#kchristmas

The holidays are usually your favorite time of year. Sure, they’re really hectic and there’s always way too much to do without nearly enough time to do it. But, you still love it. Love being around friends and family. Love how everyone seems to acknowledge that any problems can wait for the new year. This is a time for joy and happiness. A time to celebrate all the wonderful things that did happen and leave the bad in the year you’re leaving behind. 

This time of year also brings around an annual trip that you take with friends. A trip to a secluded cabin where you can all just disconnect. Where you can sit by the fireplace and read. Where you can go to the nearby resort to ski or snowboard. Where you can drink hot cocoa and swap stories and just enjoy the company without the bustle of the city. It’s one of your favorite weekends every time the holidays roll around. 

Not this year. 

This year, your friends decide that they want to make the group a little bigger and spend a long weekend, including New Year’s Eve, together. Which is great, you’re single and there’s nobody else you’d rather ring the New Year in with. Except for one problem. Your ex is also coming. It’s been a little over a year since you broke up, so you know it’s time to move on. Moving on feels a lot harder when he decides he’s going to come to the cabin weekend again this year. It shouldn’t really surprise you. After all, you were friends before you dated. Didn’t think anything could stop you from being friends after. Didn’t actually think there would be an after, if you’re honest. And you’re definitely not going to be the one to back out or admit you’re still not really over it. 

So, that’s why you’re sitting in a car with Wonwoo, Jihoon, and Mimi, headed off to the cabins that your friends booked for an extended long weekend. You’re just thankful that Wonwoo offered you a spot in his car on the way up. Makes it a lot easier. Even if it means Jihoon and Mimi are currently in each other’s space in the backseat as she shows him something on her phone. It’s not that you mind how cute they are together, it’s just still weird to see Jihoon acting like that with anyone. She seems to have waltzed in and melted any defenses he had.

From his position in the driver’s seat, Wonwoo reaches over to squeeze your thigh. You look over at him, grateful for the reminder that you’re not alone in all of this. Grateful that he swore up and down to make sure you never felt awkward the whole weekend. Maybe it won’t be so bad, you think, as you queue up more songs for the drive. That’s the best part about being in the front seat. You get to control the music and Wonwoo started the trip by telling Jihoon and Mimi just to roll with it. Not that they’re paying all that much attention, but it was a nice thought all the same. 

The drive up is uneventful. Wonwoo navigates the winding back roads with a practiced ease. You sigh happily, taking in all the trees dusted with snow and the winter wonderland all around as you leave most of your troubles behind. There’s something almost refreshing about being out here. Like the air is crisper and everything is stiller. Wonwoo would make a smartass comment about how there’s more trees, less pollution, and a lot fewer people. So, of course all those things are true. You think it’s more, something about the magic of Christmas and the New Year. 

Your smile falls the second you pull up to the main cabin because you can see that Seungcheol’s car is already there. Figures he would not only drive, but beat you there. You try to set that aside, though, because the place is beautiful. It’s set up with a main cabin where you can hang out, cook, play games, or do whatever you want. Then, there are separate small cabins, mostly just with bedrooms and bathrooms, to sleep in. Nayeon, bless her, took care of figuring out the sleeping arrangements for everyone. At least that would be easy. 

Jihoon and Mimi are out of the car almost as soon as it stops, even if Jihoon grumbles about how his legs are stiff and the air is cold. It takes one smile from Mimi and he’s smiling back, grabbing their bags from the car to head for the main cabin. Meanwhile, Wonwoo adjusts his glasses and makes sure everything is turned off before getting out of the car to stretch. When he meets you at the trunk, his gaze is soft. 

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” he asks. 

You sigh and pull out your suitcase, with a little help from your friend. “No.” 

“We shouldn’t have come,” Wonwoo says.

“Just because I’m being a baby doesn’t mean you should’ve stayed away,” you reassure him.

“You’re not being a baby,” he says with a frown. 

“Still,” you press. “We’ve been broken up for a year. There’s going to be a lot of people here, it’ll be fine.”

“As long as you’re sure,” Wonwoo relents. “He didn’t bring anyone, did he?” 

“No, Nayeon said it’s just him. She’s worried about me too,” you say with a playful eye roll. “She’s got me staying in a cabin with you, her, and Joshua.”

“I’m glad we’re at least staying together,” Wonwoo says.

“I’m gonna be fine, Wonwoo, you worry too much,” you insist. 

You get through the first night and breakfast the next morning without having to say a single word to Seungcheol. It’s been awhile since you last saw some of your friends, so there’s a lot to catch up on. The group is also pretty large, which makes it easier to blend in. Everything, even something as simple as making a meal, is kind of a process, too. You’ve always been pretty comfortable in the kitchen and offer to help cook. Seungcheol can’t say the same. It feels like maybe it’ll be smooth and you can just do your own separate things without it being a big deal. Like you can both just agree to give each other space during the trip and not be awkward.

That lasts until the afternoon on the first full day, unfortunately. 

Even though a lot of people take time off between Christmas and New Year’s, a decent portion of the group decides a Friday will still be less busy on the slopes. They want to get some runs in earlier in the day before whatever everyone wants to do later. Seungcheol, thankfully, was one of the first to say he wanted to go. Not surprising, you know he likes really anything where he can be active. Wonwoo was also quick to say he wanted to, after asking you if that was okay. You, again, insisted it was fine. 

You’re reading your book by the fire, periodically watching Jun, Nayeon, and Mimi play cards on the other side of the room, when Seungcheol comes hobbling back in. Minghao just behind him, scolding him for not waiting and ruining the peaceful atmosphere. 

“What’s wrong?” Nayeon asks, looking up from the game.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” Seungcheol says shortly.

“He rolled his ankle,” Minghao interjects. 

“Now you see why I stayed behind,” Jun says.

“I’m fine, really,” Seungcheol insists. 

“You should ice it just in case. And keep it elevated,” Minghao says as heads off to the kitchen. 

Trying to keep your face straight, you mark the page in your book and get up. All you want is for this to be as subtle as possible. But, Jun is also in the room.

“Where are you going?” Jun asks. 

“Oh, just back to my room to get something,” 

It’s a lie and you’re pretty sure they know it, but you also don’t care. You’re not going to stay in the room with an injured Seungcheol because he gets pouty when he can’t do exactly what he wants. This is going to be one of those times. There’s no way he’s going to be happy sitting still when he knows his other friends are still out on the trails. Especially when it’s such a minor thing. You hope that they all understand your decision to just let them deal with him and whatever he has to say.

When you feel like it’s been enough time, you venture back into the main cabin, portable charger in hand, for good measure. Not that you think anyone will ask what it is that you needed from your room, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Just in case. At first glance, you think the main living area is empty. That makes you sigh in a little relief. Not that you want to be alone when this is a trip for friends. It’s just nice to have a quiet moment in all the chaos. You think you’ll be able to get back to your book, at least for a little, until you notice someone laying on the couch. Not someone. Seungcheol. Quickly, you turn around, hoping he doesn’t see you. And it would probably work, if you didn’t bump into the corner of a table on your way out.

His head snaps up and swivels to look at you. “What - oh.” 

“Sorry, I was just leaving,” you say.

“Can you really not be in the same room as me?” he asks. He sits up so that he can look at you more easily.

“I’ve been in the same room as you plenty,” you point out.

“Not alone,” he persists. 

“What reason would we possibly have to be alone together?” you wonder. 

“You don’t have to be so…” he starts.

“So, what?” you press.

“So…like this,” Seungcheol finishes, somewhat lamely.

“How should I be?” you ask. 

“I don’t know, just, not like this. We were always comfortable with each other, even before…” he starts and stops suddenly.

“Before we dated? Before you shattered my heart? Before you decided it was easier to shut me out instead of just talking to me?” you ask, tears prickling at the corners of your eyes. 

“I know,” he admits.

“You just abandoned me,” you say quietly. “I needed you and you weren’t there. I never would’ve left you like that.” 

“I know. I made so many mistakes. So many things I can’t take back,” he says. He actually looks remorseful. You’re not sure if that’s better or worse. “I’m so sorry for that. I would take it all back if I could. I’d do everything differently.”

“This was a mistake,” you say.

“Talking to me?” he asks.

“Coming on this trip at all,” you admit and turn away. “I have to go.” 

With your back to him, you miss the way his face falls at your admission. Don’t see the way he considers getting up to follow after you. It’s for the best, anyway. Your heart's already breaking again just from one conversation. Just from seeing the emotion on his face. The one face you thought you’d always know better than your own. It’s amazing how everything can change in a single moment. How something that took years to build, first as friends and then as a couple, can all come tumbling down in a second. A split second or a fork in the road. One wrong turn and it’s all gone. 

You make it through to Saturday without any more forced conversations with your ex-boyfriend. Manage to sit on the opposite end of the table from him during meals. Wait until he commits to playing a game or watching something before you decide what to do yourself. Still, you feel very included in everything with different groups of your friends because there are plenty of people there to hang out with. If you take the forced conversation with him out of the equation, it’s actually been a pretty good trip, overall. Not nearly as hard as you expected it to be. 

“I’m gonna go check out the lodge at the mountain, anyone wanna come?” Wonwoo throws out. There’s a smattering of lukewarm responses. Mostly, people say they may hit the trails a little bit later after they’ve had a lazy morning.

“I’ll come,” you offer. 

“Shocking that you two are a pair,” Nayeon jokes from her spot on the couch, curled up with Joshua.

“That’s enough out of you,” you joke back before turning to Wonwoo. “I’ll go grab my coat.”

“Can you grab my hat? I think I left it in my room,” Wonwoo requests.

“Sure,” you agree. 

When you meet Wonwoo in the entranceway, you find your eyes back on the living area. Almost like you can feel someone watching you. But, when nobody is, you figure that you must have imagined it, not noticing the way Seungcheol’s jaw tightens or his mouth turns down in frown. He had just been looking and he wasn’t liking what he saw. Instead, having missed all that, you fall into step beside one of your closest friends and head out of the cabin.

“It’s not a far walk, but we can drive if you want,” Wonwoo offers, sticking his hands into his pockets.

“No, a walk would be nice. It’s not as cold today,” you say.

One of the best parts of being friends with Wonwoo is the sheer comfort you feel with him. It’s always been like this, since the beginning of your friendship. Always just as easy to say the hard things to him as it is to sit in silence. Always easy to avoid the hard things, because he seems to find it easy to to tell when you don’t want to say something. Unfortunately, it’s also easy for him to push you to speak, even when you’re not sure if you want to. Like now, as soon as you reach the Lodge. 

“Are you doing okay?” Wonwoo asks as the pair of you make your way over to a stand selling hot drinks. 

“I’m assuming you don’t mean from the walk over here,” you deflect while you look at the menu.

“No,” Wonwoo answers simply. 

“I’m fine,” you insist, stepping up to the counter. “Peppermint hot chocolate and whatever he wants.”

“You don’t have to…” Wonwoo starts, falling silent at the look you give him. He sighs, knowing you won’t relent. “Just a plain hot chocolate.” 

“Thanks,” you say as you pay.

“You’re not fine. I can see it on you,” Wonwoo says.

You pause when someone calls out your name for the order. “I really am doing fine. The only hard part was getting sucked into a short conversation with him yesterday.”

“What did he say?” Wonwoo asks. 

“Nothing much,” you say and meet Wonwoo’s eyes. You can tell you need to carry on. So, you recount the conversation as best as you can remember.

“He misses you,” Wonwoo surmises. 

“And if he does? What does it matter?” you ask.

“You miss him too,” Wonwoo points out. “That’s why it matters.”

“I don’t,” you argue. “He broke my heart.” 

“What happened? A year ago when you broke up, what happened?” Wonwoo asks.

“You know what happened,” you say with a sigh.

“No, I don’t. I know he left, somehow, but I don’t know what really happened. You’ve always kept that part of the story close to the vest,” Wonwoo says.

“Because it still hurts,” you plead. 

“Maybe it’s time you let someone else take a little of that pain by talking about it,” Wonwoo suggests. You find a table to sit down as you’re considering sharing.

Ultimately, it would be nice to get someone else’s perspective. To get someone who knows you both, and cares about you both, to weigh in on everything that happened. Even if Wonwoo seemingly took your side, you know he still talks to Seungcheol as well. With a steadying breath, you launch into the whole explanation, at least your side of it. It’s time, past time, honestly, that you get this off your chest.

It was great, at the beginning. The two of you were friends first, for years, before something shifted and you started to see each other differently. Suddenly stepping a little more carefully around each other. Not really knowing what to do or what to expect. Not sure if it would ruin the friendship to admit that there were feelings there. Until one day, Seungcheol finally made the move, asked you out on a date, and made sure you knew that’s what he was asking. It got very serious, very quickly. Far more quickly than either of you expected. But, that’s what happens when you start as friends. There are so many things you already know, so many things you don’t have to ask, so many memories already embedded into your relationship. Things were good. It wasn’t like they were perfect. There were little fights here and there, but nothing that felt that serious. Nothing that felt like a dealbreaker. 

It’s hard to admit, even to Wonwoo, that you saw Seungcheol as your forever. As someone you wouldn’t let go of once you had him. He was your safe space without ever being boring. Your protector without ever being one of those toxic assholes. Your biggest cheerleader without being condescending. It was way too early in the relationship to be feeling like he was your forever, so you didn’t ever say it to him, but you felt it. Felt it deep in your bones. He was also vulnerable with you in a way that he wasn’t with anyone else. At least anyone else that you’d seen. The first time he just let you take care of him, let you see him as something other than someone strong and in control, it made you fall even more deeply for him. It didn’t hurt that he nearly stopped your heart with how stupid hot he was. That gets a snort out of Wonwoo before you continue on. 

Suddenly, everything changed. Seungcheol withdrew into himself and stopped confiding in you. He could always be a bit moody, a little deep in his feelings. Still, he would always talk to you about it. Would always share with you what he was feeling. Sometimes it was something so simple as you getting a little too much attention, which he didn’t like. He could be a little jealous. It was something you worked on with him. Sometimes it was a conversation with a friend weighing heavily or something going wrong at work. No matter what, he always talked to you about it. Until he didn’t. Until he just stopped saying much of anything. Until he got a bit secretive with everything in his life and you didn’t really recognize him anymore. His phone was always turned over. Not fully paying attention to you when you were in group settings. Not making plans the way he used to.

“What did you do?” Wonwoo asks. 

“I confronted him,” you say. Simple. It was so simple. “I told him it wasn’t okay and that I deserved better. That we always got through things together and that we needed to get back to that.” 

“Mature of you,” Wonwoo says.

“I thought so,” you say and take a steadying breath. “He agreed, even. Told me that I did deserve better.”

“So what…” Wonwoo asks, but trails off. Obviously confused. 

“He said that it was too much. That he couldn’t give me the things I deserved. That I would be better off finding someone else who could,” you say and wipe away the stray tear. 

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know,” Wonwoo says. 

“I didn’t want you to. I didn’t want you to look at me like that,” you admit. “Like I was broken because someone didn’t want to love me.”

“You’re not broken,” Wonwoo insists softly, hand reaching out for one of yours. “You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. But it’s okay to admit when you need help. Or when you need a friend.”

“I know,” you sigh. “It’s just hard.”

“I know, but I’m here,” Wonwoo assures you. 

Saturday night finds Wonwoo and Seungcheol as the last two awake in the living room, finishing their drinks in relative silence. It used to be easy for Seungcheol, sitting with his friend like this. Yet, it hasn’t been, not in the last year since he broke up with you. Not since Wonwoo made it clear that they were friends, but he was sticking by you no matter what. Not that Wonwoo’s been cold or rude or anything. That would have made it easier, Seungcheol thinks. No, instead he’s been mostly the same. Still just as friendly and supportive. All it does is make him feel worse. Why can’t Wonwoo just say what’s really on his mind?

“How was the lodge earlier?” Seungcheol asks.

“Hmm?” Wonwoo asks, eyes seeming to come back into focus as they look over at him.

“The lodge? You went over there earlier. I was just asking how it was,” Seungcheol repeats.

“Oh, fine. We just ended up getting hot chocolate and talking. Kinda watched people coming and going from the trails,” Wonwoo says like it doesn’t matter. Maybe it doesn’t. 

“Are you two…are you…” Seungcheol starts and stops the question several times.

“Dating?” Wonwoo asks, taking pity on his friend. “No. She’s been single since…”

“I broke her heart?” Seungcheol supplies humorlessly. 

“I wasn’t going to say that.” 

“No? It seems like someone spending that much time with her would say that.” 

Wonwoo regards him for a second, adjusts his glasses like he’s buying time to think. “What happened? With you and her, what happened?”

“I’m sure you’ve already heard it from her.” The answer is short. Seungcheol doesn’t want to play these games, not with someone that’s so obviously close to you.

“I’m not asking to hear it from her. I’m asking to hear it from you,” Wonwoo presses. He’s insistent, but his eyes are soft. It’s easy to wonder if it’s time to share. 

“I got scared,” Seungcheol admits. “And jealous.” 

“Of what? Or of who?” Wonwoo asks.  Seungcheol takes a long sip of his drink and grimaces a little. He isn’t buzzed enough for this. Can’t really believe he’s entertaining sharing in the first place. But, well, isn’t this what he’s hoping for? Another chance?

“Of everything and everyone,” Seungcheol says. “She was so kind, so patient, so good to me. Good for me. Just the best person I’ve ever known. I just thought that one day, she’d wake up and she’d realize that she deserved more than me.”

Wonwoo shakes his head. “Why did you think that?” 

“I don’t know,” Seungcheol admits. “I guess, well I know I can be difficult. That I get in my head a lot. I know sometimes it’s hard to talk about what I’m feeling. She made a lot of that feel easier, which made me fall harder for her. But, then she makes a lot of people feel that way, doesn’t she? Like she’s the only one who will understand. I don’t even think I was the only friend of ours that had feelings for her. I just, I don’t know, it sounds so fucking dumb now, but I couldn’t compete.” 

“It wasn’t a competition, Cheol,” Wonwoo says.

“I know that,” Seungcheol insists.

Wonwoo fixes him with a stare. “Do you? She’s a lot of things, maybe a lot that make people interested in her. But, she chose you. She chose you and kept choosing you, every chance she got. I don’t think that ever would’ve changed.” 

“Do you want me to feel worse?” Seungcheol asks, voice rising a bit. “I already told her that I would go back and change things if I could, but I can’t.” 

“Do you still love her?” Wonwoo asks, voice so quiet. Yet, it carries all the same.

“Of course I do,” Seungcheol says.

“Then figure out a way to tell her,” Wonwoo replies.

“It’s not that easy,” Seungcheol says. “And aren’t you supposed to be telling me to leave her alone? As her friend?” 

Wonwoo rises from his seat. “It can be that easy, if you stop being your own worst enemy. And I’m your friend, too. It doesn’t seem like the chapter is really over for either of you yet.” 

Seungcheol sits and considers what his friend shared. Wonders if there might be something there. He barely registers as Wonwoo says goodnight and calls a goodnight in response. Then, he’s left with his thoughts again. Should he say something? Can he bring himself to say something? Or will you just shut it down again?

New Year's Eve brings a snowstorm with it that has your group of friends deciding it’s best to just stay in the cabins instead of venturing out to the party they’re having at the lodge. There’s plenty of you for a party, plenty of food, and plenty of warmth, especially close to the fire. The snow falls lightly outside the windows, blanketing everything around with a fresh layer of powdery flakes. It’s not supposed to get truly heavy until much later in the evening. So, you can just get dressed up and have a party with everyone that’s familiar to you. No worrying about mixing with strangers and how they’ll impact the party.

