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Taehyung stands at the entrance of Yeouido Park, blowing into his hands. He should’ve brought gloves. The snow’s falling around him, coating his coat in white as he waits for Yoongi. He should’ve dressed warmer, it’s the middle of December and he feels how cold his fingers are, the way his cheeks burn. A few days ago, Yoongi suggested they could go to the Christmas market together and Taehyung had been so happy at the prospect of spending time with him outside of work that he had immediately accepted. He hasn’t gone to one since he was a kid and he’s excited to stroll around, accompanied by Yoongi. He’d be happy to do anything with him. He’s feeling jittery, doesn’t know what to expect of their night together. Taehyung likes Yoongi, a lot, has been feeling this way for a while now and sometimes, on his most hopeful days, he gets the feeling that Yoongi likes him too, certainly more than a colleague, maybe differently than a friend. It’s in the details, the smiles they give each other, the glances during reunions, how Yoongi never fails to offer him a hot drink at the cafeteria every day and how Taehyung brings him food to thank him every week. Small things, but Taehyung’s breath catches when Yoongi gives him one of his smiles, the ones where his gums show and he looks terribly happy. He doesn’t know if it’s mutual, but he definitely is fond of him. He’s happy to share an evening with him.
“Hi.” Someone calls from behind and Taehyung turns around, grinning.
“Hey.”
Yoongi’s bundled in a big coat and a scarf that takes half of his face, the other half hidden under a beanie. Taehyung can only see his eyes and the tip of his nose. It’s red, cute.
“You’ve been waiting for long?” Yoongi asks and Taehyung shakes his head.
“Barely, I was enjoying the snow.”
Yoongi smiles, eyes creasing.
“Isn’t it nice?”
“Absolutely.”
Taehyung links his arm to Yoongi’s and smiles at him.
“Shall we get started?”
Yoongi blinks a few times and he can see him grin behind the scarf.
“Let’s go.”
The walk leisurely towards the stands, the music getting louder as they get closer. Taehyung recognizes Christmas songs, mostly american, and Yoongi hums along next to him.
“You seem in a good mood.” Taehyung tells him.
“I love Christmas season. People wanting to make other people happy, cheerful songs, good food, what is there not to like?”
Taehyung hums.
“Thanks for bringing me along.”
Yoongi doesn’t immediately reply, his shoulders are tense, he looks nervous.
“I’ve been meaning to invite you somewhere for a while, it seemed like a good place.”
Taehyung grins.
“Oh so this is a long awaited invitation?”
“You could say that.” Yoongi replies, looking ahead.
It feels like a date, Taehyung’s not sure about it, doesn’t dare ask, but he’s got a feeling.
They reach the first stands and Taehyung looks at the hand painted Christmas decorations, the wooden objects, the kids running around their parents. Taehyung gets closer, takes a small hand carved wooden car in his hands.
“That’s amazing.” He says, turning the car around, and Yoongi leans into his space, looks closer.
“It is, yeah.”
He puts it down and shoves his hands in his pockets, keeps walking, looks at handmade wool scarves and gloves, hand painted Christmas tree trinkets. Suddenly, he feels a freezing draft and can’t help but shiver.
“You’re cold.” Yoongi tells him, tugging on his sleeve so Taehyung stops walking. He tries not looking at him in the eye.
“It’s fine.” He tells him, doesn’t want to bother.
“Your neck is exposed, there’s no way you’re not freezing.”
Taehyung glances at him and he’s watching him with a concerned stare.
“That’s on me, I should’ve dressed warmer.”
Yoongi sighs and walks back, tugging Taehyung along.
“I’m buying you a scarf.” He tells him, and he cuts Taehyung as he opens his mouth to decline the offer. “Don’t even think about saying no, I won’t let you catch a cold while you’re spending time with me.”
They reach the handmade wool scarves stand.
“Pick your favorite.” He says and Taehyung laughs softly.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to.”
“But…” Taehyung’s hesitant.
“I would be happy to give you a gift.”
Taehyung looks at him and Yoongi gently smiles, eyes creasing, and his heart does a funny thing. Yoongi’s nice, he likes spending time with him, he wants to reach out, cup his cheek in his hand but he knows his fingers are probably frozen right now.
“Fine.”
He chooses a red scarf and Yoongi asks for the larger one, dismissively waving at Taehyung when he tries to protest. He compliments the lady’s craft and she coyly smiles at the praise. They exchange a little as Yoongi pays and wishes her a nice evening before turning back to him.
