Archive of Our Own

The snow came down in thick, lazy flakes outside the frosted windows, muffling the city’s usual chaos. It had been like this all evening—endless layers of white piling up on the streets of Seoul, turning the world into something out of a snow globe. Inside the dorm, warmth radiated from a space heater humming quietly in the corner, and the scent of cinnamon lingered in the air from a half-melted candle.

Haewon kicked off her boots with a groan, her scarf still loosely draped around her neck. She dumped her bag by the door and shuffled straight to the couch, plopping down with a sigh so heavy it could’ve melted the snow outside. Her legs stretched out across the cushions as she stared at the ceiling, her body still buzzing from the hours of lights, cameras, and relentless energy she had poured into today’s Workdol recording. 

For a moment, she let herself sink into the silence, letting exhaustion settle deep into her bones. The only sound was the crunch of snow from somewhere outside and the faint hum of the heater. 

Then, a voice broke through the stillness.

“There you are!”  

Haewon turned her head toward the source of the voice, already knowing who it was. Sure enough, Bae appeared in the doorway, her cheeks pink from the cold and a mischievous grin plastered across her face. She had a Santa hat tilted jauntily on her head, and her hands were stuffed into the sleeves of an oversized sweater.  

“Ready for Christmas season?” Bae asked, her smile so bright it almost outshone the twinkling fairy lights strung along the walls.  

Haewon let out a chuckle, her lips tugging into a tired but genuine smile. “Honestly? I can’t wait to get back home with my family. Just a few more days, and I’m out of here.”  

Bae tilted her head, her grin widening into something that made Haewon pause. It was the kind of grin that usually preceded chaos, and Haewon sat up a little straighter, suddenly wary.  

“What’s that look for?” Haewon asked, her voice edged with suspicion.  

Bae giggled, and it was the kind of giggle that promised trouble. “I’m afraid that’s not gonna happen.”  

Haewon blinked. “What do you mean?”  

Bae stepped into the room, her hands now clasped behind her back like she was hiding something. She leaned in slightly, her tone almost conspiratorial. “Change of plans. All six of us are spending Christmas somewhere else this year.”  

“Somewhere else?” Haewon repeated, narrowing her eyes.  

Bae nodded, her grin widening. “Yup. In a cabin. Outskirts of Seoul. Snow everywhere. Cozy fires. The whole vibe.”  

Haewon stared at her, processing the words. “A cabin?”  

“Mm-hmm.”  

“In the middle of nowhere?”  

“Exactly.”  

“And all of us?”  

“Every single one,” Bae confirmed, practically bouncing on her heels.  

For a moment, Haewon just stared, her mouth opening and closing like she couldn’t quite find the words. Finally, she managed, “You’re joking, right?”  

“Nope!” Bae chirped, clearly taking immense delight in Haewon’s disbelief. “We leave tomorrow morning. Merry Christmas!”  

Haewon groaned, flopping back down on the couch and throwing an arm over her face. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh, cry, or start packing.  

“Who even planned this?” she muttered.  

“Does it matter?” Bae teased, tugging lightly at Haewon’s arm. “It’s gonna be fun! Think about it—hot chocolate, snowball fights, bonding time… I mean, isn’t that better than just sitting at home?”  

Haewon peeked out from under her arm, giving Bae a skeptical look. “I was really looking forward to my mom’s cooking…”  

Bae pouted dramatically. “Well, I can make you ramen if that helps.”  

Haewon couldn’t help but laugh, her earlier annoyance melting away just a little. “You’re terrible at making ramen.”  

“Details, details,” Bae said with a wave of her hand. “Come on, unnie. It’s Christmas! You’ll love it, I promise.”  

Haewon sighed, already resigned to her fate. “Fine. But if there’s no Wi-Fi, I’m blaming you.”  

Bae clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Deal! Now go pack—we’ve got a Christmas adventure ahead of us!”  

As Bae bounded out of the room, humming some off-key version of Jingle Bells, Haewon leaned back into the couch, staring at the ceiling once again.  

A cabin in the snow, huh?  

She wasn’t sure whether this was going to be a disaster or the best Christmas ever. But either way, it was going to be memorable.

—

Morning came with a soft gray light filtering through the windows, the kind of light that hinted at more snow to come. The dorm was alive with rustling bags, muffled yawns, and the occasional clatter of someone knocking into something they’d forgotten to pack. In the small living room, Haewon sat on the couch, sipping a lukewarm cup of instant coffee. Her suitcase was neatly packed and sitting by the door, her scarf already wrapped loosely around her neck. She stared out the window at the snow-covered street below, her expression somewhere between resignation and mild discontent.

She could hear the others bustling around behind her. Jiwoo’s voice carried easily through the space, bright and cheery even this early in the morning.  

“Did everyone double-check their stuff? We’re gonna be snowed in, so there’s no running back for phone chargers!”  

Kyujin appeared from the hallway, dragging her suitcase behind her with one hand and holding a Santa hat in the other. “Unnie, we’re not going to the North Pole,” she said with a laugh. “It’s just a cabin, not some deserted island.”  

Jiwoo stuck her tongue out. “Okay, but you’re the one who forgot your toothbrush last time we traveled.”  

Kyujin gasped dramatically. “That was one time!”  

From her spot on the couch, Haewon let out a small sigh. She adored her members, she really did, but she couldn’t quite summon their enthusiasm this morning. Spending Christmas in a cabin wasn’t exactly her idea of a perfect holiday, and the thought of being snowed in with no way to escape to her family felt… stifling.  

Bae, on the other hand, was practically glowing as she darted around the room, double-checking everyone’s bags like the self-appointed Christmas Elf. She paused when she saw Haewon sitting quietly.  

“Unnie, why do you look so down? We’re about to have the best Christmas ever!”  

Haewon raised an eyebrow at her. “I’m not down. I’m just… conserving my energy for all the supposed fun we’re going to have.”  

Bae rolled her eyes, plopping onto the couch beside her. “You’re such a Grinch sometimes,” she teased, poking Haewon’s arm. “Come on, lighten up. Snow, hot chocolate, matching pajamas—what’s not to love?”  

Haewon shook her head but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “We’ll see how long your energy lasts once we’re snowed in for three days straight.”  

“Three magic days,” Bae corrected with a wink.  

Before Haewon could respond, Lily wandered into the room, dragging her suitcase behind her. She looked bright-eyed but slightly hesitant, her energy somewhere between Bae’s boundless excitement and Haewon’s reluctant acceptance.  

“Good morning!” Lily chirped, her Australian accent soft but cheerful. She dropped her bag by the door and turned to Haewon, tilting her head slightly. “You’re still not sold on this whole cabin idea, huh?”  

Haewon shrugged. “I mean, it’s not the worst idea. But…”  

“You miss your family,” Lily finished for her, her voice understanding.  

Haewon nodded, grateful for Lily’s ability to read her without making a big deal out of it.  

“Well,” Lily said with a small smile, “at least we get to spend Christmas together. That’s something, right?”  

“Yeah,” Haewon admitted, though her voice lacked conviction.  

At that moment, Sullyoon shuffled into the room, her hair a messy halo around her face, and her eyes barely open. She looked like she’d been dragged out of bed against her will, which, knowing Sullyoon’s schedule, wasn’t far from the truth.  

“Morning…” she mumbled, dropping onto the couch beside Haewon and immediately leaning her head on her shoulder.  

“Did you even sleep?” Haewon asked, glancing down at her.  

Sullyoon just groaned in response, her eyes already half-closed again.  

“She’s been working too hard,” Lily said softly, kneeling to adjust Sullyoon’s scarf. “Take it easy today, okay?”  

“Mmm,” Sullyoon hummed, clearly not awake enough to process anything.  

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Kyujin and Jiwoo were laughing about something, their voices loud and full of energy. Bae joined them, her excitement palpable as she started snapping pictures of everyone’s suitcases for her Instagram story.  

“Say goodbye to city life!” she announced dramatically.  

“Bae, it’s not a wilderness retreat,” Kyujin said, rolling her eyes but smiling.  

Jiwoo clapped her hands together. “I’m so excited! I’ve always wanted to do something like this for Christmas. It’s like one of those holiday movies!”  

“Right?!” Bae agreed, practically bouncing on her toes.  

Lily glanced at Haewon and Sullyoon, who were still sitting on the couch, one looking grumpy and the other looking half-dead. She let out a small laugh.  

“Well, at least half of us are excited,” she said teasingly.  

“Give it a few hours,” Haewon muttered. “We’ll see how excited they are when they realize there’s no Wi-Fi.”  

Bae popped her head into the room, grinning. “There is Wi-Fi!”  

Haewon raised an eyebrow at her.  

“…But it’s really slow,” Bae admitted, her grin turning sheepish.  

“Of course it is,” Haewon said, leaning her head back against the couch.  

Despite the differing energies in the room, there was a warmth that couldn’t be denied. Even Haewon, with all her reluctance, couldn’t help but feel a small flicker of something—maybe not excitement, but something quieter. A sense of togetherness.  

“Alright, everyone!” Jiwoo called, clapping her hands to get their attention. “The van’s downstairs! Time to go!”  

“Let’s do this!” Kyujin cheered, throwing her bag over her shoulder.  

Lily helped Sullyoon to her feet, guiding her toward the door as the others scrambled to grab their things.  

Haewon lingered for a moment, taking one last sip of her now-cold coffee before standing and grabbing her suitcase. She glanced at Bae, who was practically buzzing with energy.  

“This better be worth it,” Haewon said, though there was no real bite to her words.  

Bae just grinned. “You’ll love it, unnie. Trust me.”  

As they all made their way out into the snowy morning, their breath visible in the icy air, Haewon couldn’t help but feel a small spark of curiosity. Maybe—just maybe—this Christmas wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad Christmas after all.

The van pulled up to the curb, its windows fogged from the cold. Snowflakes danced in the air, clinging to their coats and bags as the members piled inside, each of them dragging their luggage through the slush. The driver greeted them with a cheerful nod, and soon the jingle of seatbelts clicking into place filled the space.

Bae, Kyujin, and Jiwoo immediately claimed the first row of seats behind the driver, squishing together like excited siblings on a school field trip. Bae took the window seat, pressing her face against the frosted glass to admire the snow-covered streets, while Kyujin and Jiwoo argued over who got to control the playlist.  

“Unnie, your taste is too weird,” Kyujin complained, holding her phone out of reach as Jiwoo tried to grab it.  

“My taste is diverse,” Jiwoo shot back. “Besides, it’s Christmas! We need Mariah Carey, not your sad indie ballads.”  

“Mariah Carey it is!” Bae announced, swiping Kyujin’s phone and queuing up All I Want for Christmas Is You. The opening notes blared through the van’s speakers, and the three of them erupted into laughter.  

Meanwhile, in the row behind them, things were much quieter. Lily sat by the window, her legs tucked up under her, Sullyoon was in the middle seat, and Haewon had taken the aisle. Sullyoon had tried to sit upright at first, her head bobbing slightly as she fought to stay awake. But as soon as the van started moving, she gave up the fight.  

Her head lolled to the side, resting briefly on Lily’s shoulder before a sharp turn sent her leaning the other way, bumping into Haewon. Haewon raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, gently nudging Sullyoon back upright.  

“She’s like a rag doll,” Haewon muttered, watching as Sullyoon slumped forward slightly, her hair falling into her face.  

Lily chuckled softly, brushing Sullyoon’s hair back so it wasn’t in her mouth. “She’s been working so hard lately. I don’t think she’s had a proper night’s sleep in weeks.”  

“Sounds about right,” Haewon said, leaning back in her seat. She glanced out the window, watching the city blur past as they headed toward the outskirts of Seoul. The buildings grew sparser, the streets quieter, as snow piled higher on the sidewalks.  

For a moment, she just stared, lost in her own thoughts. Then, without looking at Lily, she said, “I think I get it now.”  

Lily turned to her, curious. “Get what?”  

Haewon hesitated, her fingers picking at a loose thread on her scarf. “How it must’ve felt for you. Not being able to spend Christmas with your family all those years.”  

Lily’s expression softened, her gaze flickering from Haewon to the snowy landscape outside. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “At first, it was horrible. I’d see everyone else going home, celebrating with their families, and I’d just… sit there, trying not to cry. I’d call them, of course, but it wasn’t the same.”  

Haewon nodded slowly, her chest tightening at the thought. She’d always spent Christmas with her family, even during their busiest trainee days. The idea of not being able to see them, even for one year, felt like a punch to the gut.  

“But,” Lily continued, her voice soft but steady, “I grew used to it. It’s not easy, but you learn to appreciate the people you *are* with. NMIXX is like my second family now. Spending Christmas with you guys might not be the same as being back home, but it’s still special in its own way.”  

Haewon turned to look at her, surprised by the warmth in Lily’s voice. “Doesn’t it still hurt, though? Not being with them?”  

“Of course,” Lily said, smiling gently. “I think it always will, a little. But I try to focus on what I *do* have. And honestly…” She glanced toward the front of the van, where Bae, Kyujin, and Jiwoo were now loudly singing along to Mariah Carey. “...I don’t think I’d trade this for anything.”  

