a warm christmas
summary: it's your first christmas together after jungkook's return. however, you always spend the holidays back home. and this time, he's invited. jungkook has to overcome his fear of facing your family after all that's happened. he soon realises what he was avoiding is what he needed all along.
from the rough edges series
pairing: jungkook x f!reader genre: fluff, romance, college sweetheart, ex-gang member jk words: 8k
the alarm rings on your side table, and you wince, eyes still shut, willing to continue the dream you were having. behind you, there’s movement and shifting as jungkook reaches over, hand fumbling about as he tries to dismiss the alarm.
peace resumes seconds later and his warmth blankets you, arms pulling you close, resting his face in the crook of your neck. “time to wake up.” he mutters.
you protest with a whine and feel his smile against your skin, rolling over to melt into his arms. “don’t wanna.”
jungkook sighs, cherishing moments like these where he gets to wake up next to you on the weekends, and laze around. despite your unwillingness to get up, you don’t go back to sleep, choosing to lay in his arms, head against his chest while jungkook runs a soothing hand on your back.
his eyes flicker out the window, where the sun would usually come shining in by this hour. but a new season has taken over, and the clouds leave a trail of shadows behind.
“two weeks till christmas.” he mutters and your eyes flip open.
“excited?” you say, shifting your head to look up at him. “our first time celebrating together since college.”
jungkook stretches his free side and shifts to lie on his back, hand behind his head. “i’m just glad i don't have to spend it cooped up with jaemin.”
“aw but the pictures of you two wearing christmas hats together was so cute.” you chuckle.
it was one of the few pictures they took together, and he’d explained how they missed celebrating christmas so much that they put hats on and had a christmas movie marathon that day.
jungkook smiles but pretends he doesn’t know what you’re talking about. then he rolls back over and rests his top half over yours, making you groan as he lets his weight rest on you. “much rather be right here.” he comments, face smooshed into the pillow next to your head.
“yeah,” your voice comes out strangled beneath him and he laughs, lifting himself. he lowers himself comfortably to your chest and your hands gently brush his hair.
you stay that way for a moment, feeling his body rise and fall against you as he fights falling back asleep.
“my dad’s really excited to meet you.”
jungkook’s eyes snap open suddenly, no longer drowsy, or calm. they find your as he lifts his head. “your dad- oh are we- for christmas?”
his reaction tickles you, but he’s absolutely serious now, abandoning his comfy position and sitting up on the bed, facing you. your hand rests on his. “you know i always spend christmas back home.”
“right.” his body deflates. “i forgot.”
“and you’re coming with me,” you say, getting up yourself, “you’ve been invited.”
“more like summoned.” jungkook gulps, pouting when you break into laughter. “does he…approve…of me? of us?”
“if he didn’t, he wouldn’t bother.” you reassure him. “he’s dying to finally meet the person i was willing to risk my life over.”
jungkook’s mind goes into a frenzy every time he thinks about facing your dad. how could he, when he’d put you in danger all those years ago? landed you in the hospital with a concussion after being held hostage with a gun to your head?
“you know actually…” jungkook clears his throat, “i might stay and look over the studio. if everyone’s going home then i’m gonna need to…you know…take on clients or…walk-ins…”
the blank stare in your eyes tells him you’re not buying it. jungkook had avoided every trip back home since. there was always something. and you always gave him the benefit of the doubt. but logically, you know what he’s doing, and you know why he’s so skittish.
you tilt your head, “jungkook, you can’t avoid him forever.”
“i’m not-” he snorts, fumbling over his words, “i w- it’s just not- you’re crazy.”
you raise a brow, resisting the urge to burst out laughing. jungkook winces at his own pathetic attempt.
“sorry.” he mutters quietly. “you’re not crazy.”
you laugh, shoving him hard enough to make him fall against the mattress. he bounces right back with an embarrassed smile, dimples showing.
“come on,” you say, “he’s my dad. don’t you want to meet him too?” “i do.” he says quickly, suddenly realising how this might affect you. “it’s just that i…”
“you’re scared, i know.” his body relaxes with your touch, hand wrapping around his. “but why? what exactly are you afraid of?”
“baby, i put his daughter in harm’s way, almost got you killed, how could he ever look at me and think i’m worthy of being with you after all that?” he asks quietly, and it hurts you to know he’s still punishing himself for the past.
“except that’s not all you did…you also took a bullet for me that night.” you remind him, and he leans into your touch. “and he knows why you did what you did.”
jungkook’s eyes widen slightly, “wait you told him everything?”
“i had to, jungkook.” you tilt your head, “he saw me out cold for two days in the hospital, then woke up hysterical thinking my boyfriend was dead.”
it doesn’t make him feel any better, and he buries his head in his hands, groaning. “oh my god. yeah he hates me.”
you giggle when he topples over, staring up at the ceiling in despair. “well if he does, this is your chance to change his mind.”
he lifts his head, prompting a double chin. “so you agree, he hates me?”
“he probably thinks you hate him.”
jungkook sits up at that, grabbing the nearest pillow for support. “don’t-”
“i mean you’ve avoided every possible interaction with him,” you shrug, “maybe he thinks you think you’re too good for him. he’s probably really sad. all he wants is to meet the love of his daughter’s life, excited to show off his wine collection, and the pretty flowers he has in the garden and yet, he’s never gotten the chance to.”
jungkook stares at you. “you’re mean.”
