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Yoongi had been run off his feet all day. His little flower shop a hive activity in the lead up to Christmas. It was always busy this time of year, everyone in a rush to get last minute gifts and decorations for the big day. While it left him tired it always made him happy to see the smiles on his customers faces when he could fulfill their wishes. When he hadn’t been attending to his customers he’d been arranging flower displays and bouquets. Taking his time to create beautiful and festive arrangements that anyone would be proud to display in their homes.
He was busy finishing up a display of poinsettia when the little bell over the door chimed and a rush of cold air rushed through the shop. He smiled softly at the sight of the town delivery boy as he fumbled his way into the shop. Even from where he stood at the back of the shop Yoongi could see his red cheeks and nose, the cold winter air leaving its mark.
‘Hi Yoongi hyung.’ Jimin greeted happily as he reached the counter, pulling his cap off and dusting the snow from it. His blond hair falling messily over his eyes.
This was Yoongi’s favourite part of the day, not that he’d admit it to anyone. No matter how he was feeling, be it happy, sad or tired, Jimin managed to bring a smile to his face.
‘Looks like you’ve been busy today.’ Jimin said taking note of the bouquets already made up on the bench behind Yoongi. He looked back at them, pride swelling in his chest at the beautiful flower arrangements he’d created throughout the day.
‘Yeah, sorry I’ll be adding a lot to your workload.’ He said awkwardly turning back to Jimin. But Jimin just laughed lightly, his smile growing wider and Yoongi’s heart fluttering.
‘Don’t be silly hyung. Your flowers are my favourite thing to deliver. I love seeing the happy smiles on people’s faces when they get them.
‘I just have this one to finish up if you don’t mind waiting.’ He said not really sure how else to respond to Jimin’s words.
‘Sure take your time. Yours is my last stop of the day.’
‘Hyung?’
‘Hm?’
‘What does this one mean?’ Jimin asked. Yoongi looked up from where he was curling the ribbon for the bouquet. The younger was looking intently at the orchids, his fingers softly brushing over the pale petals. He often did that, ask Yoongi what the meanings behind the many flowers and plants that lined the shelves and benches of his shop. Forever curious about the secret language of flowers. He’d been waiting around for Yoongi to finish the last arrangement, chatting idly about his day, telling Yoongi all the gossip he finds out about the townspeople on his delivery route. Truthfully Yoongi didn’t care, but he liked to hear Jimin speak, like how animated and excited he got as he told his little stories.
‘Orchid? That means rare and delicate beauty.’
‘Oh.’ Jimin said, ‘so just like you hyung.’
Yoongi felt his cheeks flushing in an instant, and he fumbled with the ribbon in his hands. The glittering gold silk rippling to the floor. Jimin just smiled at him sweetly as though he hadn’t just turned Yoongi into a flustered mess.
‘I- um.’ Yoongi mumbled as he dipped down behind the counter to pick up the ribbon he’d dropped, willing his red cheeks to fade before standing back up.
Jimin must’ve moved while he’d been hiding, now standing right in front of Yoongi on the opposite side of the bench.
Yoongi kept his eyes down, unable to make eye contact with Jimin after his little comment. Thankfully Jimin didn’t say anything else, just waited patiently for Yoongi to fumble his way through finishing the bouquet, his fingers a little shaky as he tried to calm down.
Jimin always had that effect on him, he’d make a friendly comment or compliment Yoongi in some way and he’d be left all flustered and embarrassed. Hoseok often teased him about it, any chance he got he’d mention Yoongi’s little crush on Jimin. Never letting him live it down. For a long time Yoongi had tried to deny he had a crush on the delivery boy, but it was pointless really. He just hoped it wasn’t as obvious to Jimin as it had apparently been to his friends.
~
The rest of the week leading up to Christmas saw Yoongi busier than ever. He didn’t even see much of his friends, their own lives just as busy. The entire town seemed to thrum with activity. A steady stream of people passing by his door all day every day.
