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"What do you mean we have to come for Christmas? No, no. We're not staying for Christmas." Taehyung paced back and forth in frustration with his laptop on zoom in front of him. "That's not what we promised."

Taneeya sighed through the video call as her face expressed visible disappointment. "But grandma and grandpa insisted. You know we don't spend much time together as a family."

The older frowned. "Noona, Do I look like I care?"

Taneeya shook her head.  "Of course you don't care.  But maybe Jungkook wants to visit."

Taehyung scoffed.  "Jungkook wants to visit? Who told you that?"

"I want to visit!"  Jungkook shouted from the other room, miraculously able to hear their conversation.

Taehyung sighed, obviously defeated by his sister.  "Fine, fine. We're coming back to stay. But you owe me big time, okay?"

"Alright, alright." Taneeya gave a thumbs-up through zoom, a relieved smile on her face.

"Jungkook, we're going back to my parents' for Christmas!" Taehyung yelled at Jungkook from the other room.

"Sure!" Jungkook's voice shouted back.  "I'll pack my things!"

"Alright..." Taehyung groaned, annoyed.  Not annoyed by Jungkook, but at the fact that he had to stay with his family for a couple more weeks.  That means... their fake lovey-dovey couple personas weren't over yet...  How much longer are they gonna lie to his whole family?

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By the time Jungkook and Taehyung arrived at his parent's home, it was dark and late.  The two briefly greeted the family members before exhaustedly falling asleep in Taehyung's room.  Again, the two were too tired to bother splitting their sleeping spaces.  So they fell asleep on the same bed once again.

The next morning, Jungkook, Taehyung, and Taneeya arrived in the living room.  The entire place was filled with decorations.  Even the rugs and couches were changed to suit a more warm-y vibe.  What added to the coziness was the family members, who crowded the place.  

Grandma Tana was chatting with Taehyung's mother Tanalyn in the kitchen as they both baked bread and pie.  Well, attempted to bake.  Taehyung's grandma did most of it as his mother followed, learning.  Taehyung's mother didn't like having her hands messy as it seems.

Grandpa Taewon on the other hand was playing catch with little brother, Taesuk.  Although an elder man, it was surprising that Taehyung's grandfather was able to catch and throw the ball at his age.

Meanwhile, Taehyung's father Taeho was watching the news on TV.  The man and Jungkook shared a brief eye contact, to which Jungkook reacted by smiling politely.  Unfortunately, the man's eyes darted back to the TV as if nothing happened.  Wow... at least I know where Taehyung got his cold-ass personality.  Jungkook thought to himself.

Speaking of Taehyung, the younger searched around the living room, realizing he lost him.  Where did Taehyung go... Did he really just leave me with his family while I suffer from social awkwardness?  Geez...

"Happy Christmas eve, Jungkook.  Come sit over here, don't be shy." Grandma Tana invited Jungkook over to the kitchen.  "Come give our strawberry pie a taste, hm?"

Jungkook immediately approached the two ladies, politely bowing.  "Good morning."

The elderly lady smiled sweetly, feeding the younger a piece of the pie.  "Good morning to you too, dear.  Did you sleep well after the flight?"

"Y-yuh." The boy managed to say with his mouth full.  Moments later, realizing that it was rude, he swallowed quickly before repeating.  "Yeah."

Grandma Tana chuckled, her wrinkles showing.  "Good.  I'm sure you had a splendid night with Taehyung."

Taehyung's mother shot a glance at her mother.  "Mom..."  She then shifted her glance to Jungkook before continuing to speak.  "...don't embarrass them."

Jungkook wasn't sure what she was implying exactly, but for some reason, Taehyung's mother's tone sounded like she didn't want Taehyung and Jungkook to be together.  Or perhaps it was just the kdrama rich mom cliché kicking in his head.

Just then, Grandpa Taewon joined along, exchanging a grin with his wife.  It was the kind of smile that undeniably expresses their love for each other without words.  "Baking some pie?"

"Mhm.  Wanna try some?" Grandma Tana's lips twisted to a shy smile as if they were lovers on their first date.  It was extraordinary how, even with age, they managed to love each other so much.  Jungkook felt their romantic eyes staring at each other.

