Title: The Good Life
Fandom: Family by Choice (mods, you can use the Kdrama tag)
Rating: G
Length: 300 words
Notes: Triple Drabble, Family, Priorities. Hints of Kim Dae-wook/Yoon Jung-jae.
Summary: Kim Dae-wook is offered a promotion at work.


“In recognition of your conscientiousness and seniority, you’re being promoted.” Captain Park nods approvingly. “You’ve worked hard all these years. It’s time we got you out of that patrol car. Just sign here, and it’s done.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kim Dae-wook takes the form and retreats to the breakroom in a daze. He hadn’t expected this.

More responsibility, more money. He could upgrade San-ha’s phone and buy him name-brand sneakers. Joo-won and Hae-joon, too. They’re all growing like weeds; it’s a constant challenge to keep them well-clothed.

He could treat them to a good meal now and then, instead of Jung-jae feeding everyone every day.

He could take Jung-jae somewhere nice, just the two of them. The kids are old enough to take care of each other for an evening.

San-ha would be proud of his father. They all would.

But the new role would mean longer, unpredictable hours. No more clocking out at six. Dae-wook doesn’t mind responsibility or even danger, but missing family dinners is too much. Sitting around the table together, eating hearty delicious food, the kids teasing each other and chattering about school, Jung-jae sharing neighbourhood gossip? Any day without that is a wasted day.

Dae-wook sighs. It’s selfish. He should show the kids what an ambitious life looks like. If San-ha learns his father chose to stay on patrol, he’ll be disappointed. But the plain truth is that Dae-wook likes the way things are.

Clutching the form, he retraces his steps. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, sir, but Officer Ki deserves it more.”

On the way home, he stops off and buys short ribs.

Joo-won shrieks at the bulging bag. Hae-joon cheers. San-ha smiles his rare smile.

Jung-jae regards Dae-wook quizzically. “Special occasion?”

Dae-wook takes his seat and shrugs. “I just felt like a treat.”