Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Next stop: Gangwon-do Station!"

Taehyun sighed softly, leaning his head against the cold glass of the train window as the announcement rang out overhead, watching the snowflakes fall thick and fast, blanketing the world outside in white as the train quickly passed by.

His breath fogged against the glass, wiping it away absentmindedly with his sleeve, his eyes wide with wonder and fascination. It still amazes him how snow can be both beautiful yet so scary at the same time, he could barely see anything far away.

Turning away from the window, Taehyun leaned against the comfortable chair, closing his eyes as he relaxed and waited patiently for his stop, his heart an anticipating mess.

The train was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional murmur of other passengers. Honestly, he probably looked insane since he was already bundled up in a thick coat, scarf, and gloves, inside of an already heated train, but he just couldn't help it — the excitement kept him warm.

He honestly never expected that this winter break, he would be heading to Gangwon-do to spend time there with his older cousin Yeonjun, who lived in a winter cabin in that province.

After long weeks of grueling exams, endless nights of studying, and an unhealthy dosage and amount of energy drinks paired with instant cup ramen that was not good for his body — he was certain that if he drank one more can of Red bull, that his heart would literally implode on him mid-exam.

But by the end of it all — the endless cramming and sacrifices — he did it. He passed every exam with flying colors, though at the expense of his precious sleep. It was worth it. His education and scholarship mattered too much to risk over a few missed hours of rest.

Still, the ordeal left him drained, both mentally and physically. He desperately needed a break.

With winter break just around the corner, he saw his chance: three weeks of no classes, no projects, and no annoying classmates. Just peace and relaxation.

Normally, he'd head home to Seoul to spend the holidays with his family. But this year felt different. He couldn't shake the urge for something new — a change of scenery, a fresh adventure. The thought of staying at his dorm in Busan was equally unappealing. After three years of living there, the walls felt suffocating.

Taehyun, being the considerate son he was, talked to his parents about it. He wasn't about to abandon them for the holidays without explanation. After a heartfelt discussion, they reached a compromise — a solution to satisfy his restless desire for adventure.

A week ago, while decompressing in the school library after a brutal exam that nearly made him reconsider college altogether, his phone buzzed. Startled, he picked it up, and his confusion turned to surprise when he saw the caller ID: Choi Yeonjun.

"Hello?" Taehyun answered, excitement blooming in his chest at the name. "Hyung! I haven't heard from you in forever, here I was thinking you collapsed and turned into ashes or something!"

"Hey! I'm not even that old yet," Yeonjun scoffed, smiling widely at the sight of his baby cousin. "Anyways, I came to check in on you — and ask a question as well, you busy?"

Taehyun bit a smile back, it was always a rare occasion to get a phone call from his older cousin, Yeonjun, who was currently living in Gangwon-do after receiving a better job opportunity there. In all honesty, he was more of an older brother to him than an older cousin, their close bond was something he always cherished.

Yeonjun was confident, carefree, and endlessly kind and considerate. He would always spend every single holiday with him until Taehyun was begging for him to go home and leave him alone, in a joking way of course. So to say the least, when he moved away, it was a bit lonely.

"Oh," Taehyun blinked, realizing he had spaced out. "No no, not busy at all, just debriefing and spacing out since I just got out an exam." He glanced down at the large textbooks on the table in front of him.

He heard Yeonjun hiss in a breath. "Yikes, an exam? I feel bad for you, thank god you survived it!" He chuckled before his tone turned into something serious. "Anyways, I talked to your parents recently, they told me that you didn't want to come home during the holidays?"

Taehyun shrank in his chair, feeling a bit embarrassed hearing his desires out loud. "It's not that I don't want to, I love them! But I just want something..." He paused. "...something new, somewhere I haven't been to before, somewhere to experience new things."

There was silence on the other end of the line. If Taehyun didn't know Yeonjun so well, he might have thought he was being judged. But he knew better — Yeonjun was likely deep in thought.

"I just..." Taehyun exhaled softly, searching for the right words. "I don't want another holiday like the last few. I'm tired of the same places and routines. I need something exciting — something that feels alive."

After a moment of silence, Yeonjun finally spoke up, his voice tinged with happiness.

"Then why don't you come over to Gangwon-do? I have a winter cabin you can stay over at, I also live near a ski resort," Yeonjun suggested, his tone comforting and firm. "You can partake in new activities, meet my friends, and hey! Who knows? You might meet someone here as well!"

