♫ : been through - exo

Jake woke to warmth and weight. For a moment, he stayed still, his eyes closed. The scent of yours, cinnamon and caramel, mixed with the faint smell of dumplings was still in the air.

His arms shifted slightly, brushing against something soft, and realization hit when he finally opened his eyes.

You were nestled against him, your face just below his collarbone. Your arm draped over his side, and the blanket that was originally covering the both of you was tangled around your legs.

Jake blinked, heart thumping so loud he swore he could hear it. Your breath, soft and steady, fanned against his chest. And your body was so close it was almost absurd.

When did we end up like this?

He swallowed hard, careful not to wake you as he shifted slightly to glance around the dark apartment. The TV was off, and the living room was bathed in the light of Christmas morning. Everything was quiet except for your even breathing.

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair as he carefully detangled himself from you. He lifted your head gently from his chest and placed it onto the couch cushion.

Your face scrunched for a second before relaxing again and your hand instinctively curled closer to your body, where the blanket now covered snugly.

His gaze lingered for a moment longer than it should have.

You looked so peaceful, entirely different from the busy version of yourself he often saw at the café. Your lips were slightly parted, and for a second, Jake had the ridiculous urge to brush his thumb across them.

Instead, he forced himself to stand, taking the dirty plates and mugs from the coffee table to the kitchen. He turned on the tap, the sound of water filling the space as he scrubbed the dishes.

When the dishes were done, he dried his hands and checked his phone. 06:03 AM. A message from his manager was at the top of the notifications, followed by a handful of work emails from the day before.

He opened one, going through the contents before pausing midway. It was from his boss, outlining the details of the new offer in Australia.

A higher position, an even higher salary, and proximity to home. It should have been a no-brainer. And yet, Jake found himself staring blankly at the screen, his thumb hovering over the reply button.

He leaned back against the counter as he rubbed his temples; he could practically hear his mother's voice in his head.

"When are you coming back? We miss you. It's so hot here now, wouldn't you prefer this over Seoul's freezing weather?"

He exhaled deeply, dragging a hand down his face before glancing over at the couch. You were still asleep, your face serene, framed by a few strands of hair.

He wasn't sure how long he stood there watching you, torn between the life he knew and the one that was unfolding here.

Finally, Jake set his phone down and grabbed his keys from the table. He made his way back to the couch, crouching until he was at eye level with you. You had shifted slightly in your sleep, your face now turned outward, a hand peeking out from the blanket.

"Merry Christmas," he murmured softly. His fingers hesitated in the air before brushing the stray strands of hair from your face, tucking them behind your ear.

Your skin was so soft, your cheeks slightly flushed from the warmth of the blanket. Jake's gaze trailed to your lips again, staring at it longer than he wanted to admit.

God, I'm so screwed.

His thoughts swirled like the snow falling outside. His head was heavy with decisions, but his heart? That was becoming a whole other mess altogether.

Jake sighed and straightened up. He tucked the blanket more securely around you and took one last glance before heading toward the door. He slipped out without a sound, the clean dishes on the drying rack the only indication he had been there at all.

"Merry Christmas," he muttered, once again, under his breath, to no one in particular, but the faintest hint of a smile curled on his lips.

Back inside your apartment, the Christmas bunny plushie sat on the armrest, silently watching over you as the living room began to brighten. You stirred, pulling the blanket closer, unaware of Jake's lingering presence or the snowflakes melting quietly on his jacket next door.