“i’m not the one who won’t give my dad a chance.” you raise both palms in the air and he breaks into a chuckle, diving towards you till your back is against the mattress and him on top of you.
he showers you with kisses despite your squirming, ending with a final, tiny kiss on your nose.
you lie back, staring at him. “he’s gonna love you. just like i do.”
jungkook sucks in a breath, with his mind already made up. looking into your sparkling eyes, wondering if they’re the same as your dad’s, thinking maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
“alright.” he says softly, a smile on his face. “we’ll go back for christmas.”
you can’t contain the glee that escapes you, an excited and childlike giggle which spreads through even jungkook. he plants a gentle kiss on your lips.
–
a mixture of horror and jitters spread through jungkook’s being. he’s already practiced what he’d say, and learnt by heart the schedule your family operates by every christmas. he wanted this to be the perfect meeting, make a good first impression, and most of all he wanted you to be happy.
in all the time he’d spent avoiding a meeting with your dad, you’d been patient enough to tell him to take his time, but now that this is set and he sees how thrilled you are, he realises how much you’ve been wanting this. a part of him feels guilty for delaying this for so long, but now, his heart melts each time you talk about it with a smile from ear to ear.
the journey there is long, but nice. you decided to take the train back since there was no rush. you also wanted to show jungkook the usual route you take when you head home.
what was meant to be a couple of days, ended up being a week at your childhood home, which did slightly elevate jungkook’s stress level. a whole week with your dad, and cousins, but it’s something he figures he’ll worry about when he gets there.
“do you think he’ll like the gift?” jungkook tears his eyes away from the window and to you sitting next to him. you look up from your book and smile.
“you bought him like ten different things,” you chuckle. “i’m sure he’ll like something.”
he pouts, “only three…”
to cover all bases, he ended up buying your dad a wine preserver system, some vinyls of his favourite band, and a craft knife, after finding out what his hobbies are.
you put your book down and interlace your fingers. “i think he’s going to appreciate the fact that you put in so much thought into the gifts.”
jungkook calms down a little, and you let him go on about the latest tattoo designs he’d come up with for the next hour of the train ride just to distract him. it goes by quickly, and you arrive in your city in no time.
with all the luggage, and the cats, jungkook suggested getting a rental car, successfully persuading you to drive instead since you know your way around.
“i like being a passenger princess.” jungkook grins, munching on snacks he’d bought back at the station, showcasing his bunny teeth.
“don’t get too comfortable now.” you remind him, navigating through the familiar roads, finally leaving the busy station and driving at a comfortable speed with no one honking at you from behind for taking more than half a second to react. “i’m a little-”
the car jerks forward as it comes to an abrupt stop when you step on the wrong pedal. “rusty.” you breathe out. “sorry.”
“okay.” jungkook heaves, shifting back properly into his seat. “i think i’m a little more worried about making it there now than meeting your dad.”
you laugh as you get the car moving again, slowly easing down the roads. as you reach the vicinity of your town, you take your time to show jungkook around the different places, giving him bits and pieces of your childhood. he takes it all in with a smile on his face, though his growing silence tells you he’s still nervous.
“there it is,” you say, nodding to your house up front, “the one with the purple flowers by the gate.”
jungkook straightens up without saying a word. his jaw tenses and his fingers fiddle in his lap while his eyes are glued to the house as you drive around it to enter the driveway. the engine dies down into a soft buzz and jungkook’s eyes dart over to you when he feels your hand on his shoulder.
“it’ll be fine.” you reassure him, pulling him into a hug. he sighs into your shoulder, warm breath tickling your neck. “everyone’s going to love you.”
“promise?” he asks teasingly as he pulls away.
you hold out your last finger. “pinky promise.”
he hooks his pinky around yours and leans in for a kiss. you stare at each other for a minute. and in that time you start to feel a little nervous yourself, thinking about jungkook and your dad finally meeting.
“don’t tell me you’re getting the jitters too.” he says, noticing the change in your body language.
“i guess it’s contagious.” you close your eyes and sigh, shaking the nerves away. then you cup one side of jungkook’s face. “let’s do this. ready?”
jungkook nods. you exchange a sweet kiss before exiting the car.
the air is crisp and cool. snow has been meticulously shovelled off the driveway, and a neat track laid out towards the front door. jungkook smiles at the details he assumes your dad has done to make it easier for his daughter’s return.
he rounds to the back of the car and unloads your luggages, one of yours, one of his, and one filled with the presents and treats from the city. and your two cats from the back seat. as you walk up to the front door with your stuff, your heart almost leaps out of your chest. you look back to see jungkook, setting the luggages right by his front, waiting for you to open the door, raising his brows.
he goes right up to where you stand, and you fix the scarf around his neck, brushing off cat fur from the black sweater he has on. as the two of you stand at the front door, both reeling with nerves, you reach for each other and melt into a hug.
pulling away, jungkook gives you a warm, encouraging smile.
you fit your key through the lock and push the door open, immediately getting hit with the smell of fresh cookies your grandmother makes every holiday.
“i’m home!” you call out, and a head peaks out from the living kitchen.
“y/n!”
your cousin calls out, pulling off the oven gloves while she runs up to you. while you greet her, jungkook takes the chance to drag the baggage inside, then stands there awkwardly as you chat with your cousin. she looks about the same age, with the same smile. it’s about ten seconds later when she realises jungkook’s waiting presence and her eyes light up. “oh hello!”
