Memories of Autumn

A beautiful girl in her crisp college uniform stands by the mirror, gently combing her long brown hair. Her eyes shimmer with excitement, and a soft smile lingers on her lips. Soo Jin, her graceful elder sister, steps inside.

Soo Jin (teasing softly): Look at you, glowing like you’re about to meet the love of your life. Are you ready?

Hae In (placing the comb down, smiling): I’ve been ready since last night.

Soo Jin (laughing as she walks out): Then hurry up, little sister. Breakfast is waiting.

[Scene: Dining Room]

The table is beautifully set, sunlight pouring in through the windows. Hae In sits down, nibbling on her toast with excitement shining through. Soo Jin watches her, amused.

Soo Jin (with a fond smile): You can’t even hide it. You’re glowing with excitement—it’s your first day of college, after all.

Hae In (taking a small bite of toast, eyes sparkling): I’ve dreamed of this day for so long… it feels almost unreal.

Soo Jin (softly): And now it’s here. New places, new people… maybe even new love.

Hae In (blushing, glancing around): But where are Mom and Dad?

Soo Jin (sighs): They had to rush out early. A patient of theirs suffered a heart attack.

Hae In (with a faint sadness): Being a doctor… it must be such a heavy life. Always running to save others… even if it means leaving your own family behind.

Soo Jin (reaching across the table, gently holding her hand): One day, when I become a doctor, I might not always be by your side either… but remember this, Hae In—no matter how busy life gets, you’ll always have my heart.

Hae In (grinning cheekily): Of course you will. You’re my big sister—it’s in the job description.

(Just then, their older brother Joon Ho enters, loosening his tie as he sniffs the air dramatically.)

Joon Ho (teasing): Mmm… what is this heavenly smell? Did you guys finally decide to cook something edible?

Soo Jin (rolling her eyes): French toast. And it’s too good for you.

Joon Ho (grinning): Then pack it. My poor professors can’t survive without me today.

Soo Jin (standing up, suspiciously): Early class again? What’s the real reason? A secret girlfriend?

Joon Ho (dropping into a chair, smirking): Please. Exams are coming up. Unlike you two, some of us actually study.

(Soo Jin goes to the kitchen. Joon Ho leans toward Hae In with a mischievous grin.)

Joon Ho: So, little one… today’s the big day? First day of college?

Hae In (pouting): Yes. Which means you can stop calling me “little one.” I’m officially an adult now.

Joon Ho (laughing): Adult? Don’t make me laugh. Just promise me one thing—no pranks. I still remember the calls I got from your teachers in school.

Hae In (mock offense): Yah! That was ages ago! Besides, I was just… creatively entertaining the class.

Joon Ho (narrowing his eyes, teasing): Uh-huh. Call it whatever you want. Just don’t embarrass the family name on day one.

Hae In (smirking): Don’t worry. If I embarrass anyone, it’ll only be you.

(Soo Jin returns, handing Joon Ho his bag.)

Soo Jin: Here. Lunch and books. Try not to lose either.

Joon Ho (standing, slinging the bag over his shoulder): No promises.

Hae In (mock serious): And don’t bother coming home tonight. Stay in your dorm. The house is quieter without you.

Joon Ho (ruffling her hair and tugging playfully): Still bossy, huh? Just remember—no pranks, or I’ll drag you back home myself.

Hae In (shouting after him as he leaves): Oppa! My hair! Do you know how long it takes to make it perfect?!

(Joon Ho’s laughter echoes as he exits. Soo Jin and Hae In exchange a look and burst out laughing.)

Soo Jin (glancing at the clock): Hae In, you should get going—you don’t want to be late on your very first day.

Hae In (slinging her bag over her shoulder, smiling): Okay, unnie, I’m heading out.

Soo Jin (half-teasing, half-serious): Don’t just say it—go. Before I have to drag you there myself.

Hae In (laughs, stepping out the door): Arasseo, I’m going! Wish me luck!

