Archive of Our Own ^beta

The mall in December is full of holiday spirit and cheer. Decorations are always up and ready by the time it hits the first of the month. This year is no different in that sense.

Honestly, it’s rather pretty when she looks at it. The red and green decorations adorned throughout the mall and littered in the various stores.

The Christmas tree stands tall and proud, ornaments and red-and-green lights making it the obvious centerpiece to the whole thing. Sohyun spots the line of fake presents underneath the tree and the reindeer around it.

And, of course, what’s a mall without the obligatory Santa Claus?

It’s a neat little set-up, with a velvety chair and mailboxes with fake snow for the kids to visit and give him their wishlists. Snowmen are around the outskirts of it, smiling with their carrot noses and holding candy canes. Everything is just as it was last year.

Except, really there’s one problem.

The toddler that sits on Sohyun’s lap is obnoxiously loud. He’s crying, practically wailing in her ears and she can do nothing but sit and pretend to be a good and jolly Mrs. Claus.

The sign that says Mr. Claus in front of the whole set-up now has a really badly taped-on piece of paper to add the capital “S” to make it MrS. Claus. Looks like they couldn’t even bother to get a new sign done.

“Ho ho ho, why are you crying? You aren’t on the naughty list!”

… Sohyun wants to cringe. Dear god.

Don’t get her wrong, kids are cute! …When they aren’t hers, anyhow.

The suit she’s wearing, the red and velvety iconic look, is much too oversized for her. And, it’s hot. No, not in the smoking hot, would attract other girls, and make her the next viral post on “sapphics like” twitter, way.

As in: Sohyun feels like she’s being cooked alive in this suit and the matching white beard, wig, red hat, and glasses really aren’t helping. She’s really giving “we have Santa Claus at home” and not giving Christmas spirit or whatever.

The line of children is still long—at least as long as something like this can get. Two more kids wait for their turn, and she has to beckon them over one by one. Usually, they come up with letters, and she has the task of asking them what they want for Christmas, telling them that they’ve been good, and to make sure to be good to their parents and the world for the rest of the year.

Easy, right?

The toddler wails so loudly in her right ear that she’s ninety percent sure she might lose her hearing momentarily.

Wrong.

This is so not worth the sixteen dollars an hour she’s getting.

The child's parent gives her an apologetic look, snapping a few more photos of the crying toddler on her lap before sweeping him into her arms.

“Shh, shhh. It’s alright, Minseok.” The mother, who looks back at her one last time, mouths a thank you before presumably leaving for wherever she needs to go.

Sohyun can’t help but wonder what exactly got her into this mess of pretending to be Santa Claus on a Sunday evening in the mall when she could be at home, watching The Handmaiden for the 6th time and eating microwaved popcorn on her couch.

Oh, wait. She knows exactly what got her into this mess. And, it all started one week ago.

One week ago.

Sohyun’s stocking the graphic t-shirt shelves of Hot Topic when one of her friend-slash-coworkers, Dahyun, slides up next to her. “Sohyun, guess what I’m gonna do!”

“What?”

Dahyun pouts and makes a disgruntled noise, “You have to guess!!”

Sohyun puts the last shirt onto the shelf from the pile before looking at her friend, “You’re… finally going to admit that you look like Kirby?”

“Wh—That’s not?? I already said I can kinda see it—”

“It’s totally the same.” Sohyun points at the sticker on Dahyun’s nametag. The cute Kirby makes a gasping face and sits on a star. Nien had insisted they all get matching ones.

“...Not the point!” Dahyun whines, carding a hand through her hair. She’s easy to tease and Sohyun has to admit she has a little fun messing with her. Lovingly, of course. “And, by that logic, you and that Doraemon sticker look the same!” Her friend jabs an accusatory finger in the direction of Sohyun’s name tag.

And there it is.

Ever since she cut her hair this short, they’d all been teasing her about this Doraemon thing, much to her dismay.

“…This doesn’t change the fact that you and Kirby are very similar. I think it fits you better. You guys are cute and have soft cheeks.”

“Ahsjjenxkw stop it..” Dahyun complains, swatting at Sohyun’s hand when she reaches over to poke at her cheek. “I’m planning on making cookies this year for everyone when we have the Christmas potluck! Looking up some recipes and stuff. I wanted to know if you had any preferences!”

Oh. Huh.

That was pretty sweet.

Sohyun hums as she mulls it over, hands reaching for the next pile of shirts that must be sorted. “I think it’s hard to go wrong with chocolate chip. I’m willing to try whatever it is you end up baking.”

“…Really?” Dahyun’s eyes sparkle and Sohyun feels herself smiling anyway.

“Of course. You’re gonna work hard to make something nice for everyone when you don’t have to. I’m sure they’ll be amazing.”

“Sohyun…” Dahyun gives an exaggerated sniffle before giving her a big hug. “I’ll make sure that you get first dibs!!”

The taller woman wraps her arms around her friend to squeeze back. “Looking forward to it, then.”

Dahyun gives an appreciative squeal and squeezes one last time before pulling back. “You’re the best!”

“I try, I try.”

The two of them are quick to get to work after that, tag teaming the rest of the graphic t-shirt section to hopefully finish faster so that they can take their break.

It’s a lot of mindless restocking of shelves for the shirts, folding up any messed up ones to make them look nicer, and adding onto the new merch that the store was promoting.

By the time everything is settled, Dahyun and Sohyun linger by the register where Seoyeon stands, counting up the change from a purchase.

“The prices of some of these items are ridiculous,” Seoyeon mutters, “Why are we charging forty dollars for this tiny ass Totoro plushie… I feel like I just robbed a kid.”

Dahyun sighs. “Yeah… I mean we at least get discounts if we ever decide to get something from here…”

“But why would you want to spend part of your check on stuff from here?” Sohyun raises a brow. “Unless you’re buying something like a gag gift or whatever.”

“You mean like the Kirby pants you gave me for my birthday…” Dahyun squints at Seoyeon, who whistles and looks away as she reaches to add more dollar bills into the cash register for change.

Instead, Seoyeon opts to change the conversation. “Anyone got plans for Christmas? Winter break’s been boring.”

Sohyun just shrugs. “The manager wouldn’t let me get the week off, plane tickets during the holidays are expensive, and I need the money so…”

“Ugh. Boo. Someone needs to report him. I swear he’s always a dick when I try to talk to him about anything.” Seoyeon mutters, “But yeah. Xinyu’s still having her party as always. I think I’m gonna go again. You guys should too.”

“I’ll think about it.” Sohyun nods, moving to help Seoyeon clean up around the register a bit more. “What about you, Dahyun?”

Just as Dahyun’s about to open her mouth, something—or, rather, someone—interrupts them.

“What’s up, baddies?”

An all too familiar voice makes the three of them snap their heads over toward the entrance.

Hsu Nientzu, in all of her goofy glory, is pinning her nametag with Shaun the Sheep stickers on it back onto her shirt and grinning widely at them as she strolls up to the counter. “Did you guys miss me?”

“No.” Seoyeon deadpans, not even looking up from the register.

“Whaaat? Not even a little?”

“Are you finally done hitting on Kotone at the sushi burrito place in the food court?” The cashier still ignores her, shoving the last bits of counted change into the register.

“Wh—Ew, I was not doing that!” Nien sputters momentarily, eyes widened before she gains her composure and glares. “I was there to piss her off like usual. Are you just jealous that I’m not hitting on you? Projecting much?”

Seoyeon waves her hand dismissively, “That’s not important.”

“You’re the one dating someone, not me! What would Jiyeon say?” Nien gasps, putting a hand over her chest. “I have some dignity! I am not a homewrecker!”

“Sigh.”

“Did you just sigh out loud?” Sohyun stares at Seoyeon.

“Sigh.” She repeats once more, pretending to be wistful and looking off in the imaginary distance.

“Do you want me to homewreck?? Hello?”

“WELL NO…”

“THEN WHY ARE YOU SO SAD ABOUT IT?”

“I DON’T KNOW!!”

Sohyun just watches the scene unfold with tired eyes. She’s careful to cast a few glances around the store, thankful that no customers are coming in at the moment for Nien and Seoyeon’s shenanigans of the day.

She’s used to this. Seoyeon comments something snarky to Nien, she fires back, so on and so forth. The four of them typically get scheduled together and it’s been that way since she got this job a year ago.

