Work Text:
December 1st
Hongjoong was apparently going to participate in his company’s Secret Santa this year. He was forced to by San, who wrote his name on a slip without his permission, and who grabbed a slip with an unlucky person’s name on it without his permission, which he slid onto Hongjoong’s desk this morning, again, without his permission.
“What’s this?” Hongjoong asked, raising an eyebrow at San.
“Secret Santa, baby!” San replied, a way too enthusiastic grin on his face. Hongjoong picked up the paper and read the name.
Park Seonghwa
Hongjoong froze. Park Seonghwa. He vaguely heard San say something about Secret Santa but blood was rushing in his ears and all he could think about was the gorgeous new employee who transferred to their department about three months ago.
Park Seonghwa was tall, gorgeous, and annoyingly good at his job. Not that Hongjoong slacked off, but now he had certain quotas to meet that were much higher than the department had before the newbie arrived, so…
“Hyung, are you listening to me?” San waved his hand in front of Hongjoong’s face, making him startle.
“Sorry, Sannie, what?”
San sighed.
“That’s the name of your Secret Santa! Well, I suppose you’re their Secret Santa. We don’t know who pulled your name out of the Santa hat.”
Of course there was an actual hat involved.
“And who, pray tell, added my name to this year’s Secret Santa? Because I know for a fact it wasn’t me,” Hongjoong looked pointedly at San.
“Ugh, fine it was me. You need to have some fun, hyung! Working all day and staying home at night is so boring, and you never say yes to after-work drinks. We’re going tonight to celebrate picking the names and you have to come. Since you got a name,” San smiled and Hongjoong thought he looked a bit like a cat who was cornering a mouse.
Hongjoong glared at San, but when five o’clock rolled around, he shut down his computer and put his coat on. San appeared at his desk and smiled.
“Ready?” He asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“You’re this excited for me to come to drinks?”
“Duh, no one else has seen you drunk. This is going to be epic.”
Hongjoong had been friends with San since the first grade. He hadn’t been able to do or say anything to get rid of him, so he accepted San as his best friend and his life was easier this way.
“Ready?” San asked, buttoning his own coat.
Hongjoong nodded.
“Let’s go!”
They made their way to the bar where everyone was meeting. Someone had already snagged two tables and pushed them together so they could sit in a group. Hongjoong took a seat at the end of one table, taking his coat off and draping it around the back of his chair before sitting down. He glanced at the menu, trying to decide what happy hour appetiser he wanted to order when a slender finger tapped on the chicken tikka masala nachos.
“These are delicious,” a deep voice said.
Hongjoong looked up. Sitting across from him was none other than the person he was supposedly Secret Santa for. Park Seonghwa.
Seonghwa stared at him, like he was waiting for Hongjoong to say something.
“Uhhh, what?” Hongjoong said intelligently. He cringed but Seonghwa smiled so he figured he was fine.
“The tikka masala nachos. They’re delicious. They sound weird but I got them once by accident and I haven’t gotten anything since,” Seonghwa told him.
“How did you get them by accident?” Hongjoong wanted to know.
“Well, I thought I was ordering regular nachos. I was a little drunk and could only make out that they would be nachos. Although, at a fusion bar, I’m not sure why I expected straightforward Mexican fare,” Seonghwa chuckled to himself.
Hongjoong didn’t know you could fall in love with someone’s laugh.
“Yeah, fusion restaurants will do that to you. You think you’re going to get a burrito at a Japanese restaurant, maybe filled with chicken teriyaki or something and then bam! Sushi burrito.” Hongjoong wrinkled his nose in memory of his interesting lunch.
Seonghwa looked like he was struggling not to laugh.
“It’s okay, you can laugh. San did,” Hongjoong said defeatedly.
Seonghwa let out another chuckle.
“That burrito was ginormous. It was enough for three people,” San chimed in, leaning over Hongjoong so Seonghwa could hear him in the noisy bar. “Way too big for Hongjoong’s small hands.”
“Hey!” Hongjoong smacked San on his shoulder, looking at Seonghwa embarrassed. Seonghwa stared at his hands, not saying anything. Hongjoong curled them under the sleeves of his sweater.
“They’re small, I know,” he said softly. Seonghwa mumbled something he didn’t hear.
“What?” He asked.
Seonghwa shook his head and smiled at Hongjoong.
“They seem fine to me.”
Hongjoong smiled back.
They continued talking for the rest of the night, staying way longer than everyone else. Even San touched his shoulder to get his attention to say he was going home. Hongjoong just nodded in San’s direction, continuing the story he was telling Seonghwa. San smiled and shook his head before leaving.
Eventually, the bar was giving the last call. Hongjoong was surprised they had talked for so long.
“Can I walk you home?” Seonghwa asked him as they made their way outside so the staff could close up.
“Sure, I live just that way,” Hongjoong pointed towards his apartment.
“Oh! So do I,” Seonghwa said. They beamed at each other and started walking.
“So what made you transfer to our department?” Hongjoong asked. The question had been bugging him since no one knew why. It was all very mysterious, just like the man himself.
