Episode 2: The Comfort of Constants

Eunji stepped onto campus, the familiar sounds of students bustling about filling the air. The morning had settled into its usual rhythm, and the soft hum of conversations and hurried footsteps greeted her. She adjusted the strap of her bag and began walking toward the cafe near the library, where she usually met Hyeri and Rora before their first class of the day.

As she rounded the corner near the fountain, she spotted them instantly. Hyeri was perched on the edge of a stone bench, one leg crossed over the other, her messy ponytail swaying with each exaggerated motion of her hands as she talked. Rora sat next to her, her arms folded and an amused smile on her face as she listened.

Eunji smiled at the sight of them—her two constants. She quickened her pace, the weight of the day’s demands momentarily lifting at the thought of seeing them.

“Hey, you two,” Eunji called out as she approached.

Hyeri’s head snapped toward her, her eyes lighting up. “Eunji!” she exclaimed, her voice loud enough to make a few nearby students glance over. “You’re here! I thought you were going to skip out on us today!”

Rora, more composed but equally happy to see her, gave a soft wave. “Glad you could make it. We were just talking about the assignment for tomorrow.”

Hyeri groaned at the mention of the assignment. “Don't remind me. That essay on modern art? I swear, I can’t even keep up with half the terms they use. I just make up stuff and hope for the best.” She threw her hands up in mock surrender, leaning back dramatically.

Eunji chuckled and sat down next to them, her bag sliding off her shoulder. “You should at least try, Hyeri. I’m pretty sure ‘making up stuff’ isn’t going to work this time.”

Hyeri grinned. “I’m just going to draw a smiley face and call it ‘expressionism.’ If they don’t get it, that’s their problem.”

Hara rolled her eyes but smiled warmly. “If only life were that simple, right?”

Eunji leaned back against the bench, settling into the comfortable silence between the three of them. There was something reassuring about being with her friends—something that didn’t require explanation. They had been through late-night study sessions, coffee runs, and countless moments of laughter, and it was those moments that always brought her back to herself, even when things felt heavy.

“So, Eunji,” Rora began, breaking the quiet. “Have you thought more about that art exhibit we mentioned last week? The one at the gallery downtown?”

Eunji had forgotten about it for a moment, but now the thought of it stirred something in her. The idea of seeing her art displayed in a gallery—of her work being appreciated beyond the walls of her tiny studio—was both thrilling and terrifying. “I’ve been meaning to, but... I’m not sure if I’m ready yet.”

Hyeri nudged her shoulder. “You’re always ‘not sure.’ I get it, though. But, seriously, you should just go for it. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Eunji smiled, appreciating the encouragement, even if the fear still lingered. “I’ll think about it,” she said, her voice quieter now, more reflective.

The conversation shifted as they discussed other classes, plans for the weekend, and the usual mix of minor campus drama. The morning passed quickly in their easy chatter, and as the bell rang, signaling the start of their first class, they all stood up together.

Eunji slung her bag over her shoulder, as they began walking toward the lecture hall.

Eunji smiles, feeling the weight of the day ahead becomes just a little bit more bearable with her friends by her side. For now, she was ready to face whatever came next.

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