He normally loved to be busy but it was starting to tire him out. On a normal work day he’d maybe visit one of his friends in their shops or Namjoon would drop in on his lunch break. They were all overloaded with work.
The only person he saw daily was Jimin as he came to collect the many orders Yoongi had been making up, but even he didn’t have much time to stay and chat. Bustling into the shop, his bag full of parcels ready to be delivered. But even in his tired and busy state Jimin still had a smile for Yoongi.
It made his days just that little bit easier.
~
It was almost closing time on Christmas Eve when Yoongi heard the bell over the door tinkle softly. He’d pretty much spent the afternoon with one eye on the clock. Counting down until it was time to close up. The day had been long and tiring, he couldn’t wait to be back home curled up on the sofa watching tv. It had also been snowing steadily for the past hour or so, blanketing the town in soft white. While Yoongi hated the cold he couldn’t deny how pretty it made everything look, the world outside the shop almost like a greetings card. It was pretty to see outside as he packed up everything ready for closing.
He looked up when the door opened, a flurry off snow following Jimin as he stepped into the warmth of the shop. His usual blue cap had been replaced by a woolen hat pulled down low over his forehead, a thick scarf wrapped snug around his neck.
‘Jimin-ah I wasn’t expecting to see you back. I don’t I have any more deliveries to go out.’ Yoongi said as Jimin reached the bench which Yoongi had been wiping down. Jimin had stopped by the shop that morning to collect the orders that were going out that day.
‘I’m not here to pick up.’ Jimin explained as he pulled off his scarf and hat revealing his flushed cheeks. He looked so cute with his rosy cheeks and hair sticking up wildly, Yoongi could only watch fondly as the younger ran his hand through the mess of blond locks a few times to tame it.
‘Oh okay.’
‘You’re closing up for the night?’ Jimin asked as he took in the empty display shelves.
‘Yeah I’m almost done. You don’t have anymore deliveries?’
‘Hm, bet you can’t wait to relax over the holidays. It’s been so busy lately.’ Jimin said as Yoongi went back to wiping down the bench. It was good to have that as a distraction. While it was nice to see him again, he wasn’t entirely sure why Jimin was there and it made him a little nervous. Why had he came back if he wasn’t there to pick up a delivery? Was he supposed to be delivering something to Yoongi? He hadn’t ordered anything so it couldn’t be that. Why had the younger came back at what he presumed was the end of his shift?
‘I have something for you.’ Jimin said after a little while, Yoongi turning to see him pulling a small box from his bag. It was just a simple cardboard box a bright red ribbon tied neatly in a bow around it. A gift.
‘Oh you didn’t have to do that.’ Yoongi said shyly taking the box which Jimin held out to him.
‘I know, I wanted to.’ He said softly as he watched Yoongi place the box carefully bench. ‘Open it.’
Yoongi laughed lightly at Jimin’s encouragement before untying the ribbon and gently lifting the lid. Inside were cookies, and Yoongi’s heart swelled with joy as he reached in taking one out of the box. They were snowflake shaped, each one a different pattern drawn on in smooth white icing. It was easy to see they had been handmade, the icing a little uneven in places and the lines not quite straight, imperfectly perfect.
‘I had Taehyung help me with them.’ Jimin said, chewing on his bottom lip nervously waiting for Yoongi’s verdict.
‘They look amazing.’ Yoongi said
‘You should try one.’
Yoongi didn’t need telling twice, taking a bite he was filled with the delicious taste of the cookie, soft and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness.
‘Are-are they okay?’ Jimin asked as Yoongi brushed the crumbs from his lips.
‘They’re delicious, thank you Jimin-ah.’
Jimin beamed at him and Yoongi could almost feel the pride emanating from the younger as he encouraged Yoongi to have another.
‘You should have one too.’ Yoongi said offering the box to him but Jimin just shook his head.
‘No, me and Tae had more than enough earlier when we were making them.’ He said laughing softly. ‘Let’s just say a lot were tested to make sure they were good enough to eat.’