“Merry Christmas.” He tells him and wraps the scarf around Taehyung’s neck. He’s standing close, and Taehyung stares at his eyes sparkling under the fairy lights, lips partly open as he takes care of him. It would be easy to lean a little and kiss him. Quickly, Yoongi finishes wrapping the scarf around his neck and Taehyung laughs.
“It’s so large.” He tells him and Yoongi blushes.
“Didn’t want you to be cold anymore.”
“Thank you, it’s really soft and I can feel myself warming up already.” He’s grinning and Yoongi grins back. There it is, his lovely gummy smile. He wants this second to draw on forever. Maybe this is a date after all.
“You look like me now, all bundled up.” Yoongi says, nose scrunching as a snowflake falls on it.
“I’m not sure I can look as cute as you.” Taehyung tells him, figures he could try his luck a little. He’s complimented Yoongi before, maybe not as bluntly, but maybe he should start flirting to see if he flirts back or if he should not get his hopes up.
Yoongi looks away, smiling, licking his lips.
“Thank you.” He says, and starts walking again.
“So, you love Christmas.” Taehyung walks up to him, bumping his shoulder with his. “Wouldn’t have pegged you as a Christmas lover.”
Yoongi shrugs, glances at him.
“I’ve always loved this season. I find it very romantic.” He says, and Taehyung glances at him, lock stares with him and Yoongi holds it with a small smile.
“Oh.” Taehyung replies. “Is tonight romantic enough?” He asks with a grin and Yoongi shrugs.
“Well we’re at the market, I bought you a gift, it’s not perfect but it’s very good.”
“Would it be better with a hot drink?” He asks, wrapping an arm around Yoongi’s shoulders and bringing him to a stand. He laughs.
“It would be great.”
He wants to make the night perfect for him.
Taehyung orders mulled wine and a hot cocoa, grabs something and puts it in his pocket, gives a fuming cup to Yoongi and they cheer.
“Too many spices in the mulled wine for you?” Yoongi asks and Taehyung nods.
“I prefer the sugary taste of hot cocoa.”
Yoongi hums and takes a sip from his drink.
“Ah.” He smiles. “Feels like Christmas alright.”
Taehyung lightly hits Yoongi’s shoe with his.
“And you wanted to spend a Christmas night with me.”
Yoongi licks his lips, smiling.
“Maybe, yeah.”
“Lots of pressure on my shoulders to make your evening perfect. I must make it romantic enough.”
He laughs, looking down, staring at him through his bangs. He looks vulnerable.
“I think it’s two people’s work.”
Taehyung takes a stop forward, into Yoongi’s space, and gently smiles at him.
“Well, let’s make tonight memorable.”
Yoongi’s blushing, cheeks turning red, as he looks slightly up to stare at Taehyung.
“Red suits you.” He tells him, looking at his scarf. “You’re handsome.”
Taehyung lifts a hand, delicately brushes a finger over Yoongi’s cheek.
“Red suits you too.” He says and Yoongi closes his eyes, laughing.
“Shut up.”
Taehyung hums, drinks a little.
“I should buy you something as well.” He tells him, looking around.
“You don’t have to.”
“For the sake of making this a perfect Christmas night.”
Yoongi laughs.
“There’s no need for that.”
Taehyung clicks his tongue, amused and absolutely not listening.
“I know.” He says and takes Yoongi’s hand in his, starts walking and guiding Yoongi between people.
He walks up to a stand and looks at Yoongi.
“Here. Pick a candle. Candles always make your place feel more homey.”
Yoongi’s sporting a lopsided smile, soft and happy.
“Don’t try protesting, you bought me a scarf, I can give you a gift.”
He’s grinning now, reading the names of the candles.
“You could always light it when you bring people over.”
“I don’t bring many people over.” He replies.
“Fine, a date then.”
Yoongi frowns at him.
“Even less.”
Taehyung drinks from his cup and waves it around.
“Then, what about for the person who gifted you the candle?”
Yoongi laughs, leaning into Taehyung’s space. They’re still holding hands.
“You could just say you want to see my place.”
“It’s impolite to invite yourself over.”
“Fine, you can come home and enjoy the candle’s smell.”
He leans in, picks a candle and smells it, repeats the process a few times.
“I like this one.” He finally says, brings it under Taehyung’s nose.
