The night etched in memory

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.

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