𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[52]

The evening sunlight cast a golden hue over the living room, giving everything a nostalgic warmth. Namra stood by the bookshelf, her fingers grazing over the edges of an old photo frame. It was the group picture they had taken years ago on Jeju Island. The smiling faces of their younger selves, carefree and filled with the excitement of youth, stared back at her. A soft smile tugged at her lips as memories flooded her mind. Those days felt like a lifetime ago, yet they remained so vivid in her heart.

Just then, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind, pulling her into a familiar embrace. The scent of Sooheon surrounded her, a mix of his cologne and warmth.

“You’ve been staring at that picture for a while,” his deep voice murmured into her ear. “Feeling nostalgic, Mrs. Choi?”

Namra chuckled, shaking her head. “Just reminiscing. We were so young back then.”

Sooheon rested his chin on her shoulder, looking at the photo with her. “And now look at us… married, successful,

with a little troublemaker running around.”

As if on cue, their daughter’s giggle rang through the house. Ji Hana, their six-year-old, was playing in the living room with her grandfathers. She had inherited Sooheon’s sharp eyes and Namra’s delicate features, making her an adorable mix of both parents.

“Grandpa! Catch me if you can!” Hana squealed as she ran in circles around the coffee table. Mr. Ji and Mr. Choi, both laughing, pretended to chase her, their old bones not as fast as they used to be but full of spirit.

Namra turned her head slightly to glance at her husband, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “You might want to behave, Mr. Ji. The dads are here. Don’t do anything embarrassing.”

Sooheon smirked, tightening his hold on her waist. “But embarrassing you is my favorite thing to do.”

She huffed, trying to wiggle free, but he wasn’t letting go. “Sooheon, let me go! They’ll see!”

“And? They already know I’m madly in love with my wife.” He pressed a quick kiss against her cheek, making her squirm. “What’s the harm in showing it?”

“You’re insufferable,” she muttered, though her face betrayed her with a fond smile.

Just then, Hana turned her head toward them, her big curious eyes blinking. “Daddy, what are you doing to Mommy?”

Namra froze, shooting Sooheon a look. He just grinned. “I’m giving Mommy a hug.”

Hana narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Why does she look like she wants to escape?”

Both grandfathers chuckled from the couch, thoroughly entertained by their granddaughter’s observation skills. Mr. Choi shook his head, taking a sip of tea. “Some things never change.”

Mr. Ji smiled knowingly. “Sooheon’s been like this since high school.”

Namra sighed in defeat, finally stopping her struggle. “I give up.”

Sooheon loosened his grip just enough for her to turn around, still holding onto him. She rested her hands against his chest, looking up at him with a mock glare. “You’re lucky I love you.”

He smirked. “I know.”

Their peaceful moment was interrupted by Hana tugging at Sooheon’s pants. “Daddy, stop hugging Mommy. It’s my turn to hug her!”

Namra laughed as she bent down to scoop their daughter into her arms. Hana wrapped her tiny arms around Namra’s neck, nuzzling into her.

“I love you, Mommy,” she mumbled against her shoulder.

Namra’s heart swelled. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

Sooheon ruffled Hana’s hair. “What about Daddy?”

Hana pulled back, looking at him with a playful grin. “Mmm… I guess I love you too, Daddy.”

Sooheon gasped dramatically. “Just ‘I guess’? After all I do for you?”

Hana giggled. “Okay, okay! I love you, Daddy!”

He smirked in satisfaction. “That’s better.”

As they settled into the couch, Sooheon sat beside Namra, his arm resting behind her as Hana climbed onto his lap. Their fathers watched them with proud smiles, seeing how their once-reckless children had grown into loving parents.

“So, Hana,” Mr. Ji started, taking a sip of his tea, “do you want to be a lawyer like your mommy or a businessman like your daddy?”

Hana scrunched her nose, thinking hard. “Hmm… I think I wanna be… a superhero!”

Everyone chuckled. Namra kissed the top of her head. “You already are, my love.”

Sooheon grinned. “Yeah, but just so you know, superheroes need to eat their veggies.”

Hana groaned. “Never mind, I’ll be a lawyer like Mommy.”

Namra burst out laughing while Sooheon dramatically clutched his chest. “Betrayed by my own daughter!”

Hana giggled again, hugging both of her parents tightly.

The room was filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family. Their lives had changed over the years, but one thing remained the same—through every phase, every moment, every challenge, and every joy, they had each other.

And that was all they ever needed.