Episode 14: A New Beginning

The campus was alive with energy as students hustled between classes, their voices mingling with the distant hum of the city. Eunji walked across the quad, her sketchbook tucked under her arm, her mind swirling with ideas for her next project. She had decided to focus on the concept of change—how fleeting moments in life leave an impression long after they’ve passed. It was something that had been on her mind lately, especially after the gallery visit and her conversation with Jiho.

She found her usual spot at the cafe on campus, a cozy corner by the window where the sunlight always seemed to hit just right. She pulled out her sketchbook, ready to start brainstorming, when she heard a familiar voice.

“Hey, mind if I join you?” Seojin appeared, his backpack slung over one shoulder, his usual calm demeanor softening into a more friendly smile.

Eunji smiled back, relieved by his presence. “Of course. I was just about to start working on my project.”

Seojin sat across from her, setting his coffee down on the table. He glanced at her sketchbook. “That looks interesting. What’s the project about?”

Eunji hesitated for a moment before explaining. “I want to explore how change happens in small, unnoticed moments—those things we don’t always think about, but that somehow leaves a mark on us. Like... like how you can walk past a certain spot every day, and one day, it’s different, and you don’t even realize when it happened.”

Seojin leaned back in his chair, considering her words. “I think I get what you mean. The way life shifts subtly, without us being aware of it at the time.” He smiled. “Sounds like a good idea. I think it’s going to turn out great.”

Eunji nodded, her fingers brushing over the page. She was excited about the concept, but also unsure. She had always been more comfortable with visual art, not words. But Seojin’s words gave her confidence.

Before she could dive further into her thoughts, Eunji heard a familiar laugh. Rora and Hyeri appeared at their table, both looking like they both looked like they just got to campus.

“Hey, you two,” Hyeri greeted, slipping into the chair next to Eunji. “What’s going on? You two seem deep in conversation.”

Rora, always the energetic one, jumped right into the seat beside Seojin, giving him a playful nudge. “So, this is the famous Seojin? Eunji’s been telling us about you.”

Seojin smiled politely, offering his hand. “Nice to meet you both. I’ve heard a lot about you, too.”

Eunji raised an eyebrow. “I’ve only mentioned the good stuff, I promise.”

Rora laughed. “I’m sure you have. You’re lucky to have him as a friend, Eunji.”

Seojin chuckled, a bit shy but clearly enjoying the banter. “It’s been great getting to know Eunji too.”

Eunji gestured toward her sketchbook. “I’m working on my art project. You guys can join in if you want. I’m still figuring out what direction to take.”

Hyeri leaned over, peering at the sketchbook. “Ooh, this looks like it could turn into something really meaningful. What’s the concept?”

Eunji explained again, her voice a little more animated this time as she shared her idea. Rora, who was always quick to offer her thoughts, nodded thoughtfully. “I like it. I think you should add some personal elements to it. Like, capture little moments from your own life. It’ll make it more real.”

Eunji smiled, taking in Rora’s suggestion. “Yeah, maybe I’ll do that. It would give the project more depth.”

Seojin, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. “I think it’s important to focus on those moments. Life changes, but it doesn’t always have to be obvious. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.”

Eunji glanced at him, surprised by how closely his words aligned with her own thoughts. It was as though they were on the same wavelength, and she felt a little more at ease about her project.

They spent the next hour chatting, each contributing their own thoughts to Eunji’s project, bouncing ideas off one another. Hyeri mentioned how her own art had always been inspired by emotions rather than landscapes, and Rora added that she often drew inspiration from the people around her—how their presence could change the atmosphere of a space without anyone realizing.

When the conversation turned to their upcoming plans, Seojin briefly mentioned a business presentation he had been preparing for. Eunji listened with interest, though she had a hard time picturing him in a corporate setting. Seojin was so much more laid-back than most of the business students she had met.

“Don’t you get nervous before these things?” Eunji asked, genuinely curious.

Seojin shrugged. “I get a little nervous, but I like the challenge. It’s what keeps me focused.”

Eunji couldn’t help but feel a little lighter, surrounded by her friends and Seojin. There was something comforting about how easily they all connected, like old friends who had known each other forever. Despite the complexities of their lives, in this moment, it felt simple. They were all just people, enjoying the little moments, making small changes that, over time, would shape who they were becoming.

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