Since the Day We Met

Twenty-Four

HongJoong's POV

Returning home has been an incredible experience, filled with cherished moments spent with my family, the excitement of settling into our new house, and the anticipation of welcoming a new baby into our lives. This personal transformation has felt like a complete 180-degree shift compared to my responsibilities as a member of Ateez. While I continue to work diligently on my career, my heart now swells with the amazing things that await me at home, making every day even more rewarding and fulfilling.

HongJoong's POV

Returning home has been an incredible experience, filled with cherished moments spent with my family, the excitement of settling into our new house, and the anticipation of welcoming a new baby into our lives. This personal transformation has felt like a complete 180-degree shift compared to my responsibilities as a member of Ateez. While I continue to work diligently on my career, my heart now swells with the amazing things that await me at home, making every day even more rewarding and fulfilling. I had Jennifer, my beautiful pregnant fiance, and my step daughter little harper, and now my unborn child to await.

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across our new home, I couldn't help but reminisce about how our journey together had begun. Jennifer and I met through the industry, our shared passions for music and performing bringing us closer over time. Despite the chaos of life on the road, we managed to nurture our relationship until it blossomed into unconditional love.The moment when Jennifer introduced Harper to me as her daughter remains permanently etched in my memory.

This little girl, with her wispy blonde hair and infectious giggle, instantly wrapped her tiny fingers around my heart. From that day forward, I vowed to always put them first - ahead of my career and any other distractions life may present.Now, getting ready for a family dinner in our new home, I found myself reflecting on the joy and challenges of meshing our lives. The house was filled with warmth and love that overflowed into every corner, creating an atmosphere that bordered on magical.

In our beautiful kitchen – Jennifer's pride and joy where she loves to cook mouth-watering dishes – Harper was splashing water onto the floor as she freshly picked vegetables from our home garden to wash for the salad. With laughter in her eyes, she'd glance up at me occasionally as if to check that I was still watching her antics.Jennifer busied herself at the stove, stirring pots that radiated mouthwatering aromas throughout the house. Although she is now heavily pregnant with our first child together when it comes to getting things done, Jennifer hasn't slowed down one bit!

As I reached out to help her lift a pot off the stove, she smiled gratefully but also playfully scolded me for interrupting her culinary process. Our eyes locked for a brief moment before we both burst out laughing; a shared recognition of our unwavering love filling us with happiness.We continued to set the table together while Harper sat on the floor. The sight of my fiancé, stepdaughter, and  these mundane tasks easily turned into a beautiful memory of domestic bliss – one I'll cherish forever.

Dinner was a cheerful affair filled with laughter and delicious food, followed by an impromptu dance party in the living room. Harper gleefully jumped around, her giggles providing the soundtrack to our evening while Jennifer and I swayed together, arms intertwined, lost in each other's gaze.

As the night unfolded, we shared stories of our day, recounting the little triumphs and challenges that life had presented. The forthcoming arrival of our newest family member was a frequent topic of conversation as we eagerly anticipated the changes a new baby would bring.

Harper, unable to contain her excitement at becoming a big sister, chattered incessantly about all the things she planned to teach her new sibling. From how to blow bubbles in a glass of milk to constructing elaborate pillow forts, Harper's enthusiasm for her future role was contagious and brought smiles to our faces.

After dinner and dance festivities concluded, it was time for Harper's bedtime routine – a series of rituals that I have come to cherish deeply. Jennifer would take the lead, reading Harper a bedtime story as I sat close by, listening intently to their sweet exchange. The precious moments between mother and daughter seemed to stretch time, wrapping us all in a cocoon of warmth and love.

With sleepy eyes and a yawn that threatened to swallow us whole, Harper reluctantly admitted defeat and allowed us to tuck her into bed for the night. As Jennifer pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and I gently ruffled her hair with affection, we shared a quiet prayer that such moments might never end.

As we returned to the living room, exhaustion from an eventful day began creeping up on us – especially Jennifer. Although she valiantly fought through fatigue on most days, tonight she needed rest more than anything else. Understanding this reality, I offered my support in any way possible; from rubbing her swollen feet as we sat on the sofa together or taking charge of any remaining housework through my efforts.

With Jennifer resting peacefully beside me on the sofa, we continued to softly chat about our upcoming plans – from the many cuddles we would share during late-night feedings to envisioning how Harper would bond with her new sibling. Each passing moment brought us closer, our connection deepening with every shared hope and dream.

Gradually, Jennifer's eyes fluttered closed as she succumbed to the welcoming embrace of sleep. Her chest rose and fell gently, her peaceful slumber a testament to the trust and comfort she felt in our home and relationship.

As I quietly rose from the sofa, careful not to disturb her, I took a moment to survey our world – the family we had built together, and a life that was so full of love it felt like a dream. With a heart full of gratitude, I pulled a nearby blanket over Jennifer, ensuring her comfort as she rested.I made my way through the tidying up process in the kitchen, my thoughts occupied by Harper's eager plans for the future. The pride I felt in taking care of my family surged through me with each dish washed and stray toy returned to its place. In those moments of quiet reflection, it became evident how crucial it was to not only take care of them emotionally but also physically by creating a safe and nurturing environment.

In what felt like no time at all, our home had become our sanctuary – a haven filled with love from which we could face any challenge life dared throw our way. As I switched off the kitchen lights and ascended upstairs to join Jennifer in bed, my soul overflowed with contentment. Slipping under the covers beside her, I marveled at how well we had woven our lives together.

Our personal growth is reflected in tandem with our flourishing relationship – each new experience acting as threads that bound us tighter together. Gently wrapping my arm around Jennifer's waist, I silently vowed to continue nurturing this bond for all days ahead.A faint hint of morning light whispered into the room as dawn crept closer. My dreams from the night now fading fragments of memory replaced by thoughts of another day rich with promise and adventure.

Despite my best efforts, sleep eluded me further as anticipation pulsed in my veins. Gently disentangling myself from Jennifer's loving embrace once more, I left our bedroom to begin my day. My silent footfalls echoed softly through the hushed house, each room bathed in the gentle, golden glow of the morning sun. Entering Harper's room, my heart swelled with pride as I studied her sleeping form. Her angelic face relaxed in slumber and illuminated by sunbeams. This was the life.