Soo Jin (calling after her, softly but firmly): Do well today, Hae In. Make it a day worth remembering.

The law students are already seated, waiting. The door opens, and the professor walks in with a neat stack of papers in his hand. The room falls quiet.

Professor (placing the papers on the desk): Before we begin today’s lecture, I have something important to share—the results of the assignments you submitted last month.

Every student sits up straighter, eyes fixed on him.

Professor (scanning the papers, then smiling): The top position goes to… Kim Hyun Joon. Congratulations.

The room fills with clapping. Hyun Joon’s face lights up, though he bows his head modestly.

Professor (warmly): Well done, Hyun Joon. Keep this up—you’re setting a fine example.

Hyun Joon (standing briefly, voice steady): Thank you, sir.

Professor (addressing the class): This is your final semester. You’ve all chosen law, not just as a subject, but as a responsibility. I expect you to become lawyers who bring pride to this country.

The students nod, the atmosphere serious but inspired.

Professor (continuing): Your final exams are close. Remember, the one who excels will not only earn a permanent lawyer’s license after internship, but also secure a position at one of Seoul’s top law firms. That’s the kind of opportunity people dream about.

The class erupts in applause, excitement buzzing through the air. The professor gestures for quiet, then begins his lecture. Hours later, the bell rings. Students gather their books, chatting and laughing as they file out.

Hyun Joon steps into the hallway, his bag slung over one shoulder. Just outside the door, his close friend leans casually against the wall, waiting for him.

Hyun Joon (raising a brow): What are you doing here? Don’t you usually sleep through mornings?

Joon Ho (grinning): Yah, I came early today. Don’t look so shocked.

Hyun Joon (teasing): Early? Your class doesn’t start for another hour. What’s the real story?

Joon Ho (groaning): The professor moved the lecture earlier. I had to drag myself here without even eating breakfast.

Hyun Joon (concerned): Then let’s grab something to eat. You’ll faint in the middle of class at this rate.

Joon Ho (shaking his head): No need. My sister packed food for me. I already wolfed it down.

Hyun Joon (smiling faintly): Then let’s head back to the dorm for a bit before your next class.

They start walking together, the campus buzzing with life around them. Hyun Joon’s expression softens as his thoughts drift inward.

Hyun Joon (narration/inner voice):

My name is Kim Hyun Joon. I’m studying law not just to earn a title, but to keep a promise. There was someone who once wanted nothing more than justice… yet never received it. That injustice burned into me, and I swore I would never stand by helplessly again. Becoming a lawyer isn’t just a dream—it’s the path I’ve chosen to make things right.

Hae In walks into the canteen after class. Her friend, Bo Mi, waves and runs up to her.

Bo Mi (cheerfully): Hae In, your class is done?

Hae In (nodding): Yeah, just finished. What about you?

Bo Mi: I still have one more lecture left, then I’m free.

Hae In (smiling): Hungry?

Bo Mi (grinning): Always. Let’s grab something.

They each buy sandwiches and sit on a bench outside. Both take a bite.

Hae In (pleased): Mmm, this is really good.

Bo Mi (laughing): Right? Best thing in this whole canteen.

After a moment of silence, Hae In speaks curiously.

Hae In: Tell me honestly… are medical subjects really that tough?

Bo Mi (shrugs): Not really. So far, it’s manageable. Why do you ask? You should’ve joined me in medicine. I told you before—if you had, we’d be in the same class now.

Hae In (smiling faintly): You know me, Bo Mi. I never liked medicine.

Bo Mi (frowning): But why? Your parents are doctors, your sister too. It runs in your family.

Hae In (voice softens): Exactly. And that’s the problem. My parents are always buried in work, and my sister… she hardly has time for herself anymore. I don’t want to live like that. That’s why my brother and I chose computer science instead.

Bo Mi (curious): But your parents agreed so easily? That’s surprising.