It’s… not exactly worth the pay but Sohyun, a broke college student from out of state, needs the money. Unfortunately.

“I think we are all overlooking a very important thing,” Dahyun clears her throat and slams her hands down on the counter, turning everyone’s attention to her as she wears a serious expression. Sohyun almost thinks it reminds her of Phoenix Wright from Ace Attorney. “Why is Kotone working at the sushi burrito of all places in the food court?”

Sohyun pauses at that, wearing a contemplative expression, “Wait, you’re right. Why is she working there? Their food isn’t even good.”

“You got any idea, Nien? Since you’re always bugging her with… whatever weird homoerotic banter you guys have going on.” Seoyeon looks over at her.

“Bro, it’s not like that. She hates me. And, I can’t stand her,” Nien huffs, almost scowling before her expression relaxes, “It’s just funnier to watch her get mad when I show up. She gets all grouchy ‘n shit. Hilarious.”

“...Right.” Seoyeon gives her an disbelieving look. “Still didn’t answer my question.”

Sohyun isn’t sure when this strange dynamic between Kotone and Nien started. To her knowledge, Kotone’s seemingly the more responsible one out of the two of them. It’s strange to see her constantly engaging in whatever Nien pulls her into and vice versa.

Although, both of them swear up and down that they hate each other.

Moreover, it’s really hard to get Nien to hate anybody. She’s usually the one who helps lighten the mood or makes it easier to be comfortable with her jokes. Sohyun can’t help but wonder what exactly happened to make them… like whatever this is.

But maybe that’s none of her business. She’ll just pretend not to be on the receiving end of Kotone’s ‘complaints’ about her and stay silent.

Nien just sighs and shakes her head. “Whatever. Anyway, I think the owners are kinda weirdos because Tone said when they interviewed her, all she said was her name and they hired her. But, she doesn’t really care since she needed the job anyway…”

Sohyun frowns. “Bro… that feels racist?”

“Um. Hello? That is totally racist?” Dahyun makes a frantic motion with her hands. “I’ve seen the owners. They’re white! And every time they say my name, they keep calling me Ruby instead of Dahyun because they ‘can’t pronounce’ it.”

“And that is why you never tell those guys you have an English name.” Seoyeon nods her head.

“Do you even have one?” Sohyun squints.

Honestly, a couple of people around still call her by her English name. But, somehow, she’s been lucky enough that her coworkers don’t. They actually bothered to use the name she prefers. Those people, especially the ones who hired Kotone, are just straight-up ignorant. Sigh.

Unfortunately, it’s to be expected. Fun!

“Mmmm, I love getting food with a side of microaggressions.” Nien drawls, lazily moving to at least clock in.

Seoyeon finally steps away from her spot with a sigh. “All that aside, what were you saying earlier, Dahyun?

“Oh!” She visibly perks up at this, “Besides the potluck, they asked me to help out and be Santa this year! It’s gonna be great!”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Seoyeon shares a look with Nien, “You actually agreed to do that?”

Dahyun nods eagerly, her wide grin not once wavering, “Yeah! They wanted me to sing and everything too. It’s gonna be so much fun. All the kids and the Christmas vibes… I love Christmas! I’m honestly kind of honored that they asked me!”

It’s at that moment that the three of them glance at each other again.

…

Sohyun, much like the other two, doesn’t have the heart to tell Dahyun that all of them and the other mall employees received the email. She’s probably just the only one who would agree to do it.

Seo Dahyun is an angel. They really don’t deserve her.

“That’s really great, Dahyun.” Sohyun is the first to break the ice, patting her on the back. “I’m sure the kids will love to hear you sing and pretend to be Santa for them.”

Nien snorts. “Yeah, I think I’d rather sit in a nice lady’s lap than an old man’s any day of the week.”

“Bet you wish it was Kotone.”

“YOON SEOYEON I SWEAR TO GOD.”

Dahyun gives an amused smile as Nien and Seoyeon bicker again before looking at Sohyun, “Thanks. I’m sure we’ll all have fun, right?”

She just sighs and rubs at her neck. “I dunno, Dahyun. Not exactly feeling all the Christmas spirit right now. I can’t go home. I don’t even have decorations at my dorm right now. I think I’ll probably just rot away or something.”

“Don’t be a grinch,” Dahyun frowns, shaking her shoulder with one hand, “It’s the Christmas spirit! There’s always magic in the air. Maybe you just haven’t found it yet!”

The way she talks about the holidays, full of wonder and joy, Sohyun can’t help but feel the warmth radiating off of her.

Even though the holidays are rather sad this year for Sohyun, the way Dahyun talks about Christmas makes her want to believe in that.

Surely, this year could still be fun despite not being with her family right now.

Sohyun wants to believe in the magic of Christmas too.

“Y’know what? Maybe you’re right, Dahyun.”

.

.

.

Christmas magic has an interesting way of working itself out.

And by that, Sohyun means that an absolute disaster strikes her in the late hours of her Saturday evening.

Her film critique final from earlier this week has finally been graded! She didn’t fail! As a reward, Sohyun’s curled up on the bed of her dorm, laptop already pulled up with Saving Face playing in the background when her phone rings.

Who could possibly be calling her at eleven in the evening?

Sohyun blindly pats at her mattress with her right hand, keeping her eyes trained on the movie scene unfolding.

She’s finally at the part where Wil and Vivian are about to kiss after reuniting.

It’s incredibly sweet, of course. The kind of scene that has the corner of her lips tugging up and curling into a soft smile. Sohyun’s happy to see the two of them get their ending.

But then her phone buzzes in her hands again.

Her fingers eventually curl around the device, bringing it up for her to see the caller id.

Oh. Whoops.

She uses the pad of her index finger to hit accept and brings the phone to her ear.

“Hey, Dahyun. What’s up?”

The next thing that she hears is absolutely diabolical.

“...Hey, Sohyu— Ackauisbnjkg mdfg.”

Sohyun’s face contorts in mild horror at the sounds of coughing and hacking on the other line. She pulls the phone back momentarily to stare at the caller ID and make sure it really is Dahyun before it goes back up to her ears.

In short, and in the nicest way possible, Dahyun sounds like shit.

“Uh, Dahyun? Are you… sick?”

Sniffling. “Y-Yeah.” There’s a wet and muffled noise that sounds like her friend blowing her nose. “I don’t know how but I got food poisoning and the flu at the same time.”

Sohyun’s eyes widen. “Wh—How does that even happen? Are you alright? Do you need me to pick something up for you? Medicine? Food?”

She’s already sliding off the bed and fumbling to look for a jacket, her laptop long forgotten.

“No, no. I have my stuff don’t worry. Remember those cookies? I..” Sniffle. “Got too excited and ate too much of the dough, I think. And—ACHOO!”

Sohyun squeezes her eyes shut at the volume for a second. Dahyun sounds so nasally and… snotty. She can practically feel the sickness through the line.

“I think I messed up. The recipe turned out good but don’t eat a cup of cookie dough. Too much. And I got the flu too. Everything sucks.”

Wh.

Just as the film major is about to speak, her friend cuts her off again.

“And! Nien and Seoyeon are so… so mean to me.” Dahyun whines and the sound of a body presumably wiggling around in blankets can be heard. “They keep saying I’m like a kid and making fun of me for eating so much of the dough.”

“Well… It’s—” Sohyun pauses. They kind of have a point. How do you eat a whole measuring cup worth of cookie dough? “What’s done is done. You should just focus on getting better.”

“Mmh. Yeah. You’re right.”

“So, what was that favor you needed then?”

There’s a long pause. It’s so quiet on the other line. If not for the sounds of shuffling and faint coughing, she almost thought her friend hung up.

“Hello? Da—”

“Will you cover for me and be Santa Claus for a week?”

.

.

.

She blinks once and then twice.

“... Excuse me?”

“Sohyun. Sohyun please. It’s only for a week. I’m sick.”

What. The. Fuck.

She definitely makes a noise or something. But she doesn’t have time to reply yet before her friend starts talking again.

“Nien and Seoyeon said no. Kotone said no… Even Mayu said no..” Dahyun sounds so pitiful even when she has to blow her nose again.

“Damn.” She mutters under her breath, “Even Mayu?”

Dahyun makes another sad noise. “Yeah. She said she’s still busy working as the mascot for that new fried chicken place.”