Haewon followed Lily’s gaze, watching as Bae waved her arms dramatically, pretending to hit the high notes, while Kyujin laughed so hard she was clutching her stomach. Jiwoo had her phone out, filming the chaos for posterity—or maybe just for Instagram.  

A small smile tugged at Haewon’s lips. “They are pretty ridiculous,” she admitted.  

“They’re family,” Lily said simply.  

Haewon glanced down at Sullyoon, who had now slumped sideways onto her again, her head resting against Haewon’s shoulder. For all her initial resistance to this trip, she couldn’t deny the quiet warmth she felt being surrounded by her members like this.  

“Guess we’re stuck with each other, huh?” Haewon said, her tone light but affectionate.  

Lily grinned. “Forever and always.”  

As the van turned another corner, Sullyoon shifted again, letting out a soft, incoherent mumble as she clung to Haewon’s arm like it was a pillow. Haewon sighed but didn’t move her, adjusting her scarf over Sullyoon’s shoulders to keep her warm.  

Up front, Bae turned around in her seat, craning her neck to look at them. “Hey! Why are you guys so quiet back there? Are you plotting something?”  

“Go back to your karaoke session,” Haewon called, rolling her eyes.  

“We’re not quiet!” Lily added with a laugh.  

“Just sleepy,” Haewon muttered, glancing at Sullyoon, who was now fully out cold.  

Bae grinned. “Well, you better wake up soon, because we’re almost there! Christmas cabin, here we come!”  

The van erupted into cheers from the front row, their energy infectious even for Haewon. She shared a small smile with Lily, and for the first time since this trip was announced, she started to feel a flicker of something close to excitement.  

Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad Christmas after all.

As the van rumbled down the snowy road, the energy inside it ebbed and flowed, the younger members up front keeping the atmosphere lively while the others in the back enjoyed the quiet moments. The frost on the windows thickened as they moved further into the countryside, the city’s lights now a distant memory. The snow-covered trees lining the road swayed gently in the breeze, their branches heavy with white.

Haewon glanced at Sullyoon, still fast asleep on her shoulder, her breathing soft and rhythmic. She couldn’t help but think back to the early days of their trainee years. Sullyoon had always been quiet, her shyness often mistaken for aloofness. But Haewon knew better. Beneath Sullyoon’s reserved exterior was someone who felt deeply, who carried the weight of her dreams—and the pressure that came with them—with an almost painful delicacy.

“She hasn’t changed much, has she?” Haewon said, her voice low as she turned to Lily.

Lily smiled, her gaze lingering on Sullyoon. “Not really. Still the same Sullyoon who’d apologize a hundred times if she thought she messed up even a little.”

“And still the same Sullyoon who’d cry in the practice room whenever the instructors got too harsh,” Haewon added, her tone soft with nostalgia.

Lily nodded, leaning her head back against the seat. “Do you remember that one time we were practicing for evaluations, and she just… broke down? She told me later that she thought she’d never be good enough. That she didn’t belong.”

Haewon frowned at the memory. “Yeah. And now look at her—everyone calls her the ‘Human Doll’ and praises her for being perfect. If only they knew how much she struggled to get here.”

Lily’s expression turned serious. “She told me once that the hardest part wasn’t even the dancing or the singing. It was getting used to being yelled at. She said she hated disappointing people, and every time someone raised their voice, it felt like she was letting everyone down.”

Haewon sighed, brushing a stray strand of Sullyoon’s hair out of her face. “I don’t think she ever really got used to it. She’s just learned how to hide it better.”

The van hit a small bump, jolting Sullyoon slightly. She stirred for a moment, mumbling something unintelligible before settling back into Haewon’s shoulder. Haewon adjusted her scarf again, making sure Sullyoon was comfortable.

Lily chuckled softly. “You know, she used to be the biggest ‘I miss my mom’ kind of girl. Every time she got homesick, she’d call her mom and cry for hours. It got to the point where I started memorizing her mom’s voice.”

Haewon laughed quietly at that. “And now she’s too busy being an MC to even think about being homesick.”

“Right?” Lily grinned. “She’s come so far, but sometimes I still see that little girl in her, the one who used to hide her tears behind her hair.”

Haewon glanced down at Sullyoon again, her lips curving into a small, fond smile. “Yeah. She’s still that girl, deep down. Just a little more grown-up.”

The conversation lulled for a moment, the only sounds in the van being the faint hum of the engine and the muffled laughter from the front row. Haewon closed her eyes briefly, letting the warmth of the van and the quiet companionship of her members wash over her.

“Do you think she’ll wake up before we get there?” Lily asked after a while, her voice light with amusement.

“Doubt it,” Haewon replied. “But that’s fine. She needs the rest.”

Lily nodded in agreement, her gaze drifting back out the window. The van slowed slightly as they turned onto a narrower road, the snow crunching under the tires. The trees on either side grew denser, their branches forming a canopy overhead. It felt like they were entering a different world, one untouched by the hustle and bustle of the city.

Up front, the chaos was still in full swing. Bae had taken over the playlist again, her phone blasting another Christmas classic. Jiwoo and Kyujin were now harmonizing—badly—to Last Christmas, their performances drawing laughter from the driver.

Haewon sighed, shaking her head. “Do they ever run out of energy?”

“Not a chance,” Lily said with a laugh. “But that’s what makes them so fun.”

“Fun,” Haewon echoed, her tone teasing. “Or exhausting?”

“Both,” Lily admitted, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

As the van crested a small hill, the cabin came into view. It was nestled between the trees, its wooden exterior dusted with snow. Warm light spilled from the windows, casting a golden glow onto the surrounding landscape. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and a wreath hung on the front door, its red ribbon fluttering in the breeze.

“We’re here!” Bae shouted, practically bouncing in her seat.

The excitement in the van was palpable as everyone scrambled to gather their things. Sullyoon stirred again, blinking blearily as she tried to process the commotion.

“Are we there?” she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

“Yeah,” Haewon said, gently nudging her upright. “Welcome to the Christmas cabin.”

Sullyoon rubbed her eyes, a small smile forming as she caught sight of the cabin through the window. “It’s beautiful.”

The van came to a stop, and the members piled out, their breath visible in the crisp winter air. Laughter and chatter filled the silence as they began unloading their bags, their faces glowing with excitement.

For the first time in a long while, Haewon felt a sense of peace settle over her. As she stood there, surrounded by her members, the snow falling softly around them, she thought to herself:

Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad Christmas after all.

As they trudged through the snow toward the cabin, their chatter filled the quiet forest. Each step crunched against the frozen ground, their breaths coming out in soft puffs of white. Haewon adjusted her scarf, glancing back at the line of girls behind her. Their pace was brisk, motivated partly by the cold and partly by the excitement of finally arriving. 

“Alright,” Haewon began, her tone light but teasing, “since we’re doing everything ourselves, let me just say this now: Bae, you’re the least qualified to touch the stove.”

Bae gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Excuse me? I’m an excellent cook!”

“Sure,” Jiwoo chimed in with a grin. “If you consider ‘burnt instant noodles’ a delicacy.”

The group bursted into laughter, Bae pouting as she trudged forward. “You’ll all be begging for my cooking when you’re starving,” she muttered, though her smile betrayed her mock indignation.

Jiwoo, walking beside Sullyoon, turned toward her with a curious expression. “Unnie, how do you even manage to sleep in this kind of cold? I swear, you’re like some sort of hibernating bear.”

Sullyoon shot her a look, her cheeks puffing slightly in protest. “Yah, Jiwoo!” she retorted, her voice rising in mock annoyance. “I was resting! You should try it sometime instead of making so much noise.”

Kyujin laughed, sidling up beside Jiwoo. “Don’t worry, Sullyoon-unnie. You’ll probably still be the first one to fall asleep tonight anyway.”

“Yah, Kyujin!” Sullyoon turned her attention to the youngest, her playful scolding drowned out by the group’s giggles.

Haewon glanced over her shoulder again, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched the scene unfold. Despite the teasing and bickering, the warmth between them was undeniable. It was moments like this that reminded her why she loved being their leader. 

“Alright, alright,” Haewon said, waving her hand to gather their attention. “Let’s get inside before we all freeze. We can argue about who’s burning the cabin down after we unpack.”

She quickened her pace, leading the charge toward the cozy wooden cabin that awaited them. The snow crunched louder as they reached the steps, boots stomping away the frost before they pushed open the heavy wooden door. A gust of warmth greeted them, the interior bathed in a soft golden glow from the fireplace. 

The inside was even more charming than they’d imagined. Rustic wooden beams lined the ceiling, and the scent of pine lingered faintly in the air. A Christmas tree stood in one corner, its ornaments reflecting the flickering firelight. Plush rugs covered the wooden floors, and a stack of neatly folded blankets sat on a nearby couch.

Kyujin let out a low whistle. “Wow. This is nice.”

“Yeah,” Lily agreed, her eyes wide as she took in their surroundings. “It’s like something out of a Christmas movie.”

Sullyoon dropped her bag by the door and immediately made a beeline for the couch, collapsing onto it with a dramatic sigh. “I call this spot,” she said, burrowing into one of the cushions.

“Hey! No fair!” Jiwoo protested, lunging toward the couch. Sullyoon let out a yelp as Jiwoo flopped down next to her, nearly toppling them both onto the floor.

Haewon shook her head, already feeling the exhaustion creep in. “Alright, you two, save the wrestling match for later. We’ve got stuff to unpack.”

Kyujin was already halfway through unzipping her bag, pulling out a small stack of snacks. “I vote we prioritize the food,” she said with a grin. “You know, survival essentials.”

Bae raised an eyebrow. “And you were judging me for trying to cook?”

“Snacks are different,” Kyujin replied, holding up a bag of chips. “Snacks are sacred.”

Lily chuckled, setting her bag down near the fireplace. “Let’s just get everything inside first. Then we can figure out who’s cooking, who’s cleaning, and who’s responsible for making sure Jiwoo doesn’t destroy anything.”

“Yah! Why am I suddenly the troublemaker?” Jiwoo exclaimed, though her grin betrayed her amusement.

“Because you’re Jiwoo,” Lily replied simply, her tone teasing.

As the group set to work unpacking their bags and divvying up tasks, the cabin buzzed with their energy. Jackets were hung by the door, blankets were distributed, and the kitchen table quickly became a chaotic mix of snacks, cooking utensils, and random bits of holiday décor they’d brought along.

Haewon stood by the window for a moment, watching the snow continue to fall outside. The world beyond the glass was silent, serene, but inside the cabin, it was the opposite—filled with laughter, teasing, and the occasional scuffle over who got to hang what on the tree.

She felt a small sense of pride swell in her chest. For all their quirks and chaos, these girls were her family. And in this little cabin, surrounded by snow and warmth, she realized that no matter how hectic things got, there was nowhere else she’d rather be. 

“Alright, team,” Haewon said, clapping her hands together to gather their attention. “Let’s make this the best Christmas ever.”

Bae smirked, leaning against the arm of the couch with her arms crossed. “Good thing you’ve had no energy to do this at all, huh?” she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Haewon rolled her eyes, her hands resting on her hips. “I’m just being the responsible adult here,” she shot back, raising an eyebrow. “Someone has to keep this circus in check.”

“‘Responsible adult,’” Bae repeated, feigning deep thought. “Is that what they call bossing us around these days?”

“Yah, Bae,” Haewon said, pointing a finger at her with mock sternness. “If you don’t stop, I’ll put you on dish duty for the rest of the trip.”

Bae held up her hands in surrender, laughing. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”

Jiwoo, who had been half-listening while untangling a string of fairy lights, chimed in with a grin. “Haewon-unnie is always the responsible adult. Except when it’s time to clean the dorm.”

“Hey!” Haewon protested, turning toward Jiwoo. “I cleaned the dorm last week!”

“Sure,” Jiwoo said, her grin widening. “If by ‘cleaning,’ you mean getting your pile of laundry from the chair to your bed.”

The group erupted into laughter, Sullyoon giggling so much she nearly fell off the couch. Haewon groaned, rubbing her temples but unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips. 

Lily, who had been quietly sorting through the decorations, spoke up to ease the teasing. “Alright, let’s focus. Who’s helping me with the tree?”

“I will!” Kyujin volunteered enthusiastically, grabbing a handful of ornaments and rushing over to Lily’s side.

“Careful!” Lily warned, laughing as Kyujin nearly tripped over a stray bag. “We don’t need broken ornaments on the first night.”

Meanwhile, Sullyoon finally peeled herself off the couch and stretched, her arms reaching above her head. “I’ll help too,” she said, her voice soft but determined. “But only if Jiwoo promises not to tangle more lights.”

Jiwoo gasped dramatically. “Excuse me, this is a highly skilled operation,” she said, holding up the now semi-untangled string of lights. “You should be thanking me.”

“Thanking you when we’re still untangling them tomorrow?” Sullyoon teased, earning another round of laughter.

As the group got to work decorating the tree, the cabin filled with the sound of Christmas music, courtesy of Bae, who had reclaimed control of the playlist. The occasional bursts of laughter and playful banter made the task feel less like work and more like a cherished tradition.

