Autumn Calculus

Ch.28.

The start of the new year had brought with it a wave of warmth that Eun-ji hadn’t expected. As she sat in her favorite spot in the university library, her thoughts kept drifting back to Ji-hoon, to their quiet moments together, and to the undeniable connection they were building. She was still navigating her feelings, but it felt different now—more real, less complicated. And that was a feeling she could embrace.

Today, however, she wasn’t just thinking about Ji-hoon. Her mind was also preoccupied with a new, unexpected development. One of her closest friends from high school, Min-seo, had recently moved back to Seoul after studying abroad in the States. Eun-ji hadn’t seen her in years, and the two of them had always shared a bond that felt unshakable. But now, with everything changing so quickly in her own life, Eun-ji wondered how their friendship would fit into the current version of her world.

Her phone buzzed on the table, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Min-seo.

Min-seo: "Long time no talk! Can we catch up this weekend? I miss you!"

Eun-ji smiled at the text, feeling the familiar rush of excitement. She hadn’t realized just how much she missed her friend. A part of her felt like her life had gotten so busy recently, but this was the perfect opportunity to reconnect.

Eun-ji: "Of course! I’ve missed you too. Let’s grab coffee and catch up."

Her phone buzzed again almost instantly.

Min-seo: "Perfect! I’ll meet you at the café we used to go to. Saturday at 3 PM?"

Eun-ji: "Sounds good! Can’t wait!"

---

Saturday arrived, and Eun-ji found herself walking into the café with an eager smile on her face. The place hadn’t changed much since they last visited together. The familiar scent of coffee and pastries filled the air, and the cozy atmosphere immediately brought back memories of high school. She glanced around, scanning the room for Min-seo.

And then she saw her—a sight that felt like a burst of sunshine. Min-seo was sitting by the window, her back to Eun-ji, but the moment Eun-ji made eye contact, she was met with a beaming smile.

"Eun-ji!" Min-seo called out, her voice filled with excitement.

Eun-ji’s heart skipped a beat as she hurried over to the table. "Min-seo! It’s been way too long!" she said as they hugged.

"I know, right?" Min-seo laughed, pulling away slightly to take a good look at her friend. "You look so different, but still the same. How’s life? Tell me everything!"

Eun-ji chuckled, sitting down across from her. "Where do I even start? So much has happened since we last talked. But I guess... I’m doing really well. I’ve been busy with school, of course, but I’ve also been spending more time with some people I never thought I’d get so close to."

"That’s good to hear! And is there anyone special in your life?" Min-seo raised an eyebrow, her playful grin teasing Eun-ji.

Eun-ji flushed a little but smiled, remembering Ji-hoon’s smile from the New Year’s party. "There is... someone. But it's kind of complicated, I guess. I’m still figuring things out."

Min-seo gave her a knowing look. "Eun-ji, you were always the more reserved one, but I can tell you're happy. And that's all that matters."

Eun-ji laughed nervously, appreciating her friend’s insight. "I hope so. It’s just that everything feels so... new. But in a good way, I think."

The conversation flowed easily from there, with both of them catching up on everything that had happened in their lives. Eun-ji found herself laughing more than she had in weeks, reminding her just how important it was to stay connected to her roots, to the people who knew her before everything changed.

---

As they wrapped up their coffee date, Min-seo stood up and stretched. "It was so good to see you again, Eun-ji. I’m really glad we could meet up."

"Same here," Eun-ji replied, her smile widening. "We need to do this more often."

Min-seo smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with something familiar. "Absolutely. And don’t forget, you can always count on me if you need anything. You’ve got this. I know you do."

Eun-ji felt a rush of gratitude for her friend’s words. Sometimes, it was easy to get caught up in the hustle of university life and forget the importance of true friendships. Min-seo had always been there for her, and now more than ever, Eun-ji realized how valuable those connections were.

As Min-seo waved goodbye and headed out of the café, Eun-ji couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of peace. The conversation with her friend had been just what she needed to refresh her perspective. It reminded her of the importance of balance—of not losing herself in the whirlwind of school, family, and Ji-hoon, but instead nurturing all the parts of her life that made her whole.

---

Later that evening, Eun-ji sat in her room, reflecting on her day. Her phone buzzed once again, this time with a text from Ji-hoon.

Ji-hoon: "How was your day? I’m thinking about you."

Eun-ji smiled as she typed her response.

Eun-ji: "It was really good! I met up with Min-seo today, and we had a great time catching up. How about you?"

A few moments passed before Ji-hoon’s reply came.

Ji-hoon: "I’m glad you had a good time. I was thinking, maybe we could go out this weekend? Just the two of us."

Her heart skipped a beat. There was something about his message that made her feel all warm inside. She had a feeling that this was the beginning of something even more beautiful.

Eun-ji: "I’d love that. Let’s make it happen."

As she set her phone down and gazed out the window at the stars, Eun-ji realized that life was full of new beginnings. Whether it was rekindling old friendships or exploring new relationships, she felt ready for whatever came next. With Ji-hoon, with Min-seo, and with all the people who mattered to her, Eun-ji knew that the future was waiting, and it was filled with endless possibilities.

---

In a world that was constantly changing, Eun-ji had learned one important thing: no matter how much time passed or how much things shifted, the people who truly mattered would always find their way back to each other. And that was a kind of magic she could hold onto.