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"Taehyung-ah, are the bags ready?" Jimin asked his boyfriend from the kitchen. At first, he didn't hear anything until he heard a bag being zipped and a simple answer came from the other boy. Feeling content with the answer, Jimin continued making sweet rice cakes. The kitchen he was standing in wasn't as spacious as he would have wanted it to be since the counters were close to each. Not too close to bump into one another while passing.
Right as Jimin was about to start wrapping the rice dough around the red bean paste that was the size of a ping-pong ball, Taehyung entered the kitchen. A bright smile appeared on the younger's face as he saw his boyfriend working on the rice cakes. Something Jimin knew how to do quite well. Rice cakes were also Taehyung's favourite desserts. Well, they became his favourite when he tasted the ones that Jimin made. Taehyung then realized that no one else could make rice cakes as tasty as Jimin would.
Taehyung went to hug Jimin from behind, his hands softly wrapping around the other's waist, bringing their bodies closer to each other. Taehyung hid his face in the crook of Jimin's neck, leaving a very soft kiss. This made Jimin giggle while he continued making rice cakes.
"I will finish this soon. You can start cleaning the kitchen," Taehyung only hummed in answer, leaving small kisses against Jimin's skin which resulted in the boy smiling brighter and giggling. Eventually, Jimin wriggled out of Taehyung's grasp. Taehyung ruffled Jimin's golden locks, leaving a mess. Jimin let out a disapproving sound but continued making rice cakes. Taehyung then sighed dramatically and walked to the sink.
Soon enough, Taehyung lost himself in his own mind while washing the dirty plates and cups. He started thinking about how he and Jimin were getting ready to go meet his family. He felt excited to finally see his family after such a long time, with Jimin by his side.
Taehyung started wondering about his life since Jimin and he made it official. He noted that life seemed a lot brighter, he felt happier now that he could kiss the love of his life whenever he wanted and call Jimin his. Of course, the fact that Taehyung felt happier didn't surprise him at all. Just having Jimin in his life made him the happiest.
Taehyung looked back to see Jimin putting rice cakes away in plastic boxes, it was ready for tomorrow. Taehyung smiled, thinking that this is exactly what he wanted his life to look like, with Jimin in his future. He wanted to see and experience this forever. Jimin then quickly came over to Taehyung, leaving a quick kiss on his cheek. Yes, this is exactly how Taehyung wanted to spend his holidays for the rest of his days.
After one hour or so, Taehyung finished washing and drying the dishes, putting them all away in cabinets that were above the sink. The kitchen was clean, and he was happy with himself. He then went to the living room, where Jimin was sitting, reading something on his phone. Taehyung quickly sat next to him, laying his head on the other's shoulder.
"Hey, don't fall asleep on me."
"But I'm tired," Taehyung drew out the word 'tired' to emphasize just how "tired" he was feeling.
"I know you are, love, but we're leaving soon. You can sleep on the train," Jimin answered. He didn't hear any answer from Taehyung, but he assumed that the younger agreed with him.
In the end, they ended up cuddling. The room was in complete silence as they enjoyed each other's presence. They did share a few kisses, feeling completely peaceful, both lost in their own little world. Jimin would whisper sweet nothings, leaving small kisses all over Taehyung's face while the younger would giggle in response and hide his face. Taehyung would return the favour by playing with Jimin's fingers or drawing ornaments on his hips while Taehyung kissed him deeply.
At some point, Jimin looked at his phone to check the time. Taehyung was laying on Jimin's chest, listening to his beating heart. Jimin noted that it was time for them to leave. Taehyung jumped up excitedly, ready to leave and finally go see his family. They changed out of their comfortable clothes into something warmer, gathered their bags, the food that Jimin has prepared and left for the train station.
Sadly, that did not work out for them as they wished for it to happen.
"Is there really no other way?" Jimin asked desperately.
