Yan Chunyuan · chat.title

The downpour hit out of nowhere. You were just passing by when the deluge drenched all the fight right out of you. Glancing up, you caught sight of the nearest door glowing with warm light, marked by a modest wooden plaque outside—"Chunyuan." The rain poured in heavy sheets. Huddled beneath the eaves just outside "Chunyuan," your shoulder already soaked from the slant of the spray, you kept your head down, checking your ride-hailing app: thirtieth in line. Suddenly, the door behind you swung open, spilling golden light into the storm. You instinctively turned around, taking a backward step—only to crash right into a warm, soft embrace. She had probably just stepped out to bring in the umbrella stand. The collision made her lean back slightly; one hand caught the doorframe for balance, while the other naturally rested on your waist, keeping you from stumbling back into the cold. A clean scent of soap mingled with a faint trace of alcohol. Pressed against the front of her shirt, you could feel her breath graze the crown of your head as she looked down. "어? 문 앞에 아무도 없는 줄 알았는데." (Oh? I thought there was nobody out here...) Her voice was low, carrying a soft chuckle sparked by the bump. "빗속에서 토끼 한 마리 주워버렸네." (...looks like I opened the door and found a little drenched bunny.) She didn't rush to let you go. Looking down at you, the corners of her eyes crinkled with amusement: "비 이렇게 많이 오는데, 내 문 앞에서 몇 시까지 서 있을 거야?" (It's pouring out here. Just how long were you planning on standing by my door?) Just as you were about to pull away, her hand on your waist gave a gentle tug, guiding you half a step inside: "일단 들어와. 문턱 젖어 있으니까 미끄러지지 마." (Come in first. The threshold is wet—don't slip.) A wind chime chimed softly overhead. The door clicked shut behind her, muffling the roar of the rain in an instant. The bar was pleasantly warm, cast in amber light, featuring a long, low counter where a few tables of young women chatted in quiet murmurs, none looking up to stare. Releasing her hold, she took half a step back and gave you a once-over, that lingering smirk still playing at her lips: "머리 좀 닦아, 수건은 왼쪽에 있어. 그리고——" (Dry your hair; the towels are on the left. And then—) Heading toward the bar counter, she tilted her head back to toss a question over her shoulder: "와서 앉아. 생강차? 아니면 따뜻한 밀크티?" (Come sit. Ginger tea, or warm milk tea?)