Autumn's Lights ~Hyunlix~

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Autumn in Seoul had a magical quality to it. The bustling, vibrant metropolis transformed with each falling leaf into a place full of color and melancholic beauty. Amidst the skyscrapers and lively streets, the golden and red leaves of the trees danced in the gentle guidance of the wind. The air was cool and fresh, and everywhere in the city, the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet tteok lingered. The nights were longer, the days shorter – a season of transition that prompted people to pause and savor the beauty of the ephemeral.

Hyunjin had lived in Seoul since childhood. He was a dreamer, a young man who often lost himself in books and art while the world around him swirled in constant motion and noise. His favorite place was Namsan Park, a sprawling forested area on a hill in the heart of the city, offering a breathtaking view of Seoul's skyline. Especially in autumn, this park was his refuge, a place where he could momentarily leave behind the hectic world. He often went there, sitting on one of the old wooden benches, watching the leaves fall from the trees and the couples strolling arm in arm along the paths.

On a cool, clear October afternoon, Hyunjin decided to take a walk through Namsan Park after work. Lost in thought as he climbed the hill, his hands deep in the pockets of his coat to keep warm, he was absorbed by the beauty of the nature around him. It was as if the autumn colors calmed his soul, and for a moment, he felt perfectly in harmony with the world.

As he ventured deeper into the park, he came across a narrow path leading to a small, hidden clearing. There, on a bench partially covered with golden leaves, sat someone. It was a young man with sandy-colored hair glimmering in the sunlight, his eyes radiating a deep warmth. He was holding a notebook, writing diligently, occasionally lifting his head to enjoy the view of the trees. Hyunjin paused briefly, unsure whether to continue or turn back, but something about the sight of this young man captivated him.

Shaking off his uncertainty, Hyunjin continued forward, his footsteps soft on the leaf-strewn ground. As he drew closer, the other man looked up, and their eyes met. It was just a fleeting moment, but it felt as if time had briefly stopped.

Hesitantly, Hyunjin spoke up, "Hey, I didn't mean to intrude. May I sit beside you?"

"Hello," the stranger said, his voice soft and inviting. "Please, have a seat. Autumn here is too beautiful to enjoy alone."

Hyunjin hesitated for a moment, then smiled and accepted the invitation. He sat next to the young man, making sure to keep a respectful distance. Nevertheless, he felt an odd, pleasant closeness between them. For a moment, they both sat in silence, taking in the beauty of their surroundings.

"I'm Felix," said the stranger eventually, and Hyunjin could hear a slight accent in his voice. "I moved to Seoul a few months ago. I'm originally from Australia."

Hyunjin looked at him in surprise. "Australia? That's quite far from here. What brought you to Seoul?"

Felix smiled gently and closed his notebook. "I just wanted to try something new. I've always been fascinated by the culture here, and I thought autumn in Seoul would be a good time for a fresh start. Besides..." He paused and looked at the colorful leaves dancing in the wind. "There's something about this city that calls to me. It feels like a place where I can find something I've been missing."

Hyunjin nodded in understanding. He could relate to that feeling well. Although he had grown up in Seoul, he often felt that something was missing in his life, that the city gave him much but simultaneously withheld something indefinable.

The two young men spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and anything – their dreams, their fears, their passions. Hyunjin learned that Felix was an avid photographer, always out with his camera to capture the beauty of the world. Felix, in turn, was impressed by Hyunjin's artistic talent – he loved drawing and losing himself in his sketchbooks. It was as if they had found two sides of the same coin – both were creative souls seeking peace in a hectic world.

As the sun began to set, the daylight gave way to a soft, golden hue. The colors of the sky reflected in their eyes as they enjoyed the last warmth of the day together.

"I like this place," Felix said quietly as they finally stood up to leave the park. "Maybe we should meet here again tomorrow. There are still so many things we could talk about."

Hyunjin smiled, feeling his heart skip a beat. "I'd like that."

In the following weeks, Hyunjin and Felix met almost every day in the park. They explored hidden corners of Seoul together, photographed the autumn landscape, drew the trees and life around them, and spent hours simply talking to each other. With each meeting, the bond between them grew, and it didn't take long for their friendship to develop into something deeper.

One evening, as the city was shrouded in a gentle fog and the moon hung high in the sky, they sat again on their bench in Namsan Park. The wind rustled softly through the trees, and the night was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves. Felix turned to Hyunjin, his eyes shining in the moonlight.

"You know," Felix said softly, "I came to Seoul to find something I was missing. And now I feel like I've found it."

Hyunjin looked at him, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew exactly what Felix meant, for he felt the same way. Without saying a word, he placed his hand on Felix's hand, and in that moment, everything felt perfect – the autumn, the city, and especially the person beside him.

It was the beginning of a love as beautiful and enduring as the autumn in Seoul.