Rivalry Rewritten: Enmity to Intimacy ( Volume: 2)

Twenty Two

San arrives back home, his exhaustion palpable as he steps through the door. Wooyoung is there to greet him, immediately taking San's briefcase and ushering him inside with a supportive smile.

Wooyoung: "Hey, San. Glad you’re home. Come on in and relax for a bit."

San nods gratefully, allowing Wooyoung to lead him to the living room where he sinks into the couch with a deep sigh of relief.

San: "Thanks, Wooyoung. I needed this."

Wooyoung sits down beside him, eager to catch up but mindful of San's tired state.

Wooyoung: "I know you’ve had a rough day, but can you give me a quick update on the investigation?"

San rubs his temples, gathering his thoughts before speaking.

San: "We’re still at square one, really. No solid leads, and the blackout made it hard to get anything useful from the CCTV footage. The officers think it was a highly skilled, premeditated theft."

Wooyoung nods, his concern deepening but trying to stay positive.

Wooyoung: "That’s tough. But we’ll get through it. The police are good at what they do. We just have to be patient."

San looks at Wooyoung with a tired smile, appreciating his brother’s optimism.

San: "Yeah, you’re right. Thanks for holding down the fort here."

San glances around, his expression brightening as he remembers his daughter.

San: "Where’s Jiwoo? I want to see her."

Wooyoung laughs softly, shaking his head.

Wooyoung: "She was being a little menace earlier, so I put her to sleep. She’s out like a light."

San chuckles, the sound lifting some of the weight from his shoulders.

San: "She does have a knack for causing chaos. Thanks for taking care of her, Wooyoung."

Wooyoung grins, patting San’s shoulder.

Wooyoung: "Anything for my niece. Now, you just relax and try to get some rest. You’ve earned it."

San leans back into the couch, closing his eyes for a moment.

San, now a bit more relaxed, turns his head to look at Wooyoung with a thoughtful expression.

San: "Wooyoung, can I ask you something?"

Wooyoung: "Sure, what's up?"

San: "Do you really love Jiwoo that much? You've grown so attached to her since you came back from Canada. It's like you two have this special bond."

Wooyoung's face softens at the mention of Jiwoo, a tender smile spreading across his lips.

Wooyoung: "I do love her, San. She's such a sweet kid. And, to be honest, as much as I love her, I feel a lot of pity for her too."

San furrows his brows, curious and concerned.

San: "Pity? Why?"

Wooyoung takes a deep breath, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

Wooyoung: "Because she had to go through such a tragedy so soon after coming into the world. Losing her mom like that... it breaks my heart. No child should have to start their life with that kind of loss."

San's expression grows somber as he listens, the pain of his wife's death still raw.

San: "Yeah, it's been hard on all of us. Especially Jiwoo. But I'm doing my best to be there for her, to give her all the love and care she needs."