When you and Mingyu go into the kitchen to take stock of what you have and plan out the food for the day, you realize that maybe you don’t have everything that you need after all. You could actually use more food and you definitely could use some champagne to toast with. It makes sense, though, you planned to go into the lodge to ring in the new year. Your smile when Wonwoo, Jihoon, and Joshua offer to go out and do a run is immediate and wide. You hand over a list of what you need (well, you text it to all three of them just to cover your bases) and they’re off into town. That lets you turn back to the kitchen, where Mingyu and Mimi are starting on an appetizer. You’re trying to figure out what you can work on when someone clears their throat. Your heart skips a little when you look up.

“Could I talk to you for a minute?” Seungcheol asks you, face more open than you’ve seen in a while.

It makes your mouth go dry. How are you supposed to turn him down when he’s asking in front of everyone like this? Like it’s just a totally normal thing to ask? All you can do is nod and avoid looking at anyone else around you. Just nod and follow him into a smaller side room off the main living area. 

“Thanks,” he says when they stop walking.

“What was I supposed to do? Make a scene?” you ask. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know how else to ask you to talk,” he admits.

“I heard you,” you say, cutting across his words. He looks confused. “Last night? I heard you talking to Wonwoo. I left my charger in here and came back to get it.” 

“Oh,” is all he says.

“Oh?” you repeat.

“I wanted to actually tell you, not have you overhear me talking through things with someone else,” he says, mouth turned down like he’s upset.

“Then you should have just talked to me,” you press.

“I couldn’t! You won’t talk to me,” he says defensively.

“Not this weekend. A year ago, when it all happened,” you say quietly.

“I know,” he says. You expect him to look annoyed or defeated, but he only looks sincere. “I knew the moment you walked out that I fucked up and I’m so sorry. I’ve tried a hundred times since then to just talk to you, but the words never felt right.” 

“Cheol,” you plead. You’ve been waiting a year to hear this. Except, you finally feel like you’re starting to move past it all and this is only making it confusing. 

“Just, you don’t have to say anything, I just want you to hear me out,” Seungcheol pleads. “I know I have absolutely no right to ask you that, but I’m asking anyway.”

“Okay,” you say, barely above a whisper.

“I fucked up. I knew I did when you walked out, but it took me a while to realize just how bad. I didn’t just drive a partner away, I drove someone away that got through all my walls in a way nobody else ever has. I drove away the person that made me feel comfortable, that supported me even when I was being an idiot, that constantly showed up for me. I was afraid that I didn’t deserve you and always jealous of everyone else that paid attention to you. I thought one day you were gonna wake up and realize that there were better people out there that were less, I don’t know, emotionally closed off. I didn’t realize until way too late that you knew exactly what you brought to the table and what you deserved, but you picked me. I didn’t realize that it’s the only thing I ever needed, was you seeing all of me and picking me anyway,” Seungcheol says. 

“I don’t, that’s…” you trail off and shake your head to clear it. You’re trying to find the words when Nayeon pokes her head in.

“Hey, I’m so sorry to butt in, but Mimi just kicked me out of the kitchen. I was only offering because Mingyu said he needed help,” Nayeon says. “I think they need you.”

“Oh, um,” you start, kind of like a deer in headlights.

“You should go help him. I don’t want everyone hating me for keeping you from helping Mingyu,” Seungcheol says with a light chuckle at complete odds with the situation. 

“Thank you,” Nayeon says with a smile as she grabs your arm to whisk you away.

“Does Mingyu actually need me?” you ask.

“Huh? Yeah, he does,” Nayeon laughs. “I wasn’t trying to save you, you’re good enough at that on your own.”

“I don’t buy that,” you say, pulling both of you to a halt. Nayeon rolls her eyes.

“Fine, maybe I heard what he said to Wonwoo last night from Joshua and maybe I want you to at least consider what he has to say,” Nayeon admits. “I liked you together, sue me.”

“I just might,” you grumble, heading off to help Mingyu in the kitchen without Nayeon in tow.

After dinner, you and Mingyu insist that you’re not getting anything, for anyone, for the rest of the night. And probably into tomorrow. Mimi got distracted part way through and disappeared for entirely too long with Jihoon. Which would be fine, but there were a lot of people to cook for and you needed all the help you could get. Joshua popped in and out, thankfully, but it was still tiring. The perk has been that you actually haven’t had to lift a finger since. Your drink stays full and someone is always willing to get you something to eat. That lets you settle in to play a game with the group.

The TV in the background steadily counts down as it gets closer to midnight. Occasionally, the performance draws your attention to watch. Mostly, you’re just drinking entirely too much. Somewhere, in the deep recesses of your brain, you know that you’re just trying to avoid thinking about everything Seungcheol said. Or trying to avoid thinking how good he looks tonight. It’s hard to stop yourself from lingering on the way his shirt clings to his chest. Has he been working out even more? Or the way his pants stretch tight across his thighs. Not for the first time, you shake your head to clear it, recross your legs, and focus on whatever game it is you’re playing. Ignore the look Wonwoo gives you from his place next to you. He certainly hasn’t missed your looks. (And nobody else really has, either, except for Jun. But, that’s just Jun for you.)

Everyone sets aside the games when it gets closer to midnight, milling around with varying amounts of energy instead of sitting still. You realize, even with any awkwardness from Seungcheol being there, you can’t think of anyone else you’d rather ring in a new year with. Surrounded by all of your favorite people, what else could anyone ask for? Well, except maybe a New Year’s kiss. As if on cue, your glance drifts over to Seungcheol. It’s a little surprising to find he’s already looking at you, smiling softly. It sends a surge of emotion through you to think of all the reasons you fell in love with him in the first place. When you turn away to take a sip of your drink, you find it’s empty. With midnight rapidly approaching, you really need a refill on the champagne. You’re about to go do that when a voice breaks into your thoughts.

“Here,” he says.

You turn to look at Seungcheol, now very firmly in your space, holding out a new glass of champagne. “Thanks.”

“I just noticed you were almost empty and figured you’d want it,” he offers.

“Yeah, I should make sure this one lasts,” you chuckle out.

The host on TV announces that there’s only a minute left. Everyone around you starts talking excitedly or getting closer to their partners, if they have them. Jokingly, you told Wonwoo that he would be your New Year’s kiss. Now, that’s the last thing on your mind. Seungcheol hovers close by. When you look over at him, though, his eyes are on the TV, counting down along with the host when it gets to ten seconds.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” 

Everyone shouts together and starts clinking glasses. Hugging their friends or kissing their partners. Your body makes the decision for you when you turn to the man next to you and cheers his glass. As he starts to turn away, you grab his arm and pull him into you. Press your lips against his before either of you can figure out what’s happening. He recovers from his surprise quickly and wraps his free arm around your waist to pull you against his chest. It’s familiar and also somehow completely new at the same time. 

Breathless. That’s what you feel when you pull away and cheers with other friends. You throw your arms around Nayeon and press a kiss to Wonwoo’s cheek. Pointedly ignore any looks or raised eyebrows about your decision to kiss your ex in a room full of all your friends. It’s fine. Everyone is doing fine. You’re definitely thankful that someone suggests a game and you can all go back to celebrating without talking about the elephant in the room. A very different elephant than when you first got to the cabins. 

There’s another massive difference, too. Instead of sitting on the fringes or carefully leaving space, Seungcheol plops down right next to you. Lets his arm rest along the back of the couch. His arm isn’t around you, but it could be with the slightest adjustment. Several of your friends look at you with the question in their eyes. You avoid all of them, like the true adult you are, and focus, instead, on the warmth of Seungcheol’s thigh when it presses into yours. Actually, you avoid drinking any more, either. The whole night has been a little confusing (read: a lot confusing) and you don’t need an alcohol haze adding to that. It doesn’t escape your notice that he stops drinking as well. 

When you start to get a little tired, you excuse yourself to the kitchen, claiming you need a snack and don’t know what you want. A minute later, Seungcheol appears on the other side of the island. Leaning casually against it like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Like he hasn’t sent your entire world into a spiral. Like he’s not still one of the hottest people you’ve ever seen in your life.

“So, uh, I don’t wanna assume anything…” he starts and you hold up a hand.

“I’m going to excuse myself in a minute to go to bed. Give it a few minutes and then come to my room,” you say, walking around him without waiting for a response. 

When you tell the group that you’re going to turn in for the night, you do your best not to meet anyone’s eyes. You’re not naive enough to think you’re fooling anyone. Not that you even want to. It’s just, well, you want this time to figure out what’s happening. It’s a little hard to do that when you know everyone’s eyes are on the two of you. There’s the tiniest bit of you holding onto the hope that you can pass it off as you being overwhelmed by the kiss at midnight. Like you didn’t just tell him to meet you in your room.

Back in your room, you shrug off your jacket and sit down on the bed. The seconds seem to drag by waiting for him to show up. For a second, you wonder if he’s actually going to show up at all. You stop those thoughts in their tracks. He had a lot to say and he kissed you back. Then, he spent the rest of the night pressed up close to you. He’s going to show up. Before you can spiral further, there’s a knock at the door. You’re halfway to the door when it opens a crack and Seungcheol peeks his head inside. 

“Can I come in?” he asks, looking unsure for the first time since before you kissed him. 

“I did ask you to come to my room,” you joke.

“I was a little surprised,” he admits.

“Me too,” you agree. 

He shuts the door behind him, allowing you to really look at him for the first time all weekend. To take in his appearance, as he removes his jacket, without any other eyes on your. Or anyone analyzing the interaction. To just appreciate the man you fell in love with. His hair is a little shaggy and blond, a color you don’t remember seeing on him before. He catches you looking, but instead of a smirk, there’s only a smile. Hopeful and genuine. It’s a little overwhelming to have him in your space. To know you need to talk. To know there’s so much to work through.

Instead, in the only move you can think of, you close the distance, wrapping your arms around his middle. He doesn’t even miss a beat. Just wraps his arms around you, erasing any last bit of space between you. It feels calm, familiar. Like no time has passed. Like you’re not different people now. He kisses the top of your head, so soft you think it might shatter any resolve you have left. 

“I’m sorry I kissed you in front of everyone without talking to you,” you mumble into his shirt.

“I’m not,” he quickly reassures you.

“I really fucking want to kiss you again,” you admit, still talking into his shirt rather than looking at him.

“Then,” he starts, moving a hand to tilt your chin up, “what are you waiting for?” 

“We probably should talk,” you say.

“You’re right,” he sighs.

Except, do you really want to talk right now? Do you really want to stop yourself from kissing him again? You stopped drinking so your head would be clear enough to make this decision. You’re just a little sick of overthinking everything this weekend. Sensing the indecision, Seungcheol presses a feather light kiss to your lips. Enough to make the decision, while also being light enough that you could easily pull away. 

You do, just for a second. “Fuck it, let’s talk tomorrow.” 

Your lips crash back against Seungcheol’s, hungry and desperate, arms wrapped around his neck. It makes him tilt down a little so that you can press against him. There’s no hesitation on his end, either. You find yourself wondering if he was always this good at kissing or if he’s gotten better since you broke up. Or maybe it just means more the second time around. When he picks you up, you gasp into the kiss. Wrap your legs around his waist to feel a little steadier. Not that you think he would ever let you fall. It’s easier than you expected to fall back into this kind of trust with him. 

It’s like you both want to go fast, yet also take your time. Seungcheol deposits you on the bed, then takes his time removing your shoes. Toes his off a little more quickly. You go to remove some of your layers, only to have his hands stop you. He’s so slow, removing the sheer top with painstaking care. Kissing along your skin as he exposes it. The amount of attention makes you squirm. You’re prepared for something quick and dirty. Something more like a one-night stand. You’re not prepared for him to worship your body as he exposes more of your skin. Part of you feels really exposed, because he’s still fully dressed, as he carefully unhooks your bra. The way he looks at you, like you’re the only person in the world he’s ever wanted, makes your heart ache. Makes you second guess if this is right. 

“We can stop. We don’t have to do this,” he whispers into your skin. 

You grab his face so that you can look him in the eyes. There’s something in you that just needs to gauge him for a minute. Needs to really know what decision you’re making. There’s so much love there, so many unspoken words, so much sincerity. Maybe you’re not over him at all. Maybe he meant everything he said.

“No, I want this. Want you,” you assure him. 

His eyes sparkle a little. There’s no time to dwell on it, though. His mouth is on your skin again. Kissing the spot on your neck that he knows drives you crazy. Kissing the beauty mark on your shoulder. Kissing across your collarbone. When he works his way down to your nipples, he’s not being so soft anymore. He pinches one between his fingers without warning.

“Fuck, Cheol,” you hiss. 

“Too much?” he asks. You don’t need to look at him to know he’s smirking, but you do anyway. That knowing smirk sends desire coursing through you.

“You’re such a little shit,” you whine. 

He pinches the same nipple again. Watches you as he flicks his tongue over the other. Actually smiles when you arch into his mouth. “You don’t seem to mind it.” 

You wind your hand into his hair in response, pull a little harder than normal. He groans against your breast, sending a little vibration into your skin. “You don’t seem to mind a little pain, either.” 

There’s no answer. Not that you need it. One of his hands moves down your body, mouth still focusing on your chest, until he gets to your thigh. Your skirt is bunching up around hips from squirming on the bed. “How much do you like these tights?”

You look down at the sparkly tights you bought just for the party. That you’ll probably never wear again. “I mean, they’ve got sparkles. Wasn’t planning to wear them again.” 

“Good,” he says. 

You’re expecting him to rip them on the spot. Instead, he returns his mouth to yours, kissing you hard, and lets a finger run over your entrance, through both tights and underwear. It’s not enough. There’s entirely too much fabric in the way. He’s teasing you, he has to be. There’s no other reason that explains this kind of torture. 

“Jesus, Cheol, please,” you beg. 

“What are you trying to do to me?” he groans. Seems like he still likes it when you beg for something.

In either case, he carefully rips a hole in your tights, too focused on you to figure out pulling them down. Seemingly in one motion, your underwear is pushed to the side and he’s got a finger running up your entrance. Feeling that you’re turned on from the way he’s been kissing all over your body. Thankfully, you don’t have to beg again. At least, not yet. He presses his fingers at your mouth and you suck them in eagerly. Swirl your tongue around them. He almost looks reluctant when he withdraws them to press one inside your cunt. 

“Fuck, you’re so wet for me,” he groans. 

“Forgot how good your fingers felt,” you answer, squirming underneath him.

“Bet I could make you come just on my fingers,” he says as he adds a second one.

“Fuck,” you draw out. He’s not being gentle with you anymore. “Then you don’t get to taste me. And we both know how much you love that.”

He leans in closer, you’re assuming to kiss you. Instead, his lips find your ear. “Who says I can’t do both?” 

You bite down on your fist to keep from screaming out when he thrusts faster. Try your best to hold on when his thumb brushes over your clit. All you want is to prove him wrong. Prove that you can hold on and that you’re not putty in his hands. Except, your body remembers. It remembers just how good he makes you feel. Remembers how well he knows what makes you crazy. Nobody has ever known your body like him. And it’s a little annoying. With his fingers inside you, it’s easy to realize that nobody feels as good as him. You could never get yourself off like he could.

It’s an embarrassingly short time before you’re coming on his fingers, fighting not to scream out. Trying anything you can not to make it more obvious just why you decided it was time to head to bed. Seungcheol guides you through the high as you fall back into the bed, sinking deeper into the mattress. After a moment, you prop yourself up to watch him remove his shirt. You’re no longer the only one that’s overexposed. Then again, you don’t feel exposed being half naked around him. It only feels comfortable. Once he removes his shirt, he moves back to your body. Actually takes the time to remove your tights and underwear now. His breath ghosts across your cunt. That action alone is enough to send a little shiver through your body. You’re definitely sensitive. 

Seungcheol positions himself between your legs and looks up when you suck in a breath. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

He’s so pretty like this. You’ve always thought that. Pushing his hair out of his eyes and looking up at you from underneath his lashes like he’s never seen anyone more beautiful in his life. So caring. The little bit of caution you get from him in the middle of him ruining you. You clear your throat to remember he asked you a question. “Yes, Cheol. With you, always.” 

It’s immediately more honest than either of you are expecting. Instead of breaking the moment, though, it seems to spur him on. The kind smile dissipates into something much more confident. He spreads you open and looks up for a last time before his tongue licks a strip up your entrance. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since the last time he was between your legs, your entire body remembers. It’s like muscle memory. The way your back arches. The way your hand knots in his hair. The way the praises fall from your lips. You’re sensitive. So fucking sensitive. And he knows. It’s always been one of his favorite things with you. Pushing you to the edge and then over again.

“God, I forgot how fucking good you taste,” he says when he takes a breath. 

“Well maybe, fuckkkk,” you start before cutting out. 

For once, he’s not a demon. He doesn’t ask what you were about to stay. Just keeps alternating between fucking his tongue into you and sucking your clit into his mouth. It’s too much and not enough all at once. Your entire body feels like it’s on fire. When his nose bumps against your clit as he’s buried deep in your pussy, you lose it again. Come all over his tongue and his face. Come harder than you remember coming in a really long time. If he notices, he doesn’t say anything. 

By the time the last shock works through your body, he’s laying next to you on the bed. You can’t help it. You have to lean over and kiss him. Want to taste yourself on his lips. It’s almost like you need that to know this is all real. That it’s all happening and it’s not just some weird, horny dream. (It’s not like that would be a first, either. You’ll never admit it, but you’ve thought a lot about him since you broke up. Especially when you were horny and needed a release. That’s your business, though.)

“Fuck, Cheol,” you utter when you pull away from the kiss.

“I’ve missed hearing my name on your lips,” he admits. “Specially when you call me Cheol.” 

“I’ve missed saying it,” you share, equally honest. 

You’re a little weak already. It’s hard to imagine what tomorrow is going to be like. But, you move down the bed anyway. Seungcheol tracks you with his eyes as you position to undo his pants. He moves his hips up to help you pull both his pants and briefs down. His stare as you pull your skirt down and discard it at the side of the bed is almost possessive. It sends something through your body. 

It’s your turn to remind him that he’s not the only one who remembers. You also remember just what drives him crazy and just how to get him going. You remember every place he likes to be kissed. So, you start there. Run your lips along every part of his body, like you’re committing him to memory again. As if you could ever forget anything about him. You delight in the sounds you pull from him just with your kisses. Maybe he knows, though, that you’re working your way down. 

“So hard just from getting me off,” you comment. 

“Because I know that nobody can make you come like I can and it’s fucking hot,” he answers.

It’s the same answer he’s always given and something about the familiarity makes you bolder. Even though you know there’s a conversation for tomorrow, it feels like the easiest thing you’ve ever done. You take his dick in your hand, run a finger over the tip and feel a little bit of the precum there. When you lick a stripe up the underside of his shaft, he shudders. Closes his eyes for a second before they snap back open to watch you. He’s always been like this. Always wanting to watch. This time is no different as you slowly take him into your mouth. You know he wants to fuck into your face, know you’d let him. But, you’re thankful he doesn’t. Even if you remember, he’s still big and thick inside your mouth. You need the time to get used to him. Once you do, though, you start to bob. Slowly, at first, before you let him take control. Relax your throat and let him find purchase in your hair. Encourage him to jerk his hips up as you keep your eyes on him as much as possible. You know how much it drives him crazy, even as the tears form and you gag a little 

“Fuck,” Seungcheol utters. 

He pulls you off his cock and up to his face so that he can kiss you. This is your favorite version of him. When he’s needy and desperate and completely putty in your hands. Like he can’t possibly imagine being anywhere that you aren’t. It’s when you know that you’re not crazy, that he’s just as far gone for you as you are for him. 

“I really need to fuck you,” he says. His lips are swollen from kissing you and his pupils are completely blown. “Fuck, I don’t have a condom on me.” 

“It’s fine, I’m still on the pill and I haven’t been with anyone since you,” you say. 

That seems to catch him off guard. “You haven’t?”

“No,” you answer.

“I haven’t either,” he admits.

“Then, we’re fine. I trust you,” you tell him. 

