Autumn Calculus

Ch.2.

The café was bustling, filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the lively chatter of students discussing assignments and sharing laughter. Eun-ji followed Ji-hoon to a cozy corner table, her heart still racing from the chaotic start to her day. She felt oddly giddy, the unexpected encounter with Ji-hoon igniting a spark of excitement she hadn't anticipated.

"So, what's your poison?" Ji-hoon asked, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed grin. His presence was easy, and Eun-ji found herself mirroring his smile as she scanned the menu above the counter.

"I usually stick to black coffee," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant, even though she was acutely aware of how out of her element she felt. "I need to keep it simple and strong to get through all my studying."

"Ah, the workaholic vibe I got from you earlier makes sense now," he teased, a playful glint in his eye. "I'll have what you're having, then. Strong coffee for a strong woman." His words made her blush, and she quickly looked down at the menu to hide her reaction.

"Fine, but I won't promise you'll like it," she said, a slight smirk playing on her lips. Ji-hoon laughed, and the sound was contagious.

Once they had placed their orders, they settled into a comfortable rhythm of conversation. Ji-hoon shared stories about his favorite professors and how he navigated the ups and downs of university life, his voice animated as he gestured with his hands. Eun-ji listened intently, laughing at his jokes, surprised by how easily they connected.

"So, what are you majoring in?" he asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.

"Mathematics," she replied, a sense of pride swelling within her. "I want to become a data analyst or something in that field. Numbers have always made sense to me."

"Wow, that's impressive! I'm Ji-hoon Kim, and I'm majoring in psychology. I guess that makes us an odd pair—a number cruncher and a mind reader," he joked, causing her to giggle.

"I wouldn't say I'm a mind reader," Eun-ji replied with a laugh. "More like a number whisperer. But I guess we both deal with how people think, in a way."

Their coffees arrived, steaming and fragrant. Ji-hoon took a long sip, his eyes lighting up. "This is actually really good! Thanks for the recommendation," he said, and Eun-ji couldn't help but feel a rush of pride.

"So, what do you do for fun when you're not buried in textbooks?" Ji-hoon asked, leaning back in his chair, his expression curious.

Eun-ji hesitated, her mind racing through the list of activities she enjoyed. "Um, I like to draw sometimes, but I haven't had much time lately," she admitted, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. "It's just been all about studying this semester."

"Drawing? That's awesome! You should show me some of your work sometime," Ji-hoon encouraged, his sincerity warming her heart.

"Maybe," she said shyly, her cheeks flushing. "What about you?"

"I'm more of an outdoor person," he replied. "I love hiking and photography. There's something magical about capturing moments in nature."

Eun-ji found herself intrigued. "That sounds amazing! I've always wanted to go hiking, but I never find the time."

"Then let's change that! How about a hike this weekend? I could show you some great spots around here," Ji-hoon suggested, his enthusiasm infectious.

Eun-ji's heart raced at the idea, a mix of excitement and nerves flooding her senses. "I'm not sure if I can... I have a lot of studying to do."

"Come on, Eun-ji. A little adventure won't hurt," Ji-hoon urged, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, you might need a break from all those numbers."

She bit her lip, considering his offer. The thought of stepping outside her comfort zone was daunting, but there was a thrill in the idea of spending more time with him. "Okay, I'll think about it," she said, trying to sound casual.

As they continued to talk, Eun-ji felt her walls slowly crumbling. Ji-hoon's warmth and charm made it hard to resist the connection blossoming between them. Before she knew it, the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow through the café windows.

"I should probably get going," Eun-ji said reluctantly, glancing at her watch. "I still have a lot of studying to catch up on."

"Me too," Ji-hoon admitted, his expression turning slightly more serious. "But I really enjoyed today, Eun-ji. You're more fun than I expected."

"Thanks, I think?" she replied, her heart fluttering. "I had a good time too."

As they stood to leave, Ji-hoon pulled out his phone. "Let's exchange numbers. I'll text you about that hike."

Eun-ji's heart raced as she entered her contact information, the reality of their budding friendship settling in. "I'd like that," she said, a shy smile spreading across her face.

"Great! See you soon, then," Ji-hoon said, flashing her one last grin before they parted ways.

Walking back to her dorm, Eun-ji couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had begun. For the first time in a long time, her heart felt light, and she found herself looking forward to the weekend.