Since the Day We Met

One

My name is Jennifer, I am a single mom of my beautiful little daughter Harper. She is three years old and my everything. And we share our love for K-pop and fun music. But our other big love is Smoothies and ice cream. She had a stuffed bunny that went everywhere with her and heading out to the smoothie shop was no exception. It was just down the road from us so she was currently getting her shoes on and strapping her velcro. 

As Harper finished strapping her velcro shoes, I grabbed my purse and keys, and we headed out the door. The sun was shining brightly as we made our way down the sidewalk toward the smoothie shop. Harper held tightly onto her stuffed bunny, and we laughed together at the funny-sounding K-pop song that was playing in her head. She hummed along to the tune as she skipped beside me, her bunny bouncing in time with her jumps. When we arrived at the smoothie shop, it was bustling with fellow smoothie and ice cream lovers seeking a refreshing treat on this warm afternoon. 

As we entered the store, Harper's face lit up when she spotted all of the delicious flavors displayed on colorful posters along one wall. We went through our usual routine of narrowing down our smoothie choices – trying to decide between fruity flavors like strawberry banana or tropical blends like pineapple coconut. In the end, I opted for a healthy green smoothie while Harper settled on her favorite – a chocolate milkshake.

As we waited for our orders, Harper chatted animatedly about her plans for spending time at the park after enjoying our smoothies. She wanted to swing high on the swings and slide down the tallest slide in the playground. Watching her excitement reminded me of my own childhood experiences. I couldn't help but smile at how full of life Harper was – undoubtedly, she was what kept me going every day.

Our drinks were finally ready, and we thanked the server before finding a small table near a window where we could watch people passing by outside. Harper sipped slowly on her chocolate milkshake while clutching her bunny close to her chest and swinging her legs under the table. We continued sharing stories and laughing together as if there were no troubles in the world. I heard a bunch of commotion outside the shop before I heard a familiar voice. I was staring at the door till I saw HongJoong, my favorite K-pop idol come walking in the door with his band. 

I stare at him, barely able to believe my own eyes. Quickly looking away, I feel embarrassed for being caught staring. Glancing down at Harper, I see her happily playing with her stuffed bunny rabbit, oblivious to everything happening around her. Taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart, I gather my courage and take a few steps closer.

"Excuse me," I say, tapping HongJoong on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but are you HongJoong from Ateez?" He turns around, looking slightly confused."Yes, I am," he says, quickly glancing from left to right as if checking for someone else I could be talking to."Oh my gosh," I say, my voice shaking slightly.

"I'm such a huge fan! I can't believe I'm meeting you in person!" He laughs, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.

"It's nice to meet you," he replies, bowing slightly at the waist.

"And who is this little one?" He smiles warmly at Harper, who is now observing us intently.

"This is Harper," I reply timidly. "She's my daughter."

"She's beautiful," HongJoong says sincerely.

"Thank you," I reply, blushing. My mind races with excitement – this can't be real.

"So what brings you to New York?" he asks."I'm here with my daughter," I explain.

"She's two years old and I wanted to show her something special." He nods understandingly.

"I'm on tour with Ateez right now," he shares with a smile.

"We're playing a few shows in the city this week."My heart skips a beat – HongJoong is so close!

Feeling excited, I say, "I'll come and see your show."

"I'd love to have you there," he replies flirtatiously.

"It'll be a lot of fun." I grin and nod, still in awe of my luck – I'm talking to the K-pop star of my dreams! Just then, the barista calls out HongJoong's name.

"That's my smoothie," he says, raising his cup. "It was really nice meeting you."

"It was nice meeting you too," I reply, feeling somewhat wistful.HongJoong flashes me a charming smile before turning away and walking out of the shop. As I watch him leave, my heart flutters.

"Bye, HongJoong!" Harper cries, waving her chubby little hand. I turn to her in astonishment. Had she even been paying attention?

"You know him?" I ask. Harper giggles and nods.

"HongJoong!" she says.I smile thoughtfully. Perhaps dreams do come true after all.

After finishing our beverages, we left the smoothie shop and crossed the street to enter the park. There was an upcoming K-pop concert announced recently that I thought would be a perfect mother-daughter outing for us, so I started discussing the idea with Harper. She excitedly agreed, and we spent the next few minutes brainstorming costumes and accessories that we could wear to show our fan spirit during the event.As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long golden rays across the park, we finally made our way to the playground. Harper wasted no time running towards the swings while still holding her stuffed bunny. She swung high in the air above my head as I pushed her gently, making sure she was safe.While Harper played on the swings, I recalled how my mother spent countless afternoons with me in much the same way during my own childhood. Those memories warmed my heart and reminded me of the importance of spending quality time with your children. Despite being a single mom and feeling overwhelmed at times, I knew that life was all about cherishing these precious moments with Harper and ensuring a bright future for us both.

"Well hello again...." I heard and turned to see HongJoong walking toward us, his bodyguards close by. 

"Hello, HongJoong!!!" Harper said brightly, waving from her spot in her swing.