“... So what made you think I was gonna say yes?”

“...Because you’re nice?” Dahyun sounds so hopeful. Her voice comes out in a small, congested plea. Her heart squeezes with guilt. Sohyun feels her resolve crumble.

Damnit.

The film major presses her lips together, inhaling as she pinches the bridge of her nose with her free hand.

“Fine.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yes.” Sohyun exhales, letting her hand fall to her side. “Before I change my mind.”

“Thank y—” Dahyun sneezes again. “Eugh. Thank you, Sohyun. I owe you. Seriously.”

“You do.” She sighs. “But please focus on getting better. It’s only for a week, right?”

“Mm. Only for a week. I’ll text you all the info.”

So much for Christmas miracles and magic, huh?

And that’s exactly what brings her to the present Monday evening two days later.

Now that the crying kid is gone, she’s got two more left. The next one ends up passing quickly. She’s a pleasant kid, for the most part. Probably no older than seven years old, really.

The only thing is that she’s incredibly quiet. So, Sohyun has to hunch over and ruin her posture to get close enough to hear her talk—a complete contrast from the screaming earlier. Quiet’s always better than blaring out her eardrums, though.

God. She casts a glance at her watch as the little girl walks off with her parents. So close. Only thirty more minutes until her first day on the job as Santa is over.

When she looks up, she spots the last kid waiting and beckons her over.

The kid all but skips towards her. It's really such a bright ball of energy although she’s the oldest kid who’s approached her today.

Sohyun tries to crane her neck a little to get a good look at the adult accompanying her but is immediately interrupted by the girl quite literally stepping into her entire view.

“Hi, Santa unnie! I’m Soomin! But you probably already knew that!”

How the hell did this kid know—whatever, she doesn’t get paid enough for this.

“Hohoho. Hello, Soomin. Of course, I remember you,” Sohyun wants to cringe again. She pats at her knee, gesturing for Soomin to sit. The kid beams at her, pearly white teeth grinning at her as she sits on her lap.

Sohyun ends up reaching for the ‘list’, adjusting her fake glasses to pretend to peruse the document before setting it down and looking at Soomin again, “So, I’ve heard you made the nice list. What do you want for Christmas?”

“Hmm..” The girl taps at her chin before visibly brightening and looking at her with sparkling eyes. “Santa unnie. I’m going into high school this year. For Christmas, can you get me a girlfriend?”

It takes everything in Sohyun to not immediately burst out laughing. The kid is dead serious too, looking at her expectantly and waiting for a response.

“Soomin!” Her mother(?), calls out to her before facepalming. “I am so sorry. You can ignore her.”

Now. Sohyun didn’t even get a chance to fully look at her earlier. But the moment she trots up and into her vision, she swears everything goes in slow motion.

The kid, who’s apparently named Soomin, looks to her mother with an unbothered expression. In fact, she’s still just as serious as ever. “What? Don’t ignore me?! I’m allowed to ask Santa for whatever I want! And I would like to be blessed by the sapphic gods and finally get a girlfriend!”

Whatever Soomin says almost goes in one ear and out the other.

Sohyun knows it’s rude to stare. But how could she not? This woman was actually gorgeous. Like jaw-dropping and life-changing beautiful. Her eyes travel up the long, dark hair that cascades off her shoulders in waves.

Sohyun can’t stare at her face for long. Not just because it’s rude and creepy—but because this gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous woman might just have to be the prettiest person she’s ever seen.

If not for the situation at hand, Sohyun would have thought she was a model. Her face looks like it could’ve been chiseled by whatever higher being exists beyond this plane.

How is she a mother and looking that good? There’s not a wrinkle in sight, save for some eyebags but who doesn’t have those these days? And despite that, it’s like even her eyebags are pretty.

Seriously. It’s like she can’t be a day over thirty. Even though she’d have to be if her kid is around thirteen.

… Well. Sohyun has always been into older women.

She’s an adult! Honest to god twenty-one years old and going to graduate college soon! It’s not a problem if she wants to date a milf!

“--so sorry.”

Huh?

Sohyun blinks a couple times and realizes that Soomin’s mother is talking to her. Her pretty brown eyes plead with her so earnestly. So much so that Sohyun thinks it’s got her heart lodged somewhere in her throat.

Which angels personally sculpted this woman? And how does Sohyun tell her that without sounding like an absolute loser?

For once, she’s thankful for this ugly itchy beard. Her face feels hot.

“Oh. Er, it’s alright.”

She flashes Sohyun and embarrassed smile before poking at her kid. She’d love to be on the receiving end of those smiles for eternity—or be on the receiving end of anything from her, really. “C’mon, Soomin. Leave her alone.”

“Whaaat?! Nuh uh. I told you I wanted a picture! It’s cool if we get a picture! Right, Santa unnie?” Soomin turns to look at her, wiggling in her lap to get her to tear her eyes away from her mom for just a moment.

“Uhh…”

In the corner of her eyes, she spots the slight pink dusting over the older woman’s cheeks, lips pressed together into a thin line.

Shit. She’s got a job to do. And a shot to take, maybe.

“Hohoho.” Sohyun’s going to be jolly! So so jolly! “Of course. A picture is worth a thousand words. Always happy to take pictures with good children for their very pretty family members.”

Like a dumbass, she ends up making eye contact with her mom. And she winks at her. Badly. So so very badly. The glasses make her look stupid.

To her credit, Soomin’s mother at least laughs a little. Though, she’s regarding her with amusement rather than anything else so maybe it’s not the best idea to shoot her shot while she’s in this stuffy costume.

Maybe it would have worked if she wasn’t freaking Santa Claus right now.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Why did she agree to this again?

Soomin makes a face, gasping, “Santa unnie?! Aren’t you supposed to be married? This is cheating!”

“Hohoho. I am. Nobody said I couldn’t appreciate other people’s beauty. It’s the Christmas spirit after all. Kindness is part of spreading joy!”

Every word that comes out of her mouth makes her want to cringe or crawl into a Santa shaped hole and be buried. Maybe both.

“I didn’t know Santa could be bisexual?” She hears Soomin mutter, only for her to shrug. “Good for you, Santa unnie.”

Her mother… looks like she’s about to laugh again.

Sohyun wants to die.

She can’t even tell this kid that she’s a lesbian because then that would be inappropriate for work and way too much information to be dumped onto a kid who just wants a picture with Santa.

At least she looked amused…?

There’s an awkward silence that passes through.

Thankfully, Soomin just claps her hands together. “What are we waiting for? Let’s take the picture!”

A couple of awkward 0.5 photos later, Soomin finally gets off Sohyun’s lap to check on the photos.

“Hey, these aren’t half bad! Thanks, Santa unnie!”

“Hohoho…” She really needs to stop starting her sentences with that. “Any time, Soomin. Just make sure to be good.”

“If I’m still good, will I get a girlfriend?”

“… We’ll see about that.”

Soomin just cheers. “I’ll take it! Gonna prove to Hayeon that I do have game!”

The kid starts rambling to herself—Sohyun thinks she heard something about a bet. She doesn’t really want to know.

“You didn’t have to play along, you know.” Her mother finally says to her, her entertained expression betraying her words. “Thank you, for doing that though. She was kind of down earlier.”

Oh.

Sohyun takes a glance at Soomin, who’s furiously typing away at her phone with a grin.

“Any time. It’s what I’m here for, right?”

There’s a chuckle. “I suppose so? I don’t think Santa Claus gets people girlfriends for Christmas.”

“Maybe not.” Sohyun finds herself laughing quietly, “I never got your name but since you’re here, what did you want for Christmas?”

“Kim Yooyeon. And,” The other woman pauses, seemingly considering the question before she speaks. “I think this year, I just want to be happy. Simple enough, right? It’s been rough, I guess.”

Ah.

There’s a tired look that crosses over Yooyeon’s features. It’s a look that Sohyun sympathizes with but finds herself curiously wondering what the cause could be. She doesn’t have the right to ask—they’re just strangers who met today.

But, Sohyun finds her heart softening anyway. She still wants her to feel better. Which is why she finds herself saying, “A friend once told me that the magic of Christmas always has a way of working itself out.” Sohyun gives her a small smile. “I’m sure it’ll come to you. Maybe you just haven’t found it yet.”

Yooyeon smiles at her. A familiar pang stabs into Sohyun’s chest. The warmth spreads out from the puncture. “Thanks. I hope it does too.”

