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Your earliest memories slowly fade away as you grow older, Jungkook knew that. He knew it when he didn't remember how he spent his sixth birthday, nor the seventh. He knew it when he couldn't recall the rules for that made up game his friends and him had invented when he was eight.
But how could you forget something like that ?
"It happened when we were nine or ten, I think," he explained. "There were giant golden animals made of dust passing by the windows, and Jack Frost was there! The other Guardians too, come on, you saw them! They talked to us and we helped them defeat the Boogeyman!"
His friends looked at him like he had grown a second head. "That sounds familiar," said one of them. "I think I saw it once in a dream, but that was it, Jungkook. It wasn't real. How could you remember that even if it did happen? It was a whole decade ago!"
Jungkook frowned and crossed his arms. "I know it was real," he insisted. " They were real, and they told us they would always be there."
It seemed like only he could still feel that belief resonate within him. That year, Jungkook helped his little cousins find Easter eggs, and he loudly celebrated one of them when their fall off a tree made them lose one of their teeth. Jungkook turned 21 that same year.
Autumn gave way to winter, yet Jungkook never stopped believing. Even if the memories were blurry now, something inside his heart still fluttered with a firm belief in what everyone else casted away as childhood things. He was sure they existed, all five of the Guardians, taking care of every child in the world.
Come to think of it, they'd probably have forgotten about him, since he was officially an adult and all. Still, as it was his tradition, Jungkook grew excited at the thought of the upcoming Christmas. He didn't write letters anymore, not after being scolded one too many times for it being 'childish' and 'a bad example for the little ones.' But that didn't stop him from speaking to Santa on the first day of December every year. Under the dim lights of his room, when it seemed like he was completely alone, but he still hoped someone out there would be able to hear him.
The words flowed from him as easily as they used to do every year.
"Hi again, Santa," he started. "You're probably tired of hearing of me after so many years. I'm sure most people my age have already given up believing in all of you. But I'm still here, good old Jungkook." He smiled. "I think my strongest wish this year is a little different than you'd expect. I don't have anything I want, not really... or at least none of the usual things one would expect from you."
He waited for a moment, expecting a reaction or response of sorts, sighing when all he got was silence. "I want to see you again," he whispered, looking down to the warm sheets of his bed, trying to find comfort in them. "The days I could see you all are probably the best memories from my childhood," Jungkook paused when he remembered something. "Actually, I think the best memory I have is that one sled trip. Jack Frost made me have."
Jungkook smiled at the memory. If he focused enough on it, the memories came clear to him: the wind hitting his face, the fear as he felt every car was about to hit him, and the overbearing thrill of fun and excitement he felt when he flew through the air.
"I know he was behind that one," he said with a laugh. "Even before I could see him, he was already so amazing!" He took a glance at the moon, which he could see through the window of his bedroom. "He really saved the day, didn't he? He arrived just at the moment I was about to give up, I remember." He frowned at the memory of despair and utter sadness. "I remember how surprised he was when he realized I could see him. I mean, I was surprised too!"
Jungkook sighed once again, turning off his lamp and cuddling a pillow while laying on his side. "I know you can hear me, Santa, I believe it," he tried one last time. "I don't ask for a lot of things lately, so it'd be really, really, really the best thing ever to meet Jack Frost again."
As sleep slowly took over him, Jungkook missed the specks of golden dust twirling around his bedroom.
❄❄❄
The weeks went on with no sign of Jungkook’s wish being heard. He started his winter break and traveled back home for the holidays. He helped his parents with the Christmas decorations. He chose the three by himself, and he drove his mom everywhere for last-minute Christmas shopping.
Jungkook had to go through the embarrassing moment of watching his parents’ let down faces when he told them he wasn’t bringing anyone for the Christmas celebrations. Every year they expected Jungkook would probably bring friends or a significant other, but he never brought anyone. He had no significant other to speak of, and his friends would probably be weirded out by how into Christmas his family and him were.
On the night before Christmas Eve, Jungkook had a strange dream; he wasn’t sure of the meaning since all that he saw was blurry, but he could make out gold, the freshness of spring, the fluttering of wings, a belting laugh, and a chill of winter.
