Work Text:
I'm with you like this
I'm happier than anyone in the world
____________________________
The last day at school before winter break was always one of the best days out of the entire year.
By the time lunch rolled around, Wonjin had spent nearly half the day watching the snowfall out of every window his classrooms had.
Wonjin was pretty sure he was going to miss being at school and just staring outside watching the snowfall once he graduates in a few months.
"So, tomorrow right?" Hyeongjun asked, nudging Wonjin’s shoulder, the older eyes immediately falling from the window to his friend.
"Tomorrow what?"
Hyeongjun rolled his eyes, glancing beside Wonjin at Minhee back to Wonjin. "Serim?" he repeated.
"Oh, yeah he’ll be back tomorrow and then you two are coming over right?" Wonjin asked.
"Do I have to?" Minhee groaned.
"It’s tradition." Wonjin replied with a glare.
Minhee shook his head. "No one does this 'tradition' thing but you and Jungmo." he shrugged.
"Oh! Speaking of, has he picked yet?" Hyeongjun asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
Wonjin shrugged. "We haven’t talked about it."
"You haven’t talked about your best friend aka the love of your life leaving in just a few weeks?" Minhee asked, narrowing his eyes in disbelief.
"He’s not—" Wonjin started shaking his head. "He just visited the same campus Serim goes to and last I heard he’s undecided. I don’t even think he’s told his parents yet." he shrugged.
"Are you sad?" Hyeongjun asked.
"No."
"Are you lying?"
Wonjin glared. "I’m graduating soon too and I'll be in the same position. It doesn’t mean anything for our friendship. Why are you two being so weird?"
"You just told me two days ago you’re sad you’re graduating and leaving me stuck here with Minhee of all people." Hyeongjun pointed out.
"Yes but that’s you." Wonjin pouted, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"Jungmo has been your best friend since you were like five, it’s a change and you two of all people are so weirdly skeptical about change." Hyeongjun shrugged.
Wonjin shrugged. "His parents still live next to mine, he’ll still be invited to every holiday and plus, if he does happen to choose the same school Serim goes to then we’re even more likely to just be at the same school again once I graduate."
"Right, imagine your brother and your future boyfriend being at the same campus." Minhee snickered.
Wonjin glared. "Funny." he mumbled, his voice flat.
"Still," Hyeongjun said, nudging Wonjin’s arm. "It’s a change and it’ll be different."
"It’s not a big deal." Wonjin shrugged.
"Is it really not?" Hyeongjun frowned.
Wonjin hesitated before he shook his head, forcing a small reassuring smile onto his face. "It’s just Jungmo and he’s just choosing a school. It’s fine."
"It’s never 'just' Jungmo with you." Minhee mumbled.
"I’m two seconds away from hitting you. Three jokes in one day you’re past the limit." Wonjin huffed.
Minhee raised his hands in surrender. "Just saying," he muttered.
Wonjin rolled his eyes as he glanced back to the window. He wasn't actually that annoyed with the jokes, he’s heard a ton of worse things from his own two brothers and has had years of putting up with both Minhee and Hyeongjun’s agenda of thinking he and Jungmo would be a "thing" one day.
At least Jungmo wasn't sitting with them as they both pretended they didn’t hear the jokes anymore.
No, Wonjin, instead he’s with your brother making a decision about his future. Not that it mattered, Serim was well into his years at uni and knew what would help Jungmo decide better than Wonjin did.
It was just a tiny bit aggravating that Serim would probably know Jungmo’s decision before Wonjin would, but it was fine. Jungmo was friends with both of them, if Serim was around and helped Jungmo decide before he told Wonjin then that was that.
Wonjin didn’t care that much anyways.
______________________
Wonjin had just finished hanging the singular string of lights around his room when Seongmin yelled for him. He sighed leaving his room the way it was, boxes and wrapping paper everywhere as he headed downstairs.
“So, first” Seongmin started as he dug through the grocery bags. “They didn’t have the usual brand you get but this one has bigger marshmallows? So yay?” he said, handing Wonjin a small box of hot cocoa mix.
Wonjin sighed as he looked at the box, Seongmin must’ve immediately read the worry on his face as he nudged his arm rolling his eyes playfully. “I mean hey, Jungmo is not going to care. He probably doesn’t even know the brand since you’re always making it right?” he shrugged.
Wonjin looked up at him, his heart felt like it had dropped to the floor which was so stupid. It was just a pack cocoa mix but still.
“But, you always buy that specific one and now you’ve messed up the tradition,” Seongmin said, nodding his head mockingly.
Wonjin glared as he set the box on the counter. “You’re mocking.” he grumbled.
“Well yeah, but I mean come on, is the brand that important or just the activity of having it together?” Seongmin scoffed, crossing his arms.
Wonjin groaned embarrassedly as he leaned against the counter. “Don’t say it like that.” he mumbled, reaching up to feel his own cheeks.
“Like what?”
“I don’t know, like..” Wonjin trailed off, waving his hands vaguely, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Like it’s some intimate ‘together’ type of thing.” he mumbled.
“Well,” Seongmin shrugged.
“You don’t get it.” Wonjin said, shaking his head.
“What I get is you two clearly like each other but refuse to tell the other so now we’re all stuck watching you two act like a couple without actually being together.” Seongmin replied, turning back to finish emptying the bag of groceries.
“I’m leaving.”
“Ah, not so fast.” Their mother interrupted, just stepping through the front door. “Go help your brother with the rest of the groceries while Seongmin helps me get Jeeyun’s gift bag ready.”
“Why are you giving Jungmo’s mom a.. Wait,” Wonjin paused, glancing back at the door. “Serim’s back already?” he asked.
“Yes.” His mother replied. “Jungmo’s out there too so go say hey and help with groceries.”
Wonjin’s stomach dropped as he rounded back around towards Seongmin glaring. “You knew he was out there and were talking about that? You should've told me!”
“I never said anything no one else hasn’t said.” Seongmin grumbled. "And I was getting to it."
“Wonjin, Go.”
Wonjin glared once more at Seongmin before sighing and heading to the door, slipping his shoes on as he headed outside towards the car.
“You’re not upset about the hot cocoa right?”
Wonjin glanced over, narrowing his eyes at Jungmo. “No. Why would I be?” he asked huffing, leaning into the hug as Jungmo momentarily set the bags he had grabbed to the pavement, his arms wrapping around Wonjin’s waist.
"Good." Jungmo replied, eyeing him suspiciously. "Seongmin called and I told him I didn’t know but he should get whatever they had," he explained. "Only because he was so close to not getting anything." he added quickly.
"It’s fine." Wonjin shrugged, turning to hug Serim before reaching for the last bag. "Why did Seongmin know you were here before me?" He asked, pouting.
"Ah mom asked me to help grab things before I had a chance to text you or come in." Serim shrugged. "But I haven’t been here long, don't worry."
Wonjin nodded. "Hyeongjun and Minhee should be on their way soon.." he said.
"Really?" Jungmo chimed in, joining the two as they walked back to the door. “I feel like I haven’t seen them in forever." he sighed, a small frown falling to his face.
"Me either." Serim frowned before cocking his head to the side. "Actually no, Hyeongjun was just at my dorm, never mind."
"Huh?" Wonjin said, glancing at him. "Why was my friend at your dorm without me?" he asked, confused.
"Don’t make it weird." Serim said, rolling his eyes. "He wanted ideas on what to get Seongmin for Christmas so we went shopping together, he was also visiting Allen." he shrugged.
"It is weird." Wonjin huffed. "Hyeongjun’s my friend and Seongmin is my brother too. He could’ve asked me."
"Exactly. Hyeongjun’s like my brother by extension through being your friend." Serim shrugged before nudging his shoulder. "Plus, I never make it a big deal that Jungmo’s friends with you." he added.
Wonjin blinked. "What does that even mean? I was friends with him first." he said, confused.
Serim frowned, shaking his head. "We went to the same school together before you even met him. So he definitely knew me first." he explained.
Wonjin glanced at Jungmo, raising his eyebrow in question leaving the older to blink surprised as he glanced back and forth between the two brothers. "I mean, technically Serim’s right..?" he started.
Wonjin glared.
"But," Jungmo continued glancing back to Serim. "I was definitely friends with Wonjin first. We started hanging out and playing together while you and I had only ever really rode the bus together and got off at the same stop." he shrugged.
Serim shrugged as he used his free hand to open the door, letting them both in before following them. "You never spoke to me even when I tried talking to you." he huffed.
"I was shy." Jungmo shrugged.
