecting those involved, I cannot reveal the exact location, but I can tell you that it was a small town that did very well in the winter season and went to sleep in the summer. There is a small but prestigious university in the main town and is filled with students who help to sustain the area.

When Song Gaelin stepped off the train, she carried a small carry on case and inconspicuous handbag. Gaelin was good at playing a role, whether she was good at appearing average was another matter. It was her very look that set her apart. Even dressed in jeans and flats she stood apart from the other passengers. That face, attracted a lot of attention wherever she went.

It was a ten-minute walk from the station to the small house she had rented on one of the side streets. After meeting the letting agent and settling in, Gaelin made her way back to the main street and found a quaint coffee shop. It was just passed the morning rush, but there were still some students milling around, trying to prolong their early morning coffee ritual than going to university. Gaelin found a table at the window and studied the menu.

“What can I get you?” the man that came to take her order was not a waiter. He was dressed in casual but smart slacks and a t-shirt. Definitely not the type of look Gaelin was attracted to, but he had an open face with a genuinely friendly smile. When was the last time a complete stranger had smiled like that and at her?

Gaelin smiled, she was a little out of practice, smiling just because it was the friendly thing to do and not to make some sort of point. “Americano,” she set the menu aside.

“One Americano coming right up.” He made to take the menu and Gaelin instantly knew to close her hand over the menu, allowing her fingers to brush his. “I might want something else later,” she explained and he left the menu and went to prepare her order. Gaelin took out a book but she secretly kept an eye on the man. He personally prepared her coffee and brought it over.

“Here you go,” He waited and Gaelin took a sip and told him the coffee was good. “You’re new in town.”

“That obvious?” Gaelin laughed and saw his eyes widen at the sound, “Just arrived. I’m taking a position at the university.”

“Ah, you’re an academic.” He nodded as if it all made sense, “you do have that look about you.”

“What sort of look?” Gaelin raised a bemused brow.
“The know it all look.” He replied and nodded toward the menu, “decided on anything?”

“I’m hungry. The food on the train didn’t look appetizing.”

“That’s because it's garbage.” He agreed. “I can recommend the toasted sandwiches, or our pa