He woke up with a nice feeling on his heart, his bedroom window covered in frost, and a note stuck on his forehead. Incredibly confused, Jungkook took the note from his forehead, reading it with a frown.
Dear Jungkook,
We heard you, we hear you all the time.
Make sure he comes back by New Year’s.
Happy (early!) Christmas!
Don’t stop believing,
~North
Jungkook felt a smile forming on his lips as he finished reading, startling when he heard knocking on his window. Holding his breath, he went to the window and slid it open, tumbling backwards when a rush of cold wind entered his bedroom, and a blue hooded figure sat on his windowsill.
Jack Frost waved at him with a blinding smile. “Hey there, glad to see you again!”
Jungkook adjusted his vision to make out the figure sitting on his windowsill, only the moonlight illuminated his room, he brushed his eyes just to make sure he wasn’t still sleeping, and sure thing he wasn’t. Jack looked exactly the same as he did all those years ago, except for the fact his hair was no longer silver white and instead was dark brown.
“Hey there…” He barely managed to return the greeting when he noticed Jack was looking at him expectantly. There was a turmoil of thoughts going on in his head, the noisiest one “Holy Cookies, his request had been heard!”
“So can I come in?” Jack’s smile didn’t falter, and he seemed eager to step inside.
“What?”, Jungkook’s brain was not functioning properly, “I mean, yes of course, please…”
Jungkook stepped aside when Jack entered his room, he watched him move, Jack took a couple of steps and looked around the bedroom.
“It hasn’t changed that much, has it?” Jack looked at him with a warm expression.
“I just changed the toys for books and a couple of trophies I’ve earned” Jungkook replied in a quiet voice.
“Trophies?” Jack looked baffled and tilted his head slightly.
“Yeah, I’m kinda good at sports so I got those for a couple of competitions, but I’m not that into it these days” Jungkook admitted both to Jack and himself that sports weren’t at the top of his favorite activities anymore.
“Aaah” Jack hummed and continued looking. While Jack was inspecting his desk Jungkook realized there was a lot to figure with Jack’s “visit” and they needed to come up with a plan.
“Actually, Jack? We need to figure out a couple of things...”
Jack looked at Jungkook and remembered North’s instructions for the time he’d be away. In between preparations for Christmas North had summoned Jack to tell him about Jungkook’s request, and Jack had rushed to accept. North came up with “background information” for Jack and he even had the yetis prepare “normal” clothes for him. His reason? Being a Guardian meant that people could see Jack so he couldn’t just show up with his usual look and presenting himself as Jack Frost; so he forced Jack to dye his hair, not an easy task if he was being honest, and had him try clothes in front of the rest of the Guardians. When he questioned what was wrong with his usual clothes they all agreed that he could use a makeover while holding up their laughter. And North “suggested” Jack left his staff with North for safekeeping, Jack accepted begrudgingly only because he understood why.
On the night before Christmas Eve, the Guardians dropped Jack off in Jungkook’s room, the last thing they said? Have fun! And North left a note to make sure Jungkook was aware of everything, reminding Jack of their “plan”: his name was Taehyung, Kim Taehyung, and he was a friend visiting Jungkook for the Holidays.
When Jungkook brought up the topic Jac-Taehyung, explained everything, and waited for Jungkook to process it.
“Ooh, you guys actually thought this through!” Jungkook seemed genuinely surprised and pleased, so they made sure they were on the same page.
Early in the morning, before Jungkook’s parents woke up, Jungkook asked Taehyung to go downstairs with his bag to make it look like he had arrived early, instead of the previous night -which would be difficult to explain according to Jungkook, so Taehyung did as asked. They were sitting in the kitchen waiting for Jungkook’s parents to wake up.
“You woke up early honey!” Jungkook’s mom said before entering the kitchen, and she stopped the moment she noticed two boys instead of one.
“Mom! This is J-Taehyung, he’s a friend from school and he’s visiting us for the Holidays!” Jungkook immediately sprang up from his stool informing his mom of the stranger’s presence.
“A friend?” Taehyung couldn’t read Jungkook’s mom’s expression so he stood still smiling and anxiously waited for them to speak directly to him.
“Yes, a friend mom, you told me it was okay for me to invite friends over.” Taehyung was surprised at how smoothly Jungkook was explaining his unannounced visit.
