The sun was dipping low, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose—the perfect golden hour. Ha eun is sitting in the balcony scrolling her phone. She saw her friend’s post where recently she posted with a new friends saying

#GoldenHour. She start getting curious about the group. She asked her friends did she joined the new group or is this something about new group like Ingo or smth else.

Ji-ah (her friend) replied : No this is a group where all the youths go outdoor for fun and

explore new things by going differrent places. Yaa!! Ha eun would you like to join? This group is very much good to joing and you also like to outdoor,isn’t it?

Ha eun thinks before she replied and after a while she responsed with - I will let you know if i change my mind.

Ji-ah- okay!!!!

Its been a week she follows Golden hour group their insta and other social media platforms.

She couldn’t divert her mind from that group.

Suddenly Her friend Ji-ah called her.

Ji-ah: Ha-eun we are planning to go Bukhansan National Park (북한산) after a days would you like to join?

Ha eun: oh mmmm i will let you know this night.

Ji-ah : Don’t be ambivalent person all the time. It doesn’t leads you anywhere just listen your heart and do as your heart whisper okay!!!!

Ha eun: i understand.

Phone is hang up!!!

For an hour she starts thinking about what she will do.

She took a deep breath and called her friend.

Before she could speak up her friend speak

Jiah: so its confrim that you are going?

Ha eun: ya i think i will.

Jiah: so tommorrow at 6:00 Am i will come your home to pick you.

Today was her first day with Golden Hour, the group she had been curious about for weeks.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine as Ha-eun adjusted the straps of her backpack. She felt a flutter in her chest—part excitement, part hesitation.

Ji ah and her group came to pick her infront of her house.

All the new groups said hi to her. She smiled and bow to them.

She entered the car where all the new faces were there.

Ji-ah : Now lets gooo!!!!!!!

Soe-yeon( part of the Golden Hour ) : Ahhh Min jae is coming so lets get him first first.

Joon-ho( Part of the Golden Hour ) : That perk He always make late to come over lets go.

Ha eun is enjoying by all the reaction made by Min jae comming late. She smiled.

They goes infront of the Min jae’s home.

Joon ho loudly called him saying yaaaaaaa min jaeeeeee perk come fast.

Min jae arrived there running and breathing heavily. Goes inside the car sitting with Ha eun.

He slowly looks at her and asked other is she new.

Soe-yeon: ya she is friend of Ji-ah

Ji ah pat her shoulder proudly.

Min-jae : oh ji-ah dongsaeng(small sis)’s friend

So whats dongsaeng’s name ? (Looking at Ha-eun)

Ha eun: Ha eun.

Min jae : oh. Guys lets go.

They took off.

The group started walking along the trail of Bukhansan National Park, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting playful patterns on the path. Birds chirped overhead, and the distant murmur of the city was replaced by rushing streams and rustling trees.

As they climbed higher, Ha-eun felt herself slipping into a quiet rhythm, noticing the small details: the way Min-jae paused to help her.

Minjae : Dongsaeng-a be carefull.

He goes first.

Ha eun didn’t paid attention much to him.

By midday, the group had reached a clearing with a breathtaking view of Seoul sprawling below. They laughed, shared snacks, and took turns taking photos. Ha-eun sat slightly apart, sketching the mountains in her notebook. Min jae noticed she is drawing something he slowly looked at notebook and nodded head.

As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in soft gold and rose, the group prepared to head back. The trail back was quieter, filled with the gentle crunch of leaves underfoot and occasional laughter that echoed among the trees. Ha-eun’s heart was full—of joy.

The city skyline slowly appeared as the group descended from the trails of Bukhansan. The sky had been clear just moments ago, but now dark clouds rolled in, and before anyone could react, heavy raindrops began to fall.

“Ah! Run!” Ji-ah shouted, laughing as she grabbed Ha-eun’s hand. The others sprinted toward the parking lot, slipping and splashing through puddles. By the time they reached the car, everyone was soaked, hair plastered to their faces and clothes clinging uncomfortably.

Ha-eun quickly shook off the water from her hair, only to notice Min-jae brushing his own wet strands back from his face. For a split second, their eyes met.

“Just… wet,” he said with a small grin, trying to sound casual. Then, with a teasing glance, he added, “So… did you get wet too?”

Ha-eun’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly shook her head, smiling awkwardly.

“No, no… not really.”

The car filled with quiet chuckles and playful teasing as they started driving toward the city.

After a few minutes, Seok-jin, sitting in the back, suddenly spoke up.

“Hey, everyone! Let’s stop by my mom’s restaurant. We can grab something to eat before heading home. It’ll be warm and cozy, and we need to dry off anyway.”

The group eagerly agreed, the mood lifting despite the wet clothes.

The car slowed as they arrived at Seok-jin’s mom’s restaurant, the warm glow of lanterns spilling out onto the wet pavement. Ha-eun hesitated at the entrance, tugging slightly at her soaked sleeves. She felt a flutter of awkwardness—was it really okay for her to come along?

