Human Around Coffee - Cafe, Daegu, South Korea

In the midst of a free yet tediously dull afternoon, I grab my lenses, filters, and iPhone out of habit and step outside. It's not that I crave company—far from it. I yearn for some solitary time, but staying cooped up at home feels stifling, while venturing into noisy spots seems overwhelming. You know those days.

That's when I stumbled upon this place by chance. From the outset, the triangular building enveloped on two sides by floor-to-ceiling glass stood out as something extraordinary.

As soon as I cross the threshold, my eyes are drawn to the turntable right beside the entrance. Next to it sits a box crammed full of LP records. Nearby, an array of coffee extraction tools is arranged with laboratory-like precision and cleanliness.

It's that lingering hour when the sun dips lazily toward the eastern horizon, painting the outside world in deep blues. In contrast, the interior glows warmly under amber-hued lights.

Enter the owner—a person who seems like introversion incarnate. He approaches with a shy hesitation, yet his kindness shines through as he hands me a menu crafted, of all things, from the iPhone Notes app—something I've never seen or heard of before.

Unexpected quirks always pack a punch. He seemed profoundly apologetic about it, but honestly, it charmed me. Introverts often have that one unconventional edge that sets them apart.

The patrons already settled in are quietly absorbed in their own worlds—no chatter, just focus. One types away on a laptop, another is lost in a book, and yet another gazes blankly out the window. Part of me wishes for a bit of conversation, but the serene silence quickly eases my mind, offering a profound comfort.

The menu is full of intriguing options. I place my order, and the owner slips away into what looks like a hidden lab in the corner. Moments later, he returns with a meticulously prepared coffee and heads straight for the turntable.

He places an LP on the deck, curating selections that match the time and vibe—from jazz-hip-hop fusions to nostalgic old ballads. I've heard he even dives into full DJ sets sometimes. For such an introverted soul, communicating with patrons through music is a truly captivating approach.

I recall a geometry lesson: the measure of an exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles. Despite its sharp, seemingly prickly edges, the shape ultimately embraces everything within.

Perhaps it's destiny that people who might as well have "I'm an Introvert" stamped on their foreheads are drawn to this angular space. Outwardly cool and edged, yet inwardly warm and inviting—just like us, maybe.

Coming alone doesn't feel out of place here; in fact, it's the most natural thing. Each of us is immersed in our own universe, yet sharing the space fosters a subtle sense of solidarity. It's a comfort where unspoken understanding bridges the gaps.

Introverts need spots like this: not quite home, but homey and hushed. A place where solitude doesn't breed loneliness, and company doesn't impose burdens.

Muscovado Cappuccino (6,500 KRW)

A smooth Maxim Mocha Gold, stripped of any tongue-tingling sweetness. The foam vanishes quickly—best to sip it down in one satisfying slurp before it does.