“hi,” jungkook clears his throat, and extends a hand. “i’m jungkook.”
“nice to finally meet you jungkook,” she takes his hand, “i’m seoyun.”
“nice to meet you too.” he gives her a polite smile.
“seoyun, is that my granddaughter you’re talking to?” a voice comes from the living room on the right, and your cousin rolls her eyes while shaking her head.
“yes grandma, your favourite granddaughter is home.” she smiles at the two of you, grabs on to your wrists, and drags you both towards the living room.
jungkook’s eyes go everywhere, to every corner of the house, the fairy lights around the room, christmas decorations around the fireplace, and the large christmas tree in the corner. the sight strangely brings back a pang of nostalgia, and jungkook’s suddenly transported back to his childhood, standing in his own living room, in front of the tree his own father brought home, while his mother and siblings put up the decorations.
lost in his own thoughts, he snaps out of it when you hook your arm around his, giving it a slight tug. he quickly puts on a smile. “this is jungkook, who i told you about.”
“oh my goodness!” your grandmother gets up from her armchair, leaving the knitting she was working on. if he didn’t know, he’d have never guessed she was your grandmother. skin as smooth as ever, and still steady on her feet, though her roughness of her voice gives her age away.
she places her hands on jungkook’s face. “you’re as handsome as they come!”
“okay, back off grandma.” you comment, and jungkook laughs.
“it’s nice to meet you, i hear lots of great things about you.” he says.
“well i’d hope so,” she turns to raise a brow at you, then turns back to jungkook. “welcome to our home jungkook. i’m glad you could make it this year.”
jungkook nods, and she gently pats the side of his face before turning to seoyun. “how are the cookies coming along darling?”
“perfect! finished the first batch, last tray’s in the oven as we speak.” she stands proud.
“wonderful,” your grandmother taps her nose tenderly, “could you get a plate out, i’ll work on some tea for our guests.”
they strut off into the kitchen, and as they disappear getting to work, you turn to jungkook, raising your brows in question. he breathes out, nodding his head. “that was less scary than i thought it would be.”
“i told you.” you let him hold your hands in his, and you realise how freezing cold they are. “looks like my dad and aunt aren’t home yet. so you have some time to get used to things.”
jungkook nods, looking around the place once again.
–
after tasting a fresh plate of your grandmother’s cookies and talking about your trip here, you decide to show jungkook around the house. the cats were let out of their carriers, taking a couple of minutes to sniff around before recognising the place, and finding their favourite spots around the house.
the pictures on the walls, the 90s home decor, the smell of a lived in house. jungkook is obsessed. it almost felt like he was walking round a museum, studying each corner and every trinket.
on the second floor, you drag him towards your old bedroom. “this was me.” you grin adorably, standing at the doorway.
“wow.” jungkook says, eyes round and sparkly. “not sure what i was expecting but this is very you.”
yellow walls, a single bed in the corner, ending right by the window, a desk by the foot of the bed and an open wardrobe. most of the place looks untouched, except for the bed, which seemed like it had a change of sheets in anticipation of your return.
photographs are plastered over the walls by your desk, of you when you were little up till your teen years. letters written by friends, evidence of a fangirl phase with pictures of your favourite stars fill the rest of the space. on the table, a couple of old text books are neatly arranged by the wall. jungkook could imagine little you hunched over the desk, working on homework, exactly how you used to at your old apartment during college.
he takes his time to look at the pictures of little you, pointing to one where you were clearly upset, face scowling, frowning at the camera, arms crossed in front of you. you couldn’t have been older than ten. “this one’s my favourite.” he claims.
“of course it is.” you roll your eyes, walking over to your dress table, where you’d stuck a picture of you and jungkook on your mirror.
“i’m there too?” he asks excitedly, looking at it.
“all my favourite people are here.” you say, blinking away when he looks at you, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. standing in your old room, filled with memories of your past, with jungkook feels so intimate. like sharing parts of you that no one else would have access to.
before he can say anything else, you hear the swing of the front door, and a couple of voices follow. you look at jungkook, eyes wide. his mirror yours minus the excitement.
jungkook stays rooted to his spot, listening to your hurried steps and the squealing of voices that follow as you run towards your aunt. his steps feel heavy as he follows your trail, hovering over the second floor to see you both hugging. but it isn’t until a man who stands two feet taller than you appears at the door frame, face softening at the sight of you, that jungkook’s heart drops to his stomach.
“oh my baby.” he coos, enveloping you in his arms, lifting you off the ground. you fit right in there, nestled against him with a wide smile on your face. “i’m so glad you made it.”
“of course!” you say, pulling away to take a good look at him. you’d miss a couple of visits back since japan happened. “how’ve you been? i’ve missed you.”
“oh i miss you more honey. but i’m better now that my favourite girl is here.” he laughs, planting a kiss on the top of your head.
neither of you notice jungkook’s slow descent down the steps, awkwardly standing there waiting for an opening. it’s not until your dad’s attention lands on him, making jungkook’s heart leap, that you extend your hand to jungkook who comes to your side.
“hello.” jungkook bows. “i’m jungkook. nice to meet you.”
your dad's smile widens and he exhales as if he were relieved. jungkook had extended his hand for a shake, but your dad accepts it only to pull him into a hug. for a moment, jungkook freezes. only ever receiving hugs from you or jimin, this felt new. he feels small within your dad’s big frame. he feels warm, and comfortable.
jungkook eventually heaves out a loaded breath. your dad places his hands on jungkook’s arms, giving him a once over. “welcome home, jungkook.”
