Archive of Our Own

As the first snowflakes begin to fall, Seungmin and Minho are filled with anticipation for their first Christmas together as a married couple. Their apartment decorated to the brim with festive decore for the Christmas time.

❅

Seungmin woke up from his slumber due to weight crushing him. He shuffled inside the covers that were keeping him warm and accidentally bumped straight into Minho’s bear chest. “Shit!,” he felt shuffling from his side and was quickly aware that he had disturbed his husband’s sleep.

Minho slowly opened his and was greeted by a concerned Seungmin. “Oh my gosh, did wake up? Im sorry you can go back to sleep I’ll just start breakfast, I’m sorry again Hyung!”, Seungmin was shuffling out of the bed about to step foot on the cold hard floor, luckily he had socks on. But a hand to his waist stopped him.

Minho lowered his head into the bundle of blankets, and in his husky voice he urged Seungmin to stay. “Stay Seungmin-ah,” Seungmin smiled.

“We have to get ready Hyung. The cats are probably hungry. Remember Jeongin is staying here with us too, so he’s probably waiting for us to get up and make him breakfast.” Seungmin argued trying to reason with the older boy. “Tch, that fucker…”, Seungmin stroked Minhos disheveled hair down and smiled down at the boy under the covers.

The younger heard snoring and immediately suspected his lover had fallen back asleep. He pushed the covers away from Minho’s shoulders, to his fore arms, revealing his topless body. “Hyung, get up,” He reached out, poking Minho gently in the side.

Minho remained motionless, his face turned away, suppressing the urge to laugh. After a few moments, Seungmin poked him again, a bit more insistently this time. “Come on! I know you’re awake.”

Suddenly, with a quick motion, Minho grabbed Seungmin’s wrist, pulling him close and flipping him onto the bed. Seungmin let out a surprised yelp, his eyes widening as he found himself pinned beneath Minho, their faces just inches apart.

“Gotcha ,” Minho said, his voice low and teasing. He buried his face in Seungmin’s chest, breathing in the familiar scent of laundry detergent and warmth. Seungmin’s heartbeat thudded beneath him, a rhythm that made Minho smile against his skin.

“Hyung!” Seungmin protested, half-laughing, half-embarrassed. “Let me go! You’re heavy!”

Seungmin squirmed, trying to push Minho away, but the weight of his lover only made him laugh more. “Fine! You win! I’ll stay for a few minutes, Just let me breathe!”

Minho finally lifted his head, grinning mischievously. “See? Wasn’t that fun?”

Seungmin rolled his eyes, but the smile on his face betrayed his amusement. “Next time, just wake up like a normal person.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Minho replied, settling back against Seungmin’s chest, content to stay there a little longer.

As Minho and Seungmin lounged in their cozy sanctuary, the tranquility was abruptly broken by a series of firm knocks on the door. “Hyungs ! I’m starving, and so are the cats!” Jeongin’s voice echoed through the wood, tinged with impatience. Minho sighed, breaking away from Seungmin’s comforting embrace.

He pushed the door open, revealing Jeongin standing there, arms crossed and a faux-serious expression on his face. Minho, still shirtless and clad only in loose, long pants, leaned casually against the doorframe. The three cats—fluffy and wide-eyed—slipped past Jeongin, darting into the room as if they owned the place.

Jeongin’s eyes widened, then narrowed into a playful scowl as he caught sight of Minho’s bare chest. “Seriously? You couldn’t throw on a shirt first?” he huffed, feigning annoyance while struggling to suppress a smile.

Minho shrugged, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. “What? The cats don’t mind,” he replied, glancing down at the now-curious felines. Seungmin, watching the exchange, stifled a laugh, enjoying the playful dynamic.

Jeongin rolled his eyes dramatically, unable to keep up the facade. “Next time, at least warn me before I walk in on a beach scene.” With a resigned sigh, he turned to the cats, shaking his head but unable to hide his own grin. “Alright, fine. Let’s get some food before you all starve to death.”