Underneath the shitty lighting of the mall, Sohyun feels content. Something about talking to Yooyeon has turned this exceptionally bad experience into something a little better.

The moment leaves too soon though.

“Hurry up! I wanna go see the other decorations!!” Soomin’s voice calls out to them.

“Guess I’ve gotta get going then.”

“Right, right. It was nice seeing you two.” Sohyun’s voice, for some reason, comes off a lot lower than she intends. “I, uh, hope you have a… very Merry Christmas.”

But thankfully, Yooyeon doesn’t seem to mind. All she does is laugh and nod her head.

“You too, Santa.”

There isn’t much time after that—Soomin comes up to drag Yooyeon away by the hand. And Sohyun’s left dumbly smiling to herself as she waves from the velvety seat.

It’s only several minutes after, as she’s getting up to clock out when she realizes something.

She just did all of that as fucking Santa Claus.

Is it too late to schedule for the reindeer to pick her up so she can jump off the sleigh?

hot topic pls go bankrupt

sohyun

guys

this fine ass milf came guys…

her teenage kid wanted a photo with me…

BUT SHE HAS A KID WHAT IF SHE HAS A HUSBAND

nien

i’m sorry, her teenage kid wanted to take a pic with you??

dahyun

like how old is the kid…

sohyun

she said she was going into hs

seoyeon

OH HELL NOOOO

sohyun

she asked me to get her a gf for christmas

nien

LMFAOOOO WHAT

dahyun

she’s kind of real for that though

seoyeon

haha losers

nien

Ok. nobody asked u

seoyeon

Ur just mad af that kotone doesnt want u

nien

HWAT

I DONT WANT HER

SHE’S GROSS

this isn’t abt Me . this is abt sohyun and the milf that showed up

was her husband there

sohyun

no

she smiled at me though <3

dahyun

So like the bare minimum????

sohyun

U dont get to be mean to me. Ur the reason that i’m stuck as santa

dahyun

:(

seoyeon

wow sohyun i can’t believe youre being mean to sick people, how could you

sohyun

you and nien literally kept making fun of her for the cookies thing yesterday??????

nien

Ok see that’s different, we still went to her house and seoyeon made her soup

seoyeon

Wtf you weren’t supposed to say that

dahyun

🥺 it was really sweet, seoyeon was so worried

seoyeon

yeah yeah wtv

sohyun, what are u gonna do abt the milf though

sohyun

nothing?????

she already left

not like i’m gonna see her again

seoyeon

BOOOOOOOOOOO

u should’ve asked for her number

dahyun

in front of the kid ???

nien

omg sohyun

are we gonna be aunts to your future stepdaughter

sohyun

?????

no what the hell

she could have a husband guys

seoyeon

did u see a ring

sohyun

she’s too pretty

do you really think i was looking at her hand

nien

okay so maybe she’s not married!

seoyeon

fair game if there’s no ring and no husband around.,,,,

just saying…

sohyun

you guys are ridiculous, i’m going home

Sohyun, finally out of that stupid santa claus costume, shoves her phone back into her pocket.

Sure, meeting Yooyeon was nice. But, realistically, she was never going to see her again. Or if she does, there’s a minuscule chance of that happening again.

So, all she can do is go back to her dorm and pretend that none of that embarrassing stuff happened.

Sohyun’s left to her own devices as she lays in bed, the faint sound of her roommate doing… whatever she’s doing.

Yooyeon.

Pretty name for a pretty lady.

She can still see her in flashes of her mind, the image still just as clear as it was hours before.

Sure, Sohyun has zero chance.

But, thinking about her can’t hurt. It’s not like it’s a big deal anyway. She’ll get her this quickly.

For now, all Sohyun can do is stare at the ceiling and replay their conversation.

She sincerely hopes Yooyeon has a better holiday season.

“Yooyeon, weren’t you here yesterday with your sister? Why’re we here again?”

Minjeong nudges at Yooyeon’s shoulder with her own, curious eyes peering from behind framed glasses as they walk through the giant mall again.

“I just..” Yooyeon scans around the rather festive decorations, “Wanted to check out the pop mart. Plus, I know you and Minji love that place.”

Truthfully, her eyes do land on the giant Santa Claus exhibit(?) and she gives herself only a few seconds to cast her gaze on the employee working there.

There’s a line of kids waiting for Mrs. Claus, it seems.

As silly as it sounds, something is entertaining about watching her work. Their last meeting still stays fresh in her mind. It rewinds and replays in her brain like an old cassette tape.

But, the moment is short lived when her other cousin slides up next to her.

“Damn right we do!” Minji cheers, linking up with Yooyeon’s arm on the other side, making her look over, “I wanna see if they restocked their Smiskis.”

Kim Minjeong and Kim Minji, Yooyeon’s cousins. A matching pair of sisters for herself and Soomin—though Soomin is much younger than Minji. She’s here for the break to visit home after a long and grueling last Fall semester.

NYU is no joke and neither is Yooyeon’s choice of majoring in the sciences and research.

It’s been a cluster headache of managing classes and work and just trying to live.

Yooyeon, for once, is more than happy to lounge about with Minjeong and Minji—and extended family—this year and push out the ever growing threat of graduation this upcoming Spring. She’s had enough on her plate. Trading the cold winters of New York for the… lukewarm ones in LA seemed like a better idea.

“You and your smiskis…” Yooyeon chuckles, shaking her head.

“It’s a noble collection!” Minji says, dragging both of them into the store.

The store is… the same as Yooyeon remembers it yesterday! Minji flitters around excitably, looking for her prized Smiski section with a grin.

Yooyeon decides to busy herself looking at the Labubus. Soomin likes these—if not evidenced by the keychain that hangs on her sister’s school bag.

Her fingers brush over each of the boxes, picking up a few to flip over and look at the possible contents on the back.

However, Yooyeon can’t stop her eyes from dragging up towards the window.

… admittedly this section of the store has the best angle to look at the Santa “exhibit”. At the risk of her feeling incredibly creepy, anyway.

In her defense, it was nice to hear someone rooting for her yesterday, even if it’s a stranger in a ridiculous costume.

God.

Is she this desperate for human interaction that she’s letting her intrigue take her this far?

“So, why are we really here?”

Yooyeon nearly drops the Labubu box in her hands.

Minjeong stands next to her now, eying her curiously. “Soomin was telling me all about yesterday. Which included coming to this very Pop Mart. So, spill. Uh, what’s going on?”

Leave it to Minjeong to be the one who sees right through her. After all, they’ve spent more or less half of their lives together.

Yooyeon remembers the day that the two of them first properly met each other at the ripe age of ten. Minjeong’s the first cousin of hers that’s actually around her age. Naturally, it means that up until college, the two of them remained in touch and in contact whenever possible.

She’s one of the first people she came out to and one of the first to hear from Yooyeon that she was coming back for the holidays. So, really. What did she expect?

When Yooyeon doesn’t say anything right away, Minjeong just raises a brow.

She caves.

“So, you see that Santa over there?” She tilts her head in the direction of the window.

“Yeah?”

“We talked yesterday. She’s… nice.”

Minjeong blinks once at her. And then blinks again before she almost yells. “I’m sorry, do you have a crush—”

“Shh!! Shh!” Yooyeon’s quick to shush her, frantically waving her hands around.

“Do you have a crush on the Santa Claus worker?!” Minjeong gives her a hushed whisper-yell, confusion blanketing over her features.

“Well, when you put it like that—” Heat travels up her cheeks in embarrassment.

“Oh my god, you totally do.”

“I’m just intrigued! She was just a little silly, that’s all. And it’s not like I’ve actually seen her outside of the costume…”

“Uh huh. Silly enough for you to come for the second day in a row and look at her creepily through a window.”

“Minjeong…”

“Yooyeon…”

.

.

.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this but you should totally go for it.”

Yooyeon doesn’t know what she was expecting. Maybe Minjeong would have dissed her. Maybe she would have called her delusional and dumb. But this? This was not the reaction she expected.

“What?”

“Okay, hear me out.”

Now it’s Yooyeon’s turn to raise a brow. “Famous last words.”

“Guh. Just listen,” Minjeong sighs, “It’s Christmas. It’s winter break! If you think you have a chance, just go for it. You’ll have to go back to school in a few weeks anyway. If it goes badly, you have six months to get over it.”

