As the days grew shorter and the air grew colder, late winter settled in with a quiet intensity. The landscape was draped in muted tones of gray and white, with frost clinging to the windowpanes and icicles melting in slow drips under the pale sunlight. The streets, once bustling with life, had quieted, save for the occasional gust of wind rustling through bare branches. Spring was only a week away, but winter held on stubbornly, like a last whisper before the warmth returned.

Inside the cozy warmth of the dining room, Uncle Baek approached Ji-Won, his expression a mix of warmth and seriousness, a small envelope clutched in his hand. “Won-Won,” he said softly, his voice tinged with affection as he held out the envelope.

Ji-Won, who had been lost in thought, blinked and took the envelope, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. He opened it slowly, revealing a sum of money and a passbook inside. His brow furrowed in bewilderment as he glanced between Uncle Baek and Byeong-Ho. “What’s this, Uncle?” he asked, his voice edged with surprise, a subtle tremor betraying his emotions.

Uncle Baek’s gaze softened, and he placed a comforting hand on Ji-Won’s shoulder, his touch gentle but firm. “This is all the money I’ve saved for your college,” he said, his voice calm but resolute. “You still have time to enroll and take the entrance exam, right?” There was an undercurrent of hope in his tone, as if he had been planning this for a long time.

Ji-Won’s eyes widened, disbelief washing over his face. He shook his head, immediately trying to hand the money and passbook back. “Uncle, this is too much,” he protested, his voice firm but laced with emotion. “I can’t take this—it’s your hard-earned money.”

Byeong-Ho, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward with an encouraging nod. “Hyung, just take it. It’s for you, right, Uncle?” he chimed in, his voice earnest, trying to bolster Ji-Won’s resolve.

Uncle Baek gently pushed Ji-Won’s hands back, refusing to take the passbook. “Don’t worry about me,” Uncle Baek insisted, a soft smile curling at the corners of his lips. “We have work here. And besides, I’ve already spoken to Byeong-Ho—he’s going back to school, too. You both must go.”

Byeong-Ho scratched his head, a sheepish grin playing on his face. “You heard him, Hyung. I’m going back to school.”

Ji-Won raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “You better make sure you do well this time,” he teased, narrowing his eyes with mock seriousness. “Or I’ll throw you into the ocean.”

Uncle Baek chuckled, his laughter light and full of warmth, as he playfully tapped Byeong-Ho on the head with the back of a spoon. “You’d better listen to your Hyung!”

“Hey! I’m serious!” Byeong-Ho protested, rubbing his head with an exaggerated pout, though his eyes sparkled with mischief.

Ji-Won’s expression softened as he looked back at Uncle Baek, a flicker of concern passing through his gaze. “Are you really sure you’ll be okay here without me, Uncle?” he asked, his voice quieter now, the weight of responsibility creeping in.

Before Uncle Baek could respond, Byeong-Ho puffed out his chest in a comical display of bravado. “Don’t worry, Hyung,” he said with a grin. “I’ll take care of Uncle. I’ll even carry him if his knees start to hurt.”

Uncle Baek rolled his eyes and pinched Byeong-Ho’s waist, making him yelp in surprise. “You’re joking too much!” Uncle Baek scolded lightly, though the smile on his face betrayed his affection.

“Ouch, Uncle, that hurts!” Byeong-Ho whined, rubbing his side with a dramatic frown. But the moment was light, filled with warmth and laughter, the kind of laughter that filled the room with a sense of belonging.

The three of them burst into laughter, their voices mingling in the cozy warmth of the dining room. As their laughter faded, Uncle Baek wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling as he leaned back in his chair. His tone grew more serious, but his warmth never faded. “So, Ji-Won, I’ll arrange your travel for tomorrow. You’ll head back to Seoul for the entrance exam, alright?”

Ji-Won nodded, his expression thoughtful. He then looked to Uncle Baek, concern flickering once more. “Are you sure you’ll manage here without us, Uncle?”

Uncle Baek smiled reassuringly and turned to Byeong-Ho, his eyes softening. “Byeong-Ho, go with your Hyung, okay? I’ll manage just fine. If you can’t make it back after the exam, don’t worry—just extend your stay at the hotel in Seoul. And don’t forget to visit Hye-Rin. I’m sure she’s missed you.”

Byeong-Ho blushed at the mention of Hye-Rin, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “Got it, Uncle,” he said, trying to play it cool but failing to hide his embarrassment.