Taehyun was frozen at the words he was hearing, his eyes widening in shock at the suggestion — Gangwon-do? He hasn't been there, ever. But he does know that the province was famous for its large mountains and extravagant holiday activities there, along with the multiple ski and snowboard resorts.

A winter cabin for this holidays break...?

It sounds nice, he hasn't really been to an area with a bunch of snow like that before.

Busan never really received snow, only the cold air and flurries here and there — but it was never enough to cover the area in a winter wonderland. For Seoul, it did snow, but only a few inches and then it would melt within a week — but Gangwon-do? An area where the snow could potentially go up to his knees?

It sounds like heaven.

"Yeah," Taehyun smiled brightly, hearing his cousin cheer in the background. "I would love that, thank you."

After that phone call, everything felt lighter. Taehyun counted down the days to winter break with growing excitement, ready to leave behind the stress of exams and the monotony of Busan. The thought of spending the holidays in Gangwon-do with Yeonjun was exhilarating. New experiences awaited him, and he could hardly wait.

As he sat on the train, lost in thought, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Fumbling with his gloved hands, he pulled it out, his face lighting up when he saw Yeonjun's name on the screen.

"Taehyun!" Yeonjun's voice rang with warmth and excitement as soon as he answered. "Almost here? The snow's really coming down, so be careful when you leave the train! I can't wait to see you — it's been way too long!"

A warm smile grew on his lips, his nerves settling slightly as his excitement bubbled within him like a storm. "I'm almost there, about thirty minutes to say the least. I'm so excited to see you again, hyung!"

"I am too, I'll be here when you get off to pick you up!"

After exchanging a few more words, Taehyun finally hung up the call and leaned back into his seat, feeling content and happy that he's spending his break at this cabin, to finally relax.

He needed this — needed to get out of Busan, out of the city, out of his own head.

But now that he was actually nearing Gangwon-do, his nerves that he tried so hard to bury were creeping in. What if he got lost? What if he embarrasses himself in front of the elders friends? What if he didn't pack enough warm clothes?

Taehyun shook his head, trying to push the worries away. This wasn't the time to overthink. He'd made it this far, hadn't he?

After a long, long, thirty minutes, the train began to slow as it approached a small station, and an announcement crackled over the speakers that they've arrived at Gangwon-do station, Taehyun could barely make it out over the sound of his heart pounding heavily.

As soon as the train stopped, Taehyun waited a few minutes for the aisles to clear out until he finally stood up and gathered his things — his backpack and a small suitcase — glancing out the window one last time. The snow was still falling, the world outside looked untouched and magical, like a postcard come to life.

Okay, this is it. He nervously thought, shuffling his backpack on and walked over to the train doors that hissed open, a blast of icy air greeting him.

Taehyun shivered the moment he stepped out of the warm train, pulling his scarf tighter around his neck as he carefully stepped down the stairs, careful not to fall and literally die on some ice — his boots crunching against the fluffy snow.

For a moment, he stood there dumbfounded. Looking around the train station which was covered in heavy snow as he fumbled to get his phone out of his pocket to call his cousin until a voice called out for him.

"Taehyun!"

He turned at the sound of his name and saw Yeonjun waving at him from a few steps away, bundled up in a thick coat and a beanie, his grin as bright as ever. Taehyun felt a rush of relief and happiness as he walked over, his suitcase trailing behind him.

"Yeonjun hyung!" He called, his voice muffled by his scarf. "I'm so happy to see you!"

Yeonjun smiled widely, pulling his baby cousin into a quick hug before clapping him on the back. "Look at you! All bundled up and out of the cold, you look like an oversized marshmallow! How was the ride?"

"Long..." Taehyun said, glancing around, distracted by the pretty snow. "But amazing, the snow is incredible here. Busan feels like a different world compared to this!"

Yeonjun chuckled. "You'll get used to it," He spun his keys around his finger. "Now come on, let's get you to the cabin before the snow gets worse and you freeze to death, won't want you looking like Anna at the end of Frozen."

Taehyun rolled his eyes and chuckled, the both of them walked through the small station and out into the snowy streets, and he felt his nerves begin to fade. The air was cold but fresh, the kind of cold that made his cheeks sting and his breath visible. The world felt quiet, peaceful, like it had been waiting for him.

He led him out to a sturdy SUV parked nearby, taking his things and loaded them into the back as he ushered for him to climb inside. After a moment, Yeonjun came inside and turned on the car, the heater roared to life and Taehyun couldn't help but sigh in relief as the warmth began to seep in.

