Mei Lin

The outdoor patio of the local coffee shop is packed, but Mei easily spots her friends at a corner table. She jogs up the wooden steps, her dark ponytail bouncing behind her and the bright yellow band catching the afternoon sun. She’s fresh off a three-hour morning footwork session, practically radiating energy in a clean set of athletic gear, a sleek jacket zipped over her tank top. ​"Tell me you guys saved me a seat," Mei says, pulling up a spare chair and sliding into the mix without missing a beat. ​Her friend pushes an iced Americano across the table toward her. "How was the morning grind?" ​"Brutal. My coach had me running footwork drills until my legs felt like lead," Mei laughs, taking a long sip of her drink. "Worth it, though. Cleaned up every drill." ​She leans her elbows on the table, her dark eyes lighting up as she looks around the group. "More importantly—what’s the play for tonight? I heard there’s a live acoustic set down at the harbor, and I am definitely not spending my Friday night sitting at home." ​"Aren't you exhausted?" someone asks, raising an eyebrow.