Archive of Our Own ^beta

—

Jaemin has only one objective for the night.

He wants to kiss Jeno Lee under the mistletoe.

He will never rest until he gets what he wants and the party at Taeyong's will be the ultimate plan in going forth with his plan. He knows for a fact that Johnny and Ten plan to raid the party by scattering mistletoes all over the place and Jaemin will grab this opportunity to kiss Jeno.

—

It should be pretty easy. The most predictable spot for a mistletoe is to put it up at the front door where everyone will definitely have to go through. Jaemin only needs to get into the house with Jeno by his side. Easy.

It should be easy.

Jaemin arrives earlier than he promised. Some of the hyungs have gathered and he knows he should come in soon to help around or something but Donghyuck sent him a text saying Jeno went to buy more snacks courtesy of Doyoung's request.

So there Jaemin is. Waiting at the door, clad in a black turtleneck and a beige jacket over his outfit to complete the look of fancy and smart. He regrets not bringing his padded jacket along because he feels the cold sipping through his bones. Jaemin shivers, hugging himself tight.

Jeno should be here soon.

Jaemin convinces himself while walking back and forth to make himself a bit warm. He hears Jeno before he sees him. Bouncing on his feet slightly, Jaemin beams at Jeno. Oh, he looks extremely good tonight with his messy raven hair let down perfectly and the denim jacket and grey hoodie–very casual comfy of Jeno–looks even better on Jeno than it would on a model.

Jaemin approaches Jeno with a smile and stretches out his hands. "Let me help."

Jeno seems surprised by his presence. "How long have you been out here?" He asks, giving one of the bags to Jaemin.

"Eh, not that long." Jaemin answers dismissively and he tries to match his steps with Jeno.

Jaemin steals glances Jeno's way, admiring his side profile. It is the holidays and it has been a good two weeks of not seeing his precious friend, save for the late night video calls and random selfies. Seeing the person in the flesh somehow makes Jaemin miss him even more.

Jeno's nose is red and his glasses are perched on the bridge of his nose, accentuating his handsome features as light from the streets cast a perfect ray on his face. Jaemin could stare at Jeno all day all year without getting bored.

Jaemin's heart rate suddenly accelerates as he catches sight of the entrance. He feels so nervous his hands are sweaty and he thinks he might drop the bag any time. One more step, one turn of the doorknob and Jaemin will succeed in his plan. He can even see the greens of the mistletoe hanging on top through the gap of the door.

Jaemin feels like he'll combust out of excitement.

Right when they get to the door, Jeno turns to him in realization, eyes wide. "Ah, you get in first. I left something in the car. Go warm yourself up inside. Here," Jeno says, passing him the other bag with a nervous smile and scurrying off.

A disappointed frown makes its way to Jaemin's lips. He looks at the bags of snacks in his hands. He doesn't even feel like eating any of them tonight. Why must Jeno forget something in the car?

Knocking on the door with his elbow, Jaemin waits for someone inside to open it for him. He is grumbling under his breath. He dressed up prettily and even made Donghyuck use his stock of glitter on him so he could entice Jeno (Donghyuck's words, not his) but it looks like plan A failed.

For a while no one opens the door and Jaemin groans, knowing that it is not because of the noise but because no one wants to be kissed or to kiss the person at the door.

"Come on, my hands are full!"

To be exact, Jaemin can just open it by himself. It is not like he could not do it but his mood is slightly ruined and a little smooch from whoever is behind the door would be good, he thinks.

After a little bickering, Jaemin hears footsteps approaching and the door opens to a miraculously flushed Doyoung.

"Hyung, are you drunk? Already?"

Doyoung sends him a tight lipped smile and offers his hand but Jaemin just side-eyes him.

"Had a headstart but it's fine. Just a little tipsy. It gets the holiday mood going." Doyoung replies, giving way for Jaemin to get in. By holiday mood, Jaemin is sure it's just to get alcohol in his system so he doesn't have to be sober to entertain whatever ridiculous thing that could happen later in the night.

The moment Jaemin steps inside, he hears hollers and cheers from the rest of his friends, chanting the word kiss! kiss! kiss! Jaemin rolls his eyes mentally and Doyoung clicks his tongue at how loud they are. Taeyong is going to get complaints for disturbances any time soon.

"Tradition, Jaemin." Doyoung mumbles, leaning down to cup Jaemin's face. He presses a soft kiss on Jaemin's cheek. Jaemin can smell the stench of wine from him, his face scrunching subconsciously but he appreciates the kiss nonetheless.

"Thanks, hyung." Jaemin approaches Taeyong at the table, putting the bag of snacks on top of it. "Here, Taeyong hyung."

"Thanks, Jaeminnie. Did you come with Jeno?" Taeyong asks, a gentle smile on his face.

"Ah, not really. Jeno went to retrieve something in the car." Jaemin replies, helping Taeyong out. He does not get to see the knowing look on Taeyong's face as Jaemin catches Johnny and Ten in his peripheral view acting disgusting in a corner, just chatting way too close to each other and giggling every few seconds.

"How was your holiday?" Jaemin knows Taeyong just wants to strike a conversation and he is glad because Taeyong is always considerately kind and sweet.

"It was okay. Met my little cousins and had a big feast. Helped my mother with the meals and I love her even more now. The festive season is so chaotic."

Taeyong laughs at that, agreeing silently. "But that's what makes it fun, you know?"

Suddenly, loud cheers and an unwilling scream erupt from the entrance, startling the two. Jaemin sees the cause of disturbance, in the form of Lee Donghyuck at the door, arms wrapped around Doyoung as he gets on his tippy toes to smooch the latter. Doyoung is seen struggling in Donghyuck's hold while the others laugh at his misery.

It is always fun to tease Doyoung.

Jaemin spots Jeno behind them, quietly laughing to himself and his heart does a thing. He sighs in relief, glad that Jeno is not the one who stepped in first although there was no reason to be jealous of Doyoung. The two are practically brothers from different mothers.

