Christmas Eve~

Christmas, a day I waited for god knows how long.

A day that is filled with joy, with friendship, with love. But, most of all, it was going to be the best Christmas of my life because, finally, all my loved ones were present there with good health and a huge smile. They were there, and they were together, and for that moment in time, everything seemed perfect. The only one missing was my dad, who was scheduled to arrive the next day. Other than that, there was nothing to be worried about.

The morning started with my mom humming a Christmas Carol as she sauntered around, making sure to decorate every corner. Me and Hueningkai— who arrived earlier that morning— were her helping hands, passing around the glass ornaments and handmade lamps for her to hang.

As we finished up with the house, Mom announced we should do some baking for breakfast. By then, Soobin was awake and insisted on helping her with that.

Baking wasn't my thing. I didn't have any problem with cooking but I just never understood how to bake, so I was fine with the arrangements. Plus, I liked helping out more than I did participating. As we chatted and laughed while working on our breakfast, people started pouring in. The Huening family- Hueningkai's parents and his two sisters- greeted us as well as Beomgyu and Yeonjun who looked to be in an extraordinarily great mood, a total contrast from their yesterday's interactions. After greeting them with hugs, everyone settled down at the dining table with plates full of food and utensils.

Mom and Hueningkai's mother brought the Gilgeori toasts and the cinnamon rolls, the second one being the creation of Soobin. Everyone ate happily, chatting among themselves; no one felt the need to fill the silence.

After breakfast was finished, Hueningkai's mom served them the hot chocolate which had been decorated by Soobin along with the scones which I had tried to make.

As went into the kitchen after eating, everyone decided to wash up afterwards and gathered in the living room. It mostly consisted with all of us who were younger as others went out to but gifts in the December weather.

"Okay, okay can I have all of your attention?" Beomgyu called out who, I noticed, had settled on a stool with an acoustic guitar in his hand. "Let's do a small musical medley, what do y'all say?"
"Oooh, that's a nice idea!" Hueningkai agreed quickly. I watched amused as all of the others nodded along to it, excitedly clapping and cheering. Beomgyu grinned and cleared his throat. "Is anyone up to take the lead? Or should I..."

"Can I?" Yeonjun asked, standing up."I can sing, it would be fun." He chuckled. "Alright, you're up, go ahead." Beomgyu said, gesturing him forward. Yeonjun got up and walked over, sitting comfortably on the stool that was set beside the boy with guitar. He called for him and whispered something in his ear which made his eyes widen just a little. "Wow, really?" I eyed them curiously as they composed themselves. "First song of the day, here we go~"

Beomgyu strummed at the strings, music filling the air. Yeonjun had his eyes closed and he looked really handsome, if I were to be honest. He wore a green sweater and blue high-waisted jeans, a red beret sitting upon his pink hair. After sometime, he started to sing and I immediately recognised the song. It was on old one named 'Fairy of Shampoo' and even though I've heard this version before, it still sounded amazing. I sang along along softly and when they reached the chorus, I could hear Soobin joining in. I turned, seeing him watching Beomgyu and Yeonjun intently, smiling and singing along. His voice was really sweet and smooth and beautiful.

By the end, everyone had joined in and were harmonizing along. I felt a hand slip in mine and I squeezed them gently, glancing up to see Soobin with a soft smile, looking down at me. I smiled back and winked at him, making him giggle. The song ended and and the whole room let out a cheer. "That was so cool!" I could hear Bahiyyih shout. Hearing that, Yeonjun grinned widely. "Thanks to all of you." He bowed, making everyone chuckle. Beomgyu clapped his hands once to get the room's attention.

"Okay now, Lea noona, please bless us with your voice."

Lea, Hueningkai's elder sister, gasped with genuine surprise. "Me?" She asked slowly, pointing to herself. We all hummed yes in unison, encouraging her to continue. Laughing nervously, she cleared her throat. "Oh well... okay." She took a breath, holding onto the neck of the guitar tightly. "I'll try." She started. She began singing and I thought she would be amazing. She definitely had a lovely singing voice and was quite skilled too. She was singing 'All I want for Christmas is you' by Mariah Carey. I swayed my head along with the music that was soothing to the ears. When she ended, I applauded loudly. Everyone else also clapped and cheered. "Good job, Lea!"

