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”…And on Christmas Eve, there the moon was, stricken with love as he watched the lone star dance on his own, creating beauty and phenomenon within his heart. The moon smiles as the light of the star finally reflects in his own, as both heavenly bodies ultimately make their universe.”
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It is no secret within the community of Arcturus that Mingyu is smitten with an unknown scientist that no one has heard before. Residents would watch them both laugh with interlocked hands in the side street, munching on bread as the man with slanted eyes points happily at a random item displayed in front of a shop, and the tall man would suddenly buy it with a smile. Many have approached the hunter with cautious steps, voicing out their thoughts to the man; most claim the scientist is making Mingyu his personal walking purse for selfish wants. However, all of them have only received an amused smile and words that baffled them.
”That is an assumption that humors the both of us.”
They all sighed in disappointment, leaving the hunter and the scientist with an expectation of Mingyu being sucked dry (Soonyoung constantly giggles whenever he hears their neighbors gossip about this) of his finances and being left with nothing.
Today is no exception, yet the couple seems filled with more laughter.
A shriek can be heard from the other room, making Mingyu drop the spatula in the pot before sprinting to where the noise came from. Smoke can be seen in the distance, as the door suddenly opens up with a man with his lab coat coming out dramatically, coughing while pulling the googles towards the top of his head. Mingyu cleared his throat, and the man instantly looked up, beaming with a smile.
”Tsuki!” He said, standing up immediately with open arms towards Mingyu, who grinned in response, letting the man embrace him.
”Soonyoung, what are you trying to invent again?” Mingyu asked, wiping the remnants of the disaster before placing a kiss on his forehead. Soonyoung giggles, tickled pink by the kiss before sinking further in the hug letting out a contented sigh.
”Twiger shnow”
”A what?”
”Thwiigerrr shnofw”
”Love, I do not understand anything you are saying.” Soonyoung separated himself with a pout but did not remove his arms.
”Tiger snow! Since it is the festive season, and winter has come, wouldn’t it be appropriate to prepare when something happens?” Mingyu sighed. It has been 2 years since they've been stuck in a universe plate, Earth’s loophole between the land and heaven. Mingyu couldn't blame Soonyoung’s mentality when they have been fighting for their lives since they have arrived here. He badly wants to leave and go back to being an ignorant heir of a company, but that means not meeting Soonyoung, who threw acid at him when they first met, which he fortunately blocked. Soonyoung keeps saying sorry until this day, babbling about how a killer bunny was chasing him with a sizeable bloody egg, but Mingyu shuts him up with a kiss.
”Horas rule number fifty-seven, when a snow crystal touches the ground, all hostility will vanish, making vast lands neutral, and no violence within players will be allowed. I thought I was the brawn in this relationship?” Soonyoung whined as he punched him in the chest. “Hence, the winter wonderland festival was born, which we should be preparing for.” Mingyu smiled, separating himself from the scientist, who nodded in agreement.
”Okay! I will just fix the inside before hitting the shower. You are meeting with Hoonie and Wonwon for a mission, right? Those two keep dancing around with each other; they need to have a mistletoe above them,” Soonyoung groaned. Mingyu giggled in response.
”Well, those two are just emotionally constipated cats; one who thinks shoving a knife down someone’s throat is a love language and one who couldn’t think without involving his stock markets. They really need --” Their doorbell repeatedly rang downstairs, signaling the pair's arrival. Mingyu rolled his eyes when they kept ringing it before kissing Soonyoung’s forehead again.
“See you later in your grand finale, star?” Mingyu jokingly said, making Soonyoung chuckle.
”I will not disappoint you, my moon. Don’t forget the things I asked you to get!” Soonyoung said, sprinting away but not before winking and giving a flying kiss. Mingyu just stood there until Soonyoung went back inside before going downstairs, where the doorbell kept ringing. He swung the door open before meeting with a face he did not expect and two others in the back.
”Hi.” The person said in front of him sheepishly, his hand still hovering over the doorbell. Mingyu looks at him unamused.
”Seungcheol, it is surprising that the two rabbits are not clinging to you right now.”
”It is not like they are with me 24/7”
”We have to bear with Jeonghan’s threat of not doing maps for solo hunting if you are injured, doctor .” Jihoon butts in.
”Joshua is warning me of not giving me information in the stone solitaire business if he sees a single wound from you, and you know how critical it is when the snow melts, doctor. ” The other three winced when they heard that.
”It is Christmas, so there will be no funny business that can happen, and violators of the rule will automatically be beheaded by the flying Nols.” Seungcheol whispered, rolling his eyes; he then faced Mingyu.
“Let’s go?”
Slinging the bag on his shoulder, Mingyu grinned.