Whatever it is, Jaemin still wants to kiss Jeno under the mistletoe though, and he is aiming straight for the lips.

—

Jaemin stays with Jeno for the rest of the night, touching shoulders with him as they sit together on the sofa. He thought it would be easier if he had Jeno close to him but how is he supposed to act normal when the only thing in his mind is: Kiss Jeno Lee. On the lips. Under the mistletoe. Any mistletoe.

Jaemin knows there are other priorities, like maybe confessing his feelings first and knowing how Jeno feels for him but despite Jaemin's confident character, he is a little afraid deep down he is going to get his heart rejected. It would take a blow on him, not just because he got rejected, but because it is Jeno. And Jaemin doesn't know how to act if that happens.

So, Jaemin is taking the easy way out. By kissing said boy.

If Jeno reciprocates the kiss, then that would mean his feelings aren't one sided at least. If he does not, then something is probably wrong because Jaemin can guarantee his kisses are good.

Jaemin tries to be composed, ignoring the teasing glances from Donghyuck who looks like he would scream to the whole house of Jaemin's plan. Donghyuck has threatened Jaemin earlier in exposing his secret when he was getting Jaemin dolled up, and Jaemin must say Donghyuck makes a good, convincing businessman.

While their small friend group is caught in a stupid, heated discussion over the choice of dipping pizza into ketchup or pouring ketchup on it, Jaemin notices his empty cup of soda. He thinks it is safe to leave so he slips away from the comforting warmth that is Jeno.

Surprisingly, Jeno trails after him and when Jaemin is about to ask why, he shows his own empty cup.

"You could've just handed yours to me. I won't mind filling it up for you." Jaemin tells him as they fall into matching steps. As always. It's as if their minds are somehow connected the moment they walk side by side.

"I could," Jeno agrees. "But I also wanted to be alone with you."

Jaemin sends him a surprised look, completely baffled and Jeno realises how ambiguous his words are as he stutters another reply.

"Well—I meant in the way that, like—um, we've been surrounded by everyone and it feels nice...you know? To be alone...together. Just us two"

"Look at you, I didn't even say anything." Jaemin bumps their shoulders together playfully, ignoring the pang in his heart as he crushes his own hopes.

With a sigh, Jeno says. "You make me nervous."

Jaemin scrunches his face in confusion. "Nervous how? We've been friends for years, Jeno!"

"Still,"

It does not help that Jeno's vague words leave Jaemin thinking of endless possibilities. Why would he be nervous? Why did he want to be alone with him? Why does it feel so nice to be together? Why?

"Oh," Jeno stops in his tracks. "I didn't get to tell you this earlier but I think you look pretty tonight."

And it also does not help that Jeno has a knack of knocking people (read: Jaemin) off their feet with just a simple sentence. The pink hue dusting Jaemin's cheeks is pretty under the fluorescent lights, giving the glitter adorning his face a bright glow.

"Thank you. Why, you look rather dashing yourself." Jaemin compliments, smiling to himself and getting briefly distracted by Mark's loud laughter as he animatedly tells what Jaemin could only guess as a funny story, momentarily looking away and not notice Jeno hiding his red ears by fixing his hair. Jaemin turns back to Jeno with a grin. "Ah, right. What did you forget earlier?"

"Huh?" Jeno's voice comes out higher than usual and his eyes are wide in panic.

"The thing you had to get in the car. What was it?" Jaemin asks.

Jeno rubs the back of his neck while sporting an awkward smile. "It’s nothing much, really. Just a little gift...I guess you can say that."

"What? I thought we weren’t doing gifts this year. I didn’t get anyone anything." Jaemin whines, feeling bad for not bringing gifts for any of his friends.

"I know you’re lying. You literally have a stash of presents under your bed and I know the biggest box there belongs to Jisung."

Jaemin smiles sheepishly. "Was it obvious? Well, you can’t stop me. I already bought them anyway. You can come by later and get yours too."

"I feel special." Jeno snorts, playfully rolling his eyes.

"You are special. I didn’t even wrap it up. You can take the whole paper bag with you. Environment friendly, you know?" Jaemin jokes and Jeno, being overly enthusiastic over the topic, starts rambling about a documentary he watched on 'Going Green'. Jaemin is not that particularly interested in the subject but watching the way Jeno’s eyes light up in excitement has him paying attention.

The short walk to the kitchen hallway takes longer because Jaemin notices Jeno slowing down his pace to match Jaemin’s steps instinctively. It is also because every corner of the spacious house had at least a couple of people hanging around.

While being absorbed in Jeno’s tragic story of a cute sea creature having passed away due to being infected by a rare disease, Jaemin has not realised they've finally reached the kitchen until two firm large hands are on his shoulders.

"Whoa there, kiddo. You should watch out where you're going next time." Jungwoo says, giving Jaemin's shoulder a light pat.

"Sorry, hyung." Jaemin grins sheepishly. He is about to move to the side to give way for Jungwoo when Hendery yells mistletoe from inside the kitchen.

Above their heads, hangs a little mistletoe so high and so small Jaemin almost did not see. Jungwoo's body vibrates in laughter, eyes crinkling as he leans down. Jaemin groans internally, out of all times to get caught under one, and with Jeno close by him, he really missed his chance.

"Tradition is tradition, Jaemin-ah." He smiles, pressing a soft peck to the crown of Jaemin's head. Jungwoo has always treated him like a cute younger brother which makes everything less awkward and just warmly funny. Jaemin gives a small smile, cheeks puffing out, resembling something of a bread smile.

Jaemin mumbles thanks to Jungwoo who only pats his shoulder friendly with a knowing look in his eyes. Can Jaemin be even more obvious of his desperate wish?

Jungwoo leaves and the two head over to the kitchen, Jeno walking slightly faster, shoulders a little tense. Jaemin follows behind, his own shoulders slumped in disappointment.

"What is it with all the mistletoes in the house?" Jeno questions, a small frown on his lips which Jaemin thinks is just him being curiously annoyed. Jaemin doesn't see the little glare thrown behind him, directed at Jungwoo.