"That didn't stop you from befriending Wonjin apparently." Serim said, raising an eyebrow as the three slipped out of their shoes heading for the kitchen.
"No, I was still shy with him too," Jungmo said. "He was just really annoying and consistent." he shrugged.
"And I regret it everyday." Wonjin chimed in, setting the bag on the counter as he watched Jungmo cross the kitchen to hug Seongmin and his mom.
"Please." His mom laughed in disbelief as she wrapped an arm around Jungmo’s shoulders. "Stick around until I finish your mother’s gift bag please?" she asked.
"Of course." Jungmo grinned glancing at Wonjin, his grin growing. "Wonjin?" he hummed.
"No. Hangout with Seongmin." Wonjin huffed, rolling his eyes as he dug his phone out of his pocket, groaning as just a second later he felt Jungmo’s hands annoyingly poking his side. "You’ve been gone a week, how did you manage to get that much more annoying?" he groaned.
"Do you mean 'You’ve been gone for just a week how did I manage to miss you this much?'" Jungmo questioned.
"No, I definitely meant what I said." Wonjin glared.
"Didn't you call him like every night?" Serim piped up watching them from across the kitchen.
"You stayed in his room?" Wonjin questioned, only a small ounce of shame pooling into his stomach.
"No they have a couch, but he probably heard me talking." Jungmo shrugged.
"Why are you asking it like you’re a jealous bo—" Seongmin pursed his lips as his mother gently grabbed his elbow silencing him at Wonjin’s pleading glare.
Jungmo ignored them as he nudged Wonjin’s arm. "What time are Hyeongjun and Minhee coming?" he asked.
"I don’t know. Hyeongjun said they’d be over after Minhee dyed his hair again." Wonjin shrugged.
"Great." Jungmo replied before grabbing Wonjin’s wrist, tugging him back out of the kitchen, only pausing to look back at Wonjin’s mom with an overly sweet innocent smile. "It’s okay if I steal him right?" he asked, glancing at the groceries.
"Just this once." She replied, narrowing her eyes. "Next time you’ll both be doing all this alone."
"Who said I even wanted to hangout with you?" Wonjin groaned, allowing Jungmo to pull him up to his own room, his face heating up at the mess despite Jungmo having definitely been in his room with it being in worse conditions.
"Oh? 'To Jungmo', What is it?" Jungmo asked, picking up one of the presents Wonjin had left on his bed.
Wonjin glared, grabbing it from him, moving to place it on his desk before picking up around his room. "Stop snooping." he huffed.
"It was out in the open." Jungmo said defensively as he plopped down on Wonjin’s bed, glancing at the other gifts.
"Stop." Wonjin grumbled stepping over to grab the other gifts, sighing as Jungmo grabbed his wrist pulling him closer, his knees knocking against Jungmo’s thigh.
"Ham Wonjin," Jungmo started raising an eyebrow. "Since when do we get each other more than one gift? There’s like five with my name on it."
"Who even says they're all from me?" Wonjin huffed, pulling his wrist back to cross his arms.
"They all say your name." Jungmo said amused.
Wonjin rolled his eyes as he shrugged a little. Truthfully, he didn’t know how to say he had made a mistake going shopping when he was a tiny bit angry and upset at Jungmo.
Seongmin had called it jealousy because Wonjin kept complaining about Jungmo ignoring his texts to do things with Serim the entire time they were out while Wonjin had subconsciously kept grabbing things he thought Jungmo would like or need.
"I have a lot for Hyeongjun too." Wonjin said lamely. "The price of having a job now pays off. You’re not special now let go so I can clean." he grumbled.
Jungmo easily let him go but grinned obnoxiously, leaning back on the bed as he watched Wonjin with warm eyes.
Wonjin inhaled as he turned around going back to cleaning up. "So, how was visiting?" he asked casually.
"It was nice." Jungmo answered. "Serim and Allen both showed me around a lot. Allen showed me a lot about the music program which was really interesting. Woobin also showed up to get lunch together and told me how it’s been transitioning into dorm life for him."
Wonjin hummed. "You should’ve invited him here."
"You didn’t like him two weeks ago." Jungmo snorted.
Wonjin turned around long enough to glare. "Childhood drama doesn't matter now." he huffed. "I like him."
"One sided childhood drama." Jungmo retorted teasingly.
"I was barely seven years old." Wonjin glared unimpressed at the teasing. "Stop gloating."
"You admitted to being jealous over my friendship, I will always gloat." Jungmo grinned.
Wonjin rolled his eyes as he threw an empty wrapping paper roll at the older. "Can you leave and go hangout with someone else now?" he asked.
Jungmo hummed. "I do actually miss Seongmin and haven’t annoyed him any today."
Wonjin’s reply was cut off by his mother yelling for Jungmo and that his mother’s gift bag was done. "Why is my mom making yours a gift bag?" he asked instead.
"Oh my mom got invited to some company dinner and she said the best gift givers she’s ever met in her entire life is you and your mom," Jungmo shrugged as he jumped off the bed. "But, text me when Minhee and Hyeongjun get here okay?" he asked.
"Sure," Wonjin nodded, his head involuntarily leaning into Jungmo’s hand as the older patted his hair as a goodbye. "Don’t forget that we’re meeting tomorrow to go see the lights."
"My dad has not stopped talking about it, trust me I won’t forget. He’ll have us over here hours before we need to go." Jungmo snickered.
Wonjin nodded as Jungmo finally stepped back, grabbing his phone off of Wonjin’s bed and heading out of the room, the door closing slowly behind him.
Wonjin sighed, his heart rate finally stabilizing as he stared at the closed door.
The Ham household had always been the go to hangout spot, so a group of boys giggling and laughing in the living room was never a surprise to anyone coming home.
Still, Serim nudged Wonjin’s shoulder teasingly. "Hey mr popular, didn't mom have a rule of only two people per sibling invited over?" he asked as he watched everyone pile around the living room as their father got opinions on which decorations to put up.
"I only invited Hyeongjun and Minhee?" Wonjin said, confused. "Seongmin invited Taeyoung."
"Jungmo?" Serim questioned raising an eyebrow.
"Jungmo’s always invited, and if I hadn’t reminded him to come you would have or dad would’ve smacked me on the forehead to go over and drag him here. He doesn’t count." Wonjin shrugged.
"Good to know." Jungmo chimed in, leaning his head back on the couch to look up at the two.
Wonjin didn't waste a second as he flicked the older’s forehead. "Stop eavesdropping."
"Yes, you two pay attention. Jungmo, which one screams Wonjin more?" Ham Minhyuk asked, raising his eyebrows very seriously as he held up two different stockings.
"The grinch."
"I hate you." Wonjin glared before looking back at his father. "I like the other one more."
"Jungmo’s is just a plain red and white one." Jungmo’s mom chimed in as she walked into the living room, a couple gift bags in her hand. "Wonjin, do you think I should’ve bought him that reindeer one with the pink bow?" she asked, crossing the room to hand the gifts over to Serim before resting her arm around Wonjin, bringing him into a side hug.
"Oh definitely." Wonjin agreed, hugging her back.
"I didn’t even know you were coming over here." Jungmo said, looking up with a frown.
"I don’t have to tell you my every move," She replied, glancing at him. "I didn’t come for you so I didn’t mention it." she explained. "And your father’s out front hanging a wreath."
"Wow." Hyeongjun said amused as he glanced at Wonjin. "Every time I see your families together I still get so surprised."
"Years and years of being neighbors." Serim shrugged.
"That and it seems inevitable that a wedd—" Seongmin started groaning out in pain as his own father grabbed onto his shoulder cutting him off.
"The rest of you aren’t coming tomorrow?" She questioned looking around.
"What’s tomorrow?" Taeyoung asked, confused.
"Oh we’re going to see the lights." Seongmin answered.
"Together?" Minhee asked. "How romantic," he added teasingly.
"Cute," Jungmo’s mother laughed. "It was Jungmo’s idea to do it all together this year."
Jungmo groaned, throwing his head back as blood rushed to his ears turning a bright crimson red. "I suggested it because we all go anyway." he mumbled.
"My family goes too but we weren’t invited." Hyeongjun said amused.
"So what I got from that is Jungmo’s romantic?" Taeyoung asked, leaning forward wiggling his eyebrows.
Jungmo coughed. "It’s not like that and that doesn’t even make sense. It’s just a family thing." he explained, scratching at his neck.
"Oh, which Wonjin’s riding with them tomorrow right? So are we walking or just riding through them?" Seongmin asked gesturing at Jungmo and his mom.
"We’re still walking." Jungmo’s mother replied.