“Thank god, I really miss being inside you,” he breathes out.

“Think you just miss me,” you grumble as you reposition to straddle his lap.

“You and that smartass mouth of yours,” he retorts.

“I’m about to ride you, Seungcheol, and you just fucked my smartass mouth. So, maybe, pipe down,” you warn him.

This has always been your dynamic, swapping back and forth for who’s in control. As much as he says he likes control, you know he likes giving it up to you just as much. You know that he hasn’t ever let anyone else be in control apart from you. He looks up at you as you position yourself over him. There was a time when you hated this position. Felt really self conscious about how you must look from this angle. The second you admitted it to him, he was quick with his praise. Assuring you that you’re beautiful to him and there’s nothing to worry about.

He stops you before you lower yourself onto him. Puts his fingers in your mouth again and you obey without a second thought. Then, he runs his fingers along your entrance. Slides a finger in before quickly adding a second. It’s an awkward angle, but you get what he’s trying to do. Appreciate that he wants to make sure you’re at least a little prepped. When he pulls his fingers out, you’re only a little embarrassed at the moan that slips through your lips. If you completely ignore the smirk that he throws your way, well, who can blame you? The smirk is gone a second later when you finally lower yourself onto him.

“Fuck, you’re so tight,” he groans. 

You know him so well. You know his instinct is to buck his hips up into you. You know it’s hard for him to let you adjust. But, you also know that he wants to be gentle, even if it’s just for a moment. 

“I forgot how good you felt, jesus fuck,” you moan out. 

“Please, I need to feel you move,” he begs. It’s nice, when he’s the one to beg for something.

And who are you to deny him anything he asks for when he sounds so pretty asking? You do move, entirely too slowly. You need to find your rhythm, though. Need to find some place to anchor your hands. They settle on his chest, at first, and you actually can’t believe how much muscle he has there. He’s always liked to work out. Always wanted to be in shape. This is even more than that. You’re still appreciating the way his chest feels when he grabs one of your hands. Without a word, he moves it to his neck.

“Are you sure?” you ask.

He nods. It’s been awhile since you choked him, even lightly, but it turns you on. It’s easy to see that it turns him on, too. As you apply a little bit of pressure, his fingers dig into the soft flesh of your hips. You do everything that you can to pick up the pace. To move faster on top of him. It doesn’t take very long until he’s planting his feet so that he can set the pace. He takes over the rhythm and it gets a lot harder. Bodies slapping together with each movement.

“Fuck, Cheol,” you say, trying not to scream. 

You move your hand from his neck so that you have a better grip. He’s moving too fast for you to feel comfortable that you won’t press too hard into his neck. It’s insane, you know that it’s insane, but you already feel like you’re getting close again. You start to clench around Seungcheol, making the stretch feel that much more intense. 

“Fuck, baby, I’m gonna come if you do that,” he groans. 

“Then do it,” you force out. “Wanna feel it inside me.”

“Jesus,” he groans. 

Everything happens so fast. You can feel him everywhere and your body is on fire. He’s still fucking hard into you, but he’s also rubbing your clit. Helping you get there with him. Somehow, he doesn’t seem to realize you’re already on the verge of your third orgasm. Oversensitive and overstimulated. Your body starts to shake and it’s hard to keep yourself upright on top of him. 

“Fuck, Cheol, I’m coming,” you hiss out. 

“I’m about to come too, fuck,” he answers. 

His thrusts get a lot more erratic and you feel him let loose inside you. You feel the way he moves to try and support you even while he’s working through his own release. When he stills, you collapse forward onto his chest. Breaths shallow and heavy. Your whole body’s exhausted, yet so happy at the same time. Carefully, you pull yourself off him. You’re sure a little bit of cum slides out with the loss of his cock inside you. Not that you care. 

It’s several minutes of silence. Seungcheol lays on his back and you’re on your side next to him. It might be a mark of how much he really did miss you that he doesn’t flinch when you start tracing patterns onto his stomach. It’s not like you just stop being ticklish. Eventually, you realize you need to get up. The last thing you want is to go to bed crusty. 

“Come on, I got lucky and I have an attached bathroom,” you say when you get up off the bed. You reach a hand to him and smile when he takes it without question. 

It’s quiet again as you help clean each other up. A comfortable kind of quiet. The way it used to be. This is another favorite of yours with him. Aftercare has always been his thing. No matter how rough he is with you in bed, he’s impossibly gentle when he cleans you up. It makes your heart ache a little because you’re so fond. It’s a weird mix of feelings.

“We should sleep in my room tonight,” he says. 

“We’re already here,” you point out. 

“With sheets that are probably soaked,” he teases back. 

“What are the chances we can get to your room without being seen?” you wonder. 

He shrugs. “It’s late. Probably better than the chances nobody heard us.” 

Your cheeks flush a little. Sure, you definitely tried to be quiet. You’ll have to wait until the morning to see if you succeeded. 

“Come on, my room has a door to the outside,” he says. 

So, you follow. You put your layers back on and grab something to sleep in. And you don’t actually see anyone before you’re safely tucked away in his room. That night, falling asleep tangled up in Seungcheol, is the best night of sleep you’ve gotten in a long time. 

Morning comes and brings with it the need for an actual conversation. As you stretch in bed, you appreciate the soreness in your body with a smile. Anything you’re feeling now is surely worth it. That is, until you realize you’re in bed alone. Dread creeps in. Could last night really have meant something different to Seungcheol than it did to you? Did you just make a massive mistake? You’re starting to wonder if you’re only going to break your own heart this time, with nobody else to blame, when the bedroom door opens. Seungcheol steps inside with a thermos and a bag that looks like it might have some of the pastries Wonwoo brought back from the store yesterday.

“You’re awake,” he says with a smile. He sets down the thermos and removes his jacket to hang it up. 

“I was worried you’d left,” you admit when he finishes taking off his shoes and sits next to you. His face looks hurt for a second before it settles. 

“No, I just went to get coffee and figure out what we were walking into before you got up,” he says. 

“And?” you prompt. 

He pulls out a pastry and hands it over. “Nayeon asked where I slept last night and if I knew where you were. I don’t think she heard anything, but who knows with her? Wonwoo wasn’t in the main area, so I don’t know. They said they all knew I was following you, though.”

“Guess we can’t really avoid it,” you joke. 

You’re expecting him to smile, too. Instead, his face is serious. “Do you want to? Avoid it, I mean.”

It makes you serious. Maybe a little too honest. “I don’t want to get hurt again.”

“I don’t expect you to believe me, not right away, but I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you,” he says and takes your hands in his. “If you give me another chance, I’m never letting you walk away from me again. I’ll prove that I’m worth everything you give me.”

“You’ve always been worth it, Cheol,” you tell him. 

“I realize that now,” he agrees. “I also realize it’s up to you to know what you deserve and what you want. That wasn’t ever my decision to make and I’m really sorry for doing that to you.”

“It hurt, for sure, but not having you around hurts so much worse,” you admit. It’s hard to meet his eyes, even though you know you’re safe. 

“It hurts so fucking bad. I hate it. Last year was the worst year of my life,” he says. 

“You got a massive promotion, though! Wonwoo told me,” you say. 

“This is going to sound so cheesy, but I’m done caring. That promotion didn’t mean shit without you being there to share it with,” he shares with you. 

“I guess we’ll have to celebrate it this year,” you say. 

His face lights up. “Really?”

“I want to give us another chance. I don’t think either of us are over it,” you acknowledge. “Last night aside, I want to take it slow. I want to take our time instead of rushing in like we did the first time around. I want to get it right this time.”

He nods immediately. “We can go as slow as you want. I mean it. I’m not letting you go again.”

“Good, because I don’t think we should wait to see if the third time’s the charm,” you joke. 

“I’m glad I came this year,” he says as he grabs the thermos. 

“Me too,” you agree. 

It’s funny, you think, how someone can feel so familiar and yet so new at the same time. Seungcheol feels like home, like your favorite sweater, or like curling up with a book by the fire in winter. But, he feels entirely new, too. Like maybe you both changed over the past year. Maybe you both grew into the people you needed to be to love each other better. To love each other right. Later, you’ll have to break the bubble and face your friends. Right now, though, you can just appreciate that this silly little cabin trip brought you peace. 

“Hurry and call for a pickup before either of our phones dies,” Seungcheol instructs as the car begins to slow to a stop.

You oblige quickly, looking up a local towing company and giving them a call. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a couple of hours to arrive due to the bad weather. Seungcheol curses once more before locking the already-locked doors, yanking out the keys, and tossing them onto the dashboard.

“We should have stayed at the hotel one more night like I said,” he huffs with his arms crossed over his chest, glaring out into nothing. Both of you are sitting in the dark as you let the situation sink in. Guilt is forming in your chest.

“I just wanted to get to the next city by the morning so we could see the festival,” you mumble. Seungcheol knows this already, but you feel it necessary to explain again. You didn’t anticipate or wish for this to happen.

Hearing your dejected voice, Seungcheol’s body relaxes as he turns to look at you. “I know, baby,” he sighs.

“Let’s move to the back so that we can be more comfortable,” he suggests. You’re about to open the door when he stops you suddenly. “Climb in from here. We don’t want the cold air in.”

“Oh, right,” you say sheepishly. It’s warm now since the heater was on before the car shut off.

Carefully, you squeeze through the seats to sit in the back. Once you’re seated, Seungcheol follows suit. He reaches back into the trunk and digs out the blanket you had packed.

He pulls you into his lap, wrapping the blanket around you. You tuck the ends of it behind Seungcheol so he can hold it in place with his back.

“I’m sorry I made you feel bad,” he speaks softly with a deep exhale.

You shake your head. “You didn’t—”

“You don’t have to lie to me,” he chuckles and rubs his hands up and down your clothed thighs. “I’m just tired and grumpy.”

“Hm,” you hum and give him a small smile. “You are tired and grumpy.”

“Tired and grumpy Seungcheol is sorry,” he says, lips pursing in a tiny pout and voice slightly higher.

Giggling, you hit his chest playfully. “You’re forgiven.”

“Good. I hate when my baby’s mad at me.”

“I wasn’t,” you reply. “Now, go to sleep, Cheollie,” you smile.

Seungcheol nods, bringing you down for a quick kiss before he wraps his arms around your body. You lean forward to lay against him. With the warm air, blanket, and his heated body, you’re feeling hot; however, you know the temperature is going to drop soon.

As expected, the car grows chilly within thirty minutes.

You wake from your slumber with a shiver. Seungcheol’s head is leaned against the headrest, breathing evenly as he sleeps. You reach up and softly graze his cheek. It’s cold under your touch. Frowning, you cup his face to heat his skin. He stirs for a second and then flutters his eyes open.

“Are they here?” he questions, referring to the towing people.

Shaking your head you say, “No, you were just cold.”

“I’m okay,” he replies even though his body shivers as soon as the words come out. “You’re cold?”

“A little,” you confess. You let your hands leave his cheeks and land on his shoulders gently.

Seungcheol’s eyes roam your face, taking in the occasional shakes of your body from the low temperature.

“I have an idea,” he replies belatedly.

“For?”

“To make you less cold.”

“Oh?”

You stare at him in confusion. You figure he’s going to grab the second blanket in the trunk, but instead, he grips your hips and slides your body against his crotch.

“Oh,” you gasp, face warming at the implication. “But we’re in public.”

Seungcheol shrugs. “In the middle of nowhere during a snowstorm. I doubt anyone is going to come this way.”

You hold his shoulders firmly when he rolls his hips under you. The action has him rubbing your clit briefly. You tighten your grip on him.

“The towing people,” you explain, trying not to focus on Seungcheol’s movements.

“You said they’d be here in a few hours. I don’t need a few hours to get you to cu—”

“Cheol!” you scold his language. Seungcheol just smiles. “I thought you wanted to get warm. Not… that.”

He clears his throat and stops grinding against you.

You bite your lip to suppress the whine that wants to come out. His actions had felt good, and you admit silently you were feeling warmer as your body became aroused.

“Right. I mean, I don’t need a few hours to get you warmed up,” he corrects innocently.

“I’m not sure,” you answer hesitantly. “Cuddling works too.”

You’re not too experienced—Seungcheol having been your first a few months ago—so having sex in such an exposed space feels like you’re skipping some imaginary steps.

He gives you a reassuring smile. “Then cuddles it is. Let me get the other blanket.”

Seungcheol moves to reach backwards. With his back no longer holding the blanket, it pools around the both of you. The cold air hits your body, causing you to shiver again. Even with the second blanket, you will only be warm for a little bit before the coldness consumes you again. You could say the same about what Seungcheol proposed, but at least you would have more fun.

You stare at him as he gathers both blankets and wraps them around you again.

“What?” he asks when he sees the flint in your eyes.

“M-maybe I’ve changed my mind,” you say a little nervously.

“Oh?” he wonders. “You don’t have to. I’m really okay with just cuddling.”

Your hands on his shoulders slowly slide down until they rest flat on his chest. You can feel his heart pumping quicker as the seconds tick by.

“I-I just don’t want to go to jail,” you say.

Seungcheol grins, rubbing up and down your arms to warm them. “Like I said, I don’t think anyone is going to catch us, and the snow will slow down the towing people. Plus, I’m sure Soonyoung and Seokmin will come bail us out.”

You huff at his last sentence. “Why them?”

“Because if they can’t do it the normal way, at least they can cause a big enough distraction so we can escape.”

“Babe,” you whine. You don’t like the thought of being a fugitive.

“Relax, angel,” Seungcheol chuckles. “It’ll be fine, but you don’t hav—Hmph!”

Not wanting to repeat the conversation, you lean forward as he’s talking and press your lips on his.

Seungcheol grips your arms in shock but soon eases his hold once he gets his bearings. His hands move to your waist and pull you closer until your arms fold against his chest from the close proximity.

With a surge of boldness, you wiggle your arms away and readjust to grab onto the seat behind him for leverage. He moans into the kiss when you start circling your hips against his.

“Just shut up and get me warm,” you mumble into the kiss.

Seungcheol smiles against your lips as he nods. His cold hands slip under your shirt to push your bra up. He doesn’t want to get you completely naked since it’s cold, so this will do.

You sigh softly when he gropes your breasts, massaging them gently. The contact heats your body blissfully.

He pulls away from the kiss to look at you. “Feeling better already?”

“A little,” you reply meekly.

Seungcheol gives one last squeeze to your breasts before pushing your shirt up. A gasp leaves your mouth when the cold air hits your bare torso. You try to pull the material down, but he keeps a firm grip on it.

“Kinda wanna press you against the window like this,” he murmurs.

“C-Cheol!” you scold.

“What?” he asks, suppressing his wicked grin.

“People will for sure see us then! Plus,” you begin to pout more, “it’ll be cold.”

“You’ll warm up when I start fucking that pretty pussy of yours.”

Your face heats at his vulgar words. You’re not used to people speaking in such a way, but you can’t deny the way your walls tighten in anticipation.

“Think about it,” he suggests, then leans down to latch his mouth onto one of your nipples.

Your lips part at the sudden difference in temperature on your chest. Seungcheol’s warm mouth feels so good.

Your hands move to play with his hair, fingers tugging on the strands occasionally.

Seungcheol pulls you closer to him as his eyes flutter close. He’s licking and sucking your nipple like it’s his favorite way to pass time. The sight itself makes you moan.

You can feel Seungcheol’s bulge press against your core, which makes your arousal pool in your underwear more. Hesitantly, you start grinding your hips against him. Though when Seungcheol hums against your chest and pulls away with a soft pop, you stop moving. Your hands fall away from his hair to land on his shoulders.

“Don’t be shy, baby. Make yourself feel good,” he reassures, giving your lips a quick kiss for encouragement.

“I-Is this right?” you question, moving your hips again albeit a bit slower.

He grins. “Whatever makes you feel good is right. Do you feel good right now?”

“I—kinda.”

“Kinda? Is there something else you want?” he asks, carefully pulling your shirt down and cupping your face.

Your eyes dart away from his brown ones. It seems you used all your bold moves earlier.

Seungcheol begins to glide his thumb across your cheeks lovingly.

“Show me what you want,” he instructs gently and offers one of his hands.

You glance at it. Seungcheol has used this tactic several times in the past. It’s a way for you to take charge in your own way. It isn’t that he makes you uncomfortable, but it takes time to get used to things you’ve never experienced before.

You’re grateful Seungcheol is so understanding. Some of your exes became exes for being the opposite.

Taking his hand, you push it down until it rests against his crotch.

Seungcheol smiles. “My good girl just wants to get to the main course, hm?”

His light attitude lessens your nervousness.

“Need to feel you,” you murmur.

“I need to feel you too, baby girl,” he agrees and leans up to capture your lips.

You lax at the feeling of his plush lips, hands sliding down his arms to play with his shirt. Seungcheol eases your mouth open so he can slip his tongue inside as he grabs your wrists. He guides your hands under his shirt slowly. You feel his abs tense momentarily at the cool touch of your skin.

Once your hands are settled against his chest, he releases you. You take the opportunity to rub your hands along his torso, enjoying the feel of his strong muscles beneath your palms.

After a while, you finally pull away with a gasp.

“You give the best kisses,” Seungcheol compliments.

You grin. “I’ve gotten better?”

“You were never bad to begin with,” he chuckles. “But yes, you have improved.”

Your smile grows at his words.

“You’re so fucking cute,” he huffs as if it’s too much for him to bear.

“Now, we better hurry before help arrives,” he says and gently lays you back on the car seats.

The blankets get tangled, but Seungcheol pulls them away and leaves them on the floorboard. You supposed you don’t need them at the moment anyway.

Seungcheol nuzzles his face in the crook of your neck and starts kissing your skin. His hands grab ahold of your sweatpants and pull them down. Before you can complain about the coldness, one of his hands slither between your legs to circle your clit.

“Gotta’ prep you a bit, okay? Then I’ll give you want, angel.”

You nod and wrap your arms around his shoulders.

Seungcheol continues to pepper kisses against your neck, but you can tell his attention is elsewhere.

His fingers glide down and slip between your folds.

“I could slide in so easily right now with how wet you are,” he moans.

“T-then do it,” you say,

He shakes his head. “Don’t wanna hurt you.”

Carefully, he slides one finger inside your dripping hole.

You bite your lip and remind yourself to relax.

Seungcheol stops kissing and simply rests his head against your shoulder. His eyes are closed as he pumps the single digit a few times before adding a second. You moan softly, legs spreading a little wider despite the small space.

“Doing okay?” he asks after a while.

“Yes,” you reply. “More, please.”

Seungcheol nods and slips in a third finger. However, not long after, he adds a fourth. He moves them slowly, not seeing the need to speed up when he’s saving that for later.

A gasp escapes at the stretch. It feels good, but each pump of his fingers makes you eager for his cock.

“Cheol,” you beg.

“Okay,” he says and removes his fingers. He brings them to his mouth and licks up your arousal. The lewd sight makes you want to look away, but you’re also mesmerized by how satisfied Seungcheol looks.

“When we get to the hotel, I’m going to eat you out for hours. You taste so fucking good,” he groans, then pushes his sweatpants down.

You turn your head and bite your lip. Seungcheol laughs and leans over you, arms caging you in.

“That a yes, princess?”

You peep at him and nod. “Yes.”

“That a girl,” he praises and pecks your lips.

“Just tell me if it hurts, okay?” he asks while aligning his tip to your entrance.

You nod, used to him saying that, but you know he means it.

Seungcheol waits for a second before easing inside. He slides in smoothly from how soaked you are. A small mewl comes from you. Although he prepped you, he’s still big and stretches you more than his fingers did.

As usual, the first few seconds are… indescribable. It doesn’t hurt as much, but you still need to get used to his size. The stretch is a mix of pleasure and pain—though the pleasure is more prominent.

“Oh, fuck,” Seungcheol curses while pushing more of his length inside.