…

Minjeong has a point.

When she spots the way the gears turn in Yooyeon’s brain, she gives a triumphant smile. “It’s a good idea, right? Besides, I haven’t heard about anything fun going on with you since your sophomore year. It’s almost been two years now. You gotta lighten up!”

“If! If I do this,” Yooyeon jabs a finger at her, “Will you finally go ask Jimin out on a date?”

Minjeong sputters, eyes widened. “What does this have to do with me?!”

“You keep going on and on about Jimin unnie this and Jimin unnie that. If I do this, you finally have to get it together too.”

“Fine!”

“Fine.”

“Uhhh, guys?” Minji interjects, a plastic bag in her hands.

“Guh.” Minjeong makes a noise, looking at her sister with a small frown. “You scared me.”

“I literally just got here???”

“Whatever, anyway.” There’s a finger jabbed in Yooyeon’s direction. “You go talk to your girl. While we go to the food court.”

“Oooh there’s a girl?” Minji wiggles her eyebrows.

“… I’ll tell you later.”

“Aw man.”

“C’mon..” Minjeong tugs on Minji’s wrist. “Let’s go get a pretzel or something.”

Yooyeon has to watch as the siblings leave her outside the Pop Mart for the food court—which means she’s really gotta do this now.

She takes one deep breath before starting to walk.

She’s only intrigued. It doesn’t have to mean anything.

—

Whew.

Sohyun’s reaches for the water bottle behind her chair.

This suit was no joke.

Despite her complaints, the mall made no move to change the costume. They claimed that it was all they could get on such short notice.

Sohyun just thinks they hate her and don’t want to buy another one.

Whatever.

Her fingers wrapped around the plastic bottle, carefully sipping out of the straw poked through the cap, courtesy of Yoon Seoyeon herself. Something about having it for convenience? Also, because taking off the beard to drink water looks a little stupid and, beneath all her clownery, Yoon Seoyeon cares for her.

The moment the water goes down her throat, Sohyun can’t help but let out an appreciative sigh.

The liquid is a refreshing contrast to the itching and humid suit. The velvet, while loose, still serves as a literal heater as it rubs against her skin comfortably if she isn’t careful. Sohyun’s gotten used to the fact that she has to bring an extra shirt now.

But to keep things brief, in Hsu Nientzu’s words: it’s hot as balls in this costume.

Plus, the kids really had her working over time. One of them actually asked her to sing. Which she did, even though she really doesn’t get paid enough for it, just for the kid to say she sucked?

Truly a humbling experience.

Sohyun continues to gulp down the water like it’s her lifeline. Seoyeon had taken the liberty of leaving her multiple—after taking many pictures of her in the suit and making fun of her.

She just doesn’t want to check her Instagram story notifications right now.

“Santa-nim?”

Sohyun chokes on her water.

As if the universe is taunting her, the woman whose plagued her thoughts for the past twenty-four hours has appeared.

Okay.

That makes her sound a little delusional.

But here Yooyeon is anyway, watching her cough and hack in a less-than-graceful manner.

“Are you okay?”

Sohyun frantically nods and holds up one finger before spinning around to put the water bottle down and cough her lungs out without Yooyeon watching her grimace.

Isn’t that great!

Three disgusting coughs and a sip of water later, Sohyun adjusts her beard, fake glasses, and turns around to face Yooyeon.

“What’s up, Yooyeon?” Sohyun offers with a sheepish smile.

God. She totally just embarrassed herself in front of the prettiest woman she’s laid her eyes on.

Yooyeon, thankfully, snorts at her awkwardly timed greeting. “You forgot your hohoho, Santa-nim.”

“Ah—” Just as she’s about to scramble to regreet herself, she catches the teasing smile on her face. “...Are you making fun of me?”

“Me? I would never.” Yooyeon exaggerates, putting a hand over her heart for a second.

“That’s landing you on the naughty list.”

“Oh wow. Didn’t realize Santa-nim took her job so seriously.” Yooyeon chuckles and lets her hand drop not a moment later when she spots the way Sohyun huffs. She catches the flash of sincerity in her eyes. “Kidding. You.. remembered my name though.”

“Yeah. How could I forget? The prettiest lady came up to talk to me and told me her name.”

Yooyeon’s eyes soften for a split second, before they dart back to the movement on Sohyun’s hands. And them, her expression shifts. She presses her lips together as if she’s trying not to grin. “You’re, uh. Really committed to that role, huh?”

“Wh—” Sohyun looks down at her hands.

.

.

.

She was fucking stroking her beard like an old man.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HER?!

Sohyun’s hands immediately fly away, eyes widened and cheeks flushed in pure embarrassment. “I—Well—You see—”

Yooyeon just waves her hands in dismissal, chuckling to herself, “No, no. You’re very dedicated. It’s just funny. Really getting into that old man role.”

“I’m a very youthful twenty-one-year-old, for the record.” Sohyun huffs. “Whatever, anyway. Not here with your kid today?”

Now that gets Yooyeon’s attention. A look of confusion blankets her features. “Kid? What kid?”

Huh?

“Your daughter?” Sohyun says, vague hand motions, “Y’know. A little silly, asked me for a girlfriend this year…?”

“Oh, Soomin?” There’s a short pause. If she didn’t know any better, Yooyeon’s eyes had nearly popped out of her skull just seconds later. “Oh god, no. Soomin is my sister, not my daughter.”

“Oh!” … “Ohhhh…” Looks like she’s not a milf. But hey, that makes way more sense now. Not that Sohyun would have minded if she was a milf! “Wait, so how old are you then?”

“I’m only a year older than you.” Yooyeon makes a face. “Do I seriously look that old?”

Oh god. She’s severely fumbling this. Uh. Quick, Sohyun! Think!

“No! No, you don’t! I was actually thinking that you looked great for your… age. If you were hypothetically a mother—Not! That I would’ve had a problem if you were a mother, I’m just saying that I think you’re gorgeous regardless of that—”

When Sohyun finally looks up from her rambling, she catches sight of Yooyeon eyeing her. There’s mirth sparkling in her eyes.

“...You’re really entertained by this, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.”

It gets impossibly hotter in the suit. “This is so embarrassing..” Sohyun mumbles, fighting the urge to put her head in her hands.

“It was cute. Glad to know you’d… still think I’m pretty if I was a single mother?”

“The universe should just smite me now…” She’s.. whining.

Park Sohyun is outwardly complaining in an extra large Santa costume with a matching beard and glasses and hat in front of a gorgeous woman who isn’t a milf but is still just as hot.

“What did you say your name was again?”

“...Park Sohyun.”

“Hm. How about this, Sohyun? You can make it up to me with food.”

…Maybe all hope isn’t lost yet!

Sohyun perks up at this, suddenly reinvigorated with new energy. “I have an employee discount for the food court if you’re really hungry now. Half off everything! You can get whatever you want, my treat.”

“No more hohoho’s?”

Sohyun frowns.

“Kidding,” Yooyeon offers her a small smile, “Sounds like a great idea.”

.

.

.

.

(“Hey, Mayu?”

Sohyun sits next to Mayu on the pavement in front of the new fried chicken place across the street from the mall in the evening.

“Yeah, Sohyun?”

“How do you stay in character while in that suit?”

Mayu looks at her, still wearing a ridiculously huge chicken suit and the head that covers her face. Her voice comes out muffled. “Sohyun, I’m a dancing chicken. No offense, but I really don’t think you should be asking me for advice.”

Sohyun just keeps going. “Have you ever hit on someone as the chicken?”

“...What? No?????” Sohyun can’t see her expression but she’s very certain that Mayu is pulling a face right now. “Have you hit on someone as Santa?”

“Kind of?” Mayu makes a noise and Sohyun has to interrupt her again, “Before you jump me! She’s so fine, Mayu. Like I think she could be a literal model if she wanted to be. If she was up there advertising a product, I would probably buy it! But every damn time I see her, I’m stuck as Santa Claus.”

Mayu pats her shoulder. It’s a giant chicken hand. “Maybe you should try to talk to her outside of being Santa sometime soon?”

“Yeah. Probably.”

“Just be yourself. I’m sure if you’ve already fumbled this bad and she still talks to you, she must like you a little!”

“Wh—” Sohyun turns to look at her friend, only to see a giant chicken staring at her. Right. “... Thanks, Mayu.”