❅

In the sunlit kitchen, the enticing aroma of pancakes and sizzling bacon filled the air as Minho deftly flipped a pancake on the griddle. He hummed to himself, enjoying the peaceful morning when Seungmin sauntered in, still half-awake but wearing a playful smile.

“Good morning, chef,” Seungmin said, leaning against the counter, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I see you’re trying to impress me with your cooking skills. Not bad for a shirtless wonder.”

Minho turned, a playful smirk on his lips. “Just trying to keep my dongsaeng happy. You know how it is.” He waggled his eyebrows, enjoying the flirtation.

Seungmin stepped closer, resting his chin on his hand as he admired Minho’s focused expression. “You know, if you keep this up, I might just have to reward you later.”

Jeongin walked in just then, his eyes widening in mock horror. “Ew! Can you not?” He wrinkled his nose, feigning disgust as he grabbed a plate. “I’m trying to eat here, and you two are being gross.”

Minho laughed, shooting Jeongin a playful glance. “What? You can’t handle a little romance in the morning?”

“Not when it involves you two being all mushy,” Jeongin retorted, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smirk. He helped himself to a stack of pancakes, shaking his head as Seungmin leaned closer to Minho, whispering something that made Minho chuckle.

“Fine, fine,” Jeongin said, grabbing some syrup. “Just keep the flirting to a minimum while I’m eating, okay?” He sat down, shaking his head in exaggerated dismay as Minho and Seungmin continued their playful banter.

As the three of them sat around the table, plates piled high with breakfast, Soonie curled up contentedly in Jeongin’s lap, purring softly. Jeongin absentmindedly scratched the cat behind the ears while munching on a pancake. The warmth of the morning light illuminated the room, creating a cozy atmosphere.

“So,” Jeongin said, breaking the comfortable silence, “I was thinking about Christmas. With all the family drama going on at home, I don’t really want to deal with it this year.”

Minho looked up, curious. “What do you mean?”

Jeongin continued, “I thought maybe I could celebrate it with your family since you’re going to visit them for Christmas. So I was think if I could go with you guys, What do you think?”

Seungmin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “That could be fun! We could make it a little family gathering. I’m sure your family won’t mind you spending time with us.”

“Exactly,” Jeongin said, nodding enthusiastically. “We could have a big dinner, play some games. It’d be nice to have a change of pace.”

Minho exchanged a glance with Seungmin, both of them clearly on board. “My mom wouldn’t mind Jeongin coming with us, she loves him, so yeah, you can come,” Minho replied, a smile spreading across his face. “It’ll be great to have you with us.”

“Alright, it’s settled then,” Minho said, raising his glass of orange juice in a toast. “To an unconventional Christmas!”

“Cheers!” Seungmin and Jeongin echoed, clinking their glasses together, the spirit of friendship and holiday cheer filling the room.

❅

In the cozy chaos of their shared room, clothes were strewn everywhere as they busily packed for their trip. Minho worked efficiently, folding his items with care, and before long, he was done. He glanced around, noticing Seungmin still wrestling with his suitcase, a determined look on his face.

With a mischievous smile, Minho snuck up behind him, wrapping his arms around Seungmin’s waist. Seungmin jumped slightly but quickly relaxed into Minho’s embrace. “Finished already Hyung?” he asked, teasingly.

“Of course,” Minho replied, turning Seungmin around to face him. Their eyes locked, and without another word, Minho leaned in, capturing Seungmin's lips in a soft kiss. They exchanged a few more, the moment growing more intimate as they lost track of everything else.

Feeling playful, Minho lifted Seungmin effortlessly and tossed him onto the bed. Seungmin let out a surprised laugh as he bounced on the mattress, eyes sparkling with delight. Minho joined him, the two of them leaning in for another kiss, completely absorbed in each other.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Jeongin walked in, arms laden with clothes. He froze, wide-eyed, taking in the scene of Minho and Seungmin tangled on the bed.

Minho’s expression soured as he realized they had been interrupted. “Great timing, Jeongin!” he exclaimed, annoyance creeping into his voice. Seungmin’s face flushed with embarrassment, a mix of laughter and surprise escaping his lips.