“Feels good, Cheol,” you moan when he presses himself fully against you.

Seungcheol eyes flicker from where you’re connected to your eyes.

“Tell me when,” he instructs and rests his forehead on yours.

A minute ticks by until you tell him he can move. Seungcheol doesn’t waste another second and starts slowly gliding in and out of you. The sensation causes you to fill the car with your whimpers.

The coldness in the car seems to fade away with each thrust. The windows are fogging up and it’s getting a little stuffy; however, your focus is solely on Seungcheol’s cock rubbing against your walls heavenly.

His pace eventually increases as you relax more. He continues for some time until a certain sharp snap of his hips has you crying out.

“Shit, I—” Seungcheol begins to apologize.

“Again, Cheol. Please. Again.”

“A-are you sure? Did I hurt you?” he questions.

“No,” you beg with a cry. “Need that again.”

“Fuck, okay, baby,” he rasps.

Seungcheol pulls out most of the way then slams his hips forward. You gasp his name and clench around him. It’s a sight he wants to capture in his mind forever.

The heat in the car has increased and sweat beads are forming on both of your bodies.

You tug off your shirt and bra to get some air.

Seungcheol moans at the sight of your exposed breasts and moves a hand to grip one. He massages it in his hand and continues to snap his hips. He feels like he’s losing his mind slowly at how good you feel wrapped around him, but he wants to try something different.

“Come here, angel,” he huffs and pulls out.

Your lips dip down as you whine at the emptiness. Seungcheol coos at you, adjusting positions so he’s sat with you above him. He discarded both of your sweatpants fully in the process. He then guides his hard cock between your legs and slowly eases you down.

You moan loudly as your pussy gets filled once more. Your hands clutch his shoulders for stability and try not to get nervous at the new position. It’s not often you’re on top.

Sensing your worry, Seungcheol gives you a reassuring massage on your hips.

“I’ll guide you, okay?”

You nod.

Seungcheol smiles, lifting you until his tip remains then pushing you back down carefully.

Your eyes drift from his face to where you both connect. Seeing how his cock disappears makes you clench around him. The sight is arousing, and a sense of pride fills your chest seeing how much easier you can take him now.

Without realizing it, your hips begin to move. You start with the pace Seungcheol has set but gradually move faster. You become addicted to the feel of his cock against your walls and need to feel it more.

It’s not until your thighs start to burn that you slow in realization.

“Don’t slow down,” Seungcheol groans, eyes hooded as he rests his head back on the seat. “Fucking me so good, baby. I knew you could do it.”

“A-are you close?” you question, a little shy.

He hums while nodding.

“Keep moving,” he says, guiding your hips up and down. Seeing how fucked out he is spurs your movements to quicken. Eventually, Seungcheol’s hands relax on your body while he watches you bounce on his cock.

“Fuck,” he curses lowly, eyes taking in your body above his. Your tits look so good and your pussy feels so tight.

Unable to stop himself, he grips your hips firmly and starts thrusting upwards.

You gasp, mouth hanging open as he chases his high. The sound of skin slapping skin feels loud in your ears, but part of you loves it. You love hearing and feeling how fast he’s sliding his cock in you. You love knowing you’re making him feel so good.

Seungcheol slams into your once more, a guttural groan escaping his mouth as his cum fills your insides. He gives you a few more shallow thrusts before he stills completely. His breathing is labored, and his eyes are shut as he floats back down.

You try not to move, but your orgasm is near, and you need a release.

Seungcheol’s eyes peel open after a few more seconds.

“You need help, angel?” he asks when he sees you trying not to squirm.

You pull your lower lip between your teeth and nod.

Seungcheol plants a kiss on your forehead, then adjusts your bodies. He leans against one of the doors while sitting you between his legs, back to his chest. He hooks one of your legs over his to spread you open. You’re so focused on Seungcheol that it doesn’t cross your mind how exposing the position is from the opposing window’s view.

Seungcheol runs his hands down your body, briefly squeezing your breasts before he slides them between your legs. He circles your clit with one hand and uses the other to slide into your dripping hole. He pumps his fingers a few times before pulling out to look at his hand.

His digits are covered with a mix of your arousal and his cum. The sight makes you squeeze your legs and for Seungcheol to moan deeply behind you.

“So messy just for me,” he murmurs, then plunges his fingers back into your cunt.

He moves both his hands quickly, bringing forth your impending orgasm.

“Play with your tits, baby,” Seungcheol rasps. “Don’t forget to make yourself feel good.”

You adhere to his request and bring your hands to squeeze your breasts. Your head falls back against his chest, moans spilling out of you nonstop as you pinch and fondle yourself while Seungcheol continues to circle and pump his fingers.

Seungcheol’s name falls from your mouth incoherently as you climax, your body slightly jerking in his hold as pleasure washes over your body.

“That’s it, baby girl,” he praises in your ear. His fingers still move quickly until he feels you start to relax.

Seungcheol angles your face so he can kiss you. He holds you close, one hand pressing against your tummy while the other keeps your head in place. The kiss is sloppy, but neither of you care.

“You still cold?” he teases after he pulls away.

“No,” you mumble, hiding your face from him.

He laughs and leans down to grab your clothes. “If you are, we can go another round.”

“M-maybe we should wait. The towing people should be here soon,” you say.

Seungcheol nudges you and mumbles, “Arms.”

You comply, lifting your arms slightly so he can put on your clothes. He kisses your shoulder blade after he’s done. You both slide on your sweatpants again, then cuddle once more.

About fifteen minutes pass when bright lights shine nearby.

The worker eyes you both—taking in the fogged windows and disheveled clothing. It doesn’t take a genius to put the pieces together. Nevertheless, they say nothing and get started with trying to fix the vehicle.

Maybe the road trip didn’t go as planned, and maybe you’ll miss the festival, but at least you had some fun nonetheless.

©️hongcherry // DO NOT REPOST OR MODIFY Please consider reblogging if you liked this work to show your support. Feedback/commentary is always welcomed.

He grimaced. “But then you’ll miss the party!” He glanced at your outfit, a rendition of Santa’s little helper. “You were so proud of it.”

“Yeah, but it's just a Christmas costume.” You shrugged. “I mean, I got to wear it and it’ll be seen regardless. It’s not like I’m in a fashion show.” You shook you head. “Besides that, I won’t ditch you. You’re stuck with me tonight. Unless you finally get laid. Then you’re on your own, bud.”

That did the trick. Jisung’s head fell back against the headrest as he cackled, swiping at you playfully. “You’d abandon me when I needed you most?”

You made a face. “I do not need to guide you through dicking someone down. I know you have a general idea of what to do.” You opened your car door. “I saw that Amazon order of hentai.”

He choked on his spit and scrambled to get out. “You said you didn’t see what was inside!” He pointed. “You lied?”

“I see you’re not denying what it was.” It took everything in you not to cackle as his ears and cheeks flushed red. Together you made your way up two flights of stairs to Felix's door. As you entered the apartment, the sound of laughter and music filled the air, confirming Jisung's fears that it was indeed a packed house. Whoops. His hand wrapped around yours with a tight grip as he looked around for a familiar face. Just as you were about to say something, a loud voice called out your name.

"You made it!" Felix scurried over and pulled you both into a hug. "I was beginning to think you'd cancel on me."

"Oh, please." You pinched his side. "I said I was coming and I keep my word. However," you gave a pointed look around the room, "we didn't expect it to be this crowded."

At least he had the grace to duck his head. "My bad. I sent the invite to Changbin and he invited everyone he could think of. But!" He brightened up again. "Me and Jin made sure to reserve a room for you to chill in. There's a cooler with drinks, wings and pizza, and the PS5 is all set up with charged controllers."

Jisung pulled Felix into another hug, peppering his cheek with kisses. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Felix groaned, feigning disgust as he pulled away until something above your heads caught his attention. "Oh, well I guess it's okay since we're standing under the mistletoe." His expression turned devious as he looked at you. "You should get a kiss, too."

Jisung froze, stock still and unblinking. "Huh?"

You looked up. Yup, that was a mistletoe, alright. You had no doubt Felix was the one to put it there as Hyunjin wouldn't want people crowding the doorway. You looked at Felix, unamused. "You are so fucking corny."

"That is your personal opinion and quite frankly it's shit." He turned back to Jisung. "Come on, kiss her." He nudged Jisung closer. It wasn't until then that you caught the fear in his wide, brown eyes. He hadn't said a word and he had a death grip on your hand. But you couldn't figure out why. He'd just kissed Felix with no problem. Was it because of you? You knew your friendship wasn't on the same level as his with Felix or Hyunjin, but you thought it was at least somewhere near a playful kiss under a mistletoe.

Jisung shifted and avoided your gaze. You weren't going to make him kiss you if he didn't want to. You turned to tell Felix as much but the brat began chanting "kiss" triggering the party-goers to follow suit. “Lixie, you ass.”

It was too late. The chant grew louder and you noticed Jisung’s palm started to sweat. You knew the easiest way out would be leaving the party, but you didn’t want to do that. Part of you was a little jealous that Jisung would hesitate to kiss you. He’d kissed girls before, even fucked them. Before really thinking it through, you grabbed him by the chin and planted a three second kiss on his plush lips. The crowd erupted into cheers and went back to their conversations. Felix, the little bridge troll that he is, skillfully dodged your kick to his ass as he led you two to his room.

“You can be an asshole sometimes.” You mumbled once you were away from other ears.

Felix shrugged, eyes darting over to Jisung before a grin spread across his lips. “Just sometimes, huh?” He winked at Jisung prompting you to turn to him too. Jisung’s cheeks were flushed again and he pressed his fingertips to his lips. You’d watched enough anime with him to know that look and it confused you. Just a few minutes ago you were thinking he’d hate you for kissing him and now he—“Well, I’m gonna go check on the others. Don’t want anyone shitting in the dishwasher.”

And he was gone.

“Who the hell does that?” You asked yourself as you shrugged off your jacket and tossed it into a chair in the corner. You brushed off your skirt before kneeling on the floor and going through the cooler. “What do you want to drink, Sungie? He put both alcoholic and non-alcoholic in here.”

Silence. You bit your lip. If he wasn’t going to say anything about it, neither would you. It happened. Let it go.

“Fine. Here, take a Lime-a-Rita.” You held up the large can.

“Ew. You know I hate those.” He inched closer to look for himself. “Just gimme a Sprite.”

You mocked him under your breath and passed him a can. “So what are we playing first?” And just like that, things went back to normal. You went from game to game, plowing through the food and drinks. Nearly three hours later, he called for a break so you could use the bathroom and when you got back, you heard Felix’s voice through the door.

“Just ask her. She’s not gonna say no.”

“I don’t think she wanted to do it the first time. You put us on the spot.”

“Yeah because you were supposed to make your move.” Felix sighed. “How can things change if you don’t let her know how you feel? As much as you like to pretend, she actually can’t read your mind.”

There was a sigh and the door opened. Felix jumped back. “Oh! Can you not?” He put a hand over his chest. “Between the two of you, I’m gonna fucking die.”

You pushed him out the way. “It isn’t like you don’t deserve it.”

Felix snorted. “Oh, like I haven’t heard that before.” He disappeared down the hall.

You sat next to Jisung on the bed and took a chip from his bag. He licked his lips and swallowed. “So, how much did—”

“What is it you’re supposed to ask me?” You looked at him. “Is it about the kiss?”

His eyes widened for a second and he nodded, eyebrows scrunched together. “Did…did you want to kiss me or did you just do it to get it over with?”

You tilted your head and took another chip. “Both. I could tell you were uncomfortable. I’m sorry for kissing you without asking permission first, though. Thought it was weird you were okay with kissing Lixie but not me.”

He startled like you’d physically shocked him. “No it was different! I always kiss people on the cheek.” He touched his cheeks. “But usually mistletoe kisses are on the lips. And I’ve never—we’ve never, not like that.”

You sipped your soda. “So that’s why you froze up? Because it was something new?” You nodded. That made sense. If he wasn’t sure how you’d react and he’d never done it before, of course he’d overanalyze the situation. “I thought you just didn’t want to kiss me. I considered just leaving the party for a minute.”

He shook his head. “I’d never mind kissing you.” He lowered his voice and touched his lips again. “It was…nice.” His eyes darted over to you. “I—I keep thinking about it. It was kinda short.”

You nearly choked mid-sip. “What do you mean ‘short?’ I thought three seconds were long enough for a peck.”

“Everything happened so fast. Once second you were arguing with Lix then your lips were on mine then you were gone. I just, I really didn’t get to experience it since I was in my head.” He put the bag of chips to the side. “I want to remember the first time I kissed you like that, y’know?”

His words made your chest tingle as butterflies took flight. “I mean, I kissed you but I get what you’re saying.”

His gaze didn’t leave your face as you both sat there in silence. His hand found yours and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Yeah, so…what I wanted to ask was if you’d let me try again? Lemme give you something to remember.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Unless you weren’t into it before, then we totally don’t have to—”

“Ugh, Ji. Come on!”

He startled but thankfully leaned close and brought his lips to yours. His hands rested on your shoulders, holding you in place as if he believed you’d pull away too soon. The kiss was slow and gentle, allowing you to savor every moment of it. Your heart raced as Jisung's lips met yours again and again, a soft and tender connection that sent sparks of warmth through your body. When he finally pulled away, both of you were breathless and wearing matching smiles.

“Better?”

His eyes lit up as he rubbed the tip of his nose against yours. “Impossible to forget. Merry Christmas.”

"What is it?" Seonghwa looked up to the hanging piece of greenery that was above the entryway to the captain's quarters.

You smiled happily and crooked your finger. "Come meet me under it?"

Seonghwa moved cautiously, his eyes glancing up towards the mistletoe and then back to you. "Not trick?"

You shook your head. You couldn't help but find Seonghwa's rudimentary Common Tongue still cute. "It's not a trick Seonghwa, I promise, you'll like it."

Once Seonghwa stood in front of you, still towering above you with his tail swooshing behind him nervously, you explained. “Us humans put mistletoe above the doorway for opportunities or reasons to kiss each other.”

Seonghwa’s eyes zeroed in on you immediately. “Kiss?”

Your smile grew bigger. “Yeah. If two people meet beneath it, they must kiss.”

Seonghwa leaned forward and pecked your lips and you couldn't help but giggle. “See, no trick.”

You were about to step away when Seonghwa’s claws carefully slid through your hair and cupped the back of  your head. He deepened the kiss and you sighed into his mouth, happy to oblige. You stood on your tippy-toes and wrapped your arms behind Seonghwa’s neck.

“Get a room!” San called from down the hallway.

“That is her room, you idiot,” Jongho replied.

“Well, get in it then!” San insisted.

“Does he not understand the mistletoe?” Yeosang drawled.

“I do too!--ohhhhhh,” San let out the last word, “Now I get it.”

Seonghwa released you finally, eyes looking up at the mistletoe again. His eyes shone, curious and happy. He sounded out the word “mistletoe” and looked pleased when you informed him his Common Tongue was getting better.

Over the course of the next couple days, the various aliens showed up. Jongho made you squeak as he gruffly pulled you to his chest and kissed you breathless. Mingi stared at the mistletoe like it was going to jump at him but still received his kiss with a happy smile. Wooyoung screeched as he ran down the hallway, only to throw himself around you and give you a throaty kiss that had you dazed for a few minutes after, then cackled and shouted at Hongjoong that he kissed you before him. Hongjoong approached you slowly after, held your face in place with one hand, carefully slotted his lips between yours and then left with a swish of his tail. Yunho was curiously studying the mistletoe, but when his hands moved to touch it, you slapped it, fearful of any allergies or bad reactions. That got you flat on your back, Yunho’s warrior instinct reacting too quickly. He pecked your lips and then helped you up, his ears slightly red. Yeosang let you come to him, kissing the corner of his lips tenderly first and then receiving a proper kiss. He nodded like everything made sense and then went on his merry way. San had a cheeky grin on his face, almost boyish in his approach, but none of that was in his kiss, which was messy and had you wiping your lips afterwards.

But Seonghwa was the one that was enamored with the tradition. He found all manner of reasons to be in front of your room. He had questions about the flight pattern the ship was taking, he stumbled through vocabulary questions, he offered you food to eat, the list went on. But each encounter always ended up with the both of you under the door and Seonghwa waiting for his kiss.

Seonghwa had alternative motives for all the kisses, that perhaps only Hongjoong and Wooyoung would have understood. Seonghwa knew it was a matter of time before he went through the cycle of wanting to lay eggs. His body would prepare for it, especially since his feelings for you seem to soar beyond his heart’s expectations. Seonghwa was connecting with you, had been connecting with you, on a level that was only reserved for mates. So he needed to prepare your body for his needs. His saliva had a genetic code within that adapted bodies to alien’s needs. There had been situations in his ancestor’s pasts where genetic adaptation was either required for survival or for improvement, but this time, it was for his heart’s needs. He wanted you to carry his eggs. 

If the result was more reason to kiss his mate, Seonghwa couldn't necessarily complain.

Next place of attack caught you off guard. You were in the cargo bay with a tablet, keeping track of the stock you had, when you heard some bells jingling. You cocked your head to listen better and you heard it again. You were about to turn around to see what manner of mischief the aliens were up now but time was not on your side.

A long tail wrapped itself around you, effectively making you drop your tablet in surprise and trap your arms against your body. It didn't have a distinct tip so you knew it was Seonghwa and not Hongjoong or Wooyoung. There was a surprise hanging above you from his tail, however. Green mistletoe, with bright red berries and some bells.

“Kiss?” Seonghwa wondered behind you.

“Seonghwa!” You couldn't help the way your heart skipped a beat.

“Please?” Seonghwa whined. When you nodded, he tilted your head to look back at him and he kissed you. This time, it was almost like he wanted to crawl in your mouth, completely invading and taking control.

When the kiss ended, you were panting. “Hwa,” You murmured. Seonghwa loosened his tail so you could turn into his embrace but still kept it around you, mistletoe jingling merrily above you both still. “We can’t continue to stand out here if you’re going to kiss me like that.”

Seonghwa looked up towards a vent opening and back down to you hopefully. “I don’t think so, mister,” You scolded him. “We will walk to another room. You damn aliens and your vents.”

It was easy to pull Seonghwa into one of the containment cells. Seonghwa had been injured when you first met him on this ship and you had helped nurse him back to health in this room. So Seonghwa somewhat found comfort in this particular room. Since it was the beginning of your history with Seonghwa, it only made sense that you pull the alien into this room. 

Seonghwa was on top of you as soon as you laid down on the small bed where once you had nursed him back to health. It was like he was addicted to your lips. The small jingles of the bell on his tail sounded softly as his tail continued to move behind him, a clear indication that he was enjoying his kisses. 

“Captain?” Seonghwa wondered between peppering kisses along your jaw and down your neck. 

“Mmm?” You barely were able to lift your mind from the lust-filled cloud that was your thoughts right now.

“Mate?” Seonghwa asked, having made it to your collarbones now, sucking a love bite.

“That’s what we’re here for, Hwa,” You couldn't help but laugh.

Seonghwa raised his head and shook it, clearly frustrated with his limited vocabulary. He growled and snarled, not out of anger, but in his own language. He shook his hair out of his face and tried again. “My mate?”

One of your hands, that had been previously on the small of his back urging him against you, fluttered up to hold onto his arm. You’re not sure if your heart is beating properly right now. “Are you asking me to be your mate?”

Seonghwa shook his head again, this time a charming crooked smile pulling at his lips. He tapped his heart and then tapped yours with a claw. “Now. Mate.”

You felt tears fill the corner of your eyes. It’s not that you had hoped love would bloom after you had nursed Seonghwa from his injuries when you found him on this crashed ship with the Furyans. But you had fallen for the Alien Queen, who was so fiercely protective of you. The fact that he already felt the tug between your two hearts meant the world to you, despite having anatomically two different hearts.

