"It's not getting any better, Jeongguk," Taehyung said almost apologetically when they gazed outside the glass doors, watching the snow pour. "I don't think you'll make it home."

It didn't take long after that for him to convince the younger to stay the night at his apartment.

Jeongguk pulled out his phone and read some of the messages his sister had left him after their fight.

I'm sorry
Gguk. Call me, okay?
Hey you alive??
Mom and I are getting worried about you

To which he responded with

Can you feed meatball tonight
Thanks
You still have my spare keys

He turned to Taehyung, who was on the phone with his supposed roommate.

"No, hyung." He buried his head in his hands, the tips of his ears turning scarlet. "He's just a friend who needs a place to stay— You know I don't do one-night stands!"

Jeongguk grinned at this flustered version of Taehyung, unbeknownst to the older.

"Thanks, Yoongi."

The younger's smile faltered in recognition.

"I'll see you." Taehyung ended the call and looked at Jeongguk sheepishly. "First Christmas adventure: my apartment?"

"How Christmasy is your apartment?" Jeongguk questioned.

"My roommates and I decorated it. Don't worry." Taehyung took the younger's hand again, not missing the way Jeongguk jumped at the touch. "So you wouldn't get lost." He feigned innocence.

"Lies," The younger retorted, letting Taehyung push open the shop door and lead him out into the snow.

Halfway down the block, Jeongguk pulled his hood up and slipped his free hand in his pocket. Then he tugged on Taehyung's hold.

"Our fingers are gonna freeze," He warned.

The older didn't even bat an eyelid in his direction. Instead he stuffed both their hands in his own jacket to keep warm, yanking Jeongguk even closer.

"You're weird," The younger muttered.

"Rule number one of our deal—"

"We have rules?"

Taehyung gave his hand a squeeze. "I'll go anywhere you want to go as long as you hold my hand."

"I'm starting to think you have a thing for my hands." Jeongguk nudged the older with his elbow. "But fine. Since you've ever so kindly offered me shelter, I guess a little hand-holding wouldn't hurt."

They scaled up the stairs and got to his apartment. Taehyung was patting the snow off their clothes and scraping the soles of his boots on the rug when the door flew open.

A hmph escaped Jeongguk's lips when he felt someone throw his arms around him.

"I'm Hoseok," The welcomer gushed, hugging the younger close. "It's nice to meet you."

Another boy stood at the door, seemingly calmer than Hoseok. "Yoongi." He announced simply.

Is this the guy Taehyung supposedly wouldn't shut up about?

"I'm Jeongguk." He shook his hand, performing a shy smile. "I'm sorry for intruding all of a sudden."

"No it's totally fine," Hoseok assured him, "Yoongi and I aren't gonna be home for the night, actually."

"They're going on a road trip without me." Taehyung sulked.

In this weather?

Yoongi snickered, reaching over to pinch his cheek adoringly. "You said you didn't want to come, Taehyungie."

"And I don't." Taehyung grinned at him, nose scrunching up cutely. "Good luck having fun without me."

"Come in," Hoseok told Jeongguk, "You can leave your coat on the hanger."

Just as Jeongguk kicked off his shoes, he felt Taehyung's hands land on his waist, pulling his body flush against his to whisper in his ear.

"They don't know about the cataracts," He warned, "Please don't mention it."

Jeongguk shot him an expression of concern. Why? But the older had already moved on, declaring that he was going to change in his room. Jeongguk stood awkwardly in the center of the living room.

Hoseok patted him on the back and gestured to the couch, where they both took a seat. "Thanks for staying over, actually," He said, his voice low enough to avoid being heard by Taehyung, "Yoongi and I weren't too sure about leaving Tae alone for the weekend."

Yoongi stood behind the couch, leaning down to rest his chin on the top of Hoseok's head like a bird in a nest. He hummed his agreement.

"He gets lonely sometimes. He just doesn't say it."

Yoongi shifted his weight forward and nuzzled into Hoseok's neck. "Baby, you haven't finished packing."

Jeongguk looked at him in surprise.

"I know. Sorry." Hoseok smiled sheepishly before kissing him on the lips. He got to his feet and turned to the younger. "Make yourself at home, Jeongguk. I mean it."

"Thanks."

The sweet pair left a few hours later, reminding Taehyung to turn on the heater if needed and thanking Jeongguk once again for keeping him company.

The stars in the sky were nonexistent in this snowy weather. Those balls of cotton seen during the day shifted into a sheet of gray, the color mirroring ash and soot. They blanketed the sky, hiding the buttery glow of the moon.

"I don't get it," Jeongguk said, his words directed at Taehyung, though his eyes were fixed outside the window.

"Yeah I know. Who would go on a road trip in this weather? But that's just how they are. They always make something work—"

"No I mean you." The younger finally turned to look at Taehyung, who sat down on the other end of the couch. "Aren't you close? Why not tell them about your cataracts?"

"Because I don't want to be limited to a disease," Taehyung answered, crossing his legs and leaning back.

"What do you mean?"

"After my grandmother got sick, it was all people would talk about." The older continued, "My grandmother's name would always be followed by 'she doesn't have much time left'. People forget that she bakes vegan orange cakes and beats everyone in Monopoly because she can't do those things anymore." He paused. "I'm not saying my two best friends would treat me like that. But they would give up everything in a heartbeat to help and I don't want their charity. I want them to treat normally, like they always do. And I don't want to ruin their Christmas trip."

"But aren't you afraid?"

"Of?"

"Of losing time."

Taehyung stared at him, his eyes boring into Jeongguk in a way that made the younger's heart lurch.

"A-aren't you afraid of change?" Jeongguk tensed under the older's gaze, the waver in his voice suggesting nerves.

"Yes and no." Taehyung finally looked away. "I used to be... I guess I got tired of fighting it."

Jeongguk managed a nod, not knowing what else to say when he heard the distinct sound of the microwave beeping. Apparently, Taehyung made them cup noodles for dinner.

"One last thing," The older piped up before he went to retrieve their food. "Another rule."

An eyebrow was raised his way.

"I don't care what we do, but I've never gone a day without visiting my grandmother."

"We'll make time to see her. I promise," Jeongguk said firmly.

A small, relieved smile graced Taehyung's lips, and he headed into the kitchen. The younger followed suit.

"Did you tell Yoongi and Hoseok about your grandmother, at least?" His voice grew smaller.

"Yeah... they just don't know how bad it's getting."

"Tae..."

The older whipped his head around and saw the way empathy shone in Jeongguk's eyes. Taehyung extended an arm towards him and tugged him close into a hug. The younger could feel warmth radiating off him, painting his entire complexion a bright hue of scarlet.

"Eat your cup noodles and stop worrying about me." Taehyung chuckled, letting go so he could pass him his food.

"Okay," Jeongguk said. But he wished he could hold him longer.

That night the younger insisted on sleeping on the living room couch, so Taehyung kept his bedroom door open in case he needed him.

Jeongguk pulled the blankets up to his chin, noting the way his borrowed clothes smelled faintly like Taehyung's cologne.

Maybe this Christmas wouldn't be as lonely as he thought after all.