"I'm sorry sir, but everything was canceled. I would offer you to travel another time, but all trips have been canceled until December 27th," the employee informed Jimin. The boy sighed, it seems like there's nothing they could do. After thanking the woman, Jimin walked back to Taehyung, who stood not too far away looking after their bags. Taehyung noticed Jimin's expression and he immediately knew that something was not right.
Only now did Jimin notice that the train station wasn't as lively as it should have been. There were people there, no doubt. Some were sitting, others walked by but overall it was emptier than it should have been around this time of the year. Jimin kept looking around, avoiding Taehyung's gaze but he knew that the younger already realized what was going on so there was no use avoiding it. As they say, it's best to rip the bandaid off quickly. Jimin sighed.
"They canceled everything," he declared simply. Taehyung's heart dropped and Jimin could pinpoint the exact moment it happened. Jimin's heart broke, knowing how much the younger was looking forward to this trip. However, there was really nothing they could do. Of course, they could always ask one of their friends to drive them back to Daegu but all of them had already left to see their own families.
Jimin could see Taehyung thinking, trying to come up with anything to solve this issue but both knew there was nothing. Taehyung sighed eventually, looking down at the ground as sadness took over him. They both then quietly collected their things and left the train station, walking to the bus station. Taehyung didn't say a word on their way back, simply looking through the window, his face was blank. However, Jimin knew better. He knew that his boyfriend's blank expressions said so much more than people could understand.
After 30 minutes of driving, they arrived back home. By the time they reached their home, it started to snow. Every surface around them was covered in white which made it truly feel like Christmas. The weather was a lot colder and the chilly wind made Jimin shiver a little.
The couple carried their bags back to the house, leaving them in their room. When Jimin turned around, he didn't find Taehyung beside him. He slowly made his way out of their bedroom to see Taehyung standing by their Christmas tree that was standing in the corner of the room. He was staring at it, with all the lights in the room turned off while the lights on the tree and others, that were put on the walls were on. Jimin stood by the doorstep, watching Taehyung from behind. Until he noticed that Taehyung's shoulders were shaking a little and he knew. Jimin didn't hesitate when he went to hug Taehyung from behind, bringing the younger closer to himself. The sadness was taking over them both. Of course, Jimin felt sad that they won't be visiting Taehyung's family. Jimin couldn't understand why Taehyung felt so sad. It's not like it's their first time when they don't get to visit and certainly not the last. Nevertheless, it was heartbreaking to hold the boy while he cried. Apparently, he just really wanted to see his family.
Taehyung turned around to face Jimin. Tears were streaming down his face while he hid his face in the crook of Jimin's neck. He was shaking a little, his breathing was hard to control. They stood in the middle of the room while Taehyung cried silently. He was holding onto Jimin as if his life depended on it. Jimin ran his hands up and down Taehyung's back, trying his best to comfort and calm him down while he held the crying boy tightly as if to remind Taehyung that he's here.
Eventually, Taehyung wiped his tears and leaned back. The couple looked at each other until Taehyung let out a watery laugh even if his eyes were still full of tears.
"Why are you laughing?" Jimin simply asked. Taehyung smiled in response.
"Even if I don't get to see my family, I will be spending Christmas with you so I'm happy."
Jimin laughed at Taehyung's cheesiness. He couldn't help the way his heart jumped upon hearing those words. Jimin felt warmth spreading through his whole body. He decided that he was ready to give Taehyung the whole world, without any doubt, right there and then.
As much as he didn't want to, Jimin let go of Taehyung and went to turn off the Christmas lights since it was late, and they were going to sleep anyway. Taehyung went back to their room, gathering his things to get ready for bed. He felt tired from earlier and crying left him feeling even more exhausted. Jimin got ready for bed after Taehyung and quickly joined him. They ended their day by falling asleep in each other's arms. Not before Jimin made a few calls and send quick messages while Taehyung considered his chances and ideas.