“I know I did sweety, but you should have told us in advance! We could have made preparations,” Jungkook’s mother softly scolded his son. “Never mind that, he’s more than welcome to stay with us!”
Jungkook’s mom shifted her attention from his son to Taehyung, and introduced herself, she told him to make himself at home and asked him if he wanted anything in particular for breakfast, when Taehyung said anything was fine she smiled warmly and sent them to wait in the living room while the food was ready.
After breakfast, Jungkook’s mom asked Taehyung if he was okay with staying in an improvised bed in Jungkook’s room to which he agreed. And she helped them prepare it.
When Taehyung remembered Jungkook had a sister, Jungkook explained she was away on a trip with friends, against her parents’ wishes so for the time being she was a topic they didn’t mention.
In that morning Taehyung realized where Jungkook’s good nature came from, his family was as good-natured as him and they welcomed him to their home with open arms.
Taehyung accompanied Jungkook to a children’s home to deliver homemade pastries prepared by his mom for the children, and Jungkook explained he volunteered in the home during his school breaks and had started doing it since high school. He said he encouraged the children to believe in the Guardians and luckily the Guardians didn’t fail them. They spent the time playing in the snow with the children until the staff called them to have lunch. Taehyung had fun like he hadn’t in a while.
On their way back home, to Taehyung’s surprise, Jungkook had driven them to the children’s home and was amused when he mentioned it was his first time riding a car so he promised to make it memorable. According to Jungkook they had taken the long way home so Taehyung got to see the city covered in white -his doing-, when they were at a red light, Jungkook took a call from his mom asking him to pick up some groceries. Once again Taehyung announced a first time: his first time doing grocery shopping in a supermarket and Jungkook answered anything he asked. Taehyung was in a daze as they walked through the aisles.
After they had dinner and had already washed up, they went back to Jungkook’s room, Jungkook was lying in his bed and Taehyung was in his makeshift bed. They stayed awake till late at night talking about what happened in their lives after they parted ways. Taehyung learned about Jungkook’s struggle with believing in the Guardians when everyone else stopped, about his school life, him having to choose a path for college and moving away to a different city. And Taehyung told Jungkook about his first years as a Guardian and any story he thought Jungkook might find interesting. When Jungkook fell asleep, Taehyung did as well, Sandy made sure they had pleasant dreams.
“Wake up Jaa-I mean Taehyung! It's Christmas Day!” Taehyung slowly opened his eyes and saw Jungkook eagerly calling him from the door. He looked outside the window and it was already morning. He lazily got up and followed Jungkook downstairs, they were still in their pajamas. Jungkook’s parents were already sitting by the Christmas tree opening presents, when they saw him arrive they wished him a Merry Christmas and asked him to join them. Jungkook handed him a shiny box with a card that said:
Merry Christmas J!
~N
Taehyung opened it and found a candy cane, he smiled and took the candy to his mouth, he’d bring up the fact that a candy cane wasn’t enough for a present to North when he saw him again.
When they were done opening their presents, some of which Jungkook’s parents assumed were from Jungkook -they were from North of course, but he couldn’t bring up the topic- they went to the kitchen and Jungkook helped his mom prepare their breakfast. Jungkook’s mom explained their activities for the day, they actually had a schedule prepared, Jungkook explained it was their turn to host the family dinner and his mom took the matter seriously.
Jungkook and Taehyung stayed in the kitchen to help Jungkook’s mom prepare the food, Taehyung was assigned to wash vegetables and dishes when the other two noticed he wasn’t particularly good at chopping and the stove was a little frightening to him.
Taehyung idly took a cookie from the tray when he wasn’t doing any washing and Jungkook’s mom subtly called him out for eating a lot of cookies, when Taehyung meekly replied they were the best he had ever tried Jungkook’s mom was surprised and told him to eat as many as he wanted.
When the food was nearly done Jungkook’s mom sent the pair upstairs to wash up and get ready for dinner, Taehyung couldn’t understand why they had to change clothes and when he saw the clothes Jungkook was planning to change into he deadpanned announced that he didn’t bring anything like that. Jungkook asked Taehyung to shower first and he’d lend him clothes to wear. Showering was new for Taehyung, and the first time he had Jungkook explain the whole thing to him, Jack Frost didn’t need to shower but for Jungkook’s sake, he did as told. When he returned to the room he shared with Jungkook he saw the clothes meant for him and Jungkook asked him to try them on, he left the room to shower as well and Taehyung decided to wait sitting on the bed with the sleek black pants on and red sweater.
