nodded. Her eyes remained closed.

In the background, a TV relayed vague noises into the room. A gentle breeze swept through some leaves outside. An analog clock ticked with the patience of time.

"My name is Seung Ji Hyuk," Samuel said.

Sayeva opened her eyes. "Hmm?"

"My true name is Seung Ji Hyuk," Samuel said. "'Seung' is the family name. I was born in Miryang, in Korea, on the twenty-second of March, 1984."

"Oh." Sayeva blinked and started to sit up, but settled back again when Samuel rested his hand on her cheek. "March twenty-second... that's today."

"Before you say it," Samuel said, his tone gentle, "aside from birthdays in Korea being somewhat different, I haven't celebrated a birthday i...

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