The next morning, they decided to simply stay in bed for a bit longer. Taehyung woke up with Jimin's hands around his waist. Even if they have been living together for a while now, waking up like this shouldn't come off as surprises for Taehyung anymore yet he could still feel his heart skipping a beat while something warm was blooming in his chest. It was moments like these when Taehyung realized just how much in love he was with Jimin and how much he cared about the other. Before turning around to face Jimin, Taehyung glanced at his bedside table. He let out a sigh, hoping for a good moment today. Then he turned to look at Jimin's sleeping figure.
A few minutes later, Jimin stirred and slowly opened his eyes. Their eyes locked instantly. Jimin could see the loving look Taehyung had in his eyes. He could see all of the emotions, could see the love in his soft gaze which made Jimin smile immediately.
"Good morning, love."
"Good morning," Taehyung whispered. They didn't need any words to decide that they will be spending their time in bed longer than required. They fooled and joked around. It's not like they were rushing today, they had this day all to themselves. Or that's what Taehyung thought. But that knowledge didn't stop Jimin from wanting to spend some time with his boyfriend. Some extra time together was always needed.
They had to get up at some point. Jimin urged Taehyung to go to the bathroom first. While Taehyung was gone, Jimin checked his phone for any messages. He wasn't wrong to believe he got responses back because he did have some. With a small smile on his face, Jimin quickly replied to them and then put his phone away.
After eating breakfast, Taehyung suggested for them to watch some Christmas movies. Jimin agreed and made coffee for himself and tea for Taehyung while the other prepared snacks. They both cuddled on the sofa, warm drinks in their hands while they enjoyed the movie "Because I Love You" that was playing on the TV screen. Just like that, their day ran quickly as they watched a few more movies and it already started to get dark.
Jimin decided to prepare the dinner, something as simple as ramen with some meat and kimchi. It didn't take him long while Taehyung cleared out the living room, throwing out trash and washing the dishes. They silently set up the table, with soft music coming from the speaker that Taehyung had turned on, music playing from his playlist.
They sat down and were about to start eating when their doorbell rang. The couple looked at each other for a few seconds then Taehyung decided to go and open the door. He did not expect to see whoever was standing behind them.
"Merry Christmas!" Taehyung heard the second he opened the door. What he saw was five people standing outside. Not just any people but his closest friends. They were all brightly smiling. Taehyung was frozen in his spot.
"Well, will you let us in or not?" Taehyung heard Yoongi ask and he immediately made space for them to go in. Taehyung was so surprised that he barely said a word. The boys were all greeted by Jimin. He was handed some plates and boxes that were all containing food. Seokjin quickly took off his coat, shoes and helped Jimin carry all the food to the kitchen.
"What are you all doing here? I thought you all went to see your family?" Taehyung asked, his voice was full of confusion. Namjoon smiled at him and gave him a quick hug.
"We did. But we also didn't want you to spend your Christmas with Jimin only."
"I mean, sure, spending Christmas with Jimin may not be bad but we just wanted to keep you company," Jeongguk added.
"Can't you just tell him that Jimin texted us and asked to join you both for dinner?"
"Yoongi, I don't think you were supposed to tell Taehyung that!" Hoseok made a face while looking at Yoongi but quickly smiled when his eyes met Taehyung's. After taking off their shoes and coats and exchanging quick hugs, they all went to the living room where Jimin and Seokjin have already started setting up the table for the seven of them. The chatter filled the room, it filled the whole house in fact. Taehyung could feel his heart growing with happiness. It was no doubt that these were the people that could make him happy.
The table was filled with various dishes, most of them were the ones that the others have brought like sweet potato noodles with bulgogi and sweet rice cakes that Jimin had prepared yesterday. Of course, it included ramen that Jimin made for him and Taehyung. Only now did the younger notice that Jimin had made a lot more ramen than the two of them could eat. Finally, without waiting for anything else, they all sat down to enjoy their dinner. Soon enough, the room was silent since everyone was eating but knowing them, they started discussed various topics.