"Wonjin’s not even going with his own family?" Hyeongjun questioned. "Interesting." he mumbled quietly.
Wonjin’s let out a quiet groan as he caught Hyeongjun’s eye. He wished everyone would stop talking before they made it weird. "Space wise it’s better," he said.
Minhee blinked as he looked up at him. "That’s a lame excuse."
Wonjin’s father laughed as he looked back and forth between a very red eared Jungmo and a glaring Wonjin. "Okay okay," he said as he leaned and grabbed a roll of lights. "Jungmo, Minhee, Taeyoung let’s go." he said, cocking his head towards the door.
"Price it pays for being tall." Minhee groaned but quickly stood nonetheless.
"Why was I left out?" Serim called out rolling his eyes as his father just sent him a sweet grin.
"Serim you fell last year taking all the lights with you and Wonjin and I were stuck putting them up as you went to the emergency room. I hope you stay away from the roof forever." Seongmin grumbled.
~
"Cold?"
Wonjin looked up as he stopped rubbing his hands together, Jungmo sliding in next to him as he leaned against the car watching as his father tried to teach Minhee how to properly untangle a string of lights.
"No."
Jungmo grabbed his hand anyways, slipping Wonjin’s cold to touch fingers through his own gloved fingers before guiding them into his jacket pocket. He didn’t say anything else as he turned his head back towards everyone else, their shoulders pressed together.
Wonjin exhaled strongly as he stuffed his other hand into his jean pocket. He kinda hoped no one looked at them, he didn’t really feel like avoiding answering questions or listening to their teasing and he really didn't want to pull away just yet.
"Did you ditch my dad?" Wonjin asked, suddenly confused as he glanced from Jungmo to the other three still putting lights up.
"No actually he sent me away because I was slowing him down." Jungmo said, frowning as he shifted to look back at Wonjin. "I have an extra pair of gloves if you want to borrow them. I saw you give Hyeongjun yours."
Wonjin had another pair upstairs, but he nodded anyway allowing Jungmo to pull their hands out of his pocket and tug Wonjin with him. After they made it halfway across the yard Wonjin grumbled. "If my parents get mad at me for disappearing with no notice I hope you’re aware I'm blaming you."
Jungmo shrugged. "We won’t be that long." he replied before pausing and grinning. "Plus they’d never be upset at that, they know by now to just assume you’re here," he said.
Wonjin shrugged as they fell silent again. He wondered what people would think if they happened to see them right now, holding hands walking closely as snow fell around and on them.
Wonjin shivered and hoped both that and the obvious warmth and redness to his cheeks and ears came across as being from the cold, and not really what it was.
As soon as they got to Jungmo’s house they quickly slipped their shoes off before Jungmo dragged Wonjin upstairs finally letting go of his hand as they walked into Jungmo’s room.
"Oh. You’re already packing?" Wonjin asked, startled as he looked around, numerous boxes along the floor and the desk was emptier than it’s ever been.
"Mhm," Jungmo nodded as he glanced around. "I can’t take everything and my mom suggested I go through it all before I leave."
"Right." Wonjin mumbled as he sat down on the bed, his fingers grazing a box at his feet.
"We haven’t talked about it." Jungmo said, his back turned to Wonjin as he rummaged through his closet.
We haven’t talked about a lot. Wonjin thought, his breath catching as he stared at the back of Jungmo’s head. "What?"
"Aren’t you curious if I've decided?" Jungmo asked, glancing back, tossing a pair of white gloves.
Wonjin caught them as he shrugged. "Have you made a decision?" he asked.
"No."
Wonjin rolled his eyes. "Then what’s there to talk about? Why ask?"
Jungmo paused looking at him before shrugging. "You’re my best friend, why wouldn’t I want to talk to you about it?" he mumbled.
"I thought you were going to Serim for that." Wonjin shrugged back.
Jungmo sighed as he sat down on the bed, his eyes immediately falling to Wonjin with an almost guarded expression. "He has experience and good advice, but he’s not my best friend Wonjin."
"I think you should do what you want. Forget everyone else, all you’ve been doing is asking everyone’s opinion, are you even doing anything that makes you happy?" Wonjin rambled, his finger flicking against a box. "I mean seriously, when’s the last time you did something because you wanted to and it made you happy? This is your future, not Serim’s, not your parents and not mine." he shrugged.
"Yeah." Jungmo said quietly, finally looking away. "I don’t know the last time I did something just because I wanted to."
"Then start." Wonjin said, looking at him. "Stop thinking about everyone else," he paused long enough to knock his own shoulder against the older’s shoulder. "That’s my thing."
Jungmo nodded, offering a small smile before standing up and extending his hand. "We should go before your parents report you missing."
Wonjin rolled his eyes but grabbed his hand. "You know it’s almost time for the snowball fight right?"
"Taeyoung, Serim, Minhee, and I are taking the rest of you down." Jungmo grinned, tugging Wonjin after him as they left the room.
—
Wonjin laughed, carefree and loud as he dodged another snowball thrown his way.
When they had split teams for the snowball fight, Wonjin had ended up as team captain versus Taeyoung with the younger getting to choose first. That was how he ended up with both 'Strong-always-too-competitive' Serim and 'Always-chosen-last' Jungmo.
Wonjin had chosen Hyeongjun and Seongmin just for fun.
He had just managed to land a snowball in the middle of Jungmo’s stomach when a yell came from inside, calling them in to eat and get out of the dark.
"How did three hours pass already?" Taeyoung whined, shaking out of his jacket, his body freezing, quickly accepting a freshly washed, still warm blanket from Wonjin’s dad.
"Please adopt me." Hyeongjun said seriously, holding out his hands in a pleading manner, Wonjin’s father wrapping a warm blanket around him.
"Unfortunately we can’t adopt but we do have three very single eligible sons."
"Son by marriage? I’ll take it." Hyeongjun said, turning to Seongmin and winking. "You’re single, I'm single?"
"Single and very uninterested." Seongmin glared.
"What about—"
"No." Seongmin interrupted, sending a glare at Taeyoung immediately, the other raising his hands in defense.
"Pizza’s in the living room." Wonjin’s mother called out, peeking her head around grinning at them. "There’s three different kinds just in case."
"I love your family." Minhee sighed, grabbing Wonjin’s arm dramatically. "I don’t know how they went wrong with you."
Wonjin scoffed. "You’re so annoying, Go." he said, shoving the taller away as he moved to the kitchen, Jungmo quietly following.
"Why are you following me like you don’t know anyone else here?" Wonjin asked, sending the other a frown as he opened the fridge.
Jungmo shrugged, looking at Wonjin a second too long like he wanted to say something before shaking his head. "Just grabbing a water." he finally said, reaching above Wonjin to grab a bottle before heading into the living room.
"Is he okay?" Hyeongjun asked, causing Wonjin to jump.
"I didn’t even know you were in here." He grumbled clutching his shirt before shrugging. "And I don’t know. I guess so?"
Hyeongjun shrugged back. "He was weird just now," he paused, tilting his head. "And kinda during the snowball fight too, almost like he wasn’t even trying. I mean, he barely hit you."
Wonjin hummed, he hadn’t really noticed. "I’m sure he’s fine. He’s just been thinking a lot recently." he shrugged.
Hyeongjun looked back out of the kitchen before stepping closer, lowering his voice. "Do you think he’s considering it?" he asked.
Wonjin squinted his eyes confused. "Considering what? The university? Yeah? That’s why he spent a week visiting Serim, Allen and Woobin?" he replied.
"No," Hyeongjun said, shaking his head. "About your feelings."
"Oh." Wonjin coughed before shaking his head. "There’s nothing to talk about." he mumbled, finally closing the fridge, his original idea of grabbing a drink forgotten.
"But I mean, it’s a perfect time isn’t it?" Hyeongjun asked. "He’s leaving. One of you is definitely gonna say something."
"Let’s go eat." Wonjin said, grabbing Hyeongjun’s elbow and redirecting him.
"You’re avoiding it." Hyeongjun groaned.
"Nope." Wonjin denied. "Nothing to talk about."
"Wonjin, you called me at two in the morning three years ago freaking out because Jungmo kissed your cheek." Hyeongjun hissed quietly. "You then texted me a week after that saying Jungmo held your hand for no reason other than him saying he wanted to and freaked out then too." he grumbled. "I am not the person you can deny your feelings to."
"Whatever," Wonjin huffed. "It’s still not important because it’s not going anywhere. We’re just friends."
"For now." Hyeongjun shrugged, stopping halfway to the living room, a hand on Wonjin’s arm. "You didn’t see how still he got when your dad made that joke about all three of you being single and eligible. You didn’t see him glancing at you the entire moment. And that whole kitchen moment? Like he was itching to say something.."