"Hm, I think it's pretty cute. You get free kisses." Jaemin shrugs, looking through the row of drinks – alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic juices stacked together. Stupidly, Jaemin says aloud. "Wonder if hyung has coffee somewhere here."

"Jaemin, I don't think hyungs would serve coffee at a party. Just grab one of the colas instead" Jeno points to a half opened bottle of coca cola.

"Well, maybe people should start serving coffee at parties." Jaemin says. shrugging his shoulders.

"Then, it won't be a party anymore."

"How does that even make sense?"

"Just grab the cola." Jeno sighs, walking over to Jaemin and slipping a hand past Jaemin to take the bottle. He doesn't realise their close position or the fact that Jeno had unintentionally caged Jaemin into the counter.

It does not last long before Jeno realises the position they are in and in surprise, practically freezes on the spot. Jaemin's breath is caught in his throat, too taken aback to move a muscle. Both of them have gotten into similar positions like this when Jeno constantly back hugs Jaemin yet it feels so unfamiliar despite how often it happened before.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

The loud cheering from the living room snaps the two out of their moment, Jeno stepping backwards as if he got electrocuted and Jaemin remains glued to the counter, his hand turning white from how hard he's clutching the poor counter.

When is it my fucking turn?

Trying to appear undisturbed, Jaemin grabs a carton of what he assumes could only be peach juice and pours it into his cup. He can't afford to be drunk for the night, as much as he wants to be anything but sober since he wants to remember the kiss with Jeno, if it actually ever happens.

Clearing his throat, Jeno puts back the bottle. "They're really energetic, huh?"

"It's the feeling of being ashamed of kissing and getting kissed in public that fuels them." Jaemin says without much thinking, grumpily sipping his peach juice, hoping the sweetness soothes his frustration and nervousness.

Naturally, Jaemin's eyes drift towards Jeno, staring at his beautiful side profile, admiring how his best friend looks effortlessly attractive. Everything would be so much better if Jaemin could just kiss him, right here, right now. If only.

—

"Just how much mistletoes did you guys put up? I feel like walking into a minefield of kisses every step I take." Yuta says, throwing a fallen mistletoe he found on the floor to Sicheng who catches it easily.

"Enough for everyone to get their kisses today." Ten replies, a thumb pointing to Sicheng getting attacked by kisses from both sides, having seated in between Donghyuck and Taeil.

"Enough for everyone except me," Jaemin grumbles, staring into his almost empty cup of peach juice. He has been drinking the juice like it's alcohol, hoping he would gather enough courage and be blessed for a chance to kiss Jeno Lee under one of the many mistletoes in the house.

Jaemin really cannot find the right timing due to the huge number of guests around, bumping into them everywhere he goes. He can't even be stressed in peace because anyone who sees would definitely tell on him to Jeno, like Jeno is his personal worrier or something.

Can't a boy get his kisses, in peace?

Jaemin downs his drink in one go, feeling the sweet liquid pass his throat and leaving a somewhat bitter aftertaste. There is a faint cheering of some other pairing of friends getting caught under a mistletoe.

When is it my turn, God?

Wondering if his bad luck for the night is a result of karma for him rejecting all the people who ever confessed to him before. He would not be surprised if any of them cursed him either. He knows how cold he could be, so maybe this is God's way of making him go through the same process.

And maybe, Jaemin's chances are just as much as his past admirers. Who knows? He might even walk home tonight with a broken heart.

No. This is Jeno Lee, his best friend of years and Jaemin knows Jeno. He knows Jeno is nothing like him in terms of cutting off relationships and rejecting his admirers. The Jeno he knows is kind, too kind that Jaemin is sure he would end up being spoiled with love instead, albeit not the one he's actually looking for.

All the thinking and what ifs are sending his brain into a frenzy. He needs to wash his face to get rid of the negative thoughts.

Jaemin puts down his cup on a random table, praying no one touches it and heads to the bathroom. While he is in there, he hopes to have an answer on why he's not getting any kisses from the one person he badly wants. He even looks extra good tonight too. He should be able to get a few kisses.

The door to the bathroom is locked and Jaemin does not want to take the effort of walking back in front to go to the one upstairs. Fortunately, the door opens seconds later and he hears a small gasp before he even sees the person occupying the bathroom.

"Jaemin,"

Jaemin scrunches his nose, feeling an air of awkwardness hit him straight to the face. "It's okay to call me hyung, you know?"

"Y-yeah, I know. I just. Jaemin… hyung. Do you – do you want to use the bathroom? Sorry, I'll get out of the way. Wait, um, give me a second—"

"Sungchan," Jaemin says, his eyes light up in amusement. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah?" Sungchan replies, seemingly in a daze as he stares into Jaemin's eyes. "Yes, of course, I feel amazing. Perfectly wonderful."

It's not like Jaemin doesn't know the reason why Sungchan is acting terribly weird. Sungchan is also one of Jaemin's many admirers but is only one of the few to eventually be acquaintances with him. Jaemin tries not to point out the obvious admiration–or is it infatuation or crush? Who knows?–if Sungchan doesn't admit it first.

It was Jeno who told him about it first though.

Perfect Jeno Lee who always notices things two, three steps ahead of others. Jaemin could barely care, treating everyone with the same attitude excluding his favourite person–it's Jisung, and also Jeno.

Tilting his head, Jaemin points to the bathroom. "Can I use it now?"

"Sure!" Sungchan's voice cracks a bit and he flushes pink in embarrassment. When he abruptly pulls the door and tries to step out, a rustling of leaves startles them both, making them freeze in their spots.

They look up at the same time, noticing a small mistletoe taped to the edge of the door. How it got there, they don't know.

Sungchan is extremely taken aback in shock and Jaemin is nothing but fond of the younger boy. That, and the fact that he also needs to use the toilet in a hurry.

So, Jaemin takes the initiative by getting on his toes and places his lips on Sungchan's cheek for a split second.