Haewon stood back for a moment, watching as Lily guided Kyujin on where to place the ornaments, while Jiwoo and Sullyoon worked together to wrap the lights around the tree. Even Bae, who had been teasing her non-stop, was humming along to the music as she hung a garland along the fireplace.

“Hey, Haewon,” Bae called out, snapping her out of her thoughts. “You just gonna stand there and supervise, or are you actually going to help?”

Haewon smirked, walking over to grab a strand of tinsel. “I’m delegating,” she said, tossing the tinsel in Bae’s direction. “It’s called leadership.”

“Sure it is,” Bae muttered, catching the tinsel with a grin.

The tree slowly came to life, the twinkling lights casting a warm glow across the room. By the time they finished, the tree looked like something out of a holiday catalog—colorful ornaments nestled between the branches, shimmering garlands draped elegantly, and a bright star perched at the very top.

“Wow,” Lily said, stepping back to admire their work. “It’s perfect.”

“It’s a masterpiece,” Kyujin declared proudly, her hands on her hips. “We should take a picture.”

“Good idea,” Jiwoo said, already pulling out her phone. She motioned for everyone to gather in front of the tree. “Come on, group photo!”

The girls crowded together, squeezing in close as Jiwoo held up her phone. “Alright, smile!” she said, before snapping a series of pictures.

“Let me see!” Kyujin said, leaning over Jiwoo’s shoulder to look at the photos. “Ooh, this one’s good. We actually look like we like each other.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Bae joked, earning a playful shove from Haewon.

They spent the next hour hanging up stockings, arranging their snacks on the kitchen counter, and debating whether they should start a movie or play a game. Eventually, they settled on a classic Christmas movie, piling onto the couch and wrapping themselves in blankets.

Sullyoon, true to Kyujin’s earlier prediction, was the first to fall asleep, her head resting on Lily’s shoulder. Jiwoo and Kyujin, still full of energy, whispered jokes to each other while Bae tried to shush them. Haewon sat at the edge of the couch, her feet tucked beneath her, watching the scene unfold with a quiet sense of contentment.

For the first time in a long while, everything felt right. No schedules, no rehearsals, no stress—just the simple joy of being together. 

As the fire crackled softly in the background and the snow continued to fall outside, Haewon leaned back against the cushions, letting her eyes close for a moment.

Maybe, just maybe, this really *would* be the best Christmas ever. 

The fire had long since burned down to glowing embers by the time morning arrived. The cabin was quiet, save for the faint sound of the wind brushing against the windows. A soft light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. The tree lights, left on overnight, twinkled faintly in the background, framing the scene of the group sprawled across the couches and floor, wrapped in blankets.

Everyone was still fast asleep—except for Bae.

She sat upright on the couch, her arms crossed as she stared out the frosted window. The early morning silence was peaceful, but Bae wasn’t one for staying still for too long. Her gaze shifted to Sullyoon, who was curled up under a mountain of blankets on the opposite couch, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. An idea sparked in Bae’s mind, and a mischievous grin spread across her face.

Quietly, she stood and stretched before tiptoeing over to Sullyoon. She crouched down next to the couch and whispered, “Sullyoon-unnie. Wake up.”

Sullyoon let out a small groan, burying her face deeper into the pillow. “Mmm… five more minutes,” she mumbled, her voice groggy.

“Sullyoon,” Bae pressed, her tone a little more insistent. “Come on, wake up.”

With a heavy sigh, Sullyoon finally stirred, blinking her eyes open. Her expression was a mixture of confusion and irritation as she squinted up at Bae. “What… what do you want? It’s too early for this.”

Bae grinned, unfazed by Sullyoon’s sleepy glare. “Let’s go down to the village.”

Sullyoon blinked again, her brain clearly struggling to process the suggestion. “The village?” she repeated, her voice slow and laced with disbelief. “Why?”

“To meet people!” Bae said, her grin widening. “You know, make some new friends. Maybe even mingle with some locals.”

Sullyoon groaned, flopping back onto the pillow. “Ahh… tiresome,” she muttered, pulling the blanket over her head. “You go. I’ll stay here and sleep.”

Bae tugged the blanket down just enough to reveal Sullyoon’s face again. “Come on,” she urged, her tone playful but persistent. “It’ll do you well to meet some new people. You can’t just sleep through the entire trip.”

“I could if you’d let me,” Sullyoon shot back, her eyes half-lidded as she tried to will herself back to sleep.

Bae rolled her eyes, standing up and crossing her arms. “You’re always saying you want to experience new things, right? Well, this is your chance. Plus, who knows? Maybe the village has something fun going on. A Christmas market or something.”

Sullyoon hesitated, her sleep-addled brain warring with Bae’s insistence. She let out another sigh, sitting up slowly and rubbing her eyes. “Fine,” she said at last, her voice still heavy with sleep. “But if it turns out to be boring, you owe me hot chocolate. The good kind.”

“Deal,” Bae said with a triumphant grin, already pulling Sullyoon’s coat from the rack. “Now, get dressed. Let’s go before the others wake up and start asking questions.”

Sullyoon grumbled under her breath but swung her legs over the side of the couch, shivering slightly as the cold air hit her. “You better not drag me into anything embarrassing,” she warned, shooting Bae a sleepy but pointed look.

“No promises,” Bae replied cheekily, tossing Sullyoon her scarf. “Come on, let’s hurry.”

---

The two of them stepped outside into the crisp morning air, their breaths visible in the cold. The snow crunched beneath their boots as they made their way down the narrow, winding path that led toward the village. The forest was quiet, the only sounds being the occasional rustling of branches and the soft chirping of birds.

As they walked, Sullyoon pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, still trying to wake up fully. She glanced over at Bae, who was practically bouncing with energy despite the early hour. “You’re way too excited about this,” Sullyoon muttered, stifling a yawn.

Bae shrugged, her grin never fading. “What can I say? I like exploring. And you need to loosen up a little, unnie. Live a little.”

Sullyoon didn’t reply, instead focusing on the path ahead. As they descended further, the trees began to thin, and the faint outline of the village came into view. Small cottages with snow-covered roofs dotted the landscape, and the faint sound of bells ringing carried through the air. A gentle plume of smoke rose from one of the chimneys, adding to the picturesque scene.

When they finally reached the village, Sullyoon stopped, taking in the sight before her. The main street was lined with small shops and stalls, many of them decorated with twinkling lights and garlands. A group of children was building a snowman near the center of the square, their laughter echoing through the crisp air. The scent of freshly baked goods wafted from a nearby bakery, making Sullyoon’s stomach rumble.

“See?” Bae said, nudging Sullyoon with her elbow. “Not so bad, right?”

Sullyoon let out a soft hum, her expression softening. “It’s… nice,” she admitted reluctantly.

Bae grinned, clearly satisfied. “Come on, let’s explore. We’ve got the whole morning to ourselves.”

As they wandered through the village, stopping occasionally to peek into shops or sample treats from the market stalls, Sullyoon found herself gradually relaxing. The warmth of the villagers, the charm of the decorations, and Bae’s relentless enthusiasm began to chip away at her sleepiness.

By the time they reached a small café near the edge of the square, Sullyoon was smiling faintly, a steaming cup of hot chocolate in her hands. “Okay,” she said, glancing at Bae. “You were right. This wasn’t a bad idea.”

Bae leaned back in her chair, her expression smug. “Told you so.”

Sullyoon rolled her eyes, taking another sip of her hot chocolate. “And this is exactly why I don’t like to admit when you’re right. You’re insufferable.”

Before Bae could reply with another quip, a boy in an apron approached their table. He looked to be about their age, with an easy smile and a slightly awkward air about him. His dark hair was tousled, as though he’d been running around the café all morning. 

“Hey,” he greeted, glancing between the two girls. “Sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t help but notice… You’re not from around here, are you?”

Bae raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “What gave it away?”

The boy chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “Well, for starters, you’re both… uh, really pretty. And you have this kind of… city vibe, I guess?”

Sullyoon blinked, her cheeks turning faintly pink. Bae, on the other hand, grinned, already enjoying the attention. “City vibe, huh? Well, you’re mistaken,” she said, her voice suddenly dipping into an exaggerated country accent. “We’re just a coupla small-town girls lookin’ to enjoy some good ol’ fashioned Christmas cheer.”

The boy stared at her for a moment, his smile growing as he caught on. “Uh-huh. Sure you are.” He laughed, clearly amused. “Nice try, though. The accent was… adorable.”

Bae’s attempt at playing coy faltered as her cheeks flushed slightly. “Adorable? Is that a polite way of saying ‘not convincing at all’?”

“Something like that,” the boy replied, his eyes crinkling with amusement. Then his gaze lingered on Sullyoon for a moment—just a second too long—before he cleared his throat and asked, “So, what brought you two here?”

Bae, not missing the way his attention shifted, quickly jumped in, her tone chipper. “We wanted to spend Christmas somewhere quiet, away from all the noise and chaos. You know, cozy cabin vibes and all that.”

“Good choice,” the boy said, nodding. “This village is about as quiet as it gets. Except for the Christmas market. That’s probably the liveliest thing you’ll find around here.”

“Well, we noticed,” Bae replied, her grin widening. “Your market’s got some charm. And the hot chocolate’s not bad either.”

Sullyoon stayed quiet, her fingers wrapped around her mug as she studied the boy. There was something disarming about his easygoing demeanor, and she couldn’t help but wonder if all the villagers were this friendly—or if he was just trying to make a good impression on the out-of-towners.

The boy’s attention shifted back to Sullyoon again, his smile softening. “Glad you’re enjoying it. If you’re planning to stick around, there’s a little festival in the square tonight. Mostly locals, but it’s fun. Bonfire, music, that kind of thing.”

Before Sullyoon could respond, Bae jumped in enthusiastically. “That sounds perfect! We’ll definitely be there.”

Sullyoon shot her a look. “We will?”

“Yes, we will,” Bae said firmly, giving her a pointed look. Then she turned back to the boy, her grin unwavering. “What’s your name, by the way?”

“Oh, right—sorry. I’m Minjae,” he said, holding out a hand. “I help out here whenever I’m not at school.”

“I’m Bae, and this is Sullyoon,” Bae said, shaking his hand before gesturing toward Sullyoon. “We’re visiting with some friends, but they’re back at the cabin being lazy.”

Minjae smiled at Sullyoon, who gave him a polite nod but didn’t offer her hand. “Nice to meet you both,” he said. “Anyway, I should get back to work, but if you need anything, just come find me.”

“Will do,” Bae replied, her tone cheerful. “Thanks, Minjae.”

As he walked away, Bae turned back to Sullyoon, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Well, well. Someone’s got a little crush.”

“What?” Sullyoon blinked, her expression incredulous. “He was looking at you more than me.”

Bae smirked. “Oh, I don’t think so. He was totally staring at you.”

“That’s just because you embarrassed yourself with that ridiculous accent,” Sullyoon shot back, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.

“Uh-huh, sure,” Bae teased, leaning back in her chair. “You’re really bad at hiding it, you know.”

Sullyoon groaned, burying her face in her hands. “This is exactly why I didn’t want to come.”

“Oh, come on,” Bae said, nudging her playfully. “Admit it—you’re having fun.”

Sullyoon sighed, lowering her hands. “Maybe. A little.”

“That’s the spirit!” Bae said with a grin. “And who knows? Maybe tonight’s festival will be even more fun.”

“Or more embarrassing,” Sullyoon muttered under her breath, though she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.

Bae leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and smirking at Sullyoon. “As much as I’d like to see you get out of your shell and maybe even get a boyfriend…” She trailed off dramatically, her tone teasing but with a hint of mock seriousness. “I’m afraid the company isn’t going to be too happy about that.”

Sullyoon raised an eyebrow, her lips parting slightly as she tried to process what Bae had just said. “What are you talking about?”

“You know,” Bae continued, waving her hand as if it were obvious. “Contracts. Image. Scandals. The usual idol stuff. You getting a boyfriend would probably send JYP into cardiac arrest.”

Sullyoon rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “You’re ridiculous.”

Bae grinned, clearly enjoying herself. “I’m just saying. If Minjae over there thinks he has a shot, we might need to shut that down before he gets any ideas.”

Sullyoon let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “He was just being polite. You’re reading way too much into it.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Bae said, her grin widening. “But don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.”

Before Sullyoon could ask what she meant, Bae suddenly reached across the table and intertwined her fingers with Sullyoon’s, holding her hand firmly. 

“Bae,” Sullyoon said, her voice low and cautious. “What are you doing?”

Bae tilted her head innocently, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Making sure they know you’re not available.”

Sullyoon’s face flushed a deep shade of red as she glanced around the café, half expecting someone to be staring. “What are you talking about? No one’s even looking at us.”

Minjae, standing behind the counter, glanced over at that exact moment. His gaze lingered for a second, his head tilting slightly as though he was trying to figure out what was going on. Then, as if realizing he’d been caught staring, he quickly turned his attention back to the coffee machine.

Sullyoon groaned, trying to pull her hand away, but Bae held on tight, her smirk turning triumphant. “See? He’s definitely looking.”

