Work Text:
The weather outside is frighteningly cold, but tonight, the only thing that nips at Taehyung’s fingertips are the edges of the papers he sorts through.
A quiet flame coming from the fireplace casts a warm glow over the fine print, and on his other side is a desk lamp on its lowest setting. Darkness envelops the rest of his office, giving him a clear view through the window to every office light in the other buildings that are turned off. The city usually never sleeps, but it seems that all must come to rest in time for Christmas.
Except for Taehyung, that is.
Mid-December crept upon him like a chill that his scarf couldn’t prevent, and along with it came the pre-seasonal heavy workload. Any other year, he would do all he needs to by himself during the break, but his options are more limited this time around.
He remembers a busy morning in early November, his mother speaking too quickly for him to understand as soon as he answered, then slowing down per his request. How she used the fact that he’s spent too many Christmases apart from his family against him, followed by the claim that he’s probably forgotten what his own mother looks like—which is false, thank you. He keeps a picture of her on his desk, one that’s been there ever since he became CEO; forgetting her face would be like forgetting his own.
Anyway — after he tried arguing against her dramatics, she interrupted him, saying that she had better see her one and only son sitting at the dinner table this upcoming Christmas. Without another word, much less from Taehyung, she ended the call while he stood speechless in the middle of the sidewalk.
There had hardly been enough time to process anything other than that he was practically being forced to visit his family for the holidays. A whole two weeks. With his family.
A nightmare is what that sounds like.
While he does love his family, the five Christmas breaks he’s gone without seeing them have been relatively more peaceful. The other times he’s stopped in for a visit, it’s only been one question after the other about if he has a boyfriend yet, and if not, then when? The answer to that is one Taehyung doesn’t know, and doesn’t care to ever know.
It’s not as if they mean to pester him about his love life, it’s just something that comes naturally to them. A Christmas without his family means work, then more work on top of that, but at least he doesn’t have to acknowledge his loneliness and feel self-conscious about it.
He also doesn’t have to look at his parents when they give him those pitiful looks. The ones that say our poor gay son is all alone and single, always holed up in his office, married to his work. That certainly wouldn’t look attractive on any dating website, he can tell you that.
One moment, he’s pondering what would happen if he called his mother to tell her he won’t be coming, and the next, his phone is in his hand. Just as he goes to dial her number, however, a knock sounds against his office door.
Poking his head in is Jimin, and Taehyung puts his phone down as his coworker steps foot inside the office. Being the CEO’s best friend has certainly made Jimin too comfortable with barging in wherever he pleases, but Taehyung secretly finds it amusing.
“I didn’t say you could come in, but go ahead, make yourself at home,” Taehyung snides with the hint of a playful tone. As Jimin takes a seat, Taehyung asks, “It’s late. Why are you still here?”
“Someone has to make sure the boss goes home on time.” Jimin smiles coyly, crossing his legs and clasping his fingers together.
“You say that as if I’ve ever left the office any earlier than 3 A.M.” Taehyung huffs. When he looks at the clock, he sees that it’s already one in the morning, too late to call his mother anyway.
Rolling his eyes, Jimin comments, “It’s the night before break, Tae. Let yourself off easy for once. All of this will be here when you get back.”
“That, or I could do it during break while at my family’s to distract me from the wine cabinet that will look overly desirable,” Taehyung sighs, eyes wide in despair as he thinks of the dreaded times to come. “I’m a thirty year old man who can hardly handle being around his family without some form of alcohol. Isn’t that pathetic?”
“I think it makes sense for any thirty year old man whose family is obsessed with his love life, so no, not pathetic.” Jimin has a sympathetic look in his eye, yet the circumstance isn’t one he can relate to. Not when he’s dating Namjoon, Taehyung’s big and beefy secretary who somehow manages to resemble a cuddly koala as well, both in looks and personality.
If Taehyung brought home someone like Namjoon, his mother would never shut up.
Pouting, Taehyung cocks his head to the side and flutters his eyes at Jimin. “Would you be my pretend boyfriend for Christmas? My parents would love you.”
“Your parents already know me,” Jimin laughs. “And I couldn’t do that to Joonie.”
“Bring him too, then. Imagine my mother’s surprise when I come home with not one, but two boyfriends.”
Jimin’s laughter dissolves into the silence surrounding them, and a warm smile replaces the grin that was previously there. “Don’t stay out too late, okay? This is your time to relax.”
Relaxing is the last thing he’ll be doing, especially if he’s with his family, but he gives Jimin the benefit of the doubt anyway, assuring that he’ll do his best. Satisfied, Jimin bids his farewell and a Merry Christmas.
Staying true to his word, Taehyung leaves not long after Jimin has. He finds a satisfactory place to finish his work and grabs his coat, then turns the lamp off and puts the fire out before leaving.
The elevator dings obnoxiously as soon as it reaches his floor. Stepping inside, he looks at his reflection as the door slides shut.
To himself, he whispers, “Merry Christmas to me.”
❄❄❄
Taehyung walks out of his apartment building while lugging a heavy suitcase along behind him. He maneuvers through a congested crowd of people who are passing by to the end of the sidewalk. Waiting by Taehyung’s car is a bundled up Hoseok who has already popped the trunk open for him.
“Good morning, Taehyung-ah.” Hoseok tips his beret to Taehyung then comes over to help lift the suitcase into the car.
“Good morning to you as well, hyung,” Taehyung greets, letting out a little huff as he pushes his suitcase further in. “Have any plans for the holiday season?”
“I think my sister is wanting me to meet her new boyfriend at some point, so there’s that,” Hoseok sighs and shuts the trunk. He places one hand on the car and leans his weight on it. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive for you?”
Nodding, Taehyung says, “I think at least one of us should have a good Christmas with their family.”
There’s reluctance in Hoseok’s expression, probably because he might not be looking all that forward to being around his family either. However, if Taehyung dragged Hoseok into his mess, he isn’t sure he’d be coming back with a driver capable of hauling the extra baggage that comes with someone like post-holiday depression Taehyung.
“I thought it would be worth a shot to ask,” Hoseok chuckles, spinning the car key ring around his finger. “Drive safely, alright? They’re calling for a snowstorm tonight.”
Taehyung glances up at a clear blue sky and wonders where Hoseok could have gotten that idea from. The last time he checked, his weather app was still giving sunshine for the rest of the week.
Still, he appeases Hoseok and pulls his driver into a hug. “I will, don’t worry. Tell Jiwoo I said hello and Merry Christmas.”
After parting ways with Hoseok, Taehyung sets off for Daegu. It’s his first time leaving the city for purposes that aren’t business, and his gut feels heavy as he enters its outskirts. He can’t tell if it's nerves or the breakfast he ate this morning, it may even be both. It’s an overreaction and he knows it, but who would he be not to act like it’s the impending end of the world?
Not too far into his drive, his phone starts to ring. The caller ID that shows up on his car’s screen says ‘mom’, and he lets out a sigh before answering it. “Hello, mother.”
