The market was bustling with noise, colors, and delicious smells.
Kim Nana wandered through the stalls with sparkling eyes, picking up fruits, sweets, and trinkets. She had already eaten half of what she bought, completely forgetting one important thing—she hadn't paid.
As she and A-Dong turned to leave, a voice shouted from behind.
"Miss! You haven't paid yet!" the shopkeeper called out.
"Oh, payment..." Nana said, glancing mischievously at A-Dong.
A-Dong leaned closer and whispered, "I didn't bring any money, my lady!"
Nana gave her a mischievous grin.
"Run!" she shouted suddenly.
Both girls dashed off in opposite directions as the shopkeeper yelled,
"Hey! Stop them!"
They ran through the crowded streets, laughter and panic echoing behind them. But Nana's run ended abruptly when she bumped into a boy—around her age. They both froze, staring into each other's eyes for a brief, strange moment.
"You…" the boy began, but Nana quickly covered his mouth and pulled him into a corner.
"Shhh!" she hushed him, listening as the shopkeeper's men ran past.
After a few quiet moments, she finally let go.
"You may speak now," she said proudly, dusting off her hands.
"Why were they chasing you? Did you steal something?" he asked, raising a brow.
"Don't pry into my business," Nana said quickly. "They were only after me for my… wealth!" she lied with a sly grin.
The boy squinted at her. "You hiccup when you lie, don't you?"
"W-What? No, I don't!" Nana stammered—hic!
The boy chuckled softly, then patted her back until the hiccups faded.
"Better?"
"Yes… thank you," she said, smiling shyly.
He looked around the market. "Are you heading home now, or still shopping?"
"What about you?" Nana asked.
"I came to stroll around. Maybe you could accompany me?"
Nana tilted her head playfully. "I can… but only if you fill my stomach first."
"That's no problem," he said with a grin, taking her hand.
They spent the afternoon together. He bought her snacks, pretty accessories, and small trinkets. Nana laughed freely—like she hadn't in years. As the sun began to set, it was time to part ways.
"Wait!" the boy called out. "Can I know your name?"
"I'm Kim Nana," she replied.
"And if we meet again, how will I know it's you?" he asked gently.
Nana thought for a moment, then touched the necklace her late mother had given her. She carefully broke it in half and handed one piece to him.
"Here. In the future, I'll recognize you by this."
The boy smiled and reached into his pocket, taking out a beautiful hairpin.
"Then I'll give you this. When we meet again, remember—I am Gyeongwon."
"Okay, Gyeongwon," Nana said softly, clutching the hairpin before running off into the night.
---
Till We Meet Again
When Nana and A-Dong returned home, laughter still on their faces, the house was silent—too silent. Every room was empty.
"A-Dong…" Nana whispered.
"My lady?" A-Dong replied, looking around nervously.
"Apart from my birthday, is there any special event happening that I don't know about?"
"I don't think so…" A-Dong said uncertainly.
A wave of fear washed over Nana. She rushed through the rooms, calling out.
"Father! Father!"
No answer.
In her father's chamber, a folded letter lay on the table. With trembling hands, Nana opened it.
> My dearest Nana,
If you are reading this, it means I have not returned—or I am gone.
Our city has suffered a sudden attack from Gyeongdong. I am now at the border defending our land.
My beloved daughter, live a good life. After your mother's passing, I promised to give you the best, and I hope I have done so. Forgive me for not being there to see you grow or to protect you forever.
Take the money in my drawer and go to your uncle's house at the Cheng estate. He will care for you. Promise me that you will live well, stay strong, and never forget—you are Kim Nana of Yeongnam, daughter of the Kim household.
With love, your father.
By the time she finished reading, tears streamed down her cheeks. Regret and sorrow filled her heart.
"If only I hadn't gone out today… maybe I could have seen him one last time," she whispered.
She turned to A-Dong. "Take this money and go to my uncle's house. You must survive."
"My lady, no! I won't leave you!" A-Dong protested, crying.
"It's an order!" Nana said firmly, though her own voice shook.
A-Dong's tears fell harder. "Then promise me you'll return alive. You must not leave me, my lady!"
"Yoon-ah!" Nana called, and her horse neighed from the stable. She mounted swiftly, her eyes hard but full of pain.
Without looking back, she whispered coldly, "Farewell."
As she rode into the night, the wind carried her tears away—marking the beginning of her long and fateful journey.