Ji-Won shot Byeong-Ho a teasing smirk. "You better give Hye-Rin some good news this time. Who else would keep putting up with you now that she knows you're going back to school?" he teased, clearly hinting at Byeong-Ho's ongoing attempts to court her.

Byeong-Ho groaned in mock frustration, but the blush creeping up his neck was unmistakable.

Their laughter echoed through the room, the warmth of their teasing pushing away the last traces of winter, as spring quietly waited just around the corner.

***

The next morning, the ferry terminal buzzed with early activity, the pale sun struggling to pierce the veil of mist that hung over the water. Ji-Won and Byeong-Ho stood side by side near the dock, their breaths rising in soft clouds in the chilly air. The distant cry of seagulls mingled with the rhythmic sound of waves lapping gently against the pier as they prepared to board the first ferry bound for Seoul.

Uncle Baek approached them, his expression a mix of fondness and worry. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders, squeezing them gently. “You two take care of each other, okay? And don’t forget to call me as soon as you get there,” he said, his voice a little rough with emotion.

“Bye, Uncle! We’ll be back before you know it,” Ji-Won promised, offering a warm smile, though his eyes revealed a hint of sadness at leaving.

Trying to lighten the mood, Byeong-Ho gave Uncle Baek a playful salute, his grin wide. “Don’t worry, Uncle! I’ll make sure Hyung doesn’t get lost in Seoul,” he teased, puffing his chest in mock confidence.

The blare of the ferry’s horn cut through the mist, signaling its departure. Ji-Won and Byeong-Ho turned to Uncle Baek one last time, enveloping him in a firm, lingering hug, as if drawing strength from the embrace. Uncle Baek held on tightly before letting go, his eyes tracking them as they boarded.

From the deck of the ferry, Ji-Won and Byeong-Ho waved enthusiastically, their silhouettes shrinking against the backdrop of the vast, silver-blue sea. “Uncle!” Byeong-Ho shouted, his voice rising above the noise of the waves, his hand still raised in an exuberant wave.

“Don’t stand so close to the edge!” Uncle Baek called back, his voice tinged with both concern and affection. His gaze shifted to Ji-Won. “Ji-Won, make sure that fool doesn’t do anything reckless! Take care, both of you!” His words echoed over the water as the ferry slowly pulled away, leaving the dock and Uncle Baek’s figure growing smaller in the distance.

***

Byeong-Ho sat nervously under the shade of a large tree on campus, fidgeting with his fingers as he waited for Ji-Won. His knee bounced with restless energy, and his eyes kept scanning the path leading from the Fine Arts building. After their close call with nearly missing the entrance exam due to a miscalculation in travel time, his nerves were still frayed. The tension from the morning hadn’t quite left him, and he could feel his heart pounding as he hoped Ji-Won had good news.

“Where’s Hyung? I hope he made it…” Byeong-Ho muttered under his breath, chewing on his lower lip. The minutes felt like hours as he stared down the road.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spotted Ji-Won approaching, clutching a piece of paper in his hand. Ji-Won’s expression was unreadable—calm but focused, making it impossible for Byeong-Ho to tell whether the news was good or bad. His stomach twisted in anticipation.

Byeong-Ho remained seated, watching Ji-Won’s every step. Normally, he’d have run over by now, but something in Ji-Won’s demeanor made him stay put, his eyes never leaving his hyung. When Ji-Won finally reached him, Byeong-Ho shot to his feet.

“Hey, Hyung! What’s up?” he called, trying to sound casual, but his voice betrayed the anxiety he was feeling.

Ji-Won’s lips twitched into a smile as he reached out, ruffling Byeong-Ho’s hair. “Did I make you wait too long?” he asked, his tone light, though his eyes held a glimmer of mischief.

“Nah, it’s fine! But…” Byeong-Ho leaned in closer, his eyes wide with anticipation. “How’d it go? What’s the result?” His voice trembled slightly, the tension palpable.

Ji-Won paused dramatically, drawing out the suspense as he tilted his head, pretending to think. “Hmmm…”

“Come on, Hyung! Don’t tease me like this!” Byeong-Ho’s impatience got the better of him as he leaned even further forward, his whole body tense with expectation.

A slow smile spread across Ji-Won’s face, and he finally answered, calm yet brimming with pride. “Of course, I made it.”