Jeongin stammered an apology, quickly backing out of the room, muttering about needing to knock next time. The door closed behind him with a soft click, and Minho let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair.

In the dim light of the bedroom, Seungmin felt the air shift as Jeongin left, the door clicking shut behind him. Minho turned to Seungmin, his gaze playful and charged. Without a word, he leaned in, pressing his lips against Seungmin’s, the kiss surprisingly intense.

“Hyung, wait,” Seungmin murmured, attempting to push him back gently. But Minho was persistent, his hands finding their way to Seungmin’s waist, pulling him closer.

“Just a bit longer,” Minho whispered, kissing him again, deepening the connection. Seungmin’s resolve began to waver, the heat of the moment taking over as he melted into the kiss, responding with equal passion.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the tension. “Y’all better be packing Hyung!” Jeongin shouted from the kitchen, his tone half-annoyed, half-amused.

Minho immediately pulled away, irritation flickering across his face. “Seriously?!” he huffed, shooting a glare toward the door. Seungmin felt his cheeks flush, the reality of the interruption crashing in.

“Thanks, Jeongin,” Seungmin muttered, trying to regain his composure while Minho groaned, flopping back against the pillows in exasperation.

“Just when it was getting good,” Minho grumbled, crossing his arms as he shot a frustrated look at the ceiling. Seungmin couldn’t help but chuckle, the tension in the room easing despite Minho’s annoyance.

❅

In the sleek interior of Minho’s 2024 Nissan Z Performance, the atmosphere was filled with the chatter of excitement. Jeongin sat in the backseat, cradling three curious cats in his lap, their little heads peeking out from their carrier.

As Seungmin and Minho climbed into the front, Seungmin settled into the passenger seat, glancing back at the furry trio. “So, what are we thinking for food?” he asked, adjusting his seatbelt.

“I’m in the mood for something spicy,” Minho replied, turning the key in the ignition, the engine purring to life. “Maybe some jjolmyeon or tteokbokki?”

“Definitely tteokbokki ,” Seungmin agreed, a smile creeping onto his face. “Let’s get tteokbokki from a restaurant later for lunch.”

Minho nodded, but as he shifted gears, his right hand found its way to Seungmin’s thigh, gripping it lightly. “Tteokbokki it is, then,” he said, his voice low, glancing sideways with a teasing smile.

Seungmin felt his heart race, the warmth of Minho’s hand sending a thrill through him. “You’re distracting me, you know,” he teased back, trying to keep his focus on the conversation.

Jeongin interjected from the back, his eyes wide. “Are you two really going to flirt while I’m stuck with these cats?”

Minho chuckled, squeezing Seungmin’s thigh playfully. “Just keeping the mood light, Jeongin.”

“Right,” Jeongin replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a grin as he adjusted the cats in his lap. “As long as they don’t get too jealous back here.”

As the car hummed along the highway, Jeongin had dozed off, his head gently leaning against the window. Minho and Seungmin chatted quietly in the front seats, the rhythmic sound of the tires on the road providing a comforting backdrop.

“So, first Christmas together Hyung? Are you excited?” Seungmin asked, glancing over at Minho, who was focused on the road ahead.

“Yes, very,” Minho replied, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice.

“Ah, what are you planning to do?,” Seungmin asked. “Spending my time with you, both day and night, if you know what I mean.” Minho wiggled his eyebrows, and Seungmin rolled his eyes at the perverted answer.

Minho them spotted the mall in the distance. “We’re almost there,” he said, turning to Seungmin with a grin. “Let’s wake Jeongin up.”

Minho gently shook Jeongin’s shoulder. “Hey, we’re here.”

“Mm, five more minutes,” Jeongin mumbled, still half-asleep.

Seungmin chuckled and joined in, “Come on, we’ve arrived! Time to eat.”

With a few more nudges, Jeongin finally blinked awake, rubbing his eyes as he took in his surroundings. “We’re here already?” he asked, still a bit groggy.

“Yup! Let’s get out and move,” Minho encouraged, opening his door and stepping out into the fresh air.

As Seungmin followed suit, stretching his arms overhead, Minho crept up behind him, wrapping his arms around Seungmin’s waist in a playful hug.