Seonghwa hummed.
“It’s not very exciting. I transferred because I was sleeping with my boss and he dumped me after I asked him when he was going to leave his wife.”
Hongjoong stopped in his tracks, swaying a little due to the alcohol coursing through his veins. Seonghwa thrust out a hand to hold him upright, and Hongjoong swore he could feel the warmth of his palm seeping into his coat, burning his skin.
“What? You what? He what?” Hongjoong couldn’t form any other words.
Seonghwa laughed, linking their arms so they could continue walking.
“He was older, attractive, and married. He said he wasn’t gay and I don’t make a habit of sleeping with men who make me stay in the closet, but here I am, an idiot and a half.”
Hongjoong used his free hand to squeeze Seonghwa’s arm.
“You’re not an idiot. He’s an idiot. First of all, you’re gorgeous. Second of all, he shouldn’t have been leading you on if he had no intention of staying with you, that’s fucking rude and he was your boss he should know better, you’re not just a piece of ass. Third, you’re gorgeous. Did I already say that?” Hongjoong scrunched up his nose in thought. He was a rambler when he drank, something San found ever amusing.
Seonghwa laughed and Hongjoong could feel the rumble as Seonghwa brought his arm close to his chest, patting it.
“You’re so sweet, Hongjoong-ah. It really was all my fault, getting involved with a closeted married man. What was I thinking?” He shook his head at himself.
“You weren’t thinking, your dick was,” Hongjoong said matter-of-factly.
He was getting proud of his ability to make Seonghwa laugh.
“You know what, Joong-ah, you’re right. But no more! From this moment henceforth, I shall only be with men who want to date me! And who are available! And not stuck in the closet!” Seonghwa was shouting in the middle of the street and Hongjoong tried to shush him, slapping his hand over Seonghwa’s mouth.
They both giggled when Seonghwa licked Hongjoong’s palm to move it. Hongjoong wiped it on his coat and was going to say something but Seonghwa grabbed his arm tightly and all thoughts left him.
“Joongie!”
Hongjoong’s cheeks turned pink and not from the cold.
“It’s snowing!” Seonghwa exclaimed, looking up at the sky excitedly.
Hongjoong followed his gaze and looked up as well. It was snowing. There were small flakes coming down dusting his and Seonghwa’s hair. Hongjoong turned his gaze towards the taller man and saw Seonghwa was staring at him instead of the sky. Hongjoong cleared his throat.
“Do you know what they say about the first snow?” Seonghwa asked him quietly.
Hongjoong shook his head.
“They say if you’re out in the first snowfall of the season with someone you like, true love will blossom between you.”
Hongjoong’s breath hitched. A snowflake fell onto his cheek and Seonghwa reached up to brush it away gently, his warm fingers lingering on Hongjoong’s cold face. They stood still, looking into each other’s eyes as snow fell around them and collected on their coats.
A loud honk made them startle and Hongjoong took a small step away from Seonghwa. He looked at him sheepishly and they burst out laughing. Seonghwa took his hand and they started walking again.
They continued the rest of the way in comfortable silence, admiring the snow falling around them. Eventually, they reached Hongjoong’s apartment building.
“Well, this is me,” Hongjoong said, still keeping his hand linked with Seonghwa’s as they stared up at the building.
“What a funny coincidence,” Seonghwa said.
“Hmm?” Hongjoong turned to face him.
“I live here.”
Hongjoong was confused and possibly still slightly drunk. And maybe not all from the soju they had.
“No, I live here.”
Seonghwa chuckled.
“Yes, Joongie, you live here. And, I also live here,” he clarified.
“Ohhhhh,” Hongjoong said.
They walked inside and headed for the elevators, pushing the call button. The elevator came quickly and they walked in, still holding hands. Seonghwa pressed the button for floor number three.
“What floor?“ Seonghwa asked, finger hovering over the buttons.
“Four.”
Seonghwa pushed the button labelled four and then took a step back. They rode up until the elevator announced the third floor and only then did Seonghwa gently pull his hand away from Hongjoong’s.
He stepped out of the elevator, putting an arm out to keep the door from closing.
“See you at work tomorrow?”
For once, Hongjoong couldn’t wait to go to work.
“See you tomorrow,” he said.
They stared at each other, smiling. They stared for so long that the elevator beeped at them, making them both jump. Seonghwa’s hand fell away and the door closed. Hongjoong could still see Seonghwa’s smile as he fell into bed.
December 10th
Hongjoong was staring at his computer, wishing it was time to go home. He fell asleep while working on Seonghwa’s present and he wanted to get back to it as soon as he could.
“Hyung, you missed a spot,” San popped into his cubicle and swiped a thumb at his cheek. Hongjoong rubbed at the place San touched him frantically and opened a drawer so he could get out a mirror to see what it was.
A splotch of blue paint was decorating the side of his face near his sideburn. He scrubbed at it before sighing, the paint not budging.
“What happened, hyung, did you fall asleep painting or something?” San asked, teasing him.
“Actually, yes. Ugh, I need to get this off.” Hongjoong rose to go to the bathroom so he could wash it off. San followed.