“Let go,” Sullyoon hissed, her voice a mix of irritation and embarrassment.

“Not until I’m sure the message is clear,” Bae replied, her tone overly dramatic. She gave Sullyoon’s hand a small squeeze, leaning in conspiratorially. “Don’t worry, unnie. I’ll protect your reputation. JYP would thank me if they knew.”

“You’re unbelievable,” Sullyoon muttered, her free hand coming up to cover her face. “Why do I even put up with you?”

“Because you love me,” Bae said with a cheeky grin, finally letting go of Sullyoon’s hand and sitting back in her chair. “And because I make life interesting.”

Sullyoon glared at her, though the corners of her lips twitched as if she were fighting back a smile. “Interesting isn’t the word I’d use.”

Bae shrugged, clearly unbothered. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“For what?” Sullyoon asked, raising an eyebrow.

“For saving you from an awkward situation,” Bae replied, motioning toward Minjae, who was now busy delivering drinks to another table. “Trust me, unnie. It’s better this way.”

Sullyoon sighed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are,” Bae said, her grin widening. “Sitting across from me, drinking hot chocolate, and having the time of your life.”

Sullyoon didn’t respond, instead taking another sip of her drink as she tried to hide the small smile that had finally broken through. 

Bae leaned back in her chair, her expression smug once again. “Told you so.”

Bae stretched her arms dramatically, her chair scraping slightly against the floor as she pushed it back. “Welp,” she said, clapping her hands together and standing up. “Time to head back before the others notice something is amiss. Can’t have them thinking we’ve run off to join a village cult or something.”

Sullyoon blinked at her, unimpressed. “A cult? Really?”

Bae shrugged, her grin playful. “You never know. This place *does* have a suspiciously cozy vibe. Too cozy, if you ask me.”

Rolling her eyes, Sullyoon stood as well, brushing the crumbs from her coat. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously right,” Bae shot back with a wink. She glanced toward the café counter, where Minjae threw them a quick smile before returning to wiping down tables. Bae’s grin only widened as she turned back to Sullyoon. “Come on. Let’s go.”

With an exaggerated flourish, Bae held out her hand to Sullyoon, palm up, like a charming prince in a fairy tale. “May I, milady?”

Sullyoon raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “What are you doing?”

Bae let out an exasperated sigh, dropping her hand for a moment before mockingly smacking her forehead with her palm. “Yoona-yah,” she said, her voice dripping with exaggerated frustration, “can you read the lines for once? You’re supposed to *take my hand* here. It’s called drama. Atmosphere. You know, like in the movies.”

Sullyoon’s mouth fell open slightly as she stared at Bae, trying to decide whether to laugh or glare. “What lines? Are we in a musical now? Did I miss the script handout?”

“Yes, and you’re failing at it,” Bae replied matter-of-factly, wiggling her fingers in Sullyoon’s direction. “Come on. Don’t leave me hanging. Think of the audience.” She gestured dramatically to the empty café, as though they were surrounded by an invisible crowd of spectators.

Sullyoon’s lips curved into a reluctant smile despite herself. “You’re so weird.”

“And yet,” Bae said brightly, “here you are, still standing next to me. Now, take my hand, and let’s make our grand exit.”

Sullyoon sighed, shaking her head, but she finally reached out and placed her hand in Bae’s. “Happy now?”

“Ecstatic,” Bae said, squeezing Sullyoon’s hand with a triumphant grin. “See? You’re learning. You’re already so much more fun to hang out with.”

“I hate that you’re enjoying this,” Sullyoon muttered, though there was a faint hint of amusement in her voice.

Bae gave her hand a playful tug, leading her toward the door. “You’re welcome, by the way. For making your life infinitely better. Don’t forget to thank me later.”

As they stepped out into the crisp winter air, Sullyoon glanced at their still-intertwined hands. “You can let go now.”

“Not yet,” Bae replied, her tone mischievous. “Gotta keep up the act. You never know who’s watching.”

“You’re impossible,” Sullyoon said with a sigh, though she didn’t pull her hand away.

“And yet,” Bae said, echoing her earlier words with a satisfied smirk, “here you are.” 

The two of them walked back toward the cabin, their footsteps crunching in the snow. The forest was quiet except for the occasional rustling of branches, the world around them painted in soft shades of white and gray. Sullyoon glanced at Bae, who was humming to herself, clearly pleased with how the morning had gone.

“Bae,” Sullyoon said after a moment, her voice softer now.

“Hmm?” Bae looked over, her expression curious.

“Thanks for dragging me out here,” Sullyoon said, her cheeks slightly pink from the cold—or maybe something else. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.”

Bae’s grin softened into a genuine smile. “Told you so.”

Sullyoon groaned, shaking her head. “You just *had* to ruin the moment, didn’t you?”

“Of course,” Bae replied, her grin returning to full force. “It’s my job.”

—

Some time earlier…

The cabin was quiet, save for the creaks of the wooden floor and the rustle of wind against the windows. Kyujin and Jiwoo were still fast asleep, sprawled out on the couch with blankets tangled around them. Somewhere in the corner, Lily crouched down, peering behind the sofa with a look of determination.

“Are you 100% sure they’re gone?” Haewon whispered, leaning over the armrest as though the missing pair might suddenly pop out from the shadows.

Lily nodded, squinting into the small gap between the sofa and the wall. “I checked everywhere. They’re not here.”

Haewon straightened up, crossing her arms. “So, what? You think the Earth swallowed them whole?”

Lily paused, sitting back on her heels, and tilted her head thoughtfully. “Maybe.”

Haewon blinked, her lips twitching like she couldn’t decide whether to laugh or take the suggestion seriously. After a beat, she shrugged. “Meh. If it did, they’ll be back, then.”

Satisfied, Haewon plopped down onto the armrest, swinging her legs idly. Lily stood up, brushing dust off her knees, and glanced toward the window. The forest outside was a blur of white snow and dark tree trunks, the winter sun casting long shadows across the landscape.

“Wanna go for a walk?” Lily asked, her voice soft but hopeful.

Haewon thought for a moment, then hopped off the armrest with a grin. “Yeah, why not. Beats sitting around here.”

Grabbing their coats, the two stepped outside, their boots crunching in the fresh snow as they made their way down the path leading away from the cabin. The air was crisp and cold, their breaths visible in the early morning light. Lily stuffed her hands into her pockets, her shoulders slightly hunched against the chill.

“I think they’re fine, you know,” Haewon said after a while, breaking the silence. “Bae and Sullyoon. Wherever they went.”

Lily glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I know. They’re probably just being… them.”

Haewon laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”

For a moment, the two of them simply walked in silence, the peaceful stillness of the forest wrapping around them like a blanket. Somewhere in the distance, a bird chirped, its song piercing through the quiet.

“Do you ever think about just… staying out here?” Lily asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Haewon slowed, glancing over at her. “You mean, like… forever?”

Lily nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yeah. Away from everything. Just… here.”

Haewon tilted her head, considering the question. “It’d be nice for a while, I guess. But I think I’d miss the noise. The chaos. You know?”

Lily smiled faintly. “Yeah. Me too.”

They continued walking, their footsteps marking a steady rhythm in the snow.

The forest stretched on around them, the snow crunching rhythmically under their boots as Lily and Haewon wandered farther from the cabin. The quiet was comforting in a way, but it didn’t last long—Lily’s voice broke through, her tone curious.

“Haewon-ah,” she started, glancing over at her friend. “Do you remember that trip we took? Back when we were trainees?”

Haewon raised an eyebrow, her breath visible in the cold air. “Which one? We had, like, a million field trips back then.”

“No, no,” Lily said, her eyes lighting up. “The one to the US! That trainee thing with Chaeryeong and Mashiro.”

Haewon’s lips curled into a small smile. “Oh, yeah. That one.”

Lily’s excitement bubbled over as she continued. “That was my first time going to the States, you know. I was so hyped. Like, I couldn’t even sleep on the plane because I was just staring out the window the whole time.”

Haewon laughed softly. “Same here. That was my first time, too.”

“Wait, really?” Lily’s eyes widened, genuinely surprised. “I thought you’d been there before! You were so chill about it.”

Haewon shrugged, a sly grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. “That’s just my vibe, I guess.”

Lily chuckled, nudging her lightly with her elbow. “Well, I totally believed it. Your English was so good, I couldn’t even tell you were Korean at first.”

Haewon let out a short laugh, her cheeks pink—though whether it was from the cold or the compliment, Lily couldn’t tell. “Come on, it wasn’t *that* good.”

“No, seriously!” Lily insisted, spinning around to walk backward so she could face Haewon as she talked. “I remember hearing you talk to some random guy at the airport, and I was just standing there like, ‘Whoa. She sounds like she grew up here.’ You made it look so easy.”

Haewon shook her head, though she was smiling. “I think you’re exaggerating a little.”

“I’m not!” Lily said, throwing her hands up in mock protest. “Meanwhile, there was me, completely panicking about how to ask for a fork at a restaurant. Like, I knew the word ‘fork,’ but my brain just wouldn’t cooperate.”

Haewon laughed again, the sound warm and genuine. “I remember that. You kept looking at me like, ‘Help me!’”

“And you *did* help me,” Lily pointed out, turning back around to walk properly again. “You were my hero that whole trip.”

Haewon rolled her eyes, though the smile on her face didn’t fade. “It wasn’t a big deal.”

“It was to me,” Lily said softly, her tone sincere. “You made me feel less out of place. Like, I wasn’t just some kid from Australia who didn’t know what she was doing.”

Haewon glanced over at her, the teasing glint in her eyes softening. “Well, you weren’t. You fit in just fine. Probably better than I did, honestly.”

Lily shook her head, her laughter light. “You’re crazy. Everyone loved you. Even Chaeryeong kept saying how cool you were.”

Haewon snorted. “Chaeryeong was just being nice. She’s like that with everyone.”

“No, she wasn’t,” Lily insisted, her voice firm. “She meant it. And so did Mashiro. You were like… the unnie everyone wanted to hang out with.”

Haewon didn’t respond right away, her gaze fixed on the snowy path ahead. After a moment, she exhaled a small laugh, her breath fogging up in the cold. “If you say so.”

“I do,” Lily said brightly, her grin wide enough to make Haewon smile despite herself.

The two of them continued walking, the memory of that trip lingering between them like a warm glow in the middle of the icy forest.

As they continued walking, Lily tilted her head back, looking up at the sky. The sunlight filtered through the bare branches, scattering soft, pale light on the snow beneath their feet.

“Looking back at it,” Lily said, her voice thoughtful, “it’s wild to think I almost ended up in ITZY.”

Haewon glanced at her, her eyebrows raising slightly. “Yeah, I forget about that sometimes. It’s weird to imagine you there. I mean, I can’t imagine anyone else being our oldest member.”

Lily smiled, the corners of her mouth tugging upward. “You think so?”

“Of course.” Haewon shrugged, her tone casual but sincere. “You’re, like… the perfect unnie for us. It would’ve been so different without you. Not bad, necessarily, but… you know. Just not *us*.”

Lily’s smile grew wider, her cheeks pink—not just from the cold this time. “That’s sweet of you to say… even though I’m convinced you’re the one who actually holds us all together.”

Haewon laughed softly, brushing off the compliment. “Nah, that’s just my job. You’re the heart of the group, though. No one else could’ve done it the way you do.”

Lily fell silent for a moment, her gaze shifting back to the snowy path ahead. “You know,” she said, her voice softer now, “Shiro almost ended up in ITZY, too.”

“Shiro?” Haewon asked, glancing over. “Mashiro?”

Lily nodded. “Yeah. It’s crazy to think about, isn’t it? She could’ve debuted with them. But…” She trailed off, her tone growing more reflective. “She had to take, like, the long route to debut.”

Haewon’s expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded slowly. “Yeah. She left JYP before they debuted, didn’t she?”

“Mm-hmm,” Lily hummed. “Then ITZY debuted in 2019, we debuted in 2022, and Shiro debuted in Kep1er in 2021. It’s wild, isn’t it? How things worked out.”

Haewon tilted her head, her hands stuffed deep into her coat pockets. “Yeah. It’s like… everyone has their own path, you know? Even if it’s not the one they thought they’d take.”

Lily smiled faintly. “Yeah. I guess you’re right. But still… I always felt bad for her back then. She worked so hard, and it must’ve been tough to see ITZY debut without her.”

Haewon nodded again, her gaze distant as if she were picturing it. “Yeah… but look at her now. She’s in Kep1er, she’s doing amazing, and she’s still the same Mashiro.”

Lily’s smile widened, and she let out a soft laugh. “She really is. She was always so sweet, wasn’t she? Even back then.”

“Sweet, but tough,” Haewon added, her voice carrying a hint of admiration. “I think that’s what I respected about her the most. She never gave up, even when it probably felt impossible.”

“Yeah,” Lily agreed, her tone warm. She glanced over at Haewon, her smile soft. “It’s funny, though. Thinking about how close we all were to being in completely different places. Like, life could’ve turned out so differently for all of us.”

Haewon shrugged, her lips curling into a small smile. “Maybe. But I think we all ended up exactly where we were supposed to be.”