“Hey!” Seungmin exclaimed, startled but quickly smiling. “What are you doing?”

“Hugging my husband, can’t I?” Minho replied, letting him go and stepping back, a cheeky grin on his face. Seungmin rolled his eyes and took his hand, Jeongin behind them.

As they entered the mall, the warm air embraced them. They continued looking for a restaurant on the third floor. Jeongin then saw one and they entered. In a cozy corner of the bustling mall, Jeongin, Minho, and Seungmin gathered around a small table, a steaming plate of tteokbokki in the center. The spicy aroma filled the air, and they dug in, their excitement palpable.

“Wow, this is amazing!” Jeongin exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he took another bite.

They continued to eat and chat, sharing stories and teasing each other, laughter mingling with the clinking of utensils. After they finished, Jeongin leaned back in his chair, satisfied. “I’m officially full. That was a great choice Hyung.”

“Whatever” Minho said rolling his eyes, and wiping his hands on a napkin. He then stood up and extended his hand to Seungmin, a warm smile on his face.

“Ready to head back?” he asked, fingers intertwining with Seungmin’s as they made their way out of the food court.

Seungmin glanced over at Jeongin, who was still savoring the last bites of his tteokbokki. “You coming?” he called.

“Yeah, I’ll catch up!” Jeongin replied, waving them off as he finished.

Hand in hand, Minho and Seungmin strolled toward the car, their fingers laced together comfortably. The warmth of the moment enveloped them, and Minho glanced at Seungmin, a smile tugging at his lips. “I like this.”

“Me too,” Seungmin replied softly, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as they reached the car.

❅

As they pulled up to Minho’s mother’s house, the warm glow of the afternoon sun cast a welcoming light over the familiar surroundings. Minho parked the car, and they all stepped out, stretching after the ride.

Before Minho could even greet her, his mother came out with a bright smile. “Jeongin! It’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug.

“Hello, ahjumma!” Jeongin replied, grinning widely, and the bowed to her.

Minho watched, slightly bemused, as his mother then turned to Seungmin, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, Seungmin, darling!” she said, cupping his cheeks with both hands. “You look so healthy! I’ve missed you!”

“Thanks, eomma,” Seungmin said, blushing under her attention. “It’s great to see you!”

“Come in, come in! I’ve prepared some snacks!” she urged, leading them inside.

As they entered, Minho’s father appeared, greeting him with a hearty pat on the back. “Minho-yah! Glad you made it!”

“Hey, appa,” Minho replied, feeling a swell of warmth at the familial atmosphere.

Just then, his cousin Karina entered the room, her eyes lighting up when she saw Seungmin and Jeongin. “Seungmin-ah! Glad you’re here!”, she then turned to Jeongin. “Hey Jeongin! Wanna play some Mario cart upstairs?”, Jeongin quickly left the others downstairs to play video games with Karina.

Minho watched them go, shaking his head with a chuckle. He turned back to see Seungmin helping his mother in the kitchen, their laughter echoing as they worked together. The sight made Minho’s heart swell.

Carrying a stack of bags from the car, he re-entered the house, balancing everything carefully. As he stepped inside, he paused for a moment, taking in the scene: his mother and Seungmin chatting away, the aroma of home-cooked food wafting through the air.

Minho couldn’t help but smile, feeling a deep sense of contentment as he joined them. “Need any help?” he asked, placing the bags down. His mother denied the help, saying she only needed Seungmin.

Minho carefully set down the cat carrier he had brought in from the car. The moment he unlatched the door, Soonie, Doongie, and Dori tumbled out, eager to explore their new surroundings.

“Look who’s here!” Minho announced, a grin spreading across his face as the cats scurried around. Soonie, the eldest, immediately made a beeline for Minho’s mother, rubbing against her legs.

“Oh, you sweet little thing!” she cooed, bending down to scoop Soonie into her arms. The cat purred contentedly, enjoying the attention.

Seungmin laughed, watching as Doongie followed suit, hopping onto the kitchen counter to investigate the leftover snacks. “Hey, you can’t be up there!” he exclaimed, moving to gently nudge Doongie back down.

