Souvenir - Chapter 5.1

Valentine’s Day was approaching—a day where feelings took shape, wrapped in chocolate and tied with ribbons.

The streets were filled with bouquets and confectionery displays, lovers reaffirming their affections with whispered promises and thoughtful gifts.

But love wasn’t only for couples.

It was a day to express gratitude to those who mattered—to family, to friends, to the people who had become a part of our lives.

And so, I found myself wondering—should I get something for Suu?

During a short break at work, I glanced at my phone. The date was displayed at the top of the screen, but what caught my attention was the wallpaper—a photo of her. A picture I had taken recently with my DSLR.

Every time I unlocked my phone, her bright, smiling face greeted me. It made me pause, softened my expression.

Just how much had she come to occupy my thoughts?

I had dozens of pictures of her saved.

Right now, she was probably at home, playing with Maria.

I checked my schedule. If I wrapped up my last client meeting quickly, I could head home earlier than usual today.

After work, I left the office and walked three blocks down to a boutique, hoping to find the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Suu was mature for her age, yet the occasional glimpses of childlike joy in her expressions always tugged at my heart.

Last Christmas, I had given her a handmade dollhouse. She had hugged it with wide-eyed wonder, her excitement barely contained.

Would a stuffed animal make her just as happy?

Or perhaps the next book in the series she had been so engrossed in?

Then again, maybe something practical would be better.

I stood outside the shop, hesitating.

Just then, I spotted a familiar face—Kenny, an old friend from law school and the former girlfriend of a close friend.

She saw me at the same time and waved.

“Tommy? Wow, it’s been ages! How have you been?”

“I could say the same to you, Kenny. Weren’t you in LA?”

“I still go back and forth, but I moved back a few months ago. A lot has changed.”

“Want to catch up? There’s a café across the street.”

“Great idea.”

We entered the bustling café, well-known for its shortcakes. It was tea time, and the place was packed, but we managed to find a table for two.

“When did you move back?” I asked as we settled in.

“About three months ago.”

“Couldn’t get used to LA?”

She shook her head. “Not exactly. I liked it, but… well, things happened. My parents still live here, so I figured it was time to come back.”

I nodded. “It’s been a few years. Situations change.”

She smiled. “You, though… You seem the same as ever. Did you ever get married? I don’t see a ring.”

Her gaze flickered to my left hand.

There was no point in hiding it.

“I’m not married. But I do have a family.”

“…A family?”

“I adopted a child.”

The words left my mouth naturally, and warmth spread in my chest as I said them. Suu wasn’t just an adopted child—she was someone irreplaceable in my life.

Kenny’s eyes widened. “Wait, you adopted a kid? You?”

She pressed a hand to her chest in exaggerated shock.

“I never expected that. I guess time really does change people.”

I smirked. “Speaking of time, what about you? How’s Daniel? I haven’t seen either of you since your wedding.”

Back in law school, the three of us—Kenny, Daniel, and I—had spent a lot of time together. They had been dating since then, and Daniel and I had been like brothers.

I still remembered feeling a bit lost when he moved to LA for work.

Kenny exhaled. “We got married. Had two kids. But… we divorced six months ago.”

I frowned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s fine. We had different ideas about marriage. I wanted to keep working in the legal field, and… well, let’s just say it didn’t work out.” She smiled, but there was a flicker of something tired in her expression. “You’re still practicing law here, right?”

I nodded. “It’s already been five years. Feels like it passed in an instant.”

“You still look young,” she teased. “But, now that I really look at you, you have changed. You’ve got a different presence now—more confident, maybe even a little… sexy?”

She tilted her head, studying me.

Kenny had always been the type to turn heads—petite, with sleek chestnut hair tied up in a high ponytail, sharp features, and a model-like air about her.

She had been popular back then, always surrounded by admirers.

Meanwhile, I had been the same as I was now—quiet, reserved.

But hearing her say I had changed—it was surprising.

Maybe I had.

And I knew exactly when that change had started.

Suu.