“Yehey!” Byeong-Ho’s cheer rang out as he threw his hands in the air, his excitement exploding. He practically jumped up and down. “Hyung, that’s amazing! Are we heading back to Uncle now to tell him?”

As they started walking, Ji-Won’s steps felt lighter with the good news, a grin still lingering on his face. “Do you forget that we need to stop somewhere first?”

"Where to?" Byeong-Ho asked, his curiosity piqued, momentarily forgetting who they were supposed to visit in all his excitement. "Don’t tell me you’re planning to visit the café?" He raised an eyebrow. "Hyung, you’ll just end up hurting yourself again. Besides, they’ve probably started renovations by now, and it’s probably a mess with all the construction."

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Ji-Won chuckled and shook his head. "No, not there. I can’t believe you forgot we’re supposed to visit Hye-Rin!" Ji-Won teased with a grin. "I’ll tell her later," he added with a laugh.

After leaving the campus, Ji-Won and Byeong-Ho hopped onto a crowded bus, the hum of the engine vibrating beneath their feet as they settled into their seats. The bus wound its way through the bustling streets of Seoul, the city alive with the energy of people rushing about. Ji-Won leaned his head against the window, watching the familiar skyline pass by.

As they stepped off the bus, their feet hitting the pavement with a sense of familiarity. Walking a short distance, they found themselves in front of the convenience store where Ji-Won had once worked part-time. The bright lights of the store glowed invitingly, and Ji-Won paused for a moment, glancing at the sign overhead. Memories flooded back as he took a deep breath, feeling the weight of nostalgia settle in.

Inside the familiar convenience store, Ji-Won’s gaze swept across the aisles, his eyes softening with nostalgia. The faint hum of the refrigerators and the neatly stacked shelves pulled him back to the countless shifts he’d worked there, trying to make ends meet. He took a deep breath, determined to find his footing again. Spotting the store owner at the counter, he strode forward, offering a respectful bow, his voice steady but carrying the weight of his need.

"Long time no see, Boss. I just wanted to ask if there's any chance I could work here part-time again after school?" Ji-Won asked, his hands clasped in front of him, betraying his quiet determination. "I need to save up for living expenses since I’ll be moving into a dorm."

The owner paused, studying Ji-Won’s face with thoughtful eyes. After a moment, his lips curved into a warm smile, his voice laced with familiarity. “Of course, Ji-Won. You’ve always been a hardworking kid, and I’d be happy to have you back.”

Relief washed over Ji-Won’s features, his shoulders visibly relaxing as he bowed again, this time more deeply, his gratitude evident in the way he held the gesture. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

Just then, the bell above the door jingled as Hye-Rin, one of the part-timers, spotted Ji-Won. Her face lit up instantly, and she bounded over with a wide grin, her energy infectious. "Oppa! You’re here!" she greeted Ji-Won excitedly.

Ji-Won smiled warmly and patted Hye-Rin on the head. "Yes, and I’ll be your buddy here again," he announced with equal excitement.

"I’m so glad you’re coming back! It’s going to be fun working together again. When are you—"

Before Hye-Rin could continue, Byeong-Ho—who had been quietly observing the interaction—saw an opportunity to tease her. He waved energetically, a mischievous smirk dancing on his lips. "Hey, Hye-Rin!"

Hye-Rin’s eyes shifted to Byeong-Ho, and in an instant, she playfully smacked his shoulder, unable to suppress her amusement. “You’re here too? I thought you’d already drowned in the ocean down in Jeju!” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mock surprise.

Byeong-Ho dramatically pouted, rubbing his shoulder as if she’d actually hurt him. “You’re always so mean to me!” he whined, though the twinkle in his eyes suggested he enjoyed their playful banter.

Hye-Rin crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow in mock authority. “You don’t deserve to be treated nicely, you troublemaker!”

In response, Byeong-Ho stuck out his tongue, retreating behind Ji-Won for cover. “Hyung, tell this Noona that I’m going back to school soon!” he bragged, peeking out from behind Ji-Won with exaggerated confidence.

Hye-Rin gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. “Who are you calling Noona? We’re the same age!” Her voice was full of mock indignation as she took a step toward him. “Get back here, Byeong-Ho, don’t you dare run away!” she laughed, giving chase, while Byeong-Ho ducked behind Ji-Won, using him as a shield.

Ji-Won chuckled at their antics, shaking his head with amusement. His eyes softened as he watched them, momentarily lost in their carefree energy. “Alright, that’s enough, you two. We’re in the convenience store—apologize to the boss.”

