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"Tradition has it, people who stand beneath the mistletoe shall seal the gap between them with a kiss."
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Word Count:2206

»LALISA«

Standing in front of my mirror, I took a final glance at the outfit I was wearing before getting my purse. I was dressed in a red dress that stopped till my knees and has white borders around it, my long blonde hair let down loose, held by just a headband just as red as my dress.

I twirled around, feeling satisfied. The rough days of mind boggling assessments were finally brought to an end and the holidays were here.

A period of relief in midst of the never-ending chaos.

"Let's enjoy the holidays!" My conscience cheered me up as I went downstairs.

"Where are you headed at?" My roomie Chae called out as she noticed me all dressed up, wearing my boots.

"Out."

"What an answer of brilliance, Ms Lalisa." Chaeyoung deadpanned.

"You baked something?"

"Christmas cake. Want some?"

"No, I'm fine."

She removed her kitchen gloves and took a seat adjacent to me on the couch.

"What?" I asked as she simply sat, staring at my as if I was some unusual creature.

"I was asking you where exactly and this isn't a secret you should keep from me since you're single and I have not an idea of you dating quite recently."

"Just somewhere that keeps me off couples. It's so cringey seeing them together, especially at home when-"

"I'm here babe!" We heard an amplified masculine voice, which was recognized into minutes as the person approached us and Chaeyoung ran into his arms.

Park Jimin, her boyfriend.

"Babe! I baked Christmas cookies and cake! You got the wine?" She asked as Jimin chortled, raising the bag he carried along.

"Yep. And here, a gift for baby Hank too!" He politely gestured the dog to come over which the latter followed.

"Hello cat, didn't notice you around." Jimin greeted.

"Oh hi, Santa. Nice to meet you again." I answered.

"You going somewhere?"

"Well, halmeoni of the retirement home I volunteer at has invited me for a Christmas party there. So that's where I'm going."

"But I thought partying with oldies isn't your thing?"

"I actually enjoy it more than watching you two smooching your faces off while playing a romantic film." Chaeyoung had turned crimson after hearing me while Jimin just smirked ㅡ because everyone knows it, the Park lovebirds are Parisian romantics.

"Okay, but keep an eye for the mistletoes around!" Jimin winked at me as Chaeyoung walked up to me and fixed my headband.

"Perfect."

"I'll avoid them, don't you worry for me boy." I winked back.

"Your dress says otherwise, you look pretty so who knows someone might come and hit you up?"

"We'll see about that, Rosie. The party is about to start soon so I better rush out. Have fun and enjoy the Christmas Eve, you two."

I scurried out on the lane that was now covered in snow as the children played with it, making snow angels on the ground and ran snowman competitions.

Frankly speaking, Christmas is the best time of the year.

"We hope you will finally get a boyfriend!" Jimin yelled and I simply rolled my eyes at his remark, before I got in the car and drove off.

━

"My dear, you look beautiful!" Mrs Hwang, one of the senior members of the charity greeted me. She had been my guide here since day one and I enjoyed her presence a lot.

"I hope I didn't overdress, because everyone else around seems to be in casuals and I in overenthusiastic Christmas spirit." I looked down feeling disappointed.

"Oh no, absolutely not. You glow like a star with just minimal natural makeup and your humbleness is everything we love about!" She held her arms out to hug me with an elated gesture.

"Thank you so much, halmeoni. You look undeniably attractive!"

"Oh my God, stop it!" She blushed before she went in to attend some other guests, giving me time to look around.

Since this institution was run by a few trustees of my high school, it was certain that a number of fellow volunteers were invited too. Because as far as my eyes could see, I recognized most of my classmates, seniors and juniors alike that included a certain pair of eyes that I couldn't miss.

My crush and the school's heartthrob, Jeon Jungkook.

Therefore the moment our eyes met, I immediately knew my cheeks were kissed pink, the blooming colour seared through my face. I admit, though I'm not a shy person, I never did like a lot of public eye at me so I often avoided any conversation with the boy. But I wasn't going to lie, I suddenly felt very coy and awkward when I was around him since I would blush into the deep shades of red and a tendency to hide my features behind my tender fingers would develop.

So when I found him staring back at me, I turned my head to the side to avert my gaze, robotically walking away to find for a distraction though I noticed how his lips twitched upwards in a smile, his bunny teeth peeking out, reflecting the warm glow of his happiness.

━

I walked over to my friends Bangchan and Minnie who stood behind the music counter. They were my juniors and responsible for the music for the evening.

"All set? Do you need some of my help?"

"No we were just checking the speakers before we start to tune in the carols." Bangchan answered.

"The two of us also worked on some new compositions together and halmeoni allowed us to play it!" Minnie added.

"Really! I'll be excited to hear them!"

"Bangchan, why are you wearing that clown nose? You look like....a clown." I unbelievably asked as he removed it, hiding it in his palms.

"You see, halmeoni insisted me on wearing this. I guess you're the twenty second legend to ask me the same question and I'm very embarrassed about it." He whispered in my ear as Minnie and I chuckled.

"Lisa, I wanted to show you around with the decorations Felix, Yuqi and Jisung helped in." Minnie tugged my arm, encouraging me to accompany her.

"Are you sure you'll be able to manage by yourself, Chan?" I asked for assurance as he simply nodded his head and Felix joined him.

"Cool, let's go then."

