EPISODE 5

Chapter 5: A Chance Encounter

The morning after the rooftop gathering, Nabi woke up to the soft sunlight streaming through her window. She stretched lazily, the events of the previous night replaying in her mind. It had been years since she felt this connected, this alive. The laughter, the stories, and the quiet revelations lingered in her heart like a melody she couldn’t forget.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her reverie. A message from Minji lit up the screen: “Coffee at Cafe Blue? 11 AM?” Nabi smiled. Cafe Blue had been their favorite spot during high school. Back then, they spent hours there, whispering about their crushes and planning their futures.

“See you there,” she replied before hopping out of bed. After a quick shower, she slipped into a light blue dress and tied her hair into a loose ponytail. Grabbing her bag, she stepped out into the bustling streets of Seoul.

The cafe was exactly as she remembered it, with its cozy interiors and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Minji and Jisoo were already there, waving enthusiastically as she walked in.

“Nabi, over here!” Minji called out, her bright smile as infectious as ever. She was dressed in a chic ensemble, her sense of fashion as impeccable as it had been in their school days. Jisoo, ever the minimalist, wore a simple white shirt and jeans, her elegance understated but striking.

They hugged tightly, and Nabi felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. As they sat down, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Minji shared stories about her art gallery work, while Jisoo talked about her recent travels.

“And you?” Jisoo asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “How’s life back in Seoul treating you?”

Nabi hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “It’s been... interesting. My neighbors are something else.”

Minji raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Tell us more.”

Nabi recounted the rooftop gathering, deliberately omitting their celebrity status. She spoke of Taeyang’s humor, Hyun Woo’s quiet wisdom, Seo Joon’s meticulous nature, and Jung Hwan’s enigmatic presence. Her friends listened intently, occasionally exchanging knowing glances.

“They sound... fascinating,” Minji said, her tone teasing. “Especially this Jung Hwan. Should we be worried?”

Nabi laughed, shaking her head. “You’re reading too much into it. They’re just my neighbors.”

Jisoo smirked. “Famous last words.”

As they left the cafe, Nabi’s phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from an unknown number: “Meet me at the park behind our building. - Jung Hwan.”

She frowned, wondering how he had gotten her number. Curiosity won over skepticism, and she texted back: “Be there in 10.”

The park was a serene escape from the city’s chaos. She found Jung Hwan leaning against a tree, his hands in his pockets. Dressed in a leather jacket and ripped jeans, he looked effortlessly cool, the kind of image that would make fans swoon.

“How did you get my number?” she asked, crossing her arms.

He smirked. “Taeyang. He’s terrible at keeping secrets.”

Nabi sighed but couldn’t suppress a smile. “So, why the mysterious message?”

He gestured for her to sit on a nearby bench. As she did, he took a deep breath, his usual confident demeanor giving way to something more vulnerable.

“I wanted to apologize,” he began. “Last night, I might have come across as... harsh.”

Nabi blinked, surprised by his candor. “I didn’t think you were harsh. Just honest.”

He met her gaze, his eyes searching hers. “Still, I could have phrased things better. I’m not great at... connecting with people.”

“Why?” she asked softly.

He looked away, his jaw tightening. “Let’s just say life hasn’t made it easy.”

Before she could respond, a group of teenagers walked by, whispering excitedly. One of them pointed at Jung Hwan, and he tensed. They quickly pulled out their phones, snapping pictures.

“Let’s go,” he muttered, standing up and motioning for her to follow.

They walked in silence until they reached a quieter corner of the park. Jung Hwan’s shoulders relaxed, and he let out a heavy sigh.

“This is why I avoid public places,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration. “Every moment feels like a performance.”

Nabi’s heart ached for him. She couldn’t imagine living under such constant scrutiny.

“It must be exhausting,” she said.

He nodded. “Sometimes, I wish I could just... disappear.”

“Maybe you don’t need to disappear,” she said, her voice gentle. “Maybe you just need someone who sees you for who you really are.”

He looked at her, something shifting in his expression. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them.

“You might be the first person to say that to me,” he said quietly.

Their eyes met, and Nabi felt her cheeks warm. She quickly looked away, breaking the spell.

“I should go,” she said, standing up. “Thanks for... whatever this was.”

As she walked away, Jung Hwan called out to her.

“Nabi.”

She turned, her heart pounding.

“You’re different,” he said. “In a good way.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. Without another word, she continued walking, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions.

Back in her apartment, Nabi leaned against the door, her mind racing. Jung Hwan’s words lingered, stirring something within her she couldn’t quite define. She didn’t know what was happening between them, but one thing was certain: her life in Seoul was becoming far more complicated—and far more exciting—than she had ever imagined.

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