“Smells good, which one is it?”
Yoongi reads the label, huffing.
“Soft blanket.”
“That’s cute. You’re cuter than what you want to show people.”
Yoongi points a finger at him.
“If you tell anyone, I’ll be the cause of your downfall.”
Taehyung laughs.
“Sure thing, it’ll be my precious secret, as long as you keep being yourself with me.”
Yoongi squeezes his hand and Taehyung squeezes back.
“Your hand’s freezing. Give me your hands.” Yoongi asks and Taehyung complies. He takes them between his and brings them to his face, blowing hot hair to warm them up. “I’m going to buy you gloves.” He says and Taehyung laughs.
“If you do that, we’re gonna stuck ourselves in an endless loop of gifts.”
Yoongi clasps his hands over Taehyung’s, keeps them warm.
“Would it be that bad?” He asks, smiling, and Taehyung shrugs.
“Let me buy you the candle first.” He says.
“Fine.” Yoongi replies, letting go of his hands.
Taehyung buys him the candle, hands the bag to Yoongi who takes it with a coy smile.
“Do you want me to buy you a reindeer headband?” Taehyung suggests, taking Yoongi’s hand back in his.
“Over my dead body.” Yoongi replies, shoving his and Taehyung’s hands in his pocket.
“But you’d look so cute.” Taehyung whines, making Yoongi laugh.
“I won’t budge. Buy them for yourself if you want them that bad.”
“I’m not supposed to look cute, I should look sexy.”
Yoongi raises an eyebrow, scoffing.
“I think you’d still look hot even with those stupid things on your head.”
Taehyung shrugs.
“Let’s not try it when I’m trying to impress you.”
Yoongi stops walking, staring at Taehyung.
“You don’t need to impress me.”
“I’m trying to live up to your idea of a romantic night.”
Yoongi takes a step forward.
“You’re the one making it romantic by being here.” He tells him, tilting his head to the side, gently smiling.
Taehyung hums.
“I think I can make it better.”
Yoongi clicks his tongue.
“Have you not been listening?”
But Taehyung already tugging him forward, he exits the market, walks down one of the park’s alleys and make them stand under a streetlamp, the snow falling around them like a halo. They can still hear the market’s music, a bit muffled. There’s no one around them.
“Why did you make us leave?” Yoongi asks him and Taehyung grins, disentangles his hand from Yoongi’s, wraps it delicately around his waist.
“We’ve had the Christmas market, the songs, the gifts, the hot drinks, but we’ve left out a very important aspect of the holiday spirit.”
Yoongi laughs, puts his hand over Taehyung’s one his waist.
“Which one?”
Taehyung takes something out of his pocket and dangles it between them.
Yoongi laughs, taking a step forward and resting his head against Taehyung’s shoulder.
“Where did you get some mistletoe?” He asks after he’s stopped laughing.
“There was some next to the mulled wine stand, figured it was crucial to get it in order to make your evening even more romantic.”
Yoongi hums, looking at Taehyung with a huge smile.
“You’re terrible.” He tells him.
“You already knew that and you still invited me.”
Yoongi licks his lips. They’re both grinning.
“Maybe I invited you because of it.”
Yoongi finds Taehyung’s hand holding the mistletoe, links their pinkies together.
“Does this night live up to your romantic standards?” He asks and Yoongi hums.
“Depends whether or not you intend to kiss me.”
Taehyung laughs.
“I think I can arrange that.”
Their cheeks brush and Taehyung gently kisses his cheekbone.
“The mouth’s closer.” Yoongi tells him and Taehyung huffs, kissing his cheek.
“Thanks for the heads-up, wouldn’t have known otherwise.” He replies, kissing the tip of his nose.
Yoongi’s hand finds his waist, slides around his back.
“If you continue like this, we’re going to lose some romantic points.” Yoongi menaces, craning his neck as Taehyung kisses it.
“Oh no.” The other replies, traveling back up to Yoongi’s face, lips hovering close to his. “I cannot take the risk.”
Yoongi grins and leans in. They kiss, lips gently meeting. Yoongi’s wearing some lip balm, he tastes like tangerine. His lips are soft moving against his, and Taehyung lets himself feel the euphoric feeling blooming in his chest after months of pining, gentle flirting. It feels a bit surreal to have him in his arms, opening his lips to let his tongue dart across Taehyung’s lips. He turns their kiss into an open-mouthed one, still tentative, but they press closer. Taehyung loses himself in the kiss, the sensation of having Yoongi pressed against him, the knowledge that Yoongi likes him. Yoongi’s hand lets go of Taehyung’s pinkie, travels to his face and tangles his fingers in his hair, deepening their kiss. Taehyung grins into it, doesn’t know how much time passes, doesn’t care about it.
