Driven by Achievements

Two years had passed, and looking back, even Kai was surprised by how much had happened.

The twins were now four years old, and Kai had just turned twenty. His birthday had been in November, and they celebrated it quietly with just his aunt, uncle, and the twins. The twins' fourth birthday had felt strange—it was their first without their parents. But despite that, they managed to throw a big, happy party in January. The accident had happened in late June, so it had been half a year by then. They'd already gone through Christmas and Kai's birthday without their parents, so they were slowly getting used to it.

Still, Kai noticed that the twins were beginning to forget their parents. It was natural—they were so young when it happened—but it made Kai a little sad. He tried to keep their memory alive by talking about them and showing pictures, but it was getting harder. More and more, Kai had become their parent. He was the one who cared for them every day, who cooked for them, played with them, and tucked them into bed.

Because of that, the twins had started calling him "Dad" or "Daddy" now and then. The first time, it hit him hard—it reminded him that he was slowly replacing his parents in their hearts. But he didn't correct them. If that's what they needed to feel safe and loved, he would be that for them.

After the worst of the grieving had passed and life had begun to settle into something steady, Kai slowly began reaching out to his friends again. He hadn't forgotten how they'd stuck by him—sending messages, checking in, even when he'd shut down and couldn't bring himself to reply. When he finally had the words, he thanked them. Quietly, sincerely. He told them how much it had meant, even if he hadn't said anything at the time.

At one point, they'd all managed to meet up. Just once, but it was something he still thought about. They went out together—laughing, joking, letting loose. For a little while, Kai had dropped the serious, responsible version of himself. He wasn't the overworked guardian or the tired student—just a carefree, lighthearted nineteen-year-old again, surrounded by people who knew who he used to be. It felt good. Needed. He didn't realize how much he missed that side of himself until it came rushing back.

Of course, after that, life picked back up. Between university, part-time work, and taking care of the twins, he barely had time for anything else. That one outing had been the last time he saw most of them in person. But they still stayed in touch—regular messages, the occasional call, cheering each other on from a distance. It wasn't constant, but it was real. And it kept their bond alive.

Over the past two years, Kai had also started working part-time. He worked late at night or when the twins were at daycare and he didn't have university. There was still money left from the inheritance, but not enough to rely on forever. So, he also focused on building a business—something he had started working on when he was just sixteen. At eighteen, he tested a few demo versions, and now, with everything he'd learned in university, he had improved it and was getting ready to launch. If all went well, he hoped to publish it fully in a few more months. It was a big project, and he had high hopes for it.

But today, something more important was happening.

It was January 16th—Leo and Lily's fifth birthday.

The sun hadn't even risen when Kai opened his eyes. Over the years, the twins had learned to sleep in their own beds again. Right after the accident, they couldn't be alone at night—Kai would either sleep with them or they'd sleep with him. But the nightmares were gone now. Most nights, they slept peacefully in their rooms, though they sometimes still asked to sleep with him, which he never said no to.

Kai got up, washed up in the bathroom, and went to the kitchen. Everything was already decorated—he had stayed up late the night before to prepare. Their presents were wrapped and waiting. Now, all he had left to do was cook their favorite breakfast.

Since it was a special day, he had woken up extra early. He began prepping ingredients: pancakes, grilled toast, and a few Asian-inspired dishes—light but still filling. He made sweet tamagoyaki, rice porridge with some pickled vegetables, and a few soft meat patties. The kitchen filled with warm, delicious smells.

Once everything was ready, he wiped his hands, smiled, and headed to the twins' room to wake up his little birthday angels.

Kai gently pushed open the door to the twins' room. The soft early morning light spilled in through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the two small beds on either side of the room. Leo was sprawled out, one arm dangling off the side, while Lily was curled up like a cat under her blanket, her hair a fluffy mess.

He walked in quietly, crouched beside Leo first, and whispered with a smile, "Happy birthday, buddy."

Leo mumbled something, turning away with a tiny groan.

Kai chuckled and moved to Lily's side, brushing some hair away from her face. "Lily... birthday girl, time to wake up. There's a surprise waiting."

Her eyes blinked open slowly, confused at first—but as soon as she remembered, she sat up straight.

