The door chimed as Mia and Jin entered the ice cream shop, the sweet aroma of sugar and waffle cones wafting through the air. Jiwoon’s eyes lit up with excitement, his small hands gripping Mia’s tightly as they approached the colorful display of ice cream flavors.

“Look at all the colors!” Jiwoon exclaimed, bouncing on his toes as he pointed to the different tubs lined up behind the glass. “Can I get blue? Or maybe pink?”

“Let’s check out all the flavors first,” Mia replied, crouching down to his level. “We have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and oh, look! There’s cotton candy!”

Jiwoon’s eyes grew even wider. “Cotton candy! That’s my favorite!” He was practically vibrating with energy, already envisioning the sweet treat in his cone.

As they made their way to the counter, Jin stood beside them, a gentle smile on his face. “What about you, Mia? What’s your favorite flavor?” he asked, genuinely curious.

“I have a soft spot for mint chocolate chip,” she replied, glancing at him with a playful grin. “It’s refreshing, and I love the crunch of the chocolate.”

“Nice choice,” Jin said, nodding in agreement. “I usually go for cookies and cream, but I think I’ll take whatever Jiwoon doesn’t finish.”

Jiwoon turned back to Mia, his eyes wide. “I want to try the mint chocolate chip too!”

Mia chuckled, “Alright, then let’s make it a mission. We’ll get a scoop of cotton candy, mint chocolate chip, and whatever flavor you want, Jiwoon. Sound good?”

“Yeah!” Jiwoon bounced again, his excitement palpable.

Once they reached the counter, Jin ordered for them, specifying the flavors Jiwoon had picked. As the server handed over the colorful scoops, Mia couldn’t help but feel a rush of happiness. Jiwoon’s joy was infectious, and she loved being part of it.

“Here you go, little man,” Jin said, handing Jiwoon his cone topped with a generous scoop of cotton candy. “But remember, no dropping it this time.”

Jiwoon giggled, gripping the cone tightly. “I won’t drop it! I promise!”

Mia took her own cup of mint chocolate chip and winked at Jiwoon. “Okay, but if you do, you owe me a dance!”

“A dance?” Jiwoon’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Okay! But only if you dance too!”

“Deal!” Mia laughed, feeling her heart warm at the playful banter.

They found a table in the corner of the shop, sunlight streaming in through the windows, illuminating their small gathering. Jiwoon wasted no time, plunging his spoon into the cotton candy ice cream, savoring the sweet flavor as he enjoyed each bite.

Mia and Jin shared a cone, stealing bites from each other, their laughter echoing softly in the cozy shop.

“Hey, no stealing my ice cream!” Jin mockingly exclaimed, trying to pull it back, but Mia held her ground, playfully sticking her tongue out at him.

“Just trying to make sure it’s good enough for Jiwoon!” she laughed, glancing at the little boy who was happily licking his cone.

“Yummy!” Jiwoon shouted, an enthusiastic grin on his face. “Mia, can I try yours?”

“Of course! Just don’t let it drip,” Mia warned, leaning down to offer him a taste.

Jiwoon leaned forward eagerly, his little hand reaching for her cup. But in his excitement, his tiny fingers inadvertently found their way onto Mia’s chest instead, briefly squeezing before he quickly pulled his hand back, oblivious to the awkwardness of the moment.

Both Mia and Jin froze for a split second, their eyes wide as they processed what had just happened.

“Uh... Jiwoon!” Jin began, his face flushing crimson as he leaned forward, trying to maintain composure while swiftly redirecting his son’s hand. “You need to be careful where you put your hands, buddy.”

Mia’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she couldn’t help but laugh nervously at the situation. “It’s okay! Kids are curious, right?” she said, attempting to lighten the mood while subtly adjusting her shirt.

“Yeah, but they also need to learn boundaries!” Jin replied, still red-faced as he shot Mia an apologetic look. “Sorry about that. He’s still figuring things out.”

Jiwoon looked back and forth between them, completely unaware of the tension. “Can I try your ice cream now?” he asked again, his face still beaming.

“Sure!” Mia managed to say, her heart racing from the unexpected touch, but she quickly pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on Jiwoon’s happiness instead.

As Jiwoon took a careful bite of her mint chocolate chip, a triumphant smile spread across his face. “It’s cold and yummy!”

“See? Told you it was good!” Mia replied, giggling at his delight.

Jin watched the two of them interact, a mixture of relief and affection flooding his chest. He appreciated how Mia handled the situation, and it made him feel more comfortable knowing Jiwoon was in capable hands.

After a few moments, Jiwoon turned back to his own cone, and the three of them continued to enjoy their ice cream. The earlier awkwardness melted away, replaced by the warmth of laughter and shared stories.

“Hey, Jiwoon,” Jin said suddenly, grinning mischievously. “Want to challenge Mia to an ice cream eating contest?”

“Yeah!” Jiwoon shouted, pumping his fist in the air. “I can eat it super fast!”

Mia chuckled, raising her eyebrow. “Oh really? Alright, I’m up for the challenge, but I hope you’re ready to lose!”

“Never!” Jiwoon declared, determination written all over his small face.

Jin laughed, leaning back in his chair. “Alright, on the count of three. One, two... three!”

Both Jiwoon and Mia dove into their ice cream, the competition quickly turning into a chaotic and joyful scene. Ice cream dripped down their hands and cheeks as they hurriedly took spoonfuls, giggling and shouting in excitement.

“I’m winning!” Jiwoon squealed, his face a mess of colors as he tried to keep up with Mia’s speed.

“No way! I’m catching up!” Mia shot back, her eyes sparkling with competitive spirit.

Jin could hardly contain his laughter, enjoying the sight of his son and the nanny getting lost in their playful contest. It was moments like these that made everything feel right.

As they finished their cones, Jiwoon declared himself the champion, his laughter ringing in the air. “I’m the best ice cream eater ever!”

“Congratulations, champ!” Mia said, giving him a high-five. “But don’t forget, there’s always next time!”

“Next time, I’ll be even faster!” Jiwoon promised, wiping his sticky hands on his shorts.

Jin couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth at the sight of them. It was such a small moment, yet it felt significant. In that ice cream shop, amid laughter and spilled ice cream, Jin could see the bond forming between Mia and Jiwoon—a bond that gave him hope.

As they left the shop, Jin held Jiwoon’s hand while Mia walked beside them. The sun was shining brightly, and with every step, Jin felt the shadows of his past slowly fading away. He was still navigating the aftermath of his marriage, but with Mia by his side, he felt a glimmer of optimism for what was to come.

“Let’s go home and watch a movie!” Jin suggested, looking at Jiwoon.

“Can we get popcorn?” Jiwoon asked eagerly, bouncing on his feet.

“Absolutely! You’re in charge of the popcorn, Mia,” Jin said, shooting her a teasing smile.

Mia laughed, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. “Alright, I’ll make the best popcorn ever!”

As they walked back, Jin felt a sense of peace settling over him. Life was unpredictable, but moments like this—filled with laughter, joy, and a budding friendship—reminded him that happiness was still within reach. And as they approached the mansion, he couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, they were all headed toward something wonderful together.