Jimin told him how Taehyung had helped him baking the cookies that afternoon. How the ones that he had made a mess of decorating ended up in their stomachs. Yoongi couldn’t help laughing along with him.
‘I have something else for you.’
‘Oh?’
‘I noticed there’s a particular christmas plant that you don’t seem to have.’ Jimin said reaching into his jacket pocket.
‘So I thought it was only right that I brought some myself.’ He said, stepping closer to a very puzzled Yoongi. Biting at his lip Jimin pulled his hand from his pocket, a small sprig of green leaves and white berries in his grasp.
‘You see, it isn’t christmas without mistletoe.’ Jimin said softly.
‘I-’
‘And you know what you have to do if you get caught under mistletoe right hyung?’ Jimin asked lifting his arm, holding the mistletoe above their heads. Yoongi’s head swirled, his eyes flicking up to the sprig of mistletoe and back to Jimin’s face. The younger looking at him with what looked like hope. Yoongi couldn’t move. His heart seemed to be racing a million miles an hour as Jimin stood before him, they were so close he could see the freckles that dotted across his smooth skin.
Maybe he’d hesitated too long, but Jimin seemed to pull back a little, a flash of disappointment and awkwardness passing over his face. Yoongi panicked not wanting to miss his one chance, moving forward not really thinking he pressed his lips against Jimin’s.
This kiss was barely anything at all, just a chaste touching of lips before Yoongi pulled back, face no doubt flushed bright red.
‘I um-’ He mumbled before taking a step back, banging into the bench as he did so.
‘Hyung? Are you okay?’ Jimin asked.
‘Y-yes.. I just… I have something for you too. Need to- need to go get it.’ He said before practically running into the back room.
Once the door was closed behind him Yoongi took a breath. He heart was pounding in his chest. He had just kissed Jimin.
Jimin.
He had kissed Jimin.
He felt like his whole body was on fire. Closing his eyes and leaning back against the closed for a moment Yoongi tried to calm down.
‘Hyung is everything alright?’
Jimin’s voice on the other side of the door startled him.
‘Y-yeah, j-just give me a minute.’ Yoongi snapped his eyes open and looked around the stockroom. Eyes scanning for something to give Jimin. He’d lied about having something for the other boy, just wanting to escape for a second but he couldn’t go back out there with nothing now.
He quickly looked, panic building up inside of him until he spotted it. The red petals seeming to pull his gaze in the soft light of the stockroom.
The door opened with a slight creak as Yoongi slipped back out into the shop. Jimin had taken his jacket off, the long sleeves of his shirt covering his hands, only his fingertips visible. He looked impossibly cuter as he stood waiting for Yoongi.
Swallowing hard Yoongi walked over to him and held out the flower.
Jimin took it gently, their fingers brushing ever so softly sending more sparks shooting through Yoongi.
He smiled as he looked at the flower, brushing his fingers over the deep red petals.
‘What does this one mean?’ Jimin asked his voice quiet and gentle. Yoongi took a shaking breath before answering him.
‘Gardenia has a few meanings.’ He began, thankful Jimin’s gaze was still fixed on the flower in his hand. ‘We most often see the white gardenia which means purity, innocence and clarity. But the red ones are a little different, some say they were used long ago to show love and affection in secret. You would give it to someone whom you couldn’t express your feelings for outright, whether it be for societal pressures or other reasons.’
Jimin was looking up at him now, Yoongi shifted a little awkwardly but he had came this far.
‘Even today people often give red gardenias as a silent declaration of love.’
‘And you’re giving it to me?’ Jimin asked quietly, he looked at Yoongi and he could see that hope in his eyes again. Jimin stepped closer as Yoongi nodded.
‘Yes.’
It all seemed to happen in an instant. One minute he was stood hoping Jimin would understand what he was saying, the next Jimin had his arms around his neck and he was kissing Yoongi.
This time he didn’t panic.
He melted into Jimin, his hands coming to rest on his hips as Jimin pulled him closer. The softness of Jimin’s plush lips against his own sent sparks shooting through Yoongi once more and he couldn’t help the slight whine that came out of him when Jimin pulled away. The younger just smiling at him.