"Today's our birthday?"

"Yup," Kai nodded. "You and Leo are turning five today."

At that, Lily's energy kicked in and she shook her brother. "Leo! Leo, wake up! It's our birthday!"

Leo grumbled, rubbing his eyes, but when he heard "birthday," he perked up, sitting up groggily.

"Pwesents?"

Kai laughed. "Maybe. But first—let's wash up, okay?"

Still half-asleep but excited, the twins followed him to the bathroom where he helped them brush their teeth and wash their faces. They tried to be patient, though their little feet kept bouncing in place with excitement.

Once clean and fresh, Kai guided them out of the bathroom and toward the living room.

The moment they turned the corner, both children froze in place.

Their eyes grew wide at the sight before them. The living room had been transformed overnight—colorful streamers hung from the ceiling, a banner reading "Happy 5th Birthday Leo & Lily!" stretched above the windows, and the table was full of food that smelled amazing. On top of it all, right in the center of the table, sat a pile of neatly wrapped presents in shiny, colorful paper.

They couldn't see what was inside, but just the sight of the wrapping and bows made their eyes sparkle.

Lily gasped. "Woooow..."

Leo ran up to the table and stood on his toes, trying to peek at the gifts. "Can we open dem now? Pleaaase?"

Kai smiled, watching their joy bubble over. "Not yet. First we eat, and then we'll open the presents together, alright?"

Lily ran back and hugged him tightly around the waist, her small arms wrapping around him with all the strength she could manage. "Thank you, Daddy…" she said softly, her voice warm and full of love.

Kai blinked.

For a moment, time seemed to stop.

He looked down at her, her little head resting against his stomach, her eyes closed with a peaceful smile. Daddy? His heart skipped. She had never called him that before—not clearly, not like this. There had been slips here and there, half-asleep murmurs or sleepy mistakes. But this time, it was intentional.

Lily looked up at him with big, shining eyes. "Can I call you that? 'Cause... I don't have a daddy anymore... and you're like one."

Kai crouched down slowly in front of her, stunned, his chest tight with emotion. He hadn't prepared himself for this—not now, not on their birthday. But looking at her, the way she was smiling so softly, so hopefully, he couldn't bring himself to say no. They didn't just need a big brother anymore. They needed a parent. And if calling him "dad" made them feel safe, made them feel loved—then he would gladly be that for them.

He gave her a gentle smile and nodded. "Of course, Lily. If that makes you happy, then yes."

Her whole face lit up, and before Kai could react, Leo jumped in. "Can I call you that too? Can I, Daddy?"

Kai let out a soft laugh, his eyes stinging just a little. "Yeah, buddy. You too."

Leo and Lily both squealed and threw themselves into his arms, giggling as they hugged him tight. "Yay! Daddy! Daddy!" they chanted, bouncing with joy.

Kai held them close, kissing the tops of their heads. It hurt—a bittersweet kind of ache—but it also warmed something deep inside him. They needed someone to hold onto, someone to call their own. If that meant he was now more of a father than a brother... then so be it. He would fill that role with everything he had.

"Alright, birthday stars," he said, standing up with a playful grin. "Let's eat before your pancakes get cold. Then... maybe we'll see what's inside those presents."

They nodded eagerly and rushed back to the table, their feet swinging as they dug into the special breakfast.

After breakfast, Kai cleared the table quickly, placing the empty plates in the sink before turning back to the twins, who were now practically vibrating with excitement in their seats.

"Okay, okay," he laughed, holding up his hands. "I think it's time."

"Presents!!" Leo shouted, sliding off his chair so fast he nearly tripped on his pajamas.

Lily followed with an equally loud squeal, her eyes wide as they darted toward the wrapped boxes and bags arranged neatly on the living room table. Kai had stacked them carefully the night before, making sure everything looked bright and cheerful.

He sat down on the floor, motioning them to come over. "One at a time," he reminded, though his smile betrayed how amused he was by their eagerness.

They dove in, hands unwrapping ribbon and tearing through colorful paper with squeaky little laughs. The first few presents were small things—soft plushies, a dollhouse set for Lily, a toy car track and action figures for Leo. There were picture books, new coloring sets, puzzles, and matching backpacks with cartoon animal designs.

