EPISODE 3

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.

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