“Any time!” She chirps. “Now, I think I gotta spin this sign again before my boss sees me slacking.”

… The things people do for money.)

Two days pass.

Sohyun’s officially on her second to last day of being Santa Claus.

But now, she’s got something to look forward to.

Since their first few meetings, Sohyun and Yooyeon have a routine. She thankfully hadn’t screwed up asking for her number. So, Yooyeon now knows her schedule and comes after she’s done being Santa Claus. Thank god.

By the time Sohyun’s changed, combed through her short hair and styled it with some gel (Thank you, Kim Nakyoung), Yooyeon’s already waiting for her by the side of the food court.

As always, Yooyeon looks stunning.

Even in just a simple blouse and pants, Sohyun feels like she’s being pulled in. Her outfit isn’t too bad, (a similar kind of button-up and pants with a jacket) because yes, she plans her outfits now that she knows Yooyeon will be there.

“Hey,” Sohyun finally says when she reaches the older woman, bag slung over her shoulders, “You look really nice.”

“Thanks,” Yooyeon drags her gaze up from her phone and gives her a once over. Sohyun’s legs feel a little wobbly at the slight upturn of the other woman’s lips, “You’re not so bad yourself.”

The film major feels her cheeks grow hot and her fingers have a mind of their own when they fly up to the back of her neck to scratch. “Thanks?”

They spend a short moment there, just staring at each other until Yooyeon clears her throat.

“So, what food court item are you recommending to me this time?”

“Actually,” Sohyun starts, taking in a deep breath, “I was thinking maybe we could… get out of here? You’re dressed all pretty and, I dunno,” The embarrassment fizzles out the shred of confidence she had moments ago, “Thought I’d take you somewhere a little nicer, if that’s okay with you.”

“Oh.”

“It’s cool if you don’t want to, I just thought—”

“Sohyun,” Yooyeon calls out to her, abruptly interrupting her rambling, “I’d be happy to. As long as you’re giving me a ride back here?”

!!!!!!!

She said yes!

“Of course!” Sohyun tries and miserably fails to hide the way she brightens at the response. “I’ll even take you home if that’s easier.”

.

.

.

The place Sohyun picks a nice, mid-priced restaurant that she’s familiar with. It’s all pastas and similar foods. However, the lighting and the ambiance serves for the … ‘chill’ vibes she was looking for. Never mind the fact that this is starting to look a little bit like a date.

Sohyun’s running out of words to describe how Yooyeon looks to her. At the risk of sounding like a Pop Base update, she looks absolutely radiant even though her appearance literally hasn’t changed since they got in Sohyun’s car and drove here.

She watches the light yellow hues cast upon the other woman’s concentrated face, taking in the sight of her knit brows, pursed lips, and serious expression as she debates what to order.

Sohyun busies herself with the drinks menu at least—she doesn’t want to look like a weirdo for staring again. By the time she settles on a drink and looks up, Yooyeon’s looking at her already.

An involuntary curse floods into her mind when her heart skips a beat.

“Figured out what you want to eat?”

“More or less. Think I’ll just go with their bolognese. What about you?”

“Shrimp pasta.”

Yooyeon gives her a look.

“What?” Sohyun tilts her head, “Not a fan of shrimp pasta?”

“Shrimp is a bit…”

“Kim Yooyeon, are you judging me for my food choices right now?” Sohyun decides to give her a taste of her own medicine, feigning offense with a dramatic gasp.

“Hey, you’re the one eating it…”

“I better not hear you asking for some later then.”

It doesn’t take that long to place and receive their orders. And, thankfully, it’s not as awkward as she anticipated.

“So, winter in New York,” Sohyun swishes the water in her glass, “How’s that? Compared to here, anyway.”

“Definitely a lot colder,” Yooyeon pokes at her pasta with her fork. “It’s nice and is closer to what a stereotypical Christmas is like. But… nothing beats home. Kinda glad to not be trudging through the snow right now.”

“Makes sense,” Sohyun nods along, “Kinda wish we could build a snowman or something though. Guess I’ll be settling for some gingerbread houses.”

“Didn’t take you for someone that builds gingerbread houses.”

“My roommate, Nakyoung, likes them. We try to build one for our dorm every year. It.. usually ends up looking like shit though.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

Sohyun just quietly pulls up a picture to show Yooyeon.

The gingerbread house from last year looks… worse than she remembered. The green frosting looked like discolored globs, the white from the frosting to put the house together was everywhere, and the house itself was very very lopsided.

Yooyeon eyes the photo and presses her lips together, exhaling shakily. “It’s definitely a gingerbread house.”

“You can laugh, it’s okay.” Sohyun mumbles, “The house fell apart after we took the picture so it’s the only one we have from last year.”

“How did you guys mess it up that bad?”

“No idea. I keep telling her we should just buy those stupid cookies from the supermarket and call it a day but it’s like a weird tradition now.”

“Your friends sound interesting.”

As if on cue, the “hot topic baddies” gc lights up on her phone with multiple texts asking if she’s coming to Xinyu’s Christmas party. Sohyun flips her phone down on the table with a sigh. “You’re telling me. I love them but I’m also happy to get away from all that for a bit. So, thank you.”

“Of course. I get it. I… told you that I had a bit of a rough year. Family’s great but they won’t stop bugging me about stuff for the future. So, I’m thankful to you too.” Yooyeon gives her a small smile. “I’m happy to be here with you tonight.”

In the dim lighting of the restaurant, Sohyun hopes it isn’t obvious how her cheeks grow red again—seems like it’s a pattern with Yooyeon. “Well, the night’s not over yet. We’ve got some food to finish. And something else to do, if you want.”

“Oh? You’ve got more planned?”

“If you’re up for it, yeah.” Sohyun grins, “You said this was your address earlier?”

.

.

.

“How’d you know about this place?”

The two of them trudge through a well-lit and festive neighborhood near Yooyeon’s home.

“Would you believe me if I said one of my friends lives around here?”

The neighborhood is rather festive. All the houses are decorated in the appropriate Christmas festivities. Lit up candy canes, Christmas trees, reindeer, wreaths, and, of course, a down-right ridiculous amount of Santa Claus. One of the yards quite literally has a giant blown-up version of him. “Dahyun’s pretty obsessed with the holidays. It’s nice.”

“Is this the same friend that’s the reason why you’re still Santa Claus for one more day?” Yooyeon chuckles, hand brushing against Sohyun’s in a way that has electricity zipping up her arm.

“The one and only, of course.” It’s quite fitting, Sohyun hums to herself. Seo Dahyun would be a big fan of all things Christmas. “I really hated it at first. Nothing against kids or Santa. Just wasn’t something I was planning on.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ somewhere.”

“But,” A giddy smile works its way up her features, “I’m starting to think it’s not so bad.”

“Wonder why.” Yooyeon, wearing a knowing look, still teases her. “Does it maybe have something to do with people visiting your exhibit?”

“Yeah, actually. There’s this really pretty lady that keeps coming. Really makes my shifts a lot easier.”

“Looks like you got pretty lucky then.”

“I think so too.”

A cold breeze passes through and Sohyun doesn’t miss the way Yooyeon’s form trembles slightly in the corner of her eye. And, as if possessed by something, she’s already shrugging her jacket off and tugging at Yooyeon’s wrist.

“I thought New Yorkers were supposed to be well adapted to the cold?” Sohyun takes the opportunity to tease, holding it out for her to take.

“I am. It’s not that bad—” Another cold breeze comes through, making her close her eyes. When she opens them again, she sees the way Sohyun’s brows are raised.

“What was that about it not being that bad?”

“...”

Yooyeon pouts. Sohyun swears she’s going to have a heart attack from how cute it is.

She just quietly moves to put the jacket around the other woman, adjusting its collar before stepping away. Her heart swells at the sight of her in her jacket. Too damn cute. “There. Can’t have you catching a cold.”

“What about you?”

“We’re almost at your place anyway. I’ll manage.”

True to her word, they arrive at Yooyeon’s porch in no less than 5 minutes.

“Your house is nice,” The film major ends up saying, watching as Yooyeon fumbles to unlock the door.

Part of her is a bit disheartened by their time ending so soon. But it’s not like she doesn’t have her number. They can always text. There’s no point in sulking—especially not in her face.