Lily looked at her for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before nodding. “Yeah. I think you’re right.”

The two of them walked on in silence for a while, the cold air nipping at their cheeks and the snow crunching underfoot.

Haewon broke the silence, her voice thoughtful. “You know… I always thought that each of us has our own unique thing. Like, something that makes us stand out. Even you.”

Lily raised an eyebrow, glancing over at her. “Even me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Haewon laughed softly, shaking her head. “No, I mean it in a good way. You’re different, but in a way that’s… special. You have this charm that’s completely your own.”

Lily tilted her head, a curious smile playing on her lips. “Oh, yeah? And what about you, then? What’s *your* thing?”

Haewon hesitated, her eyes fixed on the snowy path ahead. “I don’t know,” she admitted after a moment. “Everyone says I’m, like, the ace of the group or whatever, but… I don’t really feel that way.”

Lily frowned slightly, her gaze softening. “What do you mean?”

“I mean…” Haewon sighed, her breath visible in the cold air. “I feel like I’m not really *great* at any one thing. Like, I’m good at a lot of things, sure, but not amazing at any of them. It’s like… I’m a jack of all trades, but a master of none.”

Lily stopped walking for a moment, her brows furrowing. “Haewon, that’s not true. You’re—”

“I’m serious,” Haewon interrupted gently, her tone calm but firm. “It’s not a bad thing, really. I just… sometimes I feel like I’m not enough, you know? Like I should be better at something. Singing, dancing, leading… anything.”

Lily turned to face her fully, her hands tucked into her coat pockets. “Haewon, you’re selling yourself short. You’re not just ‘good’ at things—you’re *great*. And more than that, you’re the one who keeps us all grounded. You’re the reason we work so well together.”

Haewon gave her a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re sweet, unnie. But… I don’t know. It’s just how I feel sometimes.”

Lily stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. “Listen to me. You’re not a jack of all trades. You’re the glue that holds us together. And that’s not just me saying it—it’s all of us. We’d be lost without you.”

Haewon’s smile grew a little wider, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Thanks, unnie. That… means a lot.”

Lily grinned, nudging her shoulder gently. “Anytime. Now stop doubting yourself, okay? You’re amazing, whether you see it or not.”

Haewon laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I’ll try. But don’t expect me to stop overthinking everything. It’s kind of my thing.”

Lily rolled her eyes playfully. “Yeah, I’ve noticed. But hey, that’s part of your charm, too.”

They both laughed, the sound echoing softly in the quiet winter air. The sun had started to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the snowy landscape.

After a moment, Haewon spoke again, her voice quieter this time. “You know, it’s funny. We’re all so different, but somehow… We just work. Like, we balance each other out.”

Lily nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah. It’s like… we’re all pieces of the same puzzle. None of us would fit anywhere else.”

Haewon smiled, her gaze distant as she considered the thought. “Yeah. Maybe that’s why it feels like home… being with all of you.”

Lily’s smile softened, and she nodded again. “Home, huh? Yeah. I like that.”

The two of them continued walking, their breaths visible in the cold air, the snow crunching softly beneath their feet.

Haewon glanced at the sky, noticing the sun dipping lower, the golden light starting to fade into the soft hues of twilight. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and sighed softly. “Maybe we should head back. I bet the others will be looking for us.”

Lily nodded, pulling her scarf up higher over her face to shield herself from the cold. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Let’s go before it gets too dark.”

The two of them turned, retracing their steps along the snowy path, their conversation fading into the quiet rhythm of their footsteps and the faint rustling of the wind through the trees.

---

Meanwhile, deeper in the forest, Jiwoo stood with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed as she stared at the ground. “I’m pretty sure we came from that direction,” she muttered, pointing toward a cluster of trees.

Kyujin groaned dramatically, shoving her hands into her coat pockets. “That’s what you said ten minutes ago, and we’re still here.”

Jiwoo shot her a quick glare, her breath puffing out in the frosty air like a small cloud. “Well, excuse me for trying. It’s not like you’ve been much help.”

Kyujin rolled her eyes, kicking at the snow in frustration. “Okay, maybe the idea of having our own fun while they were out sounded better than it actually was,” she admitted, her tone a mix of sheepishness and irritation.

Jiwoo sighed, squinting her eyes as she scanned the ground for their footprints. “I’m just trying to figure out where we came from. If I can find our steps from the cabin, we’ll be fine.”

Kyujin tilted her head back, staring at the sky as if hoping for some kind of divine intervention. “Why didn’t we just stick with the others? Or, you know, stay inside where it’s warm?”

Jiwoo didn’t bother looking up, her focus still on the snow. “Because *someone* said it would be fun to explore. And *someone* was very convincing about it being ‘an adventure.’”

Kyujin’s lips twitched into a small, guilty smile. “Yeah, okay, that was me. But you didn’t have to agree so easily!”

Jiwoo finally straightened up, resting her hands on her hips as she turned to face Kyujin. “I agreed because I thought you actually knew what you were doing.”

Kyujin let out a nervous laugh, rocking back on her heels. “In my defense, it seemed a lot simpler in my head.”

Jiwoo just stared at her for a moment, then shook her head with a sigh. “You’re lucky you’re cute, or I’d leave you here.”

Kyujin gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “You wouldn’t dare! Who would entertain you with my amazing humor?”

Jiwoo smirked, her lips twitching upward despite herself. “That’s debatable.”

Kyujin grinned, sensing her victory. “See? You’d miss me.”

Before Jiwoo could respond, a rustling noise from behind them made her freeze. She held up a hand, signaling Kyujin to stop talking.

“What?” Kyujin whispered, her voice suddenly cautious.

Jiwoo turned slowly, her eyes scanning the trees. “Did you hear that?”

Kyujin’s eyes widened, and she instinctively stepped closer to Jiwoo. “Don’t say that. You’re gonna freak me out.”

Jiwoo stayed quiet for a moment, listening intently. The forest was eerily still, save for the faint sound of the wind. She shook her head after a moment. “Probably just an animal or something.”

Kyujin frowned, gripping Jiwoo’s sleeve. “I don’t like this. Let’s just find our way back, okay? Quickly.”

Jiwoo nodded, her confidence wavering slightly. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

The two of them started moving again, Jiwoo leading the way as she tried to follow what she assumed were their earlier tracks. Kyujin stayed close behind her, occasionally glancing over her shoulder as if expecting something—or someone—to appear.

After a few minutes, Kyujin broke the silence, her voice quieter now. “You think the others are back at the cabin?”

“They should be,” Jiwoo replied, her tone steady but focused. “I bet Haewon’s already worrying about where we are.”

Kyujin sighed, her breath visible in the cold air. “Good. Maybe she’ll send out a search party.”

Jiwoo chuckled softly, her nerves easing slightly at Kyujin’s humor. “If we don’t get back soon, she probably will. And then we’ll *really* never hear the end of it.”

Kyujin smiled faintly, the tension between them lightening just a bit. “Well, at least we’d be warm.”

Jiwoo nodded, her eyes scanning the faint tracks in the snow ahead of them. “Don’t worry. We’ll find our way back. Just stick close to me.”

Kyujin’s smile grew a little wider, and she gave Jiwoo’s sleeve a small tug. “I’m counting on you, fearless leader.”

Jiwoo rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s just hope we get back before it gets too dark.”

The two of them continued walking, the forest growing quieter as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the snowy ground.

The crunch of snow under their boots was the only sound between them as Jiwoo led the way, her eyes scanning the faint remnants of their earlier footprints. Kyujin trailed behind her, nervously glancing at the trees, the silence of the forest feeling heavier with each passing minute.

Suddenly, Kyujin’s foot came down on a dry branch hidden beneath the snow. **CRACK!** The sharp sound echoed through the stillness, startling both of them.

Jiwoo whipped her head around, her wide eyes locking onto Kyujin, who froze mid-step. “What was that?” Jiwoo hissed, her voice low but urgent.

“I—I stepped on a branch,” Kyujin stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Before Jiwoo could respond, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the trees, howling as it blew loose snow into the air. The branches above them creaked and groaned, and for a moment, the forest seemed alive with movement.

Kyujin’s hand shot out, grabbing Jiwoo’s arm. “What if it’s a bear?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Jiwoo’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing at the thought. “Why would there be a bear *now*? Aren’t they supposed to be hibernating or something?” she whispered back, though her voice was less confident than she wanted it to be.

“I don’t know! What if we woke it up?” Kyujin whimpered, her grip on Jiwoo tightening.

The wind died down, leaving the forest eerily quiet once again. The two of them stood frozen, their breaths visible in the cold air as they strained to listen for any sign of movement.

Then, somewhere behind them, a faint rustling sound broke the silence.

“RUN!” Jiwoo yelled, not waiting to see what it was.

Kyujin didn’t need to be told twice. She bolted after Jiwoo, their boots pounding against the snow as they sprinted through the forest. The trees blurred around them, and the icy air stung their cheeks, but neither of them dared to look back.

“I swear to god!” Jiwoo shouted over her shoulder, her voice filled with both panic and frustration. “We just *had* to get away from the cabin, didn’t we?!”

“I already told you I’m sorry!” Kyujin shouted back, her voice breathless as she struggled to keep up.

Jiwoo groaned, her legs burning as she pushed herself to run faster. “You *had* to go on an adventure! You *had* to explore! And now we’re gonna get eaten by a bear!”

Kyujin huffed, her breaths coming out in gasps. “Okay, first of all—*sorry*! Second of all—*I panicked*! Stop yelling at me and just keep running!”

“Stop talking and run faster!” Jiwoo snapped, her voice tinged with both fear and exasperation.

“I’m trying!” Kyujin shot back, though her legs felt like jelly as they weaved through the trees.

The cabin wasn’t far now—Jiwoo could see the faint outline of its roof through the trees ahead. Relief surged through her, giving her an extra burst of energy. “Almost there!” she yelled.

Kyujin glanced back over her shoulder, her heart racing as she half-expected to see a bear barreling toward them. Instead, the forest behind them looked still, the wind having settled once more. “I don’t see anything!” she called out.

“Good! Let’s *not* stop to double-check!” Jiwoo retorted, her focus locked on the cabin as they pushed through the final stretch of snow.

The two of them burst out of the tree line and into the clearing where the cabin sat, the warm glow of its windows like a beacon in the fading light. Jiwoo skidded to a stop in front of the door, her breaths coming in heavy gasps as she bent over, hands on her knees.

Kyujin stumbled to a halt beside her, leaning against the wall of the cabin to catch her breath. “Okay… okay… I think… we’re safe,” she panted, clutching her chest.

Jiwoo straightened up, glaring at her. “Safe? Safe?! We just sprinted through the forest because you thought we woke up a bear!”

Kyujin held up her hands defensively, her chest still heaving. “I panicked, okay? I thought I heard something! What was I supposed to do—*wait* for it to eat us?”

Jiwoo groaned, running a hand through her hair. “I can’t believe this. Next time, remind me to *never* listen to you.”

Kyujin pouted, crossing her arms. “You didn’t have to come with me, you know.”

Jiwoo shot her a look. “Oh, sure. I could’ve let you wander off alone, get lost, and then come back crying about how you couldn’t find your way back. Great plan, Kyujin.”

Before Kyujin could retort, the cabin door swung open, and Haewon stood there, her brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you two doing? Why are you out of breath? And why are you covered in snow?”

Jiwoo and Kyujin exchanged a quick glance before Jiwoo threw her hands up in the air. “Ask *her*,” she said, pointing at Kyujin. “She thought it’d be fun to wander off and maybe wake up a bear.”

Kyujin’s jaw dropped. “Don’t put this all on me! You agreed to come with me!”

“Because I didn’t want to leave you alone!” Jiwoo retorted.

Haewon pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing deeply. “Okay, stop. Both of you, inside. Now. The others are already worried sick.”

Jiwoo and Kyujin shuffled into the cabin, brushing the snow off their coats as they entered. Lily sat on the couch, looking up from her phone with wide eyes. “What happened to you two?”

Jiwoo plopped onto the nearest chair, throwing her head back dramatically. “We almost got eaten by a bear.”

Kyujin groaned, sitting on the floor beside the fireplace. “We didn’t even *see* a bear.”

“Not the point,” Jiwoo said, waving a hand dismissively.

Lily blinked, utterly confused, while Haewon closed the door behind them, shaking her head. “I don’t even want to know.”

Kyujin grinned sheepishly, the warmth of the cabin slowly easing the tension in her chest. “Well, at least we made it back, right?”

Jiwoo glared at her. “Barely.”

Kyujin laughed nervously, and Lily just stared at them, still trying to process what had just happened.

Haewon sighed again, muttering under her breath as she walked toward the kitchen. “I swear, you two are going to give me a heart attack one day…”

She grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water, her expression still colored with exasperation. Turning back to the group, she caught sight of Bae and Sullyoon lounging on the couch, looking far too relaxed for her liking. 

Something about their calm demeanor after all the chaos made her pause. “Wait a second,” Haewon started, narrowing her eyes. “You two have been back for a while now, haven’t you?”

Bae glanced over lazily, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Yeah, we’ve been here.”

