One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 4

We arrived at the small pizza parlor near the hospital, and as soon as we stepped inside, Sarang's eyes lit up. She's always been a fan of pizza, especially with extra cheese and pepperoni. Mari and David followed behind, and we settled into a cozy booth by the window.

"So, what's everyone in the mood for?" I asked as I scanned the menu. Sarang was already bouncing in her seat, eager to get her favorite pizza.

"I want the big cheese pizza, Mommy!" Sarang declared, her eyes wide with excitement. "And maybe some spaghetti, too!"

"Sure thing, love," I said, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Mari, David, what do you guys want?"

"I'll just have the usual-pepperoni pizza and a soda," Mari replied, flipping through the menu.

"I'll go for the meat lovers," David said, tossing the menu aside. "And can I get a beer as well?"

"David, remember you're still driving Sarang home later," I reminded him.

"Oh, right. Just a soda then," he said, a bit sheepish.

The waitress came over, took our orders, and soon we were chatting and laughing while waiting for our food.

"So, Mari, what's new with you?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Oh, not much. Just the usual work stuff and trying to keep up with my never-ending list of things to do," Mari replied with a shrug. "Pero guess what? I found a new hobby! I've started painting again."

"Really? That's great!" I said. "What have you been working on?"

"Mostly landscapes and a few abstract pieces. It's very relaxing. I need that now more than ever," Mari said, her eyes sparkling. "What about you, Kat? How's work?"

"Busy as always. But it's rewarding," I said. "It's always nice to see progress in my patients."

"How's Sarang doing at daycare?" Mari asked, turning her attention to my daughter.

Sarang was busy coloring on the paper placemat, her little tongue sticking out in concentration. "I'm learning to write my name!" she announced proudly.

"That's wonderful, Sarang! I'm so proud of you," Mari said, giving her a warm smile.

"Thank you, Tinang Mari!" Sarang replied with a beaming smile.

David looked at the two of us with a grin. "It's nice to see you two getting along so well. Sarang's growing up fast."

"Tell me about it," I said, glancing at Sarang. "She's already five, and it feels like just yesterday she was a tiny baby."

The conversation flowed easily as we waited for our food. Sarang entertained us with stories about her day at daycare, and Mari and David exchanged playful banter. Everything felt perfectly normal until the television mounted on the wall caught our attention. The local news was on, and the headline caught my eye.

"Wait, is that the YoGo club?" Mari exclaimed, pointing at the screen.

I turned to look, and my heart skipped a beat. The news report was about Francis Kim's new bar opening in the Philippines. The name "YoGo" flashed on the screen, accompanied by footage of the grand opening event. The camera panned over a crowd of people and a well-dressed man giving an interview.

"Wow, that's a big deal," David commented, squinting at the screen. "Looks like the opening was a huge success."

The news anchor's voice came over the broadcast. "The YoGo club, owned by Filipino-Korean businessman Francis Kim, has recently opened a new branch here in the Philippines. The grand opening was attended by numerous celebrities and high-profile guests."