Hae In (smirking): Not really. My brother came up with a smart excuse—he said he needed to learn computers to help manage digital hospital records. And I just repeated the same excuse. They had no choice but to agree.

Bo Mi suddenly looks straight ahead, narrowing her eyes.

Bo Mi (pointing): Hae In, look over there… isn’t that Choi Na Ri?

Hae In (following her gaze): Yeah, that’s her. What’s she up to now?

Bo Mi: Wait… she’s staring right at us. Uh-oh, looks like she’s coming this way.

Na Ri struts over, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Na Ri: Well, what a coincidence. Both of you here. Especially you, Hae In. You know, whenever I see your face, my day gets lucky.

Hae In (raising an eyebrow, annoyed): Then don’t forget that. Because if my face makes you lucky, you’d better hope to see me every single day.

Bo Mi (whispering, trying to calm her): Hae In, relax. Don’t start.

Na Ri (smirking): Couldn’t find another college, huh? So you decided to follow me here?

Hae In (snapping back): Excuse me? Don’t flatter yourself. If anyone followed, it was you trailing after me.

Na Ri (rolling her eyes): Ugh, I don’t want to ruin my mood talking to you.

Hae In (coldly): Then walk away. No one asked you to stay.

Na Ri glares, then storms off. Hae In sits back down, still fuming. Bo Mi shakes her head with a sigh.

Bo Mi: You two never change. You fought all through school, and now you’re planning round two in college?

Hae In (muttering): I can’t stand her. She’s like a witch who shows up everywhere.

Bo Mi (grinning, nudging her): Enough, witch-talk. Come on, don’t waste your mood on her. Why don’t we go to the park later?

Hae In (confused): The park? Why?

Bo Mi (smiling): Autumn just started. The trees are turning golden, the whole place looks beautiful. Trust me, it’ll calm you down.

Hae In (finally smiling a little): Fine… after college then.

The door creaks open as Joon Ho and Hyun Joon step inside. Their two roommates look up from their desks.

Roommate 1 (grinning): Oh, look who’s here.

Joon Ho (dropping his bag onto a chair): Yeah, yeah, I’m here. Don’t act like you missed me.

Roommate 2 (leaning forward): Forget you. I heard people clapping for Hyun Joon today in law class. What was that about?

Joon Ho (teasing): Really? You’re the one spreading the news?

Hyun Joon (calmly): Nothing big. I just came first in the assignment, that’s all.

Roommate 1 (excited): “That’s all”? Come on, you owe us a party for that!

Roommate 2 (nodding): Exactly. Don’t act humble now.

Joon Ho (laughing): No party for you guys. If he’s throwing one, it’ll be just for me. I’m his childhood friend.

Roommate 1 (pretending to be offended): What’s that supposed to mean? We live in the same room! Roommates deserve equal rights!

Hyun Joon (serious, shaking his head): Enough, guys. Exams are coming up. If you have so much energy, use it on your books instead of planning parties.

Roommate 2 (muttering): You’re such a buzzkill, Hyun Joon.

Hyun Joon picks up a stack of books and slings his bag over his shoulder.

Joon Ho (raising an eyebrow): Hey, where are you off to? Don’t tell me you’re upset over the party jokes.

Hyun Joon (calm, walking to the door): I’m not upset. I just can’t study with all your noise. I’ll be back later.

Without waiting for a reply, Hyun Joon leaves. The others exchange looks.

Roommate 1 (sighing): He really is different from us.

[Scene: Park]

The evening air is crisp with the scent of autumn leaves. Hyun Joon finds a quiet bench under a wide tree, places his bag down, and opens his books. As the golden light filters through the branches, he dives into his studies, focused and determined.

Hae In and Bo Mi stroll into the quiet park, the golden leaves crunching beneath their shoes.

Bo Mi (smiling): See? This is the park I was telling you about. Hardly anyone comes here.

Hae In (looking around softly): I remember… I came here once when I was little. Everything feels smaller now. When did you start coming here?