Dori, the youngest, darted over to Seungmin, weaving between his legs and meowing softly. “Hey Dori-ah. Finally feeling cuddly?” Seungmin asked, bending down to scratch Dori behind the ears. The kitten leaned into his touch, purring happily.

Minho’s mother chuckled at the chaos. “I missed them so much! I love them!” she said, her eyes sparkling as Soonie settled in her arms.

❅

As the family gathered around the dinner table, the atmosphere was lively and warm. Plates filled with an array of delicious food—steamed dumplings, spicy tteokbokki, and fresh kimchi—sat in front of everyone. Minho’s mother moved around, making sure everyone had enough to eat.

“This is so good, eomma,” Seungmin said, enjoying a bite of dumpling. “You really outdid yourself.”

“Thank you, dear! I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” she replied with a smile, beaming at him.

Minho, sitting across from Seungmin, nudged him playfully. “Told you my mom’s cooking was unbeatable.”

Just as they were diving into another round of food, Minho’s mother cleared her throat. “By the way, Minho, the rest of the family will be arriving tomorrow. Karina was just the first to get here.”

“That’s good, I’m excited to see kimhae!” Minho replied, glancing over at Seungmin, who looked intrigued.

“And,” she continued, “unfortunately, you all will be staying at a hotel not very far from here. We all helped booking it for Christmas.”

Minho’s father chuckled, a proud smile on his face. “Good to have you two under one roof! I’ve seen how you and Seungmin get along, and I think it’s great.”

“Thanks, appa. And it’s fine eomma, I know there’s not much room, Thank you.” Seungmin said, his cheeks turning slightly pink as Minho grinned at him.

After everyone finished eating, they cleared the table together, laughter and chatter filling the air. Minho helped his mother put away the leftovers while Seungmin and Jeongin rinsed the dishes.

They picked up their bags and drove to the hotel. Once they arrived at the hotel, Minho checked them in, shooting Seungmin an affectionate glance as they got their room key.

“ we’re sharing a room, just the two of us,” Minho said, a teasing lilt in his voice.

“We already do ,” Seungmin replied, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably.

With a grin, Minho led the way to their room, where they dropped their bags. The cozy decor made it feel warm and inviting. Seungmin glanced around, taking in the festive touches.

“Looks nice,” he remarked.

❅

Seungmin knelt by the bottom drawer of the nightstand, sifting through their belongings in search of a missing charger. His concentration was broken when he suddenly felt a playful slap on his ass.

“Hyung !” he whined, turning around, eyes wide with surprise.

Minho stood there, laughing, a teasing grin on his face. “What? You just looked like my husband!”

Seungmin narrowed his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. He quickly jabbed Minho in the back. “You better watch it!”

Minho chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. In one swift motion, he scooped Seungmin up and tossed him onto the bed, pinning him down with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“you really do look like my husband!” Minho said, leaning closer.

“Wait!” Seungmin protested, pushing against Minho’s shoulders. “We haven’t showered yet!”

Minho paused, a playful pout forming on his lips. “But that just makes it more fun.”

Seungmin rolled his eyes, trying to catch his breath as he looked up at Minho. “Seriously, Hyung we’ll smell bad!”

“Alright, alright. Shower first, then we can continue this.”

Seungmin pushed himself up, shaking his head with a smile. “You’re impossible!”

❅

After a refreshing shower, Seungmin emerged from the bathroom, wearing a purple long sleeved pijama set. He spotted Minho lounging on the bed in a snug tank top and basketball shorts, completely absorbed in his phone.

“Hey, what are you up to?” Seungmin asked, a smile spreading across his face.

“Just checking some messages,” Minho replied, glancing up for a moment before returning to his screen.

Seungmin, feeling playful, walked over to the TV and turned it on, hoping to find something interesting to watch. But before he could settle in, Minho was suddenly at his side.

With a swift motion, Minho grabbed Seungmin by the waist and effortlessly launched him onto the bed, pinning him down with a laugh.

