Chapter 1: Coming Home

Yo Nabi’s heart raced as she stepped off the plane, the familiar scents and sights of Seoul washing over her. Eight years had passed since she left for the United States, and though the years had changed her, she felt like the same nervous middle schooler who had once said goodbye to everything she knew. Now, at 21, she was determined to reconnect with her past and carve out a future in the city she once called home.

As the taxi weaved through the bustling streets of Seoul, Nabi gazed out at the vibrant cityscape. Neon lights and towering skyscrapers reflected in her eyes, each sight filling her with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. This was the city of her childhood memories, where she had shared laughter and tears with Minji and Jisoo, her two best friends. She wondered if they’d still recognize her. Would they still laugh at her silly jokes? Would they forgive her for leaving?

The taxi pulled up to her new apartment building in Gangnam, a sleek, modern structure that seemed to reach for the stars. The doorman greeted her with a polite bow as she stepped into the elegant lobby, her suitcases trailing behind. As Nabi entered the elevator, her reflection in the mirrored walls caught her attention. She had changed so much, from her style to her confidence, but deep down, she still felt like the shy girl who had left Seoul all those years ago.

Her new apartment was small but cozy, with large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. As she unpacked, she thought about the life she was about to start. Her parents had stayed behind in the U.S., and though she missed them, this was her chance to rediscover herself. It was both thrilling and terrifying.

The next morning, Nabi awoke to the sounds of Seoul—honking cars, distant chatter, and the hum of life outside her window. She had barely begun to settle in when her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Minji, and her heart leapt as she read the text. “Café Blossom. Noon. Don’t be late!” Nabi smiled, her nerves replaced by anticipation. She quickly got ready and set out for the café.

As she entered the quaint little café, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries enveloped her. At a corner table, she saw them—Minji and Jisoo. Minji’s face lit up the moment she spotted Nabi. “Nabi! Oh my gosh, it’s really you!” she exclaimed, rushing to pull her into a hug. Jisoo followed, her laughter warm and familiar. “You look so different! You’re glowing!”

The three of them spent hours catching up, sharing stories of their lives since they’d last seen each other. Minji had become a fashion designer, her creativity now fueling a thriving career. Jisoo, ever the free spirit, had taken up freelance photography, capturing moments that spoke to her soul. As they talked, it felt as though no time had passed at all. They laughed about their middle school antics, teased each other mercilessly, and promised to never lose touch again.

Later that evening, as Nabi returned to her apartment, she felt a deep sense of contentment. She was home. But her excitement soon turned to curiosity when she noticed a man stepping out of the apartment across the hall. He was tall, with sharp features and an easy smile. Noticing her, he paused. “Hi, you must be new here. I’m Jung Hwan. I live next door.”

Nabi smiled politely, introducing herself. “I’m Nabi. Nice to meet you.” But as he turned to leave, a flicker of recognition struck her. Jung Hwan wasn’t just a neighbor—he was one of South Korea’s most famous actors. Nabi’s mind raced. What were the chances?

Over the next few days, more surprises awaited. As Nabi familiarized herself with her new surroundings, she met Seo Joon, the enigmatic model whose intense gaze could make anyone’s heart race; Hyun Woo, the quiet yet brilliant music producer; and Taeyang, the mischievous K-pop idol whose grin seemed to hold a thousand secrets. Each introduction left her feeling more bewildered than the last. Was this fate, or some cosmic joke?

Despite their fame, her neighbors were surprisingly down-to-earth. Jung Hwan often offered her advice about the building’s quirks, while Hyun Woo shared recommendations for hidden cafés around the city. Taeyang’s playful nature often lightened her mood, and Seo Joon, though reserved, had a way of making her feel seen.

One evening, Nabi found herself on the rooftop, gazing at the city lights. To her surprise, Taeyang joined her. “Seoul looks better from up here, doesn’t it?” he said, his voice soft. They talked for hours, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Taeyang’s charm was undeniable, but there was a sincerity to him that caught Nabi off guard.

As she lay in bed that night, Nabi couldn’t help but smile. She had no idea what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be. This was just the beginning of her journey, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

The sun peeked through Yo Nabi’s curtains as she stirred awake, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions she experienced the day before. Reuniting with Minji and Jisoo had been everything she hoped for and more, but the unexpected encounter with her neighbor, Jung Hwan, left her both intrigued and unsettled. She couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity that lingered long after their brief exchange.

