Choi San, a revered and feared mafia boss, reigns over Seoul's underworld with an iron fist, his influence extending seamlessly across both legal and illegal domains. But his empire is shaken to its core when his beloved daughter, Eun-ji, is kidnapp...
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As we stepped through the door, loaded down with bags, I took a deep breath, letting the familiar warmth of home settle around me. The house was already alive with the smell of coffee and soft morning light pouring through the windows. Seonghwa and Hongjoong were waiting, leaning against the kitchen counter like they'd been camped out for hours. They each held a steaming mug, and as they took in the spectacle of bags and boxes surrounding us, Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Big shopping trip, huh?" he said, eyeing the giant teddy bear that was nearly spilling out of my arms.
Just as I was about to respond, the unmistakable sound of little feet pounding down the stairs echoed through the house. Eun-ji, her eyes wide with anticipation, came racing toward us, her gaze locked on the massive teddy bear I was barely managing to hold onto. Her face lit up, eyes sparkling with pure excitement, as she skidded to a stop in front of me.
"Is that... is that for me?" she whispered, almost reverently, like she couldn't quite believe it.
I knelt down, lowering the bear so she could reach it. "All yours, princess," I said, grinning as she wrapped her tiny arms around its fluffy body, which was practically the same size as her. She squealed with delight, attempting to lift it even though it was almost too big for her to carry.
San chuckled behind me, giving me that familiar, exasperated-but-amused look he reserved for my more extravagant ideas. With a sigh that was half groan, he glanced around at the ridiculous number of bags, all filled with decorations and gifts for the holidays. "Hongjoong," he said, gesturing dramatically as if issuing an order on the battlefield, "we're going to need a crew to help Wooyoung here with the enormous Christmas tree he insists on."
Hongjoong, never one to pass up a chance to tease, raised his cup in acknowledgment and set it down with a nod. "Already on it," he said, pulling out his phone with a smirk. "Consider it handled."
San gave me a raised brow, somewhere between disbelief and humor. "You're really going all out for this, aren't you?"
I shrugged, feigning innocence. "You act like this is optional," I said, a mischievous smile spreading across my face. "The biggest tree possible, the most ridiculous lights—it's happening. And don't think you're getting out of it."
He groaned, rubbing his temple in mock distress, though I didn't miss the faintest smile tugging at his mouth. "If that thing sheds even one pine needle in my study..." he muttered, trailing off with a look that only made me more determined.
"We have to go shopping," I announced, already envisioning it all. "Lights, Christmas tree decorations, everything we need to make this house shine. It's going to be gorgeous. Trust me—you'll love it," I added, shooting a grin at San, who just rolled his eyes, though I knew he was warming up to the idea.
I handed two bags to Eun-ji, her small hands barely able to grip them, but she held on, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.
"These are for you," I said, crouching down to her level. "Some school supplies, and a few little surprises. You should get everything neatly sorted on your desk, okay? And when I get back with Daddy later, we'll start on the Christmas tree. It'll be here tonight."