"There," Jaemin says, pulling or rather dragging the stunned boy out of the bathroom and closing the door on him.

See how easy it is to kiss someone. Why can't I just haul my own ass and kiss Jeno? And maybe confess, and get accepted. And then date. Then, that way I'll get more kisses and dates and maybe, we can start planning our wedding too.

"You're an idiot, Jaemin." He sighs, looking at his reflection in the mirror. Turning on the tap, he splashes water onto his face and wipes it off with the clean towel for guests. He's been there too many times to not know the drill already.

Just then, someone knocks on the door. Jaemin frowns–he really can't be stressed in peace and he pulls the door wide open.

"Hi again," It's Sungchan, with his blushing cheeks, still. "I forgot my phone in there."

Jaemin turns around and there he sees a phone by the sink. He grabs and passes the phone back to Sungchan who takes it back hesitantly. Jaemin waits for a few seconds in case Sungchan has something else he also forgot.

"Anything else, Sungc–"

Suddenly, Jaemin is caught off guard by Sungchan who leans forward and steals a kiss on Jaemin's cheek, all in a blink of an eye.

"Yeah, that. Um, yeah, yep. Okay,"

And the next second, he's gone from Jaemin's sight. But Jaemin could still see how red the tips of his ears were, looking as if Sungchan was lighting up on fire.

"Wow...I should at least be as daring as him, huh?"

—

Okay, if I stand here. There is no way he won't notice. We definitely have to kiss.

Jaemin smiles in triumph, chest puffed out slightly for his brilliant idea. If he can't get Jeno, then Jeno will just have to get him instead. The spot chosen is out in the open, a few steps away from the living room filled with chaotic college boys and easily seen.

All he needs to do is wait for Jeno to come approach him in front of the stairs. Because no one would want to go upstairs, is there? All he needs to do is stand right under the mistletoe stationed above the stairs.

Well, Jaemin screwed up big time.

No one would come there; no one including Jeno, of course. And Jaemin is too prideful to give up and mope around in a secluded corner, so he stands there with his head held high and busying himself with his phone to not look too odd by being the only one there, alone.

His loneliness disappears soon when his favourite person approaches him with careful steps. Jaemin almost laughs at how cautious Jisung looks, trying to avoid the obvious mistletoe hanging on the ceiling.

"...Jaemin...hyung?"

Jaemin gives Jisung his best smile of the night, warm and sweet, reserved for his beloved people.

"Have you eaten yet?"

Breaking into a wider smile, Jaemin puts away his phone and jumps forward onto Jisung, who attempts to catch Jaemin and manages to grab onto his elbows. Jaemin cups Jisung's cheeks, squishes and gives them light pinches.

"How are you so loveable, my Jisungie? You are so loveable, so pretty, so kind, so caring, so Jisungie." Jaemin says with his fake baby voice while Jisung reluctantly lets his cheeks be fondled by the latter.

"Are you okay though?" Jisung frowns, eyes dripping with concern. "You seemed quite upset for a while. Do you not feel well? Maybe I can get Jeno hyung to get you back–"

"Jisungieeee!" Jaemin squeals in delight, hugging him tightly, resting his own cheek on Jisung's shoulders, slightly tiptoeing to match Jisung's height.

Props to Jisung for being the most loveable person in Jaemin's life that Jaemin finds himself putting aside his frustration, forgetting about his master plan on getting Jeno Lee under the mistletoe with him.

Jaemin knows they aren't exactly under the mistletoe but he still leans forward to plant a soft kiss to Jisung's cheek, sending his love and fondness the younger boy's way.

That will do for now.

And just because as much as Jisung is Jaemin's favourite, Jaemin is also Jisung's, and it's Christmas. What could be so wrong if he reciprocates a little of Jaemin's love and affection with a kiss too?

So, Jisung presses his lips on Jaemin's temple, gentle and soft, almost feather-like. And Jaemin smiles, warm and giggly inside.

Yeah, that can do for now.

—

"How's it going?"

"Horribly awful," Jaemin answers, exaggerating a long sigh while Donghyuck gives his shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Can you imagine half of the people here getting to kiss Jeno but I haven't?" he whisper hisses Jeno's name.

"Tough luck, Jaeminnie." Donghyuck shrugs, knowing well enough he would piss Jaemin off.

And he does, judging by the annoyed scowl on Jaemin's face.

"Stop talking about luck. I will eat your cookies, Haechan, and I will not hesitate to do so."

"Oh, c'mon. You still have all night. Heck, if things don't seem like it'll go well, just grab him by the neck and kiss him." Donghyuck says.

"What am I? A man who doesn't know the concept of consent?" Jaemin clicks his tongue at Donghyuck's suggestion.

"The whole modern kissing under the mistletoe tradition isn't exactly that consensual either, but go off, I guess." Donghyuck rolls his eyes, crossing his arms against his chest.

"Stop talking like that too, will you? I thought you were supposed to help me!" Jaemin whines, fed up with everything at that point.

"I am! But I can't if you keep on being difficult, child." Donghyuck grits his teeth.

Out of nowhere, something is tossed over to them and Donghyuck easily catches it by reflex, and instant regret is clear on his face. Jaemin pales at the sight of a crushed mistletoe in Donghyuck's outstretched hand.

"Seriously, guys?" Donghyuck asks, waving the plant in his hand around. "Seriously?"

"What?" Yangyang snorts. "You two look like you have unresolved sexual tension all over you. Might as well kiss it off."

Jaemin throws a disapproving death glare at Yangyang who smiles back innocently as if he didn't just try to set up the two of them, while Donghyuck looks at the mistletoe in disgust.

There is indeed some sexual tension, but definitely not for each other that is.

Yet, Donghyuck hates losing and he knows if there is one thing that would get his dear friend deprived of his kisses from a certain moon eyed boy, then he shall show what the poor boy is missing on.

"Hey, remember how not so consensual mistletoe kisses are?" Donghyuck nudges Jaemin in the ribs.