”Rattle your dags; I have a star to admire later.”
The other three sighed.
”Blue frog’s saliva, weaver spider orb, 2 sakura mineral saturated only mwah mwah winky face -- your lover is a freak, Mingyu.” Jihoon said, scrunching his nose as he scrutinized the object in his hands before putting it back in the stall. Mingyu glares at him, which Jihoon just shrugs before looking above the crystals. Despite what he said to Soonyoung, the three (four with Seungcheol surprise appearance) are not doing a mission but gift shopping. It is only a rare time where they cannot be vigilant with their surroundings, so they are doing their best to go back to their usual selves. Speaking of normal selves, would Soonyoung still be there for him? His past self is a bastard child waiting for the old man to catch his last breath and fight for the chairman’s chair while Soonyoung is a--
A grunt interrupts his thought; glancing at his side, he watches Jihoon gripping a knife while scowling at someone with which is Wonwoo talking to a half-crow half-man who is obviously flirting with him. Before Jihoon could rush to them, Mingyu covers Jihoon’s eyes.
”Wha--”
”Killing someone while time is adiaphorous with its listless finger hanging behind our necks is not a good idea, Hoonie.” Mingyu uttered softly; Jihoon just clicked his tongue before shoving him at the side, escaping to the orbs section while muttering profanities under his breath. Mingyu just dismisses his behavior, going back to his quest of finding a gift before someone taps him on the shoulder.
”Did something happen to Jihoon?”
’Ah, here is the other idiot,’ Mingyu thought.
”Nothing. What happened to the lad you are flirting with?”
”Flirting? He was just asking for directions which I provided right away because I am busy looking for a gift, but he keeps insisting that he still does not know.” Wonwoo frowned. “He even asked for my number just in case he forgot, but I heard Jihoon shriek, so I came right away.” Mingyu chuckled at that. Despite being a year younger, the two are still naively awkward when it comes to romance.
“Just like they said, intelligent people are stupid when it comes to love,” Mingyu mumbled.
”What?”
”I said, I bet Jihoon will be interested in the new knives on the second floor. Counter told me they will display limited edition daggers, especially M9 Bajonett?”
”I am not buying for Jihoon.” Wonwoo argued, but his feet are now facing the stairs towards upstairs, frequently looking while Mingyu is still talking.
”Sure.”
”I’m really not; I am just curious about the blades marketplace since their sales skyrocketed on the charts. I will be back, and I am not buying for Jihoon.” He declared before scurrying upstairs, where a crowd is now gathering around.
”They really are idiots, right?” Seungcheol suddenly said, scaring Mingyu, who almost tripped face down to the floor.
”What the fuck!”
”Sorry for scaring you, kid,” He cackled before patting Mingyu’s shoulder. “They should just confess instead of scaring suitors of each other.”
”As if you could say that, you buried yourself in work after you realize that you are in love with our strategist and scout because you are guilty of loving an already established couple before they cried their heart out for you while you were delivering a baby.” He replied back, receiving a smack in the head from a red-eared doctor.
”We do not talk about that, but let us not forget about you. You practically bought a laboratory that cost a million in the Roselands right away because Soonyoung told you he wanted a place where he could freely make his imagination come true, not knowing he was confessing at the moment.” Both of them covered their faces in shame as memories of their past came flooding in.
”Let us just forget about those.”
”Will sure do.”
”Anyways, what gift are you going to give to Jeonghan and Joshua?” Seungcheol rummaged through his bag before showing three translucent white with wired gold marbled bangles. It looks beautiful as it glistens under the lights and how fairy dust swims inside.
”I just discovered earlier that you can include a piece of your memory using fairy dust even if it is still inside. I tried it right away, and look! I had something in my bracelet.” Seungcheol let out a soft smile as a small projector screen showed two people sleeping surrounded by Snowland Chrysanthemums.
“This was our first date after, you know, the king’s game accident that scarred the both of them, and this is also the time where I decided I want to go home on Earth after a long time. I want to build a house-- no a home with them with maybe three dogs, a bunny for Jeonghan, and a garden since Shua likes one.” Seungcheol chuckled, putting back the bangle inside his bag. “This is so tiring, Gyu. I have tried to give up many times in the past, not now that you are all here; I like to try harder on being alive.” Mingyu grinned at that before ruffling the other’s hair, making Seungcheol complain.
”Being in love makes you cheesy now, pres?”
”Shut up, we graduated a long time ago. Stop calling me that.”
”Okay, pres.” Seungcheol chucked a punch in him, which Mingyu avoids while laughing.
”Oh yeah. What gift did you get for our Nyongie?”
”Secret.”
”Tell meeee.”
”No!”
”Unfair, I showed you mine!”
