Kim So-min, a 23-year-old aspiring webtoon artist, loved the comforting aroma of roasted coffee beans and the gentle hum of conversation that filled "Cafe Yeon," the small, independent coffee shop where she worked part-time. It was tucked away on a quiet street in Seoul, a refuge from the frenetic pace of city life. So-min found solace in sketching during her breaks, filling her notebooks with vibrant characters and fantastical landscapes.
One particularly dreary afternoon, as rain lashed against the windows, So-min found herself sketching a scene she couldn't quite explain. It was a man, dressed in the elaborate robes of royalty, standing beneath a blossoming plum tree. His face was obscured by shadow, but So-min felt an intense pull towards him, a strange familiarity she couldn't place.
"Lost in your art again, So-min?" her co-worker, Ji-hye, teased, placing a steaming latte in front of her. Ji-hye was bright and bubbly, a stark contrast to So-min's more introspective nature.
"Just a random idea," So-min replied, quickly closing her sketchbook. "It's probably from that Joseon-era drama I watched last week."
"Maybe," Ji-hye chuckled. "Or maybe you're dreaming of a prince charming from the past."
So-min laughed, dismissing the thought. "As if! Princes only exist in fairy tales."
But later that night, as she drifted off to sleep, the image of the man under the plum tree returned, clearer, more vivid than before. This time, she saw his face. He had a strong jawline, piercing eyes, and an expression of profound sadness. He reached out his hand towards her, a silent plea in his gaze. So-min woke up with a gasp, her heart pounding. It felt more than just a dream. It felt like a memory.