Wonjin inhaled, glancing at the living room all too quickly before he shook his head, forcing himself to think straight. "Maybe he knows where he’s going but hasn’t decided how to tell me."
"Or, maybe he’s working up to finally acknowledge that weird gray area you two exist in."
Wonjin shook his head, forcing Hyeongjun to go quiet as they approached the living room. Wonjin pulled Hyeongjun onto the couch in between himself and Jungmo as he listened to Minhee and Seongmin argue over the best Christmas movie.
Halfway through the night Taeyoung left, quickly followed by Hyeongjun and Minhee leaving together until it was just the three siblings and without a surprise Jungmo all curled up around the living room.
Jungmo was laying with his legs tucked under himself, Wonjin’s legs thrown over his, Jungmo’s hand resting comfortably on Wonjin’s thigh when Wonjin’s dad walked in to check on everyone.
Wonjin puffed out his cheeks as he watched the way his dad’s eyes lingered on himself and Jungmo, his lips pursed like he wanted to make a joke but was stopping himself.
"Does he need to leave now too?" Wonjin asked tiredly.
"Well I don’t think he’ll be getting lost on his way home but it is getting late. Are you staying the night, Jungmo?" Wonjin’s father asked, his attention already focused on poking Seongmin’s neck to wake him up. "Go to your bed." he said, ushering the youngest up before moving to Serim’s sleeping figure in the other chair.
"Mh," Jungmo hummed, glancing at Wonjin, the younger watching him with tired eyes. "I probably shouldn’t."
"Why not?" Wonjin asked, throwing his legs to the ground as he stretched. "Tired of me already?"
"Oh definitely." Jungmo quickly retorted, glancing back at the other two before looking at Wonjin. "I’ll just see you tomorrow," he added.
"You’re being weird." Wonjin said, narrowing his eyes, all of Hyeongjun’s words coming back to him. "It’s always me who turns down the sleepovers."
"I haven’t slept in my own bed in over a week." Jungmo tried.
"Well you haven’t slept in mine in almost three." Wonjin pointed out, his mouth falling open as he registered his own words. "I mean, we haven’t had a sleepover. Like best friends do." he explained.
Wonjin wanted to bury himself underground at the sound of his own father’s stifling laughter across the room. Why was he embarrassing himself in front of Jungmo so much recently?
"Wonjin, we have our usual sleepover planned soon where I stay here for an entire weekend." Jungmo said softly, his eyes shining amused. "Did you miss me that much?"
"I didn’t miss you at all." Wonjin scoffed.
"Seongmin said otherwise."
Wonjin paused, glancing at his father with wide eyes then back to Jungmo narrowing his eyes. "What did he say?" he asked, frowning. "He’s definitely just being annoying and messing with you."
"So, you didn't spam Serim’s phone that night we went out and he took me to one of his friends' parties and I didn’t answer your calls or texts?" Jungmo asked, tilting his head.
"I was checking on you both." Wonjin glared.
"I answered." Serim chimed in, finally stretching his arms. "Jungmo was too busy with his new friend."
Wonjin felt like someone had just punched him in the stomach with how quick a sour burning feeling settled there. "Already making new friends." he hummed, nodding his head.
"Oh yeah, that guy was obsessed with Jungmo. They hit it off pretty quickly and were like complete copies of each other." Serim shrugged.
Wonjin looked at Jungmo, the older sitting there staring at his own hands folded on his lap. He almost felt like crying and that was stupid. Jungmo could have other friends, they both did.
Yeah, but you’re not potentially into any of yours or 'hitting' it off. Wonjin momentarily dug his thumb into his own thigh as he nudged Jungmo’s shoulder. "Are you hiding something very important from me?" he asked, trying to tease.
"It wasn’t like that." Jungmo said, rolling his eyes. "He wasn’t even my type."
"Do you even have a type?" Wonjin asked, scrunching his nose up.
"I don’t know." Jungmo said honestly, pausing before letting out a small shrug. "But I already like someone anyways."
Oh.
Wonjin was pretty sure that somehow hurt worse. He blinked surprised as he stared at Jungmo, the older very clearly avoiding his eye before he glanced over at Serim and his father, the both of them watching them cautiously. Serim didn’t look surprised though.
'Someone'
Wonjin felt like an idiot. He had thought… Hyeongjun had made him think…
Wonjin laughed, he tried for a teasing laugh but he’s pretty sure it came out as sour, bitter and bland as it felt. "How come you never told me? You should’ve told me! How could I play wingmen without knowing?" he pouted.
Jungmo sighed, glancing at him and shaking his head. "Because." he shrugged, glancing at Serim before looking back at Wonjin. "It doesn’t matter right now. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?"
"Wait but—" Wonjin started blinking, surprised at how quickly Jungmo shook his head and got up. "Okay?" he mumbled, confused watching as the older said a quick goodbye to the other two before dashing out of the living room.
It was after the front door shut that Serim let out a loud sigh. "You’re an idiot."
Wonjin didn’t say anything. He felt like one.
–
“You’re mad at me.” Wonjin said, leaning against the side of Jungmo’s parents' car, the sound of their parents chattering behind him.
“No, I’m not.” Jungmo said simply.
Wonjin glared, crossing his arms. “The way you just said that proves you are.” he huffed, shifting awkwardly as he looked back to where Serim and Seongmin were failing to pretend like they weren’t watching them, he sighed, turning back to Jungmo. “Would you prefer if one of them rode with you?”
Jungmo looked at him almost hurt, and like Wonjin had just asked the stupidest question in the world. “What?” Wonjin said, frowning. “Why are you bothered by that too? Stop confusing me.” he whined out frustrated.
“Wonjin,” Jungmo mumbled sternly, stepping closer just enough to make Wonjin subconsciously go to step back only for Jungmo to reach out for his wrist, holding him in place. “I’m not mad at you nor do I want to spend one of our traditions with your brothers.” he said simply.
“They’re your friends too.” Wonjin said weakly.
Jungmo’s grip tightened just a bit as he sighed, his eyes never leaving Wonjin’s face before he shrugged. “Maybe I just like your company better.”
“Oh.”
“You’re my best friend, not them, but I love them too.” Jungmo added nonchalantly.
Well. Moment ruined. Wonjin thought as he looked away, the sour feeling back in his stomach as those two simple words repeated in his head. “Right.” he mumbled, gently pulling his wrist out of his the others grip. “I should go see when we’re leaving.”
“Wait–”
“I’ll be back.” Wonjin said quickly, dashing off to the others.
Jungmo groaned, turning enough so that his forehead fell against the cold door of the car. He had just pulled his head back when Serim paused walking past him.
“My brother isn’t the only idiot.” he muttered, shaking his head disappointed.
“You two aren’t fighting right?” Jungmo’s dad asked a few minutes into the car ride.
Wonjin looked up from his phone, glancing at Jungmo before looking at Jungmo's dad. “Of course not.” he said, smiling politely.
“Wonjin I’ve helped raise you, I can tell when you’re lying.” Jungmo’s dad snorted.
“We’re not fighting.” Jungmo chimed in.
“Well there’s something going on,” Jungmo’s mother retorted, looking back at them from the passenger seat, her eyes falling to Wonjin almost worried.
“We’re okay,” Wonjin said, smiling genuinely this time.
“Well, whatever it is, I'm sure you’ll get through it.” Jungmo’s mother sighed, shaking her head gently at them.
Wonjin hummed, his attention back on his phone before he felt Jungmo tap his arm. “Hm?”
Jungmo didn’t say anything, instead he offered an earbud to Wonjin, the younger sighing rolling his eyes playfully but taking the earbud, shifting as close as he could to the middle with Jungmo doing the same.
“Ew, change the song.” Wonjin complained two seconds later.
Jungmo groaned. “I was being nice, why are you already judging my music taste?”
“Jungmo this is a terrible song.”
“You sang it in our middle school talent show!”
“Exactly!” Wonjin frowned. “The flashbacks.”
“It’s a good song,” Jungmo said, shaking his head. “And it reminds me of you so shut up and listen before I take my earbud back. You can pick the next one.”
Wonjin sighed loudly but accepted the other’s phone, staring at the skip button before deciding otherwise and just adding the next song to the queue.
‘It reminds me of you’
Wonjin absolutely hated Jungmo and all his cheesy words and the way he made him feel only to confuse him two hours later by explicitly reminding Wonjin they were just best friends.
