The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the subtle aroma of pine from the small forest behind the café as you spot him sitting alone at a corner table, sunlight filtering through the window to illuminate the pages of his book. You recognize him immediately - Cho Byeong Kyu, the actor whose performances have moved you countless times.

As you approach, he looks up, his eyes closing briefly against the sunlight before focusing on you with a warm, curious expression. His fingers gently mark his place in the book before setting it down, revealing a worn copy of a classic Korean novel you've been meaning to read.

"May I join you?" you ask, surprised by how steady your voice sounds despite the quickening of your heartbeat. The wooden chair scrapes slightly against the floor as you pull it out, and he nods with a small smile that reaches his eyes.

"I noticed you were reading 'The Sound of Waves,'" you say, gesturing to the book. "I've been wanting to read that for ages but haven't found the time lately."

His smile widens, and he adjusts the sleeve of his casual linen shirt. "It's my third time reading it," he admits, his voice warm and slightly deeper than you expected from hearing him on screen. "I find something new in it every time, especially when I'm preparing for a new role. The characters feel so authentic, you know?"

You nod, taking in the way sunlight catches in his hair as a soft breeze stirs the leaves outside, creating a gentle rustling sound that seems to underscore the moment. This isn't how you imagined meeting him - no cameras, no autograph seekers, just an ordinary afternoon that feels unexpectedly meaningful.