𝟣𝟣 : 𝟦𝟧 𝖠𝖬 ー 𝖧𝗈𝗇𝗀𝖽𝖺𝖾, 𝖲𝗈𝗎𝗍𝗁 𝖪𝗈𝗋𝖾𝖺.

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Snow drifted lazily outside the window, blanketing the streets of Hongdae in a shimmering white. Inside Nami's apartment, the world felt far away, cocooned in the glow of twinkling pink fairy lights strung around the room. Her Christmas decorations were still up—mostly out of laziness, though she didn't mind the pastel ornaments and pink stockings hanging on the walls. The lone green Christmas tree stood in the corner, dotted with soft pink and gold baubles, the only thing that didn't match the rest of the decor. She'd meant to take it down days ago, but the holiday haze had left her without the energy.

Her parents had left for Japan just after Christmas, and Zola, her roommate, wasn't back yet from visiting her family in Hawaii. For the first time in weeks, the apartment was unusually quiet. Well, almost quiet.

"Are you sure this is enough food for just two people?" Yejun's teasing voice echoed from the living room. Nami rolled her eyes as she adjusted the tray she was carrying, laden with crispy fried chicken, steaming tteokbokki, a plate of mandarin oranges, and a small bottle of sparkling cider. "Don't act like you're not going to eat most of it," she called back, carefully making her way to the couch.

Yejun was lounging there in his usual comfortable hoodie and joggers, surrounded by a pile of pink cushions and a thick knitted blanket that Nami had draped over him earlier. He glanced up from the TV, his face breaking into a grin. "I mean, you're not wrong."

"Exactly," Nami said triumphantly, placing the tray on the coffee table. She plopped down beside him, tucking her legs under the blanket. "So no complaining." He leaned forward, sniffing the food dramatically. "You're spoiling me, you know."

"Don't get used to it," she teased, nudging his arm. "This is a one-night deal."

"Oh, I feel so loved," he replied, smirking as he grabbed a mandarin. "But seriously, thanks. This is way better than going out somewhere." Nami smiled softly, watching him peel the orange. "You're welcome. I wasn't about to let you spend New Year's alone anyway."

They settled into a comfortable silence, the live broadcast of the New Year's Eve celebrations playing on the TV. As the countdown approached, the memories from their year together started flooding Nami's mind, and she couldn't help but glance at Yejun every now and then, wondering how they got to this moment. The first date. Their first kiss. The day one of them had finally said those three words that had changed everything. She smiled to herself as she reflected on each milestone.

It felt like it had all happened so fast, yet the memories felt so deeply etched in her heart. Yejun noticed her staring, and with a small chuckle, he raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking about?" Nami's eyes twinkled as she leaned back, letting her thoughts spill out. "I was just thinking about our first date. I still remember it so clearly."

Yejun's smile softened, and he nodded. "That day was really nice." Nami chuckled, recalling the moment. "You were so nervous. I thought you were going to spill your drink all over me." She playfully nudged him.

He laughed, running a hand through his hair. "I was so nervous I was stumbling over my words, and my Korean didn't help much either."

Nami grinned, remembering how he'd tried so hard to be charming, but instead had made some hilarious mistakes. "You definitely tried. The way you asked the waiter for extra napkins in the most complicated sentence ever, then turned bright red when you realized you'd just said, 'Please make me a napkin,'" she teased.

Yejun groaned, sinking further into the cushions. "Don't remind me. I was so embarrassed. I was trying to sound all smooth, and instead, I ended up sounding like a kindergartner."

"That's because you were nervous," Nami said, smiling softly. "But honestly, I thought it was cute. You were trying, and it made me like you even more."

Yejun chuckled, his gaze turning tender. "I'm glad. I liked you so much already, I didn't want to mess it up." Nami smiled, her heart fluttering. "You didn't. It was perfect. That date was the start of... everything."

"Yeah," he said quietly, looking down at the food. "I remember wanting to kiss you that night, but I wasn't sure if I should. I thought it might be too soon, and I didn't want to rush things."

Nami blinked, surprised. "You wanted to kiss me?" Yejun nodded, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Yeah. But I didn't. I was scared I'd make it awkward. I just really didn't want to mess things up before they even started."

Nami smiled softly, her heart warming at his honesty. "I'm glad you waited. It made that first kiss feel even more special when it finally happened."

Yejun's eyes softened as he reached for another piece of chicken. "I felt the same way. I think it made our first kiss... better. We didn't rush it."

Nami laughed, her heart full. "Well, I'm really glad you kissed me when you did." Yejun's smile grew as he reached over to gently hold her hand. "Yeah. I'm glad too."

They fell into a quiet moment, the countdown to midnight continuing on the TV. Nami's thoughts turned to another memory, a more recent one. The day one of them had finally said it—the moment that had shifted everything between them. The moment they had both realized just how deep their feelings were.

The countdown continued, the announcer's voice becoming more excited with each passing second. "Five, four, three..." The anticipation in the air was palpable, but Nami turned to Yejun, her voice soft and steady. "Do you remember when we first said it?"

Yejun's smile grew softer, and he nodded. "Yeah. I remember. It felt so... right, you know?" Nami smiled warmly, her heart beating faster as she looked into his eyes. "I remember how nervous I was, like it was too soon. But then... it just felt like the right moment, like I'd been holding it in forever."

Yejun looked at her, his voice barely above a whisper. "I felt the same way. I knew I loved you for a while, but I was scared to say it out loud." Nami met his gaze, her smile growing wider. "I love you, Yejun. I love you so much."

Yejun's eyes shone with warmth, his thumb brushing over her hand. He leaned forward, his lips gently brushing against her forehead. "I love you more, Nami."

The countdown was nearing its final moments, and the TV screen was filled with bright lights and cheers. Nami could feel the excitement bubbling up in her chest, but her attention was entirely focused on the man beside her. The way his eyes softened whenever he looked at her. The way his hand fit so perfectly in hers. The way he made her feel like she was home, no matter where they were.

The announcer's voice rose, "Two, one..."

The room erupted into the sound of cheers and celebrations on the TV, but the only thing that mattered in that moment was the soft, electric connection between them. Nami's heart pounded in her chest as she slowly leaned in. Yejun's gaze flickered from her lips to her eyes, his breath hitching for a moment. Without another thought, she closed the distance between them and kissed him deeply as the clock struck midnight.

The world seemed to pause, the air heavy with the promise of a new year. Outside, fireworks burst in brilliant colors, but Nami and Yejun were lost in their own little bubble, wrapped in each other's arms. The kiss was slow at first, then deepened as the passion of the moment swept over them. It wasn't rushed; it was perfect. A perfect start to their new year.

As they pulled away slightly, their foreheads resting against each other, they stayed there in silence for a moment, savoring the warmth of each other's presence. There were no words, no need for anything more. Their hearts were in sync, and the kiss said everything they needed to say.

Happy New Year, indeed.