“Hyung! Seriously?” Seungmin exclaimed, caught off guard but unable to hide his grin.

Minho leaned down, his face just inches from Seungmin’s. “What’s wrong? I suggested that we shower first, then we’d continue, and you agreed.”

Seungmin squirmed beneath him, trying to free himself. “I said you’re impossible, and you are proving my point right now.”

Minho chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. “You still agreed.”

Seungmin frowned, “Just get it over with Hyung.”

Minho's hands framed Seungmin's face, his thumbs brushing against the delicate skin of his cheeks. He kissed Seungmin's jawline, trailing soft kisses down his neck, eliciting a soft moan from the younger man. Seungmin's hands tangled in Minho's hair, holding him close, never wanting this moment to end.

Minho's kisses continued their descent, moving across Seungmin's collarbone, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Seungmin arched his back, pressing into Minho's touch, encouraging him further. Minho's hands roamed lower, exploring Seungmin's body, eliciting a symphony of gasps and moans.

As the make-out session intensified, Seungmin's hands tugged at Minho's shirt, eager to feel his warm skin against his own. Minho obliged, sitting up briefly to remove his shirt, revealing his toned chest. Seungmin's fingers traced the contours of Minho's muscles, marveling at the beauty of his body.

Minho leaned down, capturing Seungmin's lips once more, their mouths moving in perfect sync. Seungmin's hands roamed freely, exploring every inch of Minho's exposed skin, relishing the sensation of his smooth back and the firmness of his shoulders.

The passion between them was electric, and neither wanted it to end. They continued to kiss and touch, their bodies moving in a slow, sensual dance. Minho's eyes sparkled with desire as he gazed down at Seungmin, who was still fully clothed.

With a gentle smile, Minho leaned down, capturing Seungmin's lips once more, their bodies aligning perfectly. Seungmin's hands moved to unbutton his own shirt, eager to match Minho's level of exposure. As the fabric parted, Minho's hands joined in, helping to rid Seungmin of his clothing.

Suddenly, a soft shuffle came from the door, and both of them froze. Minho’s eyes widened as he realized they weren’t alone anymore.

“Uh-oh,” Seungmin whispered, trying to stifle his laughter. “That’s Jeongin!”

Just as Minho started to lift himself off Seungmin, the door handle turned. Panicking, they both scrambled to sit up, smoothing their hair and adjusting their clothes in a frantic attempt to look casual.

The door swung open, and Jeongin stepped in, a surprised look on his face. “Whoa! Sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt!”

Seungmin and Minho exchanged wide-eyed glances, both trying to catch their breath. “Uh, we were just—” Seungmin started, but the words caught in his throat.

“Yeah, just… uh, hanging out!” Minho finished, trying to sound nonchalant while feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

Jeongin raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Right. Hanging out. Looks more like you were in a wrestling match.”

“Very funny,” Minho replied, attempting to play it cool. He threw an arm around Seungmin’s shoulders, trying to defuse the awkwardness. “What do you need?”

Jeongin chuckled, stepping further into the room. “Just wanted to see if you guys wanted to grab some food. But it looks like you’re busy.”

“Busy? No way! We’re totally free!” Seungmin exclaimed, shooting Minho a warning look to play along.

“Yeah, let’s go eat!” Minho added, quickly getting up and giving Seungmin a hand to help him off the bed. They both shot one last nervous glance at each other before turning their full attention to Jeongin.

As they followed Jeongin out of the room, Minho leaned in and whispered to Seungmin, “We definitely need to continue that later.”

❅

The morning sun streamed through the hotel window, gently waking Seungmin. He turned to see Minho still asleep beside him, his hair tousled and a peaceful expression on his face. A smile crept onto Seungmin’s lips as he leaned over to plant a soft kiss on Minho’s forehead.

“Hyung, wake up,” he whispered, shaking him lightly.

Minho stirred, blinking groggily before a smile spread across his face. “Morning,” he mumbled, stretching out his arms.

After they got ready—brushing teeth, washing their faces, and throwing on warm clothes—Seungmin admired Minho in his cozy sweater and jeans. “You look good,” he said, earning a playful wink from Minho.