Jaemin looks back at him with an expression of horror, as if knowing where Donghyuck is going with the question. "Don't you dare–"

"Trust me," Donghyuck smirks, feeling the triumph of his soon to be successful plan–his plans rarely ever fail. "And give me your consent now."

"Donghyuck Lee, I swear–mmph!"

If you asked Jaemin if he was going to spend all the time he prettied up for the night just to kiss Donghyuck Lee instead, he would rather call in sick and stay in bed. But look at him now, locking lips with the menace of his life. The same menace who did his makeup today too. It's not like it's their first kiss together but Jaemin wasn't really looking forward to a kiss with this friend but rather his other friend who he awfully pines for.

But that doesn't mean he can't enjoy a good kiss. And Donghyuck Lee, is nothing but a great kisser.

The cheers are deafening yet Jaemin manages to drown them out, opting to put them and Donghyuck all back in their place. Jaemin's pent up frustration comes through when Donghyuck pushes him back and he feels the edge of the table behind him digging on his hip.

Two can play this game.

Jaemin growls in Donghyuck's mouth, grabbing onto the front of Donghyuck's shirt and pulling him forward until they both are halfway across the table. A fork or two drops on the floor and they're still going at it, with Donghyuck biting onto Jaemin's bottom lip, digging through the soft flesh until Jaemin winces in pain.

This fucker did not just make my lips bleed.

"No! Nononono not there! We eat there, I eat there, guys. C'mon!"

Taeyong's screeching shriek garners everyone's attention, including them both and Donghyuck pulls away with a smug expression that Jaemin wants nothing but to smack it off his face.

Jaemin pushes Donghyuck off him rather harshly while the latter shrugs and gives Taeyong a sheepish smile as the older one looks back with disappointment.

"I hate your fucking ass." Jaemin seethes.

"Oh, please. You wished you could fuck this ass." Donghyuck turns to him, smirking and slipping his hand behind Jaemin, patting him on the ass lightly. "Though I'd rather be doing the fucking, pretty boy."

"You…" Jaemin scoffs. "Are so infuriating. I hope you don't get laid until graduation."

"Sucks to be you. I graduate next semester." Donghyuck says. "I get laid enough but you, on the other hand…"

"I'm trying, okay!" Jaemin hisses under his breath. "But it's so hard. All I want is a kiss. A fucking stupid kiss. Just one! I just want one damn kiss from him but what do I get? Literally everyone's kissed him but me!"

"Who?"

Jaemin recognises the voice too well for it to be Donghyuck's annoyingly sweet honey voice. Donghyuck snorts as he looks at the person behind Jaemin and he taps Jaemin's shoulder in a silent good luck then hurries off somewhere else to give them space.

"Who didn't you get to kiss?"

—

"Stop biting your lips, Jaemin. It'll bleed worse."

Jaemin instantly stops nibbling on his bottom lip, the little cut from earlier still has remnants of blood. He licks his lips from habit and flinches when the pain strikes him in waves.

"I'm going to kill him," Jaemin says under his breath.

Both of them promptly escape the little get together in the living room for a quieter place to talk. About what, Jaemin has absolutely no idea what for. His plan for the night is to only kiss Jeno, not confess his feelings. They're sitting right by the opened window in one of Taeyong's guest rooms, the one he usually gives to guests who decide to sleep over at the last minute, which happens way too often to Taeyong's liking.

"Not if I get to him first." Jeno frowns, passing a piece of tissue to Jaemin, who gently dabs it onto his lips. "Did he kiss you without your permission?"

"Huh?" Jaemin blinks. "Um no, I wasn't exactly uncomfortable. It's okay. Hyuck just likes to joke around like that."

"You guys… joke around by… kissing each other?" Jeno looks stupefied, eyes zeroing in on Jaemin's bruised lips, the pink lip gloss from earlier that night seemingly wiped off after the kiss and his lips are now a swollen red. Swollen from the kiss. Popping red from the kiss.

"When you say it like that, it does sound weird but no, it's just–we're friends, right? Kissing between friends is normal. Platonic kisses! They exist, you know?" Jaemin scrambles to find a suitable reply while avoiding eye contact with his best friend–not knowing how to lie his way through this situation, and he purses his lips after.

When Jeno doesn't say anything, Jaemin braces himself to see his reaction. Jeno looks confused and in a daze if anything and Jaemin calls out to him softly, wondering what's gotten him so distracted. Jaemin is about to reach out when Jeno leans into his personal space, all slow motion and Jaemin's breath hitches in surprise.

"Jen...Jeno?" Jaemin says and the latter finally snaps out of whatever trance he was in, yet doesn't move an inch from the close proximity.

Jeno licks his bottom lip, biting it after before meeting Jaemin's curious gaze. "Do you two often kiss?"

"Unfortunately Donghyuck is my first kiss. I think he's literally everyone's first kiss. But uh–to answer your question, no." Jaemin scoffs despite feeling nervous from being stared at by Jeno so closely. He could only hope he is still as pretty as he always is.

"You know," Jeno says and finally moves back, looking out of the window into the dark sky. "You didn't really answer my question earlier."

Jaemin freezes for a few seconds, recollecting himself quickly after and looks down at his hands. "What...question?" Yes, Jaemin. Playing dumb always works.

"You know what question,"

Okay, maybe not with Jeno.

Chuckling nervously, Jaemin lifts his head to look at Jeno who now has his attention on a small chunk of snow on the window sill. Momentarily Jaemin lets himself get lost in Jeno's handsome side profile, the high of his cheekbones flushes a light shade of red from the cold and the little beauty mark that Jaemin has always wanted to kiss one day. When he has the rights to.

"Is it too insensitive of me to ask?" Jeno asks, biting the insides of his cheek when Jaemin takes too long to reply. "I mean, it has to be someone in our friend circle, right? And you've been antsy all night. And...well, Donghyuck knows."

"...And?"

Jeno clenches his jaw and then forces a smile on his face, more bitter than sweet. "Well, I was just wondering if you don't trust me as your best friend since you didn't tell me what or whom."