“Stop glaring.” Jungmo said softly, his thumb reaching up to rub the crease on Wonjin’s forehead, his hand naturally falling to Wonjin’s a second later, their fingers lazily interlocking.
Wonjin was definitely going to pretend he didn’t see the way Jungmo’s parents took turns glancing at them only to look back at each other. He quietly groaned embarrassed as he turned his head back to the window, his entire body on fire as he felt Jungmo rhythmically tapping his thumb against his fingers.
It didn’t take them long to get to the Christmas lights. Wonjin’s parents had suggested they park a little further back so they weren’t stuck in bad traffic afterwards, so after Jungmo’s parents finally parked Wonjin was racing out of the car excitedly reaching Seongmin’s side in seconds.
“You see the same thing every year, why are you so excited?” Seongmin groaned, barely keeping himself upright as Wonjin rammed into his side.
Wonjin shrugged. “It’s a nice atmosphere. Don’t be so grouchy just because it’s cold.”
“Yeah, just go hold Jungmo’s hand.” Serim suggested, nonchalantly glancing at Wonjin.
Seongmin whipped his head up to look at Serim disgusted. “Do I look like Wonjin?”
“These jokes are only funny when he isn’t around.” Wonjin grumbled glaring at them both.
“They’re even funnier when he is around.” Serim grinned.
“What’s funny?” Jungmo asked, finally joining the three.
“Mind your business.” Wonjin huffed.
Jungmo rolled his eyes but let it go as he tossed a pair of gloves towards Wonjin. “You left it in the car.” he said before turning and heading back towards their parents.
“Was I that harsh?” Wonjin frowned.
“You’re fighting?” Seongmin asked, confused. “You only worry about that if you’re actually fighting.”
“They’re not fighting,” Serim chimed in amused. “But they’re practically two seconds away from screaming their feelings to each other.”
“Shut up.” Wonjin groaned embarrassed before he sighed and headed to catch up with Jungmo.
“Stop moping.” Wonjin said immediately as he stepped into place beside Jungmo as they began walking towards the lights.
“I’m not moping, I’m cold.” Jungmo said, rolling his eyes as he folded his arms against his chest.
Wonjin hummed, silently shifting a bit closer as he ignored the weird rolling in his stomach. “Me too.” he shrugged, sounding uninterested as he grabbed onto Jungmo’s arm, it took all of five seconds before Jungmo’s arms were by his side again and he was slipping his hand into Wonjin’s.
Wonjin hummed, it was almost ironic. “Would you hold Seongmin’s hand?” he asked, wincing at himself for asking.
Jungmo looked at him confused. “Are you asking me to go hold your younger brother’s hand instead?” he asked, frowning.
“You say that like he’s not your friend too, and No, I’m not asking you to, I’m asking if you would.” Wonjin explained.
Jungmo shrugged. “He is my friend, but he’s not.. I mean you’re..” trailing off as he glanced back at Wonjin.
Wonjin waited for Jungmo to say the very two words that would have him annoyed for the rest of the night. He had practically done this to himself.
“I don’t have the same bond with him as I do with you.” Jungmo said, clearing his throat as he looked back ahead. “If you don’t want me to hold your hand then tell me and I’ll stop.”
Wonjin wanted to be honest, he wanted to say that he ached and wanted Jungmo to hold his hand and he’d probably cry out of frustration if he let go right now, but instead of doing what he should, Wonjin let out a fake gag, his grip tightening on Jungmo’s hand as he slipped their clasped hands into his own jacket pocket. “Why would I ever want you to? This is because you’re cold.” he grumbled.
Jungmo scoffed, looking back at Wonjin amused. “Well, in that case Serim’s hand looks pretty warm right? Maybe I should switch.” he hummed.
Wonjin looked up at him unimpressed. “Oh really?” he said, his voice coming out monotonously and dry.
Jungmo grinned, his smile huge and his eyes shining like somehow Wonjin had reacted exactly the way Jungmo had wanted. “Cute.” he muttered quietly, gnawing at his lip before he turned his attention back to the path ahead of them.
Wonjin’s brain short circuited right then and there, his eyes were wide as he stared at Jungmo’s side profile, his stomach pooling with warmth and something akin to want, he pursed his lips flustered as he stared ahead. It wasn’t the first time Jungmo’s ever called him cute, but somehow, Wonjin was pretty sure this one felt a little different.
You were practically acting jealous and he called you cute.
Wonjin really wished there was a way he could text Hyeongjun and ask for his opinion right then and there without it being obvious what he was doing.
Instead, Wonjin pushed the moment to the side, his heart still racing as they finally approached the beginning of the lights, Seongmin and Serim finally catching up to them as the four of them walked slowly together, whispering quietly about a few details, Serim’s eyes occasionally dropping to Jungmo’s wrist and hand still in Wonjin’s jacket pocket.
“Hey,” Jungmo said softly, his now free hand reaching out to grab and pull Wonjin closer by his elbow, pulling them closer to the railing a bit away from the others. “Isn’t this still your favorite part?” he asked curiously.
Wonjin looked back at the fountain and grinned, watching as the lights changed colors repeatedly. “Yeah,” he replied quietly, staring for a few more seconds before he glanced back up at Jungmo, faltering a bit at Jungmo watching him. “What?” he said, confused.
Jungmo swallowed harshly as he stared down at Wonjin considerably. “I–” he started, his voice cracking as he trailed off, his hand slowly dropping from Wonjin’s elbows to his wrist holding it gently as his eyes raked Wonjin’s face nervously his feet shuffling a bit, only to drop Wonjin’s wrist entirely and startle as Seongmin yelled for them to hurry up.
Wonjin blinked, a bit startled as he stumbled backwards on his own feet, watching as Jungmo rubbed his neck awkwardly and stepped around Wonjin, jogging to the others. Wonjin looked around, his breath faltering as his mind raced confused. He could’ve sworn for a single second Jungmo had started to lean in.
“Wonjin!”
Wonjin shook his head, shaking it off as he forced a fake smile on his face and caught up to the others, silently falling into step with Serim, his eyes on Jungmo’s back as he watched him and Seongmin point at a house with a sleigh decoration on the roof.
“Do you want me to chew Seongmin out for you?” Serim asking teasingly nudging Wonjin’s shoulder.
Wonjin groaned, embarrassed. “You saw that?” he asked, his voice quiet and somewhat shy.
“I don’t know exactly what I saw,” Serim shrugged honestly. “But you two were very close and it was clear Seongmin interrupted.”
“Yeah,” Wonjin said quietly. “I don’t know what it was either,” he admitted.
Wonjin ignored the pity look Serim gave him.
–
It was close to four hours later when the two families finally got back home. Wonjin was feeling the after effects of all the walking as he followed after everyone into his house, Jungmo’s mom briefly calling out to tell Jungmo they’d be back in a bit as they needed to make a run to the store for the dinner at Wonjin’s house in a couple days. He groaned tiredly as he made his way to the kitchen, naturally moving around as he grabbed everything he’d need for their hot cocoa. He was a bit surprised at how quickly his parents and brothers naturally all headed to their rooms or some other part of the house leaving Wonjin and Jungmo to do their yearly routine of having cocoa together.
It was routine for Wonjin to begin and finish the process of making their hot cocoa while Jungmo stood by, watching silently.
There had been one year that Wonjin had let Jungmo help, but the older had somehow ruined three cups of hot cocoa and it became an unspoken rule for Wonjin to do it instead, even if it had taken him a few years to get the measurements right.
Jungmo did however get the privilege of picking out some random type of marshmallow for them to include. This year there were little mini gingerbread men.
It was their own little tradition.
“Here,” Wonjin said quietly as he passed a warm mug to Jungmo, turning around to restart the process with the kettle.
“Try it with me,” Jungmo murmured, pulling on Wonjin’s elbow gently tugging him closer as he plopped six marshmallows into his mug.
Wonjin rolled his eyes as he accepted the mug, it was a little too warm to hold for long but Wonjin brought it to his lips and sipped it anyways, it was sweet and chocolatey but Wonjin was pleased with the taste, he hummed as he sat the mug back down glancing back up at Jungmo, his stomach doing that weird twisting it did whenever Jungmo looked at him like that.
“It’s good.” Wonjin said, just to say something.
“Is it?” Jungmo muttered, his gaze slowly dropping from Wonjin’s eyes to the small chocolate mark around his lips, he cleared his throat as he looked away long enough to try it himself.
“Well?” Wonjin asked quietly, blinking up at the older.
“It is good,” Jungmo said looking back at Wonjin, his eyes shifting back and forth between Wonjin’s, an almost unrecognizable pained look in them. It was when his gaze finally dropped to Wonjin’s lips and he didn’t immediately look away that had Wonjin letting out a small sharp breath, his back straightening as he let his own gaze falter, blinking slowly.