“You know I don’t need your help with this, right Sannie?” Hongjoong asked as he wet a paper towel and washed the paint off. San nodded at him in the mirror before hopping onto the counter next to the sink Hongjoong was using.
“Oh, I know, hyung. I’m here to pester you, obviously,” he said with a grin on his face.
Hongjoong rolled his eyes before sighing, wanting to get the interrogation over with.
“Soooo, you’re painting again,” San said casually, like Hongjoong hadn’t had a creative block since they graduated.
Hongjoong frowned at San in the mirror. He knew San was attempting to be delicate, but he supposed it was worth noting. Hongjoong had enjoyed painting since San had known him. Except for the past year he hadn’t painted a thing. He would put a brand new canvas on his easel, take out his oil paints and brushes, and then just stare at the white square. He had no ideas whatsoever, all thoughts leaving his mind blank like the canvas he was supposed to be painting.
“It would appear so,” he answered, reaching to grab a new paper towel to wet. San did it for him and handed it to his friend. Hongjoong accepted it and went back at the blue on his face.
“Well, that’s good. Isn’t it? It’s been a while, right?”
Hongjoong nodded.
“It has. I haven’t been inspired at all.”
“Except you’re inspired now, and I’m pretty sure it has something to do with a tall, handsome, man who transferred to our department recently,” San wiggled his eyebrows at Hongjoong.
Hongjoong let out a snort and rolled his eyes in amusement.
“Whatever you say, Sannie,” Hongjoong said, checking his progress in the mirror. Happy the blue was all gone, he threw away the paper towel and went to exit the bathroom.
“Hyung,” San called out, stopping Hongjoong’s hand on the door handle. He turned to face the man still sitting on the counter.
“I’m really happy for you,” San said softly, a smile on his face.
Hongjoong’s chest warmed and he smiled back.
“Thanks, Sannie. I’m happy too.”
When he got home that night, he went to his paints immediately. He hadn’t painted in so long he didn’t know if he could finish in time for the Secret Santa exchange and he wanted it to be dry when he gave it to Seonghwa. Luckily, his artist block seemed to be obliterated and he painted well into the night, skipping dinner to get the lighting just right. When he went to bed, he was satisfied with his progress.
December 15th
Seonghwa came over to Hongjoong’s cubicle under the pretence of asking him if he wanted coffee.
“Hi Joong-ah, did you want to go grab some coffee?” He popped his head over the side of the short wall and Hongjoong thought he looked a bit like a cat. He smiled before grabbing his coat.
“Sure.”
They walked to the coffee shop on the same block as their work building. They hurried into the warmth, trying to avoid the biting cold that had now arrived. Winter in Korea was no joke.
Hongjoong made sure the door was shut behind them before glancing at the line. It was about five people deep and Seonghwa noticed he seemed slightly anxious.
“Do you want to grab a table while I order for us?” He asked warmly.
Hongjoong nearly sighed in relief, nodding his head.
“That would be great.” He scanned the menu before deciding on his coffee order. “I’ll have a hot white mocha, please.”
Seonghwa nodded in confirmation and Hongjoong went off to find a table. He snagged a small table meant for two next to a giant window. He sat down and took his coat off, draping it over the back of the chair. He stared out the window while waiting for Seonghwa, taking in the people walking by, heads huddled into the collars of their coats like turtles. He chuckled to himself at the image of a turtle with a scarf on.
“What’s so funny?”
Seonghwa had arrived with their drinks. Hongjoong accepted his gratefully, wrapping his hands around the warm cup. His cheeks pinked as he didn’t know if he should tell Seonghwa what he was thinking. The man just stared at him in curious amusement.
“I was thinking about turtles in scarves,” he said slowly, gauging Seonghwa’s reaction.
Seonghwa burst out laughing.
“Oh my god,” he said, turning to look out the window as someone walked by, their scarf whipping about in the harsh wind.
“Oh! Because of the people walking by, yes?” Seonghwa said excitedly.
Hongjoong stared at Seonghwa in disbelief. It was so rare that someone understood where his brain went most of the time, and explaining it was always a pain (they never got it anyways). He couldn’t believe this man, who he really just started talking to in the beginning of this month, immediately got where he was coming from.
Seonghwa’s excitement dwindled when Hongjoong didn’t say anything.
“Right…? Because they have their heads tucked into their coats? Or it’s something else?” He asked, unsure of himself now.
Hongjoong was quick to shake his head, assuring him he was not wrong.
“No, no, no! You’re absolutely right! I just…I’m used to having to explain my thoughts and people don’t understand even when I do most of the time, so it caught me a bit off guard that you understood?” He finished in a question, not sure he even knew what he was saying at this point.
Seonghwa beamed at him and Hongjoong warmed, taking a sip of his white mocha to mask his giddiness.
“No, it made complete sense!”
They sat in comfortable silence, watching the people walk by and sipping their drinks slowly, not wanting to go back to work because they were enjoying the other’s company. Even though they weren’t talking, Hongjoong thought it was nice to sit with someone who just understood him, no explanations needed.
