A Weekend Morning at the Orphanage
The soft golden sun bathed the city in its warm glow as Jin Wook and his family arrived at the orphanage. The moment their car pulled up, a group of children peeked from behind the old iron gate, their eyes filled with excitement.
As Jin Wook stepped out of the car, he inhaled deeply—the air here always carried a unique warmth, one that reminded him of kindness and belonging.
At the entrance, a middle-aged woman in a simple yet neat dress rushed forward, her face lighting up with joy.
A Warm Welcome
Orphanage Lady (clasping her hands together): "Oh my! Mister Jin Dae-Hyun! Truly, this place is blessed by your presence today!"
Jin Wook's Dad (chuckling as he waved a hand): "You're making us feel shy, lady."
Orphanage Lady (smiling warmly): "Oh, but it's the truth! You've always been so generous, and the children absolutely adore you."
Jin Wook's Dad (his voice gentle yet firm): "It's nothing, really. We're just happy to share our happiness with these kids. After all, happiness only grows when you spread it."
The orphanage lady's eyes shimmered with admiration.
Orphanage Lady: "Oh my, you're truly a wonderful man. May kindness always follow your family."
Jin Wook's Dad: "Thank you. Now, Jin, help your mother take out the donations from the car."
Jin Wook (already unloading boxes): "Way ahead of you, Dad."
Jin Soo-ah, his younger sister, struggled to lift a slightly heavier box. She puffed her cheeks in determination before dragging it across the ground instead.
The orphanage lady watched them with a nostalgic smile.
Orphanage Lady: "Your children are just as kind as you. Even your parents did so much for this place."
Jin Wook's dad's expression softened as he looked up at the sky, as if remembering someone.
Jin Wook's Dad (voice filled with warmth): "My mother always said—Money can't make human a human, spreading love makes human and you spread your love in anyway you can share your happiness with the kids who don't know what happiness.
That's what truly matters as human. I hope my son and daughter carry that lesson forward, just as I did."
The orphanage lady nodded, her heart touched.
Orphanage Lady: "May God bless your family."
A Whisper from the Past
As Jin Wook placed the last box down, a soft tug on his sleeve made him turn. A tiny girl with big round eyes and a ball in her hands looked up at him shyly.
Little Girl (Hana, hesitantly): "Big Brother... will you play with me?"
At that moment, something inside Jin Wook shifted.
A memory surfaced—hazy yet sharp, like a dream he couldn't quite forget.
He saw himself, not as Jin Wook, but as Kang Joon.
A different world. A different time.
He was training with his sword, sweat dripping down his face as he swung it again and again, determined to grow stronger.
"Big Brother, play with me!"
A tiny voice had called out to him back then. He remembered glancing at his little sister, who stood there, holding a doll in her hands, waiting for him to acknowledge her.
But he hadn't.
He was too focused. Too determined. He had ignored her.
And then—everything changed. Too fast. Too cruelly.
Her absence. The regret. The unbearable ache in his chest.
Little Girl (Hana, waving her hand in front of his face): "Big—Brother? Big Brother?"
Jin Wook blinked rapidly, his heart pounding. He felt a wetness in his eyes.
Hana (tilting her head, concerned): "Big Brother... are you gonna cry?"
Jin Wook quickly wiped his eyes, forcing a smile.
Jin Wook (clearing his throat): "No, no, it's just... something in my eye."
Hana (pouting): "Are you playing or not?"
Jin Wook let out a small laugh, nodding.
Jin Wook: "Alright, alright. This big brother will play with you."
As they ran off to play, more children swarmed around him, their laughter filling the air.
Sibling Rivalry
Jin Soo-ah (placing her hands on her hips): "Hey, kids! This big sister will play with you too!"
The children looked at her for a moment, then turned back to Jin Wook.
Kids (unanimously): "Noooo, we want Big Brother! Big Brother is cool!"
Jin Wook burst into laughter, unable to contain himself.
Jin Wook (grinning): "Hey now, this sister is also cool!"
Kids (giggling): "But she's not like you!"
Jin Soo-ah gasped dramatically, clenching her fists.
Jin Soo-ah (fake crying): "Moooom! These kids are bullying me! They only like Jin Wook!"
Jin Wook's mom shook her head with a knowing smile.
Jin Wook's Mom: "Oh dear, what should I do?"
Just then, a tiny girl with pigtails timidly walked up to Jin Soo-ah, holding a small flower in her tiny hands.
Little Girl: "Big Sister... you're not cool like Big Brother... but you're really pretty!"
Jin Soo-ah gasped, clutching her chest as if she had been shot—by cuteness.
Jin Soo-ah (swooning): "Ohhh, you adorable little thing! Come here, let me hug you!"
The kids giggled as she scooped the little girl into a tight hug.
A Warm Farewell
As the sun began to set, the family prepared to leave. The children huddled around Jin Wook, their eyes filled with hope.
Kids (pouting): "Big Brother, will you come visit us again?"
Jin Wook crouched down, ruffling a boy's hair.
Jin Wook (grinning): "Of course! And your Big Sister will come too!"
Jin Soo-ah scoffed, folding her arms.
Jin Soo-ah: "You just added me so you don't get scolded, didn't you?!"
Jin Wook whistled innocently.
Jin Wook: "Who knows?"
The kids giggled, and even Jin Soo-ah couldn't stay mad.
As they got into the car, Jin Wook's mom stretched and sighed.
Jin Wook's Mom: "Alright, I'm too tired to cook. Let's eat out!"
Jin Soo-ah (pumping her fists): "Yes! Dad, take us somewhere fancy today!"
Jin Wook's Dad (grinning): "Alright, let's go then!"
With laughter still lingering in the air, the car drove off, leaving behind the echoes of a joyful day.
After a long and fulfilling day at the orphanage, the family finally settled into a cozy restaurant. The warm glow of the hanging lanterns and the gentle hum of soft music created a relaxing atmosphere and everyone had there dinner with the warmly environment.