“Yah, Kim Taehyung, talk to me like I’m your mother, not your client.”
With another sigh, he repeats himself, “Hey, mom.”
“That’s more like it.” He hears the grin in her tone, and it draws a quiet chuckle from him. “You’re still planning to come over for Christmas, right?”
Unfortunately, is what Taehyung initially thinks, then feels bad about it. He isn’t entirely dreading the trip, especially because he truly does love his family. It’s more that he just hates how he has to face the fact that he’s alone, and probably will be for the rest of his life. Perhaps he should invest in a small dog to keep him company inside and outside of the office.
“I’m on my way as we speak,” he answers.
“Good. Your cousins are very excited to see you, and Aunt Yerin too. She said she’s missed pinching your cheeks.”
Taehyung grimaces at the thought of his childhood that entailed his aunt having an odd obsession with his cheeks and fulfilling her supposed need to pinch them whenever she saw him. “Oh. Lovely.”
Relatives have a habit of believing themselves to be the gift that keeps on giving; the best present anyone could receive is their presence itself. For that reason, Taehyung has come to appreciate the gift of solitude more and more.
Be safe tonight, his mother tells him, mentions the snowstorm Hoseok talked about even though the sky is still blue and his car’s weather radar comes up blank. Her worry soon subsides for the bigger concern on her plate, Should we prepare for a plus one?
And, of course, like the tragic disappointment of a son he is, he has to tell her no, and the silence that follows is harsh enough to make him realize that he would rather hear Jingle Bells played on repeat until the Christmas spirit is sucked right out of him than his mother’s lack of word.
It’s the same old story each year, but like it is with any adult who has watched the Grinch steal Christmas every year since childhood, and feigns surprise when Cindy Lou Who warms his heart and makes him hyper aware of those finicky things called emotions, the same old story gets repetitive and tiring after a while. Soon, it becomes something you accept simply because it’s tradition, and switching things up after however many years would just feel like an act of deviance.
Taehyung has gotten used to his loneliness, and perhaps it’s too late for him to feel comfortable sharing his space with another.
❄❄❄
Until the evening, Taehyung thinks he must have defied the weather spirits. There’s no snow storm, the roads are fine, and his headlights are the only ones warming the pavement. He expected the drive to be a nightmare, filled with traffic and lots of angry drivers honking their horns, but it’s not.
But then the evening comes, and with it, the first snowflake that briefly frosts his windshield before melting. A light snow is tolerable, nothing he hasn’t driven through before. While the snowflakes are few and far between, it’s fine. He flips his windshield wipers onto the slowest interval and goes about his travels.
A few kilometers later, however, the snowflakes begin to rain down on him heavily and have already started to stick to the roads. Not even the faster interval of his wipers give him enough time to see through the snow properly, so he keeps his foot hovered over the break and considers sticking his head out the window just to see.
No wonder the roads are empty. Apparently Taehyung had been the only one stupid enough to drive out in this weather, ignorant of the warnings people gave him because of what the weather was like hours ago, and because his typically trustworthy radar failed him. If he wasn’t slightly terrified of what could happen if he takes his eyes off of the road ahead, he would probably bang his head against the steering wheel for being so ignorant.
Despite driving carefully, Taehyung feels when his rear tire meets a patch of ice and loses traction. The car begins to fishtail while he fumbles for control, turning the steering wheel every which way he can to get back on track, but to no avail. He squeezes his eyes shut when his car spins around, hoping that if he can’t see it happening, then it isn’t real—just his imagination.
But with the way his body is forced into the door as the car spins, and the wheel tries to jerk out of his grip, it certainly feels like his imagination has come to life. Shit shit shit—
When the car comes to a stop, Taehyung opens one eye and looks around wondering if he’s died and passed into the afterlife. Unfortunately, he doesn’t think there’s snow in the afterlife, which is all he sees. His knuckles are white from how tightly he’s holding onto the wheel, and his shoulders begin to ache from their tension.
Since he’s the only one in the road, he takes a moment to slump back in his seat and breathe. If anyone does happen to pass by and see his car facing the wrong way, he can only wish them luck for the treacherous path ahead.
Sighing, Taehyung tilts his head back against the headrest and asks himself, “Your mom’s Christmas ham is good, but is it really worth dying for, Taehyung?”
In the narrowed view his half-lidded gaze allows, he notices a dim light in his rear view mirror, mostly covered by the trees. It looks like a sign for a rest stop of sorts, just being able to make out the part of the sign that flashes ‘open’.
Even if he can’t manage the drive to his family, he’s not going to be driving back home tonight, especially not in this weather. If he can avoid spending the night in his car and on the side of the road, he’d happily choose whatever provides that fortune.
Slowly, Taehyung puts his car back into motion and turns it back around. With the snow fully blanketing the road now, Taehyung makes sure to take his time, but it doesn’t leave him any less impatient. When the trees finally do make way for the building, Taehyung sees that it’s a bed and breakfast. He takes the exit and pulls into the lot, trying to get over the uneasiness he feels with the place being empty aside from one car.
Even after he parks, his breath remains lodged in his chest. It’s only natural when encountering a vacancy he’s never been to before, and an eerily lit log house in the middle of the woods at night isn’t the most welcoming of sights. It’s that, or sleeping in his car and potentially freezing.
Taehyung lets out a few muttered curses as he begrudgingly gets out of his car. He grabs his luggage from the trunk and stomps towards the building. If anything happens, he hopes his blue belt in Taekwondo can do some good in defending himself.
From the outside, all of the indoor lights appear to be off, but the door opens without protest when Taehyung twists the knob. A bad feeling stirs in his gut when the lobby is dark and empty. Off to his right is the living room with a fire going in the chimney, and at the other end of the hallway directly ahead is a light turned on. So that means someone is here. He just has to hope they aren’t creepy or a murderer, or both.
“Hello?” Taehyung calls, dropping his luggage down to the floor with a heavy thud. When no one comes out to assist him, he presses his hand down on a bell placed on the front desk. “Is anyone here?”
Faintly, he hears the sound of Mele Kalikimaka coming from the room at the end of the hall. A great song to listen to as he fears for what may become of his life after tonight. This is exactly the type of thing that happens to someone before they walk straight into their demise.
What he should probably do is leave. Instead, what he does is ring the bell again multiple times. His hand freezes in mid air when he hears an abrupt squeak followed by the sound of pots and pans clattering to the ground. It makes Taehyung grimace thinking about what kind of mess that caused.
“I’ll be there in a second!” Someone calls out to him, sounding younger than what Taehyung was expecting. Usually these places are run by the more elderly people, not people who are practically children.
With a quiet sigh, Taehyung nods although it can’t be seen and observes his surroundings some more. The interior of this place is cozier than Taehyung would have expected, walls painted in warm tones and the floorboards a dark, cherry wood. Along the walls are shelves topped with vintage styled pictures, some of people, some of scenery. In the far corner of the living room is an undecorated Christmas tree.