–
dinner was nothing short of amazing with jungkook helping himself to multiple servings, much to your grandmother’s pleasure. it took him a while to get used to sitting at the table with everyone, quiet at first, until your aunt prompts questions about his job, to which he was more than excited to share about.
not knowing which parts of his life they were aware about, jungkook was careful with what he shared. he’d squeeze your hand under the table ever so often when he felt a little unsure of things or even if he just wanted to. with your help, things went smoothly and by the end, he was a little more comfortable with everyone.
after dinner, your aunt and cousin take their leave for the night. living just five minutes away, they’d be back again in the morning. the house is quieter without them, just the four of you now.
jungkook helps you get your bags upstairs, rolling your luggage up to your room. grandma walks past just then, giving him a pinch on the cheek and a kiss on yours before heading right to her own space.
“you can have the guest room,” your dad appears down the hall and looks between the two of you, “unless-”
“the guest room is perfect, thanks.” jungkook interrupts.
“alright.” your dad chuckles, winking your way, “come, i’ll show you to the room.”
the layout of your house forms a u-shape with the stairs in the middle, so the guest room, his room is conveniently right across from yours. “there you go.”
“thank you.” he stands politely as he looks at your dad. “for letting me stay here.”
“of course,” he pats jungkook’s shoulder, “you’re family.”
jungkook stands there for a while, even after your dad heads off. he washes up and gets into clean clothes, then sits on the edge of the neat bed. it all feels so foreign yet familiar.
he sighs, letting himself lie back on the mattress, resting his back properly for the first time the whole day. he reaches for his phone and smiles at the notification from you.
[12:50AM] you: u forgot my goodnight kiss
[1:12AM] jk: in front of your dad?
[1:12AM] you: wimp
[1:13AM] jk: big wimp
[1:13AM] you: miss u :( [1:13AM] you: come over [1:13AM] you: you should’ve said ure sleeping in my room
[1:14 AM] jk: sorry i dont have a death wish [1:14AM] jk: miss u too btw
[1:14AM] you: my door’s unlocked [1:14AM] you: if you really miss me…..
[1:14AM] jk: stoppp [1:14AM] jk: you’re gonna get me kicked out
[1:16AM] you: :( :( :(
[1:17AM] jk: you’re tipsy from the wine aren’t you [1:17AM] jk: go to sleep baby, it’s 1am [1:18AM] jk: i’ll give u a kiss tmr
you don’t reply after that, and he figures you’ve dozed off. but no matter how comfortable he got, jungkook just can’t fall asleep. he tosses and turns for a while before giving up. he gently opens the door, a single lamp in the corner giving off a warm orange glow. then he carefully goes down the steps headed for the living room.
he flips one of the lights on and settles on the couch, pulling his legs into his chest, staring up at the lit up tree. over the time he was away, he’d only seen trees through the windows of different houses. and kim, had always put up a tree for show, but it never really meant anything to him. the last time he had a proper tree, a proper celebration, was when he was a kid.
he shuts his eyes and takes himself back to the past. a place he’d tried to erase from memory. but he still remembers somehow, snuggled up on the couch like he is now, the sound of his siblings running around the house, laughing as they play. his mother by the stove, stirring a pot of his favourite soup while his dad puts up a mistletoe above the doorframe. when times were good. when everyone was happy, before-
“can’t sleep either?” a low voice catches him off guard and he jumps as if he were caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to. the older man raises his palms to calm him. “sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“sir- sorry i-” jungkook fumbles his words.
but your father simply smiles back, urging him to sit, “relax, nothing to apologise for.”
jungkook sits hesitantly, running his palms over his knees, scrambling to find something to talk about. maybe this is where your dad would tell him he’s not good enough for you. he’ll hand you a check, give you an ultimatum, leave my daughter or else-
“it’s a nice tree isn’t it?”
jungkook turns to it once again. “yeah. it’s beautiful.”
jungkook doesn’t realise that he’s far away again. “penny for your thoughts?”
“oh.” jungkook chuckles. “nothing i just…haven’t had a christmas tree in a long time. it brings back memories.”
“good ones i hope.” your father smiles, and he sees your smile. “i’m glad you could join us this year. i was hoping you would.”
“you were?”
“why are you so surprised?” he chuckles. “you have been dating my daughter for the last eight years haven’t you?”
jungkook flinches, the reality hitting him like a brick. he breathes out, “didn’t realise it’s been that long.”
“time really flies, doesn’t it?” your father says. “she talks about you a lot. can you believe after all that time, this is the first time we’re meeting in person.”
“right.” jungkook laughs nervously, hand rubbing the back of his neck. “that’s my fault. i’ve uh…”
“been avoiding me?” your father laughs a low laugh at the panic that settles on the younger man’s face. but his reaction eases jungkook, as he slaps a hand on jungkook’s knee. “it’s alright. i know how it is.”
jungkook chuckles, “sorry. it’s not that i was avoiding you, i just…was worried about how this would go.”
“how do you think it’s going?”
jungkook wonders if this is a trick question. “good?”
your dad gives him a warm smile. “you’re doing great so far, jungkook.”
