One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 45

I drove in silence after dropping John off at the police station, my thoughts a bit scattered after everything. Crime scenes like that didn't shake me anymore, not after all the things I've seen and done. But still, there was something about that case, about that crying husband that stayed with me. I shook the thought off, focusing on what I needed to do next.

Cupcakes, I reminded myself. Sarang loved them, and I missed her already. She always preferred the ones that weren't too sweet, just like her. A bit of sweetness, but not overwhelming-sakto lang.

I parked in front of the small bakery I'd found a few weeks ago, a cozy little place where the cupcakes always looked perfect. I grabbed a box of the mini pink ones I knew Sarang would love and headed back to the car. Not too sweet- just like life should be, I thought with a chuckle.

Next stop, coffee. I figured since I was visiting Katarina's family, I might as well bring something for them too. It's the little things, you know? They've always treated me well, especially Sir Rico, Katarina's father. I picked up a variety of drinks-black for sir, something iced for David, and a couple more just in case anyone else was around.

I decided to stop by the flower shop before heading to their house. As I walked in, the familiar scent of fresh flowers greeted me. It was peaceful here, a nice contrast to everything else in my life. Sir Rico was busy arranging a bouquet, focused but with that ever-present smile on his face. He looked up as the door chimed, and his face lit up when he saw me.

"Francis! Mabuti naman at dumaan ka," he greeted warmly.

David popped his head out from the back, grinning. "Kuya Frans!"

I handed them their coffee. "Galing lang ako sa coffee shop, naisip ko na dalhan kayo."

"Grabe ka, Kuya Frans, thank you!" David said, accepting his drink with a smile.

"Salamat, Francis," Sir Rico added, taking his with a nod. "Palaging may pasalubong. Hindi mo na kailangang gawin 'to, alam mo 'yan."

I shrugged, grinning back. "Gusto ko lang na okay kayo. Kumusta po rito? Mukhang busy si David, ah."

David chuckled from the back, arranging some roses. "Busy pero masaya. Ikaw, Kuya Frans?"

"Ayos lang ako," I answered, glancing around the shop. It really did feel like a slice of peace here. "Is sarang still alseep?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

David piped up, "Oo, tulog pa siya nung umalis ako kanina. Si Ate Katarina nasa bahay rin, nagpapahinga."

I nodded, glad to hear it. I was about to head out when Sir Rico stopped me with a look. There was something different in his eyes, something warmer.

"Francis, teka lang," he said, his tone a little more serious than usual.

I paused, turning to face him. "po?"

"Alam mo, matagal ko nang gustong sabihin 'to," Sir Rico began, setting down the flowers. "Drop the 'Sir Rico,' ha? Tawagin mo na lang akong Papa o Dad o Tito, anything you want. Kasama ka na sa pamilya namin, Francis."

For a second, I didn't know how to react. My heart pounded, caught off guard by the offer. Part of the family? Ako?

"Papa?" I said quietly, testing the word on my tongue. It felt strange, yet...right.

Sir Rico smiled warmly. "Oo, anak. Wala nang pormal-pormal. You're my daughter's partner and of course my son."

I stood there, nodding slowly, the words not fully sinking in. Family. Me, part of their family. I'd always been on the outside looking in when it came to things like this. A family that cared, that accepted you-what does that even feel like?