It gives off a homely vibe, just one that’s quite lonely and bare. Kind of like himself.
“Take your time—oh,” Taehyung is cut off by the sight of the person coming out of the other room. Someone he hadn’t been expecting at all.
A man around his age clad in a fuzzy black and red flannel, facial piercings, tattoos, and short, black hair. The guy looks as if he’s a part of the house too, visually just as warm and quaint as the rest of its design. It’s quite the opposite of what Taehyung was expecting, but that somehow makes him feel a little better. His shoulders finally relax, and his chest deflates with his next exhale.
Stepping behind the front desk, the man smiles at Taehyung, bunny teeth and beady eyes all on display. There’s a certain type of kindness he radiates that Taehyung hasn’t seen in a long while. One that resembles innocence. “Hello! What can I do for you?”
The piercings and tattoos are also things that Taehyung doesn’t see all that often in his part of the city. His eyes are glued to the glint of silver around the man’s bottom lip and his brow, only gravitating elsewhere to the tattoos scattered along his right hand. Whenever his flannel sleeve rides up, Taehyung thinks he can see more tattoos going up his arm.
He startles when the man clears his throat. The kind smile is still on the man’s face, but the look in his eyes is different from before. Taehyung is too tired to pinpoint what it could possibly be.
“I, uh, I need to book a night’s stay.”
For whatever reason, the man appears shocked. “Really?”
Briefly, Taehyung considers asking what else he would be here for, but decides that the attitude may not be appreciated. “This is a bed and breakfast, isn’t it?” He asks instead, leaning back to check the sign outside one of the windows again.
“Well, yes, sir, but,” the man pauses and furrows his eyebrows. “no one ever stops here during the Christmas season, I guess. I thought you must have gotten lost and needed directions.”
That would explain why no one else is here. The only other car in the lot must belong to this guy. That also means that he probably spends the entire season alone which makes Taehyung frown thinking about it. He doesn’t know why he’s letting it bother him when he’ll be leaving in the morning anyway.
Taehyung hands his card over once the cost for his stay is rung up. “My name’s Taehyung, by the way.”
The man’s eyes become puffy when he smiles at Taehyung again. Filled with mirth at the new piece of information. “I’m Jeongguk, the owner of this fine establishment.”
As his card is handed back to him, he tilts his head to the side in confusion. “Jeongguk-ssi, shouldn’t you be home too? Why do you stay?”
Jeongguk’s smile turns into something more teasing, but without any suggestive implications. “Because of people like you, Taehyung-ssi, who come here after dark looking for refuge from the storm.”
Snorting, Taehyung cocks an eyebrow. “And how many of those do you get?”
“So far? Just you,” Jeongguk answers, crossing his arms over the desk and leaning forward. “I suppose I’ve been waiting for you all along.”
“I suppose so,” Taehyung chuckles, taking the key that’s been laid out for him. “Well, I’ll be off now. Goodnight, Jeongguk.”
“Sleep well, Taehyung.”
❄❄❄
Waking up the next morning, Taehyung sees that there’s still a blizzard blowing a gale outside, and the clouds in the sky are an indicator that it won’t be stopping anytime soon.
If he were to sit up and look further down out the window, he would be sure to find an abundance of snow on the ground. When he checks the radar on his phone, he sees where reporters are talking about how this is the biggest snow storm the area has seen in years. Of course that would be his luck.
To make it to his family in time for Christmas would require him to leave by tomorrow at the earliest, but that doesn’t seem likely anymore. The thought of calling his mother to say as much terrifies him, not so much that he fears her fussing, but that he fears disappointing her even more. He knows how much she’s missed him, only for this snow to draw out her longing even more.
His safest option seems to be calling his sister, which he decides to do after basking in the peacefulness of his room for a little while. Perhaps he should request another night’s stay after the call.
The first thing his sister asks as soon as she answers the call is of his whereabouts. He had been too tired to call and inform them of his misfortune last night, so it’s no surprise they may have been growing worried. “Mom was getting anxious and broke into the wine cabinet to cope while dad gave up trying to console her.”
Like mother like son, it seems.
“Ah, there’s no need. I’m fine,” Taehyung reassures, grimacing at the gravel in his voice, parts of himself still trying to wake up. “I got caught in the storm and had to stay at a bed and breakfast.”
“Will you be able to make it today?” Hayun asks. She’s never been one to beg for his presence at the table, or at all, but it’s the general questions such as these that makes Taehyung believe she does miss him somewhat. “Just so I know if I have to prepare for another wine crisis or not.”
“I know you’d be severely disappointed too, Hayun, don’t lie,” Taehyung teases with a grin, laughing when his sister makes an indignant sound. After it calms again, Taehyung sighs. “But, no, I won’t. The weather outside is dreadful, and people are being advised to stay off the roads. I don’t think I’ll make it in time for Christmas at all, unfortunately.”
“I see what you’re doing, oppa,” Hayun says as if she’s discovered a secret to use against him. Bold and smug. “You’re trying to get out of mom pestering you about a boyfriend.”
Rolling his eyes, Taehyung plays along with sarcasm in his tone, “Yes, most certainly, not because there’s possibly close to three feet of snow covering the ground.”
“I knew it.” The grin on her face is a clear picture given by the amusement in her voice.
“Do tell mom I’m sorry, and everyone else.” Taehyung can’t deny feeling dismayed over the situation. If he can’t make it for Christmas, surely he can just try for the New Year instead. “I’ll try to come over when it’s safer.”
“Will do, but even if we can’t get you here in one piece, we’ll take what we can get.”
Taehyung snorts at the comment, delighting in the sound of his sister’s snickering too. They bid their goodbyes and hang up not much longer after, leaving Taehyung with nothing to do now except extend his stay.
❄❄❄
Jeongguk must be someone who gets rather… excited over the holidays. Not that Taehyung really would have suspected such a thing last night, but today, there are Christmas lights strung up along the walls, nutcrackers on every shelf, and even a mini Christmas tree on the front desk. The only thing still left undecorated is the big Christmas tree in the living space.
That, or he simply thought it would be polite to decorate in honor of the festive season for his guest. It would make sense for him to go over the top with it since he’s never had a guest frequent around Christmas before—has to seize the opportunity before it goes away. Taehyung likes it, though. Makes the place feel warmer, cozier.
Out of the same room Jeongguk emerged from last night comes the sweet, calming hum of White Christmas. Instead of alerting his presence at the front desk this time, Taehyung trods down the hall to the room, finding out that it’s the kitchen. He’s immediately met with the smell of breakfast.
Breakfast that looks close to burning on the stove without anyone looking after it.
Gently tapping his knuckles against the door frame, Taehyung sticks his head in further, wondering where Jeongguk is. “Jeongguk, are you in here?”