At one point, Taehyung frowned with realization. Jimin was quick to notice the change in his mood but Seokjin beat him by asking. "Taehyung-ie, what's with the frown?"
"I just realized that I didn't get any gifts for hyungs and Jeongguk," Taehyung answered, lowering his head in shame. He heard laughter and looked up to see everyone laughing while Jimin was smiling at him.
"That's not a problem. Your presence is the biggest gift we all could have," Namjoon said. Most of them cringed at his answer but deep down everyone knew that what he said was exactly how they all felt about everyone in the room. Even if they are cringed, his words held truth. Then they continued eating in silence. It wasn't uncomfortable, no. They all felt content with the silence, finishing whatever they had on their plate peacefully.
With full stomachs and a seemingly new boost of energy, the group moved to the living room. Jeongguk suggested to play some games. Everyone agreed but before they did that, the group decided to exchange gifts first. Of course, Taehyung could still feel the guilt for not having any gifts prepared for his friends, but he was comforted by Jimin's warm hand that kept playing with his brown hair. It reminded him that even if just spending time with everyone was enough for him, it was the same for everybody else.
Jimin was the last one to give his present to Taehyung. It was a new set of paints and a few new bushes. Taehyung quickly kissed Jimin, feeling grateful for such an expensive gift. Then Taehyung with a mysterious smile on his face revealed:
"I will give you my present a bit later," Namjoon and Hoseok exchanged knowing looks and smiles.
After all the presents were exchanged, Taehyung brought every game he could find and some card games for them to play. Jimin brought in some drinks for everyone. Christmas songs were playing in the background which means that Jeongguk would randomly start singing at times. Sometimes Taehyung would join him in singing few lines as well. Jimin at that time would smile brightly, looking at Taehyung, his chest filling up with loads of love for his boyfriend. Sometimes if the radio played a song they all knew quite well, then everyone would start singing, forgetting for a second that they were playing a game and laughing later at their silliness.
In one game, only Seokjin, Jimin, and Yoongi were left while everybody else lost. Taehyung noted how he couldn't look away from Jimin but it's not like he tried to. He saw his boyfriend all serious since Jimin wanted to win but he also joked around with everyone.
Taehyung kept thinking about Jimin. He remembered Yoongi's words, how Jimin had texted them all and asked to join them for dinner. It was Christmas so of course, everyone was visiting their family. Nevertheless, Taehyung found it endearing how considering that fact, Jimin still invited them all. All because Taehyung felt sad about not seeing his family. The younger couldn't believe that Jimin would do this for him but then again, this was Jimin so there was no doubt that he would do something like this. Not only that but Taehyung also realized that his friends, everyone in this room were his family. He considered them all to be his family.
Taehyung looked at Jimin who was having a staring contest with Seokjin. Looking at the love of his life, his soulmate, his best friend, Taehyung decided that he was ready. He was sure about his decision and right now he felt even more ready than he ever was.
The moment was perfect when they finished the game with Seokjin being the winner. Taehyung hugged Jimin from behind to comfort him for losing.
"No matter that Seokjin-hyung won, you're still a winner for me," Taehyung whispered which made Jimin blush a little and smile widely. Jimin later went outside. It was snowing and he wanted to get some air. It's not like he wanted to get away from his friends, he simply wanted to enjoy the weather. And maybe get a small moment of silence. Taehyung joined him shortly.
They stood in silence, looking at the falling snow. Everything around them was covered in snow, it almost felt surreal. Jimin smiled and looked up at the sky. He could see the moon clearly since it was shining bright in the sky. Taehyung followed Jimin's gaze and smiled upon seeing the moon. He couldn't believe just how perfect was this moment.
"You know," Taehyung spoke in a soft voice so he wouldn't scare Jimin by speaking up so suddenly. "I believed in Santa for a long time. And every time, before going to sleep, I would always ask for a miracle. Those wishes changed every year, but I never truly knew what that miracle I asked for was," Jimin looked at Taehyung who was still looking up at the sky. The younger gripped the item in his pocket, sucking a harsh breath in.