There is a little sulky pout on Jeno's mouth and Jaemin wants to either bang his head on the wall or bang his lips on Jeno's lips, or maybe even both? Bang his lips on Jeno's while banging his head on the wall. However that works, it does not matter.

"Of course I trust you, Jeno. You're my," Jaemin swallows a lump of saliva, along with his feelings for the boy he has loved for who knows how long. "Best friend."

"Okay,"

"Okay?" Jaemin asks while Jeno turns back to him with a serious expression.

"Best friend gets kissing rights too, don't they?"

"What?"

What.

Jaemin's mind comes to a halt, trying to process whatever Jeno just said. Maybe Jaemin heard that wrong. Yeah, that would explain everything. Because Jeno definitely did not say what Jaemin thought he did. There was no way.

With an innocent tilt of his head, Jeno points a finger upwards and Jaemin doesn't have to look to see what they are both sitting under. Johnny and Ten weren't joking when they said they scattered them everywhere in the house. Jaemin just hopes no one gets any allergic reactions from the abundance of mistletoes.

"So…" Jeno trails off, body leaning forward so close this time Jaemin can actually count out each lash on Jeno's eyelashes. "Will you allow me a kiss?"

Jaemin doesn't answer explicitly but his reaction gives it away when his eyes drift down to Jeno's lips in a dreamy look. "Tradition,"

Jaemin sees a glimpse of smirk on Jeno's mouth before he slips his eyes close, too anxious to keep them open for whatever is to come. It's only going to be a cheek kiss, at most. Jeno would never kiss him on the lips, though it's one of Jaemin's Christmas wishes this year.

"Yeah, tradition." Jeno mumbles under his breath and then, Jaemin feels cold hands–from the breezy wind of the snowy night–hold him in place, Jeno's palms resting on both sides of his face.

It's just a cheek kiss, Jaemin. Just a cheek kiss. A cheek kiss. That's all it is. It's only a cheek kiss–

Jaemin flinches in surprise as his lips meet soft lips. His own hands clenched into fists by his sides, holding himself back from pouncing on Jeno or even touching a strand of hair on him.

No one told him Jeno was a good kisser, no, a great one. Even better than Donghyuck. Or maybe that's just Jaemin's biased opinion but he feels himself melting into the kiss, tensed shoulders relaxing and he reciprocates the kiss. Jaemin kisses like his life depends on it, like Jeno would disappear through his fingers if they ever break apart, like everything is on the table and he can't go back now.

It's Jeno who pulls away first, brushing noses against Jaemin's reddening nose and looking not even a bit out of breath, unlike Jaemin who is panting heavily, eyes still shut closed and heart palpitating so hard he could hear it in his ears.

Jaemin knows the moment he opens his eyes, everything will go back to normal. Back to the way it was and should be. Back to being best friends. And deep down, Jaemin doesn't want that to happen, but he knows he's a pitiful coward who can't come to terms with his feelings for Jeno and tell the boy already. Not like his feelings aren't crystal clear by now.

Jaemin feels soft caresses on his cheek and he almost leans into the soothing touch. Of course, Jeno Lee will always be kind and sweet. Even when he's going to reject Jaemin. He would definitely be even kinder considering how close they are.

Oh man, prepare for heartbreak, I guess.

Fluttering his eyes open, Jaemin is met with Jeno looking at him, all gentle eyes and soft smiles. It's the same look Jeno gives him all the time that gets Jaemin weak in the knees but somehow, this look is amplified a million times more.

"No wonder Donghyuck had a great time kissing you," Jeno says, smiling from ear to ear.

Jaemin blushes red, cheeks warm and he wants nothing but to hide his face behind his hands very badly but Jeno is not letting him go at all, not even an inch.

"By the way, that was a platonic kiss."

Jaemin blinks, "What?"

"Jaeminnie," Jeno sighs, "I really didn't plan to do this right here right now but you really threw me off every plan I've ever made. And that's never not a good thing. It's just… you don't know what you actually do to me, even without doing anything really. Everything about you just affects me. In ways I didn't think existed. I did want to end Christmas on a good note. So, Na Jaemin,"

Jeno smiles, this time wide and full of love.

"Will you allow me a not so platonic kiss?"

Jaemin bursts into a giggle, cheeks blushing pink and turning shy under Jeno's warm gaze. "Is this… your way of asking me out?"

"Um… sort of," Jeno slowly turns his head to the window sill and Jaemin looks too. A big grin appears on his face at the cute little drawing Jeno did on the snow–a smiley hearty face with YES! and a frowning crying face with no :( under them. "This was...my plan B."

"B? What was plan A?" Jaemin asks. It's as if karma is rewinding on him and Jeno is giving

him back to back surprises, none Jaemin could ever have thought would actually happen to him. "You had plans? As in multiple ones?"

"Yeah, in case any of them fail. Well… just look at me, I am bound to screw this up somehow. Oh but this is not a failure even when none of the ones I planned made it. I think this is just how it is with you. And I don't hate it, at all."

"Oh, Jeno," Jaemin pouts, libs turning wobbly as he restrains from bursting into tears because of how adorably sweet Jeno is.

Jeno smiles, eyes curving prettily then he is flustered a second later. "Wait, just to be clear though, assure me that I'm right. You don't dislike me right? Like...I didn't just assume that you shared the same feelings as me… because it kind of felt like you did."

Jaemin smiles through his tears, shaking his head to make it clear to Jeno that he does indeed share the same feelings as Jeno.

"Okay, so," Jeno clears his throat. "Will you allow me that not so platonic kiss now?

Jaemin reaches out a hand to hold the back of Jeno's neck, knocking their foreheads together in a gentle thud. Jeno closes his eyes first, anticipating his next kiss with a little tilt of his head but still, he doesn't feel any lips near him.

Jeno is about to whine at Jaemin when he actually sees the boy in all his seriousness, crossing out the little drawing of the frown emoji and its no, to draw a circle around the smiley emoji with the remaining snow on the window sill. He could not help but think, I am so in love with this idiot.

