The first week of December was a whirlwind of preparation for the upcoming university festival, the highlight of the winter semester. Every club and department buzzed with energy, turning hallways into makeshift crafting stations and bulletin boards into colorful collages of event posters.
Eun-ji walked into the student lounge, where Ji-hoon and Min-jun were huddled over a large sheet of paper covered in haphazard sketches and sticky notes. Hye-jin sat nearby, typing furiously on her laptop, while a group of students from the environmental science department surrounded her, nodding in agreement.
“What’s going on here?” Eun-ji asked, setting her bag on a chair.
Min-jun grinned. “We’re planning the café booth for the festival. Think cozy winter vibes—hot drinks, pastries, fairy lights.”
Ji-hoon held up one of the sketches. “Except someone thinks we need a life-sized snowman mascot.”
“It’ll draw attention!” Min-jun argued, pointing to his sketch.
Hye-jin looked up from her screen, amused. “As long as it’s not made of real snow. We’re focusing on sustainability, remember?”
Eun-ji laughed, shaking her head. “You guys are hopeless.”
---
Later that evening, Eun-ji received a text from her mother.
> Mom: Are you free tomorrow evening? Your dad and I are in town and would love to see you.
Her heart warmed at the thought. It had been months since she last saw her parents.
The next day, Eun-ji met her parents at a small Korean barbecue restaurant near campus. Her father greeted her with a bear hug, while her mother fussed over her scarf.
“You’ve lost weight,” her mother said, frowning. “Are you eating enough?”
“Mom, I’m fine,” Eun-ji replied, laughing. “The food at the cafeteria isn’t that bad.”
As they grilled slices of pork belly, Eun-ji shared stories about her classes, her friends, and the festival preparations. Her father listened intently, occasionally chiming in with questions, while her mother smiled proudly.
“We’re so glad you’ve found such good people,” her mother said. “Friendships like these are rare.”
“They really are,” Eun-ji admitted, thinking of Ji-hoon, Min-jun, and Hye-jin.
As they walked back to campus together, her father placed a hand on her shoulder. “Remember, Eun-ji, no matter where life takes you, we’re always here for you.”
“I know, Dad. Thank you.”
---
Back on campus, the festival prep reached fever pitch. Eun-ji and Hye-jin spent hours assembling decorations, while Ji-hoon handled the logistics of renting equipment. Min-jun, true to his nature, took on the role of unofficial morale booster, bringing snacks and cracking jokes.
“Do you ever stop talking?” Hye-jin teased as Min-jun attempted a dramatic reenactment of their snowball fight.
“Never,” Min-jun replied with a grin. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.”
Eun-ji rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling.
---
The day of the festival dawned bright and cold, the campus alive with music, laughter, and the smell of street food. The café booth was a hit, with students lining up for steaming cups of hot chocolate and ginger cookies.
Min-jun, wearing a ridiculous snowman costume (of his own making), danced around the booth, drawing laughs and selfies from passersby.
“See? I told you it would work!” he said, high-fiving Ji-hoon.
Nearby, Hye-jin conducted a workshop on sustainable living, sharing tips and tricks with a captivated audience. Eun-ji watched her with admiration, feeling grateful for the new addition to their group.
As the day wore on, the group took turns exploring the festival. Eun-ji and Ji-hoon wandered through the art exhibit, marveling at the talent on display. At one point, Ji-hoon stopped in front of a painting of a snow-covered forest.
“It reminds me of the quad during the first snow,” he said softly.
Eun-ji glanced at him, warmth spreading through her chest. “It does, doesn’t it?”
---
That evening, the festival concluded with a fireworks display. The group gathered on a hill overlooking the campus, bundled up in blankets and sipping hot tea.
As the first burst of color lit up the night sky, Min-jun turned to the others. “This has been the best semester ever. You guys agree, right?”
“Definitely,” Hye-jin said, raising her mug.
Ji-hoon nodded, his gaze lingering on Eun-ji. “It’s been pretty amazing.”
Eun-ji smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “Here’s to many more semesters like this.”
The fireworks painted the sky in vibrant hues, their laughter and camaraderie echoing in the crisp winter air.
With the festival marking the close of the semester, the group grew closer than ever, their bond stronger than any challenge life could throw their way.
YOU ARE READING
Autumn Calculus
RomanceOur Eun-ji, a dedicated and slightly introverted mathematics major, has her life meticulously planned out. Every moment of her day is scheduled for study, coursework, and tutoring sessions, leaving little time for socializing or fun. She's determine...