“It’s nice when the door locks don’t need to be oiled.” There’s a grunt before they hear the sound of it unlocking. Yooyeon turns around. “I had a lot of fun tonight, Sohyun. You’re not so bad for company. I hope we can do it again sometime.”

Ah. She has an idea.

“I had fun too. And speaking of doing something again,” Sohyun’s tone teeters on hopeful, “One of my friends is having a Christmas party this Saturday. If you’re not busy, would you… want to go with me?”

A look of contemplation crosses her features but Yooyeon smiles in the same way that makes her legs feel weak and stomach swoop with butterflies. “Yeah. I’d love to. Text me the details?”

Nothing could have stopped the eager smile from taking hold of her face. “Of course! I’ll do it as soon as I get back. I’ll see you later?”

“I’ll wait for that then. See you later,” Yooyeon nods, turning to let the door swing open. She halts in her place for a moment.

Before she has time to wonder why, Yooyeon suddenly turns around and presses a soft kiss on her cheek. “Good night, Sohyun.”

The film major freezes in place and the door closes shut before she can say anything in response.

What just happened?

…

Sohyun’s hand hovers up over the spot where Yooyeon had kissed her cheek.

No way.

No freaking way.

Kim Yooyeon just kissed her cheek.

Despite the bite of the cool winter air, Sohyun feels its warmth the entire way back to her dorm.

.

.

.

(When Yooyeon enters the house, Minjeong is already waiting for her by the couch.

“How was your date?”

Yooyeon’s cheeks finally flush red, “It wasn’t a date.”

“Oh yeah? And whose jacket is that? I know it’s not one of mine.”

Yooyeon looks down at the black jacket loosely hanging over her frame. Shit.

“Right. So, let me ask again! How was your date?”

Curse her cousin and her good observation skills. “It was… good. Where are my parents?”

“Turned in early. Soomin challenged Minji to a Super Smash Bros 1v1. They’re ups—”

“YOU LITTLE SHIT.” Minji’s voice echoes from presumably Soomin’s room.

“Upstairs.” Minjeong finishes, an amused smile crawling up, “But that was it? Just good? Yoo, I’ve heard about this girl from you more times than I’ve spoken to my parents this week.”

“She’s nice! And… she invited me to a Christmas party in a few days.”

“Does that mean I get to help you pick an outfit?”

Her cousin looks so hopeful. There’s no getting out of this now. Yooyeon just gives her a nod.

Minjeong squeals.)

Of course, Xinyu’s parties are loud.

That’s the one thing Sohyun was sure to warn Yooyeon of when sending her the address. She would have picked her up herself but the older woman said she was coming from some errands.

It’s not as loud as some of her other parties—the queen herself had said she was going to keep it classy tonight—but it’s still loud. She doesn’t know everyone here even if it’s less than those that typically attend.

Which is exactly why Sohyun’s standing around with her friends in Xinyu’s penthouse and waiting for Yooyeon’s arrival.

“I wanna see the mystery milf.” Nien says, nudging at her right shoulder.

“Bro she said she wasn’t a milf.” Seoyeon chimes in, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. There’s pink frosting on the top, no doubt one of those alcohol-infused ones.

“I’m sure she’s really pretty! Right, Sohyun?” Dahyun, now looking less like a sickly Victorian child and more like herself, stands on Sohyun’s left with a happy expression.

“Really pretty doesn’t even cover it.”

“Hohohoho.. someone’s whipped.” Nien teases, nudging at her again, “I wanna know what she saw in Santa Sohyun.”

“I’m leaving, Nien.”

“Aw what?!”

“Nooooo, Sohyun. You’re gonna leave me alone with her?” Seoyeon complains, still sipping on her drink.

“You have Dahyun too.”

“It’s not the same! We’re the Hot Topic Baddies gc. It’s not complete without you.” Seoyeon gulps down the rest of her hot chocolate. There’s a pink frosting mustache on her face that makes her look a little silly.

“Bro, you got something…” Nien snickers as she gestures at her friend’s face.

“I didn’t get it on my nose.” She squints at Nien. Thankfully, it’s gone as soon as Seoyeon licks it off her lips. “You think I’m stupid?”

“Woah! I did not say all of that.” Nien throws her hands up in defense. “I was helping!”

Dahyun shares a look with Sohyun. Here they go again.

Thankfully, she doesn’t have much time to watch them bicker. The elevator makes a dinging noise behind them.

When she turns to look, it’s like the rest of the world slows down.

It’s strange to think that it’s only been a week but Kim Yooyeon has to be one of the prettiest, if not the prettiest girl she’s ever seen.

Sohyun’s body moves on its own to meet Yooyeon halfway, grinning. “Hey. Glad you could make it.”

“Yeah, this is…” Yooyeon casts a glance around the festive air in Xinyu’s penthouse, “You weren’t kidding about this being fancy. I brought the host a gift?” She holds up a long rectangular bag.

“She’s gonna love you for that.” If Sohyun had to guess, it’s probably wine. And, well, with the festivities for tonight, Xinyu will probably be more than thrilled. “I’ll introduce you to my friends and we can find Xinyu?”

She doesn’t have time to get a response. In fact, the next events that unfold really should’ve been something she expected.

“Oh my god, are you the mystery milf?!” Nien’s voice immediately enters her ears, and that means that the other two aren’t far behind.

“Holy shit, she’s real.” Is all that comes out of Seoyeon’s mouth.

“Woah. Sohyun said you were pretty but not this pretty.” Dahyun gapes, frantically looking between Yooyeon and Sohyun.

“Mystery milf?” Yooyeon looks to Sohyun with an amused grin.

… Her face burns from embarrassment. “I told them you weren’t actually a milf.”

Yooyeon snorts. “I’m guessing the rest of you are the infamous Hot Topic Baddies group chat?”

“Yes, ma’am!” Nien gives a dorky salute.

“That’s Nien, Seoyeon, and Dahyun.” Sohyun gestures to them individually. “Unfortunately, they’re my friends.”

“Unfortunately?!” Seoyeon frowns.

“You know you love us!” Dahyun gives two thumbs up.

Sohyun just rolls her eyes and gently tugs on Yooyeon’s wrist. “Do you wanna go find Xinyu and give that to her?”

“I don’t think I really have a choice,” Yooyeon, ever the opportunist, still wants to tease by looking down at their hands “But yeah. Let’s get this over to her.”

Despite her friends’ protests, Sohyun and Yooyeon manage to break away from her friends, weaving through the crowds and familiar faces to find Xinyu.

“Sohyun! You made it!” Xinyu cheers when she sees them, running over to hug her before looking at Yooyeon. “And, you brought a friend!”

“Hi, Xinyu.” She laughs, hugging her back before pulling away to introduce her… date? Friendly-date! Friend! Yes. Friend. “This is Yooyeon.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Yooyeon. As you know, I’m Xinyu.” She grins. “It’s been ages since Sohyun brought someone with her. And she has good taste, you’re gorgeous!”

“Thanks,” Yooyeon breathes out an embarrassed laugh at that, holding out the bag. “It’s nice to meet you too. I brought you this?”

“Oh, you’re so sweet! Thank you,” Xinyu’s jaw drops as she takes the gift, looking between the both of them before settling on Sohyun, “I like her!”

She isn’t sure if Xinyu was trying to whisper but Yooyeon only flushes at the compliment.

“We’re gonna play some holiday-themed games in the main room, you guys should come!” Xinyu winks, “I just need to put this gift with the rest of the alcohol for tonight.”

The host doesn’t give them a chance to reply, saying her goodbyes and shuffling off to put the gift away.

Damn.

“Are my friends still interesting?” Sohyun sheepishly laughs.

“Definitely. They seem nice though.” Yooyeon rocks on the balls of her feet. “Should we… check out those Christmas games?”

“Yeah! I’m sure they’re fun!”

Fun is one way to describe it.

It looks like Xinyu had set up multiple games at a time, somehow.

There’s trivia going on in corner—Yoon Seoyeon undoubtedly vying for first place.

There’s a heated game of truth or dare happening on another side. Sohyun’s pretty sure that they’ve somehow mixed it with pin the tail on the reindeer but… she isn’t sure.

Dahyun and a couple of other people are going crazy on the karaoke machine since the music for the party is “up to everyone’s discretion”.

And there’s a cookie decoration station! Fun.