“Did you try them on already?” Jungkook asked as he entered the room and stopped when he saw Taehyung.
“I did, it’s a little uncomfortable but other than that I think they’re fine,” Taehyung said as he realized North’s clothes felt comfortable despite being new.
“Uh, you lo-look good in them.” Taehyung felt strange to get a compliment from Jungkook but as he was about to reply, Jungkook’s mom asked them to give her a hand. They looked at each other and Taehyung figured he was as ready as possible so he volunteered and left Jungkook alone.
The table was set and Jungkook’s relatives started arriving, somehow Taehyung ended up being the one to welcome whoever arrived and he’d take the food or drinks they brought to the kitchen, no one seemed to mind his presence so he continued till Jungkook’s mom told him he could go and look for Jungkook. He found him sitting alone on the last step of the stairs, he sat down next to him, “I think everyone’s arrived” Taehyung felt a little worried, he had expected Jungkook to be happier.
“Hmm.” Jungkook’s simple reply confirmed his worries.
“Everything's okay?” Taehyung couldn’t let Jungkook feel down during such a special day.
Jungkook was about to reply when Jungkook’s mom called everyone to start dinner. Taehyung sat next to Jungkook in between his parents, the food at the table looked delicious and Taehyung felt a tinge of pride. Jungkook’s oldest uncle decided to make a toast and when he finished everyone started eating, Jungkook’s mom made sure both Taehyung and Jungkook plates were served. Taehyung took a moment to look around the table, they were talking about an unfamiliar topic but they all were smiling and laughing. Jungkook included. Plates were emptied, cups were filled and their faces with blushed cheeks brought a warm feeling to Taehyung. Although he felt a little out of place Jungkook and his parents made sure he felt as comfortable as possible. By the time they finished eating their dessert Taehyung decided to go outside.
Taehyung sat down on the entrance’s step and felt the snow under his shoes. He looked up and the moon was shining brightly, he leaned back, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes, “Merry Christmas Man in Moon…” whispered Taehyung.
Taehyung heard the entrance door open and turned back to see Jungkook with a coat and a scarf, he was only wearing pants and a sweater.
“I tried to come without my coat when I saw you from the window, but it was too cold hahaha, I forgot Jack Frost’s not bothered by the cold.”
Taehyung laughed and nodded in agreement. Taehyung brought up the topic of his family before he was Jack Frost, being with Jungkook’s family brought back memories he thought were forgotten, Jungkook listened to him attentively. They stayed outside until Jungkook’s relatives started leaving, they went to bed and Jungkook quickly fell asleep, Taehyung stayed awake wondering about the warmth he had felt.
Jungkook was ecstatic with Taehyung's visit, there was a different feeling growing in his heart. Whenever Taehyung smiled or laughed his heart skipped a beat, and when he lent him clothes for Christmas he couldn’t help but think that Taehyung looked breathtaking and the thought terrified him a little. But he willingly turned a blind eye on his feelings, he hadn’t felt that way before so he didn’t know what to do with them.
After Christmas, Jungkook made sure Taehyung felt at home. They would get up late, and eat breakfast together with his parents. One day he took Taehyung to his favorite coffee shop and bookstore, he showed him the school he had attended and his favorite shops. Jungkook drove them all around his city and he felt proud whenever Taehyung’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
Other days they’d stay home and watch Jungkook’s favorite movies, his parents would join them occasionally in the living room and they’d eat snacks. Another day they’d watch a whole series, Taehyung seemed to like the mysterious, thriller type. They probably stayed an unhealthy time in front of a screen sitting on the sofa, but it seemed to be fun to Taehyung. Other days they’d go outside to the city’s hill to play with ride sleights in the snow and that made Jungkook particularly happy.
For the day before New Year’s Eve, Jungkook’s mom suggested Taehyung and he attended a party organized by one of Jungkook’s childhood friends, Taehyung seemed doubtful about it and Jungkook knew his mom was willing to force them to go, so he accepted. He figured they could just show up for a little while and do something else afterwards.