”That’s your fault!”
”Gyu!!”
”No!!”
”I will really tell Soo--” “Ladies, Lords, and Masters, welcome. Our main event for tonight’s festivity will now start in a minute.”
They both stopped with their banters before going to the counter to pay for their items. They also see both the businessman and the hunter hiding the things they have bought with pink cheeks.
The four of them quickly went to the square where a giant Gorillini sat beside the gates, inspecting the players in going inside. A person in front of Mingyu tried to argue that he left his identification card and forced his way in before the Gorillini grabbed his head and smashed him to the sides, leaving a splash of red and rubies on the snow. The four did not bat an eye to the incident, yet it could not stop the lump in their throat. Time will not be able to make them used to organs flying around, and that is still what makes them human as what Mingyu held on to.
They quickly presented their card before they were ushered inside to see Nols-turned-light floating above them with black bells ominously ringing with every step a dwarf muppet walks by. A skeleton with a Christmas hat guided them to a center table, facing the stage where a Santa held a microphone. Food and beverages appeared briskly as the skeleton waved his hands above the surface.
”I am proud to stand among the dull-witted of Earth; Oh I say, man-flesh that are delicious--which I will not think of since it is Eve of a fantastic human event. All charming chaps that kill for pleasure or succumb to the madness, there I might say a few have stood out so, without forethought ado, while you all enjoy the fest, here are products that the creator system has given a star-star-star!”
”They all talked too much, and yet there is no chair present in all of the table.” A voice said in Mingyu’s ear, making him jerk back in surprise. Facing the culprit, he felt annoyance at seeing who it was.
“Lily Xiak D’iznawth,” Mingyu sneered, making the woman roll her eyes.
”Mingyu Kim. What did this virtuous lady do for you do emit such reaction?”
”Virtuous is a very terrible description for you, madame.” He replied sarcastically, taking a sip from his wine. The lady ignored his statement before nearing his space again.
”I thoroughly thought it through that the man I want is you. Imagine the power that we will have, Monsieur Mingyu.”
”I believe that is an awful thought, as I am in a committed relationship Madame Lily.” Mingyu gritted out. The three others wanted to step in, but he held out his hand. After hearing what he said, the lady let out a burst of boisterous laughter, swirling her wine glass.
”Forgive this lady, for I have forgotten that you are engaged with a feeble debilitated, weak excuse of a human.” The lady grimaced. Mingyu is trying his best not to throw the glass in his hands.
”But!” The lady added happily, clapping her hands. “A pious and noble man like you has indeed deserved a seat with the Firsts.” she pointed to the table in front where a bunch of rich-looking people talking.
”Stuck-up spoiled sucking money brat.” Jihoon whispered, making Wonwoo snicker beside him. The lady scoffed at them before turning back to Mingyu.
Loud chimes of bells twinkled in the stage, making them look at the stage where they are unveiling a box, revealing a Nebulas Blue crescent moon necklace glittering under the lights, making it look more majestic. As everyone finally sees the accessory making the Santa jeer in happiness, gasps can be heard inside.
”Here I present, the solitary ornament that is left by our dear Ishtar. A prominent first female warrior that victoriously has left our domain. The Mystery of the Crescent Moon; an illuminating talisman that gives the wearer a chance to live again after death to see the moon, and on the day of the crescent moon, you will receive a random gift.” The crowd cheers and Santa holds out his hand.
”Starting bid is 500000 rubies; The floor is now open!”
”520,000!
”530,000!”
”550,069!”
”600,000!”
”800,000!” shouted the lady who smirked at Mingyu, making him gag at the sides. “If Monsieur agrees to the offer earlier, I would give this as a welcome gift.” Mingyu only looks at her with a wry face before raising his hand.
”950,000” He turns back to her. “You see, Lady D’iznawth, some of us are not really interested in hags or dusty caverns.”
”That is a rude statement, young man, 1,100,000 rubies!” she shouted.
”Can you please leave me alone? 1,500,000 rubies!” Mingyu replied, frowning as he hit his ceiling price, which did not go unnoticed by the lady.
”It seems that you reached your limit, baby. 2,000,000 rubies!” The lady said, smiling as she faced Mingyu. “Will I hear an agreement soon?”
”Is there no one who will compete with milady? Going once, going twice--”
”10,000,000 rubies, and I doubt he agrees with you stank,” A familiar voice said. Mingyu turned back to see Soonyoung out of his lab coat but rather in a white satin top enamored with small diamonds, tucked under a fitting black slacks pants. His hair is slicked back and dyed with silver, unusual to his everyday down look. A tiger with a star emblem in his chest area, his hands hidden under smooth black gloves, and Mingyu felt his breath leave him when he saw him wearing eye makeup.