“You’re right,” You half laughed and half cried, “How silly of me. We’re already mates, aren’t we?”

Seonghwa’s tail jingled merrily over you both once again and you both leaned into a kiss. “Mine,” he snarled against your lips.

You sighed happily, “I’m yours, Seonghwa.” You entangled your hands in his hair and deepened the kiss, feeling your heart beat in happiness. Guess it was a good idea to hang mistletoe after all.

All Posts | Dual Courtship

“Kihyun!” she huffed, “Stop laughing! This might be serious – someone could want to spend Christmas with me! Or even celebrate New Year’s with, you know... a kiss!”

Her insistent tone cut through his laughter, leaving a warm smile lingering. Leaning back, he asked playfully, “Oh? And who might this mysterious prince be? I wonder...”

She glared at him, her eyes narrowing in annoyance yet laced with playful humor. “Evidently, the person is too shy to admit their feelings. But it’s the first day of December!” she exclaimed, frowning at the baffling anonymity yet holding a spark of excitement at her newfound secret admirer. “The first day of December is not the day to mess with my feelings. So, Kihyun, if you know who this rat is, you better cough it up now. I don’t think this is even funny.”

Kihyun only chuckled in response, his eyes glittering with mischief yet housing a comforting familiarity. While he maintained his relentless teasing, he couldn’t help but treasure their banter, the anticipation that something more significant awaited her, and the promising merry vibe that December shared with its first day.

“If I knew, I would tell you.” Kihyun finally spoke, his smile warm and genuine. “Believe me. It’s like something from one of those cheesy books you insist on reading whenever you come to watch us practice. It’s both cute and cringe at the same time.”

She scoffed at his remark with a playful roll of her eyes, “Hey, those books are masterpieces, and you should read one someday, Kihyun!” Their friendly, exciting chatter buzzed in the air like sparks of energy.

As the first rays of daylight pierced through the thin veil of curtain in her room, she awoke to the melody of chirping birds. Groaning slightly, she rolled out of the cozy cocoon of her bed. Her mornings were always the same, yet they held a unique form of solace - the therapeutic routine she followed religiously.   

Sleep clouded her eyes, and she padded to the bathroom, refreshing herself as a new day beckoned her forth. Post her warm, invigorating shower, she spotted her reflection in the fogged-up mirror, wiping it down to reveal her refreshed face, a stark contrast to the grumpy morning persona that resisted the call of daybreak.

Next in her routine came dressing up, standing in front of her wardrobe, rummaging through her clothes until she found the perfect outfit that matched her mood that day. Once decided, she moved on to makeup, subtle and minimal, just right for her day at work.

Her aromatic cup of coffee, the magic elixir that solidified the day had indeed started, awaited her in the kitchen. She sipped it leisurely, enjoying the quiet moments before the rush of work swooped in. Her breakfast was a simple toast and jam, consumed as she scrolled through her phone, catching glimpses of news, laughing at memes, and responding to needy work emails.

Just when her routine had neared its end, and she was about to slip into her shoes for work, something caught her eye - a box placed neatly on her doorstep, interrupting her typical day with its sheer outlandish presence.

The box was decorated beautifully, emblazoned with intricate patterns and a silver ribbon, concealing the mystery akin to its predecessor. The sender’s anonymity remained the same – no note, just the enticing charm of an enigma. Her curiosity shot up, her day’s mundane schedule forgotten as she reached for her phone, dialing Kihyun’s number over the thrill boiling within her.

“Kihyun,” her voice shook with combined excitement and curiosity. “There’s another gift...”

His voice carried a merry ring, the laugh in his tone evidently audible even over the call as he responded, “Good morning to you too, Y/N! I’m fantastic. I’m busy as a bee with all the practice, just in case you were wondering. My schedule is looking crazy packed today, but I love answering the phone for my darling best friend, who I’m sure is on her way to another fantastic day of work.”

Deflecting her frantic state with a cheerful demeanor, he continued, “Anyways, back to your mystery, another gift, huh?” His tone was tinged with audible amusement, stirring her curiosity and anxiety further. “Did you open it to see?”

“Kihyun, I’m serious!” she voiced, the frustration seeping into her words. Yet, she couldn’t ignore the fluttering excitement in her heart. The teasing, the laughter, and the banter all felt so incredibly amusing and jarring at the same time, given the strange situation evolving.

“And I am seriously amused,” came Kihyun’s instant reply, his laughter echoing down the line, making it impossible for her to stay frustrated. Despite the situation, she found a playful smile tugging at her lips. Regardless of the mystery and the confusion, having Kihyun by her side, even if it was over a call, lessened the stress and amplified the fun. His palpable amusement and constant, reassuring presence kept her grounded while she navigated through this strange turn of events.

“Did you open it? I stopped practicing. You can’t make me wait in suspense about this gift. What does the box look like? Is it tacky? I bet it’s tacky. The flowers yesterday seemed a bit tacky, in my honest opinion. Flowers would not be my go-to if you’re trying to swoop a girl off her feet mysteriously and romantically. But then again, I haven’t had a relationship in years, so I can’t go and say what this guy is doing is stupid. I just enjoy throwing my opinion out.”

Giggling at his relentless comments, she retorted, “Alright, Mr. I-know-everything-about-romance, let’s see what this ‘tacky’ gift is.” Kihyun’s amusement was evident in the hoots of laughter that filled her ears as she cautiously untied the silver ribbon, the box’s mystery ready to unfurl.

“It’s not tacky,” she hummed half to herself, opening the box lid to reveal an assortment of delicate pastries. Each one was artfully crafted, a testament to its baker’s skill, and made her mouth water just by looking at it. She took a moment to appreciate the arrangement’s intricacy; the evident attention to detail made the gift feel intimate—like her secret admirer truly knew her penchant for sweet treats.

“Pastries,” she breathed, a grin spreading across her face. “Baked goods, Kihyun, my favorite!” She could almost see Kihyun’s raised eyebrows and hear his chuckle as he mulled over this new information.

“Pastries, huh?” His voice was contemplative, mixed with a teasing lilt. “Whoever this mystery person is, they certainly have a knack for gift-giving — I still maintain, though, it’s a tad bit cliché. But at least you get to enjoy breakfast, if anything.” His laughter was like a warm blanket around her, bringing comfort and amusement amidst the uncertainty and excitement of her strange situation.

“I can’t believe this mystery person got me my favorite pastries. I haven’t had these in years…” She uttered softly, looking at each pastry carefully.

“Well, I guess your secret admirer is doing their homework thoroughly,” Kihyun teased, his voice tender and full of amusement. “Enjoy them, Y/N, and remember to go to work. You can’t let your mystery person derail your routine completely.”

“Are you kicking me off the phone, Kihyun?” Even her feigned offense couldn’t hide the smile in her voice.  

“Oh, absolutely,” he shot back with a chuckle. “Enjoy the rest of your morning, Y/N. We’ll continue this intriguing narrative later.”

She hung up with a final laugh and a promise to update him on any new developments. The rest of her day passed in anticipation of the next day’s mystery and the comfort of Kihyun’s constant, understanding presence.

When morning arrived again, a third gift was waiting on her doorstep — a handwritten letter. As she unfolded the delicate paper, her heart pounded in her chest, her fingers delicately tracing the words etched beautifully. The letter was penned with such fondness that she could feel the warmth radiating.

“Kihyun,” she began the call, her voice shaking with the thrill of the mystery. “The gift today... it’s a letter.”  

“Indeed?” came Kihyun’s interested interruption; his voice held a new level of curiosity, and her heart fluttered, the mystery drawing them closer with its magnetic pull.

“A letter?” There was a pause on the line before Kihyun’s voice returned, “That’s... different. And you said it was handwritten?”

“Yes, it’s beautifully done,” she admitted, her gaze dropping back to the carefully scripted words. She could sense Kihyun’s excitement matching her own and found it comforting; it was an assembling puzzle with him guiding her through the pieces.

“Well, isn’t this all very cryptic,” he mused, the interest palpable in his voice. “Listen, we’re both off today. Do you want me to come over to see the note? We can unravel this mystery together.”

Without thinking twice, she responded positively, relieved to not face this enigma alone. They hung up, and she eagerly anticipated Kihyun’s arrival.

As Kihyun walked into her living room later that day, the curiosity in his eyes mirrored her own. It was a strange adventure, but having him in it made everything less daunting. Together, they read through the note, their curiosity piqued as they drew another day closer to unraveling the identity of her secret admirer.

She observed his face as he read the note for the first time, then a second, then finally a third. His face scrunched up in mocking disgust.

“I feel like this guy is reading the same books as you.” He finally spoke up, handing her the note. “This is more cringe than flowers, Y/N.” 

“Oh, come on, Kihyun,” she protested, slightly miffed. “The note is sweet. It’s thoughtful. It’s... romantic.” She clutched the letter closer, defending her secret admirer despite the fact she herself had been initially wary. 

“Romantic?” Kihyun’s laughter was booming, causing her to flinch a bit. “Y/N, this mystery guy is pretending to be a prince from a bargain romance novel, and you find it endearing?”

Despite Kihyun’s jest, a blush crept onto her cheeks. “Maybe I do,” she huffed defiantly, “Isn’t it exciting to have someone who goes out of their way to make you feel special?” 

Kihyun was silent for a moment, considering. Then, he nodded slightly, his tone becoming severe, “I suppose you’re right. But remember, Y/N, you don’t need a mystery person to make you feel special; you’re already amazing as you are.”

As the day continued, they spent hours intertwining in playful banter and laughter, their bond strengthening with every teasing remark and shared jest. Kihyun would rhetorically ask from time to time, “Did your secret admirer teach you that?” making her roll her eyes but unable to keep her giggles from spilling out. His constant light-hearted comments on her secret admirer reinforced their comfort in each other’s company, fusing an already strong friendship with newfound threads of intrigue and camaraderie.

They lazily flipped through the channels of her television, their minds busied more with their ongoing chatter than the colorful flickers on the screen. From her cringe-worthy taste in music to her questionable decisions on her favorite TV characters, Kihyun took every chance to add another jab at her taste, which could also be the mystery person’s. The laughter that echoed in her living room seemed endless, their enjoying time hand-in-hand, filling the hours with pure joy.

A trip to the local café was made in the afternoon, a familiar setting that heightened their playful arguments. He stole sips from her coffee, claiming, “Just checking if your secret admirer had spiked it.” Somehow, the jests made the mystery even more thrilling, a private joke they shared, the punchline growing funnier with each repetition.

As the light faded, they sprawled lazily on the living room floor, a blanket of exhaustion gently descending from the day’s hilarity. Still, even as they shared a peaceful moment of quiet tiredness, Kihyun murmured, “Sure, your secret admirer hasn’t planned any midnight surprises?”

At her mock glare and the familiar blush coloring her face, Kihyun laughed again, the sound warming her heart. As his laughter settled and silence enveloped them, a comfortable hush started in their friendship - a rare moment of quiet excitement for another day of mystery and shared banter.

“Want to stay the night? Defend you from this man - or woman - who may have your address and could come and sneak up on you. I can defend you.” With a teasing waggle of his eyebrows, he offered, “You might need my skills to protect you from your overzealous secret admirer. Who knows what they’re capable of.”

Rolling her eyes, but with a smile tugging at her lips, she agreed, “Sure, Kihyun. Stay and protect me from evildoers.”

The evening had gradually slowed to a relaxed tempo, their enthusiastic chatter segueing into a more subdued and introspective discussion. They had decided to call it a day, Kihyun desperately trying to stifle his yawning into his shirt sleeve, a hint of remorse in his eyes at the prospect of ending their fun-filled day. 

With the decision made, she offered him the guest room, ensuring he was comfortable with the arrangements. He had looked satisfied enough, thanking her with that charming charisma that was undeniably Kihyun. Her heart fluttered at the sight, the intimacy of their small domestic arrangement tugging at her heartstrings.

To her surprise, he hesitated at the threshold of her room before finally deciding to air his concern. “Is it...alright if I take the blanket from here?” he asked, gesturing vaguely at her bedroom. Expecting some dramatic reason, she merely found him sheepishly admitting that he preferred her quilt’s scent.

Amused but acquiescent, she simply shrugged and handed it to him. “Make yourself at home, Kihyun.” His gratitude was evident in his widening smile, a warmth blooming in her chest at the sight.

Minutes later, dawned in their sleepwear, they found themselves in her soft-lit living room, perchance to bid each other goodnight. She could see the hints of sleepiness in his eyes, mirroring her own fatigue. Amidst the faint sounds of a city preparing to sleep and the soft gossamer thread of moonlight filtering through the window, they shared a quiet, heartfelt goodnight.

Watching Kihyun retreat to the guest room, her heart filled with gratitude for their shared experience, the silhouettes of camaraderie and playful banter etched in her mind that night. As she closed her eyes, she couldn’t help but envy the following day, yearning for another day of delight and discovery with Kihyun. 

The following day, she woke to the smell of breakfast cooking and the sounds of Kihyun humming off-key in her kitchen. He had one of her kitchen aprons on - a comically delicate floral pattern that looked absurd against his typical attire. She couldn’t tear her gaze away, chuckling at the sight.

“Good morning, Princess,” he greeted her without turning around from the stove. “Your knight has prepared you a feast.”

“Such chivalry,” she waltzed over, reaching for a coffee mug sitting on the counter beside him. “How could my secret admirer ever compete?”

As if on cue, there on her kitchen table, another gift was placed casually next to a vase of flowers she hadn’t noticed before. It was a small, wrapped box, a light shimmer from the morning sunshine reflected off the silver paper. She didn’t need to check the doorstep to know where it had come from.

“Kihyun!” she exclaimed, shocked yet excited for the mystery present, “You brought the package inside?”

He shrugged nonchalantly, flipping a pancake stylishly in her frying pan. “Oh, forgot about that. Found it this morning and thought you might want to open it with your breakfast. Defending you even from early morning mysterious gifts!” he added with a wink.  

Laughing at his antics but intrigued by the unopened package, she moved towards the table, wondering and excited for the new day filling the room.

Biting her lip in anticipation, she gingerly picked up the wrapped package, glancing at Kihyun for just an ounce of seriousness. However, the playful smirk on his face revealed that Kihyun was enjoying this immensely, his face glowing with a cheeky delight that threatened to break her serious demeanor.

“Don’t look at me like that, Kihyun,” she chided lightly, trying to suppress her own grin. “This could be something important.”

He simply shrugged again, his dimples flashing as he met her scolding with a retort, “And I don’t doubt that. But remember, it’s also part of the fun.” The infectious excitement she found in his eyes was impossible to ignore.  

Turning her attention back to the package, she studied it, her heart swelling with suspense and curiosity. The wrapping was elegant and understated, hinting at the same thoughtfulness she had come to associate with her secret admirer. The kind of gesture made her heart flutter even as she felt Kihyun’s teasing gaze upon her.

Rolling her eyes at Kihyun but with a quick, exciting heartbeat, she finally started unwrapping the package. Her fingers danced along the edge of the paper, breaking the seal and revealing it layer by layer. As she did so, Kihyun leaned in, his interest piqued despite his earlier jests. His playful comments about the admirer were momentarily forgotten, replaced by a shared curiosity about the mystery box’s contents.

The unwrapping was finally complete, revealing a smaller box as exquisite as the wrapping. She held it in her hands for a moment, exchanging an excited glance with Kihyun before she lifted the lid. Whatever light-hearted tease he had prepared died on his lips as they stared at what was inside. 

“Would you look at that!” Kihyun broke the silence first, a laugh hiding behind his words. “Your secret admirer sure knows how to keep things interesting! Seems like the rest of the day will be just as mysterious as the start.”

“Shut up.” She huffed, trying to stifle the bubbling laughter threatening to betray her severe facade, her face flushing a deep red at Kihyun’s endless jests.

Ignoring his teasing chuckle, she carefully lifted the box’s contents, revealing a delicate silver pendant. The cool metal glinted in the morning light as she held it up, a sense of awe washing over her. It was a beautifully crafted piece, a star-shaped jewel embedded in it, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

“Wow,” she whispered, running her fingers along the intricate carvings of the pendant. The attention to detail was mesmerizing, the smooth metal whispering of dedicated craftsmanship and a profound sense of affection. She was spellbound, captivated by the gentle shimmer; a breath of awe escaped her lips.

“Huh, so your secret admirer has good taste,” Kihyun managed to say, trying to keep his voice steady but failing to hide the note of surprise in it. He moved closer to her, his eyes studying the pendant with a newfound seriousness. A silence descended upon them, interrupted only by the soft clinking of the pendant against the table.

Her gaze flickered to Kihyun briefly, seeing his typically playful eyes darken with curiosity. He was silent for a moment, and then, with a smirk curling his lips, he met her gaze. “Alright, as much as I joke about it, your admirer sure knows how to make an impression.”

She rolled her eyes playfully, yet the blush on her cheeks deepened. Despite his jokes, the sincerity of Kihyun’s words warmed her from within.

“How are you not jealous right now? Mr. “I haven’t had a relationship in years.”” Y/N jabbed, turning to him with a smirk.

Raising an eyebrow, Kihyun leaned backward, placing his hands behind his head. “Who said I’m not?” he drawled, the corner of his mouth tugging into a crooked smile. “However, watching your high school drama unfold is much more entertaining.”

Snickering at his retort, she couldn’t help but feel touched by his nonchalant attitude. Kihyun, despite his constant teasing and feigned indifference, was remarkably supportive and accommodating. She knew beneath his casual exterior he genuinely cared for her.

“You’re just mad nobody’s sending you mysterious gifts,” she teased, holding up the pendant for emphasis. A glint of amusement flashed in his eyes, and he shrugged, feigning a hurt expression. “Maybe I have my secret admirers, but they understand I choose pancakes over pendants any day.”

“God, you’re impossible, Kihyun.” She laughed, shaking her head at his casual dismissal.

His laughter joined hers, filling the room with a sense of lightness. “Just remember, Y/N,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners from his broad grin, “All the secret admirer drama aside, you’re amazing just as you are. You don’t need silver pendants to feel special.”

Touching the pendant gently, she felt a warmth spreading through her. Kihyun’s words may have been framed in jest, but their genuineness was undeniable. He knew her better than anyone else did - her strengths, insecurities, and quirks. And despite everything, he never failed to remind her of her worth.

Ending the exchange with a roll of her eyes and a fond smile, she tucked the pendant back into its box. Kihyun’s teasing may never end, but she most treasured his genuine sentiments. The rest of the morning was spent in enjoyable banter and delicious pancake breakfast, the pendant temporarily forgotten, but the confirmation of her friend’s unwavering support was a gift that kept her smiling throughout the day.

Day 5 dawned brighter than before, her heart fluttering with anticipation and excitement as she found yet another parcel at her doorstep. It was a bit heavier this time, and inside was a beautiful hardcover book - a collection of romantic poems. There was a soft sigh as she flipped through the pages, each adorned with thoughtful verses that warmed her heart and tugged at her romantic daydreams.

She held the book against her chest, a smile gracing her face. Something about the choice of gift felt incredibly intimate, like the secret admirer had heralded a silent understanding of her deepest desires and found a way to address them in such a beautiful manner. She kept it close, unwilling to share this newfound joy, even with Kihyun.

As she was settling on the couch with the book, her cell phone buzzed, and Kihyun’s name flashed on the screen. Lips curving into a smile, she picked up the call, “Miss me already, Kihyun?”

“More than you know,” came the playful response, and then his tone shifted, curious, “So... any more mystery boxes today?”

She hesitated, the book clutched tighter in her grasp. After a split second of indecision, she decided to stay silent about her gift. It wasn’t because she didn’t trust him, but she wanted to enshroud this gift in a veil of secrecy for a little longer, savor the feelings it stirred within her.  

“No,” she lied, “no boxes today. Maybe my secret admirer has lost interest.”