They got ready together and Jungkook let Taehyung wear whatever he chose, no more outfits that could make his thoughts drift to an unknown realm. Jungkook drove them to his friend’s house, he could hear the loud music from outside and realized it was going to be the typical twenty-something party, loud music, and alcohol. He felt embarrassed to show that to Taehyung but his mom would question them about it so he took a deep breath and let Taehyung know they had arrived.
“Wait, the party is where the music is coming from!?” Maybe Taehyung seemed a little horrified.
Jungkook just nodded.
“And we have to go inside?” Somehow in Taehyung ‘s words, Jungkook could hear not the youth he appeared but the maturity that came from living for many years.
“Yeah? We can just go inside, say hi to my friends, stay for a little while and leave, then we can go anywhere else? Is that okay with you?” Jungkook probed.
“Okay,” Taehyung gave in and they made their way to the house.
Together they went inside and the warmth made Jungkook take his coat off and place it in the coat rack. His friend immediately noticed their arrival and welcomed them, she hugged them and told them to make themselves at home, food was in the kitchen and drinks.
The Christmas Carols that resonated in the house made Jungkook feel a little anxious, but he just made his way to the kitchen followed by Taehyung. They took a plate and served themselves some pastries with a cup of coffee. They sat down in the kitchen’s isle and ate their food.
“It’s unexpectedly good, not as good as your mom’s but they’re okay.” Taehyung seemed to be carefully examining every pastry on his plate to decide his next bite.
Jungkook relaxed and decided to eat as well, they were the only ones in the kitchen, everyone was in the living room with the karaoke machine so they had the food for themselves. Jungkook silently observed Taehyung and he probably stared for too long because Taehyung stopped chewing and looked over, “Is everything okay?”
“What? Yes of course! It’s just interesting to see you eating…” What was he saying?
“Oh.” Taehyung decided to look around the room and noticed a tiny green plant hanging above them, Jungkook followed his gaze and recognized the mistletoe.
“Is that mistletoe?” asked a curious Taehyung.
“It is, are you familiar with the tradition?” Jungkook felt a little embarrassed and he felt his cheeks going red.
“Uh… wait let me think about it… it was about kissi-” While Taehyung was lost in thought trying to remember the meaning of mistletoe hanging, Jungkook got closer to him and softly kissed him.
❄❄❄
Jungkook hadn’t meant to make things feel awkward when he kissed Taehyung at the party. The mistletoe and his feelings had gotten the best of him, and his kiss hadn’t been more than a simple press of lips, but it had been enough to make Taehyung go quiet and ask him to return home.
He didn’t know what was going on inside the Guardian’s mind, and he was incredibly skilled at masking his face to show no emotion, but he wasn’t able to let it be when they arrived home and Taehyung still refused to even look his way.
“Taehyung, please talk to me,” he asked once they were alone in his bedroom.
Taehyung, to his credit, didn’t look angry, but he sure looked confused. “Why did you kiss me, Jungkook?” his usually pale face started going red and he pressed his hands to his cheeks as if trying to stop it. “Friends don’t kiss on the lips, I remember that, and all the people I see kissing are couples, and we’re not one… are we?”
Jungkook had to laugh at that. “All couples start off somewhere, you know?” he reminded him. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” he apologized. “It’s just… I saw the mistletoe and I kept thinking…”
“What?”
“I kept thinking that I’m having such a great time with you around, and I feel something strange here when you’re close,” he pointed at his own chest. “I think I like you as couples do.”
The Guardian stared at him silently. “I feel something there too,” he admitted. “Does it mean I like you like couples do, too?”
Jungkook blushed but shook his head. “No, we all feel things differently,” he explained kindly. “Don’t get influenced by my own feelings, Taehyung. Whatever is that you feel, you’ll figure it out on your own. And don’t worry about the kiss, we’re still okay, but I’m really sorry I didn’t ask you first if it was okay.”
Taehyung waved his concerns away. “Don’t worry about it… but what if what I think I feel is not the correct feeling?”
“You know yourself better than anyone else,” Jungkook smiled at him, reaching out to hold his hand in support. “The moment you know what you feel, you’ll know.”
