TL/Editor: looloo

    Status: ongoing

    Illustrations: posted in discord

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    The manager adored Sarang more than I expected. Even now, he didn''t let go of her, keeping her on his lap.

    Sarang, indifferent to who was holding her, enjoyed the rest of her cookies and ice chocolate.

    "Do you like cookies, Sarang?"

    "Yes! I love cookies!"

    "Really? Then I''ll bring all the cookies from our cafe...!"

    "Manager, if you give her more, Heena will get mad later..."

    "But Sarang loves them so much!"

    "I get scolded all the time for saying that and feeding her."

    "Me too."

    Among the men in our family and Heena''s, no one had escaped being scolded by Heena for giving Sarang too many snacks. Even my dad got an earful. She always said that giving her too many snacks and skipping dinner was bad for her health and habits.

    Anyway, at my words, the manager, more so than Sarang, looked disheartened and hugged Sarang tightly.

    "But Sarang is enjoying them so much..."

    "Cookies are yummy!"

    "Do you want more cookies?"

    "I want more!"

    "...Can I give her just one more?"

    "Heena will get mad..."

    "One should be okay, right? Just two cookies are still a snack."

    "Hmm..."

    That earnest voice swayed me greatly.

    Well, it''s only two. The cookies are a bit big, but still, just two should be fine, right?

    I glanced around, seeking agreement with my eyes. Everyone understood what I was asking.

    We were sitting close to the counter, so Chaea noona and Jia noona, who were inside the bar, also heard our conversation. Along with Heeseong hyung, they all nodded simultaneously as if they had agreed beforehand.

    Seeing that, I made up my mind.

    "Sarang! Shall we have one more cookie?"

    "Yes!!"

    "I''ll get it!"

    At Sarang''s loud answer, Chaea noona quickly brought a cookie, as if waiting for this moment. Along with the cookie, she subtly presented her face.

    Is she hoping for a kiss?

    -Smooch!

    Heena spoke gently to Sarang but still glared at us with her eyes.

    Of course, it wasn''t Sarang''s fault. If there was any fault, it was ours for giving her cookies even though we knew we shouldn''t.

    I sighed softly, then looked up at Heena. Her eyes softened a bit, indicating she couldn''t stay mad at me for long. I stood up.

    I went to the counter, got an iced Americano from Jia noona, and sat next to Heena.

    "Heena, you worked hard today. Have some coffee."

    "Thanks."

    "I''m sorry for giving Sarang too many snacks. But she was so cute today, I couldn''t help it. Right, manager?"

    There are three ways to easily improve Heena''s mood: giving her a genuine hug, complimenting her, or praising Sarang. Given the place, option 1 was out, and I couldn''t do option 2 myself, so option 3 it was.

    "Ah, yes! Sarang was so adorable! Watching her made me want a daughter like her..."

    "Really?"

    "She looked even prettier because she resembles you and Yeonho."

    "Hehe... It''s because she looks a lot like Yeonho, right, Sarang?"

    "Yes. Sarang looks like Daddy!"

    Giving Sarang too many snacks wasn''t a one-time thing, so we naturally eased the atmosphere this way. Earlier, in our panic, Heeseong hyung and I had done something embarrassing.

    Two adults passing the blame to each other.

    Seeing the softened tone, Heeseong hyung finally straightened up and spoke.

    "Hey, Sarang really enjoyed the cookies here. Can we take a few..."

    "Oppa. Didn''t I tell you not to give Sarang too many snacks?"

    "?? No, honestly, I wasn''t the one who..."

    "That''s enough. From now on, you''re banned from giving Sarang any snacks."

    "...Yeah, it''s all my fault. What else can I say?"

    Heeseong hyung sighed, narrowed his eyes, and looked at the manager and me. We subtly avoided his gaze.

    Isn''t it okay if one person sacrifices so others can be happy? Though, that person often ended up being Heeseong hyung.

    In the meantime, Sarang rolled her eyes and pointed at the remaining cookies on the table.

    "Mom... Can Sarang eat more cookies...? You said we shouldn''t leave food behind..."

    Her little fingers wiggled as she glanced at the cookies, making it hard not to laugh. Even Heena, who had been scolding Heeseong hyung, couldn''t help but laugh and handed the remaining cookies to Sarang.

    In the future, Heeseong hyung and I would continue to get scolded by Heena over Sarang’s cookie issues.

    How could we not give cookies to Sarang when she’s this cute?

    Even if I got scolded tomorrow, today I would still give cookies to Sarang.

    Definitely.

    Author''s Note:

    Why do you all love accidents so much?

    Now, I''ll write a short episode, send Yeonho to the military... and then...

    I want more cute moments with Heena...