"Oh, I sure do!" Grandpa Taewon responded cheerfully, taking a bite of the pie.  "Wow.  It's great!  What do you think, Jungkook?"

Jungkook whipped his head to the man, surprised his name was mentioned.  "O-oh.  It's really good.  Feels like something Taehyung would like."

The man raised his eyebrows.  "You do realize our Taehyungie is a picky eater, right?"

"Yeah.  Well, I dunno.  But strawberries never let him down." Jungkook defended.  Honestly, a part of him said it just to prove that he was close to Taehyung.  The other part of him, was genuinely sure that the pie matched Taehyung's tastes.  It was a kind of a sense he got when he was cooking for Taehyung.  He gradually learned what he liked and what he didn't like.

"You're a sweet boy.  Taehyung's lucky to have someone who knows him well." Grandpa Taewon complimented, patting the younger on the back.  

"T-thanks." Jungkook felt pride grow in his chest, yet fell when he remembered that his relationship with Taehyung was just a lie.

Taehyung's grandfather held out a hand for grandma Tana, asking for a walk outside the front porch.  The woman agreed, smile widely etched from cheek to cheek.  Sadly, leaving Jungkook behind awkwardly with Taehyung's mother.

"Come with me, I want to show you something." The woman abruptly motioned the younger to follow.

Afraid, but without much of a choice, Jungkook followed Taehyung's mother to her study room.

Mother Tanalyn suddenly glanced at Jungkook with a smile.  Jungkook tried to hide his shock at her sudden expression.  He had never seen that woman smile.  Was that an evil smile?  Is she about to roast me and tell me I'm never gonna be good enough for her son?

The woman got out a dusty book, opening it up.  Jungkook realized immediately that it was a scrapbook filled with Taehyung's childhood photos.

"Is that... Taehyung?"  Jungkook decided to point out the obvious.

Tanalyn's smiled widened, pointing at a picture of Taehyung proudly.  "This was taken when Taehyungie passed his license test."

Jungkook could help but giggle at Taehyung's dull expression, as if he was mentally done with the test.  It made the younger wonder what Taehyung was like when he was a teenager.  Jungkook couldn't help but notice something else about the pictures...  "He's still wearing glasses back then?" Jungkook blurted out.

Taehyung's mother caught those words, her face lighting up.  "You know why Taehyung chose to wear his glasses?"

"Yeah.  Cause he didn't like it when people stared at his good looking face."  Jungkook responded with a smile.  "I didn't know he had that mentality since he was little."

Tanalyn raised her eyebrows, impressed that Jungkook understood so much about her son.  "My Taehyungie was never nearsighted. At first, I thought it was a fashion trend I didn't know. But then I found out he just wore them cause too many girls were sending him love letters. He's been wearin' them ever since."

Jungkook laughed.  "I see."

The woman continued.  "Taehyung had always been avoiding that kind of stuff. Romance just isn't quite his thing.  At least I didn't think so until now."  Her eyes twinkled at Jungkook as if her respect for Jungkook had grown.

The boy blushed, not knowing what to respond.

Tanalyn scooted closer to Jungkook, expressing a kind face.  "Look, I'll be honest.  At first, I didn't really think you'd be the right one for him.  But seeing that you really care about him, I've cleared all those doubts.  You're perfect for my son.  I'm so glad Taehyung met someone like you."

Jungkook felt the urge to cry.  He was touched by his mother's words.  But at the same time guilt was stabbing him in the chest.  If only she knew... they weren't lovers at all...  Jungkook swallowed, imagining how heartbroken his mother would be if she found out...

"Jungkook! There you are." Taehyung burst into his mother's room, surprised he'd actually find the younger boy there.  "Grandma told me to grab the last few Christmas decorations in our attic.  We should be all ready for the celebration now and..." His eyes darted to the photo album.  "...oh fucking hell... please don't tell me they're my childhood pics..."

The younger boy smirked.  "I mean... you do look adorable."

"Moommmm!" Taehyung whined at his mother, who was also smirking at him.  

Jungkook found Taehyung's embarrassed expression adorable as he'd always play it cool.  It was funny seeing him break character once in a while.

