Hearts in chaos: Hearts Entwined book 4

13

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.