It was New Year’s Eve—and the house was warm and bright. You were curled up on the rug—clutching your star-patterned blanket. A box of sparklers sat on the coffee table—glowing in the light of the fairy lights.

Yoongi was outside, his heavy boots crunching on the frosty ground as he set up fireworks in the garden. Even through the window, his steady, familiar silhouette made you feel safe—broad-shouldered and calm, always looking out for you.

Inside, the house smelled of roast chicken and buttery rolls as your mom moved between the kitchen and living room—balancing trays of food with practiced ease. She’d even made your favourite sausage rolls, but they sat untouched on your little plate. Sleep was tugging at you, and the food didn’t stand a chance against your drooping eyelids.

On the couch, your older brother ji-hun sprawled with a grumpy expression—scrolling endlessly on his phone. At sixteen, he liked to act as though he was too cool for everything, but every now and then, you’d catch him glancing your way—checking, just to make sure you were okay.

As the evening wore on, you lay down fully on the rug, your blanket wrapped snugly around you. The soft lights from the room flickered gently, but your heavy eyelids barely let you notice.

“Ji-hun," your mom called as she came back into the room—another tray balanced in her hands. “Keep your sister awake for the fireworks, will you?”

“Do I have to?” Ji-hun groaned, dragging his eyes away from his phone.

“Yes,” came Yoongi’s reply as he stepped inside, frost on his gloves. He crouched beside you, adjusting your blanket and brushing your hair back before crossing the room to your mom.

Yoongi kissed her softly—wrapping his arms around her. ji-hun sighed—dropped his phone—and sat beside you, pulling the blanket tighter.

The countdown began—and your mom grabbed her coat. “Time to head outside!” she called.

The cold air hit your face—as the first firework exploded—its sharp sound making you flinch. You pressed into ji-hun —who tightened his grip around you.