A loud, painful sounding bang rattles the island in the middle of the kitchen. It’s followed by a strained groan, then Jeongguk’s head poking up, half of his face visible over the countertop. His eyes brighten when he spots Taehyung. “Oh! Good morning, Taehyung-ssi!”
Endeared by the sight, Taehyung chuckles. “Good morning. What are you doing down there?”
Jeongguk places his hands on the counter and uses it as leverage to push himself back up. He scratches the back of his neck with a sheepish expression on his face. “Well, you see, the clatter you heard in the kitchen last night was me spilling hot cocoa all over the floor when you startled me. I forgot to clean it.”
Suddenly, the eggs cooking begin to sputter angrily, and Jeongguk appears panicked as if he had forgotten he was cooking at all. He gasps as his eyes widen in alarm. “Oh dear.”
Crowding into Jeongguk’s space, Taehyung shoos Jeongguk away from the chocolate mess on the floor and has him tend to the food. “You cook, I’ll take care of this.”
“But Taehyung—“ Jeongguk interjects, and Taehyung briefly looks up to see the hint of a pout on his lips as he takes the eggs off of the stove eye. “It’s my job, and you’re the guest. You shouldn’t have to help me.”
“Too bad, I want to help,” Taehyung comments, smiling up at Jeongguk when he looks down at him. The cloth Jeongguk had been using isn’t great for scrubbing, but he makes do with it. “I also wanted to ask if I could possibly stay here another night.”
“Of course! I wasn’t expecting to allow you to go out into this weather anyway,” Jeongguk says, and Taehyung keeps another small smile to himself, looking down at the almost clean floor.
“Ah, so I’m your prisoner now?” Taehyung utters jokingly, finding cruel amusement in the embarrassed noises Jeongguk lets out.
While Jeongguk finds his words, Taehyung scrubs away the last of the chocolate spill and stands up, rinsing the rag in the sink. He looks over his shoulder to Jeongguk whose face is beaming red while he plates their food. Turning the tap off, Taehyung hides his grin and wrings out the cloth.
“It just wouldn’t be very hospitable of me to send one of my guests out into a blizzard.” Jeongguk’s words are enunciated by the pout of his bottom lip.
Taehyung regrets the way his eyes rake over Jeongguk’s body when he bends over to grab a broiler pan from the oven. The maroon sweatpants Jeongguk wears are quite tight-fitted around his ass. He leans back against the counter with his arms crossed while guiltily enjoying the sight. Okay, Taehyung, don’t be a creep.
He may not have formed any commitments for himself other than business relations in the past, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t allowed himself to dabble in appreciating other peoples’ physiques before.
However, his stomach ruins the moment and announces it’s hunger for something else as the scent of bacon wafts through the air. His embarrassment replaces Jeongguk’s as the other laughs quietly at the sound.
“Hungry?” Jeongguk asks, nodding towards Taehyung’s stomach.
“Starving,” Taehyung emphasizes, rolling out his shoulders and stretching out his neck, tilting his head back. When he straightens out again, he sees Jeongguk looking at him, and the bobble in his throat.
Thinking something must look out of place, Taehyung looks down at his shirt and sweatpants, but sees nothing wrong. Then he runs his fingers through his hair. “Is something wrong?”
Slipping out of stupor, Jeongguk blinks. “Huh?”
Shaking his head, Taehyung chuckles and takes his breakfast when it’s handed to him. “Nothing, it’s fine.”
After grabbing juice, the two of them relocate to the dining room when they sit across from each other. Taehyung pours juice into Jeongguk’s glass before pouring his own. Just barely, he thinks he sees the muted tint of pink on Jeongguk’s cheeks again as he thanks Taehyung.
The two begin to eat, and Taehyung almost moans at how good the food tastes. It’s a simple meal, but most of his days and nights have consisted of whatever takeout Jimin brings him during their shifts. He can’t remember the last time he had something homemade and this delicious.
“So,” Taehyung starts conversation again so that the rest of their breakfast isn’t silent or taken up by the sounds of their chewing. “Surely, you don’t run this place all by yourself?”
Shrugging, Jeongguk takes a sip of his orange juice and plays with his food while answering, “During the summer and fall, my hyung helps me. He only leaves for the winter and spring to spend the holidays with our parents and help them with the garden when the weather gets warmer.”
“But you don’t,” Taehyung recollects.
“I’m the one who inherited this place from my grandparents, so I feel that it’s my responsibility to keep it open as often as I can,” Jeongguk says.
“Isn’t that just giving yourself more bills to pay with less profit to afford those bills?” Taehyung questions, hoping they don’t come off as invasive as they feel. “You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to, I apologize for being nosy.”
Jeongguk’s smile causes his nose to scrunch. When his front teeth become visible, Taehyung thinks he resembles a bunny. Cute. “It’s not nosy, Taehyung-ssi. This place is pretty much all I have in terms of a home since I don’t see my parents that often, and the income I get from it does well enough to hold me over during the holidays, so I basically get paid to live here.”
What would be too prodding is to ask about is why Jeongguk doesn’t see his parents that often, so he doesn’t. They’ve only known each other for less than a day, which doesn’t really meet the qualifications for sharing life stories, he thinks.
“This is your full-time job, then?” He asks instead.
“Hm, for the most part, yeah,” Jeongguk hums, shrugging again. He fills his mouth with food and Taehyung almost lets out a fond laugh at the sight of Jeongguk’s puffy cheeks. “I’m also a lumberjack, hence why this place never runs out of firewood.”
Taehyung runs his eyes over Jeongguk’s upper body again, the muscles that must be hidden under his baggy sweatshirt, along with the tattoos. He’s seen from Jeongguk’s thighs alone that he must be extremely muscular, fit for a job that probably requires such extraneous work.
“What about you, Taehyung-ssi?”
“My job?” Taehyung asks over the rim of his glass, eyebrows raised as he takes a drink. Jeongguk nods. “I’m the CEO of a publishing firm, but it’s not as interesting as it sounds—Uhm, are you okay?”
Jeongguk goes into a coughing fit as soon as Taehyung mentions that he’s a CEO. He quickly grabs for his juice and pats his chest while gulping it down, and nods at Taehyung’s concern. “M’fine. Just wasn’t expecting that. I should’ve, though. You look like a CEO.”
“Oh? I wasn’t aware CEOs had a certain look to them.” Taehyung cocks an eyebrow, curiosity brewing.
Jeongguk pushes his empty plate aside and props his elbows on the table, clasping his hands and resting his cheek against them. “They do. Well, it’s different for the younger ones like yourself. Can’t say much for the old, wrinkly ones.”
“A lot of younger people would consider someone in their thirties to be old and wrinkly.” He quips, curling a hand against his jaw. His hair flutters over his eyes, and he notices Jeongguk’s gaze flickering to the fluffy strands.
“Hm, well, I’m twenty-four and I definitely think people in their thirties are old.” The way Jeongguk speaks is teasing, a refreshing change of pace after all the serious talk he gets from work.