Taehyung slept on Jungkook’s bed that night. He felt a weird kind of sadness surrounding them, and he knew their time was running out, so he figured maybe his company would help Jungkook sleep a little better.
They woke up with their limbs tangled and their faces very close to one another, but no one said anything about it. Jungkook quickly started to prepare for the day, pulling Taehyung along as they were going to help Jungkook’s family to prepare the place to host their own New Year’s Eve get-together.
Jungkook made sure to take away all the mistletoe placed around the house. When his mother eyed him weirdly, he tried to excuse himself saying that people would be kissing enough at midnight without it. Fortunately, she seemed to buy it. Meanwhile, Taehyung busied himself with the cleaning, decorating the living room with grapes, and preparing the cups that would be used to offer wine to their guests.
Taehyung kept looking at Jungkook when he thought the other was distracted somewhere else. To his bad luck, Jungkook noticed every single time, as the Guardian’s gaze was so intense it was impossible not to notice when it was on him. He turned to smile at him a couple of times, his smile growing when Taehyung smiled back before looking away.
Unfortunately, they didn’t have a lot of time to try to talk, as Jungkook’s family made the most of having an extra helping hand to get things ready with time to spare. It was during a silent car ride to the supermarket for emergency errands with Jungkook’s mother that Taehyung spoke for the first time in a long while.
“Mrs. Jeon, how do you know if you like someone as a couple?”
She laughed at the phrasing of his sudden question, but thankfully she didn’t leave him hanging for long. “Do you feel like you like someone like that, Taehyung?”
“Maybe?” Taehyung shrugged. “I haven’t felt anything like this before, so I’m not really sure.”
Jungkook’s mother laughed. “That’s a very good dilemma,” she commented lightly. “How do we separate love between a couple from love for a friend or a best friend, right?” When Taehyung nodded eagerly, she smiled at him. “Well, I’m no expert, Taehyung, but I think there is an easy way to know.”
“How?”
“Love as a couple is like Christmas,” she told him. “You know how it fills you with excitement, and even if things are bad it brings a smile to your face? That’s it right there. How you make the most of the time while it lasts, and you can’t wait for it to be Christmas again, that magic feeling that fills you with wonder and makes you happy? I think the love you’re talking about feels a lot like that.”
Taehyung leaned back on his seat, letting out a shaky breath. “It’s so intense. How am I supposed to handle that?”
She patted his head with one hand while she used the other to keep driving. “Our hearts are strong, and even if it’s intense, that kind of love will become part of you, and it will make you even stronger. Don’t be afraid if you love someone like that, it’s one of the best things that can happen to you.”
Jungkook kept looking anxiously at the clock as it got closer and closer to midnight. Taehyung kept avoiding him, and the reminder of Taehyung’s upcoming departure made him desperate to find the Guardian and enjoy whatever time was left for them.
He finally found him alone outside by the front door while the family gathering continued inside. “What are you doing here?” he asked him gently. “It’s almost midnight, we should get inside.”
Taehyung did not move to enter the house, instead, he sighed and tilted his head upwards. “I was talking to Man in Moon. He knows a lot of things about everyone, you know? Back then, he told the Guardians I was supposed to join them, even if no one wanted to believe him,” he laughed softly. “Man in Moon has answers even for the hardest questions, even if it’s complicated to make him reply when you want,” he rolled his eyes.
Jungkook walked closer to stand next to him. “What did you ask him?” he inquired.
There was a shrug, “It doesn’t really matter, he hasn’t replied to me; that’s why I was waiting here.”
They got in a comfortable silence, staring at the moon, Taehyung waiting for answers and Jungkook asking Man in Moon to give Taehyung the answers he needed.
“We’re half a minute away from the New Year,” Jungkook commented after a quick look at his phone. “Do you want to go inside or-?”
“You’re like Christmas,” Taehyung blurted out, finally taking his eyes away from the moon.
“Huh? What do you mean?” Jungkook asked, confused.
Taehyung laughed and wrapped Jungkook in a tight hug, the bright sound of his laughter making Jungkook smile. “ That’s how you know it’s different! Your mom was right! Man in Moon thinks the same!”
Jungkook pulled away to look at the Guardian. “My mom? What did you talk about with her?”
Taehyung didn’t answer, but as the countdown began inside the house, he took Jungkook’s face between his hands, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his lips, similar to how Jungkook had done the day before.
