Jeongguk would be lying if he said he didn't recognize the cosy shop.

Small crowded tables, neatly stacked coffee lids and scratched wooden signs. The coffee shop swirled with aromatic dreams and memories that tugged at the corners of the younger's lips, prompting a bittersweet smile.

"You cold?" Taehyung murmured.

"I'm okay."

Taehyung hadn't let go of his hand not once, even when he was ordering their hot drinks. And Jeongguk found himself tingling with giddiness.

"They even add marshmallows during the holiday season," The older whispered against his ear.

"Yeah I know. I've been here," Jeongguk admitted.

"You have?"

"Mhm."

Taehyung pinched the younger's chin. "Cheeky!" He laughed, "You just wanted a free drink, huh? I thought you haven't even been to this side of town."

"My family used to go here for Christmas every year... for the festivities, you know," Jeongguk informed the older as he was led away to the back of the shop.

"And I thought you hated Christmas," Taehyung remarked, letting go of him as he sat down, "You said it was nothing special when I first met you."

The younger took a seat across the table, seemingly at a loss for words. He avoided eye contact.

"Hey."

Jeongguk could hear the pout in Taehyung's voice, followed by a harmless kick to the leg under the table to get his attention.

"You can tell me anything. Promise."

The younger finally looked up at him, finding sincerity in his expression.

Jeongguk inhaled sharply. "Christmas was my dad's thing... but he, um, passed away last year." He shrugged, trying to soften the blow of those words. "When I saw the way my sister and my mom had decorated the house yesterday, we fought. It didn't seem right— It didn't seem right to celebrate when he's not here."

Taehyung parted his lips, ready to respond when Jeongguk cut him off.

"And please don't say you're sorry for me." The younger winced. "I'm honestly sick of hearing it."

There was a pause before Taehyung spoke. "Okay." He nodded gently. "But I do want you to know that I understand what you're going through."

"Do you though?" Jeongguk asked quietly, "Everyone likes throwing empathy around like a false facade—"

He was interrupted by the waiter, who set two cups of steaming hot chocolate on the table. The two boys gave their thanks with little bows of their heads.

"I know what you mean, Jeongguk," Taehyung said as he watched the younger take a sip. "But we've all dealt with loss one way or another. You have to believe that there are people out there who sympathize with you."

Jeongguk grew quiet for a moment, allowing himself to recollect some thoughts before his eyes were on the older again. He was poking at the marshmallows with his teaspoon. "What have you lost, Taehyung?"

The older leaned his chin into his palm and tapped a finger against his cheek. "Can you keep a secret?"

"We won't be seeing each other after today anyway so..." Jeongguk shrugged again.

"Oh have you already mapped out a way to get home safely?" Taehyung asked, a tint of sarcasm in his words.

"No but I have a cat to feed so you know damn well I will make it back before dinner."

"You have a cat? You kinda struck me as more of a dog person." Taehyung grinned.

"I'm offended."

The older snickered, leaning back in his chair. "So you'll keep my secret?"

"I will as long as you never call me a dog person ever again."

"Okay, harsh." Taehyung pursed his lips. "Well, to keep it simple and uh straightforward—"

Jeongguk took another sip of his hot chocolate.

"— I'm going blind."