They drove to Minho’s mom’s house—Jeongin and Karina in hand—,the air filled with the scent of pine and the promise of a festive day. Upon arriving, Minho’s family welcomed them with open arms, the warmth of their home immediately enveloping them.

As they settled in, Minho introduced Seungmin to the rest of the family—his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Just as they were getting comfortable, a small figure burst into the living room.

“Uncle Min min!” a bright voice called out.

Minho turned to see his five-year-old niece, Kimhae, running towards him with her arms wide open. She jumped into his embrace, and he lifted her high into the air, laughter filling the room.

“Kimhae! Look at you!” Minho said, beaming. “You’re getting so big!”

As Minho held Kimhae in his arms, she suddenly spotted Seungmin standing a bit shyly nearby. Her expression changed from excitement to hesitation.

“Uncle min min,” Kimhae whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “Who’s that?”

“That’s Seungmin, my husband,” Minho replied, gently setting her down. “He’s really nice, and he wants to meet you!”

looked down at her feet, her cheeks flushed as she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. “I… I don’t know,” she mumbled, glancing up at Seungmin with wide eyes.

Seungmin crouched down to her level, a warm smile on his face. “Hey, Kimhae. It’s nice to meet you. I promise I’m not scary!”

She peeked up at him, still shy but intrigued. “Really?”

“Really!” Seungmin reassured her, his tone gentle. “I love playing games. What’s your favorite?”

After a moment of silence, Kimhae took a small step closer. “I like dolls,” she finally admitted, her confidence slowly returning.

“Dolls? That sounds fun! Can I play with you?” Seungmin asked, his eyes brightening.

smile returned, and she nodded shyly. “Okay! You can help me with the tea party.”

Minho watched as Seungmin stood up and extended a hand to Kimhae, who took it hesitantly but then squeezed it as they walked over to the toy corner. He felt a swell of pride, knowing that Seungmin would make her feel at ease.

“See? Not so scary after all!” Minho called out playfully.

❅

It was Christmas Day, The soft glow of the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the hotel room. Seungmin stirred first, the gentle rustle of sheets waking him from a peaceful slumber. He turned to see Minho still asleep, his features relaxed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Seungmin couldn’t help but smile back. He reached over and lightly brushed a strand of hair away from Minho’s forehead, careful not to wake him. Glancing at the clock, he saw it was nearly 8 AM. They had promised to be at Minho's mom’s house by noon, and he wanted to make the most of their morning together.

Feeling a wave of excitement for Christmas, Seungmin slipped out of bed and padded to the window. The sight of soft, white snowflakes falling outside brought a sense of wonder to his heart. He turned back to the room, the remnants of last night’s gift exchange still scattered around—a few small boxes, colorful wrapping paper, and a festive scent lingering in the air.

After a quick shower, he dressed in a cozy sweater and joggers, then headed to the small kitchenette. He brewed a pot of coffee, letting the aroma fill the room. Just as he poured himself a cup, Minho stirred awake, stretching like a cat before sitting up.

“Morning, Hyung,” Seungmin said, handing him a steaming cup.

Minho took a sip, his eyes brightening. “What’s the plan for today?”

Seungmin grinned, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Well, I thought we could have breakfast in bed, then head over to your mom’s for the big celebration. Jeongin’s probably already bouncing off the walls.”

Minho chuckled, his voice still a bit raspy. “You know him too well.” He took another sip of coffee, then set it down to pull on a warm hoodie. “Let’s make this a cozy morning, then.”

They gathered the snacks they’d brought: pastries from the bakery down the street, some fruits, and the leftover hot chocolate mix. With everything spread out on a tray, they settled back onto the bed, sharing bites and laughter.

They shared a tender kiss, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s presence. The world outside felt distant, and for a moment, it was just them in their little holiday bubble.

After breakfast, they quickly tidied the room, throwing on their coats and grabbing their gifts for Minho’s family. As they walked out into the crisp winter air, Seungmin intertwined his fingers with Minho’s, feeling grateful for the life they were building together.