“thanks.” jungkook bites his bottom lip.
after a quiet moment, your dad excuses himself for a cup of hot cocoa. as he walks away, jungkook sinks back into his thoughts, this time, thinking about you. his worries about your dad come to the forefront of his mind again, wondering if your dad would say anything even if he felt this was wrong.
despite jungkook declining a drink, your dad comes back with a mug of warm milk for jungkook and a plate of cookies.
jungkook’s uneasiness doesn’t go unnoticed. and your dad can tell it was more than just nerves. jungkook sits there fiddling his thumbs, blinking incessantly like he’s fighting with himself in his mind. your dad scoots to the edge of his seat and reaches across to place a hand on jungkook’s knee.
“are you okay?” it was a question jungkook didn’t know how to answer. it felt loaded, like there was something more.
“i have- i wanted to…” jungkook swallows the lump in his throat, and takes a deep breath. “are you really okay with y/n being with me?”
your father watches him for a couple of beats, the longest stretch of seconds in jungkook’s life as he waits for a reaction. with a smile, your father takes a sip of his drink. “that’s what you were worried about?”
jungkook nods.
your father leans forward, elbows on his knees, palms together. “listen i know, a lot has happened. some things, i can’t even comprehend. and i would be lying if i said i was never worried about her. and the things that you were involved in.”
“but i knew the girl i raised, so i trusted her.” he pauses. “then the incident happened. i’ll never forget getting that call, i thought i’d lost her.”
jungkook winces, feeling a bitter taste in his mouth. “i’m sorry. that was- that was my fault.”
your father exhales, looking down at his hands. “she did tell me you still blame yourself.”
“she ended up getting hurt because of me. i didn’t protect her enough.” jungkook says, eyes glossing up. “i tried to keep her out of it all, i knew the risks. but then things got out of hand and i was trying to- it all just- happened and i-”
“you took a bullet for her.” your dad says, “it’s not your fault things turned out the way it did. i know why you did what you did, she told me everything.”
jungkook hangs his head low. despite the gentleness of your father, his embarrassment is greater. “i never did get to apologise to you for that…”
“i don’t blame you for any of it.” he says. “i know you protected her as well as you could. you did the right thing.”
jungkook stays quiet.
“did you think i would not approve of your relationship?” jungkook looks up sheepishly and your father hums in understanding. “you know it would take a lot more than me saying no for y/n to stop loving you right?”
jungkook looks up at him, nodding slowly.
“it’s been years. the perpetrators are gone. you’re safe, she’s safe. i don’t have any reason to keep her from being with you. and, she loves you a lot. why would i ever want to take away the person she loves most?”
jungkook smiles at that. “i love her too.”
“i know.” he nods. “you’ve taken good care of her in the last year. i’ve seen her lose her spark and have it return the moment you reappeared in her life. i only want her to be happy, and you make her happy. i hope you’ll continue to do that.”
“i can’t imagine a life without y/n in it.” jungkook says. “she’s everything to me, and she’s all that i have. she likes to say that i saved her life…but really, she’s saved mine.”
your father smiles warmly, and jungkook heaves out a relieved sigh. the conversation moves to a lighter subject, and neither of them notice when you walk down the steps, walking in on them laughing mid-conversation.
jungkook’s eyes light up at the sight of you.
“what’s this? no one thought to invite me?”
your dad laughs, “just warning him about that attitude of yours.”
“excuse me?” you turn, standing in front of them with your hands on your hips. “i don’t have an attitude.”
“oh yeah, no attitude.” jungkook hums. “just as stubborn as they come.”
you raise your brow at him.
“but also the prettiest, kindest, loveliest as they come.”
your dad laughs, and you nod affirmingly, bending at your knees in a curtsey. he watches as you squeeze right next to jungkook, hugging his arm against you. jungkook allows it, kissing your cheek.
“i’m gonna call it a night.” your dad says, excusing himself. “don’t stay up too late you two, we have a whole day ahead tomorrow. goodnight.”
“goodnight.” you two call out, watching him slip into the kitchen then up the stairs a minute later before his door closes upstairs.
you immediately climb onto jungkook, straddling him on the couch. “what were you two talking about?”
“i was right.” jungkook says solemnly, shaking his head. “he hates me. we’re gonna have to break up- ow!”
“seriously, what did he say?” you hiss, keeping your voice low.
jungkook snickers, holding on to your thighs as you sit on him. “he’s alright with us.”
you grin, chewing on your bottom lip. “i told you!”
“he also said you talk about me a lot,” you roll your eyes, leaning against him, “that you’re madly in love with me.”
“well, he’s not wrong about that.” you comment and he wraps his arms around you. “no one can tear us apart. not even santa.”
–
a pre-christmas clean was something jungkook had anticipated on your family’s schedule. two days before christmas, and the whole house was busy. grandma worked the kitchen, your cousins worked the living area, you were assigned the rooms and jungkook got to shovel the snow.
it didn’t take very long, mostly because the house is always kept tidy. after a quick vacuuming upstairs, some dusting and a little wipe down, you were done. you head outside to find jungkook peacefully shovelling the show from the sidewalk, humming as he goes. snow crunches under your boots as you walk up to him.
“can’t believe you got the easiest task.” you comment, huffing, and a cloud of vapour forms.
jungkook shrugs, smiling handsomely, not even able to deny it. your dad had already done a perfect job of tidying up the snow, and all jungkook had to do was remove the bulk that had built up over the last couple of days.
“this is favouritism.” you cross your arms.
“can’t help it if grandma loves me more than you.” he plants the head of the shovel in the snow and rests his arms on it.
