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# Chapter 176: A Promise of Spring
Eun-seo stepped out of the pottery studio and made her way toward the riverbank. The warmth of spring hung thick in the air, and the breeze rolling off the water brushed against her cheeks, carrying with it the fresh scent of the river mingled with the earthy smell of soil. She watched the ice slowly breaking apart on the water’s surface, listened to the returning birds’ calls scattering along the embankment, and found herself remembering the promise she’d made to start anew with Min-jun. The trees lining the riverbank were unfurling fresh leaves in shades of green, and the stones glimmered as sunlight melted across them. The sound of the river and the chirping of birds seemed to lift her spirits.
As she walked along the river path, Eun-seo realized she’d arrived at Hacheon-ri’s five-day market. Today wasn’t a market day, so the square stood empty, yet locals had naturally gathered to chat among themselves. Eun-seo walked toward them, and Bok-soon, an elderly woman she knew well, called out to her. Her voice was warm, and Eun-seo found herself smiling in response. The older woman took her arm and gently led her along.
“Eun-seo! You came! It’s not a market day today, but Grandma’s made some rice. Come eat with us!” Bok-soon said, her voice warming Eun-seo’s heart. The scents of the market square, the sound of the river, and the murmur of voices all stirred something within her.
“Hello, Bok-soon. The square’s quiet today, isn’t it?” Eun-seo replied, recognizing the opportunity to taste the woman’s homemade cooking. Bok-soon held her arm as they walked along the riverbank together, and Eun-seo observed the people preparing for new beginnings all around them. The river continued its slow thaw, and the birds’ songs grew louder and clearer with each passing moment.
Spring meant new beginnings—Eun-seo understood that now. As she sat with Bok-soon to eat, listening to the conversations of the villagers and the river’s gentle murmur, her heart grew warm. The pottery pieces she and Min-jun had created in the studio were made by hands preparing for fresh starts. They had worked together to prepare for this new chapter, and spring was the season of renewal. Her mind filled with thoughts of Min-jun and the promise they’d made.
She imagined him in the pottery studio, his hands stilling as he looked at her, his gaze steady yet his fingers moving across the clay as if playing music. His hand movements felt like a melody to her, and the light in his eyes captivated her heart. She could feel the way his hands touched something deep within her.
After finishing her meal with Bok-soon, Eun-seo walked along the riverbank thinking of Min-jun. Her mind was filled with thoughts of preparing for their new beginning together. The river’s voice and the birds’ songs lifted her spirit. She knew she needed to return to the pottery studio to continue preparing for this new start with him. Spring promised renewal, and she was ready to embrace it.
Walking alongside the older woman, Eun-seo felt the arrival of spring settle into her bones. The sound of water and birdsong seemed to call her back—back to the studio, back to Min-jun, back to the promise they’d made together. Her heart swelled with anticipation for what lay ahead.
She imagined his hands moving across the wheel, his eyes capturing her gaze. His movements were like music, his presence like a melody only she could hear. She needed to return to him, to continue what they’d started. Spring meant new beginnings, and she was ready.
They had prepared for this together. Spring meant renewal. And Eun-seo knew exactly what she needed to do. Min-jun would pause his work when he saw her, his eyes calm but attentive, his hands moving across the clay with the grace of a musician playing his instrument.