Hye-Rin straightened up quickly, casting an apologetic glance at the owner. “Sorry, Boss,” she muttered, though her eyes darted back to Byeong-Ho, her playful annoyance still bubbling beneath the surface.

Ji-Won glanced at his watch, the reminder of their schedule pulling him back to reality. “We should head back to the hotel,” he said, his tone more serious now. “We need to get up early tomorrow to catch the ferry back to Jeju.”

With one final bow to the boss, Ji-Won turned toward the door, motioning for Byeong-Ho to follow. But just as they were about to leave, Byeong-Ho turned back to Hye-Rin, a grin spreading across his face as he called out, “Hye-Rin! I’ll be back after I graduate, so don’t date anyone, okay? Wait for me!” His voice was light, but there was a genuine affection in his teasing words.

Hye-Rin’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she quickly turned away, flustered but smiling. She shook her head, trying—and failing—to hide the pleased smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible, Byeong-Ho,” Hye-Rin murmured, her voice soft but tinged with quiet amusement. “I don’t think it’ll ever happen,” she added, speaking to herself. Yet, there was a fleeting warmth in her tone—one that lingered in the air, heavy with an unspoken finality.

***

After Ji-Won and Byeong-Ho returned to Jeju, they eagerly shared the news with Uncle Baek, who was overjoyed that Ji-Won’s dream of going to college was finally becoming a reality. As the days passed, spring arrived—marking the time when Ji-Won would have to leave the island for school. Uncle Baek, trying his best not to be dramatic, held back his emotions, not wanting to make Ji-Won worry. He feared that if Ji-Won saw him sad, he might reconsider going to Seoul. But deep down, Uncle Baek knew he would miss Ji-Won terribly. For the past eighteen years, Ji-Won had always been by his side, never venturing too far or being gone for long. Yet, he also knew Ji-Won deserved this opportunity, and they both needed to move forward in life.

Now, back in Seoul, Ji-Won found himself navigating through the bustling campus with all his belongings in tow. The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast to the quiet island he had just left behind.

“Whaaaa… I just got here, but I already miss them,” Ji-Won muttered to himself, a wistful smile forming as he thought of Uncle Baek. The image of Uncle Baek trying to hide his tears as the ferry pulled away was still vivid in his mind.

As Ji-Won continued walking, he soon arrived at the dormitory. The modest three-story building stood before him, and his room, situated at the end of the hallway on the third floor, was waiting. It was meant for two students, but for now, Ji-Won had it all to himself, the other bed remaining vacant.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, a mix of excitement and homesickness settling over him. Ji-Won glanced around the bare room, feeling both the thrill of independence and the weight of solitude. "I should start unpacking and finish everything today. Tomorrow's the first day of class," he muttered, checking his schedule. "What’s my first class tomorrow?"

Determined to settle in, Ji-Won began unpacking, organizing his belongings with purpose. Hours passed, and as fatigue set in, his stomach growled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten. Stretching his back, he decided to take a quick shower before heading out to grab dinner.

As Ji-Won made his way downstairs, lost in thought about what to eat, a sudden clattering noise interrupted his train of thought. Boxes and random items tumbled down the stairs from the third floor, heading straight toward him.

"What the—?" Ji-Won raised his arms instinctively, shielding himself from the falling objects, bracing for the impact.

“Oh my god! Oppa, are you okay?” a frantic voice called out. Ji-Won looked up to see a young girl rushing down the stairs, trying and failing to catch the tumbling items.

“Oppa?” Ji-Won blinked, surprised at the honorific. He lowered his arms to get a better look at the girl, noticing her youthful appearance. “She’s calling me Oppa? She looks so young,” he muttered to himself.

The girl heard him and tilted her head, her eyes widening with concern. “What did you say, Oppa? Are you hurt anywhere?” she asked, her voice filled with genuine worry.

“No, no, I’m fine,” Ji-Won replied, brushing off the dust. “But what were you doing to cause all this to fall?”

“I was unpacking and needed to throw out these boxes and things I don’t need,” she explained, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment.

Ji-Won raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. “These look pretty heavy. You should’ve asked for help.”

She sighed, still looking embarrassed. “I don’t know anyone here yet, Oppa. It’s my first year.”

Understanding her situation, Ji-Won bent down to help her pick up the scattered items. “It’s alright, I’ll help you with this.”