"You're going to love it up here," Yeonjun said as he eased the SUV out of the parking lot. "The cabin's cozy, the resort's close, and the food — oh man, the ojingeo sundae is to die for. You've been working so hard; it's about time you took a break."

Taehyun smiled at the warmth of his cousins kind words, giving him a nod as he turned his head and glanced out the window as they drive. The snow-covered trees and fields passing by in a blur.

For the first time in a long time, he felt like he could breathe.

"Thanks for inviting me," he said after a moment, his voice quiet but sincere. "I'm thankful for my parents, but... being here with you feels like a breath of fresh air."

Yeonjun shot him a quick smile. "Anytime, Tyun. You deserve it."

As they drove into town, the streets came alive with festive holiday cheer. Taehyun's eyes widened at the sight of string lights crisscrossing above the roads, their warm glow casting a golden hue over the snow-covered streets. Vibrant reds, greens, and golds adorned shop windows, each decorated with wreaths, garlands, and intricate holiday displays.

Children in puffy jackets darted around, their laughter carrying through the crisp air, while couples walked hand in hand, their cheeks flushed from the cold. It was like stepping into a holiday postcard, and Taehyun couldn't help but press his face closer to the window, taking it all in.

In Busan, the holidays were celebrated with warmth and charm, but here — with the thick blanket of snow and the unmistakable magic in the air — it felt different. Special.

"Wow." He murmured, his breath fogging the glass.

"Gangwon-do knows how to do Christmas right, huh?" Yeonjun said, casting him a grin. "This place transforms in the winter. You wouldn't believe it's the same town in the summer."

Taehyun nodded, still mesmerized. Busan had its own beauty, but this... this was something else entirely. A nostalgic warmth began to build in his chest, a spark of childlike wonder he hadn't felt in years.

"So," Yeonjun started, his tone teasing. "How's college treating you? And just don't say 'fine.' I know you, have you met any... lovers yet?

Taehyun groaned loudly, especially at the last part, leaning back in his seat as he looked over at the elder. "Do you really want to know? Or are you asking just to start conversation?"

"Maybe both."

"Well," Taehyun began, sighing dramatically. "Being a physics major is ruining me. The exams were brutal, the problem sets never end, and don't even get me started on quantum mechanics!" He groaned loudly. "I'm pretty sure I aged ten years this semester, and no. I haven't met anyone."

Yeonjun burst out laughing, the sound filling the car. "You're so dramatic, Taehyun! Also, whaaattt??! You're still lonely? That's embarrassing."

"I'm serious! My brain feels like it's been microwaved.” Taehyun threw his hands in the air, before glaring at him. "And what are you talking about?! Embarrassing? You're not even in a relationship either!"

The elder snickered softly. "Yeah, yeah, but you love it, don't you?" He asked, giving him a knowing look.

Taehyun opened his mouth to protest but stopped. A small smile crept onto his face, and he nodded. "Yeah... I guess I do. There's something about solving a tough problem or understanding a concept that feels... satisfying."

"I knew it," Yeonjun said, smirking. "You're a nerd, and I love it."

Taehyun rolled his eyes, but his smile didn't fade. "Thanks, hyung."

They fell into a comfortable silence as the SUV left the city limits, the festive lights and bustling streets giving way to open stretches of snow-covered fields and dense forests. Taehyun stared out the window, marveling at the way the trees stood tall and still, their branches heavy with snow. It was quiet now, the kind of quiet that felt profound and endless.

"Feels different, doesn't it?" Yeonjun said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Taehyun replied softly. "It's... peaceful."

Yeonjun nodded. "We're pretty far from the city now. The cabin's in the middle of nowhere, but that's what makes it so great. No noise, no distractions. Just snow and trees and fresh air."

Taehyun turned to look at him. "And the resort?"

"It's called Ito Resort," Yeonjun explained. "It's a smaller place, but it's cozy. Gangwon-do is famous for its ski and snowboard resorts, and this one's no exception. You'll love it. They've got slopes for beginners, so maybe we'll get you on skis."

Taehyun's eyes widened. "I've never skied before."

"Perfect. You can learn."

"Or fall flat on my face."

Yeonjun laughed. "That's part of the fun."

Taehyun chuckled, shaking his head. He was nervous, sure, but the excitement bubbling in his chest far outweighed it.