Eventually, they finished their drinks. Seonghwa collected their mugs and brought them over to the barista and Hongjoong stood up, stretching before he shrugged his coat back on. He glanced outside one more time, not wanting to brave the cold on the walk back to work. It looked like it was going to snow, and Hongjoong really didn’t want to trudge home.
“Ready to go?” Seonghwa asked from behind him. He already had his coat buttoned up and looked quite dashing in his winter gear. Hongjoong especially loved his hat that had a giant pom pom on top.
Hongjoong smiled as he nodded that he was ready, and they walked out together, Seonghwa holding the door for him as they left the cosy warmth of the coffee shop.
“Gah, it’s so cold!” Hongjoong said, shrugging his ears into his coat collar like so many of the people he had seen walking by. He pulled his scarf tighter so it would block the wind. At least it isn’t snowing, he thought as Seonghwa came up next to him.
And of course, as soon as he finished that thought, it started to snow. Fat flakes came down, landing on his eyelashes and nose. He let out a huff of disappointment, hoping to dislodge the snowflakes off his face.
Seonghwa looked at him and smirked, entertained by Hongjoong trying to keep himself warm. He shook his head slightly before taking his hat off and placing it gently on Hongjoong’s head, making sure his ears were covered.
Hongjoong stared at Seonghwa as he touched the hat, still warm from his head.
“You didn’t have to do that, Seonghwa. Now your ears will be cold.”
Seonghwa held up a finger before digging into his coat pocket.
“Ta-da!”
He had pulled another hat out of his jacket and stuck it on his head cheerfully. Now Hongjoong shook his head while smiling, finding Seonghwa endearing.
“You just have extra hats stashed away, do you?” He asked as they started the walk back to their office.
“I do indeed! Mostly because my nieces and nephews tend to lose theirs and my sister gets mad at them because she doesn’t want their ears to turn to icicles and fall off,” he said, rolling his eyes in amusement. Hongjoong chuckled.
“Well in that case, please thank your niece or nephew as my ears are now toasty warm.” He smiled at Seonghwa who smiled back, both still grinning ridiculously when they reached their work.
December 20th
The day of the office Christmas party had finally arrived. It was also the day all the employees who were participating in the Secret Santa exchanged gifts. And, thanks to San, Hongjoong was one of them. He didn’t mind though, for two reasons.
One, it got him back into painting, and he hadn’t touched a paintbrush since university, all his creativity stomped out by the corporate grind. And two, while he wasn’t completely sure, he thinks San somehow rigged it so he ended up with Seonghwa.
Even if he asked San the man would never admit it, but it was a very San thing to do. He was grateful his friend cared enough about him to try and give him a little cheer this holiday season.
“Are you ready to give lover boy your gift?” San smirked as he popped into Hongjoong’s cubicle. San had already given his present to his giftee, a mug that said Full Of Christmas Spirits and a mini bottle of whisky to their coworker who laughed before stashing the liquor away in his desk drawer.
Hongjoong rolled his eyes at his friend, fingering the shiny paper he had wrapped Seonghwa’s gift in. Truth be told, he was nervous. He wasn’t sure what to get the man and he hoped that Seonghwa appreciated art because now that it was finished, it’s not like there was a gift receipt he could give him. He frowned and started to shove his gift under his desk.
“Hey, hyung! What are you doing?” San asked as he grabbed the present and tugged it from Hongjoong’s hands. Hongjoong let go immediately, not wanting to accidentally ruin the painting.
“Hyung, he’s gonna love it. I promise,” San said as he smoothed the paper and held it out in front of him.
San had come over a few nights ago to see the painting. He gasped when he saw it, mouth open and everything. Hongjoong was very embarrassed and threw the cloth back over it. San smacked his hand before pulling the cloth away again, admiring it closely.
“Hyung, this is amazing. I’m so glad you got back into painting. I can’t believe you captured all of this in such a short amount of time.” He said in wonder, going up close to see all the little details. Hongjoong blushed with the compliments.
“Thanks, Sannie,” he said softly. And he liked it, he really did. He just didn’t know if Seonghwa was going to like it, and that thought terrified him.
“Oh look, there he is now! Corner him at the copy machine, do it!” San said, pushing Hongjoong’s gift into his hands and then pushing Hongjoong towards the copier. Hongjoong stumbled out of his cubicle and almost ran into Seonghwa.
Seonghwa grabbed Hongjoong by the shoulders, steadying him. He smiled and Hongjoong smiled back, both realising the clumsiness of the man.
“In a hurry, Joong-ah?”
Hongjoong blushed at the nickname before thrusting his gift towards Seonghwa.
“Merry Christmas!” He said brightly, looking down at the floor. He only looked up when Seonghwa took the present from his hands.
“You’re my Secret Santa?” Seonghwa asked, a strange look on his face.
“Er…yes?” Hongjoong answered, why he was slightly unsure, he didn’t know.
“Hmm,” was all Seonghwa said, staring at his present.
