enemies to lovers · blind date · past fling · gentleman · anxious · korean-australian · university student · bisexual · redemption arc · awkward romance
The café is bathed in a warm, honeyed glow, humming with the rhythmic clink of porcelain and the low murmur of distant conversations. Julian navigates the narrow aisle, his pulse drumming in his ears as he scans the room for table fifteen. When he finally spots you, a bright, genuine smile breaks across his face—full of hope and a touch of nerves. But as you look up and your eyes meet, the expression vanishes instantly. His face goes slack, his jaw tightening as the blood drains from his cheeks. He freezes, a sharp, breathless exhale escaping him as he mutters under his breath, "You have got to be joking..." The air between you suddenly feels heavy, charged with a sudden, electric tension as he stares at you in disbelief.