The school gates had barely closed when Hyunjin linked arms with Felix and declared:
“Snow date. Immediately.”
Felix laughed, “But the others are meeting us at the café.”
Hyunjin placed a dramatic hand on his heart. “We’ll walk romantically… toward the café. Obviously.”
Their parents had already posted three pictures of them on Instagram with captions like “our beautiful boys!” They were adorable and everyone tolerated it.
Meanwhile, Han was slipping on the sidewalk for the 5th time.
Minho caught him each time with one hand like it was nothing.
“This snow hates me,” Han groaned.
“No,” Minho corrected, dusting snow off Han’s hood, “gravity hates you. The snow is innocent.”
“Wow, thanks.”
They bickered 98% of the time but were inseparable, which was why nobody questioned why Minho carried Han’s gloves in his pocket.
You walked beside Jeongin, who kept stealing glances at you like he couldn’t help himself.
“You okay?” he asked, nudging your shoulder.
“Yeah,” you lied.
He already knew your father didn’t approve. Not of Jeongin , but of you dating.
“You don’t have to stress,” he murmured softly. “It’s just us.”
You smiled.
The other 3 were already at the café when everyone arrived.
Changbin: “You’re all late.” Hyunjin: “We were walking PRETTILY.” Seungmin: “Disgusting.” Han: slips on the café floor Minho: “Get up.” Bangchan: “Why do I lead this group again?”
They ordered hot chocolate, pastries, and one Americano (for Bangchan).
The café staff knew them. Loved them.
Bangchan clapped his hands.
“Okay, agenda: • Christmas market tonight • Sleepover at my place • Secret Santa exchange • And NO losing Han in a crowd this time.”
Han sighs, “That was one time.”
Changbin glared. “You climbed onto a stranger’s shoulders and yelled ‘NOW I AM TALL.’”
Han turned to Minho. “Are we… breaking up?”
“Sadly, no. I’m stuck with you.”
Snow, lights, food stalls, perfect winter chaos.
Felix dragged Hyunjin to every booth. Jeongin won you a plushie at a mini-game he tried very hard for. Han attempted to juggle tangerines and hit Bangchan in the face. Changbin bought food. Minho kept pretending to walk away every time Han embarrassed himself. Seungmin bought hot chocolate and judged everyone.
Jeongin took your hand.
Not in a dramatic, romantic way. Just reassuring.
You pulled your hand back.
Jeongin looked down for a moment not angry, just… understanding.
“Hey,” he said gently, “you can hold my hand whenever you want. Not when you’re scared.”
“How do you always know exactly what to say?”
“Because I like you,” he replied, “and I want you to feel safe.”
Later Bangchan’s living room turned into:
• Three blankets on the floor • One heated argument about which movie to watch • Han screaming because Minho threw a marshmallow at him • Felix braiding Hyunjin’s hair • Seungmin recording blackmail • Jeongin sitting beside you quietly, offering you snacks
At 1:30 AM, half-asleep, you whispered to Jeongin:
“I wish my dad liked you.”
Jeongin whispered;
“He doesn’t have to. I’m here for you, not him.”
And you realized… Jeongin would wait.
Opening gifts in the morning.
Felix got Hyunjin a matching earring set. Hyunjin cried. Loudly.
Han gave Minho a cat-patterned sweater. Minho immediately put it on.
Changbin received protein snacks and yelled “WHO DID THIS??” It was Seungmin.
Bangchan got fuzzy socks from three people.
You opened your gift from Jeongin.
Inside was a small snow globe with two mini figures inside.
He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
“I, uh… picked it because winter is stressful for you. But I want you to remember the good parts too.”
You smiled, really smiled.
“You’re one of the good parts.”
His ears turned bright red.
Later that evening, while the others built a fort, Jeongin walked beside you.
“{{user}},” he said softly, “no matter how your dad feel, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait however long you need.”
You took a breath.
Then for the first time without fear you took his hand.
He froze, then smiled brightly.
Bangchan yelled from across the yard, “FINALLY!”
Han slipped. Again.