“So like, you don’t have to unwrap it here. In fact, please don’t unwrap it here? You could wait until Christmas! You know, for fun!” Hongjoong said slightly frantic. Now that his present was in Seonghwa’s hands, he really didn’t want to see him open it now, let alone have the whole office see what it was.
“Okay, I’ll wait until Christmas,” Seonghwa agreed cheerfully. He chuckled before tucking it next to him, resting it on the floor. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brightly wrapped gift, complete with a frilly bow on top. He handed it to Hongjoong, who just stared at the impeccable wrapping.
“What’s this?” He asked, gingerly taking the package.
“it’s your present. It appears that while you were my Secret Santa, I was your Secret Santa,” Seonghwa explained, amused.
“San,” Hongjoong cursed under his breath.
“What?” Seonghwa asked.
Hongjoong shook his head.
“Nothing, just meddling friends, that’s all. Anyways, what a coincidence, no?” He said, too brightly. Seonghwa stared at him, still slightly confused. Hongjoong held up his present and shook it slightly, wanting to see if it made any noise. Seonghwa smiled.
“If you want to know what’s inside, you’d probably better just open it, don’t you think?” He asked sweetly.
Hongjoong narrowed his eyes at Seonghwa playfully before ripping the red and green coloured paper. His mouth opened as he saw what it was.
Paintbrushes. And not just any paintbrushes. Top of the line, extremely expensive, only professional artists use these brushes, brushes. He stared at Seonghwa in wonder, eyes shining.
“Seonghwa-yah. How did…these are…thank you?” He fumbled with his words and Seonghwa just stood there, smiling.
“I noticed you seem to always have paint here or there on your hands or even sometimes your face,” Hongjoong blushed at that, “and I thought maybe you painted in your spare time. So I went to the art supplies store and asked the lady for the best brushes one would use, and she asked me lots of questions I didn’t understand so we settled on these. She said they should work for most paints and surfaces, and—oh no, please don’t cry, I didn’t mean for you to cry. Is it a really bad gift?” Seonghwa wrung his hands, torn between wanting to hug Hongjoong and wanting to make sure he gave him enough space.
Hongjoong shook his head slowly as tears slid down his face, crying silently. He was so touched Songhwa had even noticed anything about him, let alone something he was just picking back up. He didn’t know what he was feeling, but the feelings had to come out so here he was, crying in front of his crush.
“No, Seonghwa-yah. It’s a wonderful gift. It’s the perfect gift,” he said, giving Seonghwa a watery smile. Seonghwa immediately brightened, beaming his megawatt smile. Hongjoong touched his wrist, a need to say thank you, as his throat had closed up from all his emotions.
Later, when he was back home and had spread the brushes out on his dining room table, he snapped a picture and sent it to Seonghwa.
[KIM HONGJOONG] Seonghwa, thank you so much for my gift. I can’t tell you how much these mean to me. I appreciate the thoughtfulness more than you know
He didn’t expect Seonghwa to text back since it was past midnight, but a notification came through almost immediately.
[PARK SEONGHWA] Hongjoong, I’m so glad you like them. I wasn’t quite sure what to get you but I wanted to give you something more than just a gift card. I hope you use them well!
[KIM HONGJOONG] I will. Thank you again, Santa ;)
[PARK SEONGHWA] It was my pleasure, Joongie ;)
Hongjoong put his phone down as he felt heat licking the sides of his face. He put his palms to his cheeks in an attempt to cool them down. When that didn’t work, he slid open the door to his balcony and stepped out, resting his hands on the railing and breathing in the brisk air. His face cooled down just in time for bed.
December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Hongjoong heard a knock on his door just as he finished making dinner. He had spent the day lounging around in his sweatpants, munching on snacks and catching up on dramas. He also texted with San on and off, his friend having a crisis for what to wear to his boyfriend’s Christmas Eve party.
[SANNIE] HYUNG WHAT DO I WEAR???
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Whatever you’re most comfortable in, Sannie
[SANNIE] I’m most comfortable in my sweats, hyung, that’s not gonna cut it. Woo is expecting Fancy San not Couch Potato San
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Okay so wear that really nice expensive suit you got a while back. Didn’t you get it so you could wear it to an event just like this one?
[SANNIE] Hyungggg that’s for a ~special occasion~
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] I’m sorry, is this not a ~special occasion~?
[SANNIE] You KNOW I bought that suit to wear when I propose to Woo, hyung. Tonight is not that night
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Well it COULD be that night ;)
[SANNIE] HONGJOONG HYUNG YOU ARE NOT HELPING!!!
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Sorry Sannie
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Maybe go with the olive green suit you wore to that wedding last year? With a white shirt? And a fancy tie? I know you must own a fancy tie
[SANNIE] Of COURSE I own a fancy tie
[SANNIE] Thanks hyung you’re the best!!!
Hongjoong needed a rest after that conversation and wasn’t expecting any more interruptions tonight, so he was a little put out that someone was knocking on his door.
When he opened the door, he was shocked to find Seonghwa standing there.