Haewon folded her arms, her patience wearing thin. “And? While Jiwoo and Kyujin are out there almost dying of frostbite—or a bear attack, apparently—what exactly were *you* two up to?”

Sullyoon nudged Bae with her elbow, clearly trying to suppress a laugh. Bae leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Well, if you must know, something *interesting* happened at the café in the village.”

Haewon raised an eyebrow. “Oh, this should be good. Go on.”

Bae grinned, clearly enjoying the spotlight. “So, this guy at the café came up to us. He starts chatting, and guess what? He invited us to a music festival happening tomorrow.”

Haewon blinked, her expression incredulous. “When did all that happen?”

Bae shrugged casually. “While you guys were busy playing *polar bear* in the woods.”

“Polar bear?” Jiwoo’s voice cut in, her tone sharp as she sat up straighter in her chair. “We were *running for our lives*, thank you very much.”

Kyujin, still sitting by the fireplace, pointed a finger at Bae. “Wait, wait—back up. A *music festival*? And you didn’t think to, I don’t know, *mention* this earlier?”

Bae waved a hand dismissively. “Relax. It’s not like we’re going *right now*. The guy just gave us the details. Said it’d be a good way to meet people from the area.”

Haewon pinched the bridge of her nose again, her go-to move for dealing with the chaos. “Okay, but *when* exactly were you planning to tell the rest of us? Or were you just going to disappear and leave a note on the fridge?”

Sullyoon finally spoke up, her voice soft but teasing. “Come on, unnie, it’s not that serious. We were going to tell you tonight, but then Jiwoo and Kyujin came in looking like they’d fought a snowstorm.”

Jiwoo groaned. “I *hate* that this keeps coming back to us.”

Kyujin raised her hand weakly. “For the record, I didn’t hear about any festival either, so I’m with you on this one.”

Haewon shook her head, the beginnings of a headache forming. “Unbelievable. Okay, fine. Festival or not, let’s all just agree to stop doing things that make me question your sanity, *please*.”

Bae grinned, leaning back into the couch. “No promises.”

Haewon shot her a glare, but before she could retort, Lily spoke up. “Wait, so… are we actually going to this festival?”

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone looking at one another. Finally, Sullyoon shrugged. “Why not? It might be fun.”

“Fun,” Haewon echoed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Because *that’s* what we need right now. More fun.”

Jiwoo leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “Okay, but… what kind of music festival is this? Like, local bands or something?”

Bae shrugged again. “Didn’t really ask. The guy just said it was a big deal in the village, and people from all over the area come for it.”

Kyujin frowned. “Doesn’t that sound a little… sketchy? I mean, who even *is* this guy?”

“Relax, Kyujin-ah,” Bae said with a roll of her eyes. “He was just being nice. Not everyone is out to kidnap us.”

“Still,” Haewon cut in, her tone firm, “we’re not making any decisions until we know *exactly* what we’re getting into. And no one’s going anywhere alone.”

Bae sighed, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. “Fine. If you must know, his name is Minjae. And, honestly? I think he has a crush on Sullyoon.”

Sullyoon’s eyes widened slightly, and then she laughed softly, giving Bae a light pat on the arm. “Stop it,” she said, her cheeks just faintly tinged pink. “You’re exaggerating.”

Jiwoo snorted, leaning back in her chair. “What else is new? Everyone who meets Sullyoon falls for her. This isn’t exactly groundbreaking news.”

“Right?” Bae said with a grin. “I’m just saying, if he starts dedicating songs to her at the festival, don’t act surprised.”

Sullyoon rolled her eyes, though her lips tugged into a small, amused smile. “Quit it.”

Haewon, pinching the bridge of her nose yet again, cut in before the conversation could veer even further off track. “Okay, let’s stay on topic. What does *any* of this have to do with us?”

“Well…” Bae started, dragging the word out with a mischievous lilt. “We *did* say we were gonna meet him there. So… that.”

Haewon’s expression darkened, and she crossed her arms. “You *what*?”

Bae gave her an innocent shrug. “It’s not a big deal. He’s just a nice guy, and he said it’d be fun if we showed up. That’s all.”

“Unbelievable,” Haewon muttered under her breath, shaking her head. She took a moment to compose herself, then let out a long sigh. “Fine. But if you’re going, we’re going with you two. No exceptions.”

Kyujin, who had been half-zoning out by the fireplace, perked up at that, her face scrunching in protest. “We? I’m exhausted. My legs still feel like they’re on fire! I’m *not* trekking out to some random festival.”

Haewon shot her a pointed look, her voice sharp. “You should have thought about that before running into the woods like a maniac.”

Kyujin groaned, flopping backward dramatically. “This is so unfair.”

“Life’s unfair,” Haewon said flatly. “You’ll survive.”

Jiwoo smirked at Kyujin’s misery, clearly enjoying her predicament. “Look at it this way,” she said. “If we all go, we can keep an eye on Bae and Sullyoon. You know, make sure they don’t end up in some weird rom-com situation with that guy.”

“Exactly,” Haewon said, nodding in agreement. “This isn’t about fun—it’s about making sure nothing ridiculous happens. Again.”

Bae rolled her eyes. “You act like I’m plotting a prison break or something. It’s *just* a music festival.”

“Knowing you,” Haewon shot back, “it’s never *just* anything.”

“Fair point,” Jiwoo added, earning a glare from Bae.

Sullyoon, always the peacemaker, raised her hands. “Okay, okay, let’s not turn this into a debate. If everyone’s coming, great. It’ll be fun to go as a group.”

“Speak for yourself,” Kyujin mumbled, still sulking.

Haewon ignored her. “Fine, then it’s settled. We’ll all go together. But if anything—*anything*—feels off about this, we’re leaving. No arguments.”

Bae gave her a mock salute. “Yes, Captain.”

Haewon wasn’t amused. “I mean it.”

“Got it, got it,” Bae said, waving her off. “You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough,” Haewon snapped back.

Jiwoo clapped her hands together, cutting through the tension. “Alright, we’ve got a plan now. Can we all chill for the rest of the night? I feel like I’ve aged ten years in the last hour.”

Kyujin raised a hand weakly. “Seconded.”

“Fine by me,” Sullyoon said, stretching her arms over her head. “We can talk more about this tomorrow.”

Haewon nodded, though her expression remained stern. "Everyone get some rest. We'll need all the energy we can get if we're actually going to this thing."

Some time passed, and the cabin slowly grew quiet as exhaustion finally caught up with everyone. The warmth of the fireplace lulled them into a peaceful drowsiness, the earlier chaos fading into a distant memory.

Before fully giving in to sleep, Bae—true to form—couldn’t resist one last jab. She turned to Sullyoon, her voice low and teasing. “Remember, Yoona-yah, if you kiss him, you’ll end up on every single corner of Twitter.”

Sullyoon, who had been wrapping herself tighter in a blanket, immediately sat upright, her face flushed. “I told you I don’t like him!” she hissed, her voice a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Bae smirked, clearly enjoying the reaction. “Uh-huh. That’s exactly what someone who likes him would say.”

Sullyoon groaned, burying her face in her hands. “You’re impossible.”

Jiwoo, half-asleep on the couch, mumbled, “Bae, leave her alone. Some of us are trying to sleep.”

“Fine, fine,” Bae said, waving her hand dismissively. “Goodnight, Yoona-yah. Sweet dreams about Minjae.”

Sullyoon threw a pillow at her, but Bae ducked, laughing softly as she lay back down. Sullyoon muttered something under her breath before finally settling back into her blanket, determined to ignore Bae’s teasing.

Soon enough, the cabin was filled with the soft sounds of steady breathing as everyone drifted off to sleep, the flickering light of the fire casting dancing shadows on the walls.

---

The morning of the music festival arrived quicker than anyone expected. The faint light of dawn crept through the windows, and the once-still cabin slowly came alive with movement and groggy murmurs.

Haewon stood near the door, already dressed and looking as put-together as ever. She clapped her hands together to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone ready?” she asked, her voice cutting through the sleepy silence.

Jiwoo groaned from her spot on the couch, pulling the blanket over her head. “It’s too early for this.”

“It’s not even that early,” Haewon replied, her tone sharp. “Get up. We’re leaving in an hour, and I’m not waiting for anyone.”

Bae stretched her arms above her head, stifling a yawn. “Relax, unnie. We’ve got time.”

“No, we don’t,” Haewon said firmly. “If we’re going, we’re doing this properly. That means getting there on time, sticking together, and not making a scene.”

Bae raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You say that like we’re not the scene everywhere we go.”

“Exactly why we need to be extra careful,” Haewon shot back, her hands on her hips. “The last thing we need is to cause a stir in a place we barely know.”

Kyujin trudged into the room, still half-asleep and clutching a mug of coffee. “Can’t we just skip this and call it a day?” she muttered, collapsing onto a chair.

“No,” Haewon said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re coming, and you’re staying awake. You should’ve thought about how tired you’d be before sprinting through the woods yesterday.”

Kyujin groaned, muttering something incoherent as she sipped her coffee.

Sullyoon entered the room next, looking fresh and calm despite her tired eyes. She adjusted her scarf and glanced toward Bae, who was lazily tying her shoelaces. “You’re surprisingly quiet this morning,” Sullyoon said, her tone suspicious.

Bae grinned, looking up at her. “Just saving my energy for later. You never know when I’ll need it.”

Sullyoon rolled her eyes, clearly not in the mood for more teasing. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Jiwoo finally dragged herself off the couch, rubbing her eyes. “Okay, okay, I’m up. But someone better have snacks, or I’m going back to sleep in the middle of the festival.”

“Snacks are the least of your concerns,” Haewon said, grabbing her bag. “Just make sure you all stick close. I don’t want anyone wandering off.”

Bae smirked. “What, afraid we’ll run into Minjae and ditch you?”

Haewon gave her an icy glare. “The only thing I’m afraid of is having to explain to the police why you disappeared into the woods *again*.”

“Noted,” Bae said, throwing on her coat and looking far too relaxed for Haewon’s liking.

“Alright,” Haewon said, opening the cabin door and glancing back at the group. “Last chance to back out. Anyone?”

The group exchanged tired but resigned looks, and no one said a word.

"Good." Haewon said, stepping outside. "Let's go."

The crisp morning air greeted them as they stepped out of the cabin, the faint hum of the forest settling over the group. The trail to the village wasn’t long, but the uneven dirt path and scattered roots made the walk less than pleasant.

Bae lagged slightly behind Haewon, hands stuffed into her jacket pockets. “So, what’s the plan when we actually get there? Just blend in and hope for the best?”

Haewon glanced over her shoulder at her. “Exactly. If we look like we don’t belong, people will notice. And if people notice, we’ll attract attention we can’t afford.”

“Okay, but—” Bae’s lips curled into a mischievous grin— “what’s the *backup* plan? You know, in case someone calls us out.”

Haewon stopped abruptly, turning on her heel to face the group. “I was just getting to that.” She crossed her arms. “We need to look like we’re from here. That means acting the part. Country folk, simple lives. Nothing flashy, nothing weird.”

Bae raised a skeptical eyebrow. “You don’t think us showing up as a random group of strangers is already weird?”

“Not if we sell it,” Haewon shot back. “And that means—” she hesitated for a moment, then said with surprising seriousness— “country accents.”

There was a beat of silence.

Kyujin snorted into her coffee. Jiwoo blinked at Haewon like she’d grown a second head. Sullyoon, to her credit, tried to stifle a laugh but failed miserably, quickly turning her head to hide her amused expression.

Bae stared at Haewon, her expression a mix of disbelief and barely-contained glee. “You realize how stupid that sounds, right?”

Haewon’s brow furrowed. “It’s not stupid. It’s… practical.”

“Oh, sure,” Bae said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Because nothing screams ‘we belong here’ like a bunch of fake accents. What’s next? Do we start chewing on grass and talking about the good ol’ days on the farm?”

Kyujin, now fully awake, chimed in with an exaggerated drawl. “Well, golly, ma’am, I reckon we best mosey on down to the festival before the cows get restless.”

That sent Sullyoon into a fit of laughter, her shoulders shaking as she covered her mouth. Even Jiwoo cracked a sleepy smile.

Haewon pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly regretting ever bringing it up. “I’m serious. If we act out of place, it’ll be worse than a bad accent. Just… try to tone down the city vibes, alright?”

Bae grinned. “No promises.”

As they continued down the path, the village slowly came into view. Old wooden buildings lined the cobblestone streets, and the faint sound of music and chatter drifted in the air. It was smaller than they expected, with a rustic charm that felt almost untouched by time.

Sullyoon tilted her head, taking in the scene. “It’s… quaint.”

“Quaint is one way to put it,” Jiwoo muttered, pulling her jacket tighter around herself. “Creepy is another.”

“Relax,” Haewon said, her voice firm but calm. “We’ll be fine. Just remember—low profile.”

Bae nudged Sullyoon. “Better start practicing your yeehaw, Yoona-yah.”

Sullyoon shot her a glare but said nothing, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her irritation.

