One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 42

We arrived at the restaurant where I had made reservations days in advance, hoping to make this lunch as special as possible for Katarina and Sarang. It wasn't just any lunch. It was a moment to breathe, to set aside everything else, and just be with them-no drama, no business, no danger. Just us.

As we stepped inside, the warmth of the Italian restaurant immediately enveloped us. The soft clinking of silverware and the muted hum of conversation created a cozy atmosphere. The waiter greeted us with a smile and led us to our table near the window, offering a beautiful view of the city skyline.

"Wow, Francis," Katarina said in awe, looking around the restaurant, "It's beautiful here." She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I grinned, pulling out her chair. "Well, a simple lunch for us is still special, especially when I'm with you and Sarang."

Sarang, who had been holding my hand tightly, looked around in wide-eyed wonder. "Wow, Daddy, ang ganda rito! And ang bango po ng food!" she exclaimed, her excitement making me laugh softly.

The waiter handed us the menu, and I could already see Katarina teasing me with her eyes. She glanced at the menu then back at me. "Serious ka talaga rito, ha? Parang pang-date na 'to."

I smirked and winked. "I don't do anything halfway."

We made our orders, and soon, the table was being filled with dishes that smelled like heaven. I had gone for a classic-steak for both Katarina and me. The steak was cooked to perfection, medium-rare, just the way I liked it. It came with a side of creamy mashed potatoes drizzled with truffle oil and roasted vegetables. The marbling on the steak alone was enough to make my mouth water, but the smell of it searing in butter, garlic, and rosemary had my stomach grumbling.

For Sarang, I had chosen a healthier option, something light but delicious for a kid her age. The waiter placed in front of her a plate of pollo alla griglia con verdure, grilled chicken breast paired with a side of sautéed zucchini and carrots. The dish was simple but made with fresh ingredients, perfect for Sarang's little appetite. The chicken was seasoned with lemon and herbs, giving it a fresh and mild flavor that was just right for her.

And to round it all out, I had us order a couple of classic Italian starters: bruschetta-crispy slices of bread topped with a mixture of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil-and a dish of caprese salad, with thick slices of mozzarella and juicy tomatoes arranged neatly on the plate, sprinkled with a bit of balsamic vinegar.

As the dishes were laid out in front of us, Katarina couldn't help but laugh softly. "Francis, seryoso ka ba? Akala ko lunch lang 'to, parang buong menu na 'to ah."

I shrugged, watching her reaction with a grin. "Well, you deserve it."

Sarang clapped her hands in excitement as I served her the chicken. "Yum! Ang sarap nito, Daddy!" She immediately started digging in, her little fork stabbing at the chicken with gusto.

"Okay ka lang riyan, Sarang?" I asked, making sure she was comfortable and eating well. Her face lit up as she nodded, her mouth already full of food.

I watched her for a few moments, my heart swelling at the sight of her enjoying the meal. This was what I wanted. To see her happy, carefree, not burdened by the dangers that surrounded us. Sarang deserved a life like this-a life where her only concern was playing on slides and eating her favorite food.

Katarina smiled at me from across the table, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and admiration. "You're really doing great with Sarang, Francis. Halata na she's your priority." She leaned forward, teasing me with a grin. "Pero ikaw, you also need to eat. Hindi pwedeng ikaw lang nagse-serve."