“Mine’s almost done,” Wonjin said, his voice slightly cracking as he nervously licked his lips.
Jungmo nodded slowly before he let out a sharp huff of breath, muttering a small, “I’m sorry,” before he leaned forward, his lips immediately brushing against Wonjin’s, silencing any reply the younger might've had.
It was tentative, like Jungmo was hesitant and holding himself back, and he pulled away before Wonjin even had a chance to fully process and reciprocate.
“Jungmo–”
“Oh my god.” Jungmo said blinking, his mouth dropping into a gaping expression, like he hadn’t pushed his lips to Wonjin’s. “I–”
Wonjin glared, his hand immediately coming to pinch at Jungmo’s waist. “If you say you’re sorry or you regret it I will genuinely hit you and then I will go and drag Serim out of bed and let him hit you.” he grumbled.
“You can’t use your brother against me.” Jungmo mumbled.
“Shut up.” Wonjin said as he leaned up, his hand cradling Jungmo’s neck as he brought their lips back together.
Wonjin could feel when Jungmo finally let himself have this, he leaned his body into Jungmo’s touch as his hand fell to Wonjin’s back, pulling him closer. Wonjin’s body was on fire and his stomach was turning as their lips finally started moving desperately against each other, Wonjin groaned when Jungmo attempted to slip his tongue past Wonjin’s lips, he had just parted his lips more, his head tilting a bit as his nose buried into Jungmo’s cheek when the sound of a door shutting further in the house startled them, causing Wonjin to push at Jungmo, the older stumbling backwards, his hands gripping onto the counter as they both worked to catch their breaths.
“Someone’s up,” Jungmo said casually, his voice rough and his face flushed.
Wonjin glared, his breath still uneven as his heart was nowhere near calming down. “Clearly.”
The sound of the kettle screeching caused Wonjin to jump again, he let out a shaky breath as he turned and finished his own hot cocoa. He didn’t even really want it anymore but it was tradition and he was not being the one to break it.
Well. Wonjin thought biting at lip nervously, technically Jungmo had already broken the tradition anyways, and then Wonjin broke it back by kissing him again.
“My room?” Wonjin suggested, his face flushed as he grabbed his mug allowing Jungmo to drop a few marshmallows into his own cup.
After the two settled in Wonjin’s bed, the room only lit by the small string of lights he had previously hung up, Wonjin didn’t even bother hiding it as he stared at Jungmo questioningly.
“You’re making me uncomfortable.” Jungmo groaned, turning his head, giving Wonjin a perfect view of his deep red ears.
“Uncomfortable or nervous?” Wonjin joked, trying to stop his own leg from shaking.
Jungmo looked back at him, sighing. “Both.”
“Oh.” Wonjin said, nodding slowly as he drank more of his hot cocoa.
“Bad oh?” Jungmo questioned tilting his head curiously.
Wonjin shook his head. “Just oh.”
Silence fell between them for a few minutes before Jungmo sighed loudly, twisting so that he was facing Wonjin, he opened his mouth before groaning. “This is awkward.” he grumbled.
“What is?” Wonjin asked, scrunching his nose up, shaking his head as he started sipping on his hot cocoa again.
Jungmo let out a soft exhale before he nodded confidently. “I like you.”
Wonjin coughed, the cocoa going everywhere as he winced at the burning in his nostrils, drink sputtering out of his mouth as his head whipped up to look at Jungmo. “You could have warned me!” he groaned, turning to grab a tissue to wipe his face and shirt off.
“I just kissed you!” Jungmo huffed defensively. “Was that not enough?!”
Wonjin groaned as he set his mug down on his bedside table, turning and smacking Jungmo’s chest. “Great now when we recount our confession story you’ll have free ammo to make fun of me.”
“I always have that.” Jungmo said cheekily, before his eyes widened. “Wait, our confession story?”
Wonjin rolled his eyes. “Obviously I have feelings for you too.” he muttered. “I was two seconds away from fully making out with you against my family counter. Do you really think I don’t feel the same?”
“No, I suspected it,” Jungmo said, shrugging. “But..” he trailed off, a large grin filling his face as he shook his head. “You should say it again,” he added quietly.
Wonjin scoffed, looking at Jungmo in disbelief, the happiness radiating off of them both as he shook his head amused. “Koo Jungmo, I genuinely and surprisingly like you too.”
Jungmo narrowed his eyes. “You could’ve just let us have a cute moment. It’s not that surprising.” he grumbled.
“Fine.” Wonjin sighed dramatically before he cleared his throat, softly tugging at Jungmo’s arm until the older naturally connected their hands. “I like you too.”
Jungmo let out the softest sound, almost akin to a giggle before he gently tugged Wonjin to the bed, wincing as both of their heads bumped into the headboard. Wonjin groaned, wiggling a bit as Jungmo’s arms wrapped around his waist. “Let go of me and get up you weirdo.” he groaned.
“You like me,” Jungmo said teasingly grinning up at Wonjin.
Wonjin rolled his eyes. “Oh my god you’re so annoying already,” he groaned, as he threw his own hands in front of his very hot face.
Jungmo laughed, pulling Wonjin’s hands down as he placed a soft kiss to Wonjin’s lips, the younger squeaking embarrassed. “We’ve kissed better than that already, why are you embarrassed?”
“Can I take back my words?” Wonjin groaned, pushing him away, the two of them finally sitting up again.
“Oh, not a chance. You’re stuck now.” Jungmo grinned before narrowing his eyes. “Also, you’re why we kissed.. Like that, so why are you..”
Wonjin threw a hand over Jungmo’s mouth glaring. “Shut up or it won’t happen again.”
Jungmo pursed his lips nodding.
Wonjin looked at him considering before he tilted his head. “Can I ask you something?”
Jungmo nodded. “Sounds scary but sure.”
“At the light festival,” Wonjin started, his fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. “When we were at the fountain, were you um.. Were you going to kiss me?” he asked quietly.
Jungmo groaned, his head and body flying back on the bed. “Yes.” he answered quietly, rolling onto his side to look up at Wonjin. “I wanted to.” he said quietly, wincing before he grumbled out embarrassed. “Also the other day after the snowball fight. You looked really happy the entire time and I had the really strong urge to just finally kiss you.”
“Oh.” Wonjin said, grinning softly. “Hyeongjun said you were being weird, and I agreed but I assumed it was just about your decision for–” he paused, his face dropping.”You’re such a jerk for kissing me and confessing before you leave!” he groaned, annoyed, that sour, dreadful feeling back in his stomach.
“I mean I'm not leaving, or at least I won’t be that far away.” Jungmo shrugged. “Plus Minhee told me you didn’t even care either way!”
“I’m not going to tell fucking Kang Minhee that i’m going to miss you!’ Wonjin grumbled.
Jungmo sighed, sitting up as he grabbed onto Wonjin’s wrists, laying them in his lap. “You said yourself that choosing wherever doesn’t change anything.” he said softly. “You encouraged me to finally do what I want and I want to kiss you and be with you. You should’ve already guessed that I’m just going to Flame with Serim, Woobin and Allen.” he shrugged, reaching up to gently pinch Wonjin’s cheeks. “Plus you hate cliche endings, don’t end what we haven’t even started over a university choice,”
“I never said I was ending anything.” Wonjin mumbled rolling his eyes, his gaze softening as he looked at Jungmo, the Christmas lights twinkling in the room hitting his face as Wonjin breathed in the chocolate aroma from their very cold hot cocoa. “I want to be with you too.”
“Oh.” Jungmo said, his face heating up. “I didn’t realize I said that.” he mumbled embarrassed.
“Do you take it back?” Wonjin asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Definitely not.” Jungmo glared.
“Good.” Wonjin grinned, before patting the spot next to him. “Now, you’ve disrupted our traditions and routine enough, it’s Christmas movie time.”
Jungmo laughed, immediately climbing into the spot, their shoulders pressed together as Wonjin threw a fuzzy blanket over their legs, grabbing the remote. It took another five minutes of them bickering over what to put on before Wonjin eventually won and played The Grinch.
“We watched this last year,” Jungmo pointed out. “It’s tradition to watch a different one every year,” he scolded lightly.
“Well it wasn’t in our tradition or routine to kiss was it?” Wonjin retorted, placing his hand palm up on the blankets, Jungmo almost immediately grabbing his hand despite glaring at Wonjin’s side profile.