“Of course you do.” He makes a scoffing sound and rolls his eyes, garnering a snicker from Jeongguk. “What is this so-called type, then?” Taehyung inquires, also leaning in closer.
Eyes squinting, Jeongguk bites his lip in a grin. Taehyung’s eyes draw to the way his lip plumps out again when his teeth release it, natural cherry red color rushing back to the surface. “Handsome, sharp eyes, kind of stoic, a bit intimidating, looks like a mixture between a douchebag and a gentleman.”
Amused, Taehyung leans back in his seat and laughs. Flattery adds slightly onto his pride knowing that Jeongguk thinks he’s handsome. “I won’t lie, I’m a bit of both—douchebag and gentleman.”
“Surely not a douchebag,” Jeongguk gasps, feigning shock as he covers his mouth with one hand. “Not the same man who cleaned up my spilt cocoa.”
Faking disappointment in himself, Taehyung holds out his arms and shrugs. “I know, hard to believe, right? All of my employees hate me.” Which is a lie, given that he does his best to be a likeable boss.
“Nothing like a pinch of Christmas spirit to turn a Scrooge into Buddy the Elf.” Jeongguk winks, to which Taehyung laughs.
Maybe he’s looking more forward to his extra night here than he was earlier this morning.
❄❄❄
The snow that’s accumulated over the past two days appears deceptively soft when Taehyung knows it would probably take a pair of heavy duty snow boots and a big shovel to plow through it all. At least, that’s what he gathers from watching Jeongguk struggle to walk to the brink of the woods behind the building.
He hopes it’s for firewood. When Taehyung woke up this morning, the first thing he noticed was how cold it was inside. The day before, the place had been filled with warmth and hardly any need for a sweatshirt, but today…Taehyung thinks he can see his own breath when he exhales.
His answer as to why hits him when he tries plugging in his laptop to do a little work while he’s stuck here. The battery percentage is a little under halfway full, and after he plugs it in, there seems to be no change. A lack of indication that it’s charging at all. Huh.
He checks the outlet, everything seems to be plugged in just fine there. It’s not a short in the cable because it worked perfectly a couple of days ago. The only explanation would be—
Another peek out the window shows Jeongguk hauling firewood into the building.
A power outage.
Sighing, Taehyung sets his laptop off to the side and grabs a fluffy jacket from his suitcase, wearing that along with his plaid pajamas. The stairs creak as he takes shriveled steps down them, the hardwood bitterly cold against the soles of his feet. Just as he makes it to the bottom, he catches Jeongguk shaking snow off of his boots.
“Did we lose power?” He asks, then realizes how impolite he sounds when Jeongguk regards him with an amused expression. “Sorry, I suppose I should have started with a ‘good morning’ at the least.”
Jeongguk chuckles and makes his way to the living room with Taehyung following closely behind. “Aish, so concerned with formality. You really are a CEO. And, yeah. I have a generator but it refused to start, so bundle up and get as cozy as you can.”
His comment about formality goes right over Taehyung’s head, but only because he chooses to ignore it with the passing thought that Jeongguk seems like the type of person who could be a brat underneath that sweetheart exterior.
Nothing he wouldn’t be able to deal with, at least.
Briefly, Taehyung trails back to his room to grab his warmest pair of socks and the one beanie he has. When he returns to the living room, he finds that Jeongguk has discarded his outside clothes, having replaced them with a fluffy jumper along with sweatpants and slippers.
Two blankets over the back of the couch are what Jeongguk uses to drape over the two of them as they sit down facing each other. Their legs are slotted together at the ankles, but it was the only way they could fit together in their positions without squeezing in on themselves.
Perhaps it’s a bit too cozy for two people who only met not long ago, but the couch isn’t close enough to the fireplace for the utmost warmth, and neither of them are willing to move from their spots to sit down by the fire.
In the meantime, Taehyung simply enjoys its presence. The minimal warmth it does bring, as well as the calming crackling of the wood. Aside from the light coming in through the windows, the fire shelters the two of them in an orange tinted glow. With no cars passing by and snow muting the sound of nature, it’s peaceful.
He’s pulled from his blissful reverie when Jeongguk’s foot nudges his. Across from him, Jeongguk regards him with his usual kind eyes and soft smile—a smile subtle on the edges and shy around the corners.
“I meant to ask before, but what brings you so far out from the city?” Jeongguk asks.
There’s a furrow of anxiousness between his brows and a nervous gnawing on his bottom lip, probably worrying if he’s overstepping Taehyung’s boundaries into his business.
It could only be Taehyung’s downfall that he’s quite the open book, heart on his sleeve type of guy, that he would tell Jeongguk anything he wanted to know at the drop of his beady, wonder-filled eyes.
“I was on my way to visiting family from Daegu. I haven’t been the best of sons in a while, so I figured I owed it to them—to my mother, at least.”
“A momma’s boy, are you?” The corner of Jeongguk’s mouth quirks up.
“Something like that,” Taehyung admits around a breathy chuckle. “I wasn’t looking forward to her bothering me about why I don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend this Christmas, though, so I guess the snow was good for one thing.”
Pouting, Jeongguk’s tone becomes mulling. He nudges Taehyung’s foot again, this time less gently. “I think it was good for other things too—like allowing us to meet. Unless my company isn’t exciting enough for a fancy CEO who probably encounters way more interesting people everyday.”
“Nonsense. I’d take the cute lumberjack with muscles and a bit of an attitude over the stuck up businessman who’s been having affairs with his mistresses for the past 40 years,” Taehyung scoffs playfully, face heating up when realizing he called Jeongguk—
“Cute?” Jeonngguk grins and knocks his knees together. He pulls his bottom lip in between his teeth, looking even more cute like this. Taehyung has to look away and groan just to maintain a sliver of his composure. “It’s okay, Taehyung-ssi, I think you’re cute too.”
Taehyung immediately looks back to Jeongguk, watching the way he pulls the blanket over his chin and mouth, leaving the swell of his cheeks still visible. “Call me hyung.”
A soft, rosy pink paints the surface of Jeongguk’s face, extending all the way to his ears. It’s endearing, how he tries curling further in on himself but Taehyung prevents him from doing so with an arm over his knees. “Okay, hyung.”
Something inside of Taehyung seems to shift after that. He likes the way Jeongguk calling him hyung rolls off of his tongue. Likes that they’re on a new level of familiarity now. Getting to know Jeongguk is the most interesting thing he’s had the pleasure of doing in a long time.
When he asks Jeongguk about his parents, he finds that there isn’t much to know. Jeongguk didn’t have much to do with his parents after college even though his brother still does. Something about them being bitter that Jeongguk was the one to inherit the bed and breakfast instead of themselves.
It doesn’t bother Jeongguk too much, but he misses the family gatherings during the holidays which is partly why he’s so engrossed while hearing about Taehyung and his family.
“I think it’s sweet that your mom is so invested in your love life. She just wants the best for you,” Jeongguk says, appearing in a state of comfort just thinking about it. Now Taehyung knows that it’s because he never had that kind of support system.
