EPISODE 6

Chapter 6: Behind the Glamour

The days following Nabi’s encounter with Jung Hwan were a whirlwind. Her thoughts kept drifting back to their conversation in the park, replaying his words and the way he’d looked at her—as if she were someone worth being vulnerable with. But there was little time to dwell; life in Seoul moved quickly, and her friends weren’t about to let her brood.

Minji and Jisoo had decided to drag Nabi out for a weekend adventure. “You need a break from whatever’s on your mind,” Jisoo declared. Minji nodded in agreement, adding, “And we need to explore the new mall in Gangnam. It’s a win-win.”

Their laughter echoed as they wandered through the bustling shopping district. Nabi felt a sense of comfort in their company, a reminder of simpler times. But even amid the lively chatter, a part of her remained distracted.

Meanwhile, in a private recording studio across town, the four men who had become an unexpected part of Nabi’s life were deep in discussion. Taeyang lounged on a couch, his guitar resting against the armrest, while Seo Joon meticulously adjusted the soundboard.

“She’s different,” Taeyang mused, plucking at a loose guitar string.

Hyun Woo glanced up from his notebook, raising an eyebrow. “Who?”

“Nabi,” Taeyang replied. “She’s not like anyone I’ve met before. She doesn’t care about... you know, all this.” He gestured around the room, indicating the trappings of their fame.

Jung Hwan, who had been quietly leaning against the wall, looked up at the mention of her name. “She’s... straightforward,” he said, his voice measured. “It’s refreshing.”

Seo Joon chuckled, his eyes narrowing playfully. “Are we all suddenly infatuated with the girl next door?”

Taeyang grinned. “Speak for yourself. I just think she’s interesting.”

Hyun Woo sighed, closing his notebook. “Let’s not make her life more complicated than it already is. She’s not part of our world.”

Jung Hwan said nothing, his gaze fixed on the floor. The others noticed but chose not to press him.

Back in Gangnam, Nabi and her friends had just finished lunch at a cozy cafe. As they stepped outside, a commotion drew their attention. A small crowd had gathered near the entrance of a luxury boutique, their phones raised and cameras flashing.

“What’s going on?” Nabi asked, craning her neck to see over the crowd.

“Probably some celebrity sighting,” Minji replied, disinterested. “This is Gangnam, after all.”

But as Nabi glanced closer, her breath caught. Emerging from the store was Jung Hwan, his expression unreadable as he navigated the throng of fans. He was flanked by a couple of security guards, but his discomfort was evident.

Before she could stop herself, Nabi called out, “Jung Hwan!”

He turned at the sound of his name, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, the chaos around them seemed to fade. Then, without hesitation, he strode toward her, ignoring the surprised murmurs of the crowd.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice low but steady.

“Shopping with friends,” she replied, gesturing to Minji and Jisoo, who were watching the exchange with wide eyes.

“This place isn’t exactly low-profile,” he said, glancing around.

Nabi crossed her arms. “Neither are you.”

A hint of a smile played on his lips. “Fair point. Want to get out of here?”

She hesitated, aware of the curious stares directed their way. But something in his expression—a mix of vulnerability and urgency—made her nod. “Alright.”

Minji and Jisoo exchanged looks but said nothing as Nabi followed Jung Hwan to a waiting car. The ride was quiet, the tension between them palpable. He finally broke the silence as they pulled into a secluded park.

“Sorry for dragging you into that,” he said, leaning back against the car seat.

“It’s fine,” she replied. “But you could’ve just texted.”

He chuckled softly. “I didn’t plan on running into you. Guess it was fate.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Fate, huh?”

As they walked through the quiet park, their conversation drifted to lighter topics. Jung Hwan opened up about his struggles with fame, revealing a side of himself few ever saw. Nabi listened, offering empathy without judgment.

“You make it sound so easy,” he said, glancing at her. “Being normal.”

“It’s not always easy,” she admitted. “But it’s real.”

They stopped at a bench overlooking a small pond. The setting sun cast a warm glow, painting the scene in hues of gold and orange. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence between them comfortable.

“Thanks for this,” Jung Hwan said finally. “I needed it.”

Nabi looked at him, her heart softening. “Anytime.”

As they made their way back to the car, Nabi couldn’t help but feel that their connection was deepening, though neither of them dared to name it just yet. The lines between their worlds were blurring, and with it came a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Whatever lay ahead, Nabi knew her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined.

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