Autumn Calculus

Ch.23.

The air buzzed with excitement as the university prepared for its annual Winter Festival. Colorful lanterns were strung across campus, and the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts and tteokbokki wafted through the air. Eun-ji, Ji-hoon, and Min-jun strolled through the bustling festival grounds, taking in the sights and sounds of the season.

---
“Did you see the calligraphy booth? They’re writing people’s names in hanja for free!” Min-jun said, tugging on Ji-hoon’s sleeve.

Ji-hoon smirked. “You just want something to post on your social media.”

“Of course! It’s part of the vibe.” Min-jun grinned, then turned to Eun-ji. “What about you? Want to get one?”

Before Eun-ji could answer, a deep voice called out behind them. “Eun-ji?”

She turned to see a tall, distinguished man in his late forties approaching. His sharp suit and warm smile immediately gave away his connection to her.

“Appa?” Eun-ji said, her eyes wide in surprise.

Min-jun and Ji-hoon exchanged curious looks as Eun-ji’s father approached. “I didn’t know you’d be here,” she said.

“I had a meeting nearby and thought I’d stop by the festival,” her father explained, glancing at her friends. “And you must be the famous Ji-hoon I’ve heard so much about.”

Ji-hoon’s face flushed as he bowed politely. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

“And who’s this?” her father asked, looking at Min-jun.

“I’m Min-jun, Eun-ji’s favorite friend,” he said, earning a laugh from everyone.

---

The group strolled through the festival, her father occasionally stopping to point out booths he thought were interesting. As they passed a traditional tea house display, he gently tugged Eun-ji aside.

“I’ve been meaning to check in with you,” he said, his tone soft. “You’ve seemed... different lately. In a good way.”

Eun-ji hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I guess I’ve been figuring some things out. About myself. About what I want.”

Her father nodded, his eyes kind. “That’s part of growing up. But remember, you don’t have to figure everything out alone.”

She smiled, the weight of his words settling comfortably in her heart. “Thanks, Appa. That means a lot.”

They rejoined the group, where Ji-hoon was attempting to win a plushie at a claw machine while Min-jun cheered him on.

---
As the night deepened, the festival crowd began to thin. Ji-hoon finally managed to snag a small white bunny plushie, which he proudly handed to Eun-ji.

“For you,” he said, a shy smile on his face.

Eun-ji laughed, holding the plushie close. “You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” he replied simply.

Her father watched the interaction with a knowing smile. As they parted ways for the evening, he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “He’s a good one. Don’t let him get away.”

Eun-ji blushed but couldn’t help but smile as she waved goodbye.

---

Back at the dorm, Eun-ji placed the bunny plushie on her desk, its soft gaze a reminder of the night’s sweetness.

Min-jun flopped onto her bed, stretching dramatically. “So, your dad seems pretty cool.”

“He is,” Eun-ji agreed. “Even if he can be a little nosy.”

“And Ji-hoon with the plushie? Adorable,” Min-jun teased, winking at her.

Eun-ji rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her grin. The festival had been perfect—a mix of family, friends, and the quiet, growing warmth in her chest every time Ji-hoon looked at her.

As she climbed into bed that night, she couldn’t help but feel that life, for all its complexities, was finally falling into place.