“Unfortunately for her, I don’t think there’s anyone out there who would want all of this.” Taehyung gestures to himself. “The other thing you missed about CEOs is that they’re no fun—work comes first, relationships second.”
“But you don’t have to be lonely,” Jeongguk mumbles, eyes as wide as ever while staring at Taehyung, nose still tucked under the blanket. “There’s someone out there for you, hyung. Someone you can put first.”
“Maybe so,” Taehyung murmurs, looking straight to Jeongguk. Feels himself peeking into a dark hole, teetering over the edge ready to plunge in deep. He thinks he likes being here with Jeongguk more than he should.
Even if the snow clears up in time, he decides that he’s not going to leave Jeongguk alone on Christmas. Tomorrow he’ll call his mother and tell her that he’ll do his best to be there for New Years, but for now, he basks in the quaint space filled by him and Jeongguk.
The glint in Jeongguk’s eyes seems to flicker into something mischievous, maybe a hint of nerves in there too. “It’s going to be cold in our beds tonight.”
Confused over the sudden change of topic, Taehyung nods, eyebrows knitted together. “I know.”
“But it doesn’t have to be.”
“Oh?” He cocks an eyebrow, catching on. That is, if this is going where he thinks it is.
Jeongguk glances away, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them, forcing the blanket to fall from his face. “You know, some animals—penguins especially—huddle together for warmth, y’know? And, theoretically speaking, we are animals, s-so—“
“Jeongguk, are you implying we should sleep in the same bed tonight?” Taehyung asks, getting to the point that Jeongguk was too shy to. A smirk eases into his features as Jeongguk pouts again. “Wait, let me correct myself— huddle together for warmth in your bed?”
“Maybe,” Jeongguk says quietly, face heating up again. “Just a suggestion, a silly one.”
“I certainly wouldn’t mind to,” Taehyung hums, tilting his head to the side, eyes sparked with interest. “Not at all.”
❄❄❄
The power is back on. A comforting wave of heat filters throughout Jeongguk’s room, and the sun shining through melts away at the frost on the windows.
Taehyung rolls over onto his back with a stretch and a groan, feeling the empty half of the bed next to him. His eyes squint open as he takes in the absence of a certain bed and breakfast owner. Snuggling back under the blanket, delving into the solace the bed provides, Taehyung thinks the only thing left to make this a perfect morning would be Jeongguk’s body curled up against his own.
Going to bed last night started out more awkward than not, neither of them knowing where to put their hands or slot their legs, but after Jeongguk turned over with his back facing Taehyung and let himself be the little spoon, they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.
It’s cheesy, overused, but cliches are certainly fitting for the holiday season. Taehyung is, to put it bluntly, a sucker for cliches—a guilty pleasure, if he’s being truthful. He just hadn’t expected any of them to narrate his own circumstances.
Sleeping in the same bed cuddled up to each other was possibly the best idea Jeongguk’s ever had, not that he’s known Jeongguk long enough to know any of his bad decisions. Taehyung slept better than he has in years. Body heat works wonders during a power outage. That, or Jeongguk’s heart is so big that it radiates enough warmth for him to become a human furnace.
He smiles just thinking about it. It makes him feel giddy on the inside, very much unlike the person he’s been lately. Jeongguk must be some sort of magical being to affect Taehyung the way he has in such a short period of time. The moment Taehyung waltzed his way into the bed and breakfast, he was a goner. There was no standing chance against it.
His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing. He picks it up without checking the caller ID, wanting to sigh in exasperation when he hears his mother’s worried voice spilling through the speaker asking if he’ll make it on time.
“I won’t be home for Christmas, I’m sorry,” he apologizes. His gaze traces along the walls, scanning over pictures of Jeongguk with the man he suspects to be Jeongguk’s hyung, along with Jeongguk as a child with elderly couple who seem to be his grandparents. “Something important came up, but don’t worry, I should be back for New Years.”
“Kim Taehyung, are you hiding something from me?” His mother questions, the growing grin on her face evident in her tone. “A boyfriend, perhaps?”
Taehyung lets out a breath of laughter. Maybe he should see if Jeongguk would like to join him for New Years, or if that would be too weird. He doesn’t want to suffocate Jeongguk after he’s spent so many holidays by himself, but he doesn’t want Jeongguk to have to go another season alone either. His family would adore Jeongguk the same way he’s beginning to.
The sudden sound of Christmas carols from downstairs sidetracks Taehyung, and suddenly he has the urge to find Jeongguk. “Tell the others I said Merry Christmas. I have some matters to tend to.”
“You do have one! Oh my goodness, how exciting,” his mother marvels, probably making her way to the wine cabinet to celebrate. He groans in response to her assumption making. “Don’t be a stranger, either of you. We’ll be seeing you both for New Years, no buts. Merry Christmas, dear.”
After she hangs up, Taehyung rubs his hands over his eyes and sighs. He’s not sure how he’ll be able to get himself out of that one. A problem for later, he tells himself in hopes of feeling better about it.
The kitchen is where Taehyung finds Jeongguk, as usual, after heading downstairs. His back is facing Taehyung while he flips pancakes on the stove, hips gently swaying to Santa Baby. The jumper he wears is tucked into a tight pair of jeans, doing wonders for the sight of his waist.
Taehyung isn’t really thinking when he ambles up to Jeongguk and wraps his arms around his waist. He feels the way Jeongguk’s body stills in his hold but relaxes soon after he hears Taehyung’s contented hum.
“Sleep well?” Jeongguk asks. His voice is still raspy, laced with lingering sleep. He leans back into Taehyung’s body, and Taehyung tightens his hold the slightest bit.
“Mm, amazingly,” Taehyung mumbles, tucking his nose into Jeongguk’s neck, feeling the ends of his waves tickling his nose and forehead. “Breakfast smells good.”
“It was supposed to be a surprise breakfast in bed, but someone decided to wake up early,” Jeongguk playfully comments, placing one of his hands over Taehyung’s and squeezing.
“You should’ve stayed in bed with me. Was comfy,” Taehyung responds. It sounds domestic. They feel domestic. Like they’re a couple and this is their house, their kitchen. He wonders if Jeongguk feels it too.
“May-maybe we can share a bed tonight again?” Jeongguk suggests shyly, placing the last pancake onto a plate and turning the stove off. Taehyung unwraps his arms so that Jeongguk can back himself up against the counter top and look at him. “If you’d like to, that is.”
Nodding, Taehyung assures with a smile, “I’d really like that.”
It’s quiet for a moment while the two merely stare at each other. Taehyung bites on his bottom lip and watches the way Jeongguk’s eyes dart towards the movement. It makes him feel a little hot on the inside. Wonders if Jeongguk is at least somewhat attracted to him too.
“Also,” he says, clearing his throat and trying to distract himself from Jeongguk’s wandering eyes. “I decided to stay here during Christmas.”