Every time they opened something, their eyes lit up and they turned to show it to Kai proudly.

"Look, Daddy!" Lily held up a sparkly new drawing book.

"Did you see this car, Daddy?" Leo added, holding up a shiny red race car that zipped across the floor when pulled back.

Kai chuckled. "Wow, those are awesome. You both really scored, huh?"

But then came the final gifts—two big, neatly wrapped packages covered in star-patterned wrapping paper. The twins stared at them in awe.

"They're huge…" Leo whispered.

"Can we open them?" Lily asked, her voice almost reverent.

"Go ahead," Kai said with a grin.

The paper came off in loud crinkles and rustles. And as the cardboard flaps peeled back, two small bikes were revealed—one painted sky blue with white accents and the other soft lavender with pink streamers on the handlebars. Both had training wheels attached, with the option to remove them when the time was right.

The twins froze for a second.

Then:

"Bikes!" they shouted in unison, throwing their arms in the air.

"They're real!" Leo shouted, running his hands over the smooth seat of his.

"They're so pretty…" Lily whispered, hugging hers.

Kai laughed, his chest full of pride. "Now you're real big kids, huh?"

"Can we ride them now?" Leo asked, eyes wide.

"Well," Kai said, glancing toward the window where the winter chill still lingered in the air, "maybe later today, when the sun's up a bit more. But we'll definitely go out for a ride. Promise."

Lily hugged his leg tightly. "Thank you, Daddy," she said again, this time with even more warmth and joy.

Leo joined her. "Best birthday ever!"

Kai smiled down at them, ruffling both of their heads. "You two make every day the best. I'm just glad you're happy."

They grinned up at him, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. In that small apartment, surrounded by wrapping paper, toys, and the sound of laughter, it didn't matter how tired Kai was, how much work he still had to do, or how uncertain the future could be. Right now, all that mattered was this: they were together. They were a family.

In the afternoon, the apartment slowly filled with cheerful voices and excited laughter as friends from daycare arrived to celebrate Leo and Lily's birthday. The kids came in small groups, coats half-falling off as they rushed inside, their faces lighting up the moment they saw the twins.

"Happy birthday, Leo!"

"Happy birthday, Lily!"

The twins beamed, soaking in the attention as they proudly showed off their presents. The biggest excitement was over the new bikes—Lily's pink with streamers, Leo's blue and shiny. They dragged friends down the hallway to admire them, sparking eager questions and requests to try them later. Kai watched from the kitchen doorway, smiling softly at their joy.

The party was full of energy—kids chased balloons, giggled on bean bags, and explored every toy Leo and Lily wanted to share. Kai had cleared space in the living room the night before, making just enough room for the whirlwind of fun.

Dinner was a hit. Kai let the twins pick the menu—fried chicken, fries, and homemade pizza—an indulgent feast just for their special day. The delicious smell filled the apartment as the kids dug in, some with ketchup on their cheeks, others chatting happily as they munched.

A few parents stayed, mostly mothers, chatting quietly with Kai while keeping an eye on the kids. They praised his cooking and juggling act, offering support and kind words.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—the cake. Kai brought out a homemade, slightly lopsided two-layer vanilla cake decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles. It was messy to make, with flour on noses and sticky fingers, but perfect in the twins' eyes.

"It's our cake!" Leo declared proudly. "We made it!"

"Us and Daddy!" Lily added, grinning up at Kai.

As the guests sang "Happy Birthday," Leo and Lily clapped along before blowing out the candles together. Cheers and laughter filled the room as cake was served—sweet, imperfect, and made with love.

The party continued into the evening with games, songs, and frosting-covered hands. Though chaotic and tiring, it was the kind of tired that felt happy and full. Kai wouldn't have traded the day for anything.

When the guests finally left, the twins hugged each friend goodbye, thanking them with sleepy smiles.

Sitting on the couch afterward, surrounded by wrapping paper, new toys, and floating balloons, their eyes still sparkled with joy.

Kai watched them quietly, feeling grateful. This day, he knew, had been worth every effort.