“How would you feel about a hot drink and sitting on a bench?” Yoongi suggests after some time and Taehyung hums.
“Would it make your night better?”
Yoongi smiles, pressing his forehead against his.
“Maybe, yes.”
“Then yes, let’s do this.”
Yoongi takes his hand and they walk back to the market, buying mulled wine and hot cocoa again, and Yoongi finds them a bench giving on a small square where children are playing with each other.
“I still think you’d look adorable with a reindeer headband.” Taehyung tells him and Yoongi huffs.
“I will concede to a Santa Claus hat but it stops there.”
“I’ll take it.”
Taehyung scoots closer, until they’re sitting flushed on the bench.
“So…” Yoongi starts. “We kissed.”
Taehyung looks at the kids running in front of them. He hums.
“Was that what you were expecting?”
“Ah.” He laughs. “I’m not sure. I wanted to know if you were interested.”
“Was my answer convincing enough?” He asks and Yoongi hums.
“I’m not sure, you might have to kiss me again to convince me.”
“Duly noted. I can kiss you a lot more.”
“Good.”
“Great.”
They drink, enjoying the moment.
“I like you, you know.” Taehyung says after a while, glancing at Yoongi. He’s gently smiling.
“I was wondering. My best hunch was that you didn’t cook anyone else homemade meals.”
“Never intended to be discreet about my attraction to you.”
Yoongi puts his head on Taehyung’s shoulder.
“Good thing I invited you tonight.”
“So tonight was a date from the beginning?”
“In my head, yes.”
Taehyung laughs.
“I was hoping so.”
“But I thought we’d look at the stands, talk about life and maybe have a drink and we’d go home, you know? That we’d get closer. I didn’t dare hoping you’d actually go along with it and want to woo me.”
“I wanted to know where we stood.”
“Well, I like you too, have been for a long time.”
Taehyung hums.
“Do you want to have other nights like this one?”
“Ah…” Yoongi says and Taehyung hears the smile in his voice. “I’d love that.”
“Maybe more Christmas nights, and when the season’s over, well, maybe we could have regular dates. Not as romantic, I figure, but I’m sure I could buy a potted pine tree, keep the magic going.”
Yoongi laughs.
“Pine tree or not, I’m sure it’d be very romantic.”
Taehyung turns his head, plants a kiss on Yoongi’s head.
“Does this mean we’re trying this out?”
Yoongi nods.
“I’d like to date you.”
“Even off-season?” Taehyung jokes and Yoongi laughs, playfully hitting Taehyung’s thigh.
“Yes, even off-season.”
“I can put bunny ears for Easter.”
Yoongi groans.
“I thought you wanted to be sexy.”
“Wait ‘til you see the bunny’s tail.”
Yoongi groans.
“I’m going to cancel this completely.”
Taehyung takes Yoongi’s wrist in his hand.
“Please don’t, I can keep the sexy bunny costume for Halloween.”
Yoongi laughs, looking at him and he looks so happy Taehyung’s heart soars in his chest.
“Dress however you want, as long as we can be together.”
Taehyung’s nose scrunches as he smiles, fingers intertwined with Yoongi’s.
“Just tell me if the bunny costume is a yes or a no.”
Yoongi rolls his eyes, grinning.
“If it’s sexy, I guess I should say yes for science.”
“For science?”
He shrugs.
“Yeah, the world has to know if you can be unattractive or not.”
“Hum. You should see me in my lazy Sunday outfit to decide that.”
Yoongi hums.
“Guess you’re right.”
“Do you want to come over, stay the night and observe for science this lazy outfit in the morning?”
“Do I get homemade breakfast?”
“For you? Of course.”
“Then I suppose I can stay the night. I could light up the candle you gifted me.”
“That would be nice.”
“Shall we go? I’m feeling like kissing you and it’s a bit crowded here.”
Yoongi grins, kissing Taehyung’s cheek.
“I was waiting for you to say that.”
They get up from the bench and Taehyung links their fingers together. They can hear the Christmas songs long after they’ve left the market.