Determined to start her day on a productive note, Nabi decided to explore her new neighborhood. She stepped out of her apartment, dressed in a casual yet chic outfit, and was greeted by the crisp morning air. As she walked through the bustling streets of Gangnam, the city’s energy invigorated her. Street vendors called out to passersby, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, and the chatter of friends and families filled the air.

Nabi’s first stop was a quaint bookstore she had spotted the previous evening. The bell above the door chimed softly as she entered, and she was instantly enveloped in the comforting scent of old books and freshly brewed coffee. As she browsed the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of novels, she felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in years. This was her sanctuary, a place where she could lose herself in stories and escape the complexities of life.

As she reached for a book on the top shelf, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. “Need some help with that?” Startled, Nabi turned to find Seo Joon standing beside her, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. Dressed in a sleek black coat and scarf, he looked effortlessly sophisticated, his piercing eyes fixed on her.

“Oh, thank you,” she replied, stepping aside as he easily retrieved the book for her. Handing it to her, Seo Joon’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You’re the new neighbor, right? Jung Hwan mentioned you.”

Nabi nodded, her cheeks warming under his gaze. “Yes, I just moved in a few days ago. I didn’t expect to run into anyone I knew here.”

Seo Joon chuckled softly. “Gangnam is smaller than it seems. Welcome to the neighborhood, Nabi.” With that, he gave her a polite nod and disappeared into the depths of the store, leaving her both flustered and curious.

Later that afternoon, Nabi returned to her apartment, her arms laden with books and groceries. She was unpacking her purchases when a knock at the door startled her. Opening it, she found Minji and Jisoo grinning at her, their arms full of takeout containers.

“We figured you might need some company,” Minji said, brushing past Nabi to set the food on the dining table. Jisoo followed, her camera slung over her shoulder. “And we’re dying to see your new place!”

The three friends spent the evening reminiscing about their middle school days, their laughter echoing through the apartment. Minji shared stories of her fashion shows, while Jisoo showed off her latest photography projects. As they ate, Nabi felt a deep sense of gratitude for their unwavering friendship.

Just as they were about to call it a night, another knock at the door startled them. Nabi opened it to find Taeyang leaning casually against the doorframe, a mischievous grin on his face. “I smelled food,” he announced, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Minji and Jisoo exchanged wide-eyed glances as Taeyang introduced himself, his charm and wit quickly winning them over. He grabbed a container of noodles and joined them at the table, regaling them with humorous stories of his life as a K-pop idol.

As the night wore on, the group’s laughter grew louder, drawing the attention of the other neighbors. Hyun Woo appeared next, his quiet demeanor contrasting sharply with Taeyang’s boisterous energy. Jung Hwan followed shortly after, his presence commanding the room. Seo Joon arrived last, his calm and composed manner grounding the lively group.

Nabi couldn’t believe what was happening. Her tiny apartment, once a quiet haven, was now filled with some of the most famous faces in South Korea. Yet, as they shared stories, teased each other, and debated over the best ramen flavors, it felt surprisingly normal.

As the clock struck midnight, the impromptu gathering began to wind down. One by one, her neighbors bid her goodnight, leaving her alone with Minji and Jisoo. The three friends sat in silence for a moment, the events of the evening sinking in.

“Nabi,” Minji said finally, a sly smile on her face. “You’ve hit the jackpot. How on earth did you end up living next to these guys?”

“I have no idea,” Nabi admitted, laughing. “But I think my life just got a lot more interesting.”

That night, as she lay in bed, Nabi couldn’t help but replay the evening’s events in her mind. The warmth of her friends’ presence, the unexpected camaraderie of her neighbors, and the promise of new adventures filled her heart with excitement.

Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would change her life in ways she could never have imagined.

Chapter 3: Paths Crossed

The following morning, Yo Nabi stepped into the bustling streets of Gangnam with a renewed sense of excitement. Her to-do list was a mix of errands and personal goals: explore the local markets, pick up supplies for her apartment, and, most importantly, get a feel for her new neighborhood. She hadn’t expected that her decision to return to Seoul would thrust her into such a whirlwind of connections, but it seemed as though fate had other plans.

As Nabi wandered through a vibrant street market, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Minji.

Minji: We need a girls' night ASAP. There’s so much I didn’t get to tell you yesterday! Jisoo and I are free tonight. My place?