"And then I met you. It took me a few years to realize what the miracle I've been asking for all those years back was." Taehyung looked at Jimin. A small smile appeared on the younger's face and he looked down, his cheek turning a bright pink colour. "I still remember the day we first me like it happened tomorrow. You, sitting alone and me, who suddenly wanted to be your friend," Jimin smile upon the memory. "I just knew that I needed you in my life. I knew that I needed you as my friend. Years later, I was surprised to realize that I wanted a lot more than just a simple friendship. You know that I was scared, that's why I didn't say anything for the longest time. And that's when I realized."
"What did you realize?" Jimin asked softly, scared to speak up, thinking his voice might break. Taehyung's words touched him deeply and he suddenly felt like crying. Taehyung simply smiled. He caressed Jimin's face and the latter leaned into the touch. Taehyung slowly leaned in and kissed Jimin softly. Then he broke the kiss, leaning back, enough to be able to look straight into Jimin's eyes even if their noses were almost touching.
"My Christmas miracle. It's you," Taehyung whispered back. Then he took a step back and got on one knee. Jimin gasped, covering his lips with his hand. Tears that were threatening to fall were now rolling down his face.
Taehyung's voice started to shake while he was looking at Jimin. He took out the black velvet box that he had in his pocket and opened it to reveal a beautiful ring inside it. "I loved you since I first saw you. And I've had so many moments when I realized that my feelings won't change and that I will always love. I'm sure that I will love you for many more years, until the end of my days. So, will you please marry me and spend the rest of your days with me, as your husband?"
Jimin let out a sob as he got down to Taehyung's level. He didn't say anything and kissed Taehyung passionately. Jimin tried to put every emotion he was feeling now into that one kiss and hoped for Taehyung to get the message. He didn't need to worry because Taehyung did. He did feel all the love and happiness in that one kiss. And Jimin's answer to his question. Jimin broke the kiss so they could both get some air. He laughed, still crying while Taehyung slowly put a ring on his finger. He looked at it for a long time, then hugged his fiancé, enjoying his warmth. Jimin took a deep breath to collect himself. Only when they felt that they both were getting cold did they break away.
Walking into the house, the couple were met by loud cheers from their friends. There was no doubt that they saw everything through the window. They all shared a big group hug with Taehyung and Jimin in the middle. After breaking apart, the couple noticed that everyone's eyes were shining from tears. They all laughed at each other for crying, Jimin went to get them all tissues to wipe their tears away.
Taehyung of course video chatted his parents. They all cried some more while Taehyung's parents expressed their delight and wished them loads of happiness. Taehyung's mom was sad that she wasn't there to see it happen but Jimin promised to come visit them soon so they could share a hug then. Of course, Jimin called his parents as well which was just some more happy crying from both sides. Jimin couldn't even express just how happy he truly felt but they all knew.
Sometime later, when they all have wiped their tears away and sat down in the warm living room; when the lights were dimmed so the Christmas tree and the lights that were put up all over the room could be the brightest lights in the room. When they were all chatting silently while Jimin and Taehyung cuddled, holding each other tightly, that's when Taehyung revealed why exactly he felt sad that their train got cancelled.
"I planned to propose to you there, was going to put the lights in the garden, prepare everything so it could be like a perfect and beautiful memory."
"It is the most beautiful memory, no matter that there were no lights here," they both laughed silently. Jimin looked at his ring again while Taehyung snuggled closer to Jimin.
This was the most beautiful moment both for Taehyung and Jimin. They got to share one of their most important moments in life with their closest friends that were truly like a family who turns out took videos and loads of pictures.
Since the couple was outside, the only thing that's heard in the video is crying and some of the boys' hushed voices which managed to capture the raw emotion of the moment.