“It’s a new part of our routine,” Jungmo mumbled quietly, shifting to get comfortable, looking back at Wonjin, his gaze softening as Wonjin hummed, following the other to get comfortable, his head naturally falling to Jungmo’s shoulder.
__________________________
The day before Christmas was always super busy at the Ham household. Not only did they invite their own family to dinner, but also the entire Koo family as well as all of their son's friends.
Wonjin had just finished helping his mom with one of the dishes when Jungmo swooped into the kitchen, grinning innocently as he leaned against the counter.
“Are you here to steal my son from helping Jungmo?” Wonjin’s mother asked, amusement written in her face as she glanced back at him.
“That or I could help too.” Jungmo offered.
Wonjin groaned, hiding his flushed face in the opposite direction. He wondered if Jungmo knew that just made it obvious he just wanted to be near Wonjin.
Wonjin’s mother grinned innocently as she passed an icing tube to Jungmo. “You two can begin decorating the cookies, I will go check on the meat outside.” she said.
Wonjin waited until he was sure she was out of earshot before he reached and nudged his elbow into Jungmo’s side. “We said we’d be discreet till at least Christmas,” he grumbled, before frowning. “We are.. Dating right?” he whispered unsure.
They hadn’t actually explicitly said they were yet. Apart from a few kisses here and there and saying they liked each other and wanted to be together they hadn’t actually talked about it because of everything going on with the holidays.
Jungmo laughed, a breathy easy sound as he quickly leaned in pressing his lips to Wonjin’s, moving to brush his lips against Wonjin’s cheeks softly before he pulled back. “Yes.” he said softly, before narrowing his eyes. “You want to, right?”
“Yes.” Wonjin groaned, momentarily forgetting about everything as he leaned up and pressed his lips to Jungmo’s, Jungmo immediately kissing back, his hand gripping Wonjin’s waist causing Wonjin to falter for a second, his hip crashing into the side of the counter, a painful sharp pain shooting through his side as he parted his lips more, Jungmo’s tongue slowly darting past his lips.
It was the sound of the front door opening that had Wonjin pulling back, his hands falling from Jungmo’s shoulders to his waist before he completely moved back, gripping the counter as he licked his lips and swallowed harshly, pretending to start working on the cookies as Seongmin entered the kitchen, making his way to the fridge.
The youngest paused as he started walking back out, his eyes narrowing at the two. “Are you fighting again?” he asked, confused. “You’re… quiet,” he said skeptically.
“No,” Wonjin answered, reaching for a tube of blue icing. “Is Hyeongjun here yet?” he asked, swiftly changing the topic.
“No, but the last thing he said in the groupchat was that he’d be over after he visited his grandmother. It’s been like three hours since then.” Seongmin shrugged. “Taeyoung just got here though.”
“Oo,” Jungmo said teasingly. “Go have fun with your boyfriend.”
Seongmin blinked, his eyes immediately shifting back to Wonjin. “Remember this summer when Jungmo was really weird around you and spent way too much time around Serim? It was because he had a sex dream about you.” he shrugged.
“SEONGMIN!” Jungmo yelled, as he tossed a cookie at the youngest boy's head, Wonjin’s cackling laughter sounding beside him as he groaned, throwing his head onto the counter.
Jungmo still didn’t lift his head after Seongmin left the kitchen, his face burning as he squeezed his eyes shut embarrassed. It was Wonjin who kept poking his arm, finally dragging the older up, his horrible attempts at stifling his laughter only causing Jungmo to glare.
“Wait, okay, you told my brother of all people you had a dream like that about me?” Wonjin asked, finally over his laughter.
“No!” Jungmo groaned, sighing as he glared at the counter. “I told Minhee.”
Wonjin hummed, looking around uninterested before he raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”
“Wonjin!” Jungmo groaned, covering his face with his hands again.
“You told Minhee!” Wonjin pouted.
“Not details!”
Wonjin shrugged. “I was a part of it, I should hear the details.”
“Please shut up and let’s never talk about this again.” Jungmo mumbled as he turned back towards the counter, reaching for a cookie before he glared looking back at Wonjin. “Does Seongmin know we’re together? Or did he really just tell you that I had a dream and That could've been how we got together?”
Wonjin groaned, disappointed. “Why couldn't you have waited a few days to kiss me! Then you’d be the one with an embarrassing story of us getting together.” he huffed.
Jungmo glared. “Too bad, now decorate cookies before your mom gets back and asks why we haven't started and she hears what kind of dream I had about her son.”
“Was it that.. Bad?” Wonjin asked quietly.
“Wonjin.”
“You’re a bad boyfriend.” Wonjin grumbled rolling his eyes.
Jungmo rolled his eyes, pausing as he stared at the other before sighing. “I’m not telling you with both of our families in the next room.”
“Later?” Wonjin hummed, raising an eyebrow.
“Freaky.” Jungmo mumbled as he grabbed a cookie, the conversation quietening down as Wonjin’s mom made her way back into the kitchen followed by Serim carrying a plate of grilled meat.
“You’re so sweet Wonjin,” Hyeongjun cooed, blowing kisses at him from the other couch, the wrapping paper falling to the floor as he held up the box of shoes. “Your favoritism is showing,” he added with a wink.
Wonjin grinned, reaching over to ruffle the younger's hair. “Always.” he winked back.
“Okay,” Serim clapped. “Jungmo’s next.”
Jungmo looked up, his attention finally being pulled off of the lightsaber Taeyoung had gifted him as he glanced at Wonjin and smiled.
Wonjin didn’t say anything as he handed the older a small wrapped box, before frowning and reaching to hand him two others.
“Hyeongjun and Jungmo both get more?” Minhee chimed in frowning.
Jungmo had already unwrapped one gift, grinning at Wonjin thankful as Wonjin shrugged. It was just a small thing for his phone that he had once sent Wonjin a link to. The one after that was just a new personalized guitar pick.
“Just so you know, that was expensive and I designed it myself.” Wonjin huffed.
Jungmo grinned. “Thank you Wonjin.” he murmured, starting on the last gift. It was a bracelet, with three singular charms on it, a mug to symbolize their hot cocoa tradition, a music note and a small silver heart.
“What does the music note mean?” Jungmo asked curiously as he slipped the bracelet around his wrist.
Wonjin pursed his lips as he looked around, his friends and a few of his and Jungmo’s family staring back at him, he let out a small breath as he glanced back at Jungmo, shrugging nonchalantly. “It’s when I started crushing on you in Middle school. When you were helping me with the talent show.”
It was almost comical how silent the room got after Wonjin finished speaking, he glanced at Hyeongjun, the younger boy's lips gaping as he looked back and forth between Wonjin and Jungmo.
Jungmo grinned, standing up and leaning around Hyeongjun to get to Wonjin. “Now?” he asked quietly.
“Mhm,” Wonjin mumbled, leaning up as he met Jungmo halfway, pressing their lips together, pulling away a few seconds later, Wonjin groaning embarrassed when Jungmo quickly pecked his lips again before heading for his seat again.
“You’re joking.” Minhee said, glancing between the two as he broke the silence.
“Wait,” Seongmin gasped loudly. “Did this happen because I told you Jungmo–”
“AH!” Wonjin and Jungmo both screamed, Wonjin shaking his head repeatedly as Jungmo leaned over Minhee to get to Seongmin, throwing a hand over his mouth.
Wonjin was all for embarrassing and teasing Jungmo, but he absolutely was not letting his own family hear that. “No, you are not why we got together.”
“Wait,” Taeyoung said, glancing between the two impressed. “You’re together together?”
Jungmo grinned proudly as he nodded. “Four days now.”
“Wow you got your shit together before Hyeongjun and Minhee, I’m impressed and solely disappointed I'm out of money now.” Taeyoung said, frowning at Seongmin.
“Woah,” Hyeongjun said, raising his hands in surrender. “Leave me out of this, but speaking of bets, Who made the first move? Because I have a high stakes bet going with Woobin and I need to text him immediately.”
“Me.” Jungmo answered sending a cheeky grin to Wonjin.
Hyeongjun groaned, glancing at Wonjin. “Wimp.” he huffed, grabbing his phone shaking his head.
“Well apart from all these bets, I am very happy for you both.” Wonjin’s mom chimed in.
“Me too, I’m rooting for you both. Always have.” Jungmo’s mom added.
Serim nodded. “Is it now time for the older brother talk?” he asked, glancing at Jungmo raising his eyebrow.
“No, he’s good.” Wonjin said, laying a hand on Serim’s arm embarrassed. “You’ve known him our entire lives. Save it for Seongmin.” he muttered.