They stepped into the village square, where a small crowd had gathered near a stage. Vendors were setting up stalls along the edges, selling everything from handmade trinkets to freshly baked bread. A group of children ran past, laughing and chasing each other, their carefree energy a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the group’s surface.

Haewon scanned the area, her sharp eyes noting every detail. “Alright. Split up if you have to, but stay within shouting distance. We’ll meet back here in an hour.”

“Got it,” Bae said, already wandering toward a stall selling jars of honey.

Kyujin stretched, looking around lazily. “I’ll find something to eat. Don’t wait up.”

Sullyoon hesitated, glancing at Haewon. “What about you?”

“I’ll look for anything useful,” Haewon replied. “Just… don’t get into trouble.”

Sullyoon nodded. Though the unease in her expression didn't fade.

She wandered toward a stall selling hand-knit scarves, her fingers brushing absentmindedly over the soft fabric draped across the wooden table. She wasn’t even sure what she was looking for—something to distract her, maybe. But before she could get too lost in her thoughts, a familiar voice broke through her quiet moment.

“Guess it’s time to find your golden boy, huh?” Bae’s teasing tone was unmistakable.

Sullyoon turned to find her standing at her side, hands casually in her pockets, a lopsided grin plastered across her face. Yoona let out a sharp sigh, shooting her a glare. “Shut up, would you?”

“Wow. Fierce,” Bae said, clearly enjoying herself. “I like that. Good attitude, Yoona.”

Sullyoon rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything else, knowing full well that any protest would only fuel Bae’s teasing. Instead, she focused on the street ahead, trying to keep her cool. But Bae had a way of keeping things… interesting, even when Sullyoon wished she wouldn’t.

It didn’t take long for them to spot him.

Minjae was near the small stage at the center of the square, crouched down as he tightened the bolts on a speaker stand. His sleeves were rolled up, and he moved with ease, clearly used to the physical work. The usual warm, easygoing aura about him hadn’t changed, even in the chaos of the festival preparations.

Bae’s grin widened. “Well, well, well. Look who it is.” Before Sullyoon could stop her, Bae cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, “Hey there! Seems like it’s much different to set up a stage than serving coffee, huh?”

Sullyoon’s eyes widened in horror as she immediately elbowed Bae in the side. “Stop it!” she hissed, her voice low and panicked.

Bae winced but didn’t stop smirking. “What? Just being friendly.”

Ignoring her, Sullyoon straightened up and took a step forward, her expression softening. “How are you doing, Minjae?” she asked politely, her voice steady despite the slight nervous flutter in her chest.

Minjae glanced up, his face breaking into a smile as he recognized her. “Oh, hey! Sullyoon, right?” He stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans. “I’m good! Busy, obviously, but good. What about you? You here for the festival?”

Sullyoon nodded, trying to ignore the way Bae was leaning slightly closer, clearly observing every detail of the exchange. “Yeah, we just got here. It seems… lively.”

“It’s always like this during festival season,” Minjae said, his tone easy and conversational as he gestured toward the stage. “I used to just visit, but this year I got roped into helping out. Definitely different from working at the cafeteria, that’s for sure.”

“Oh, yeah?” Sullyoon asked, genuinely curious now. “What’s it like?”

Minjae chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “Well, for starters, no one’s asking for extra whipped cream on their latte. But it’s nice, you know? A little chaotic, but it keeps things interesting. Plus, it’s cool to see everything come together—music, lights, the crowd. Feels like you’re part of something bigger.”

Bae, who had been uncharacteristically quiet for all of thirty seconds, finally chimed in. “So, you’re saying you prefer hauling around speakers over latte art? Bold move.”

Minjae laughed, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t say that. The coffee shop’s still my day job, so don’t worry—I’ll be ready with your usual order next time you stop by.”

“Good to know,” Sullyoon said, smiling faintly. She could feel Bae’s eyes on her, but she refused to look her way.

“Well,” Minjae said, glancing back at the stage, “I should probably finish setting this up before the sound check starts. It was nice seeing you, though. Maybe I’ll catch you later during the show?”

“Maybe,” Sullyoon replied, her voice soft but steady.

“Cool,” Minjae said with a small wave before turning back to his work.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Bae leaned over, her voice low and dripping with amusement. “So, is this the part where you swoon, or are we saving that for later?”

Sullyoon didn’t hesitate this time. She elbowed Bae hard enough to make her grunt. “You’re so annoying,” she muttered, though her cheeks were noticeably pink.

“And you’re predictable,” Bae shot back, grinning as she rubbed her side. “But, hey, I’ve gotta say—your boy’s got a point. This whole setup thing does seem pretty cool. Maybe we should stick around, see how it all comes together.”

Sullyoon glanced toward the stage, where Minjae was now adjusting the mic stand, his focus completely on the task at hand. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Fine. But only because I’m curious about the show.”

“Sure, Yoona. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Bae winked, earning another glare from Sullyoon as they turned to explore the rest of the square.

Kyujin and Jiwoo wandered through the quieter part of the square, where the crowd thinned, and the playful chatter of children carried through the air. Kyujin was nursing her coffee like her life depended on it, her brows furrowed in thought. She leaned closer to Jiwoo, keeping her voice at a low whisper. 

“I don’t really know where to start,” she admitted, glancing around. 

Jiwoo, ever the calm observer, sipped from her own cup and gestured subtly toward a group of kids playing an impromptu game of tag near a small wooden fountain. “You could always mingle with the kids.”

Kyujin froze mid-step, her jaw dropping. “Hey!” she hissed, glaring at Jiwoo. “I’m eighteen!”

Jiwoo smirked, raising an eyebrow as she took another sip. “Can’t see why you wouldn’t blend in with them.”

Kyujin shot her an incredulous look, clutching her coffee like it was a shield. “Unnie, you don’t get to act all grown up just because you’re a year older than I am.”

Jiwoo shrugged, her smirk widening. “A year’s a lot of time to mature. You’ll understand when you’re my age.”

Kyujin groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. “You’re absolutely insufferable, you know that?”

Jiwoo only laughed softly, clearly enjoying herself. “It’s part of my charm.”

They stopped near a stall selling carved wooden toys, and Kyujin watched as a little boy picked up a tiny horse, his face lighting up with excitement. She sighed, her voice softening slightly. “Still, though… I have no idea what I’m supposed to do here. Haewon-unnie said to look for something useful, but how am I supposed to know what’s useful?”

Jiwoo tilted her head thoughtfully, studying Kyujin for a moment. “Maybe it’s not about knowing right away. You’re overthinking it. Just… look around, talk to people. Sometimes useful things come from unexpected places.”

Kyujin frowned, clearly unconvinced. “That’s vague and unhelpful.”

Jiwoo chuckled. “You’ll survive. Look, if it makes you feel better, I’ll stick around for a bit. You can even vent about how mean I am while you figure it out.”

Kyujin rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile creeping onto her face. “Fine. But if anyone else mistakes me for a kid, I’m blaming you.” 

“Deal,” Jiwoo said with a grin, nudging her forward. “Now go on. Start mingling, *eighteen-year-old*.” 

Kyujin muttered something under her breath but reluctantly moved toward the fountain, where the kids were still running around. Jiwoo leaned against a nearby post, watching with quiet amusement as Kyujin awkwardly attempted to strike up a conversation with one of the kids. 

It wasn’t long before Kyujin’s natural charm kicked in, though, and soon enough, she was laughing along with them, her earlier uncertainty forgotten. Jiwoo shook her head, smiling to herself.

“She’s hopeless,” she murmured, but there was a fondness in her tone as she kept an eye on her younger companion.

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the square, Lily and Haewon weaved through the bustling marketplace. The lively hum of bartering merchants and the occasional clatter of wooden carts filled the air. Haewon, ever the mischievous one, was walking slightly ahead, her head turning this way and that as she scanned the crowd with a grin that could only mean trouble.

“Alright,” Haewon began, her tone brimming with excitement, “here’s what we’re going to do. To avoid suspicion, we need to blend in.”

Lily frowned, already sensing where this was going. “Blend in?”

“Exactly,” Haewon said, spinning on her heel to face her companion. She leaned closer, lowering her voice as though sharing a grand secret. “We’ll adopt fake country accents. You know, like we’re locals. Nobody will question us.”

Lily stared at her, deadpan. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Haewon gasped, clutching her chest in mock offense. “What? It’s a *brilliant* idea. Look, you’ve already got an Australian accent. That should be convincing enough!”

Lily folded her arms, unimpressed. “That’s… not how this works.”

“Details, details,” Haewon waved her off. “Trust me, I’ve got this down. Listen to this.” She cleared her throat dramatically, then adopted a thick, exaggerated drawl. “Howdy there, partner! Fancy seein’ y’all round these parts.”

Lily blinked at her, her expression unreadable. “That’s not even remotely convincing.”

“Sure it is,” Haewon insisted, slipping back into her regular voice. “I sound like I’ve lived here my whole life.”

“You sound like you’ve been watching bad Westerns,” Lily said flatly, though she couldn’t quite hide the twitch of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Haewon grinned, undeterred. “Alright, alright, maybe that one wasn’t my best. But let’s hear yours, then. Go on, give it a shot.”

“No.”

“Come on! Just a little one.”

“No.”

Haewon sighed dramatically, throwing her arms up. “You’re no fun, you know that? Here I am, trying to save us from being suspicious, and you’re just—”

“Haewon-unnie,” Lily interrupted, her tone sharp but not unkind. She gestured subtly toward a cluster of merchants nearby who were glancing their way with mild curiosity. “You’re *making* us suspicious.”

Haewon froze mid-rant, her eyes darting to the merchants. She straightened immediately, clearing her throat and muttering under her breath, “Okay, maybe you have a point.”

Lily shook her head, exhaling softly. “Let’s just… focus on what we’re supposed to be doing here. Blending in doesn’t require fake accents. Maybe just act normal for once?”

“Normal’s boring,” Haewon said with a pout, but she started walking again, her antics temporarily subdued.

As they continued through the square, the crowd grew denser, and the scents of freshly baked bread and simmering spices wafted through the air. Lily glanced around, her keen eyes scanning for anything that might stand out. Haewon, meanwhile, seemed to have already forgotten about her earlier plan, now distracted by a stall selling colorful fabrics.

“Think we’ll actually find anything useful here?” Lily asked after a moment, her voice low.

Haewon shrugged, picking up a bright red scarf and holding it up to her face. “Who knows? Maybe something will just… jump out at us.”

“Helpful,” Lily muttered, earning a cheeky grin from Haewon.

“Hey, you’re the serious one. I’m trying to keep this lively.” Haewon looped the scarf around her neck dramatically before setting it back down. “But seriously, what *are* we looking for?”

Lily hesitated, her expression clouding for just a moment. “I’m not sure. Haewon-unnie just said to look for anything out of place. Something that doesn’t belong.”

Haewon tilted her head thoughtfully. “Doesn’t belong, huh? Like what? A talking cat? A glowing sword? A suspiciously good-looking stranger offering us mysterious advice?”

Lily gave her a withering look. “Quit it.”

“Okay, fine, natural,” Haewon shot back with a wink. “Come on, let’s keep looking. Maybe we’ll stumble on something… or someone.”

With that, Haewon took the lead again, her energy undiminished as she darted toward another corner of the square. Lily followed, shaking her head but unable to suppress a small laugh. 

Haewon slowed down as they passed a stall selling intricate glass trinkets, her hands stuffed into her coat pockets. She glanced over her shoulder at Lily, who was surveying the crowd with a faint furrow in her brow. After a moment, Haewon smirked and asked, “What do you think this Minjae looks like?”

Lily tilted her head, considering the question. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “Bae said he fell for Sullyoon. But I can’t picture anyone *not* falling for her.”

Haewon groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. “Well, that doesn’t make it any easier, does it? We don’t even know whether we’re supposed to look for someone that’s pretty or ugly.”

Lily shot her a sharp look. “Why would being ugly be part of the criteria?”

“I don’t know!” Haewon threw her hands up. “I’m just saying, if we’re trying to find someone who’s obsessed with Sullyoon, maybe he’s self-conscious or something. Or maybe he’s just, you know, average-looking. Or really handsome. Or…” She trailed off, waving vaguely. “Point is, we’ve got *nothing* to go on.”

Lily sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Shouldn’t we just ask them what he looks like?”

Haewon barked out a laugh, shaking her head firmly. “Not a chance. Bae won’t let me live it down if I ask her for help.”

Lily raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because it’s Bae,” Haewon said, as though that explained everything. “If I so much as even hint that I don’t know what I’m doing, she’ll *never* let me forget it. You don’t understand—she’s been holding a grudge since I accidentally spilled her bubble tea last month. She still brings it up every chance she gets.”

“Maybe because you spilled it on her new jacket,” Lily pointed out dryly.

“It was an accident!” Haewon protested, her face scrunching up in indignation. “And anyway, this is different. If I ask her for help, she’ll think I can’t handle something as simple as this.”

Lily frowned, her arms crossing as she glanced back toward the busier part of the square. “So, instead of getting useful information, we’re just… guessing?”

“It’s not guessing,” Haewon said defensively. “It’s… improvising.”

“Oh, great,” Lily muttered under her breath. “That’s reassuring.”