Shy, Taehyung tugged Jungkook's arm before the younger could look any more.  "T-that's enough old pics for now.  The family's waiting for you guys."

"Alright, let's go."  Jungkook got up from bed to follow along with the inpatient Taehyung.

As soon as they pass the door frame, Jungkook caught something green dangling on top that he swore wasn't there earlier.  His eyes widened as he realized what it was.  "Wait... when was there a mistletoe up there?!"

Taehyung swallowed. "Oh, fuck."

"Mom, dad! Taehyung and Jungkook are under the mistletoe!" Taesuk yelled with a smirk on his small face.  They fell for his trap!

"Shut up, Taesuk, you brat," Taehyung whispered loudly at his younger brother, who stuck out his tongue as the whole family gathered around.

"Oh my, that's adorable! I wanna see them kiss." Taehyung's grandmother appeared out of nowhere, excited to see the cute couple.

"Uh, grandma. Don't force them-" Taneeya mumbled, realizing the awkward situation the two boys were in.

Tana waved her hand. "NAH, I'm sure they've done it many times.  I've seen you do it with your husband so many times."

"Grandma!" Taneeya embarrassingly scolded.

Taehyung's eyes darted at the faces gathering around, watching them.  They were all smiling, all supportive and kind.

"What do we do?" Jungkook whispered to Taehyung in worry.

"Kiss me," Taehyung whispered back, face already inching closer to Jungkook.

"Oh..." With his voice fading, Jungkook's eyes stared at Taehyung's lips nervously.  Their faces have never been this close before.  Jungkook could literally see the immense detail of Taehyung's pastel eyes.  He still couldn't decide whether what color exactly they were as they shifted from the sunlight.  The younger's eyes then shifted to his tall nose and then to his soft pink lips.  He had the weirdest urge to just kiss them, and it confused him.  After all, that's what Taehyung wanted him to do... right?  Then, the image of Taehyung's family emerged in his head... He remembered how they wholeheartedly accepted him into their family.  They were so nice... and I'm here lying to their faces.... 

"I'm so sorry, Tae! I can't do this!" Jungkook squeaked, backing out with his hands raised in defeat. The whole family went silent, staring at the two as Taehyung widened his eyes in shock.

"Ahahah, I think they're just shy." Taneeya forced a laugh, a visible drop of sweat falling off her forehead.

"No, no. I- I don't think I can lie any further to your family, Tae. It's just wrong and I love them so much!" Jungkook stuttered, looking around at the family members who were in complete shock.

"What lie? What are you on about?" Grandma Tana asked, confused.

"Taehyung?  What's going on?" Taehyung's mother whipped her head in alarm at her son.  Everyone's eyes were wide in panic.

Taehyung sighed, finally telling the truth. "We're not dating."

All the members let out a collective gasp. Taehyung's grandfather sputtered. "B-but Taneeya told us..."

"I lied to her so she didn't have to bother setting me up with a partner," Taehyung admitted.

Pale, Tana stumbled, nearly fainting. "B-but you two were so cute together..."

"Yeah, I've never seen Taehyung hyung so happy with anyone my entire life!"  Taesuk exclaimed in shock.

"Taesuk, don't you fuckin' push it..." Taehyung shot a glare at the younger brother.

"What. Just sayin'..." Taesuk mumbled in defense.

"I-I have to go..." Jungkook stumbled to his feet, a little dizzy.  He couldn't handle being in the same room with Taehyung's family anymore.  He felt terrible having to face them.  Jungkook lied to Taehyung's family.  And he blew Taehyung and Taneeya's cover...  They probably all think I'm a monster... Jungkook felt a tear fall from his eyes as he looked down.  Avoiding any eye contact, he dashed out of the living room.

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Jungkook sat on the balcony of the guest room, tears in his eyes.  The sound of footsteps sounded from behind him and he assumed it was Taehyung's immediately.  "What do you want, Tae."

"Uhm... actually it's me, Taneeya." Taehyung's sister responded as Jungkook whipped his head in embarrassment.

"O-oh.... sorry." Jungkook apologized, blushing.  "Thought you were Taehyung."

"It's alright.  Care if I join you?" The girl raised two cans of grape juice, kindly sharing one with Jungkook as she sat next to him on the balcony.