"Thank you so much, you guys," she smiled, bowing politely.

"But seriously though, that was awesome." Soobin complimented with a toothy smile, the woman ruffling his hair. "Thanks, darling."

"Now, I want to sing something for my beloved over here, one and only." Beomgyu said, making Hueningkai blush and throw a playful glare. Soobin and Lea hooted while me and Bahiyyih laughed. "This is gonna hurt. Hold on tight, guys!" Beomgyu said as the last words left his lips. All the children held on to each other, ready for the worst. Beomgyu began strumming at the guitar. Then he sang and I would be lying if I said I didn't find it cute. He was singing the song 'Rude' and Bahiyyih was shouldering Hueningkai. And to our surprise, Beomgyu had changed the lyrics, turning to Lea.

"Can I have your brother for the rest of my life,
Say yes, say yes cause I need to know
She say I'll never get her blessings till the day I die,
'Tough luck, my friend, but the answer is no.' "

Lea had her eyes wide while she tried to not laugh out loud but it was already kind of obvious. What I found a little off was Beomgyu occaisionally stealing glances at Yeonjun, but I ignored, thinking it might just be me seeing things.

Beomgyu soon came to an end and grinned like a fool. Bahiyyih went upto him and lazily rested her forearm on his shoulder, facing the room. "Unnie, he is asking for our consent, what should we do? Should we kick him out?"

"Yah Bahiyyih!" Hueningkai finally shouted out, appalled. The girl just laughed. "Oppa, don't worry. I won't actually kick him."

"We can't possibly believe you. You have kicked him before at the house." I pointed out nonchalantly. Bahiyyih narrowed her eyes. "You were gonna break his pinky, who are you to tell me?"

"So it was true? He really did that?" Soobin asked out of nowhere and may have forgotten his presence again, finding myself reddening and hide my face in my hands. As I expected, Bahiyyih gladly took the chance to expose me further. "Oh yeah. He has done that and a lot of other violence."

"You were cheating in Halli Galli." I accused.

"So?" Bahiyyih looked at me with an innocent face and I could just groan. "You are so annoying sometimes." I mumbled to myself.

"What did that mean, hyung?" She asked teasingly.

"Nothing, I was talking to myself." I lied.

"Aigoo, poor Bahi," Beomgyu sighed. "Don't you worry, I'll teach you how to properly cheat."

"Hey I am better than you at that." Hueningkai chimed in.

"But-" I started but was stopped when suddenly all of us heard a melodious voice. Our attention went to the once again occupied stool with none other than Soobin upon it, starting his song. Silence fell as the only things we could hear was the light sound of snow falling on the ground outside the house and the voice that resonated around the almost empty house. My jaw dropped. He sang in an angelic tone, eyes closed, voice pure as silk and gentle as honey. There was something captivating about hearing him sing. It was the song 'Strawberries and Cigarettes' and somehow it just went perfectly with his voice which made his singing even more pleasing to listen to. I'm sure most of us had been hypnotized to listen to the song. It was so magical and mesmerising and perfect and yet it wasn't just the song itself that made people go completely quiet.

When he finished the song, I couldn' help but feel utterly dumbstruck. I'd never heard anything like it. It was so magical. No wonder it went so well with his voice. He sang with such emotion and feeling that it was like the singer himself had gone through some sort of emotional upheaval and it was so heart melting. His voice was beautiful.

"That was... ravishing." Yeonjun piped in, gaze nowhere in particular. "I never knew you could sing so well, Bin. That was awesome." The corner of Soobin's lips rose up as dimples appeared on his cheeks. "Thanks Hyung. I only do it once in a while."

"Then, Mr 'Once in a while', you should do it more often. It suits you." It was Hueningkai this time. Now, everyone started to slowly pour out of the living room, engaging themselves in their own world. But Soobin still sat on the stool, expectant gaze upon me. I couldn't move, nor could I say anything. I was awestruck because he remembered my favourite song like something important like his own birthday. I don't want to act selfish but the fact that he remembers all those little details that I used to randomly slip in our texts made my heart skip a beat or two.