“whatever,” you stick your tongue out, then eye your surroundings. “do you need any help?”
“i’m almost done actually.” he says and you nod.
jungkook shifts the last bit of snow into a pile at the base of the tree in front of your house, then holds the shovel by its handle as he slips his fingers into yours. you make your way to the back, heading for the shed.
“are you excited about christmas?” you ask, wiggling closer to him for warmth.
“yeah. presents in the morning, you said?”
jungkook opens the door to the shed and you follow behind, stepping into the little area your dad built for his gardening tools and other stuff. he even has a little desk for himself to work on crafts. you smile at the wood carvings he’s made and placed on a shelf above the desk.
“mhm, a nice, slow morning together as a family.” you say, “the party will be at night.”
jungkook has his back turned to you while he places the shovel back in its place. when he faces you, you study his face, tilting your head and he raises a brow in question. “is it all too much for you?”
jungkook smiles at your concern. “i’m fine.”
“we can always skip the party if you think you need a break.” you suggest and he leans in to kiss you, pulling you in by the waist.
“i’ll be okay, i think.” he says, “all that hosting during college is gonna come in handy.”
you laugh, cringing at the parties they used to have. it already feels like a lifetime ago. “you were barely there.”
“that’s cause i was always with you.” he says as a matter-of-factly, planting a kiss on the tip of your nose.
“true.” you smile, wrapping your arms around him. “there’ll be a bunch of old ladies instead of college girls, so i guess i have nothing to worry about?”
“i don’t know…” jungkook presses his lips together. “i’m quite the killer among older ladies.”
–
jungkook wakes up bright and early christmas morning. your aunt and cousin stayed over, prompting him to give up the guest room despite them saying they’d sleep in the same room as grandma. but jungkook was insistent, choosing to sleep on the couch instead. although, when the house went quiet, he snuck back upstairs to sleep with you.
“we don’t need to sneak around, everyone knows we live together.” you whisper, making room under the blanket.
he fake gasps. “i don’t want them to think we’re having s e x.”
you stare at him in the dark. “we’re literally old enough to do whatever we want.”
“stop talking about sex.”
“you started it!” you hiss, and he chuckles, running his palm over your face, forcing your eyes close.
the house is quiet and still, the air smells of peppermint and cookies. jungkook washes up, puts on his favourite sweater, and heads back to your room. you’re almost done yourself, smiling at him through the mirror.
“merry christmas.” he says, coming up behind you.
“merry christmas, my love.” you turn in his arms, reaching up for a kiss.
jungkook quite likes how your family spends christmas morning. the joy of christmas lingers in the air, but it’s slow and calm. perhaps it’s because everyone’s an adult, that there’s no rush to open presents, nor does it feel like a competition to see who’s got the better gift. despite that, jungkook starts sweating the moment he spots the gift he got your dad under the tree, while he digs into his breakfast.
a nice holiday movie plays on the television while you and seoyun sit by the tree, passing the gifts around. grandma starts handing everyone something she had personally knitted, gifting jungkook and you matching scarves and socks. though she doesn’t care much for gifts anymore, you both got her a vintage tea set which she gushed over.
everyone opens their presents at the same time, which made jungkook feel a little less burdened. he thinks he’s doing well as everyone opens gift after gift, getting into the rhythm of things, until he sees the package in your dad’s hand.
“ooh this is a big one,” your dad says to no one in particular. jungkook keeps his eyes on him as the wrapping paper is removed and your dad scans the box. he wastes no time and starts unboxing. “wow.”
“what’s that?” your aunt’s interest is piqued at the sight of the machine.
“i’ve only seen this online. this is amazing.” your dad starts gushing, paying special attention to the details of the system, fully engrossed.
“what is it though?” seoyun asks, raised brow.
jungkook clears his throat. “it um- basically lets you pour out wine without unscrewing the cork, and when you don’t remove the cork-”
“it preserves the wine.” your dad continues, eyes full of awe.
finally tearing his eyes away from the gift, he looks at the young man, “thank you, jungkook. this is…wow.”
jungkook’s heart swells, he could almost jump up and down himself. carefully placing his gift back in its box, he goes over to where your boyfriend is. jungkook jumps up from where he sat on the floor next to you, accepting a hug from your dad. “i figured you’d like it. y/n told me you have a wine collection.”
“i love it.” he shakes his head. “you’ll get the first sip of my finest wine tonight!”
jungkook chuckles, a tingling feeling bubbling inside of him. seoyun pokes her nosy head into the bag the box came in and realised your dad had missed something else in there. “there’s more!” she digs inside, and pulls out two, square sealed lp jackets.
“oh,” jungkook eagerly makes a grab for them, handing it to your dad. “these are yours too.”
the older man takes one look at the cover, recognising his favourite band, and gives jungkook a look. “this is all too much.”
“i couldnt really decide what to get you,” he admits, glancing down at you, “so i decided to give you both.”
he thanks you with his eyes, for suggesting he choose only two gifts for your dad out of the three he brought. you wink, feeling emotional as you watch the hopeful look on jungkook’s face, knowing how this had proved to be so pressurising for him. you watch as they bond over the gift, jungkook seemingly already forgetting how nervous he was before.
a little while later he joins you, and your dad disappears to put his new wine system in a safe spot. jungkook watches your family, albeit a small one, exchanging laughter and smiles. almost as if you were in a movie. the warmth that spreads through him feels new. you mindlessly hook your arm around him, leaning against his side as you yap away with seoyun.