The boy shifted his glance at Taehyung's sister in curiosity. "Taneeya... why, are you being so nice to me... I mean... I broke our promise..."

Taneeya chucked, leaning comfortably on the porch bench. "It's cause I like you." Her eyes twinkled from the reflection of the moon. "Whether you are Taehyungie's boyfriend or not, the fact that you're by his side... it already means a lot to me as his sister.  I appreciate that a lot."

Jungkook tilted his head in confusion.

Catching the younger's expression, the girl explained. "Quite frankly, I've never seen Taehyung so happy with anyone my entire life."

Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows.  "Is he never like that?"

She shook her head.  "He's usually a lot colder around us."  Her eyes wandered to Jungkook, still noticing his face guilty.  "Don't worry about it, Jungkook.  I promise you our family still loves you.  You're a good kid."  She reached an arm towards Jungkook, stroking his back.

"Thank you for telling me that." Jungkook smiled in relief, honestly happy he had her by his side.  The boy never had a sister, but it was those moments that led him to cherish sisterly-love.

After a long, warm, and silent moment Taneeya then switched topics.  "So.... why did you blew your cover?"

"You mean... why did I tell the truth?" Jungkook clarified.

"Yeah." Taehyung's sister looked at the boy in pure curiosity.

Jungkook fumbled at his fingers, eyes low. "Well... I didn't want to lie to all of you. You guys were nice and caring and..." The boy's voice faded into a long pause, face turning red in embarrassment at the thought of nearly kissing Taehyung.  

Taneeya caught the boy's reaction, starting to question.  "Not to push but... is it also because you were avoiding kissing Taehyung....?"

There was silence from the younger.  Jungkook sighed, looking up at the night sky. "Promise me you won't tell Taehyung?"

Her eyes twinkled, sincere.  "I won't tell a soul, you can trust me."

Jungkook sighed before starting.  "I'm scared that... if I accepted that kiss... I might start to like him." The boy buried his face in his hands, ashamed. "Oh, gosh, it's ridiculous. I'm ridiculous!"

Taneeya raised her eyebrows in slight surprise as if she was already expecting it to happen.  "So you have a crush on Taehyung?"

The blushing younger shrugged, stuttering.  "I-I honestly don't know. But I'm afraid to find out from that kiss."

"Why are you afraid of falling in love with Taehyung? He won't bite!" Taneeya joked, nudging Jungkook playfully.

Jungkook bit his lip, shy.  "I'm pretty sure Taehyung just sees me as like... a friend. Y'know. Someone to solve crimes together."

"Someone to share an apartment floor together? I don't think so." Taneeya narrowed her eyes. "And Taesuk's right, Taehyung's truly happy with you. I see that too."

"I dunno..." Jungkook was still hesitant.

"To be fair, you'd make a really good boyfriend for Taehyung." Taehyung's sister patted the younger's shoulder. "Not many people treat Taehyung the way you do."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, he is a little bit of a... how should I put this..." The girl winced a little.  "...dick sometimes. You gotta admit that. Plus, to add on, his mind-reading thing would literally scare anyone off."

"Well, true," Jungkook admitted.

Taneeya shifted her glance to Jungkook. "But you never get affected by those things. Well, and if you do, you'd tell him and he'd actually listen to you."

"Uh... you mean getting mad at him?"

"Yeah. It might sound a bit cheesy, but I think you're changing him to a nicer man. See? Now he could actually cook a bit in the house with your help."

Jungkook blushed. "I guess." He remembered his first time encountering Taehyung. He quickly got over the situation unlike most others and actually found his mind-reading skills somewhat attractive.  The younger then closed his eyes. "But I genuinely don't know what I'm feeling yet. Sorry, Taneeya."

"It's alright, take your time to figure it out.  If you ever need someone to talk to about Taehyung or anything else, you can always call me."

"Thanks." Jungkook's voice softly replied, holding Taneeya's hand in appreciation.

"Anytime," Taneeya whispered back, lightly squeezing the younger's hand.

Jungkook felt relieved that he was on good terms with Taneeya.  But he knew it's gonna take a lot more effort to win the rest of Taehyung's family back.

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