Nabi smiled, typing back a quick reply. Spending the evening with her childhood friends sounded like the perfect way to unwind after the day.

Just as she slipped her phone into her pocket, a commotion nearby caught her attention. A small crowd had gathered in front of a food stall, and curiosity got the better of her. Pushing through the cluster of people, she saw him—Jung Hwan, her enigmatic neighbor and South Korea’s favorite actor. He was casually dressed, yet his presence was magnetic. A part of her wanted to turn around and leave unnoticed, but it was too late. Jung Hwan’s gaze lifted, meeting hers across the crowd.

“Nabi?” he called out, a look of pleasant surprise crossing his face.

The crowd’s chatter quieted as heads turned to look at her. Nabi froze, heat rising to her cheeks. Jung Hwan stepped forward, his easy smile diffusing the tension. “What a coincidence. Are you exploring the market too?”

“Y-yes,” she stammered, trying to ignore the curious eyes around them. “I just moved here, so I’m still figuring things out.”

“You picked a good spot,” he said, gesturing to the food stall. “The ddeokbokki here is the best in Seoul. Want to try some?”

Before she could protest, Jung Hwan had already ordered two portions. They found a quiet corner to sit, the initial awkwardness between them easing as they talked. To her surprise, Jung Hwan was refreshingly down-to-earth, his fame seeming more like an afterthought than a defining trait. By the time they parted ways, Nabi realized she had enjoyed his company far more than she had expected.

Later that evening, Nabi arrived at Minji’s apartment, a chic space filled with stylish decor that screamed Minji’s creative flair. Jisoo greeted her with a warm hug, and the three friends settled onto the couch with bowls of popcorn and glasses of wine.

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to Nabi’s new neighbors. “Wait, let me get this straight,” Minji said, her eyes wide. “You’re living next door to Jung Hwan?”

“And Seo Joon. And Taeyang. And Hyun Woo,” Nabi admitted, her voice laced with disbelief.

Jisoo nearly spilled her drink. “Nabi, do you realize what this means? You’re living in a K-drama. This doesn’t just happen in real life!”

Minji leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So? Who’s caught your attention?”

“No one!” Nabi protested, though her mind betrayed her with flashes of Jung Hwan’s smile and Taeyang’s rooftop confession.

Jisoo smirked. “You’re blushing, Nabi. Spill it.”

Nabi groaned, burying her face in a pillow. “It’s not like that. They’re just… my neighbors. That’s all.”

“For now,” Minji teased, earning a laugh from Jisoo.

The next day, Nabi returned to her apartment, determined to focus on her goals and avoid any more unexpected encounters. But as she exited the elevator, she almost collided with Seo Joon. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, he looked every bit the model he was renowned for.

“Nabi,” he greeted her, his voice as smooth as his appearance. “Good timing. I was just about to knock on your door.”

“Oh? What’s up?” she asked, trying not to appear too flustered.

Seo Joon hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. “We’re hosting a small gathering on the rooftop tonight. Just the neighbors. You should join us.”

Nabi hesitated. She had planned on a quiet evening, but the prospect of getting to know her neighbors better was tempting. “Okay,” she agreed finally. “What time?”

“Seven. Don’t be late,” Seo Joon said, a faint smile tugging at his lips before he walked away.

As the evening approached, Nabi found herself standing on the rooftop, a slight breeze rustling her hair. The view was breathtaking, the city lights twinkling like stars. Taeyang was the first to greet her, his playful energy putting her at ease. Jung Hwan and Hyun Woo soon joined, their banter filled with humor and camaraderie. Even Seo Joon, though reserved, seemed more relaxed in the intimate setting.

As the night unfolded, Nabi realized how different each of them was. Jung Hwan’s charisma was balanced by Hyun Woo’s quiet depth. Taeyang’s lightheartedness contrasted with Seo Joon’s serious demeanor. And yet, together, they felt like a family—one she was slowly becoming a part of.

When the gathering ended, Nabi lingered on the rooftop, her heart full. She had come to Seoul seeking reconnection and self-discovery, but she was beginning to understaAs she descended the stairs to her apartment, she couldn’t help but smile. Her life in Seoul was turning into a story she never could have written—one filled with friendship, laughter, and the promise of something more.nd that her journey was about more than just finding herself. It was about the people she met along the way, the relationships she built, and the memories she created.