"Taehyun..." Soobin started slowly, leaving his seat and walking closer. I still couldn't utter a word, watching his every movement with my eyes saucers. "Did you like it?" He asked kneeling down to come face to face with me. I gulped down my dry throat.

"You are truly talented. Not many people can sing like you do. Your song... it was amazing." I smiled shyly, averting my gaze away from him. I couldn't look at him and instead focus on his lips instead, head lowered. They seemed slightly parted, a tiny hint of pink dusting over his features.

"Then look at me." I didn't budge. "Taehyun?"

"Don't make me do it Soobin, I might do something that you will regret."

A sigh left his parted mouth before he kept his index finger under my chin. "Why would I regret anything? All of this, these memories, these...moments? They are slowly taking their place in my heart and I assure you, every single thing with you feels like a dream, not the one I would regret, but the one I would cherish forever." He said. I blinked and slowly looked up at him, shocked and speechless. Slowly, I felt tears building up in my eyes, my chest swelling painfully. He wanted to remember these moments together, with me. I wanted to remember them too. I smiled softly as my eyes started tearing up. "I love you so much, Binnie. It's almost terrifying." My words were shaky and chuffed. He chuckled deeply, wiping away my stray tears.

"I love you too, Hyunnie. A lot." He said, leaning forward and capturing my lips in a kiss. He pulled back after a moment and kissed my cheek gently. I sniffled and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around me, hugging me close to his body.He buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply and holding me tightly. We stayed there for what felt like hours until someone cleared their throat and we looked over, startled by the sudden intrusion of the others. Soobin frowned before looking up at them with teary eyes. "How long were you standing there?" He asked.

Hueningkai sheepishly tried to cover up. "Ah, we were just leaving. Me and Yeonjun Hyung just needed a chit chat but we're going. Sorry."

"...Right. By the way that was cu-"

"We are going, Hyung!" The boy held on the elder's arm, dragging him away. We stared at their leaving back and the door closing behind them. Thereafter, we launched into peals of laughter. We stayed silent for a second until we caught our breaths, calming down and calming ourselves down before laughing again.

"I hope we never stop laughing because I seriously think that was the best moment of my life."

"Agreed."

Soobin lifted his forearm, checking the time. "There's still a lot of time to kill before the elders are here." He announced. I looked at him thoughtfully. "Let's watch a movie, then. What do you say?"