“Seonghwa-yah…what are you doing here?” He winced before backtracking. “Er, I mean hi, won’t you come in?” He stepped back and held the door so Seonghwa could enter his apartment. Seonghwa shot him a smirk as he came inside, taking his shoes off and slipping on the pair of slippers Hongjoong indicated for him to wear.
“Have you eaten yet? I just finished making dinner and made way too much, so you’re welcome to join me,” Hongjoong offered as he walked back to the kitchen. Seonghwa followed.
“I haven’t eaten yet, so if you’re offering I would really like that,” Seonghwa said, smiling at Hongjoong, who did not blush.
Hongjoong took out another plate and began loading it up with food, gesturing for Seonghwa to sit at the table. Seonghwa sat and looked around, taking in Hongjoong’s apartment.
“Your place is really nice. It suits you,” he said when Hongjoong put a plate down in front of him. Hongjoong set his own plate down and took a seat.
“Thanks, I really like it,” Hongjoong said, beaming at the compliment.
Seonghwa smiled back before taking a bite of food. He let out a noise of appreciation before swallowing.
“Joong-ah, this is amazing.”
Hongjoong blushed.
“It’s nothing special. It’s also the only thing I know how to make from scratch,” he said sheepishly.
“Well, it’s still delicious,” Seonghwa said.
Hongjoong warmed with the praise.
They ate in comfortable silence as the Christmas music Hongjoong had on played quietly in the background. When they finished, Hongjoong told Seonghwa to sit on the couch as he made them coffee. Seonghwa insisted on doing the dishes, so as much as Hongjoong didn’t want to make his guest do any work, Seonghwa washed and he dried.
“You didn’t have to do this, you know. I could have done it when you left. Or, tomorrow,” Hongjoong chuckled.
“I certainly did. You fed me on Christmas Eve, it’s the least I could do,” Seonghwa said as he handed Hongjoong the last clean plate to dry.
“Well I appreciate it. I hate doing the dishes.” Hongjoong scrunched his nose in distaste as he put the dry plate back in the cabinet.
“I don’t mind at all,” Seonghwa said, leaning his hip against the counter and staring at Hongjoong, arms crossed against his chest loosely. Hongjoong swallowed when he turned around, noticing the sleeves of Seonghwa’s sweater had been pushed up because of doing the dishes and wow, the man had really nice forearms. He cleared his throat and shook his head, gesturing to the coffee maker behind him.
“Coffee?” He squeaked out. He cleared his throat again.
“Yes, thank you,” Seonghwa smirked.
“Great! Go ahead and sit down, I’ll be right there.”
Seonghwa went to sit down and Hongjoong sagged against the counter. He took a deep breath before starting the coffee.
When he came into the living room with two steaming mugs of coffee, he noticed Seonghwa was not sitting. Instead, the man was inspecting his Christmas tree. Hongjoong set the mugs down on the coffee table and went to Seonghwa.
“You have so many interesting ornaments,” Seonghwa said, gently touching one of the l’arc de triomphe.
“My parents are travel bloggers. Every place they go they send me an ornament,” Hongjoong explained, brushing a green, glittery statue of liberty. It spun and twinkled in the lights of the tree.
“That’s nice. Something to remember their travels by,” Seonghwa said as he finally sat down.
Hongjoong shrugged, picking up the mugs and handing one to Seoghwa before he sat.
“They were away a lot on holidays, so it’s the only thing I have that we do together, even though they’re not here. If that makes any sense,” Hongjoong said into his coffee. He felt a hand on his and looked up, seeing Seonghwa staring at him.
“That’s sad, not spending time with family around the holidays.”
Hongjoong shrugged again.
“I’m used to it by now. I even try to guess what the ornament will be before I open it,” Hongjoong smiled. Seonghwa squeezed his hand.
“It’s okay to be sad, you know. And it’s okay not to be okay. You shouldn’t hide your feelings, Joong-ah,” Seonghwa said softly. Hongjoong looked away, not able to look Seonghwa in the eye anymore. And there was the smallest chance that his eyes were beginning to water, no big deal.
Hongjoong sniffed before turning back to Seonghwa.
“So, not that I mind the company, as I clearly love being emotionally wrecked on Christmas Eve,” they both laughed, successfully breaking the tension, “but you knocked on my door because…?”
Hongjoong stared at Seonghwa, curious.
Seonghwa cleared his throat, nervous. That made Hongjoong even more curious.
“So, I know you said to wait until tomorrow to open my present, but I’ve alway been a little impatient when it comes to presents…” Seonghwa trailed off and Hongjoong gave him a smile.
“It’s okay, Seonghwa-yah, I just didn’t want you to open it at the office. I didn’t know what you wanted for Christmas and I guess it’s, uh, kinda personal?” He said, scrunching his nose. “I wasn’t really sure you would like it and I haven’t painted since uni so I’m sure it could be a lot better but it just came to me and honestly if it’s too much–”
“I love it.”
Hongjoong paused his rambling.
“You do?” He asked.
Seonghwa nodded earnestly.
“It’s amazing, Joongie. I don’t know how you did it, but you captured the perfect moment. Is that how you see me?” He asked.