Overall, it’s chaos. But in a jolly way, of course. Leave it to Zhou Xinyu to plan out an insane holiday party.

“Did you want to try any of these?” Sohyun asks, chuckling at the way Yooyeon’s eyes widened.

“I think… I’m okay with just watching for now.” Yooyeon eyes the crowds uneasily. “Unless you want to try something?”

“I don’t want to force you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.” Sohyun cranes her neck to look for something to do and spots Mayu by the tables, chatting with another person. “We can try decorating cookies if you want. Seems relatively… peaceful over there?”

Yooyeon casts a look at the table, noting the significantly less amount of people there in comparison to the others. “Yeah, I think that’s okay.”

As expected, Mayu and Yooyeon do end up hitting it off. The three of them work and talk amidst the chaos going on in other parts of the room.

“I think my gingerbread man looks a little deformed…” Mayu frowns, pulling the frosting away to look at it.

“It still looks like a gingerbread man, at least. And he’s edible.” Yooyeon remarks casually, piping the icing for her sugar cookie to make it look like an ornament.

“Our gingerbreads can be deformed together,” Sohyun scoots hers next to Mayu’s. They’re both a little lopsided in terms of frosting. But Mayu’s cookie has a ^_^ expression, while Sohyun’s… the smile looks a little squiggly.

“Ah, I should take photos and send this to Xinyu.” Mayu suddenly takes out her phone from her pocket. “You guys put your cookies in too! It’ll be cute!”

“You’re not just going to find her?” Yooyeon tilts her head but still puts her cookie next to theirs.

“Mmh… Xinyu’s always everywhere when she gets like this. It’s easier to text her and then she’ll probably appear somewhere.” Mayu pokes at the edge of her cookie, snapping a few photos.

“You two still haven’t…?” Sohyun starts, getting cut off by the way Mayu squeaks.

“We haven’t done anything! Why would we be doing anything together? We’re just friends!”

“Uh.. nobody said you weren’t?” The film major tilts her head, giving Mayu a confused look. “I was going to say you two still haven’t seen each other yet?”

Her friend turns beet red, sputtering. “R-Right. Right. Uh. I haven’t seen her since the beginning of the party.”

Sohyun and Yooyeon share a look.

Apparently, that’s all it takes for them to start scheming.

“I think I saw her head for the kitchen earlier,” Yooyeon offers, shoving a thumb over her shoulder. “Maybe you should talk to her? I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

“Yeah! Maybe she needs help organizing more stuff. You know Xinyu.” Sohyun urges, picking up Mayu’s gingerbread man and holding it out to her. “You could even show her this in person. I’m sure it’ll make her happy to know someone’s enjoying her party.”

“Ah—Um.” Mayu looks between the both of them for a moment, as if considering. A couple of seconds pass before she slowly takes the cookie from her. “Yeah. I think I’ll go. Sorry, um. It was nice meeting you, Yooyeon!”

“You too!”

And then… she’s gone.

“Did we just…?” Sohyun turns to look at Yooyeon with an amused expression.

“Scheme our way into maybe playing matchmaker? I think so.” The other woman laughs, “Mayu seems nice though.”

“She is! And Xinyu would be an idiot to turn her down. I’m like…” Sohyun’s face turns contemplative as she bobs her head side-to-side, “Ninety percent sure she also likes her back.”

“I hope it works out for them, then.”

“Me too.”

A long pause falls over them. To call it silence would be disingenuous, considering that Seo Dahyun is giving another great rendition of Last Christmas into the microphone right now.

“Do you, uh, wanna find somewhere more quiet to talk?” Yooyeon finally asks.

“Yeah—Yeah! Sure. I don’t think anyone’s gonna mind us going somewhere quieter.”

Sohyun holds out her hand for Yooyeon to take, cookies long abandoned on the table as they push through the crowds of people.

Xinyu’s penthouse is bigger than Sohyun remembers it being. They twist and turn through the halls until the music sounds more muffled.

The amount of people lessens but never quite goes away, which is to be expected.

But, what happens next, is both expected and unexpected.

Sohyun turns the corner with Yooyeon by her side.

And that’s when she catches sight of Kotone, hands wrapped around Nien’s tie as she pulls her closer for a kiss.

Holy fucking shit.

It definitely isn’t the first time this happened either, judging by how easily they slip into it.

Sohyun gapes and has to pry her eyes away because she swears she hears Kotone calling Nien hot.

She needs to bleach out her ears.

They couldn’t have waited to at least get to one of Xinyu’s spare rooms to make out????

…

No wonder she didn’t see her with the others earlier.

She owes Seoyeon so much fucking money.

Sohyun slowly turns to look at Yooyeon, trying to gesture for them to tiptoe away as quietly as possible. But, as fate would have it, someone pushes past them in a hurry. Their footsteps practically sound like a stampede as they head for the bathroom on their left, closing the door with a loud slam.

Jesus.

It seems like the two of them finally pause, catching sight of both Sohyun and Yooyeon awkwardly standing.

Kotone and Nien both stare at them like two deer caught in headlights. Kotone makes the move first, practically jumping away.

“This is—um. Not what it looks like. We’re just friends.”

“Oh, really.” Nien huffs, a brow raised as she readjusts her collar, “That’s what we are?”

“Do you prefer sworn enemies? Don’t be like this right now, Nien. You’re the one that didn’t want us to wait.”

“Me? You’re saying I’m the reason why this is happening?! You’re the one who said we should—”

The two of them are back to arguing like they always do.

…

“We’re just… gonna leave you two to do that.” Sohyun’s already tugging Yooyeon in the opposite direction and ignoring the protests that start up again behind her.

When they finally get far away enough, Sohyun just stops them in one of the hallways. “Sorry about that. I, uh. Knew they were just pretending to hate each other’s guts but… I don’t think either of us needed to see... Whatever that was.”

“I’ve… seen worse?” Yooyeon offers, laughing quietly. “Looks like there are a lot of couples around though.”

“Yeah. It seems like that’s the case.” Sohyun scratches at the side of her neck.

A pause.

“It’s been nice here, though. Getting to see these kindness of parties before I have to go again in two weeks. Without worrying about school, anyway.” Another pause. “But I guess me talking about it counts as worrying, huh.”

Ah, right.

She’s leaving.

Sohyun tries to ignore the pit in her stomach twisting.

“Yeah. But that’s okay, I think. As long as you don’t worry too much, right?” She forces a laugh, “Is it wrong to assume that you’re having fun?”

“I am. Thanks to you, anyway.” Yooyeon nudges at her shoulder. “I appreciate it. Seriously. You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.”

Yooyeon flushes pink and doesn’t say anything.

…

Sohyun’s heart pounds as she looks at Yooyeon.

It’s now or never, isn’t it?

Inhale. Exhale.

The worst she can say is no. And, if anything, she’ll have an entire semester to get over it.

She’s got this.

“You can tell me if it’s too soon but, I really would like to get to know you and take you out on a real date. If you’ll let me.” Sohyun says, reaching and holding onto Yooyeon’s hands and squeezing them. “I know you have to go back and finish the semester out but, I figured I’d take my chances. ”

“I’d really like that, actually,” Yooyeon looks up at her, eyes sparkling as a soft smile appears. “And, it looks like maybe you’ll be getting an extra Christmas gift from me this year.”

“Wha—?” Sohyun follows Yooyeon’s eyes up and spots the mistletoe, in all of its glory, hanging above them. “Oh.”

“If you want it, that is.” Yooyeon makes sure to add.

Her heart hammers in her chest when she turns back to look at her, bringing a gentle hand up to her cheeks and leans in. “Can I?”

Sohyun feels a warmth seeping into her palms when Yooyeon gives a nod. And then, she’s meeting her halfway.

Kissing her feels like nothing she would’ve imagined. It makes her heart swell to five times its size; like fireworks going off or two puzzle pieces slotting together. There's nowhere else she'd rather be than in this moment. 

They pull away, foreheads touching as they refill their lungs.

“Hohoho?” Yooyeon jokes despite being breathless.

…

“Are you serious?”

“It was funny!”

Sohyun meets her eyes and that’s when the dam bursts.

The two of them laugh until their stomachs hurt and there are tears in their eyes. Underneath the mistletoe and with all the Christmas lights, it feels like the picture-perfect moment.

Perhaps Dahyun was right. Christmas magic is real. She just had to find it.