“Hey, don’t underestimate me,” Haewon said, pointing at Lily with mock seriousness. “I’ve got instincts for these kinds of things.”

“You mean the same instincts that told you to fake a country accent earlier?”

Haewon winced, then quickly recovered with a grin. “Okay, that one was a miss, but nobody’s perfect. Besides, we’ve got this whole square to search. How hard could it be to find one guy?”

Lily sighed again, but her lips twitched as though she was holding back a smile. “Fine. So what’s the plan, then, *Oh Wise One*?”

Haewon grinned, clearly pleased with the title. “Simple. We keep our eyes peeled for anyone acting suspicious. And if we don’t find him? Well…” She shrugged. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

“That’s not a plan,” Lily said flatly.

“It’s a *flexible* plan,” Haewon corrected, already striding toward another row of stalls. “Come on! Let’s check over there. I’ve got a good feeling about this one.”

Lily followed reluctantly, muttering under her breath, “This is going to take all day…”

The square had transformed under the night sky, the warm glow of lanterns strung between stalls casting soft, golden light over the cobblestone streets. The hustle of the marketplace had livened up as the festival began to take shape. Haewon and Lily trudged toward the meeting point near the fountain, their search for Minjae having yielded absolutely nothing.

Haewon let out a long, exaggerated groan, throwing her arms up as they walked. “That was the most useless scavenger hunt of my life. We checked *everywhere*, and still nothing. If I ever meet this Minjae guy, I’m going to—”

“Haewon-ah,” Lily interrupted, her tone tired but firm. “Please stop. You’ve been ranting for the past half hour.”

“Ranting is therapeutic,” Haewon shot back, but she quieted down as the familiar figures of Kyujin, Jiwoo, Bae, and Sullyoon came into view near the fountain. “Finally,” she muttered, quickening her pace.

Kyujin waved them over, her expression bright despite the late hour. Jiwoo leaned casually against the edge of the fountain, sipping on what looked like her third cup of coffee of the day, while Bae and Sullyoon stood off to the side, chatting quietly.

As soon as they reached the group, Haewon wasted no time. “We did our best to find Minjae, but we had no luck at all,” she announced, throwing in a dramatic sigh for good measure.

Bae blinked at her, then tilted her head. “Oh, you guys were looking for him? We found him like, ten minutes after we got here.”

There was a beat of silence as Haewon stared at her, processing what she’d just heard. Then, her voice exploded across the square. “*THEN WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SO BEFORE!?*”

Bae flinched, raising her hands as if to shield herself from the sheer force of Haewon’s outrage. “Calm down, unnie! Sullyoon wanted to meet him one on one.”

At this, Sullyoon gave Bae a quick, subtle elbow nudge, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. “You didn’t have to put it like that,” she muttered softly, her voice barely audible.

Haewon gawked at them, her hands on her hips. “Are you serious right now? We’ve been running around this entire square like headless chickens while you two were just hanging out with him? *Unbelievable.*”

Jiwoo chuckled into her coffee, clearly enjoying the drama. “Sounds like you had an eventful evening.”

Lily finally spoke up, her voice level but with a hint of exhaustion. “So… where is he now?”

Bae shrugged, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Right behind the stage. Where else he'd be?”

Sullyoon lingered behind as the rest of the group started walking back toward the square. Haewon, Jiwoo, Lily, Kyujin, and Bae didn’t seem to notice right away, their voices fading into the distance. For a moment, Sullyoon just stood there, her hands clasped together tightly, her gaze fixed on the ground.  

Minjae tilted his head slightly, watching her with a mix of curiosity and concern. “You didn’t have to stay,” he said softly.  

Sullyoon glanced up at him, her expression unreadable. “No, I… I wanted to talk to you.” She took a hesitant step closer, her voice quiet but steady. “About… everything.”  

Minjae straightened up, his casual demeanor slipping as her tone caught his attention. “Alright,” he said carefully. “I’m listening.”  

Sullyoon took a deep breath, her fingers curling into the fabric of her coat as she tried to find the right words. “I noticed you,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “The first time we were at the cafeteria. The way you looked at me… I could feel it.” She paused, her cheeks coloring faintly as she finally met his gaze. “And part of me… part of me liked it.”  

Minjae’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching. For a brief, fleeting moment, hope flickered in his chest, and he took a small step closer to her. “Sullyoon…”  

“But,” she interrupted gently, her voice soft but firm as she held up a hand, “I can’t.”  

The word hung in the air, heavy and final. Minjae froze, his chest tightening as the hope he’d been holding onto began to crumble. “…What do you mean?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.  

Sullyoon’s eyes shimmered in the dim light, her emotions threatening to spill over. “I mean, I can’t be with you. I wish I could, but… things aren’t that simple. I have responsibilities—ones I can’t just ignore. If I let myself get closer to you, it’s not just me who gets affected. It’s the group, the fans… everyone.”  

Minjae’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He wanted to argue, to tell her that none of that mattered, that they could figure it out together. But deep down, he knew she was right. “So that’s it?” he asked, his voice breaking slightly. “You’re just… walking away?”  

Sullyoon’s expression softened, her heart aching at the pain in his voice. “I’m not walking away,” she said quietly. “I’m trying to do what’s best for both of us. Even if it hurts.”  

Minjae looked away, his shoulders slumping as the weight of her words settled over him. All the plans he’d made in his head—the moments he’d imagined spending with her—they all shattered in an instant. He wanted to scream, to beg her to reconsider, but he knew it wouldn’t change anything.  

The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Finally, Sullyoon took a small step back, her voice trembling as she said, “I’m sorry, Minjae. I really am.”  

Before either of them could say anything more, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the tension. Haewon and the others reappeared, their curious gazes darting between Sullyoon and Minjae.  

Haewon squinted at Bae, her expression one of exasperated confusion. “*This* is what all your fuss was about?”  

Bae crossed her arms, her lips twisting into a pout. “Trust me, I’m as disappointed as you are.”  

Haewon rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath as Sullyoon turned back to the group. Her expression was calm, though there was a faint, lingering sadness in her eyes. “We can go now,” she said quietly, her tone leaving no room for argument.  

The group exchanged glances, sensing that whatever had just happened between Sullyoon and Minjae was something they weren’t meant to pry into. Slowly, they began to turn back toward the square, their chatter subdued.  

Sullyoon hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Minjae. He still stood there, frozen in place, his gaze fixed on the ground. Her heart twisted painfully at the sight of him. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle hug.  

Minjae stiffened at first, caught off guard by the sudden gesture. But then, slowly, his arms came up to return the embrace, holding her tightly as though he were afraid to let go.  

When Sullyoon finally pulled back, she lingered for a moment, standing in front of him with her hands resting lightly against his chest. Her eyes searched his, as though she wanted to say something more but didn’t know how.  

And then, before she could step away, Minjae leaned down and kissed her.  

The world seemed to stop. Sullyoon’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching as his lips pressed softly against hers. It wasn’t rushed or desperate—just a quiet, fleeting moment that felt like it existed outside of time.  

When he finally pulled back, Sullyoon stood there, frozen, her wide eyes locked on his. Her lips parted slightly as though she wanted to speak, but no words came.  

From behind them, a loud, incredulous voice broke the silence.  

“We’re gonna be in *so much* trouble,” Bae muttered, her tone a mix of disbelief and resignation.  

Haewon groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I don’t even want to know how this is going to play out.”  

Jiwoo smirked, sipping her coffee as though this were the most entertaining thing she’d seen all night. “Well, that escalated quickly.”  

Sullyoon finally found her voice, though it was barely above a whisper. “I…” She trailed off, her cheeks burning as she quickly stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Minjae.  

The group stood in awkward silence for a moment before Haewon clapped her hands together, her voice loud and authoritative. “Alright, let’s go. We’ve caused enough chaos for one night.”  

Sullyoon hesitated, glancing at Minjae one last time before turning and following the others. Minjae watched her go, his heart heavy but his lips still tingling from the kiss.  

As they walked away, Bae fell into step beside Haewon, shaking her head. “You know, I thought this whole thing was going to be way more dramatic.”  

Haewon shot her a sidelong glance. “Are you kidding? This *was* dramatic.”  

Bae shrugged. “Yeah, but like… not in the fun way.”  

Jiwoo grinned, her voice teasing as she chimed in. “Give it time. Something tells me this isn’t over yet.”  

Sullyoon said nothing as they made their way back to the square, her thoughts swirling with everything that had just happened. Behind her, Minjae remained where he was, watching her until she disappeared into the crowd.

The walk back to the cabin was unusually quiet. The crisp night air bit at their cheeks, and the faint crunch of snow beneath their boots was the only sound that accompanied them. Sullyoon stayed near the back of the group, her gaze cast downward, lost in her own world. The others exchanged occasional glances, sensing the heavy weight of her mood but choosing not to press her. 

As the cabin came into view, its warm, golden glow spilling out into the snow-covered clearing, Sullyoon felt a strange sense of relief and dread all at once. She wanted to escape the whirlwind of her thoughts, but she knew no amount of warmth or comfort could erase the ache in her chest.

Inside, the members settled into their usual routines. Bae and Kyujin immediately began rummaging through the pantry for snacks, Jiwoo claimed her favorite spot on the couch, and Haewon pulled out a notebook, jotting down something Sullyoon didn’t bother to notice. Lily, however, lingered near the fire, her gaze flickering between the dancing flames and Sullyoon, who sat curled up in a corner of the room, staring blankly ahead.

With a soft sigh, Lily grabbed a blanket and crossed the room, sitting down beside Sullyoon. She draped the blanket over both of them and leaned in slightly, her voice gentle. “You okay?” she asked, though the answer was already written all over Sullyoon’s face.

Sullyoon didn’t respond right away. Her hands gripped the edge of the blanket tightly, and her lips trembled as though she were trying to form words but couldn’t quite find them. Finally, she shook her head, her voice barely audible. “I don’t know…”

Lily’s expression softened as she reached out, placing a comforting hand on Sullyoon’s shoulder. “You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready,” she said quietly. “But just know we’re here for you. Whatever it is, you’re not alone.”

Sullyoon glanced at Lily, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Thanks,” she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. “I just… I didn’t think it would feel like this.”

Lily didn’t press further. Instead, she pulled Sullyoon into a gentle side hug, letting her rest her head on her shoulder. They sat like that for a while, the warmth of the fire and Lily’s quiet presence offering Sullyoon a small sense of solace in the midst of her turmoil.

The soft hum of conversation from the others filled the cabin, a comforting backdrop to the silence between Sullyoon and Lily. But then, a sudden knock at the door cut through the moment, startling everyone.

“I’ll get it,” Bae said, hopping up from her spot on the floor. She opened the door, and her eyes widened slightly in surprise before a sly grin spread across her face. “Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up.”

Minjae stood in the doorway, his hands shoved into his pockets, his expression a mix of determination and hesitation. “Is Sullyoon here?” he asked, his voice steady but quiet.

Bae leaned against the doorframe, her grin widening. “You came to rescue your princess?” she teased, earning a snicker from Jiwoo in the background.

Minjae sighed, clearly not in the mood for banter. “Can I see her?” he asked, his tone more serious this time.

Before Bae could respond, Sullyoon’s voice called out from behind her. “Let him in.”

Bae raised an eyebrow, glancing back at Sullyoon, who had sat up straighter. With a shrug, Bae stepped aside, allowing Minjae to enter. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze briefly meeting Sullyoon’s before he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

The room fell silent as the members exchanged curious glances. Lily gave Sullyoon’s arm a reassuring squeeze before standing and joining the others, giving the two some space.

Minjae approached slowly, his hands still in his pockets. He stopped a few feet away from Sullyoon, his shoulders tense. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice quiet but sincere. “For earlier. For… everything. My emotions got the better of me, and I shouldn’t have put you in that position.”

Sullyoon stared at him for a moment, her expression softening slightly. “You don’t have to apologize,” she said quietly. “It’s not your fault. I just… I don’t know how to handle all of this.”

Minjae nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I just wanted to say that, no matter what, I’m here for you. I don’t want to make things harder for you, but… I couldn’t just leave things the way they were.”

Sullyoon’s heart ached at his words, but she managed a small, grateful smile. “Thank you,” she said softly. “That means a lot.”

The tension in the room eased slightly as the other members, sensing the shift in mood, began to gather around. Haewon clapped her hands together, her tone light but firm. “Alright, if we’re all done with the emotional stuff, how about we sit down and enjoy the rest of the night? It’s been a long day.”

They all settled into a circle around the fire, the atmosphere gradually becoming more relaxed. Minjae sat beside Sullyoon, careful to give her space but still close enough to show he wasn’t going anywhere. The members chatted and laughed, the warmth of their camaraderie filling the cabin.

As the night wore on, Sullyoon found herself smiling more often, the weight in her chest feeling just a little bit lighter. Minjae joined in on the conversations, and though things weren’t completely back to normal, there was a sense of peace in the air—a tentative but hopeful beginning.

For the first time that night, Sullyoon allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay. 

And perhaps. Christmas wasn't as much as either giving, or receiving. Maybe, it was just about enjoying it.