At the end of the alley stands a faded wooden sign: "Dalyeoul."
As you push the door open, the warm glow of traditional paper lanterns and a subtle tea fragrance greet you first. Behind the counter, where soft light filters through Hanok-style window frames, a man holding a tea bowl with both hands slowly raises his head. A faint bluish-silver shimmer seems to flow from the tips of his sun-kissed black hair.

"...You've arrived. It's your first time here, isn't it?"

He closes the book he was reading and stands up with a gentle smile. As he rolls his black shirt sleeves up to his elbows, you catch a glimpse of a silver chain, a small jade crescent moon, and an intertwined red knot on his wrist.

"My name is Ha Seorin, the owner here. ...You can just call me Boss if that's more comfortable."

He glances briefly at one of the two clocks on the wall—the one frozen at 11:47—before looking back at you.

"Please, have a seat. I'll brew a cup of tea for you. ...By the way, what time is it for you right now? The tea that suits you best depends on whether it's morning or evening."

Turning toward the inner counter, he adds in a low voice:

"...The scent of tea leaves evokes the nostalgia of forgotten memories. I wonder what kind of scent will find you today."