“Well, that’s a bummer,” Kihyun responded, a trace of disappointment in his tone. She could almost see his pout on the other end, “I was hooked on that story.”

Both of them knew Kihyun was just playing along, but she didn’t miss the hint of genuine curiosity in his voice. After all, he also became a part of this mystery and was keen to see how it unfolded, just from the sidelines, not wanting to intrude on her growing romantic life.

Promising to keep him updated on the situation, she ended the call. She glanced at the unassuming book on her lap. She traced the engraved title with her fingertips, a part of her touched by the secret admirer’s gesture, another part amused by Kihyun’s growing interest. With that, she curled into the couch a little more and started immersing herself into the world of romantic verse, a secret smile on her face.

As day 6 broke, the early morning light peered through her bedroom window, gently rousing her from sleep. The echo of romantic verses still hummed in the back of her mind, her dreams having been colored by the poetic whispers of love from the book her secret admirer had gifted. As if in a trance, she pulled herself out of the cozy cocoon of her bed, a soft sense of anticipation fluttering in her heart.

Upon opening her front door, the cool morning air greeted her face, bringing the early morning smells of dew-kissed grass and brewing coffee from the café down the street. There it was again, nestled by the doorstep, another box from her secret admirer - a sight very much part of her morning routine now.   

The box was a little bigger this time and heavier, too. Lifting it carefully, she shuffled back into her home, leaving behind the still-hushed world outside. She placed it on her dining table and observed it momentarily, her heart pounding against her ribs in anticipation. There was a scandalous thrill in not knowing, in the mystery that was set to 

unravel.

Her fingers traced the smooth edges of the box before finally pulling open the ribbon that kept her suspense at bay. As the flap opened, she couldn’t help but gasp. Inside the box lay a stunning bouquet of flowers, their petals a blinding hue of bright yellows and sparkling whites. She recognized them as daffodils, their allure holding an ethereal charm that made her think they were hand-picked from some celestial garden.

An ankle-length mint green dress was carefully folded beneath the flowers, the fabric smooth and soft under her fingers as she pulled it out. The scent of fresh daffodils mixing with the new fabric smell made her feel like a damsel right out of the poems she’d been reading.   

Emotions rose in her chest, and she could feel tears prickling her eyes. The gifts were more personal and thoughtful each passing day - as if the mystery person understood her without saying a word.

Her gaze drifted back to the box, a small card tucked at the side catching her attention. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it. “I hope these make your day brighter than it already is,” read the note.

Indeed, the daffodils, dress, and note made her day infinitely brighter, and not just because they were beautiful gifts. There was an intimate familiarity in these presents, a secret chord of connection that was subtly woven, linking her with her unknown admirer. The underlying sentiment in the gifts bore undeniable hints of tenderness and care. They clearly meant more than simply objects; they were whispers of understanding, silent acknowledgments of her kind of person and the things she cherished.

Holding the mint green dress against her body, she admired it carefully, its color a tranquil reminiscence of calm spring afternoons. On her, it would softly hug her frame, adding a feminine charm to her persona. It was stunning, oozing with earthy appeal and subtle elegance; it was incredibly her.

Unable to resist the rising need to share her excitement and the mixture of feelings churning, she picked up her phone and dialed Kihyun’s number. The phone barely rang twice before Kihyun’s warm voice filled her ears, “Already missing me, aren’t you?”

His playful banter brought a smile to her face, pushing back the rising tide of emotions she was drowning in a moment ago. “Hold your excitement, Kihyun,” she retorted, the grin on her face matching the cheerful one she could hear in his voice. “I got another present.”

The conversation steered into comfortable chatter for a moment, her heartbeats resonating with Kihyun’s teasing and chuckles that she could hear over the phone. After a few shared anecdotes and many lingering laughs, she decided to share the day’s startling discovery.

“I lied yesterday, Kihyun,” she confessed, clutching the dress closer as if needing its support for the confession. “I received an incredibly thoughtful gift from my secret admirer,” she spilled out, taking a moment to elaborate on the touching gift still melting her heart.

“What did you get, Y/N? You have to tell me right now.” his eagerness made her chuckle.

Silence was on the line, a poignant stillness quickly broken by Kihyun’s excited curiosity.

As she launched into the detailed description of the captivating dress and enchanting daffodils, she could feel Kihyun’s thrill surging across the line, their shared excitement painting another beautiful day for her - a day marked by Kihyun’s laughter, their shared secrets, and a hint of surreal romance. Kihyun might not be her secret admirer, but his charm was integral to her unfolding amour tale. And as she ended the call, a sigh, filled with content for the day.

On day 7 came an uncharacteristic pause in the line of gifts. To say she was surprised was an understatement; she had grown accustomed to starting her day with the ever-familiar rush of anticipation, a thrill that had defined her routine for the past week. As she curiously inspected her doorstep, she found it amiss of any surprises. The absence of a morning gift starkly contrasted the regular rhythm of her past mornings, leading her to an unexpected sense of disappointment, a sadness she couldn’t place.   

However, she quickly brushed off the feeling, reminding herself that the mystery had added a delightful tang of suspense that she had grown fond of. Shrugging off her initial gloom, she busied herself preparing for her day out with Kihyun, a small ray of excitement piercing her disappointment.   

Their day out was filled with their signature mirthful narratives, each shared moment binding them further. Kihyun’s vibrant spirit and relentless teasing were infectious, easing the morning’s bewilderment out of her system. The twinkle in his eyes and contagious laughter warmed her heart; their laughter bubbles brushed against their hushed conversations, weaving an unseen tapestry of irreplaceable moments.

As they strolled through the park towards their favorite drink stand, the sun beaming down and the world alive under the cool Christmas chill, Kihyun casually asked the question she had been expecting. “So, did you receive anything today?” His voice had a twinge of curiosity, but it was masked by an intentional casualness. “You never told me if so.”

Taken aback for a moment, she hesitated before answering. “No, not today,” she admitted, adding a chuckle. “My secret admirer decided to give me a day off.” Kihyun mostly hid his surprise with a nod, but she could see a hint of confusion flashed across his face.

As the day wore on, they found comfort in their shared laughter and tales, the missing piece of her morning fading to mere whispers. Amid their delightful indulgence, the day marked another chapter, not of mystery and gifts but of the solid friendship they nurtured, each shared glance, every teasing jab, weaving threads of moments that grew more precious with each passing hour. The day might not have started as she had thought, but in its own ways, it was a gift she was grateful for.   

As the sun dipped to bid the day goodbye, Kihyun’s mischievous grin and comforting camaraderie lingered in her thoughts, creating a buffer to the emptiness that had nudged her morning. They ended the day with a cheerfully disputed game of foosball at their local gaming bar, where she beat him miserably, pride glittering in her eyes and a smug smirk gracing her lips. 

As Kihyun battled through his dramatic heartbreak of defeat, they shared one more laughter for the day before parting ways, his reassuring handshake and teasing glimmer playing seamlessly into the end of a less-than-ordinary day.

Stepping towards her building, the familiar path gleaming under the moonlight, an air of expectancy wafted through her senses. She shook her head in an attempt to diffuse the growing anticipation, chiding at her own hope. Yet, as she approached her doorstep, she paused. A small, elegantly wrapped gift was nestled cozily at her doorstep as if waiting for her arrival.   

A hushed gasp slipped from her lips, a wave of disbelief washing over her. Kneeling down beside it, her fingers delicately traced the outline of the gift, the rough texture of the wrap sending chills up her spine. Her day suddenly felt whole again, as if her morning’s lacuna had been filled, the clock of cryptic gifts resuming its course.  

With a gentle tug, she opened the package, revealing a beautiful leather-bound journal. Emanating a warm, alluring scent typical of vintage books, the journal was unique, its soft ruggedness sparking an immediate intimacy in her heart. Engraved on its cover was a single word, “Dream,” an echo that resonated with her aspirations and many untold stories.   

Her fingers lightly traced the embossed letters, warmth spreading across her fingertips. If the daffodils symbolized respect and the dress spoke volumes about the admirer’s understanding of her style, the blank journal was a testament to her love for words and the potential power of her dreams.

A hushed giggle equally mixed with surprise and delight broke the silent night as she clutched the journal closer. As the evening kept its quiet vigil, the surprising twist pierced through her earlier disappointment, wrapping the day with a perfect closure. The journal was more than a gift. It was the commencement of a new chapter, a silent invitation to pen her own truth, to weave a narrative only she could envision. The secret admirer saga was far from over, but one thing was clear. Every piece of the puzzle was clearly picked with the utmost consideration, each revealing more about the secret admirer’s deep understanding of her.

The intrigue was tantalizing as she picked the journal up, caressing its soft leather cover. She perused the pages to appreciate the craftsmanship and the untold stories this journal could hold. However, as she opened the crisp first page, she paused, her breath hitching in surprise.

There was a note elegantly scribed at the top of the page. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. A spark of anticipation ignited as she chewed her lower lip and squinted at the precise handwriting. The words were written in a chic font, the curves and flavor of the handwriting revealing a unique character, an uncanny reflection of the mysterious person behind these well-thought gifts.

Her eyes scanned the words, silently mouthing them as she read, “To the keeper of dreams and the weaver of words, may this journal hold your untold stories, unspoken thoughts, and unending dreams. Coin a reality only you can envision; let your dreams manifest through the mystique of your words. Yours, your secret admirer.”

Her heart missed a beat, her eyes wide in disbelieving wonder. The words, so profound, so promising, entwined her in a profound moment of understanding. It was more than a mere gift. It was a mirror to her spirit, a hat tip to her penchant for scribbling her thoughts, dreams, and reality.

Vaguely, she was aware of her hands shaking, the journal slightly trembling. The note was an intimate message in a bottle sent across the sea to just her. It screamed understanding, resonance, and a deep sense of familiarity. The more she read it, the louder her heartbeat echoed in her ears, and the deeper she fell into the whirlpool of feelings and the enigma her admirer had put forth.

Hugging the journal close to her chest, she sat on her doorstep, the moonlight gently caressing her form, adding an ethereal glow to the affectionate picture she embodied. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair, seemingly celebrating her contentment and newfound connection with her secret admirer.   

Lingering momentarily, she relished the tranquility that wrapped her in its warm hold. Each word of the note was a serenade to her, a quiet melody only she could hear, and it played ceaselessly, tickling her heartstrings, promising a symphony of narratives only she could chronicle.

Thus began a ritual like no other, a daily spectacle of surprise gifts arranged on her doorstep. Every morning was christened with the thrill of mystery, the pleasure of discovering something new and deeply personal. Her secret admirer’s knowledge of her likes and dislikes extended beyond mere happenstance, suggesting a close observer of her life. Each gift, be it a collection of her favorite abstract art, film memorabilia from her all-time classic movie, or a vintage vinyl of her favorite band, seemed meticulously picked, enveloping her in a blanket of obscure familiarity and secret admiration.

As she counted down the days till Christmas, the space under her tree increasingly began to mirror a treasure box. Each neatly wrapped gift, carefully opened, held a piece of her heart, enveloping her in waves of emotion she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Intriguingly, representative tokens of her passion for travel appeared: a world map with scratch-off destinations, foreign language books for her to decipher, and even a mini globe that lit up, each embedded in the roots of serendipity and future adventures.

The assortment was nothing short of an outburst of joy. This emotional whiplash triggered giggles and silent tears of happiness alike. It wasn’t just about receiving gifts; it was the idea that somebody cared enough to know her, to understand her, and to make her feel acknowledged and unique, which amplified the magic of the scenario.

Her moments with Kihyun were filled with shared laughter and teasing jokes about her secret admirer. With his constant banter, the playful guessing of who it could be, and the wagers they made on every gift, they built precious memories that Santa himself would’ve been proud of.

As the December chill crept in more and more, so did the longing to meet her secret admirer, the intrigue giving way to an acute urge of curiosity. Each passing day rendered her heart more restless, the countdown to Christmas carrying a weight of anticipation.   

One chilly morning, just days before Christmas, she found a tiny box on her doorstep. On opening it, her breath hitched. Inside lay a delicate snowflake pendant – an echo of the season, a testament to the ephemeral and individual - as unique and irreplaceable as herself, a symbol and a promise, silently noting her significance, her uniqueness.

As Christmas neared, the excitement cushioned with silence, the answering smile on her face becoming a permanent fixture as her secret admirer remained veiled in alluring mystery.

Christmas Eve brought an unexpected twist to the tale, with Kihyun inviting her to a friendly gathering with his group mates. The night bloomed in a beautiful meld of laughter and goodwill, the air thick with stories, playful jests, and shared camaraderie. Kihyun, by her side, only heightened the cheer with his endearing laughter that bounced rhythmically off their childish banter about Santa. The soft glow of the Christmas lights dancing in his eyes etched another beautiful memory in her heart.

The festive allure carried onto the Christmas day, surrounded by familiar faces and warmed by familial love. She engaged in a homely celebration, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, mingling with the nostalgic aroma of the pine tree. Preserved traditions, laughter-filled stories, and the shared mirth of togetherness engulfed her, the day promising a lifetime of nostalgia. Her family’s hearts buzzing with joy rendered a new glow to Christmas – all she had ever wanted, all she had ever loved.

As the day ended, she returned home, her heart full yet sluggish from the day’s joyous exhaustion. Drawing closer to her apartment building, she caught sight of a familiar figure perched on the steps. Kihyun, his eyes shining brighter than the nearby streetlamp, was waiting for her.   

In his hands was a familiar small gift. The packaging was the same, the bow perfectly tied - but something felt different. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with earnest anticipation, the silence of the night punctuated only by the rushing thoughts filling her head.   

The realization wrought a gasp from her, her breath hitching and her heartbeat sounding louder than the quiet of the night. Could it be? Could the secret admirer, the person distributing these coded pieces of her soul, have been Kihyun all along? Her mind raced as she approached him, the finality of her walk daunting against the 

Christmas lights strung around her front door.  

There, wrapped snugly in winter’s silence, Kihyun extended the gift towards her - his eyes searching her own, all jest gone - replaced with a raw vulnerability she found endearing. The hours that melted into another Christmas night were yet to unravel surprises of their own, the veil of the secret admirer lifting slowly under the Christmas moonlight.

In his hands was a familiar small gift. The packaging was the same, the bow perfectly tied - but something felt different. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with earnest anticipation, the silence of the night punctuated only by the rushing thoughts filling her head.   

The realization wrought a gasp from her, her breath hitching and her heartbeat sounding louder than the quiet of the night. Could it be? Could the secret admirer, the person distributing these coded pieces of her soul, have been Kihyun all along? Her mind raced as she approached him, the finality of her walk daunting against the Christmas lights strung around her front door.  

There, wrapped snugly in winter’s silence, Kihyun extended the gift towards her - his eyes searching her own, all jest gone - replaced with a raw vulnerability she found endearing. The hours that melted into another Christmas night were yet to unravel surprises of their own, the veil of the secret admirer lifting slowly under the Christmas moonlight.

Overwhelmed by curiosity and unexpected understanding, she took the gift from him, her fingers brushing lightly against his. The familiarity of it brought her an unusual wave of comfort and anticipation, a drum roll echoing in her chest as she unwrapped the gift.

As the wrapping gracefully unfolded under her careful hands, a thing of beauty was slowly but indeed revealed. Tucked snugly within was a beautifully crafted, handwritten letter. The elegant script, its curves and flourishes were familiar, the words an echo of previous ones she’d come to treasure - its profound intimacy only deepening with each thoughtful expression.

Below the letter remained more surprises, artifacts of a heartfelt saga silently written through her secret admirer’s thoughtful gifts - treasures as intimate and sincere as the words etched on the letter above.

A sigh escaped her lips as she carefully revealed a book she’d dreamt of owning, its elusive nature only fueling her desire. It was a rare edition she’d mentioned in passing to Kihyun amidst a lazy afternoon chat not so long ago. It was more than just a book; it was a testament to her dreams and aspirations, an encapsulation of a part of her life she held dear.

Alongside the book, nestled in a jeweled box, was an exquisite pendant she had always admired from afar. Its price had deterred her from purchasing it, but its beauty had constantly stirred a longing within her. Now, to see the same pendant lying before her, glittering in the soft glow of the Christmas lights, it was much more than just a piece of jewelry - it was the acknowledgment of her desires, the embodiment of dreams she’d whispered into the winds, now gently resting in her hands.

Kihyun watched, his eyes holding the reflections of the sparkling pendant and the joy in her eyes - a moment printed onto the canvas of a Christmas night. In that instance, under the garland of lights and warmth, the veil of the secret admirer finally melted away, the visage of Kihyun emerging through -- a friend, a confidante, a shared laughter, and now, her poignant admirer. A Christmas as magical as they come, the story of their shared past and a beautifully mysterious present was embraced that night – a testament to the Christmas spirit that genuinely lived in their hearts.

“It was you the whole time?” Her question echoed in the silence, a simple confirmation of the emotions swelling within her, the reality beginning to settle.

“Yes,” Kihyun replied, his voice a soft whisper that seemed to blend with the falling snow. His eyes held a shining sincerity, a deep emotion she had seldom seen. They simply gazed at each other for a moment, the confession hanging between them in the cool night air.

“But how? We were almost always together,” she breathed out, confusion furrowing her brows. Memories of all the shared moments replayed in her mind - the days bursting with laughter, the lingering glances, the constant companionship, and the masterfully orchestrated surprises.

A chuckle escaped Kihyun’s lips, momentarily disrupting the tranquil moment. “Ah, you see, quite clever actually... I had a little help.” His eyes twinkled in delight, a mischievous glint creeping back into them, making her heart flutter. 

“Minhyuk and Jooheon were my partners in crime,” he admitted, a proud grin plastering his face. “They were the ones who delivered the gifts to your doorstep when we were together.”

The revelation sent a warm thrill coursing through her. The thought of their friends playing along, helping Kihyun warm her days with unexpected gifts, brought a smile to her lips. Including her beloved friends in this heartfelt expression added an even more intimate charm to the entire experience unfolding before her.

“I just... I wanted to find the most special gifts for you,” Kihyun continued, a sense of earnest passion coloring his tone. “It wasn’t easy; it took time, scanning multiple stores, browsing countless online sites, and it took me months to find the book you’ve been longing for and the pendant you always admired.”

His thoughtfulness and efforts in this grand gesture unveiled a meaningful dimension of Kihyun’s affection. Each detail – the elusive book, the beautiful pendant – was a token of the patience and dedication he had devoted to making her feel special in every possible way.

“And the letters?” she asked, her mind now wandering to the exquisite performance of pen on paper she’d come to adore.

“I spent hours practicing to write perfectly in cursive,” he confessed. An image flitted across her mind – Kihyun immersed in his diligent labor of love, a pen in his hands, a warm lamp illuminating his focused features.

“There were lots of wasted papers and tossed-out pens, but the expressions on your face whenever you’d receive them made it all worth it,” he finished. A soft, sheepish smile adorned his lips as he briefly looked away, a faint blush creeping up his neck - an endearing sight that heightened her respect and affection for her dear friend.

“And how did you keep such a good poker face every time I got excited about receiving a new gift?” she asked, still processing the extent of his efforts.

Kihyun rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze directed to the distance as he reminisced, “To say it was easy would be a lie. Sometimes, I just wanted to let it out, to show you how thrilled I was to see you happy. However, I knew I had to hold back. I had to keep the magic alive. I chose to feed off your delight, to live vicariously through your innocent excitement.”

Hearing him confess his struggles, the sheer effort of keeping such a significant secret amid their camaraderie was both heart-aching and heartwarming. Feeling closer to him than ever before, she found comfort in knowing that they could share such profound experiences, unbeknownst to even themselves, moving on an unseen thread of affection and understanding.