“I like you too, Jungkook, I know it now.”
The smile that lit up Jungkook’s face could have outshined the fireworks that soon painted the sky in sparkling colors. He hugged Taehyung tightly, laughing uncontrollably until tears started spilling down his cheeks. “You mean so much to me,” he whispered in a sob.
They laughed and kept hugging until Jungkook’s mother came out to find them with a knowing smile on her face. “You’ll freeze here, boys, come on, let’s go inside.”
Finally separating, Jungkook offered Taehyung his hand, giggling when he intertwined his fingers together without a second of hesitation before following his mother inside the house.
❄❄❄
Taehyung pressed a kiss to Jungkook’s forehead as soon as he woke up, trying to get away from his hold, as the new year had started and it was time for him to go.
Jungkook stirred at the touch of his lips and hugged his torso tightly.
“Just one more day. Stay.”
And Taehyung did.
❄❄❄
A day passed, and then two. Taehyung basked in the warmth of Jungkook’s affections, the strong grip of his hand, and the feelings transmitted through every kiss they shared. Jungkook’s family was confused when there wasn’t a sight of snow despite it being the coldest days of winter, and Taehyung tried not to let the guilt grow inside of him.
❄❄❄
On the week mark, Jungkook’s parents cornered him to ask if Taehyung had problems at home and if that was the reason he hadn’t gone back to his family. Jungkook made a weak excuse at the moment, claiming that the situation was complicated, and Taehyung probably wouldn’t like to talk about it.
That night, Taehyung’s staff appeared inside Jungkook’s bedroom, a small note attached to it reading:
The kids are waiting, and so are we. Come home, J.
❄❄❄
Two days later, Jungkook nuzzled into Taehyung’s chest as they cuddled in the early morning, too warm and cozy to get up. A loud thump almost made his heart jump out of his chest, and he raised his head, feeling his world stop as he saw two familiar faces frowning at him from the end of the bed.
“Long time, no see, Jungkook.” E. Aster said with a smirk. Next to him, Sandy stood quietly with a bright wave as a greeting while a clock made of golden sand appeared over his head.
“Sorry to drop by just like that, but Jack has to come back.”
❄❄❄
Taehyung lazily opened his eyes as he felt Jungkook sitting up next to him, his warmth’s absence sent a shiver down his back as his body’s temperature dropped. A familiar voice came from the bed’s end and he sat up immediately, he thought he had dreamed of E. Aster’s voice, but he hadn’t, Sandy was next to him with a clock made of golden sand above his head. His heart sank when he turned to look at Jungkook, his usually bright expression was the opposite, he took his hand in his and held it tightly. He took a deep breath and looked back to the two Guardians, whose gaze was on them.
“I’ll meet you guys outside? Give me a little time...”, both Guardians nodded and made their way to exit through the window, “Could you take the staff with you? I can’t exactly go outside with it…”, again the Guardians nodded and exited the room as Sandy waved goodbye to Jungkook in an attempt to lighten the mood.
With only the two of them left in the room, Taehyung properly looked at Jungkook. He was hugging his knees while keeping his hand tightly held.
“Would it be selfish to say I don’t want you to leave?” Jungkook asked him with a quiet voice.
“No, I don’t think it would,” Taehyung replied, he was at a loss for words.
“Then I don’t want you to go” Jungkook moved to hug him.
“I’m sorry” Taehyung muttered a meek reply and held Jungkook tightly.
Taehyung felt divided, a part of him ached to go back and do what he did best but the rest of him wanted to stay by Jungkook’s side. He had left that part of him dominate by staying longer than he should have, with the Guardians' presence he had no choice left.
After what felt like an eternal and fleeting hug, Taehyung got up from the bed and gathered his belongings under Jungkook’s piercing gaze. He changed his clothes and purposely missed to pack his pajamas. Bag in hand Taehyung opened Jungkook’s bedroom door.
“Wait!”, Jungkook swiftly got up from the bed and carefully placed a beanie on his head, “Your hair’s turning silver again, my parents might find it strange…”, Taehyung smiled and thanked him. They went downstairs and Jungkook’s mother was already in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee, she gasped when she saw Taehyung ready to leave.
