***
Min Soo opened the door to his home, stepping inside. The quiet atmosphere felt unusual compared to the lively dinner they'd shared earlier. He glanced around, furrowing his brow. Where's Mom? And Min Hye?
Just as he was about to call out, a burst of laughter echoed from the living room. Curious, he followed the sound, his steps cautious.
As he entered, a warm scene unfolded before him. Min Hye was sitting cross-legged on the floor, laughing with her mouth full of pizza. Beside her was a man who looked to be in his late thirties, holding a pizza box and smiling fondly at her antics.
The man glanced up and called out cheerfully, "You're back, Min Soo! Come here—we got pizza. Let's eat together!"
Min Soo froze in place, his mind racing. Who is he?
Before he could process the situation, Min Hye's voice cut through the moment. "Dad, pass me another slice! Mine's already gone."
The man chuckled, shaking his head. "You need to slow down, Min Hye. If you keep eating like this, you'll end up fat."
Min Hye pouted, puffing out her cheeks. "I won't get fat! I have Mom's genes, remember? I'll always be pretty like her."
Her father sighed, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "You're hopeless," he muttered, passing her another slice.
Meanwhile, Min Soo stood rooted to the spot, staring at the man he now realized was Min Soo's father. A father? he thought, his chest tightening. This Min Soo… he has a father.
Noticing him still standing there, Min Soo's father waved him over. "Why are you just standing there? Come on, or your little sister will eat everything!"
Snapping out of his thoughts, Min Soo nodded stiffly and walked over, sitting down with them. He reached for a slice of pizza, but his movements were mechanical, his mind elsewhere.
As the cheerful banter between Min Hye and her father continued, Min Soo couldn't help but feel like an outsider looking in. This is what a family feels like? A father who jokes, who cares?
For years, he had only known the quiet strength of his mother, the absence of a father never fully addressed but always felt. Now, sitting here, he realized just how much he had missed out on.
***
Later That Night
After dinner, Min Soo retreated to his room. The warmth of the living room lingered in his mind as he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—gratitude, envy, and an aching sense of loss.
Suddenly, a soft knock broke the silence. He sat up as the door creaked open, revealing his father standing there with a small box in his hand.
"I noticed you didn't eat much earlier," his father said, stepping into the room. "So, I saved this for you."
He placed the pizza box on Min Soo's desk, then turned to leave. But before he walked out, he paused and looked back at him.
"Sleep early, okay? You need to wake up for school tomorrow." His father smiled warmly, a simple yet sincere gesture. Then he left, closing the door softly behind him.
For a moment, Min Soo sat frozen, staring at the pizza box. His chest felt heavy, a lump forming in his throat. Slowly, tears welled in his eyes, spilling over as he buried his face in his hands.
"This…" he whispered between sobs, his voice trembling. "Is this what a father's love feels like?"
The tears came harder now, a release of years of longing and pain he hadn't even realized he carried. In that moment, he made a quiet vow to himself:
I'll cherish this life. This family. I'll become someone worthy of this love.
***