“I won’t deny that seeing you coming to me after every gift was an experience in itself,” Kihyun admitted earnestly, reaching out and gently brushing a stray curl away from her face. “It made me ecstatic to see your reactions, to listen to your thoughts... to know you were treasured even as I held back the admirer's identity.”

Her heart seemed to swell with each word. Each revelation added a new layer to this extraordinary tale, embellishing it with a unique blend of friendship, affection, and unspoken love. As a gentle snowfall started to blanket the world around them, the soft glow of the Christmas lights illuminating their faces, she felt a profound warmth radiating from Kihyun’s honest eyes, his enduringly patient love that had orchestrated such a magical mystery. This Christmas, as the story of their shared past came full circle with a festively mysterious present, their hearts resonated with the true spirit of this winter holiday – loving and cherishing each other and the shared tale that wove them intricately together.

In the moment's warmth, Kihyun’s gaze dipped from her eyes to her lips, a silent question lingering in his eyes. As if reading her thoughts, he asked softly, “May I?”   

She looked at him, his sincerity shimmering like the snowflakes gently descending around them. A breath hitched in her throat as she gave a shy nod, her heart beating wildly as anticipation gripped her.

Acknowledging her response with a gentle smile, Kihyun closed the gap between them. His lips met hers in a sweet kiss that held all the unspoken emotions they shared – a profound affection subtly blending with newly discovered love. It was a gentle exploration, a testament to their deep bond and cherished companionship, conveyed through a language that words often fail to express.

When they parted, they shared a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of the love that had finally found its voice. The night seemed peaceful, the silence only broken by the gentle rustling of the snow-laden branches and their faintly trembling breaths.

“Hold still...” Kihyun murmured, breaking the silence as he gently held the pendant she warmly regarded. The cool metal chain seemed to electrify her senses as she held her breath while he secured it around her neck. His fingers lightly brushed against her skin as he worked the delicate clasp, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

The distinct shimmer of the beautifully chosen necklace lay against her slightly flushed skin, adorning her in a way she’d imagined countless times. As his fingertips traced away, lingering for a moment on her nape, a sense of satisfaction mirrored in his eyes.

“There,” Kihyun whispered, a soft smile gracing his lips as he admired his handiwork. The pendant hung delicately, catching the Christmas lights that softly fell on them. The sight seemed to ground their escapade into a sweet reality, a symbol of his affection now proudly displayed.

Her fingers instinctively grazed the pendant, a tangible culmination of Kihyun’s love and efforts. It was more than just an accessory; it was a signifier of an extraordinary love that was patiently built and skillfully veiled under the guise of friendship and a mystery admirer. As she looked into Kihyun’s eyes, the gentle glow reflecting their shared joy, she realized that their journey of love had just begun, beautifully clothed in the magical allure of a festively mysterious Christmas.

As the chilly wind began to pick up, she noticed the slight tremble in Kihyun’s hands, the shivering cold infringing upon their joyous moment. She swiftly reached for his arm, a warm smile gracing her face, “Let’s not turn you into a snowman. It’s warmer inside.”

Kihyun didn’t break any denial at her invitation, readily agreeing with a grateful grin that met his still-flushed cheeks.

Once they stepped over the threshold, the cold was replaced by a cocoon of warmth that enveloped them. The scent of their earlier supper and the distinct fragrance of pine from their decorated Christmas tree welcomed them, creating a nostalgic and homely ambiance that further solidified their irreplaceable connection.

Kihyun seemed attached to her side now, mirroring her movements like a compass aligned to the North. His presence was nearly constant, like a silent guardian angel, or more accurately, a lovable, lost puppy clinging to his newfound home. The tenderness in his following gaze was charmingly precious, making her heart flutter whenever she looked his way.

In return, she catered to his ease and made this night memorable. She initiated the brewing of hot cocoa, their earlier frosty encounter calling for something warm and soothing. Kihyun just watched her, his eyes following her every gesture, every move.

The evening continued in a breezy blur of shared laughter and subtle touches, the simple domesticity marked by their mutual companionship. With Kihyun’s nearness kindling a new kind of comfort, a kind of elation bubbled up within her, turning an ordinary night into a prepossessing memory.   

Each jammed radio button, each shared blanket, and each nonchalant brush of their hands further delineated their newly forged connection. Kihyun followed her dutifully, his presence a sweet reminder of their relationship’s incredible turn.   

As they eventually settled on the couch, their shoulders brushing against each other, their hands occasionally intertwining, she was thoroughly soaked with unfathomable contentment. Their heartfelt encounter outside was replaced by the humming silence of her warm living room, their companions’ soft twinkling Christmas lights, and the sweet flavor of cocoa lingering between them.

As she leaned her head against his shoulder, Kihyun wrapped an arm around her as an answer. She knew that this was the start of something truly special. Every corner of her house that was earlier adorned with festive décor now held a new significance as if those inanimate objects were quiet spectators of their blooming relationship. The easy silence blanketing them allowed room for reminiscence and reflection, their earlier adventure transmuting ordinary moments into precious memories.

In the comfortable embrace of the couch, as the aroma of hot cocoa and the familiar scent of pine permeated the air, they found contentment within their closeness. The outside world was momentarily forgotten - the frosty chill, the heavy snow, and even time seemed irrelevant in their shared cocoon of companionship. The brushing of their fingers, the slow rhythm of their combined breaths, and the silent beating of their hearts painted a vivid picture of a love story perfectly scripted in an ambiance of festive romance.

Her thoughts ran free, aimless yet strangely centered on the man whose arms encased her. The sense of contentment was almost tangible, filling her heart with a warmth that outshone the cheerful blaze crackling in her fireplace. She found herself unconsciously tracing patterns on the back of his hand with her free hand - circles, lines, forming shapes only they could interpret, each shape carving another subtle memory into their journey of love.

A sudden thought dashed through her mind, breaking her pattern tracing. “How about a warm bath?” she suggested, her voice soft as she lifted her head from the crook of his shoulder, her gaze meeting his. “It’s a good way to wash off the day’s chill.”

His agreement was immediate, a lazy smile spreading at the prospect. A shared bath sounded absurdly intimate but was past labels and societal conventions. This was their relationship, their love blooming in ways they had never anticipated.

Kihyun’s presence followed her into the bathroom, his silhouette reflecting in the mirror as she started filling the tub. The rush of warm water quickly masked in a thick veil of steam, enveloping them in a cozy warmth that seemed to hug their bodies. As she adjusted the bath temperature, the soft splatter of water against the ceramic tiles provided a comforting harmony, blissful in its own simple way.

The shared bath was a testament to their trust in each other - a trust born from the roots of friendship, nurtured by shared interests and laughter and blossomed into the love now silently thriving between them. Bathed in the soft glow of the dimmed lights, the bathwater turning into a cocoon of warmth, their bodies relaxed, drawing comfort from each other’s presence even as the initial tension of intimacy resided in their minds.

She turned to face Kihyun, her fingers gripping the hem of her shirt. His gaze, now less playful and carrying a certain intensity, traced the contours of her figure with admiration, an expression so candid it left her feeling slightly exposed, her cheeks heating up.   

However, he seemed to sense her hesitation; his warm hands stilled hers, his eyes flicking to meet hers. “You’re beautiful,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, his statement laced with an emotion so profound it stirred something deep within her. “Don’t hide yourself from me.”

The depth of his gaze matched the sentiment of his words, serving as a compelling reassurance that washed away her lingering apprehension. Kihyun murmured more compliments, each word articulating his awe and adoration, painting her in shades of appreciation she hadn’t fully realized he had seen her in. She was not just any woman to him - she was infinitely precious, as unique and beautiful as their bond.

Their laughter and teasing banter often overshadowed such profundity in their relationship. Still, in these intimate moments, the strength of their connection was undeniable. Their relationship had blossomed in friendship, nurtured by shared memory, and the bond they had built was indeed love. This love distilled comfort, reliability, and now shared vulnerability into a remarkable blend.

As the last threads of hesitation unraveled, they engaged in the serene journey of shared intimacy - slowly, sensuously undressing, their eyes never straying from one another. Each piece of clothing shed marked a step further into their shared path of trust and intimacy, their hearts hammering a silent rhythm that echoed the depth of their connection. His fingers traced the slight dip of her collarbone, his touch light, almost reverential. Her hands moved to unbutton his shirt, her fingertips brushing against the warmth of his skin, escalating their intimate voyage.

With reassuring whispers of appreciation and shared glances filled with love, they continued their path, honoring the profound depth of their relationship. As they shed the last fragments of clothing and inhibitions, they stepped into their cocoon of warmth, the bathwater welcoming them into a boundaryless world borne of trust, love, and shared understanding. Their bodies intertwined in the steamy bath, her unfounded insecurities washed away by the soothing warmth and his genuinely heartfelt compliments, creating a moment that was gracefully pure and uniquely theirs.

The water embraced them gently, the warm bath scent creating a divine delirium that heightened the moment's intimacy. His hands were everywhere, tracing the silhouette of her body through the clear water, his fingertips creating ripples in the otherwise serene tranquility of the bath.

Kihyun’s hands cupped her face, tilting her chin upwards until her eyes met his. The affectionate look in his eyes mirrored his gentle touch, wrapping her in a cascade of warmth and safety. Her eyes fluttered closed, reveling in his thumb lightly stroking her cheek, the intimacy of the moment creating a memory she’d forever cherish.

Without prompting, his hand moved from her face, tracing a path through the water as he reached for her hair. A soft chuckle rippled from his lips as he secured her damp hair in a high ponytail, ensuring it wouldn’t get wet in the bath. Even amidst this moment of heightened intimacy, his considerate gesture grounded their interaction in a reality seasoned with familiar comfort, a testament to the depth of their connection.

They began conversing - about anything and everything, their voices echoing against the bathroom tiles, intertwining with the soft sound of the water. They spoke about mundane nothings, profound truths, fears and dreams, shared memories, and individual secrets. Their conversation flowed as naturally as the water around them, each word a testament to their bond, each laughter a reaffirmation of their shared joy, hidden whispers in a world of their own making.

Each glance exchanged spoke volumes more than words ever could, their connection seeping through the silence in the spaces between their conversation. Their bodies pressed close, the occasional brush of their hands, the whispering water around their still, entwined forms - it was no longer just a bath; it was an intimate dance between two souls learning to navigate the path of profound love.

With his hands around her, his gaze soft and appreciative, their connection seemed deeper, even more profound within the candlelight glow of the steamy bathroom. He chuckled, murmuring soft compliments that made her blush crimson under the blanket of warm bathwater. Their conversation, laughter, and intimate gestures etched into the silence of the night, this bath was the symbolism of trust, shared vulnerability, and a deepening love - their world within a world.

Time seemed to freeze as Kihyun’s gaze grew more intense, teetering on the precipice of a deeper intimacy. The playful banter still hung in the air, swallowed by the suspense-filled silence. His fingers lazily drew circles on her bare skin, tangible electricity crackling between their close bodies. With his eyes locked onto hers, he murmured, “Can I kiss you?”

His question hung heavy, solidifying their intimate vulnerability. A shiver of anticipation ran down her spine, the heat of the bathwater paling compared to the flame that his words ignited within her. His question, no, his request, was significant – an admission of the desire that had been subtly brewing between them, now finally voiced.

Emboldened, she nodded her approval, anticipating the sweet surrender of their connecting lips. Closing her eyes, she leaned in, but instead of meeting his lips, she found him whispering against her skin, intimate praises that made her heart race.

His lips finally found hers in a slow, intoxicating dance. This soft touch lingered and deepened, intensifying with each passing second. His hands shuffled up to cradle her face, her hands pulling him closer, wrapped around his neck. The kiss, she thought, was pure magic - an ethereal blend of raw passion and tender affection that seemed to set their world on fire.

Their movements grew more assertive, their bodies weaving into each other under the blanket of bathwater. Every touch ignited sparks that blazed under their skin and electrified their senses. Their tangled limbs reflected in the steamy water, the intimate tableau a blend of roiling heat and escalating desire. His grip on her waist tightened, pulling her closer. Kihyun’s hand slipped down to her hip, his thumb tracing circles that caused her to tremble.

Blind to everything but each other, they continued their intoxicating dance. Hands roamed, leaving trails of heat in their wake; words whispered amidst shared breaths wrapped them in an intimate cocoon. The dance of intertwining tongues and roaming hands built-in tempo, creating an intoxicating symphony.   

They explored, discovered, lost and found themselves again in the steam-filled bathroom, thrumming with unspoken words and promises. Their gasps for breath and low murmurs filled the silence, a profound love story weaved in hushed whispers and fervent touches.   

In the glow of warm candlelight, their reflected silhouettes painted an intimate portrait on the steamy bathroom tiles. Their interlude seemed to transcend the confines of the steam-perfumed room, a realm of whispered intimacy. It accentuated sensations between their closely entwined bodies. The veil of steam provided a fairy-tale haze to their naked emotions, bared in the all-consuming passion that was engulfing them.   

With Kihyun’s fingers still dancing along her hip bone, forming words and phrases she could only guess, he pressed gentle kisses to her jawline, earning himself a hushed sigh. His exploration was slow yet purposeful, and she couldn’t help closing her eyes, focusing purely on the sensation of his skin on hers, touched by the warmth of his eager exploration. The magical dance they were engaged in was no longer bound by words but voiced through the nervous thumping of hearts, the soft gasps of contentment serving as a melodious accompaniment to their symphony.   

“Kihyun...” Her voice was barely a whisper, pulling him away from his trail of kisses along her jaw, the soulful look in his eyes interweaving with her silent plea. He heard the unspoken desire mirrored in her voice, a spark igniting the depths of his own longing.

Eyes burning bright, edged with a glint of playfulness and cloaked in desire, he asked, “Are you sure?” His voice was raspy, laced with concern and a hint of desire that had her heart fluttering.

“Yes, yes I am,” she managed through bated breath, entrusting him with a level of vulnerability that felt surprisingly liberating. With one last lingering look for confirmation, he took her lips into a sweet kiss, a reassurance and a promise bundled into the intimate connection. His response was a breathless whisper, “I want this too, more than you know.”

With the exchange of those stolen words, the previous rhythm of their dance transformed into a sensual ballet, the steamy water around them serving as the stage for this divine performance, fingertips tracing coy patterns on surfaces that had her arching into him.

Kihyun’s hands roamed down to claim her hips, pulling her closer, skin on the skin where water meets air. Her fingers gripped his shoulders, nails digging into his skin, their bodies moving in unison with the pulsating rhythm of their shared heartbeat. Every breath, every sigh, every shared laugh was a token of their desire, etched into the steamy air of the bathroom that held this moment captive.   

The echo of their shared intimacy lingered still. Nodding, she wrapped her arms around Kihyun’s neck for support. The heated pace slowed as they synchronized their rhythm again, each silent understanding reflected in the other’s gaze.

Kihyun’s hands on her hips became her anchor, grounding her as they continued their slow exploration, his touch coaxing her to lose herself in their shared bliss. The feeling was more than just tactile. Her senses were heightened and everything else dimmed, leaving only his touch, his scent, and his breath on her skin. Her fingers traced along his jawline, feeling the grit of stubble and the warmth beneath that demanded her attention.

Unspoken affirmations passed between them through lingering touches and steady gazes. As they shared hushed whispers, her fingers found the back of his neck, pulling him closer. The caress of her fingers against his skin echoed their shared thrumming excitement, arching his back into her touch.

Pulling back slightly, he looked into her eyes, the intensity of his gaze making her breath hitch. His voice was low, matching the rhythm of their swaying bodies. “Is this okay?” he asked. Still, she merely nodded, this non-verbal communication already forming a bond of understanding between them.

The lighthearted banter was no longer light but now laden with the buildup. Each laugh, each sigh, every word, every pause coalesces into an ensemble of amplified sensations. Their conversation had warped, no longer consisting of words but of whispered breaths, muffled laughs, and silences that spoke volumes.

The echo of their shared intimacy hung in the air, a silent testament to their cultivated closeness throughout the day. The steamy atmosphere of the bathroom seemed to magnify the significance of their interactions, acting as a hushed soundtrack that played alongside their rhythm as they continued to discover and appreciate each other in a new light.

Their shared laughter and gentle sighs, their silent language exchanged through subtle touches and lingering looks, evolved, gathering and moving forward into something utterly electrifying. Their communication was no longer verbal. Instead, it was a sensory-led sonata composed of whispered breaths, muffled giggles, comfortable silence, and a charged atmosphere. Each heartbeat and rapid inhale affirmed the shared, tangible intimacy that had blossomed among the day’s occurrences.   

The hot, steamy air from the bathroom acted as a magnifying glass, intensifying even the most elemental aspects of their interactions. It brought an acutely amplified awareness, serving as the unsung background melody to their dynamic chorus. It was a silent orchestra musician, never missing a beat, as they explored deeper degrees of symbiosis, illuminating one another under a new light.

“Let’s dry you off,” Kihyun declared gently once they left the essence-filled bathroom, reaching for a plush towel. His voice echoed softly in the hazy atmosphere; the steam warped his words into a comforting, distant hum.   

Wrapping the towel around her lovingly, he pulled her towards him. The couple stood intimately close, their figures barely distinguishable in the foggy aura. A heartbeat echoed in the silence. Whether hers or his, neither could tell.   

Then, the world seemed to still when he leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers as he sealed their lips into a kiss. It was sweet, lingering - a silent promise, an unspoken connection. He did so gently, cradling her face as if she was the most precious thing he’d ever encountered. The kiss was charged, and she reciprocated passionately, each press of their lips whispering silent stories of shared understanding and adoration.

Dressed in a warm, softened aura of the lingering kiss, they navigated towards her room. Kihyun, ever familiar due to the abundance of his visits, possessed several spare outfits at her place. He dressed with an appealing, homely ease that was welcomingly comforting.   

“Let’s get you dressed, okay?” Kihyun asked, his voice dropped to a soft caress as he held out one of her pajamas. Helping her into her clothes, he took on the role of her caregiver easily, demonstrating the depth of his regard for her.   

The night’s story was still unfolding, leaving an exciting sense of anticipation and yearning in its wake, the couple elegantly navigating through the tangle of emotions with grace and mutual respect.

With a gentle nod, she held out her arms, allowing Kihyun to assist her into the soft fabric of her pajamas. The room engulfed them in a soothing cascade of comfort, an extension of the overwhelming warmth that had enveloped them throughout the day. In the quiet intimacy of her space, Kihyun’s presence felt incredibly natural, a testament to the compelling bond they had developed.

The process was unhurried and full of subtle, lingering touches that stoked the emotional fire between them. Every pull of fabric or adjustment of a button was a reaffirmation of his growing sense of protective affection towards her. The innocently intimate gesture of helping her dress seemed to thread an unspoken pledge into their connection: a promise of unwavering support and care that transcended before, now, and what may come.   

“Done,” he whispered, locking his eyes with hers again. She nodded, a soft, uncharacteristically shy smile blossoming on her face. Their eyes held a conversation of their own - an exchange of gratitude, fondness, and anticipation under a shared understanding.

With this newfound closeness, they navigated towards her bed. The sheets seemed to welcome them, offering comfort after the day’s excitement. As they settled into each other comfortably, the outside world ceased to exist. It was their sanctuary, and they were the rulers.

“Goodnight, Kihyun,” she murmured, parting the silence with her words. Her voice fluttered across the silent room, carrying unspoken sentiments cloaked under it. She entwined her fingers with his, offering the soft pressure of connection as a closing to the day’s events.

“Are you sure you want to trade for him?” Mingyu asks, eyeing you suspiciously.

“For the last time, yes,” you huff out. 

Are you actually sure? No. But, this plan has to work. Every year you and your whole friend group draw names for Secret Santa. This year, you were really hoping to get Minghao. For a lot of reasons you’re not trying to share with Mingyu. Thankfully, he’s terrible at keeping secrets from you and had instantly whined about getting the hardest friend. He’s relieved you want to trade, even if he’s also a little suspicious. Not suspicious enough to hold onto the most difficult person to buy for, though. 