”Going once, going twice--”
”I believe this cannot be true; He is a fraud! A money bloodsucker! He is--” The lady is fuming with anger, pointing at Soonyoung. Looking around, whispers started to appear as they realized that the one who offered in the bid was the unknown scientist that Mingyu is in a relationship with; Soonyoung pouted at them.
“Hey, what do you mean, a money bloodsucker?”
”--Sold to--”
”You swindle Mingyu with his money to buy you things, you greedy little goblin! Sucking him with his finances!” She accused Soonyoung, who laughed really hard in response. Mingyu covered his face when he heard Soonyoung’s following sentence.
”I mean, I suck him, just not his finances.” A wink. “Common misconception, but it cannot happen when I am--”
”Hoshi!” The Santa finished for him in happiness. The lady wailed in anguish, falling to the floor while scrambling backward as Soonyoung slowly walked towards her. “Lady Lily Xiak D’iznawth, I believe I opened your letter last night. The idea was wonderful, but I will never ever work with a personality reeking of sewage. Even dripping of expensive accessories cannot hide you being a wet rat, now shoo!” He watches her hurrying to stand up and leave, everyone avoiding her while she runs away.
”Sir Hoshi, I am blessed with your presence today. Oh my, you really are exquisite. Can I entertain with some fine wine and pe--”
”Put the cost on my account, and I will pay you before the sun rises. Leave the product and scram.” Soonyoung coldly said, wrapping his hand to Mingyu’s waist.
”Yes, Yes! Forgive me for my brash behavior; please enjoy the night!” The Santa said before leaping away.
Sighing, he looks at Mingyu, who is still gaping at him. Soonyoung whined before rubbing his head on Mingyu’s shoulder.
”I really tried to style myself today, even as watching the ugly ducks do their makeup, and yet you are not saying anything. Is it that awful--”
”s’hot.” Raising his head, he sees Mingyu hiding his blushing face with his hand.
”What?”
”You are so hot.” Soonyoung’s turned red after he said that.
”Get a room!” Jihoon and Wonwoo shouted together, making Soonyoung shows his tongue out at them.
”Confess to each other!” Soonyoung retorted with a snicker, making both of them shut up and find their cold food interesting. They immediately excused himself and Seungcheol, who discovered his lovers entering the venue.
”Hoshi, you are so hot when you did that earlier.” He repeated, making Soonyoung giggle.
”God, that crone is so annoying. She accused me of such things, yet she does the same things. A hypocrite.” Mingyu let out a snort. Soonyoung retrieved the box from their table and opened it revealing the necklace inside. They both let out a soft squeal before laughing as Soonyoung unfastened the chain from the box. He looks at it once more before fondly looking at Mingyu.
”Tsuki, I am just a lonely scientist back in my earth days or my earlier months here on this hell. I did not think of anything but work until it drowned me, but you showed me your hand. I still cannot forgive myself when I threw you that acid. That handsome face will just go to waste--”
”Hey, do you only love me for my face?”
”Kidding. Thank you for being there with me, and I love you always. Merry Christmas, my Tsuki, my moon, my love.” He unlatches the lock before making Mingyu turn around to put the necklace. He locks it, admiring how perfect the moon was with his tan skin. Mingyu looks at the necklace with a smile before giving Soonyoung a kiss on the forehead.
”You know what’s funny, love?” Mingyu said, making Soonyoung cocked his head in confusion. Reaching in his pockets, Mingyu pulled out a sterling necklace with a dainty translucent white star in the middle. Fairy clouds of dust create glistening swirls inside, making a stunning picture.
“I bought this earlier while thinking of you. As embarrassing it can be, you made me realize love isn’t all that bad. I thought the emotion is complicated, scary and how much of it can manipulate your reason. People have used love to their advantage--for their own benefit.” He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them to see Soonyoung smiling with unshed tears. Mingyu lifts his hand to caress the other’s cheeks, who leaned into the warmth. “Baby, my northern star, thank you for showing me the purest form of love. Thank you for giving light to me, and thank you, love, for loving me.” He finally said before capturing the scientist’s lips.
They all heard cheers surrounding them; whistles and teasing from strangers echoed in the venue, but they did not care as they continued to drown with each other. They are in their own universe now; No matter what anybody says about them, the moon and the star will continue to be with each other.
A light suddenly showed in the star necklace, but both of them did not notice, projecting a scene of Hoshi dancing gracefully in their balcony all alone before he turned back in glee, rushing towards the screen before pulling him. He then bowed and swung their arms with laughter. He says it was a poor attempt of jazz, but they danced together under the moonlight before the fairy specks of dust retrieved themselves inside.