Group Learning

On the second floor of the old, long-abandoned house, laughter and chatter filled the largest room. This was where the study group gathered, their textbooks sprawled open before them, ready to face a long night of exam preparation. The atmosphere of focus was beginning to settle in when, suddenly, soft footsteps echoed from the creaky wooden stairs.

All eyes turned toward the door as a woman appeared Jo Seong-ja, the mother of one of the group members. She carried a tray laden with fruits and snacks. Her smile was warm and gentle, though her eyes sparkled with an unspoken love that was unmistakable. In this house, her youngest son, Jun-woo, meant everything to her. Yet, despite being her only son, Jo Seong-ja had never indulged him. Instead, worry often clouded her heart. Jun-woo, talented as he was in photography, seemed indifferent toward his studies.