“what did you get for jungkook?” seoyun asks, smiling at him.
she had raved about the jewellery set he got you, starting with a simple diamond necklace, its matching earrings to match the limited edition bracelet he gifted you for your birthday earlier in the year.
you almost refused to accept it, not even wanting to know how much he had spent on them, but he was adamant on getting you to wear it right then. “please? i don’t always get you nice jewellery.” he says, ignoring you when you brought up the bracelet.
“i got him this famous wireless tattoo gun machine thing,” you say, and jungkook pulls it out from under the scarf grandma gave him. “he’s been geeking about it for the whole year.”
“that’s why you stopped me from getting it the last time.” jungkook recalls, having already adding it to cart, but you caused a big fuss, telling him he has enough tools already, and that it would be a waste of money. “thank you baby.” he leans in to press a kiss on your cheek.
coming back into the room, your dad catches your eye, giving you a knowing smile. in his hand, he carries a small, neatly wrapped box. “jungkook.” he calls out, walking towards him.
jungkook gets to his feet and your dad grabs his hand, gently placing the box in his palm. “merry christmas.”
jungkook’s eyes go round and he tries not to show it, but from the way his hands are trembling, you can tell he’s excited. the room falls silent as he unwraps it, your dad, grandma, aunt, seoyun and you, focused on the gift. he does it delicately, like its too previous to even open.
when he does, he finds a velvet black box, a little bigger than his hand. his heart almost leaps out of his chest as he opens it. inside, the sight of his gift takes his breath away. jungkook recognises the matte black ceramic body of the watch, with its black dial and gold hour and minute markers. as if it isn’t beautiful enough, he spots an engraving on its side, with his name on it: jeon jungkook.
jungkook is speechless. it’s one of the most exquisite watches he’d ever seen. his lips part and close again, lost for words.
a card peeks out from the side.
“to jungkook:
it’s been a joy having you here this christmas. i can see why y/n loves you so, it’s hard not to! watching you and y/n together, and seeing just how well you fit right in with us, has truly been one of my favourite parts of this holiday. here’s to making more memories together.
welcome to the family.
love, dad.”
while the watch gets its five minutes of fame with the ladies, jungkook’s glossy eyes turn to your dad, immediately letting himself be held. a single tear falls down the corner of his eye, which he’s quick to wipe away. there’s so much he wants to say, but he holds it in.
around them, everyone starts moving. your aunt initiated a family photo, prompting seoyun to get the tripod, and everyone else trying to find their position.
jungkook pulls away from your dad, straightening himself out. without saying a word, your dad nods, giving him a squeeze on the arm.
your dad and grandma keep to the left, while you next to your dad, and jungkook on your other side. his sniffing gets your attention, and you notice the shine in his eyes, to which he shakes his head smiling. you graze your finger against his cheek, planting a quick kiss.
“ready!” seoyun clicks the button and runs to her spot in the front with her mother. the six of you huddle closer in front of the christmas tree, smiling brightly.
snap.
–
by the evening, the house was filled with guests, neighbours, some cousins and even old friends you haven’t seen in a long time. you had planned to stick with jungkook, just in case it all got too much for him, besides, he wouldn’t know anyone here.
but your dad had other plans, keeping jungkook by his side as he served some special wine to the guests. they took turns handling the wine system, it was adorable. of course, they drew a crowd around the table and everyone was enamoured with jungkook, especially the older ladies.
when the wine stopped, jungkook floated around, mingling with the guests. he puts on his best smile, getting stopped pretty often in his search for you among the crowd, eventually getting sucked into a conversation he planned on avoiding. some of your cousins were particularly interested, only having ever heard of your mysterious partner, who is real after all.
an hour passes, and the mingling finally brings him to you, jungkook sighs in relief at the sight of your face. “you. you were supposed to hold my hand throughout.”
“you looked like you were having a good time!” you reason, interlacing your fingers with his. “do you know how many people have come up to me just to ask about you?”
“sorry, it comes with being so handsome.” he cheeses and you punch him in the gut.
“oof.” jungkook rubs his middle. “keep that up and some sugar mommy will come and swoop me off my feet.”
with a roll of your eyes, you let him lift your chin with his finger, landing a soft kiss on your glossy lips. his hands wrap around your waist, and eyes your surroundings with a fake smile on his face. “how much longer will this go on for?” he asks through his fake smile.
“a little more.” you whisper. “one of my uncles will probably start bursting into a song, and everyone will join in…we’ll dance…and then the toasts.”
jungkook sighs. but not in a negative way. he looks down at you, and the new diamond necklace hanging around your neck. “as long as i’m with you, i’m enjoying myself.”
your cheeks heat up, hoping no one around you heard that. “i’m happy you’re here with me. it feels…complete.”
jungkook resists the urge to crash his lips into yours. one of your aunts tap you on your shoulder and he lets you catch up, though your hand never lets go, keeping him right next to you. jungkook barely hears what you’re saying, only focused on how beautiful you look tonight.
he looks around at everyone, taking in the atmosphere. the holidays have never felt so bright, so warm, so full of love. it finally feels like christmas.
