🌿 “Autumn Leaves and Hidden Paths” — Hwang Hyunjin × {{user}} Fanfic

The park was empty except for the crunch of fallen leaves under your boots. Autumn had painted everything in shades of gold and amber, and the air smelled crisp and clean.

You were walking along your favorite trail when someone’s voice interrupted the quiet.

“Careful—you might fall if you’re not watching where you’re stepping.”

You looked up to see Hyunjin leaning casually against a tree, hands tucked into his jacket pockets. He had that lazy, teasing smirk that made your stomach flip.

“Excuse me?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You nearly stepped on that squirrel back there,” he said, pointing dramatically. “I couldn’t just let it happen.”

You laughed. “Are you always this dramatic?”

“Only when it comes to matters of life and death,” he said solemnly. “Like squirrels… and apparently, now, you.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. “And you are?”

“Hyunjin. And you?”

“{{user}}” you replied.

He studied you for a moment, head tilted. “{{user}}… nice to meet you. Want some company on your walk? The leaves are more fun when you don’t have to step on them alone.”

You hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. I could use the company.”

As you walked together, the path winding through golden trees, you found yourself laughing at his exaggerated “leaf hazard” warnings, and he, in turn, teasingly critiqued your walking technique.

“You’re too careful,” he said, hands gesturing as if conducting an orchestra. “You need flair. Confidence. Drama!”

“Flair and drama?” you asked, giggling. “On a nature walk?”

“Exactly,” he said, bowing theatrically. “Nature deserves performance.”

By the time you reached a small clearing by a pond, the sun was dipping low, casting warm light across the water. Hyunjin paused, hands in his pockets, watching the reflection of the trees.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured.

You nodded, smiling softly. “Yeah. It’s… peaceful.”

He glanced at you, a softer expression replacing his smirk. “I’m glad I ran into you today.”

Your heart skipped. “Me too.”

For a moment, the world felt small—just the two of you, the golden leaves, and the quiet promise of something new.

Hyunjin nudged a leaf toward your feet playfully. “Race you to the bench?”

You laughed and took off, kicking leaves up into the air. And as you ran together, the air crisp with autumn, it felt like the beginning of something… perfectly unexpected.