Ji-ah noticed immediately and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Yaaa, it’s okay! We’re all friends now, so it doesn’t matter,” she said cheerfully.

Seo-yeon, standing beside Ha-eun, patted her shoulder gently.

“Yes, it’s okay. He’s like our brother, and his mom knows us. And… just one thing—don’t ask about his father, because he doesn’t have one.”

Ha-eun blinked, her confusion showing clearly. She turned to Ji-ah.

“What… what is she saying?”

Ji-ah gave a quick, conspiratorial grin.

“Don’t mind her words. I’ll explain later. First, let’s go inside before we all freeze out here.”

Ha-eun nodded slowly, letting herself be guided by Ji-ah. Her chest felt light but strange, a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

As soon as they stepped inside, the familiar smell of warm broth and freshly cooked dishes wrapped around them. The cozy restaurant was simple but welcoming, with wooden tables and soft lights glowing against the rainy backdrop.

From the kitchen, a cheerful voice called out, “Omo! These kids!”

Seok-jin’s mom came rushing out, wiping her hands on her apron. She stopped in front of them, her expression half worried, half scolding.

“How many times do I need to tell you? Be careful on every trip, whenever you go outside! Look at you—all soaked! I told Seok to take a raincoat, but did he listen?”

Seok-jin scratched the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly.

“Mom, it’s fine. We’re all good now. But…” He glanced at the group, his stomach growling loudly enough to make everyone laugh. “…we’re all hungry.”

The others nodded in agreement, some giggling at his honesty.

His mom sighed dramatically but then chuckled, her eyes softening.

“Fine, fine. Come, sit down. I’ll bring you some food. Warm soup will fix you all.”

The group cheered lightly, finding a big table near the window. Ha-eun sat down quietly, watching how naturally everyone interacted with Seok-jin’s mom. She envied the closeness, the way they felt like family, yet she also felt something inside her shift—like she was slowly becoming part of this circle too.

⸻

The table was filled with laughter, the clinking of chopsticks, and the comforting aroma of soup and sizzling dishes. Ji-ah was busy retelling a funny story from their hike, while Dong-wook and Joon-ho argued over who slipped the most on the trail. Min-jae, as usual, ate quietly, occasionally smiling at their antics.

In the middle of all this noise, Seok-jin’s mom’s gaze landed on Ha-eun.

“And who’s this?” she asked warmly, setting down another bowl of steaming stew.

Seok-jin leaned back in his chair, grinning.

“Oh, she’s new to our group—Ji-ah’s friend. Her name is Ha-eun.”

Startled by the sudden attention, Ha-eun quickly bowed her head politely.

“Ah… hello. I’m Ha-eun.”

His mom smiled kindly, her eyes soft with motherly warmth.

“So, are you having fun with these kids?”

Ha-eun hesitated for a moment, then offered a shy smile.

“Mmm… yes. It’s nice to meet these new faces.”

The whole group smiled at her words, Ji-ah giving her a little nudge under the table, as if to say see, you belong here too.

For Ha-eun, the moment felt simple, but something inside her eased. In that small restaurant, surrounded by laughter and warmth, she realized that maybe she wasn’t just an outsider anymore.

The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time they stepped out of the restaurant. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of wet earth and city lights reflecting off the puddles. Seok-jin stayed behind to help his mom close the restaurant, waving goodbye with a grin.

The rest of the group piled into the car, laughter still lingering from dinner. Just as Dong-wook started the engine, Min-jae cleared his throat.

“Actually… I have something to do. I won’t be going with you guys.”

Everyone turned to look at him in surprise. Seo-yeon, never one to hold back, raised an eyebrow.

“Something? What’s that supposed to mean? Don’t tell me you’re sneaking off to meet your chick?”

Her tone was teasing, sharp enough to make the others chuckle.

Min-jae shot her a dry look, running a hand through his still-damp hair.

“Shut up. I have things to do, okay? Just go.”

The group burst into laughter, the car echoing with their voices. Ha-eun sat quietly in the corner, watching Min-jae’s calm but slightly embarrassed expression.

Then Joon-ho leaned forward dramatically, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Mmmm… guys, maybe I should also go. Dong-wook can drive you all home.”

Seo-yeon and Ji-ah groaned in unison, rolling their eyes so hard it was almost theatrical.

“Oh my gosh, not you too!” Ji-ah exclaimed.

Seo-yeon smacked the back of Joon-ho’s seat. “Stop acting like you’re in some K-drama, loser!”

But Joon-ho only winked, slipping out of the car with a playful salute. Min-jae didn’t even glance back—he was already walking into the night, calm and unbothered.

“Unbelievable,” Seo-yeon muttered, folding her arms. “Those two always act like the world revolves around them.”

Dong-wook chuckled, starting the car. “Relax. Let them play mysterious heroes or whatever. At least we’ll have more space in the car.”

Laughter broke out again, but Ha-eun remained quiet.