“But, hyung, you were supposed to see your family—“
“Christmas is in two days,” Taehyung interrupts, chuckling. “I might as well stay anyway. Besides, I want to spend it with you.”
“Are you sure?” Jeongguk asks. His bottom lip juts out into a pout as it tends to do. “I’m really not that great of company.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re wonderful, Jeongguk.” Taehyung waves a hand through the air in dismissal of Jeongguk’s comment. He comes forward and swipes a finger underneath Jeongguk’s chin, taking Jeongguk by surprise. “Maybe we can decorate the tree together.”
Wordlessly, Jeongguk nods, looking into Taehyung’s eyes with awe.
Taehyung considers kissing Jeongguk’s cheek, the tip of his nose, maybe even his forehead, but doesn’t.
But so badly, does he want to.
❄❄❄
It becomes some sort of unspoken agreement that Taehyung will pad his way into Jeongguk’s room each night, and every time, Jeongguk will welcome him with the covers on his side of the bed pulled down waiting for his arrival. The need to stay warm in a cold room stopped being an excuse a while ago, now it's just because sleeping alone has lost its appeal.
Taehyung doesn’t know how that, up until less than a week ago, sleeping alone had sufficed for him almost his entire life. He could never sleep without cuddling a pillow, but Jeongguk is so much better than a pillow.
When he wakes up before Jeongguk on the morning of Christmas Eve, he holds him a little tighter, brings him a little bit closer. Something like this doesn’t last forever, especially when the days are short and the nights are cold.
The truth is, Taehyung doesn’t know what will happen once he leaves. What’ll happen when he returns to work. Jeongguk can’t exactly leave what he has here, and Taehyung can’t sacrifice too much time to make frequent visits. That is, if Jeongguk would even want to stay in contact with him.
Jeongguk wakes up at a good time, snapping Taehyung out of his thoughts. The first thing he opens his eyes to is Taehyung, a dopey smile curling the corners of his lips. “Merry Christmas Eve, hyung.”
“And Merry Christmas Eve to you,” Taehyung greets, admiring the way Jeongguk’s hair is tousled every which way and the sun shining down on his tattoos, how his facial piercings reflect the light.
In every single way, Jeongguk is captivating, so much that Taehyung has a hard time taking his eyes off of him. It’s so unfair how Jeongguk is this perfect human being with stunning features and a heart of gold. How someone like Taehyung, who has spent the majority of his life believing he’s better off alone and that he isn’t deserving of a luxury such as a delicate romance, has the privilege of being the first person Jeongguk sees in the mornings and the last person he sees in the evenings.
It’s incredibly cruel of the universe to play such games on his heart, on his conscience.
Would Jeongguk be able to integrate himself into Taehyung’s lifestyle in a fashion that works for them both? Would he get tired of Taehyung overworking himself at the office, all the late nights and the tired phone calls with him saying I’ll be home soon when soon is another term for not soon enough.
But then he sees how Jeongguk’s eyes twinkle when he looks at Taehyung. He likes being on the receiving end of it. It makes him think that, even if things become complicated later on, he can indulge for now and see how it all pans out when they get to that bridge.
When Jeongguk brings a tentative hand to Taehyung’s hair, Taehyung lets his eyes slip shut while gentle fingers brush through the strands.
❄❄❄
“Is that the last of it?”
Jeongguk dumps the last tub of decorations on the floor, grunting as he does so. He lifts his arms in a deep stretch as he straightens out. Nodding, he says, “I know it’s not much, but we can make do with what we’ve got.”
Taehyung’s gaze trails down to the three large tubs of tree decorations, wondering which part of it is the not much that Jeongguk mentioned. His penthouse hardly sees any Christmas decorations during the season, so what Jeongguk considers to be a little is a lot for him.
The first tub he opens is filled with red and white ball ornaments, and he occupies himself with those as Jeongguk turns on the music while exclaiming, “We have to immerse ourselves in the full Christmas tree decorating experience, hyung!”
He listens as Jeongguk opens up his own tub, the sound of him approaching the tree, but doesn’t expect to have two arms reaching around him to place an ornament on the tree next to the ball he just hooked around a branch. The chest pressing against his back is firm, a snug surface to lean back on without meaning to. Over his neck is the warmth of Jeongguk’s steady breathing, sending chill bumps down his arms and spine.
“Those look alright side by side, don't they?” Jeongguk whispers, his sight directed at the golden flower next to a red ball.
“Mhm,” Taehyung hums, swallowing thickly and trying to calm his racing heart from hammering out of his chest. It’s difficult when Jeongguk is right there, fingers grazing over his arms where they’re draped at his sides, chin planting itself on his shoulder. “They look good together.”
We’d look good together, too.
Glancing over his shoulder, Taehyung meets Jeongguk’s eyes and feels his breath still in his chest. Like this, their faces are close in proximity, any closer and their lips would probably brush. The only thing keeping him from leaning forward is the thin sliver of self control left in his body.
Taehyung wonders if it’s just wishful thinking when he picks out what could be desire in Jeongguk’s eyes. If he’s struggling as much as Taehyung is, trying to hold back but growing weaker in his efforts by the second.
Then Jeongguk is tapping his waist and pulling away. “Well, it’s not gonna decorate itself,” he says, and looks elsewhere when Taehyung’s gaze sticks on him.
Sighing quietly, Taehyung mumbles an “Unfortunately” under his breath and reaches in for another couple of ornaments, placing them where he sees fit. He trends to one side of the tree while Jeongguk decorates the other, and soon, the tree is adorned with red and gold all over. The warm-toned lights on the tree reflect off of the sparkling ornaments, and the star sits prettily on top.
While they’re both admiring the tree, Taehyung also admires the glow radiating onto Jeongguk. How beautiful he looks under the lights, bathing in the faint gleam of the red ornaments. He doesn’t even notice Taehyung watching him, but Taehyung likes it better that way. These are his moments to keep for himself, locked away in his small box of precious memories.
Two of the tubs are empty and pushed off to the side, and inside the last tub is revealed to be nothing but tinsel garlands. He bends down to grab the handful of them, handing them over for Jeongguk to take.
“I forgot how fun it is to decorate the tree with someone else,” Jeongguk comments.
“As did I.” Taehyung stands from his crouched position. He compares the festive coziness of this place to his own, usually plain and empty around this time of year, no decorations or music, only papers and takeout boxes. “I can’t remember the last time I even decorated one of these.”
An expression of surprise shapes Jeongguk's features. He looks over to Taehyung with raised eyebrows. “Really?”
“It’s been lonely for me, Jeongguk.” Realistically, he knows that there’s been no one or nothing to blame for that other than himself.
One strand of golden garland is already wrapped around the top of the tree, Jeongguk now finishing up on the center. He comes over just as Jeongguk grabs onto the last strand, but instead of wrapping it around the tree, he wraps it around Taehyung. The hint of a smile is on Jeongguk’s lips as he wraps the garland around him a second time, pulling it tight but not too restricting.
