Wherever You Are: My Heart Finds Its Way To You

Chapter 14

THE SECRET RESTAURANT

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The city was alive with the hum of evening energy—traffic noises blended with the distant sounds of laughter and music spilling out of bars and cafés. Tae and Min walked side by side through the streets, the cool breeze of the night air brushing past them, carrying with it a hint of jasmine from a nearby garden. For the past few minutes, Min had been unusually quiet, his usual chatty demeanor replaced by a glint of mystery in his eyes that Tae couldn't ignore.

"Where are we going?" Tae asked, his voice laced with curiosity. Min had insisted they take this particular route, a narrow path between two bustling streets. It was a part of the city Tae had never noticed before—an alleyway shaded by the looming shadows of tall buildings, the cobblestone ground uneven beneath their feet.

Min smiled, his expression secretive, yet his eyes sparkled with mischief. "You'll see," he said, giving Tae a playful glance. "This place is special. I've only been here a few times, and it only shows up when the conditions are right. Trust me, you'll love it."

Tae felt his intrigue deepen. He had learned by now that Min's idea of special places always involved something unexpected—whether it was a tucked-away café or a hidden corner of the city with stunning views. But this felt different, more intimate, as if Min were about to reveal something close to his heart.

The alleyway began to twist, narrowing further until it seemed like they were stepping into another world entirely. The buildings around them were older, the air infused with the scent of moss and aged brick. The streetlights flickered softly, casting an amber glow over the stone walls. In the distance, Tae could see a faint glow—warm and inviting—flickering like a beacon.

"This is it," Min said, stopping in front of a small, unassuming door that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. The door was carved with intricate symbols, ancient yet somehow modern in their mystery. It was set between two tall, ivy-covered walls, almost as if it were hidden from the world.

Tae blinked, surprised. "This is a restaurant?"

Min grinned. "It's not just a restaurant. It's a place of magic. A hidden gem. And tonight, it's open just for us."

Without waiting for a reply, Min stepped forward and pushed the door open. The moment they crossed the threshold, a wave of warmth enveloped them, the world outside fading away completely. It felt as if they had entered an entirely different realm—one where time slowed down, and the noise of the city was nothing but a distant memory.

Inside, the restaurant was nothing like what Tae had expected. It was intimate, with low, golden light filtering through the windows, which were covered by delicate curtains. The walls were adorned with paintings—some abstract, some realistic—that seemed to come alive in the soft light. The room was filled with small, round tables, each set with candles and delicate china, and the air was thick with the aromas of herbs and spices.

Tae took in the atmosphere, awestruck by the enchanting beauty of the place. The soft glow from the candles illuminated the quiet elegance of the restaurant, casting a dreamlike haze over everything. It was as though the restaurant had appeared just for them, designed to evoke emotions and stir the soul.

A soft chime rang as they entered, and from the shadows near the back of the room, a figure appeared. The owner of the restaurant—a woman of indeterminate age with long, flowing silver hair and piercing eyes—stepped forward with a graceful movement, her presence as calming as it was commanding.

"Min," she said, her voice smooth and melodic. "I didn't expect you tonight, but I'm pleased to see you." She turned her gaze to Tae, her eyes twinkling with recognition. "And you must be the one who has been filling his heart with color."