The comforting Atmosphere

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.

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