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“Jimin,” you murmur, and the hand that was stroking your hair stops.
“Hmm?”
You don’t say anything, eyes still closed. Then, finally, you sigh. “Nothing,” you say, although it’s clearly not nothing.
Your hand moves Jimin’s against your hair to urge him to resume his petting, and he acquiesces with a laugh. “Doesn’t sound like nothing.” He says.
You hum. “Just nervous about the new year.”
“About what it’ll bring?”
“No … just the moments leading up to it, and the first few minutes after. Everyone’s rushing off somewhere, you know? To celebrate with family or friends. But we’re just here …” You say apologetically.
“Do you wish we were somewhere else?” At the hurt in Jimin’s tone, your eyes snap open and immediately meet your angel’s.
“No,” you say immediately. If anything, you were apologetic to him, wishing you were more exciting and could bring him to exciting places to celebrate the new year in the traditional way, or introduce fun traditions of your own. However, you had none. “I just mean … all my New Year eves have felt so underwhelming, you know? This is the first one we’ve spent together, and I appreciate that.” Jimin smiles at this. He knows you’re genuine. “Every year, on December 31st, I just feel like I have to do more to usher in the new year. Go out partying and drinking or whatever.”
Jimin knows exactly how you’ve spent your past New Year eves. He knows the persistent loneliness that creeps into your heart, despite it supposedly being a happy holiday. He knows this feeling won’t go away so easily, but he’s here to help.
Before he can say anything to comfort you, however, you continue.
“I know that’s silly – I know nothing magical happens even if the numbers of the year changes, so maybe there’s nothing worth celebrating at all, and hence nothing to stress over. Realistically, it’s just another day, another midnight. The problems which plagued me this year will still follow me into the next, and I won’t feel any significantly different on New Year’s either.” You say.
“You’re probably right,” Jimin agrees, hiding a smile at the pout you made in response to his honest words. “It won’t be something grand. Not much might even change in the single day it takes for a year to have gone by. But … you know, it’s a day every human comes together to celebrate, and be happy together. I think small things like that – finding a reason to celebrate another year of living – I think that’s important. The fact that every human has marked this day as one of great importance for so long, and aim to celebrate it just like that.”
He can see from your eyes that you’re thinking over his words.
“Some people might drink and party. Others have more intimate parties to countdown. And others, like us, might be a little alone. But that’s okay, because we’re all greeting the same new year.”
Just as he says that, both you and him hear a booming sound.
“Fireworks!” You gasp, scrambling upright and staring out the window with your mouth open.
Jimin smiles, watching your reaction rather than the display. “We were so busy talking, we forgot to keep an eye out for midnight.
Happy New Year, Y/N.”
You turn to him, and he’s not sure if it’s the fireworks that make your eyes sparkle, or the big smile on your face, but his heart beats faster.
“Happy New Year, Jimin.”
You fling your arms open and he’s too late to stop you before you’re enveloping him in a hug. His hands hover uncertainly over your back for a minute before he hesitantly allows them on you and returns the hug. Your heart warms.
“I’m glad my countdown to New Year was with you petting my hair,” you giggle. It had been comforting, the soothing gesture making warmth spread through your chest. Maybe that’s exactly what you were missing every New Year’s eve prior to this – the satisfaction of being loved, the safe feeling of being home. Being calm because of these feelings, so you could welcome the new year and all it may bring.
Jimin pulls away from the hug, gracing you with a smile. He leans in and presses a kiss to your forehead, and your heart stutters.
“I’ll be with you this year, too.” Don’t worry.