“Your funeral,” he says with a shrug. “Who’d you have again?” 

“Seulgi,” you remind him.

“Oh that’s so easy. She leaves notes about what she wants everywhere,” he says, satisfaction plain on his face. 

“So does Minghao, if you know where to look,” you add, keeping it a little vague.

“If you so say,” he says.

Mingyu’s not suspicious enough to look a gift horse in the mouth. Literally. Minghao is famous in your friend group for being difficult to buy presents for. Famous for not even pretending to like a present. You wonder how many presents he’s taken back in exchange for something that he wants more. Which does make the whole thing a little more daunting, especially because you’re not supposed to spend over a certain amount. That’s the whole premise of doing a Secret Santa with your friends. It’s so that you don’t have to go broke buying presents because you have a lot of friends. Of course, you’re all older now than when you started as broke university students. Still, it’s nice to hold onto the tradition. 

Now that you’ve switched, you’re nervous. Everything in your plan got you to the point of switching (and kind of how to pull off the perfect gift within your budget). You haven’t considered what he’ll say or what you’re going to say to him. Or if you’re even going to admit what you went through to make sure you had him in the exchange. You know you should just rip the band-aid off. Easier said than done, though.

The reality is that you want to be the one to give Minghao a present for a lot of reasons. You want to be able to get him something he’ll actually like. To show him that you listen to him and you know him. To show him that he’s not actually that bad to buy for, because you can tell it gets to him sometimes. That he thinks he’s just difficult, which he definitely is, but there’s more to him than that. There’s also the biggest reason you wanted to pull his name. That you have a giant crush on him. One you’re shocked he hasn’t picked up on and just as shocked other friends haven’t seemed to pick up on, either. Well, except for Seulgi. Then again, she never misses a beat. It’s useful that she knows, too, since you’re planning to ask her for help in securing the perfect gift. 

(Seulgi comes through, like the actual best friend in the world, with a killer discount on a beautiful designer scarf. Minghao hasn’t eyed that exact one, but you think you know him well enough to know that it’s still something he’ll like. It fits seamlessly into his style and it’s the kind of thing you can easily see him buying for himself. True to her word and the plan, Seulgi set aside several pieces that were returned because the brand had really weird rules about reselling things that left the store. They take returns because of the goodwill with customers, but never resell the items even close to full price.) 

When it comes time to actually exchange gifts, you’re a little nervous again. Didn’t think it through that you do this as a group, so everyone will see what everyone else got. Including the care put into your present for Minghao and the obvious, at least to you, significance. As if sensing your nerves, Seulgi shoots you a warm smile, then directs you to take a couple breaths. 

“I get to open my present first, right?” Soonyoung calls out. He’s already looking through the presents on the table. 

“You go first every year,” Seungcheol points out. 

“Right, so it’s tradition,” Soonyoung agrees. 

“Or maybe someone else could go…” Seungcheol starts. 

“Got it!” Soonyoung calls. 

“Just let him have it,” Seulgi laughs out.

As it turns out, she had him and got him a silly tiger plush and also a ticket to go to a drive through safari experience where they had tigers. Unsurprisingly, it’s a strong start and Soonyoung is thrilled. Seulgi opens her present next and it carries on just as well. It seems that everyone likes their presents, at least so far. Though, someone makes a joke that Minghao hasn’t gotten his yet. You’re still deep in thought and worry when you finally realize that your friends are trying to get your attention. It seems like it’s your turn to go next. Still somewhat lost in thought, you find your present. It’s easier because there aren’t many left and one of them is the one you bought. 

The second you open your present, it’s all you can think about. It’s a beautifully decorated scrapbook, so carefully put together that it almost makes you want to tear up. You start flipping through the pages and it’s like walking through all your favorite memories with your closest friends. The road trips and the sporting events. Concerts and beach days. Bonfires and drunken parties. A complete catalog of your best memories, without you even having to tell whoever made it. Each page is uniquely decorated without it being overdone. As you’re flipping through each page, you notice that there’s one person in more pictures than anyone else. Minghao. Is it that obvious to whoever made this that you have feelings for him? 

“I hope you like it,” Minghao says and he actually sounds nervous.

You look up at him, surprised. “You did this?” 

“Yeah, I realized after I wrapped it that I forgot to include a card,” he admits. 

“This is honestly the best gift I’ve ever gotten, thank you,” you say sincerely.

Seungcheol breaks the moment with a laugh. “Looks like you’re up next, Hao.”

“Right, yeah,” Minghao says. He clears his throat as he stands up. 

It’s a little hard for you to figure out where to look. You’re so enamored with the present you got from Minghao that you want to keep looking through it and appreciating the little details he put in. You find yourself aimlessly running your fingers over the pages. But, you also want to know what he thinks of your present. The real reaction as he opens it. Which does win out as he sits back down with his present on his lap. He’s careful as he unwraps it, almost like he’s preparing for whatever is inside. Over the years, he’s definitely been a little better about reacting to presents. Maybe he’s worried this will be another present like that. You know watching his reaction was absolutely the right choice when his eyes go wide and his mouth opens a little in shock. His fingers run over the fabric carefully before he reaches for the card. The smile when he reads the card is so genuine that your heart melts into a puddle. Maybe it’s more than a crush.

“I don’t know how you did this and stayed under budget, but thank you,” Minghao says with more emotion than you’re expecting. 

“Hey, yeah, that’s a foul! You can’t go over our budget just to get him something he wants,” Mingyu argues. 

“It wasn’t over budget, I sold the scarf. I have the receipt still,” Seulgi says.

“That’s even worse!” Mingyu argues with a pout.

“You’re just mad that someone finally got Minghao the perfect present,” Seungcheol teases. 

“I hate it here,” Mingyu says.

The conversation turns back to the remaining presents. Nobody really seems to have another comment on the moment that passed between you and Minghao over the presents. Neither of you has ever gotten the other for Secret Santa like this and it’s gone much differently than you expected. Instead of feeling nervous, you’re feeling a little hopeful. At least if your present is anything to go off. Minghao’s never put this much effort into a present. Not that you can remember, at least. Maybe, you’re not trying to get ahead of yourself, but maybe he feels a little something more for you as well. 

You’re a pretty disengaged from the conversation, especially once everyone finishes opening their presents and things turn to what movie to watch. Instead, you head into the kitchen to get someone to drink, missing the way Minghao’s eyes follow your movement. A little surprised when he appears in the kitchen with you.

“Thank you again,” he says quietly. It still makes you jump a bit. 

“Oh!” you gasp. “You’re welcome. I’m just glad you liked it. I know it’s kind of simple.”

“No, it’s perfect,” Minghao disagrees. “How did you manage?” 

“I told Seulgi that I had you and roughly what I wanted, so she set aside some returns. Only ones that came back immediately and clearly hadn’t been worn,” you rush out. 

Minghao’s touch on your arm is gentle, instantly calming. “I’m so thankful you got me.” 

“Me too,” you agree. “Well, I didn’t, actually. I traded with Mingyu.” 

“You did?” Minghao asks, seeming surprised but also pleased.

“Yeah, I wanted to get you something,” you say.

“I did, too,” he answers softly. “But, I was lucky enough to just draw your name.”

“Your present was amazing. I meant it, it’s one of the best I’ve ever gotten,” you whisper.

“It’s what you deserve. I know I didn’t spend much,” Minghao starts. 

“No, it’s everything. I can’t imagine how much time you must’ve put into this. I’m not sure anyone’s ever done anything so thoughtful for me,” you assure him, eyes soft on his. 

“You deserve only thoughtful things,” he tells you. 

“You, too,” is all you can say.

“Do you think, well, would it be weird if we got dinner sometime?” he asks and you can’t hide the shock. 

“Let’s go, you two!” Seungcheol calls.

“Like a date?” you ask, unable to believe what you’re hearing.

“Forget it, it’s weird,” he backtracks. When he starts to leave, you grab his arm.

“Yeah, I’d love to, but only if it’s actually a date,” you tell him. If you thought the smile over his present was big, this is infinitely bigger. 

“How about right now?” he presses.

“I don’t have anywhere else to be,” you agree. 

“Then, let’s go,” he says, hand held out for you.

And you take it. It’s one of the easiest decisions you’ve ever made. You didn’t even have to tell him that you’d been thinking of asking him the same thing. The holidays truly can be so magical.

You knocked on the door, and it swung open instantly. Baekhyun greeted you with a bright smile on his face. He was wearing a red and green flannel, a Santa hat perched on his head, and had even drawn a fake white beard on with eyeliner. "_____! You made it!" he exclaimed and pulled you into a warm hug.

“If I missed this, you'd come find me and drag me back here," you replied, engulfed with the mixed scent of cinnamon and pine as it wafted through the door.

"Of course, it wouldn't be a Christmas movie marathon without you," Baekhyun chuckled, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

"Not true. You could snatch Taemin and never notice the difference."

"Please. He doesn't get why I watch the same movies every year." He stepped back and gestured for you to come inside, revealing his apartment transformed into a cozy haven of holiday delights.

"True, but I wouldn't say I entirely understand it, either." You shrugged. "I just like seeing that little giddy smile you get. It's cute as hell." Baekhyun blushed at your compliment, the warmth of the room seeming to intensify as his gaze met yours. "Besides, they're not bad movies, and I like free food."

"Well," He took your coat and traded your shoes for fuzzy slippers that matched his, "there's no shortage of food this year. I managed to get that chicken place we like to give me a catering discount."

"Catering? For just two people?" You looked at him then over his shoulder towards the kitchen. The buffet he'd set up looked like it could feed a football team. "You're gonna get sick from eating too much, watch."

"Nooo," he whined, throwing his arms around you again. "You're here to help too! Whatever's leftover will feed me for the rest of the week."

"As long as you're not trying to overfeed me." You led the way to the couch and plopped down. "So, what are we starting off with? Comedy? Horror? Hallmark?"

He settled down beside you with two mugs of hot chocolate. "I was thinking classics. How about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? I saw the DVD in store and got hit with nostalgia."

"Ooh! I love those. They have an old-school charm to them, like Charlie Brown era stuff."

"See? You get me! That's why you're my baby." He pulled you close and kissed all over your cheek. "Okay, okay. So I made the cocoa when I got your text, so it should be safe to drink. If you get hungry before this one's over, we can pause and load up."

You nodded. "Gotcha. Until then," you put your legs over his and cuddled into him, "I just wanna get warm."

"Oh, I'm great at that." He pressed his face into your neck, lips tickling your skin. "Just some touches and kisses and you'll be on fire."

"Oh my gawd, you goober. Stawp!" You giggled, weakly pushing at his head and hands until he pulled away. The loud fanfare of the movie drew his attention away, allowing you both to settle down. Moments like these were the best. Just being held in his arms, being the most important part of his cute little tradition, were the moments you lived for.

Neither of you spoke much during the movie until his stomach growled loudly. His face scrunched up, and he paused the movie, looking at you with puppy eyes. "Babe—"

"Time to hit up your buffet?" You suggested with a teasing smile. He nipped at your neck again, then nodded.

"Please?" His voice was muffled, making you laugh out at his silliness.

"Come on. Let's see what you got."

As he unwrapped and unboxed the feast he'd ordered, you regretted eating anything at all that day. The spread was enough to give Thanksgiving a run for its money. "Stop looking at me like that! It's not that much food."

"My love, not that much for who? Are you inviting more people over?"

He shook his head. "Nope. This is all for you—well, us—but I didn't want you to need to leave or order anything. I have a case of wine, desserts, even that honey bun you said you liked from the donut shop."

You mulled his words over. "Wait, how long am I staying?"

His eyes sparkled. "As long as you want to. You said you had a few days off and we've both been caught up with work…"

You put a hand over your chest, then pulled him in for another quick hug. "Jesus Christ. Every time I think I've seen you at peak cuteness, you raise the bar. My heart can't take this if you keep maxing out the adorable boyfriend on me."

He bit his lip, and for a second, you could tell he was lost in thought. "…Boyfriend."

You side-eyed him. "Yes." A Byun in deep thought could be a troublemaker if left to his own devices. "A boyfriend I love and adore very much."

He nodded and luckily left it at that, pulling out plates and forks for you while you picked up the pretty festive wine glasses he'd put out for the occasion. Soon enough, you both were back on the couch with your food and drinks, continuing the movie. When that one went off, he let you pick the next movie, so you opted for your favorite, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

"You know," you said in between bites of the crispy, fried chicken he went "to the ends of the world" to get, "their relationship reminds me of how ours started out. I'm really thankful we had the chance to change things."

He watched you for a bit, then nodded. "Me too. More than words can express." He picked up his cup for a swig of wine. "But I'd like to change things again."

You looked at him, eyes wide. "In what way?"

He put down his plate and wiped his fingers on a napkin, prompting you to do the same. Whatever he was about to say had to be serious. "Well," he rubbed his hands together, the movie quickly forgotten as it continued playing, "I bought this townhouse with the intention of you moving in with me at some point."

You nodded. "Yeah, that's why you insisted I tag along for the viewing."

He turned toward you. "We never really set a date for that, y'know? And with Christmas coming up, it feels like there's no better time than the present."

You couldn't help but smile. "Is this your way of asking me to move in?"

"I mean, I think I could do better, but--" You cut him off with a kiss before throwing your arms around him.

"Nah, I like this. It's all cute and flustered and you." You kissed his cheek before sighing. "You're lucky I've been thinking about it too, with me missing you so much. I realized I wouldn't have to miss you if I could wake up and go to bed with you. So, I may have been packing already."

"You're serious?" He pulled back to look at you. "Please, don't joke about this. I don't think my heart could take it."

You shook your head, smile growing wider. "I pretty much just need to hire a moving service and figure out what to do with the furniture I don't need to keep."

"I love you so much," he bear-hugged you, peppering your face with kisses. "Just hearing that makes me feel better. This will be the best Christmas I’ve ever had."

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Every time Y/N arrived, they’d somehow arrange for her to be close to Hyunwoo. When they played cards, Hyunwoo sat next to her, their hands brushing slightly as they reached for their cards. The boys’ eyes would sparkle whenever a soft blush crept on their faces. Yet, every time they seemed to move even closer - a promise of a moment under the mistletoe - something would inevitably interrupt. Once, there was a loud crash from the kitchen as Hoseok tried to make hot cocoa. Another time, it was the surprising early arrival of their manager for a sudden meeting.

Hyunwoo, oblivious to the boys’ plans but painfully aware of his own feelings for Y/N, would just look on ruefully at each missed opportunity. Y/N, for her part, seemed equally flustered by these interruptions. Her eyes would glimpse towards Hyunwoo, a question in her eyes that he wished he could answer.

As the days passed and Christmas drew closer, the boys grew impatient. Their plan had yet to come to fruition, and the mistletoe’s charm had yet to work on Y/N and Hyunwoo. But they were not discouraged. Hoping and plotting, they were sure that the holiday magic, the timeless charm of the mistletoe, would finally bring Y/N and Hyunwoo together. After all, it was the season of miracles.

Low whispers echoed through the dorm as the boys planned their following scheme. Y/N was coming over again, and they knew they were presented with another opportunity. Determination painted their faces, the yen of playfulness reflected in their eyes more than ever. This time, they stacked the deck more in favor of Hyunwoo and Y/N, finding themselves under the mistletoe.

Shuffling through various strategies, they finally laid out their plan. They set up a cozy corner near the Christmas tree, carefully arranging the snacks and games. Amidst the twinkling fairy lights and festive decorations, the infamous mistletoe was craftily nestled, hidden in plain sight. Everything was laid out to lead Hyunwoo and Y/N to that corner - the warmest blankets, their favorite drinks, even leaving two spots vacant for them to sit next to each other.

As the doorbell rang, their heartbeats quickened in anticipation. Y/N’s arrival was met with loud greetings, her cozy winter sweater and contagious smile lending more warmth to the festive environment. As the night progressed, Hyunwoo and Y/N found themselves drawn towards the planned corner, laughing and talking, clueless of the intricate plot.

“Let’s hope no one spills hot cocoa this time,” Minhyuk whispered, watching the scene unfold from the corner of his eye. The boys nodded in agreement, their gazes fixed on the innocent pair under the mistletoe. Confidence radiated off them, a sense of shared certainty that this time, no unexpected interruption would stand in the way of their long-awaited moment.

As Y/N and Hyunwoo obliviously enjoyed their conversation, the rest of the boys watched with anticipation. The festive cheer, mixed with the underlying excitement of their scheme, filled the room. Minhyuk, usually the loudest and the most vivacious among them, was unusually quiet. His eyes focused on the pair as though trying to bring them closer to the mistletoe.

With every chuckle shared and every game played, Hyunwoo and Y/N gravitated closer to the carefully chosen corner. Even though Hyunwoo was unaware of the boys’ mischief, he found himself naturally drawn towards Y/N’s warmth. The soft glow from the fairy lights cast a beautiful sheen on her face, making her seem even more enchanting.

“Okay,” Kihyun whispered, pointing towards the pair, “they are almost there. Be prepared to not make any sudden moves.” The others nodded, understanding the implicit message. They didn’t want to repeat the hot cocoa incident or any other interruption.

The mood in the room grew more intense as the pair laughed heartily at something on Y/N’s phone. They stood together and found their way to the vacant seats under the mistletoe, seemingly led by destiny and the boys’ careful orchestration.

“Finally,” breathed Minhyuk to the others, never taking his eyes off the pair. The boys shared an excited glance. Their well-laid plan had, this time, seamlessly led Hyunwoo and Y/N under the hanging mistletoe. Now, it was all up to the magic of the season.

“Hey guys,” Jooheon was the first to speak up. His grin was cheeky, dimples on full display. Jooheon had a mischievous sparkle in his eyes as he raised a finger, pointing upwards. Hyunwoo and Y/N followed the directions to find the sneaky mistletoe hanging above them. Drawn away from their world as their gaze fell onto the plant, their laughter dwindled into a soft silence. The room seemed to hold its breath as they turned to face each other, their cheeks flushed under the striking realization.

Hyunwoo was the first to break the silence, an easy laugh escaping his lips to lighten up the severity of the moment. The boys’ soft, teasing shouts encouraged him to follow the tradition, but their voices seemed distant. His focus was on Y/N, her eyes shining with surprise, and something more, something softer that made his heart skip a beat. With a shy smile, Hyunwoo leaned into her, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. The room echoed with the collective groan of the boys.

“Hyung, that’s not how it works!” Changkyun yelled out, others chiming in with similar complaints. They wouldn’t let their leader get away that easily; their shouts were full of lighthearted taunting and genuine excitement. The festive cheer in their eyes was overwhelming, pushing Hyunwoo out of his comfort zone a little more. Y/N was surprised, but then she smiled too, a slight, fond, expectant glance towards Hyunwoo.

“You have to actually kiss her,” Jooheon challenged teasingly, his words sinking into the air with a daring promise.

Caught in the unexpected tension, Hyunwoo and Y/N stared at each other, their faces colored a charming shade of red, mirrored expressions of surprise and shyness. The outside world seemed to fade away, with nothing but their glances mattering at that moment. The boys’ playful cheering felt like a distant hum, barely reaching them in their sole focus on each other. Despite his initial hesitations, Hyunwoo couldn’t help the rising warmth in his heart, a soft smile curving his lips.

When the anticipation was unbearable, and the boys were ready to groan in disappointment, Y/N made a move that left everyone in the room speechless. Mustering her courage, she moved closer to Hyunwoo, eyes sparkling with mischief and affection. Stunned silence took over the room as Y/N reached up, gently cupping his face and pulling him closer. Hyunwoo’s breath hitched as she leaned in, her lips landing softly against his. It was a sweet, lingering moment shared between the two, symbolizing their hidden sentiments finally coming to light.