Bo Mi (nostalgic): My dad used to bring me here when I was a kid. Brings back memories.

They walk along the path. Bo Mi suddenly points ahead.

Bo Mi: Look, that bench over there.

Hae In (squinting): Oh… someone’s studying.

Bo Mi (grinning): And what do you think?

Hae In (observing quietly): He seems… focused. Like nothing in the world matters except those books.

Bo Mi (rolling her eyes, teasing): That’s not what I meant! Look properly—he’s handsome too.

Hae In (flustered): You’re just imagining things.

Bo Mi (laughing): I’m not the only one. See those girls over there? They’re staring at him like he’s a movie star. But look at him—he doesn’t even notice. His whole world is inside those pages.

Hae In tilts her head back and suddenly notices something above them.

Hae In (pointing up): Bo Mi! Look at that tree.

Bo Mi (looking up): What is it?

Hae In: All the maple leaves are dry and brown… except that one. See? A single red leaf.

Bo Mi (eyes widening): You’re right. It’s glowing against all the others.

Hae In (smiling softly): Do you know what that means?

Bo Mi (grinning): That’s a lucky leaf, isn’t it?

Hae In (nodding): Yes. But it’s too high. How will we ever reach it?

Bo Mi (playful): Easy—we’ll need someone tall enough to grab it for us.

[Scene: Hae In rushes home]

Soo Jin notices her sister bursting through the door, out of breath.

Soo Jin (surprised): Hae In, what’s wrong? Why are you back so early?

Hae In (anxious): Where’s brother?

Soo Jin: Joon Ho? He didn’t come today.

Hae In (confused): Didn’t come? What do you mean?

Soo Jin: He said he’d stay in his dorm tonight.

Hae In quickly runs to her room, grabs her phone, and dials Joon Ho.

Hae In (on phone, urgent): Hello! Brother?

Joon Ho (calm): What’s with the panic?

Hae In: Where are you?

Joon Ho: In my dorm. Why?

Hae In (pleading): Can’t you come home right now?

Joon Ho (teasing): Didn’t you just tell me not to come home today?

Hae In (impatient): But this is different—it’s urgent!

Joon Ho (suspicious): Urgent? What happened?

Hae In (blurting out): I saw a red maple leaf in the park!

Joon Ho (blank pause): …And?

Hae In (earnest): It’s a lucky leaf. But it’s too high—I can’t reach it. You’re tall, you can pluck it for me. Please, brother, just this once!

Joon Ho (laughing): Seriously? I thought it was life or death. I’ve got work to do. Deal with your leaf yourself. Bye!

He hangs up. Hae In glares at her phone, frustrated.

Hae In (grumbling): Just wait till he comes home—I’ll make him regret it. What if someone else takes that lucky leaf before me?

Hae In rushes toward the gate, determination written on her face.

Soo Jin (calling out): Where are you running off to now?

Hae In (climbing onto her bicycle): Don’t worry—I’ll be back soon!

Without waiting for an answer, she pedals quickly down the road. The sun is dipping low, painting the sky orange and gold. By the time she reaches the park, the air is cool and quiet. People are leaving, their laughter and chatter fading into the distance. The park grows still, shadows stretching across the ground.

Then, Hae In’s eyes fall on a familiar bench.

Hae In (softly, to herself): Everyone’s gone home… but he’s still here. Still studying.

As Hae In walks through the quiet park, a soft breeze blows. Her handkerchief slips from her pocket and drifts away with the wind. She rushes after it.

The handkerchief slides across the path and finally comes to rest near a bench. Hae In hurries forward, bending down to pick it up.

At that very moment, her eyes lift—and meet the gaze of the boy sitting on the bench. His books are open, but his attention is no longer on the pages. For the first time, their eyes lock.

Hae In’s hair dances lightly in the evening wind, the golden sunset reflecting in her sparkling brown eyes. In that soft glow, her face seems even more radiant, as if the moment itself was waiting for them to see each other.