“You’re leaving already? Wanna stay for breakfast?” Taehyung realized Jungkook’s mom reminded him of his own and that made it harder for him to leave, he was leaving more than one person behind.
“Uhm, I can’t stay for breakfast I’m sorry for leaving like this, something came up so…” Taehyung hoped Jungkook’s mom wouldn’t insist.
“Oh, then let me prepare something quick for you to take”, Jungkook’s mom put cookies in a container and handed it to him.
“Thank you for letting me stay with you these Holidays, I’ve really enjoyed it” Taehyung smiled, he had really enjoyed the time he got to spend with Jungkook’s family.
“No need to thank, you can visit us anytime, whether Jungkook’s here or not. Jungkook’s dad already left for work, he’ll be sorry to miss you leaving.”
Taehyung walked to the front door followed by Jungkook and his mom, he opened the door and stepped outside. He turned back and hugged Jungkook and whispered in his ear, “I love you Jungkookie, I’ll see you again…”, Jungkook stood frozen in place and Taehyung let go of him.
Taehyung found E. Aster and Sandy in an alley near Jungkook’s house. Sandy gave him his staff and E. Aster patted his back, “Cheer up, just because you can’t stay it doesn’t mean you won’t see him again," E. Aster’s attempt at cheering him made him smile and he nodded.
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Jungkook’s winter break came to an end and he went back to school and to live on campus. The days after Taehyung’s departure had been hard for him, and although his mother wasn’t completely aware of the situation she did her best to cheer him up and subtly told him she was more than okay with their relationship, Jungkook cried with that.
Jungkook knew they couldn’t stay together for a long time, he chose to ignore that fact and hopelessly fell in love with Taehyung, not that he had any control over his feelings, falling in love with Taehyung was the easiest thing he had ever done, seeing him leave hurt him. The nights and mornings he spent waiting for Taehyung to knock on his window drained him, Taehyung’s last words - I’ll see you again- gave him hope and haunted him, when would that again be?
Jungkook was on his way to his dorm, he was done with classes and was planning to sleep for the rest of the day, the previous night it had snowed and Jungkook stayed up waiting for someone, but that someone never showed up. He was about to enter the dorms building when he felt a snowball hit him in his back, he was angry and frustrated, and was about to yell at the person that threw the ball when he saw Taehyung ready to throw a second snowball, his playful expression was a stark contrast to Jungkook’s. Jungkook ran to hug him and started crying, his tears hit Taehyung’s shoulder who held him tightly.
“What took you so long!?” His frustration came out in a scolding.
“I had a lot to catch up with, I came here as soon as I could. And it took me a little while to find you."
Jungkook took Taehyung’s hand and led them to his dorm. Inside his room, he turned on the heater and took off his scarf and jacket, he sat down on the bed and Taehyung sat down next to him; only then did he realize Taehyung was wearing the same beanie he gave him when he left, and that made his heart flutter.
“There are many things that I can’t give you nor do with you,” Taehyung started speaking and Jungkook didn’t know what to expect so he waited for him to continue, “but I am certain of something, you’re special to me and you mean a lot to me, at first I didn’t understand my feelings but now I know I love you. And I hope you are willing to accept all I can give you. I will promise one thing to you so please look at me,” Jungkook was afraid of what he could see in Taehyung’s expression so he had been staring at his desk while he listened to him with his request he turned to look at him, Taehyung took both of his hands in his, “I will love you forever and you will be forever special to me. That is my promise to you if that’s enough for you the-”
Jungkook momentarily stopped paying attention to Taehyung, he was offering all that he could and Jungkook had the choice to accept it with everything that it implicated or to let go of him. He had already thought about it, worried about everything -what would happen when Jungkook starts looking older and Taehyung doesn’t? Would the time they spend together be enough? Would he eventually resent Taehyung? Would his feelings fade with time?- but he had reached a conclusion, there was no point in worrying about things he had no control over so he was ready to take a second leap of faith for Taehyung.
“It’s enough, it’s more than enough…” Jungkook interrupted Taehyung’s speech and kissed him. Tears rolled down his face and he felt Taehyung’s tears in his cheeks, they felt like little snowflakes melting in his skin.
“You’ll always be my Taehyung, and I’ll always be your Jungkook."