Hongjoong blushed and glanced down at his mug before looking at Seonghwa again. He nodded as he stared into the other man’s eyes.
Hongjoong had painted a moment frozen in time. It was their first time really hanging out, when they saw the first snowfall of the season together. He painted Seonghwa’s profile as he looked up into the night sky, delight in his eyes as the snowflakes fell down around them. He tried to capture the magic of that night as best as he could.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said softly.
“Do you remember what I told you that night? About seeing the first snowfall?” Seonghwa asked him quietly. He was bathed in the soft light of the Christmas tree and all Hongjoong could do was nod.
“I wanted to do something before that car horn interrupted us,” Seonghwa said, slowly rising up on his knees and leaning towards Hongjoong. Hongjoong let him take the mug out of his hands and put both of them on the coffee table.
“You did?” Hongjoong breathed, Seonghwa’s face now inches from his own. Seonghwa nodded, his nose brushing against Hongjoong’s.
“Is it okay if I kiss you?” Seonghwa asked softly, leaning in more, stopping as his lips were just about to touch Hongjoong’s. Hongjoong nodded this time and Seonghwa closed the gap, pressing his soft, plush lips against Hongjoong’s.
Hongjoong sighed into the kiss. He kissed back, wrapping his arms around Seonghwa, pulling him closer. Seonghwa followed, ending up sprawled on top of Hongjoong. They kissed softly, quietly, content to be in each other’s arms.
December 25th (Christmas Day)
Hongjoong woke slowly, his nose being tickled by something. He reached up to brush it away and came into contact with something warm. He froze, registering that he was one: not in his bed and two: not alone. He squinted in the morning light that was peeking between his curtains in the living room and saw that he was on the couch, and someone was on top of him.
Seonghwa.
Apparently they had fallen asleep on the couch. Hongjoong cursed that neither of them decided to move to the bedroom as his bed was infinitely more comfortable than the couch. As he was contemplating the best way to push Seonghwa off him without being rude, the man stirred.
Seonghwa rubbed his face into Hongjoong’s chest, further proving to Hongjoong that he was indeed, a cat. Hongjoong chuckled and Seonghwa raised his head abruptly, glaring at him.
“What time is it? And are you laughing at me?” He asked grumpily. Hongjoong assumed he was not a morning person.
“I’m not sure, but no I’m not laughing at you. Has anyone ever told you that you have very cat-like qualities?” Hongjoong asked.
Seonghwa smiled and shook his head.
“No, you’d be the first. One of my cousins did give me a cat eye with eyeliner once for New Year’s, though. We were going to a club and she made everyone wear makeup.” Seonghwa yawned and sat up. Hongjoong missed his warmth.
“Please tell me you have pictures.”
“Oh, babe, I rocked that eyeliner. Of course I have pictures.”
Hongjoong felt very warm all of a sudden and stood up.
“Coffee?” He asked, walking to the kitchen without waiting for Seonghwa’s reply.
They spent the day together, Seonghwa wanting to make sure Hongjoong wasn’t alone. Hongjoong wouldn’t admit it, but he appreciated it more than Seonghwa could ever know. Seonghwa proved himself in the kitchen, being able to make more than one dish, unlike Hongjoong.
“I could teach you, if you’d like,” Seonghwa said as they finished eating. Hongjoong looked at him curiously.
“To cook,” he clarified. “Not that you can’t! I just…maybe you’d like to make more than just pasta?”
Hongjoong smirked.
“Aww, Hwa, are you saying I’m not a good cook?” He teased. Seonghwa waved his hands in the air.
“No, no! You’re very good at cooking! I–”
“I’m just teasing, Hwa. I would love for you to teach me. One cannot live on penne alone,” Hongjoong said warmly. Seonghwa visibly relaxed before smiling back.
When Seonghwa left for the night, they lingered in Hongjoong’s doorway.
“So, San is having a New Year’s Eve Party. Would you…would you maybe like to come with me?” Hongjoong asked, fiddling with the door handle. Seonghwa put a hand on top of his, stilling the movement. Hongjoong looked up to find Seonghwa starting at him.
“I would love to go with you,” he said, warmth shining through his eyes. Hongjoong beamed.
“Okay, then it’s a date! I mean, it doesn’t have to be a date, just that–”
“It’s a date,” Seonghwa said firmly. Hongjoong warmed.
“So, I’ll see you then?” He asked, even though Seonghwa just confirmed he would go.
“You will,” Seonghwa smiled, leaning down slightly to kiss Hongjoong. Hongjoong melted into the kiss and held onto Seonghwa’s shoulders, trying to ground himself. When Seonghwa pulled away, he rested his forehead against Hongjoong’s.
“I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve, Joongie.”
When Hongjoong went back into his apartment and shut the door, he did a happy dance, letting out a cheer. He didn’t know Seonghwa was still outside and could hear him, grinning all the way back to his own apartment.
December 31st (New Year’s Eve)
The day of San’s party had arrived. Hongjoong went through three outfit changes and double the amount of texts to San, trying to get his friend to repay the favour and help him decide what to wear.