–
the guests are gone and the house is clean and tidy again. the lights are down, and it’s quiet. grandma was the first to tap out, heading up to bed first while the rest of you chat over supper.
one by one, everyone heads off to wash up after the tiring evening. you’re already in bed when jungkook comes out of the shower, drying his hair with the towel. he watches the way you try to fight your sleep, but fails as your breaths start to even out. the space you leave for him remains empty. he switches off the lights, and quietly shuts the door, heading back down.
stepping into the kitchen, jungkook grabs a mug, before looking out the window to see your dad sitting out on the veranda out back, smoking a cigar. he gets a quick drink, and places the washed mug back in its place.
when the door to the veranda opens, your dad turns in surprise, breaking into a smile at the sight of jungkook. he gestures to the cigar. “want one?”
“oh no thanks.” jungkook waves him off. he finds a spot next to the pillar by the steps, crossing his arms from the cold. “thought you might like some company.”
“i’d love that.” your dad smiles.
“do you always spend time out here?”
“oh yeah,” he nods, “i like the quiet. the calm. after a long day it’s just nice to sort of…exist, don’t you think?”
it’s something jungkook could imagine you saying. “yeah, i get it. i like the night too.”
“i can tell. you’re always up.” your dad chuckles.
jungkook looks out into the dark, street lights in the distance giving a warm glow. he glances at your dad, sitting there peacefully. “thank you for the watch. and for welcoming me into your family.”
“don’t mention it.” he puts the cigar down. “i hope this hasn’t been too much for you. it is your first christmas since being back, right?”
the idea about discussing that part of his life with your dad still feels odd to him. jungkook clears his throat, “yeah.”
he hesitates a while longer.
“but even before that…it’s not like i celebrated the holidays in any way. i was just wasting my life away. no family. no christmas. i only ever felt that little bit of christmas spirit whenever y/n would come back to the city and bring me grandma’s cookies.”
your father nods, and the quiet takes over for a couple of minutes. jungkook hopes he hasn’t just crossed a line. “she told me what happened…with your family.”
jungkook falters, readjusting himself against the pillar and looks away, swallowing.
“i’m sorry you had to go through that.” he says solemnly. “it’s definitely not easy to lose a sibling that way, especially at that age. and your parents, well..”
“i’m over it.” jungkook says a little too quickly.
your dad decides not to push it. “you’ve gone through a lot jungkook,” he starts, “got lost somewhere along the way…but i’m glad you’ve managed to find your way back.”
jungkook smiles. “i couldn’t have done it without y/n. she believed in me when no one else did, supported me through everything.”
“she’s a special one indeed.” your dad says, nodding.
“she’s everything to me. she’s all i got.”
your dad gets up from his seat, slipping his hands in his pockets. “not anymore. you’re part of our family now, jungkook. you have us.”
family. jungkook bites his bottom lip when it starts to quiver. there’s something about your dad that makes him feel safe enough to show his vulnerability, though he’s still learning to let it all out. your dad steps closer, placing a gentle hand over his head, the gesture triggering a well of tears. “you dont have to fend for yourself anymore. you’re not alone anymore. you have us, lean on us. y/n, me, and grandma packs a mean punch too.”
jungkook chuckles, wiping the tears away as they stream down his cheeks. your dad pulls him in, letting his head rest against his shoulder. jungkook heaves out a heavy sigh as your dad rubs his back tenderly. “as far as i’m concerned, you’re my son now. and i love you.”
jungkook lets his tears fall, quietly choking up. your dad’s strong embrace melts his cool exterior, opening him up to a feeling he’s never felt before.
he feels…safe.
–
your luggage lingers by the door to your room, all packed and ready to go. the cats are in their carriers, napping before the journey. jungkook and you sit on the roof outside your bedroom window, something you used to do in the spring when the weather isn’t threatening hypothermia.
but jungkook persuaded you, dragging along a couple of blankets and some heat packs. you sit between his legs, letting him keep you warm while he packs on the layers of blankets over yourselves.
though you must admit, since the sun has decided to come out today, that it doesn’t feel as bad as you thought it would.
“thanks for a great christmas.” jungkook says.
“thanks for coming home with me.” you look up at him, head against his chest. “i’ve always imagined what it would be like when we spend christmas together. i’m so glad it’s finally happened. and you’ve finally met my family.”
“sorry it took me so long.” jungkook sighs, kissing your cheek. “you have a beautiful family. i think this is my favourite christmas ever.”
“you’re cute.” you giggle, pinching his cheek. “i hope we can spend more holidays together from now on.”
jungkook hums, seemingly lost in thought. he seems to do that a lot these days, you think.
“i was thinking…” jungkook starts, feeling his own heart skip. “maybe we should stay for the new year?”
you jolt upright, turning your body to face jungkook, surprise etched all over your face. “what?”
“we’ve been here for five days,” jungkook shrugs, “what’s a couple more?”
squealing, you wrap your arms around him, and he falls back on the hard tile. peppering kisses all over him, you let out the most adorable laugh he’s ever heard. “are you for real? we’re staying?”
jungkook laughs, nodding as he pushes himself back up. “i love your family, and i’d love it if we got to start the new year with them.”
you chuckle, tears welling up in your eyes and jungkook wipes them away with his sleeve. “i love you so much.”
“i love you too, baby.”
snow starts to fall as your lips meet in the middle, moving gently against the other. for the first time in his life, jungkook understands what it meant to have a happy holiday. for the first time in his life, he’ll start the new year with a family.
he’d once wished for a christmas miracle, the longing of a lost boy sent out into the universe one cold night. and now holding you in his arms, he realises that maybe his wish had finally come true.
