A name to remember

[The Next Day]

Eun-ah sent a final goodbye message to her friends, her fingers trembling slightly as she hit send. She should’ve felt relieved. She should’ve been ready to move on.

But all she could think about was him.

That quiet and unreadable neighbor she had been obsessed with for years.

And she didn’t even know his fucking name.

Her chest tightened as she clenched the strap of her bag. This was it. Her last chance. If she didn’t do this now, she’d regret it for the rest of her damn life.

She turned to her mom, voice firm despite the nervous energy buzzing under her skin.

Eun-ah: “Mom, can I take one last walk around the neighborhood?”

Her mother sighed, glancing at the packed car. “Eun-ah, we’re leaving soon—”

“I know, Mom!!” she cut in quickly, a little too desperate. “Just a few minutes. Please.”

Her mom hesitated but finally nodded. “Alright. But be quick.”

She didn’t waste another second.

The cool morning air filled her lungs as she hurried down the street, scanning every familiar house, every damn corner she had walked past a thousand times.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.

Come on. Just this once… let me see him.

And for once, the universe didn’t completely fuck her over.

Because there he was.

Standing by the gate of his house, hands shoved into his pockets, gaze distant—like he wasn’t really here. Like his mind was already somewhere else.

Her breath hitched. Up close, he was even more intimidating than she remembered. Tall, sharp features, an aura of quiet confidence that made it impossible to look away.

She didn’t think. She just moved.

As if sensing her presence, he turned, Ice-cold blue eyes locking onto hers.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then—

Eun-ah: “H-Hi! Sorry if I startled you. I’ve seen you around and I…”

She trailed off, suddenly feeling so fucking stupid. What was she even doing? He barely knew she existed.

He studied her, gaze unreadable, cold.

???: “You what?”

His voice was deep, smooth—something about it sent a shiver down her spine. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to hold his stare.

Eun-ah: “I just… wanted to say hi. Since we’re neighbors and all.”

A pause. His sharp eyes flickered over her like he was trying to pick her apart, figure her out.

???: “You shouldn’t talk to strangers so easily.”

The way he said it—it wasn’t mocking, but it sure as hell wasn’t friendly either. More like a quiet warning.

Her face heated. What the fuck was that supposed to mean?

Eun-ah: “Well, maybe you shouldn’t be such a mystery then.”

For the briefest moment, something flickered in his eyes. Amusement? Interest? She couldn’t tell. His lips twitched—almost like he was about to smirk—but just as quickly, the expression vanished.

???: “I’m not a mystery. You just don’t know the right questions yet.”

The fuck?

Before she could snap back, her mother’s voice rang through the air.

Mom: “Eun-ah! We’re leaving in five minutes!”

Panic flared in her chest. No. Not yet. Not fucking yet.

She turned back to him, desperation creeping into her voice.

Eun-ah: “Wait—at least tell me your name!”

He paused, standing still for just a second.

Then, just as she thought he wouldn’t answer—

???: “Kang Seong-min.”

And just like that, he was gone.

Her lips parted. That was it? He just left?

She exhaled sharply, something unfamiliar twisting in her chest.

Eun-ah: ”…Kang Seong-min.”

Saying his name out loud felt… different. More real.

She had heard it before, whispered in passing, but hearing him say it himself? Fuck. It hit different.

A small, shaky smile tugged at her lips. At least now, he wasn’t just the nameless boy next door anymore.

Eun-ah: “By the way, my name is Eun-ah”

As she turned back toward her house, ready to leave her old life behind, she swore she heard his voice once more—low, quiet, almost like an afterthought.

Seong-min: “I know.”

Her breath caught.

He knew her name.

She blinked, stunned for a moment, before shaking her head and walking away.

She didn’t know when—or if—she’d ever see him again.

But something told her this wasn’t the last time their paths would cross.

[TO BE CONTINUED…]

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