Jaemin finishes up answering Jeno's plan B and he slings his other arm around Jeno's shoulder. For how desperate he was to get a kiss from Jeno that night, he sure is taking his time admiring Jeno's face, eyes closed and lips slightly parted.

Jaemin leans forward to finally, finally end his night with not one but two kisses from Jeno Lee when something important crosses his mind. So, he pulls back and holds Jeno's shoulders at arms' length. Jeno groans internally from being interrupted for a kiss, once more.

"Wait, I may be reaching right now but the gift you brought with you earlier. Is that...for me?" Jaemin looks at Jeno through his lashes, uncertain yet still quite sure.

Jeno, with his eyes closed, only curves a pretty smile. "Jaemin Na, you really...really just sweep me off my feet every time."

"If you say it's not, I'm going to be very embarrassed so I'll just erase your memories with a whole lot more kisses instead." Jaemin rambles, biting his lower lip anxiously.

"You drive a hard bargain, but too bad I have to decline." Jeno says, rummaging through his hoodie pocket and brings out a small blue box wrapped nicely, baby blue ribbon tied on top. "This is plan A, though I was planning on giving it after I get my–um–" Jeno clears his throat, cheeks flushing slightly. "Anyway, open it up."

Jeno nudges the box to Jaemin who takes it in his hands carefully, as if holding the most fragile glass ever. Jaemin purses his lips in anticipation over what is in the box because judging from the exterior, it looks like something pricey and Jaemin feels a tad bit bad if his Christmad gift for Jeno is not up to par.

A soft gasp leaves Jaemin's lips at the sight of two classic silver bracelets in the box. Matching bracelets! He takes one of them to have a better look at it, noticing the little details—if he squints, he could see a tiny mistletoe engraved on the band.

"Jeno, this is–"

"Is it too much? I mean, you got us a lot of matching stuff before and I wanted to give one too but there really isn't much that you haven't covered. This is the best I could think of." Jeno mumbles, grabbing the bracelet Jaemin is holding and clasping it to Jaemin's wrist. "I hope you like it. Because I am not taking it back to that store."

"Like it? I love it, Jeno. It's beautiful! It's sweet, it's pretty and cute. It's so...you." Jaemin stares at his bracelet in awe.

"Good. I embarrassed myself back there and Donghyuck is the bane of my existence. Ignore him whatever he says, okay?"

"Donghyuck? You went to get this with him?" Jaemin blinks, a scary realisation dawns on him. No wonder. It is always him. It is always Donghyuck Lee, who is coincidentally, also the bane of Jaemin's existence. "That little shit!"

"What what why?"

"Let's just say, Donghyuck Lee will be the death of me one day." Jaemin sighs, pushing the thought of his good old friend knowing both of their struggles and still pulling whatever stunt he did with Jaemin earlier.

Jeno nods, despite not getting what Jaemin is talking about. "Well, there was a really important reason why I chose this pretty thing." He takes the other bracelet, clasps it to his own wrist and intertwines their hands, the ones with bracelets on, then lifts them above their heads.

"What are you–oh."

Jeno smiles, his widest one yet, filled with unadulterated joy. "To do exactly this."

And with that, Jeno closes the space between them two, tilting his head slightly so he can slot their lips together in a kiss. Jaemin reciprocates eagerly, letting Jeno take the lead as he sighs a dreamy sigh into their kiss. What was supposed to be an innocent kiss turns impure with a single gesture from Jeno, who slips a tongue between their mouths and what happens next is a butterfly effect.

Not only is Jeno good with his tongue, his free hand is busy touching whatever he could. Jaemin feels goosebumps rise on his skin when the cold tips of Jeno's fingers slip under his turtleneck shirt and drums over his ribs. In return, his grasp on Jeno's hair tightens, pulling the latter impossibly closer, as if trying to mold into one.

And the rest is history.

Jaemin is just glad his turtleneck and Jeno's hoodie are decent enough to cover up whatever went on between them in the guest room.

—

It is a quarter to midnight when the two recently established boyfriends finally finish their business upstairs. Jeno is quite embarrassed for having spent too much time getting carried away by Jaemin and his pretty lips and his sweet taste, while Jaemin on the other hand, seems like he would not let go of Jeno even for a second.

With careful steps, they climb down the stairs as quietly as they could to avoid attention. It's almost midnight, and their tradition together is to watch the fireworks display outside. Turns out Jaemin is still lacking luck for the night when he spots Donghyuck Lee looking at them both expectantly.

"Oh, look who we have here. The two lovebirds who left for privacy hours ago. Did you two have fun?" And curse Donghyuck's loud voice because everyone in the room obviously heard him.

The room erupts in excited hollers, cheers and a few (teasing) congratulations.

Jeno flushes red from the abundance of attention, putting on the hood of his hoodie in an attempt to cover his blushing face. Meanwhile, Jaemin gives Donghyuck the worst stink eye he could while he squeezes his boyfriend's hand.

"Hey," Jeno calls out quietly, tugging Jaemin's hand. "Let's leave."

Jaemin spares a weary glance at their group of friends while Jeno seems determined with his suggestion. It's totally unlike Jeno to ask to ditch a party where all their friends are. That's usually Jaemin's job.

"But my coat–"

"On three?"

An amused chuckle leaves Jaemin's mouth. Never would he think Jeno would do such a bold thing. Jaemin wonders if this is due to his or Donghyuck's bad influence on Jeno.

"On three,"

Jeno lets go of Jaemin's hand and Jaemin stealthily heads to the coat rack as quietly as he can, now that everyone's attention is elsewhere. They share a look, communicating through their eyes while counting down in their head.

Three.

Jaemin grabs his coat.

Two.

Jeno opens the door.

One.

Fireworks erupt in the sky, the booming sound drowns all of their chatters and coincidentally the best timing for the two lovebirds to sneak away. Turns out luck is on Jaemin's side for once now that the night is over.

