Jeongin had been awake since 6:03 a.m.
Not because he was productive. Not because he had somewhere to be.
But because it was Christmas… and Y/N was still asleep.
He lay there on his side, cheek squished into the pillow, watching her breathe like it was the most fascinating thing in the world. One arm was thrown over her waist, his leg tangled with hers, making escape physically impossible.
He blinked slowly.
Then smiled.
Then whispered, “My wife.”
She stirred slightly, brows knitting together.
Jeongin froze. Completely still. Even his breathing paused.
When she didn’t wake up, he relaxed again and scooted closer — somehow closer — nose pressing lightly into her shoulder. He nuzzled. Soft. Careful. Like a cat that didn’t want to be kicked off the bed.
“Jeongin,” she mumbled sleepily, eyes still closed.
“Yes?” he whispered instantly.
“…why are you breathing on me.”
He grinned, eyes crinkling. “Because I missed you.”
“You saw me yesterday.”
“That was yesterday.”
She sighed, half amused, half exhausted. “You’re impossible.”
He beamed at the insult.
Suddenly, he gasped.
Soft. Dramatic. Full baby-bread gasp.
“Oh no.”
Her eyes snapped open. “What?”
Jeongin bolted upright, hair sticking up everywhere. “I forgot something important.”
“What did you forget?” she asked, now fully awake.
He scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over the blanket, and ran out of the bedroom.
“Jeongin?” she called, panic creeping in.
“WAIT HERE,” he yelled back. “DON’T MOVE. IT’S A SURPRISE BUT ALSO AN EMERGENCY.”
She threw on a sweater and followed him anyway.
She reached the living room just in time to see him standing on his toes, arms stretched upward, trying to adjust something on the doorway. He noticed her and whipped around, eyes wide.
“You weren’t supposed to come yet!”
“I thought you died!”
“I’m alive!” he said quickly. “Look up. Please.”
She did.
A mistletoe hung crookedly above them, held up by tape that was very clearly struggling.
Jeongin stood beneath it, hands behind his back, rocking slightly on his heels.
“I woke up and remembered it’s Christmas,” he said softly, “and then I remembered you’re my wife, and then I remembered mistletoe exists, and I didn’t want to miss it.”
She stared at him, heart melting completely.
“…You’re adorable,” she said.
His ears turned red instantly. “So— does that mean—”
She stepped closer. “Yes.”
He leaned down eagerly, but misjudged the distance and bumped noses with her instead.
“Ow— sorry— sorry—” he panicked.
She laughed and pulled him in properly, kissing him gently. He melted immediately, arms wrapping around her like he’d been waiting all morning for permission.
When they pulled apart, he didn’t let go.
Instead, he tucked his face into her neck, mumbling, “Merry Christmas. Please don’t go anywhere today.”
She smiled, hugging him back. “I wasn’t planning to.”
His smile was instant and radiant. “Good. I already planned cuddles, breakfast, and more cuddles.”
“Any personal space?”
He thought about it. “…No.”
She laughed, resting her forehead against his. “Baby bread.”
He gasped. “That’s my title.”
And with the crooked mistletoe above them and Jeongin clinging to her like the world might disappear if he let go, Christmas morning felt exactly right. 🎄🤍