“Me too,” Jeongguk responds, sounding remotely wistful, longing for a change. He draws Taehyung in closer to him, ignoring the gasp Taehyung lets out at the sudden turn of events. “But not anymore, right?”
Taehyung’s hands find their way to Jeongguk’s waist, fingers curling into his sweatshirt, tempted to sneak beneath the hem and graze the skin there. “If you’ll have me this Christmas,” he murmurs, struck with the realization that Jeongguk’s eyes twinkle more than any of the lights on the tree could ever come close to. “And the ones to follow.”
“Of course. Would you have me as well?” Jeongguk inquires softly, giving Taehyung the look he is terribly weak for. The wide eyes, the slightly pouted lip, everything that makes Taehyung’s knees wobble and his heart pound. “I know you’ve said relationships aren’t your thing, but—“
“I closed myself off from them, believing there was no chance I’d find someone I’d want to give myself to, no one who deserved having to put up with someone like me,” Taehyung expresses, squeezing Jeongguk’s shirt with an intensified vigor, pulling him even closer. “Finding someone who makes you want to try to be someone worth loving—I didn’t think I was one of the lucky ones, but…”
He remembers the words Jeongguk told him the first night he waltzed in here, not yet knowing what would come out of a snowstorm and nowhere else to go.
“I suppose I’ve been waiting for you all along, haven’t I?”
The kiss Jeongguk pulls him into leaves him stunned, lips not moving with Jeongguk’s until he catches up with himself. His lips are warm and plush, slotting in between his own and moving slowly. Taehyung feels his chest flood with adoration and excitement, almost standing on his tiptoes as he tries leaning more into the kiss.
One of his hands slips under Jeongguk’s sweatshirt, thumb rubbing over the slight curve of his waist while his hand holds the area firmly. He sucks Jeongguk’s bottom lip between his, swallowing the quiet gasp that comes out of him.
Taehyung has no intentions of taking it any further, but Jeongguk seems to be on a different path. He uses his reign on the garland to lead Taehyung to the couch, pushing him down to sit on it as he maneuvers into his lap, straddling Taehyung. His mouth latches back onto Taehyung’s, and Taehyung lets out a content hum when Jeongguk’s tongue brushes against his.
The hardening in his pants doesn’t go unnoticed. Jeongguk ruts against him by accident, a sweet moan drawing past his lips as their cocks grind together. Tilting his head back over the top of the cushion, Taehyung looks at Jeongguk through his eyelashes and nods, encouraging him to do it again.
He does, a little more purpose in his hips this time. Another wave of pleasure surges through Taehyung, almost making his stomach lurch as he ruts up into Jeongguk. They move together slowly, taking their time and taking each other in.
“I really—ah,” Jeongguk begins, breathing his words out on Taehyung’s lips, hands letting go of the garland in favor of grazing over Taehyung’s chest and shoulders. “I really like you, Taehyung. A lot.”
With the garland loosened, Taehyung stretches it out more so that he can reach around to settle his hands over the small of Jeongguk’s back. “I like you too, Jeongguk. Kind of wanna make you mine.”
“Only kind of?” Jeongguk questions teasingly, biting his bottom lip as he grins and brings his hands back to move Taehyung’s farther down.
Reprimanding, Taehyung squeezes Jeongguk’s ass, enjoying the surprised squeak that it elicits. “Don’t be a brat. We’re having a moment.”
“Mm, I expected you to be able to handle a little teasing.”
Taehyung mutters a series of curses under his breath that makes Jeongguk giggle. Jeongguk’s laughter fills the air as Taehyung grabs his waist and tosses him down on the couch, quickly adjusting to hover over Jeongguk. Their lips slot together again, this time with Taehyung’s hand holding onto his jaw and the other hiking a leg over his hip.
❄❄❄
New Years Eve
“Oh dear, what if they think I’m underdressed?” Jeongguk frets, patting down his perfectly fine outfit that he had Taehyung help pick out for him earlier that morning. “You must come from a long line of successful people, and I’m just some lumberjack—“
“Jeongguk, my dad still buys childrens’ bubble mixture for his baths and my mom cries whenever she sees a cute dog on tv.” Taehyung grabs onto Jeongguk’s biceps for emphasis (and to feel his muscles under his jacket) and reassures, “I promise, I’m the worst that it gets in my family. You’ll be fine. Nobody will care about what you’re wearing, they just care about you.”
“Sorry, I’ve never done this type of thing before. Meeting the parents and all that,” Jeongguk chuckles nervously, nose scrunching. Oh how Taehyung’s mother will adore him. But what isn’t to adore?
His mother had been ecstatic when he confirmed he would be bringing his boyfriend to the New Years celebration with him. He couldn’t speak much past her excited interrogation of who he was, how they met, how long they’ve been together.
Now that the two will actually be able to meet, he’s prepared to fight her just to keep Jeongguk by his side instead of letting her hog him for most of the night. He’s clingy too, especially when Jeongguk is dressed up so warm and fuzzy.
“If it makes you feel better, I haven’t brought anyone home with me since the 10th grade,” Taehyung quips, giggling at the glare Jeongguk sends his way. “Actually, I did bring my best friend Jimin and his boyfriend over five or so years ago, but that’s it.”
“That makes me feel so much better,” Jeongguk pipes in sarcasm, laughing when Taehyung hits at his shoulder.
“I knew it would, don’t doubt my abilities,” Taehyung plays along. “We older people have more life experience under our belts, we know how these things work.”
Jeongguk snorts, “Oh, right, I forgot you’re a literal grandpa for a second there—“
“Are you two going to stand there all day, or are you actually going to join us?” At the front door is Hayun, looking between the two of them with a playful grin.
“Yah, go back inside. Mom will throw a fit if you let the cold air in!” Taehyung shouts as Hayun’s laughter disappears behind the now shut door. He looks back to Jeongguk who has tensed up again. Swiping a finger under Jeongguk’s chin, he leans in and pecks a kiss to the tip of his nose. “They’ll love you, I promise.”
“Will you hold my hand the entire time?” Jeongguk asks, looking up at him with wide eyes, to which Taehyung slots their fingers together.
“I’ll never let go,” Taehyung winks. “Unless, like, one of us has to use the bathroom or something. It would be kind of awkward otherwise—“
“Shut up,” Jeongguk groans. “Go back to being the cool and rich dilf CEO you were when we met.”
“What’s a dilf?”
“Nevermind.”
Jeongguk’s hand slips from Taehyung’s as he stomps towards the front door, Taehyung trailing after him.
“Wait, I’m curious now!”
“Too bad.”
Staring after Jeongguk, Taehyung can’t help but to have the cheesiest grin on his face.
It’s time for a new story now. No longer is he the lonely person he used to be. Everything he needed before is now in the palm of his hands, looking back at him with a smile just as beautiful and wide.
Merry Christmas to me.