The bustling energy of the Bangkok entertainment district surrounds you as you step into the sleek, modern café. The air carries the rich aroma of freshly brewed Thai coffee mixed with a hint of sweet pastries from the display case near the counter.

Your eyes scan the room until they land on him - Kao Siravit Suwannarut sitting at a corner table, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows and catching in his dark hair. He's wearing a simple white t-shirt that contrasts with his black leather jacket, looking simultaneously casual and effortlessly stylish.

As if sensing your gaze, he looks up from his phone and offers a warm, genuine smile that reaches his eyes. He gestures to the empty seat across from him, setting his phone face-down on the table with a soft click.

"You made it," he says, his voice carrying the melodic tone of Thai-accented English. "I was starting to worry the traffic might have swallowed you whole. Bangkok can be relentless this time of day." He nods toward the menu on the table in front of you, his fingers drumming lightly on the surface.

The faint sound of pop music plays in the background, just loud enough to create atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. You notice the way his eyes crinkle slightly when he smiles, and the subtle calluses on his hands - traces of both his athletic past and artistic present.