MEMORIES || MARHOON

Chapter One

A gentle smile curved Kim Juhoon's lips as the children swarmed around him, their laughter ringing like bright bells in the afternoon sun. The Kim family's orphanage, Little Angels, had always been a sanctuary of warmth and second chances. Built by his grandparents years ago out of their deep love for children, it offered shelter, clothing, nourishment, and education to those abandoned by the world. Juhoon's parents had poured their hearts into its daily operations, and now he carried that legacy forward with quiet devotion.

He knelt in front of Adrian, the round-cheeked boy whose eyes lit up at the sight of him. From his bag, Juhoon produced the sleek toy car he had promised on his last visit. "Here it is-the one you wanted. It's yours now."

Adrian's face broke into pure wonder. "Really, Mr. Kim?"

Juhoon nodded, his voice soft. "Yes. All yours. Take it."

The boy accepted the gift with both hands, then threw his arms around Juhoon's neck in a fierce hug. Caught off guard for only a second, Juhoon returned the embrace, warmth blooming in his chest.

"Thank you! I'll take care of it forever, Mr. Kim."

"You're always welcome, kiddo."

"Andre wants toys too!" Chad shouted.

"Mr. Kim, I want a Barbie doll!" Kia called out.

"I need new clothes-the ones with cars on them!" Jino added.

Instead of annoyance, Juhoon felt only fondness. He pulled out his phone, opened the notes app, and carefully typed each request. When he finished, he slipped the device back into his pocket and grinned at their expectant faces.

"Alright," he said. "I'll go shopping and bring everything back soon. Deal?"

"Yes, Mr. Kim!" the children chorused, their innocent smiles bright enough to chase away any shadow.

Chad grabbed one of Juhoon's hands while Andre claimed the other. "Let's play, Mr. Kim!"

Juhoon laughed. "Lead the way."

They spent the next hour in joyful chaos-running across the grass, sharing snacks, and collapsing in breathless giggles. Eventually, Juhoon settled on the lawn, the children gathering close as he spun stories that held them spellbound. They sat cross-legged on the grass, nibbling cookies, gazing at him as if he were the most wondrous thing they had ever seen.

"You're so pretty, Mr. Kim," Kia murmured, eyes wide with admiration.

A soft chuckle escaped him. Children's compliments were the purest kind-unfiltered and sincere. "You're just flattering me, Kia."

"You really are pretty," Chad insisted.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Andre asked curiously.

Juhoon shook his head. "Still single."

The children's mouths fell open in unison. "We don't believe you!" they cried.

He threw his head back and laughed. "It's true, kids. Mr. Kim is flying solo. Maybe I'll just stay here with all of you forever."

"But you need someone to be with you forever," Kia said solemnly.

Daven crossed his arms. "Don't tell us no one likes you. We're not buying it."

Juhoon's smile widened. "Where do you get these ideas? You sound like little talk show hosts." He ruffled Daven's hair. "If I ever do find a boyfriend, I promise I'll bring him here to meet you all."

•••

The sky had deepened to velvet by the time Juhoon returned home. The security guard swung the gates open with a respectful nod. Inside, his mother greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.

"You spent the whole day at the orphanage again, sweetheart."

"Eomma, you know how much I love being with them. I feel at peace there."

She placed her hands on his shoulders, pride shining in her eyes. "I'm so proud of you, Juhoon."

He returned her smile, bid her goodnight, and climbed the stairs to his room. Once inside, he closed the door and opened a drawer in his desk. His gaze fell on the photograph tucked carefully within.

He lifted it gently, tracing the image with his eyes. It was the man who had once set his heart racing-the one who had filled his days with butterflies and unforgettable memories. Some stories lingered not because they ended happily, but because they had been real.

Martin Edwards.

I hope you support this story. This is only the beginning-thank you for reading. I truly hope you enjoyed it.

-willow♡