“I know him as a friend.” Serim corrected. “He has to treat you well as both a friend and a boyfriend.”
“Not here.” Wonjin groaned.
“What about the dad talk?” Wonjin’s dad chimed in, raising an eyebrow.
“You told Jungmo years ago you wanted him to be your son in law,” Wonjin mumbled, shaking his head.
“Well hey, at least I never said which son.” He laughed.
“Wait, Does this mean I was right about you two finally confessing because of the whole long distance?” Hyeongjun asked.
“No,” Wonjin said furrowing his eyebrows confused for a second. “Well, not entirely. We won’t even be long distance that long anyways.” he shrugged.
“Wait, you’ve both decided already?” Seim asked excitedly.
“Yeah,” Jungmo said, glancing at Wonjin with a soft smile.
Wonjin rolled his eyes, his own lips forming a small smile as he ignored Seongmin and Minhee’s dramatic gags. “He’s not why I’ve already chosen it, but I'm pretty happy about it.”
“My parents,” Hyeongjun said, wiping a fake tear.
“Who’s ready to eat? I think we deserve a meal after this movie of a moment.” Jungmo’s dad said, clapping his hands.
________________________
It was a few months later when Wonjin finally visited Jungmo at university. He was set to begin University himself in just a few weeks so he had decided to spend a few days camping out in Serim’s new apartment as he pretended to be interested in all the tour guides.
He’s known since he was four years old what school he would be going to so the fact that his boyfriend, his brother and some of his closest friends were currently attending the very same school was a bonus.
He had just made it to the campus square with Serim when he spotted Jungmo, Allen and Woobin, the other three spotting them grinning excitedly but before anyone could greet the other someone yelled out Jungmo’s name and was at his side before any of them could blink.
Wonjin wouldn’t consider himself a hugely jealous person, though he knew Seongmin and Hyeongjun said otherwise, still, this was fine. Jungmo had friends and was a likable person, and as Serim and Wonjin approached the three, his smile was polite as he waited.
His smile did however turn into a grimace as he watched the boy shake Jungmo’s arm excitedly before his thumb was rubbing along Jungmo’s wrist. Wonjin watched for all of five seconds before he cleared his throat, everyone's eyes drifting to him. “Hi!” he grinned.
“Oh! Hey, I’m Seunghwan, Jungmo is in my music theory class. I'll just be a second.” The boy said grinning, tugging Jungmo’s arm excitedly. “So the plan is to–”
“Oh is this the boy you said wasn’t your type?” Wonjin asked casually, his face bored as he glanced between the two.
“Wonjin!” Serim hissed as Allen face palmed embarrassed and Woobin cackled beside them.
Jungmo’s eyes widened as he glanced at Wonjin back to the boy. “Uh, this is Wonjin,” he explained.
“Oh!” Seunghwan nodded. “Your best friend from home, I remember.”
“Boyfriend.” Jungmo corrected before Wonjin could say anything else.
Wonjin hummed. “His boyfriend who will be attending this same school in a few weeks."
Serim groaned embarrassed as he buried his head against Woobin’s arm, both Allen and Woobin snickering this time.
“Oh.” Seunghwan nodded as he glanced between the two. “Cool, Congrats! But anyways as I Was saying, it’s meant to be done in a group of five so if you’re still available we’d love to have you, Woobin and Allen Join us.”
“We’d love to.” Allen chimed in.
“Great!” Seunghwan said, glancing back at Wonjin. “Nice to meet you and Welcome to the school.” he said politely before jogging off.
“You are so embarrassing.” Serim groaned, thumping Wonjin gently on the forehead.
Wonjin shrugged. “I just introduced myself.” he said innocently.
“You’re so cute.” Jungmo hummed, his arms wrapping around Wonjin’s middle pulling him into a hug.
Wonjin groaned, his hands laying across Jungmo’s on his waist. “Don’t be gross.”
Jungmo’s hands were still on Wonjin as the group moved to sit down, he leaned in a bit closer, his breath fanning Wonjin’s ear. “Woobin offered to stay in Allen’s solo dorm if you want to sleep in my dorm a few nights.” he mumbled quietly.
Wonjin snorted, pulling back far enough so he could look at the older. “Isn’t that against your dormitory rules or something?”
Jungmo shrugged. “Probably but do you even care?” he asked rolling his eyes before humming, his hands naturally squeezing Wonjin’s waist. “I also happen to miss my boyfriend.”
“You just saw me two days ago when you visited your parents.” Wonjin hummed amused.
“Wonjin.” Jungmo groaned, annoyed.
Wonjin laughed, leaning up to peck the older’s lips. “I’m kidding.” he murmured, before he glanced at Serim. “Your couch is now free again for a few days,” he said.
“Oh you’re staying with Jungmo?” Serim said nodding, his slide of fruit grazing his lips before he frowned looking at them in disgust. “Shouldn’t I discourage that?”
“Don’t be gross.” Wonjin said, rolling his eyes.
Jungmo looked at him, raising an eyebrow causing Wonjin to glare at him and pinch his thigh. “We’ll talk later.” he mumbled.
“You will not.” Woobin frowned.
“Hush before I tell Serim about your dream.” Jungmo snapped.
“Why do you think all of your friends are crushing on each other?” Allen asked amused.
“Because, it’s fun.” Jungmo shrugged.
Woobin rolled his eyes as he glanced at Wonjin. “I genuinely don’t know why you willingly spend more time with him.” he huffed.
“You chose to room with him for another year,” Wonjin shrugged. “He’s annoyingly likable.”
“Taking that as a compliment and ignoring the annoying part,” Jungmo grinned, kissing the side of Wonjin’s head.
"You're both really cute together." Allen said grinning at them softly.
"Oh trust me they get annoying." Serim chimed in frowning. "The bickering only to get annoyed if someone else steps in, the touchiness.. It's so weird." he huffed.
"You're just jealous," Jungmo said sticking his tongue out teasingly.
"Yeah. Didn't you have a crush on me before you liked Wonjin?" Serim asked raising an eyebrow.
Wonjin immediately shifted to look at Jungmo, his eyebrows furrowed as he pulled Jungmo's hands away from his waist. "Did you?" he asked confused.
"No!" Jungmo groaned glaring at Serim. "Stop before you cause a fight," he grumbled before turning back to Wonjin. "I never had a crush on him.. I just.. at one point called him cute?" he mumbled.
"Ooh, Wonjin dump him." Woobin gasped.
Wonjin narrowed his eyes. "When?" he asked frowning.
"My second year of middle school." Jungmo mumbled.
"You told me you liked guys a year after that." Wonjin pointed out with a glare.
"Yes but I was already sorta crushing on you at that time!" Jungmo whined embarrassed. "I mean, Serim was kinda how I realized I liked you?" he shrugged.
"Should I be offended or pleased?" Serim asked frowning.
"I just meant that you and later on Minhee were two friends who I noticed were cute but it was still always different with Wonjin." Jungmo explained.
"You thought Minhee was cute too?" Wonjin frowned. "Was Hyeongjun right about you two crushing on each other years ago?"
"I don't think so, but.." Jungmo hesitated wincing "We were each other's first kiss?"
"Dump him." Woobin and Allen deadpanned, high fiving a second later.
"Mhm." Wonjin hummed as he turned his body back towards the table, his hands gently folded in his lap.
"Hey," Jungmo said gently, nudging Wonjin's leg. "You were the first and only person I've fallen in love with."
Wonjin looked at him, his eyes pooling as he groaned. "I'm not even upset, stop saying cheesy things." he grumbled embarrassed, his stomach turning in knots before he swiftly placed a small kiss on Jungmo's cheek. "I love you."
Jungmo's eyed widened as he spun his body to face Wonjin, his arms wrapping around the youngers waist pulling him closer as he placed another kiss on Wonjin's lips, grinning. "You said it first." he murmured quietly.
"Mhm," Wonjin shrugged, his face flushed. "I like being unpredictable."
"I love you." Jungmo repeated, his forehead leaning against Wonjin's for a couple seconds before Wonjin pulled back sending a regretful glance at the others.
"Bad timing." Wonjin grinned as he pecked Jungmo's lips, the sound of Serim's continuous gagging only fueling him to act even more lovey dovey.
Wonjin grinned as he pulled back, Jungmo's hand naturally connecting with his as he looked back at their friends. "You guys should really get a partner." he said sighing dramatically.
Woobin glared before he glanced at Jungmo. "Dump him."
Wonjin laughed, his body naturally leaning into Jungmo's warmth as he grinned obnoxiously at the other three. He was finally happy (and really badly in love) and judging by Serim's small smile directed at him it was obvious.