━

As some light celebration songs played on, we went around to see the beautiful Christmas tree shimmering in its own light, with bells, candles and the star crowning it. There were wreaths, stockings, a nativity scene and tinsel garlands, all giving a panoramic view to the well lit place.

"Lisa, there's apparently a rumour going around that Jungkook is about to confess to a girl below the mistletoe tonight." Minnie said as we stood near the food counter and she was auditing the dishes.

Almost immediately, I felt my heart sunk. Minnie was aware about my crush on the popular guy, which was probably the reason why she dragged me here in the first place.

"Oh..." I couldn't continue further, because the moment after the song came to an abrupt end followed by some gasps directed in a particular direction.

Minnie and I were both confused. When I tried to ask her why everyone was so quiet she didn't answer me but simply tapped on my shoulder, pointing towards the visible crowd that had gathered in the backyard entrance.

Making my way through the crowd, my footsteps came to a halt witnessing the scene in front of myself.

Jungkook was standing just next to the campus crush, Nancy. What was the catch? Both of them were standing just under the mistletoe.

Jungkook wasn't exactly a playboy or someone with bad mannerisms. There was something in his charming charisma, his handsome face and a sweet personality that would instantly swoon any girl (or guy) over him. And this was how he garnered attention from everyone and became the talk of the town.

But Nancy? Oh yes, she was attractive. However her beauty was in absolute contrast with her shitty attitude. She was rude and practically hated if someone tried to make a move on Jungkook, her so-called future lover.

I didn't hate her ; I never had anything to compete against her after all. The looks, the money, the fame ㅡ she had it all.

"Jungkookie!" She shrieked as some people started moving away after hearing her high pitched cry.

"Hey Nancy." Jungkook greeted her in a gentle tone, looking away as if clearly not interested to talk, but Nancy clung onto him.

"You still haven't complimented me yet...don't I look pretty?" She squealed, pretending to be upset.

He hummed yet again, wanting to leave when some classmate of mine hollered, "Come on, you're standing beneath the mistletoe!"

Nancy let out a devilish grin as both of them simultaneously looked up to find the said mistletoe. Jungkook instead shrugged, walking away surprising Nancy ㅡ and all the others out there, including me.

"Hey, you just can't walk away like that, Jungkook!" She aggressively argued.

"Why so?" Jungkook paused on his tracks to find her standing still, a frown dawning her pretty face.

"Because that's not how the mistletoe works. The tradition says you kiss-"

"I know, but I don't want to kiss you." Nancy's jaw dropped in embarrassment as the people now started passing whispers to each other.

"Who else do you want to kiss?" She grumpily asked.

I simply huffed, turning to leave the place when someone called me from behind.

"Wait." I heard Jungkook's voice.

"Her." He pointed his finger at me, taking slow steps towards me.

"Out of all people, you choose her on top of me! That worthless Lalisa Manoban?!!" Nancy kept whining but Jungkook ignored her whimpers.

I felt my heart race against my chest as he extended his hand. His eyes went down my body, tracing my features. My eyes never left his, meeting his gaze.

"Give me your hand." He requested, maintaining a low register.

In the moment of silence that followed, I hesitantly placed my hand on his, biting my lip. He tightened his grip on my hand, taking me to the previously familiar place where the drama began. The mistletoe.

Once he were assured we stood just beneath it, he let go of my hand. I was already too shy to meet people's judgemental stares, so my eyes were fixed to the ground.

"Lisa, look at me." He placed his hand under my chin, making me look at him.

"May I kiss you?" He gently asked and I soon heard some muffled voices of everyone around.

I was so stunned that it almost appeared like I froze at my place. My eyes blinked, not knowing what to say. Words never left my mouth, consumed by shock, nervousness and bewilderment.

Oh well, actions spoke louder than words. And by reading my face, he immediately understood my response.

A soft smirk tugged the corner of his lips as he smoothly leaned in, his hands draping around my waist before placing his lips over mine.

The feeling of his lips on mine was pure, gentle and sheer bliss. It ignited a realization in my mind; this was my first kiss. Though hesitant at first, I followed cue, kissing him back whilst he still dominated.

In that kiss was a sweet mix of passionate and romantic thoughts, all condensed into a cherishing moment.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Nancy yelled leaving the place. Some people cheered, some probably threw stares of intense jealousy at us, but we were blind and lost enough to take notice.

Seconds later, Jungkook pulled apart, glancing at me with a humble smile.

"You look graciously stunning today." My breath hitched when he huskily whispered in my ear as I shied away.

"B-but..." I called out, still in shock of what had just happened.

He gestured me to continue ahead. Gathering the confidence to overcome my flushed face, I came up with the question I've been wanting to ask him.

"I h-heard that y-you were going to confess to someone tonight. W-what about her?" I asked, my tone breaking as I reserved most of my voice to myself.

"So you heard it? Well..."

He bent down, till his eyes and mine were at the same level.

"The girl I wanted to confess my feelings to, was you Lalisa. I like you."

The last phrase was just too loud, as if he purposefully meant everyone to hear it. As remarkable as the confession was, it didn't take me long to accept it.

"I like you too Jungkook." I meekly replied, before he captured me again into a kiss, in his embrace.

FIN.

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I still can't believe that 2020 is finally coming to an end in just a few days. This year has seen the best and worst of me, but it was wonderful to having met all the wonderful readers and make beautiful friendships I'll surely treasure in my heart.

I hope you enjoyed reading this imagine and yet again, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
ㅡAuthornim.