"Why not?"

~~~

The sun had set down and darkness had settled within the room.
And Soobin was snuggled up next to me, eyes following the text of the end credits that rolled over on the screen. I was still laying beside him. After we finished the third movie, we decided to get ready as it was obvious by the sounds downstairs that the elders were back.

"What are you gonna wear?" Soobin asked from across the room, where he sat in front of his open suitcase. I smirked. "It's a surprise."

"A surprise, I see." His lips perked as he went back to rummaging throughout his clothes. Once making sure he was busy, I slipped into the washroom and out of his sight to change. After dressing up and adjusting my hair, I finally went out to find Soobin with all the buttons of his shirt open. I reddened at that very instant.

"I'm sorry!" I shouted out in apology, hiding my eyes. I heard a chuckle in response. "You are so cute. Don't worry, I won't burn you." And there he goes, saying all sorts of weird things that made my blush deepen.

"You are shameless."

"You love me for it." I barely stifled a chuckle.

"Narcissist." I retorted, removing the hands and directing my gaze at him. He let his mouth form into a smirk and suddenly something dawned upon me when I saw him approaching me. I regretted ever telling him where I was ticklish. "You are not gonna do that. I just fixed my hair, Binnie."

"It's okay, I will fix it again."

"No!" That was of no use as he came and tackled me on the bed, tickiling my sides as I tried not to luagh, very audibly failing. "I-I hate you!" I squealed out, slowly going out of breath. Soobin noticed this and, after a few seconds, removed his hands, instead resting them beside on the mattress. I regained my breathing when I realised the compromising position we were in, with him straddling me, still nearly shirtless. Only his arms were covered. I gulped as he intently stared at my face with an unreadable expression.

"Green suits you." He complimented. I was wearing a green woolen cardigan upon a white tee which was barely visible, black pants with sequins on the sides. Nothing very special but you can't exactly expect anything more from me.

After a while, I finally found my voice. "We-we should go downstairs."

"What about them?" Asked Soobin, gesturing to my hair. I shook my head. "I am pretty sure they are fine. Let's just go." He nodded, finally getting up and buttoning up his, now I noticed, dark blue sweater that flashed a bit of his collar bones. He looked hot but of course I would never admit it aloud. He helped me off the bed and I followed him silently. When we got outside, the entire household was already gathered on the living room.

The fairy lights we hung that morning made the room glow, colourful lanterns around the Christmas tree adding to the component. The ornaments on the branches glittered, reflecting the light. It was entrancing.

"Ah they are finally here." Hueningkai's dad announced, a wine glass in his hand. I smiled at him. "Merry Christmas, uncle."

"Merry Christmas, Tae. Come here, let's set down the plates and the cake." I nodded and trailed behind him, leaving Soobin as he busied himself with Beomgyu for meantime.

The cake, it was huge. Enough to feed all of us who were present. With extra care, I slowly kept it down on the table as the others helped in bringing the feast.

"It smells so good!" Yeonjun exclaimed, licking his lips as he took his first bite out of the plate. Everyone else soon joined in, taking a taste of the delicious goodnes that filled our senses.

"It tastes good," Soobin said smiling, showing his dimples, eyes glinting with happiness and warmth. Just like that, we filled our stomachs and talked over them with occasional jokes thrown here and there. Everyone had a smile plastered on their faces and that was the best part of it all.

Only three months ago, I wouldn't have even imagined about all this, yet we were there. Together. Happy.

Finishing up with it, everyone got immersed in the songs in the background, Hueningkai's parents being the first ones to step up and start dancing slowly with each other. Me and my mother were second to join. We played, laughed and fooled around, missing steps and pointing out our mistakes when mom stopped and dragged Soobin up from the couch. "Enough with me, it's now your turn."

Soobin looked at me smiling shyly as he offered his hand, I confidently took it and kept it on my shoulder as I myself held his waist. We moved clumsily along the slow beats as I saw mom admiring us from behind. I couldn't help but feel proud.
I glanced at Soobin and saw him staring at me intensely, looking at me as if I was the only thing he could focus on. I blushed a little and looked away, trying to focus on mom and the other couple who still weren't low on energy, getting cheered by their daughters. Hueningkai, Beomgyu and Yeonjun were nowhere to be seen.

We were having the time of our lives when we all heard a loud shatter, followed by stomping footsteps that came out of kitchen. It was Beomgyu, his features reflecting rage. We stopped and watched the scene that unfolded itself. "I can't believe this."

"Hyung, please wait! I am sorry!" Hueningkai tried, his voice hoarse with crying, the tears on his cheeks making it obvious.

"You are being childish Gyu, we can talk this out." Yeonjun, who had appeared beside Hueningkai, calmly spoke up. Beomgyu could only glare. "Fuck your talks and definitely fuck you." And knew the matters were serious. I wanted to step in me but was held back by Soobin who had his eyes trained on the three.

"Don't talk to him like that!" Hueningkai defended, recieving a dry chuckle in return. "I trusted you. Both of you. And apparently that was my biggest mistake."

"Gyu-"

"Sorry, I don't talk to cheaters." And he trudged away from the corridor, leaving no trace behind.

"I think it's their personal matters, we shouldn't indulge ourselves." Mom suggested, looking at all of us. I sighed, eyes going back to the boy who was crying while holding onto Yeonjun for dear life. I felt Soobin pulling me closer to him, I could just lean.

And that's how a perfect Christmas took turn for worse. I hoped nothing would go wrong the next day as my dad was arriving too.

And he still didn't know about me. The real me.

Are you online?

☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