In 4th grade, Minjin and Minjun ended up in the same classroom. They were starting a new chapter in their lives together. Minjun was quiet and kept to himself. He was still not engaging much with others. But Minjin's positivity and determination to befriend him made a difference.
Minjun began to lower his guard. He greeted Minjin with a nod or a soft "hello." While he seemed distant to other classmates, he changed how he interacted with her. And when she approached him during breaks, he no longer ignored her. He started to answer her questions and initiate conversation.
One day at lunch, Minjin sat next to Minjun in the cafeteria. She opened her lunchbox with a homemade meal from her father. Minjun had a simpler meal—just rice and a side dish.
Minjin noticed it, and she nudged her lunchbox closer to him. "Want to trade some bites?" she asked with a smile. "I have kimchi and extra mandu. My dad always packs too much!"
Minjun hesitated but eventually nodded. "Okay, maybe just one," he said quietly, sounding casual.
Minjin smiled widely and carefully gave him a dumpling. In return, Minjun slid a bit of his rice toward her. They ate in comfort, and for the first time, Minjun seemed to enjoy sharing lunch with her.
Their time together continued in the library. They sat at the same table with their books. And Minjin talked about what she was reading. Though Minjun usually nodded or made small sounds, he asked her about her interests and favorite stories. "Why do you like that book so much?" he asked one afternoon, glancing at the cover of her fantasy novel.
Minjin, surprised but excited, replied, "It's about a world of magic and adventure. It's so exciting to imagine it!"
Minjun nodded. "Maybe... I like more realistic stories."
Over the weeks, their friendship grew. They shared lunches and study sessions and often had tentative talks. Minjin stayed cheerful while Minjun opened up bit by bit. He learned he could trust Minjin because she genuinely wanted to be his friend.
Their classmates watched in surprise as the once cold and distant Minjun changed. Though still reserved around others, he seemed less alone, and he had always been accompanied by Minjin's cheerful friendship.
After classes, Minjun and Minjin went to the old music room at the end of the hall. It was dusty, and sunlight streamed through tall windows, lighting up the dust motes above the beloved, slightly out-of-tune grand piano.
Minjun would crack his fingers with a playful grin, while Minjin would warm her voice by humming. His fingers danced across the keys, creating music as her voice rose and fell in harmony. Their music echoed through the halls, drawing attention from curious classmates.
They practiced not just at school but also during family dinners. Once a month, their parents asked them to perform. In the cozy living room, Minjun played piano while Minjin sang beside him.
As the years went by, the friendship between the Park and Kang families grew closer. Family dinners became a tradition. These meals were filled with shared stories, creating a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
After dinner, Minjun and Minjin would visit the local arcade with their older brother, Kang Xiumin. He was approachable, which made Minjin feel at ease. She began calling him "oppa" and showing gentle protectiveness toward her.
In the lively chaos of the arcade, Minjin and Minjun would challenge each other to games.