Souvenir - Chapter 5.4

Two days later, I had the morning off.

Instead of my usual jog, I made a simple breakfast and went to Suu’s room.

I sat on the sofa beside her bed, watching her sleep.

She looked peaceful.

Her breathing was soft, her expression relaxed.

Satisfied, I stood and placed a new set of clothes in her closet.

As I moved around, she began to stir.

I leaned in, gently shaking her shoulder.

“Suu, wake up. We’re going somewhere fun today.”

She blinked up at me sleepily.

“…Fun?” she murmured.

“Yes. So get ready.”

She sat up, rubbing her eyes.

“…I didn’t know about that,” she mumbled. “I thought I’d be home alone today.”

I raised a brow.

Her words surprised me.

I chuckled.

“Where did you get that idea?”

Suu’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she glanced between me and the children’s play area. It was clear she wanted to dash off immediately, but at the same time, she hesitated, knowing the food was on its way.

I smiled. “The waffles will be here soon. Eat first, then you can go play, alright?”

She let out a small sigh, swinging her legs under the table. “Okay… but I’ll eat really fast!”

I chuckled at her eagerness.

Not long after, the waiter arrived with our order—a plate of golden waffles, piled high with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and a steaming cup of black coffee for me. Suu’s eyes widened with delight as the plate was set in front of her.

“Wow! It looks so good!”

“Take your time,” I reminded her, though I already knew she would try to finish it as quickly as possible.

Sure enough, she dug in with enthusiasm, barely stopping between bites. As she chewed, she stole glances at the play area, as if making sure it was still there.

“Slow down, Suu,” I said with amusement.

“But I want to go and play!” she insisted, her words slightly muffled by a mouthful of waffles.

I shook my head, but let her enjoy her meal in her own way.

Once she finished, I wiped a bit of whipped cream from the corner of her mouth with a napkin before she could run off.

“Go on,” I said, nodding toward the play area. “But stay where I can see you.”

“Okay!”

With that, she hopped off her chair and ran toward the other children.

I watched her go, sipping my coffee as I observed from a distance.

There was something strangely satisfying about seeing her so carefree, laughing and playing like any other child her age.

I leaned back in my seat, letting the warmth of the coffee seep into me.

This—this was something I had never imagined for myself before.

A quiet moment. A simple outing with someone who had become irreplaceable in my life.

Suu had changed everything.

And as I watched her laughing in the distance, I realized…

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I listened quietly as Kenny reminisced about our past. Her voice was soft, almost nostalgic, and for a moment, I was pulled back into those long-gone nights—back when we were younger, reckless, and thought the world was at our feet.

Those late nights at the club, the way we’d drink until dawn, the laughter that echoed through the streets… It was a different life. A different me.

Kenny leaned slightly closer, tilting her head with a teasing smile. “I wonder… if I had made a move back then instead of waiting for him, would things have turned out differently?”

Her words hung in the air between us, weighty with meaning.

I met her gaze, studying her expression.

There was something there—an unspoken question, a lingering curiosity.

She wasn’t outright making a move. But she was testing the waters.

Would I take the bait?

I exhaled, leaning back slightly. “The past is the past, Kenny.”

Her lips curved into a faint smirk. “You’re as composed as ever.”

“I’ve just changed. I have responsibilities now.”

Her eyes flickered toward Su, who was still playing happily with the other children.

“Yes… I suppose you have.”

She looked at me again, her expression thoughtful. “Do you ever miss it? That life?”

The answer came to me instantly.

I glanced back at Suu, watching her throw her head back in laughter, utterly carefree.

“No,” I said, my voice steady. “Not even for a second.”

For a brief moment, Kenny looked taken aback.

Then, she let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. “You really have changed.”

I shrugged. “Or maybe I just found something better.”

She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze softening. “She’s lucky, you know.”

I turned to her, raising a brow.

“She has you,” Kenny clarified. “Not many people would take in a child and make her their whole world. That’s… admirable.”

I didn’t answer right away.

I wasn’t doing this to be admired.

I wasn’t doing it for recognition.

I was doing it because Suu was mine.