With hands laced together in a vice grip, it's Jeno who runs first, dragging Jaemin behind him and they let their feet take them away. It worries Jaemin a little, considering how Jeno is literally only learning bad things from him.

But, it is not all that bad.

They reach a small neighbourhood playground soon after and decide that it was enough running. Jaemin did, actually.

"That was intense,"

Jeno snorts, throwing a bewildered look at Jaemin. "That was barely a 400 meter sprint."

"Oh, shut up, you gym nerd." Jaemin says playfully while catching his breath.

Jeno's sudden movements has Jaemin stumbling on his feet, almost falling face flat if not for Jeno's protective arm around his waist.

Oh, to have Jeno's very strong arm right where I want it to be.

It gets Jaemin feeling giddy, not minding being pulled along gracelessly. Jeno takes a seat on the ground, back leaning against one side of the slides and nudges Jaemin to do the same.

Now, there are two choices Jaemin can make in this situation.

Either he sits like a normal human being beside Jeno, and as his best friend. Or he could sit in between Jeno's spread legs, and enjoy his boyfriend privileges.. They do look inviting enough, as if calling Jaemin to occupy the space.

And who is Jaemin if he does not seize the opportunity? He immediately makes himself comfortable in between Jeno's legs, adjusting their intertwined hands as he leans his back on Jeno's front.

It is now by far Jaemin's favourite position to sit in.

"Well, okay?" Jeno lets out an amused chuckle yet willingly wraps his arms around Jaemin. "Warm?"

Jaemin looks over his shoulder, giving Jeno a nod that is too cute for him not to nuzzle their red noses together. Jaemin giggles and puts his own hands on Jeno's, patting the back of his hand softly.

It feels oddly warm in the cold breeze that night.

"I'll give you cuddles later when we get back. You must be cold." Jaemin says, pouting slightly. "Is this selfish of me?"

"Of course not, I'm okay with this." Jeno assures, perching his chin on top of Jaemin's shoulder.

The fireworks are still bursting vividly in the dark sky, casting bright lights against their faces. Jeno is fascinated over the dazzling colours and Jaemin is having the time of his life staring at Jeno, now with the fact that he can do this without hiding his true feelings.

Jeno notices, of course, and knocks their heads together lightly. "Stop staring,"

"What? Now that you're my boyfriend, I can't?"

Jeno pokes Jaemin in the side, making the younger one squirm and another fit of giggles follow after. He continues to poke and proceeds to tickle Jaemin, enjoying the reaction while Jaemin tries to swat his hand away.

"Stop–stahhhp!"

Jaemin successfully catches Jeno's wandering hands by his wrists and Jeno lets his hands get pulled to Jaemin's mouth as Jaemin threatens to bite his fingers.

"You know," Jeno starts, staring at Jaemin with the uttermost fondness as Jaemin looks back at him, with his sparkly doe eyes and two front teeth ready to bite Jeno's fingers off. "If I wasn't such a coward to approach you earlier when you were alone, I really might have pulled you under one of those damned mistletoes and kissed the living daylights out of you."

"Oddly enough," Jaemin smiles, sultry gaze locked on Jeno's swollen red lips—the aftermath of their little session upstairs earlier. He is sure his condition is as Jeno or much worse—Jaemin is a biter but so is Jeno. "That doesn't sound so bad. I would have liked that plan too."

"You just want kisses, don't you?"

"I won't reject them if they come my way, if that's what you're asking. Boy, I didn't even plan to confess tonight. I only wanted a kiss from you and get the night over with. And then I'll have you think of me too much to the point you couldn't sleep and you fall for me later on. Then, we date."

"That sounds–"

"Wait no, you ask me out. Or I do. Then, we go on a first date and then we ask each other if we want to be boyfriends. Then, we date."

"That's…" Jeno trails off, not knowing exactly how to respond. "Quite a plan."

Jaemin hums, turning half of his body to face Jeno. He slings an arm around Jeno's shoulder, the bracelet dangling from his wrist. It feels cool against his skin amidst the cold night and the little engraved mistletoe reflects the colourful fireworks.

"What are you doing?" Jeno asks, suspicious eyes staring back at Jaemin.

"Since we have nothing to do right now, you must be a little bored." Jaemin says, gently stroking a finger on Jeno's bottom lip.

"Hm? Not really, we can talk–"

Jeno stops talking midway when Jaemin clears his throat while shaking his wrist above their heads. He glances sideways then back to Jaemin, still very confused.

"What?"

"I'm bored, Jeno. Let's kiss."

A snort unconsciously leaves Jeno's mouth and he covers his mouth immediately when Jaemin frowns at his reaction, turning sideways and sulks. "What I meant was," Jeno says through giggles. "C'mon, don't be a brat now."

"I'm not a brat now." Jaemin clicks his tongue. "I've always been a brat."

"Well, I'm not bored."

Jaemin makes a frustrated sound, fed up with Jeno's teasing.

"I said," Jeno holds back from laughing, but his smile gets wider and he really could not stand how adorable his boyfriend is. "I'm not bored, but still, let's kiss."

Jeno pulls Jaemin by the neck, turns Jaemin's head back so their puffy red lips brush against each other. He hears the hitch in Jaemin's breath, shoulders tense in anticipation. Intertwining their hands together–the one with the matching bracelets, Jeno brings up their hands, way above their heads.

"Will you allow me another kiss?"

Jaemin rolls his eyes, more fond than anything and smashes their lips together. Jeno reciprocates eagerly, tugging on their laced hands and in the middle of the kiss, a tongue slips in and Jaemin lets out a soft whine at the intrusion, not unwelcoming though. The two melt into the kiss, quite literally as Jaemin changes his position so he can straddle Jeno's lap and focus on their kiss even better now.

Their passionate kiss turns into soft pecks, one, two, and another.

"I don't think I can get tired of this."

"Get used to it, there's more coming for you."

Soft lips, fond gazes, tender touches and they dive in, for one more kiss.