Autumn Calculus

Ch.27.

The New Year was quickly approaching, and with it came a sense of change. Eun-ji stood at her window, staring out at the first snow of the season as it gently settled over the city. The cold, crisp air reminded her that everything was moving forward, even if she sometimes felt stuck in the uncertainty of her own feelings.

Ji-hoon had left a mark on her—she could feel it every time she saw him, every time they texted, every time they laughed together. The way he effortlessly fit into her life, even in moments of chaos, made her heart race in ways she couldn’t quite explain. But there was always that lingering doubt—what did this mean for their friendship?

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Eun-ji, can I come in?” Her mother’s voice was warm, always so inviting.

“Sure, Mom,” Eun-ji replied, pushing herself away from the window.

Her mother stepped into the room, carrying a small box wrapped in bright red paper. “I thought you might like this,” she said with a smile. “It’s a little New Year’s gift for you.”

Eun-ji’s eyes widened. “You didn’t have to!” she exclaimed, but her mother simply winked, placing the gift on her desk.

“I wanted to,” her mother said softly. “Now, don’t tell me you’re still thinking about that boy. You’re young, Eun-ji. Life is for living.”

Eun-ji froze. “Mom, what are you—?”

Her mother raised her hands in mock surrender. “Oh, come on. I’ve seen the way you look at him. And how he looks at you. Don’t try to hide it.”

Eun-ji’s heart skipped a beat. “I’m not—”

Her mother smiled knowingly. “Don’t overthink it. Just see where it goes.” With that, she gave Eun-ji a gentle hug and left her alone with the gift.

---

Later that evening, Eun-ji couldn’t help but rip off the wrapping paper to find a small, intricate charm bracelet inside. It was simple but beautiful—silver with delicate engravings that sparkled in the dim light of her room. Her mother’s thoughtful gesture brought a warmth to her chest, and for a moment, she felt deeply grateful for her family’s love and support.

---

Eun-ji decided to visit Ji-hoon the following day. Her heart was a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but she felt the pull of wanting to see him again, wanting to understand this new, unspoken connection between them.

She found Ji-hoon at the local café, the one they had frequented together after their festival booth. As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted him sitting by the window, sipping on a cup of coffee, and he looked up as soon as she entered.

“Eun-ji,” he greeted her, his eyes lighting up in a way that made her smile.

“Hey, Ji-hoon.” She sat down across from him, setting her bag on the chair.

A brief silence passed between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was like they both were trying to figure out the next words, unsure of how to proceed.

Ji-hoon took a breath, then spoke. “I’ve been thinking about something,” he began.

Eun-ji raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“I know we’re both busy with school and everything, but…” He paused, his fingers tapping nervously on the side of his cup. “I really enjoy spending time with you. More than just friends.”

Eun-ji’s heart skipped. She had to stop herself from blushing, but the warmth spread up her neck anyway.

“You do?” she whispered, almost afraid to ask.

Ji-hoon nodded, looking slightly embarrassed but steady in his words. “Yeah, I do. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I just didn’t know if you felt the same.”

Eun-ji felt as though the air had shifted around them. The feeling in her chest had suddenly transformed into something she couldn’t ignore. Her mind was racing, but the answer, when it finally came, was simple.

“I do,” she said softly, her eyes locking with his. “I really do, Ji-hoon.”

For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, and all that existed was the quiet connection they shared. No more doubts, no more questions. Just them.

Ji-hoon smiled, a bright, sincere smile that made Eun-ji’s heart feel full. “Then, let’s see where this goes. Together.”

Eun-ji felt a wave of relief and joy wash over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

---

A week later, Eun-ji and Ji-hoon found themselves standing together in the middle of a lively New Year’s party, hosted by a mutual friend from university. Music filled the air, and everyone was chatting and laughing, but Eun-ji couldn’t help but focus on the warmth of Ji-hoon’s hand, which was now gently holding hers.

They had spent the night dancing and talking, getting lost in their little bubble amidst the excitement. As midnight approached, Eun-ji felt her heart racing in anticipation. The countdown began, and all around them, people cheered.

“Ten… nine… eight…” The crowd started shouting in unison.

Ji-hoon leaned closer, his voice low. “Happy New Year, Eun-ji.”

“Happy New Year, Ji-hoon.”

When the clock struck twelve, they exchanged a soft smile, their hands still intertwined. And as the cheers erupted around them, Eun-ji couldn’t help but feel like this was the start of something new—a chapter where love and friendship blended seamlessly together, creating something that felt both exciting and comforting.

---

The year had changed, and so had Eun-ji’s heart. As the city around them erupted in fireworks and celebration, she knew she was ready for whatever came next with Ji-hoon by her side. The future, once unclear, now seemed filled with endless possibilities.