There is not much that can surprise me.

Yet when he says those words, I am truly astonished. If you saw me then, it would've been a Kodak moment. 

"BTS? That famous kpop group?" I splutter.

"Yes. So you do know a little about kpop." I can hear laughter in his voice.

"Oh no, it's just that my friend is a huge fan. I don't even know the names of anyone in your group."

"I see. What about you then, Ms. Lyra?" I can detect a hint of wryness in his tone, almost as if he is teasing me.

"I listen to classical music so no, I am not a fan, no offense. But how do I know you are not some psycho stalker pretending to be a world famous idol?"

I rack my brains to remember if any of my old schoolmates was in a group called BTS but I honestly cannot.

I don't keep in touch with any classmates let alone schoolmates and even while I was studying there, a lot of students from the Music or Dance Department were idol trainees and I don't remember interacting with any.

"We can meet? Or maybe I can send you a picture?"

"Hell no. Pictures can be found from the internet, I am not stupid." I roll my eyes, "Besides, I don't know you–"

"But you do! It's just that you don't remember me." I hear a desperate edge in his voice as he says the words. It almost makes me feel bad for not remembering this Park Jimin.

 "Make me remember then. Did we ever talk?" 

Why do I feel like I am breaking all the rules for this mystery Jimin?

Never have I ever voluntarily wanted to revisit the past.

"Not exactly. Although you were someone who made me cheer up when I was having a hard time."

A little bit of sheepishness can be detected as he whispers the last part.

"Now that is where I know you are lying. I can't cheer up anyone. I am not exactly social."

I was having a hard time back then. I couldn't even cheer up my own self, let alone someone else.

"I know, I gathered that much." He dryly remarks, "But that doesn't erase the fact that your words did cheer me up." 

"Can you be more specific? What did we talk about?"

"We talked about a lot of things. Random stuff. We talked about stars," A brief pause but I can imagine Jimin on the other end has a smile on his face, even though I don't know how he looks, "Your fascination with them is ironic, considering your name is Byeol."

I don't correct him when he says that.

Why?

Because an old memory flashes back in my mind, albeit a bit hazy. All I can discern from it are broad smiles and a pair of bespectacled eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Tell me more." I urge him.

"You told me that stargazing helps you fall asleep. It's like their twinkles sing a lullaby only you can hear."

"I did?" It's true. I've always loved stargazing. It calms me down, making me wonder if I can truly communicate with stars.

"I was lying. You can't really see many stars in Seoul." I remind him.

"Yes, but when you start considering people as stars, your loved ones will seem to shine brighter than even Sirius A."

"Philosophical. What if I don't have that? What if I don't have any loved ones?"

"I don't know, you are the one who said that back in high school."

A memory springs up, warm hands patting my forehead to lull me to sleep, the same hands braiding my hair for school.

"I don't remember saying that." I fib, my voice slightly breaking as I hang up on Jimin.

Because I do remember these words. It's just that they aren't mine. 

My mom used to say this to me.

My late mom, whose death became what triggered me to leave Seoul.