After our photobooth moments, where laughter softened into quiet smiles, Daddy took my hand and guided me through the busy mall. “Ang init,” I whispered, my voice soft, eyes half-lidded as I looked up at him. “Gutom na ako.”

He looked down at me with that gentle, steady smile only he could give—one that made me feel like I was the only thing that mattered in the world. “Aga, don’t worry. Daddy will take care of you.”

At the food court, he ordered everything quietly, knowing exactly what I liked. There was no rush, no noise—just the calm way he held space for me. Chicken, rice, halo-halo—each dish a reminder that he knew me better than I knew myself sometimes.

Sitting beside him, I carefully ate, my hands trembling just a little as he watched me. When I hesitated, he softly took a spoon and fed me a bite, his eyes full of patient love.

“Daddy,” I murmured, the word still new and strange on my lips.

His smile deepened, and he brushed his thumb gently across mine. “That’s right, Aga. You’re safe with me.”

Later, by a cosmetics stand, I quietly reached for his hand. “Lipgloss?” I asked softly.

He nodded, letting me swipe a warm coral shade on the back of his hand. I touched my lips, then pressed a kiss to his hand. Watching me, he licked the gloss off slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Sweet, like you,” he said in a low voice, pulling me closer.

I blushed, feeling shy but comforted. “Daddy…” I whispered, the word now wrapped in trust.

Walking back to the car, he held me close, steady and protective. He spoke gently about his day, but kept pausing to press soft kisses to my temple, my cheek, my lips.

“You know, Aga,” he murmured, running his fingers through my hair, “I’ve taught you everything you need to know.”

I leaned into him, my voice barely above a sigh. “I’m still learning.”

He smiled, the quiet kind that held promises. “Take your time. Daddy’s here.”

When I teased him about eating my leftovers, he only smiled and pulled me tighter with a sudden, soft tug on my hair, stealing a kiss that tasted like home.

“Only you, Aga. Only you.”

I smiled, feeling safe, cherished, and loved beyond words. And in his arms, I knew I was exactly where I belonged—his soft Aga, his world.