“Oppa, it’s okay, I can handle it,” she protested, though her voice was tinged with gratitude.

“It’s fine, really. I was heading out anyway,” Ji-Won said with a reassuring smile, gathering the remaining items and placing them into the box. “I think that’s everything.”

Together, they carried the boxes down to the first floor. As they reached the trash area, the girl turned to him with a bright smile. “By the way, Oppa, I’m So-Jin.”

“Ji-Won,” he responded with a polite nod, offering her a friendly smile.

After placing the box in the trash bin, Ji-Won dusted off his hands. “You should be more careful next time, alright?”

So-Jin gave him a playful salute, her smile widening. “Alright, Oppa! But, where are you headed, anyway?”

“I was just going to grab some dinner,” Ji-Won said casually.

Her eyes lit up. “Perfect! Let’s eat together, Oppa! I’ll treat you to a meal,” she said, her voice filled with excitement.

Ji-Won chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm, and gently ruffled her hair. “Hahaha, there’s no need for that. But thanks for the offer.”

The exchange left Ji-Won feeling a little less alone, and as they walked together, he realized that despite the homesickness, new connections could make School feel a little more like home.

***

Ji-Won walked down the corridor, his eyes scanning the doors, searching for his classroom. The building was larger than he expected, and the maze of hallways made him feel a bit disoriented. His brow furrowed as he passed room after room, a hint of frustration creeping in. Just as he was about to double back, a familiar voice rang out from one of the nearby rooms.

“Oppa! Over here!” So-Jin’s voice broke through the chatter, her arm shooting up in an enthusiastic wave. She beamed, trying to catch Ji-Won’s attention. “There’s still a seat available next to me. Hurry up!”

Ji-Won’s lips curved into a warm smile as he spotted her. The tightness in his chest eased as he made his way toward So-Jin, who was seated in the fourth aisle, right in the middle of the room—prime seating with a clear view of the professor.

"Thanks, So-Jin," Ji-Won said, sliding into the seat next to her. He set his bag down, feeling more at ease now that he wasn’t lost anymore.

So-Jin grinned at him, her excitement clear. "Oppa, I didn’t expect us to have the same classes!" Her eyes sparkled with surprise, and she leaned slightly closer, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Ji-Won gave a small, teasing smile, raising one eyebrow. “Why not?”

She hesitated for a moment, then gave a sheepish laugh. “It’s just... I thought you were in a higher year than me,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing as she glanced down, embarrassed by her assumption.

Ji-Won chuckled softly, the sound almost a whisper. “Do I really look that old? Is that what you’re saying?” He leaned back slightly, his expression playful as he watched her scramble to explain herself.

So-Jin’s eyes widened, and she frantically waved her hands in front of her, her face turning a deeper shade of red. “No, no, Oppa! That’s not what I meant! You look great, really!”

His grin widened at her flustered reaction. Before he could tease her any further, the professor walked in, commanding the attention of the room. Ji-Won’s eyes shifted to the front, his posture straightening. He nudged So-Jin gently with his elbow, nodding toward the professor. “The class is starting,” he whispered, his smile still lingering. He placed a finger to his lips, signaling for her to quiet down.

So-Jin quickly bit her lip, suppressing a giggle, and turned her focus forward, her shoulders still shaking slightly from trying to hold back her laughter.

The lecture proceeded as expected, with the steady hum of students taking notes and the professor’s voice echoing through the room. Ji-Won’s attention drifted at times, but he stayed diligent, jotting down points, his eyes occasionally flicking toward So-Jin, who was now fully absorbed in the lecture.

After what felt like an hour, the professor finally dismissed the class, and the room buzzed with the sound of chairs scraping and bags zipping.

“Oppa, shall we head to our next class?” So-Jin asked, already gathering her notes in a hurried mess, excitement still dancing in her eyes.

Ji-Won, moving at a more relaxed pace, slung his bag over his shoulder with a nod. “Yeah, let’s go,” he said, his tone easygoing.

As they stepped into the hallway, Ji-Won’s demeanor remained calm, his long strides matching So-Jin’s quicker pace as she chattered away about the next subject. He listened with a relaxed smile, occasionally nodding or offering a quiet remark, his eyes drifting to the bustling students around them. Though So-Jin’s excitement bubbled over, Ji-Won found a sense of calm in her energy, their contrasting vibes balancing as they made their way to their next class together.

The story doesn't end here......