“Ready for the chaos?” Minho asked, a playful glint in his eye.

“Always,” Seungmin replied, smiling brightly as they headed toward the car with Jeongin and Karina behind them.

The crisp winter air was alive with laughter and chatter as Seungmin and Minho arrived at Minho's family home. Bright decorations adorned the front porch, and the warmth of the house spilled out into the snowy yard. As they stepped inside, the cheerful chaos enveloped them—family members gathered around a tree overflowing with gifts, their excited voices filling the room.

“Look! Min min and Minnie are here!” Kimhae, Minho’s energetic niece, spotted them first. She pointed dramatically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Uncle Min min ! Minnie!”

Minho turned, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Hey!” he shouted, his voice booming through the room, drawing attention from everyone.

Seungmin stood behind him, unable to hold back a smile at Minho’s enthusiasm. But he caught sight of Jeongin, who was standing just behind them, visibly embarrassed by the attention.

“Do you have to be so loud?” Jeongin muttered, rolling his eyes playfully.

Minho shrugged, clearly enjoying the moment. “It’s Christmas! We should celebrate!”

Before Jeongin could respond, Kimhae dashed toward Minho, her pigtails bouncing as she ran. “Uncle Min min! Uncle min min!” She reached him and wrapped her tiny arms around his legs, squeezing tightly.

Minho knelt down, a soft look on his face. “Hey there, Kimhae! Look what I brought you!” He reached into his bag and pulled out a brightly wrapped present, the paper shimmering with festive patterns.

Kimhae’s eyes widened in delight as she took the gift. “Can I open it now?”

“Of course!” Minho encouraged, watching as she tore into the wrapping paper with uncontained excitement.

Seungmin watched the scene unfold, his heart swelling with warmth. Minho had such a natural way with kids, and seeing him in this role made Seungmin appreciate him even more. Kimhae’s squeals of joy filled the room as she revealed a plush toy, and Minho laughed, joining in her excitement.

“See? It’s a puppy just like ours!” he said, and Kimhae held it up proudly, her face beaming.

“Thank you, Uncle Min min!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him again.

❅

The festivities inside were in full swing, laughter and music spilling out into the crisp night air. Minho and Seungmin exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They quietly slipped away from the party, stepping out into the front yard where the snow crunched softly underfoot.

The night was peaceful, illuminated by twinkling holiday lights draped around the house and the stars above. Seungmin took a deep breath, feeling the cold air fill his lungs as he glanced at Minho, who looked just as content in the serene moment.

“It’s beautiful out here,” Seungmin said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah,” Minho replied, leaning against the porch railing. “I love this time of year.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the snowflakes drift lazily down. Seungmin felt the warmth radiating from Minho beside him, and it made the cold feel distant.

“It’s hard to believe it’s only been eight months since we got married,” Seungmin said, breaking the stillness. “It feels like we’ve been together forever.”

Minho turned to him, a soft smile on his lips. “I know what you mean. It feels like we’ve built a whole life in such a short time.”

Seungmin’s heart swelled at Minho’s words. “Every moment with you feels special. I can’t imagine being with anyone else.”

Minho stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Seungmin’s, the warmth between them palpable. “Neither can I. You make everything brighter.”

With the world around them fading into the background, Minho cupped Seungmin’s face in his hands. Their foreheads touched, breaths mingling in the chilly air. Slowly, they leaned in, sharing a soft, lingering kiss, their hearts racing in unison.

Unbeknownst to them, the party inside had quieted for a moment, and Minho’s family, gathering by the window, caught sight of the two.

“Look at them!” one of Minho’s cousins whispered, stifling laughter.

“Aw, they’re so cute!” Karina chimed in.

As the laughter bubbled up, someone shouted, “Get a room, you two!” The playful teasing echoed through the night.

Minho and Seungmin broke apart, surprised laughter escaping their lips as they turned to see the commotion through the window. Minho’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and joy.

“Guess we weren’t as sneaky as we thought,” Seungmin chuckled, leaning into Minho’s side.

“Doesn’t matter,” Minho said, wrapping an arm around Seungmin’s shoulders. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”