‘I thought I’d messed up.’ He admitted.
‘Huh?’
‘With the mistletoe. When you ran off I thought I’d maybe got it wrong.’
‘No I just panicked.’
Jimin laughed at that, his eyes disappearing as his smile grew.
‘You’re so cute hyung.’
‘No I’m not.’ Yoongi pouted as Jimin ran his fingers through the hair.
‘Hm, yes you are, the cutest.’ He said before pressing another kiss to Yoongi’s lips.
They stood kissing for a little while and Yoongi never wanted it to stop. The feeling of Jimin in his arms was something he never wanted to end.
‘I think I could kiss you all day.’ Jimin said when they finally pulled apart, he pulled Yoongi even closer burying his face in his neck. Yoongi wrapping his arms around the younger’s waist.
‘Y-you could?’
‘Hm yeah. Been thinking about it for so long and it’s even better than I imagined.’
‘Wait y-you’ve been thinking about kissing me?’ Yoongi stuttered thrown by the admission.
Jimin straightened up looking at Yoongi with amusement.
‘Aish, Seokjin-hyung was right, you really are oblivious.’ He said.
‘What d’you mean?’
‘I was starting to think you weren’t interested. You never really responded to all my flirting, but Jin-hyung said you were just oblivious to it.’
‘You were flirting with me?’
‘Yes hyung! You think I just go around telling everyone they’re pretty and amazing all the time?’ Jimin asked laughing. Yoongi could feel his cheeks warming again.
‘Well, I- yes sort of. Don’t laugh at me Park Jimin!’ Yoongi whined as Jimin broke out into giggles.
‘See, the cutest.’ He said cupping Yoongi’s face and pressing another light kiss against his lips.
‘It’s not my fault. You’re nice to everyone.’ Yoongi said pouting.
‘Maybe, but I don’t think about kissing everyone.’
Yoongi felt Jimin’s hands slip under his sweater as they kissed some more. He could lose himself in those kisses. In Jimin. He wasn’t sure how long they stood there lost in each other. It was like the world around them didn’t existent. Only Jimin and his soft lips and gentle touches.
It wasn’t until Jimin’s phone went off that they stepped away from each other. Yoongi was kind of glad, the way Jimin’s hands hand been straying under his sweater he’d been starting to feel a little hot.
‘Sorry.’ Jimin whispered as he pulled his phone from his pocket. ‘It’s my boss.’
Yoongi waved him off and Jimin moved towards the front of the store as he answered his phone and spoke to his boss. Yoongi took the time to pull himself together.
While Jimin was busy on the phone he finished tidying up. He was just tying the ribbon back around his box of cookies when Jimin came back.
‘Sorry about that.’ He said.
‘Don’t be, is everything okay?’
‘Yeah, she was just checking in.’
They stood awkwardly for a moment. Neither knowing what to do or say. Until they both blurted at the same time;
‘So um.. you hungry?’
‘D’you want to get dinner?’
The both broke into laughter, any tension or awkwardness vanishing
‘Dinner would be nice.’ Yoongi said smile softly.
‘Yeah?’
~
Walking along the snow covered street felt surreal with Jimin’s hand clasped in his.
‘It’s really beautiful.’ Jimin said after a little while. Yoongi thought he was talking about the snow at first but when he turned to look at him his gaze was fixed on the flower Yoongi had gave him.
‘Just like you Jimin-ah.’
Jimin laughed and nudged Yoongi’s side.
It was weird how right it felt. To be with Jimin. All his time spent crushing on the boy and now they were going on a date.
‘I mean it though, it’s beautiful and even more so knowing the meaning behind it. Thank you.’ Jimin said squeezing has hand.
‘I’m the one who should be thankful. Not only did I get delicious cookies, but the boy I like kissed me.’
‘Hm. We’re both lucky there, cos the boy I like kissed me too.’ Jimin said reaching up and pressing a kiss to Yoongi’s cheek.