EPISODE 2

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.