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Sannie SOS
[SANNIE] What’s wrong hyung???
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] idk what to wear!!
[SANNNIE] Oho, hyung, look who’s coming to who for fashion advice now
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] …
[SANNIE] Okay, fine. Wear your dark charcoal grey pants with your cream turtleneck sweater and that dangly earring that you should wear more often, hyung
[HONGJOONG HYUNG] Thank you! :)
[SANNIE] Omg are you texting me about what to wear because you’re bringing someone?? IS IT SEONGHWA-SSI???
Hongjoong left him on read.
This time when he heard a knock on the door, he was expecting it.
“Seonghwa, hi,” he said when he opened the door. Then he just stood there, staring, because Seonghwa looked gorgeous.
He was wearing a burgundy suit with a black turtleneck, a thin gold necklace that had a line of gold that dangled down his chest, and his hair was swooped back off his face. He was holding his coat over one arm and used his other hand to push back a lock of hair that fell onto his cheek and suddenly Hongjoong couldn’t breathe.
“Hey, Joong-ah. Are you ready to go?” Seonghwa asked, oblivious to the effect he had on Hongjoong. Hongjoong squeaked out a yes and grabbed his coat before locking the door behind him.
In the taxi, Seonghwa leaned in close to Hongjoong, whispering in his ear.
“I forgot to mention this before, but you look fantastic tonight, Joongie.”
Hongjoong was red for the rest of the ride.
When they arrived at the party San was already tipsy.
“Come in, come in! I’m so glad you could make it! Let me take your coats,” San said. They handed him their coats and while San was standing behind Seonghwa he mouthed to Hongjoong, “oh my god!” and pointed at the taller man’s back. Hongjoong shook his head at him to get him to stop. He stopped and smiled brightly at Seonghwa when the man turned to him.
“Just through there is the party,” San said as he gestured to a room on their right.
“Thanks, Sannie. Is Woo here yet? I want to say hi,” Hongjoong asked.
“Of course he is. He came over three hours early just so he could help make the hors d'oeuvres,” San rolled his eyes lovingly as he made his way back towards the kitchen. Hongjoong linked arms with Seonghwa and they made their way into the party.
Wooyoung found them first.
“Hongjoong hyung, you made it!” He said happily, hugging him tightly. “And this must be Seonghwa! I’ve heard so much about you,” he said with a wink, holding out his hand to shake.
“Oh have you now,” Hongjoong muttered underneath his breath. Seonghwa smiled as he shook Wooyoung’s hand.
Wooyoung went off to greet another guest and Hongjoong turned to Seonghwa.
“He’s San’s boyfriend,” he said as an explanation.
“That makes sense,” Seonghwa said, amused.
They were given drinks by San when he found them shortly after that, and plied full of food by Wooyoung when people had stopped arriving and they didn’t have to host as much. Soon, it was almost midnight. San and Wooyoung handed out headbands and glasses with the year on them along with party poppers and noise makers.
“They really go all out, huh?” Seonghwa asked as he juggled to hold all the items he was given. Hongjoong had learned to put them on as soon as they were handed to him from previous years’ experience. He took everything from Seonghwa so he could do the same.
“They really do. It’s one of their favourite holidays, strangely. Well, I suppose not so strangely. They did meet at a New Year’s Eve party,” Hongjoong said as Seonghwa finished putting on his headband and glasses, taking the party favours back from him.
“Really?” Seonghwa asked, intrigued.
“Mm,” Hongjoong nodded. “The guy they were both seeing separately invited them to a party. Apparently, he forgot that he already asked one of them. San and Wooyoung only found out because they both went up to him during the countdown so they could kiss him at the stroke of midnight. When they found out he was seeing someone else, they kissed each other instead.”
Seonghwa laughed and Hongjoong joined.
“That’s hilarious, and a very San story,” Seonghwa said when they quieted down.
“Right?” Hongjoong said, still smiling.
“Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!”
Hongjoong startled slightly and looked around when people started counting down.
“Six! Five! Four!”
Seonghwa put a palm on his cheek and turned Hongjoong’s face back to him. They looked into each other’s eyes and the party faded away in the background.
“Three! Two!”
Seonghwa leaned in and Hongjoong’s breath hitched.
“One!”
Seonghwa kissed him.
“Happy New Year!”
People were shouting and cheering all around them. Hongjoong could only feel the light pressure of Seonghwa’s lips and the faint taste of champagne they were drinking. He wrapped his arms around Seonghwa’s neck as they kissed, ignoring everything else. They only pulled apart once he felt a hand clap his shoulder and realised San was standing next to them.
“Happy New Year!” San shouted, pulling Hongjoong in for a hug. Hongjoong laughed and wished him Happy New Year as well. San hugged Seonghwa too before flitting around the party to hug everyone else. Hongjoong turned back to Seonghwa who took his hand in his.
“Happy New Year, Joongie,” Seonghwa said, rubbing a thumb across Hongjoong’s hand.
“Happy New Year, Hwa,” Hongjoong said back softly, smiling happily.
Hongjoong had never been more grateful for San meddling in his life.