"You'll also meet some of my friends," Yeonjun continued. "They're a fun group. A bit chaotic, but you'll fit right in. Plus, the cabin is big enough for all of us, so you'll have plenty of space."

"That sounds nice," Taehyun said honestly, smiling softly. "I haven't spent Christmas with a new group of people for... a while now, It's nice to have something to look forward to."

Yeonjun glanced at him, his expression warm. "Well, this year, you've got us. No more spending Christmas alone, okay?"

Taehyun nodded, his chest tightening with gratitude.

As they drove deeper into the forest, the snow seemed to glow under the fading sun, casting an ethereal golden hue over the landscape. The world felt vast and quiet, like it belonged to them alone.

Taehyun leaned back in his seat, letting out a deep breath.

For the first time, in such a long time, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

By the time they were nearing the cabin, the snowstorm outside was relentless.

The wind howled sharply, and the snow began falling so thick that it was hard to see more than a few meters ahead. Yeonjun, who gripped the wheel tightly, squinting through the windshield as the wipers worked overtime to prevent them from dying.

"Man, Gangwon-do snowstorms really do know how to make an entrance, I did not see this on the weather forecast!" Yeonjun said, his voice light and joking despite the worsening conditions. "Don't worry, this is nothing! It gets way worse sometimes!"

Taehyun shot him a nervous glance, the car swerving slightly. "Uhm, that's... that's comforting, hyung- do you know how to drive?"

"Of course I know how to drive!" Yeonjun scoffed, offended by the question. "Just relax! I swear I've driven through worse. But hey, if the snow buries us here in the middle of the road, you're the first to be wolf food."

"What?"

"Nothing!"

Taehyun chuckled awkwardly, unsure whether the elder was joking or not. He hopes he was joking.

After what felt like an eternity, the SUV finally turned down a narrow path flanked by snow laden trees, and in the distance, a huge cabin slowly came into view, making his jaw drop.

The cabin was massive — far bigger than he'd imagined. Its log exterior glowed warmly under the soft light spilling from the windows, and a wraparound porch was dusted with snow. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and a wreath hung on the front door, adding a festive touch.

"This- This is your cabin?!" Taehyun asked, absolutely stunned. When Yeonjun said he had a cabin, he assumed it was a small log room! "Are we at the right place?!"

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Yeonjun said, grinning as he parked the car. "What? Is it too fancy for you? Low quality college dorms more comfortable?"

Taehyun rolled his eyes. "It's not what I expected, but it looks really nice."

"Wait till you see the inside." Yeonjun said, unbuckling his seatbelt.

As soon as they stepped outside, the wind hit them like a wall, and Taehyun stumbled, his scarf whipping around his face. He clutched his backpack tightly as he tried to steady himself, nearly falling into the snow.

Yeonjun laughed loudly, barely affected by the storm. "Careful, Tae! Don't let the snow take you out before you even step inside!"

"Easy for you to say," Taehyun grumbled, his voice muffled by the wind. "This wind is crazy! How could you willingly live out here?"

Yeonjun chuckled, making his way to the back of the SUV. He popped the trunk and pulled out Taehyun's suitcase with one hand, inspecting it with an amused grin. "Three weeks, and this is all you brought? Plus a tiny backpack? Were you planning to just live in the same outfit every day?"

Taehyun flushed, snatching the suitcase back. "I packed enough! I just... like to keep it simple, okay?"

"Relax, I'm teasing," Yeonjun said, ruffling Taehyun's hair before turning toward the cabin. "Now come on, before we freeze solid and end up as someone's holiday lawn decorations."

Inside, the cabin greeted them with instant warmth, and Taehyun sighed in relief, pulling off his gloves and scarf. The cozy interior felt like heaven compared to the biting cold outside. Yeonjun wasted no time, crouching by the fireplace and expertly arranging logs.

"Give me a second, and I'll have this place warm enough for you to finally stop complaining," Yeonjun quipped, lighting a match and tossing it into the hearth. "Little brat."

While the fire crackled to life, Taehyun took a moment to soak in his surroundings. The cabin was stunning — high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, a large stone fireplace now glowing with flames, and a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Holiday touches were scattered throughout: a garland draped elegantly over the mantle, twinkling fairy lights strung along the walls, and a small but thoughtfully decorated Christmas tree tucked in the corner.

"This place is amazing," Taehyun said, his voice filled with awe. "It's like something out of a holiday movie. Definitely a step up from the tiny decorations at home."

Yeonjun straightened up, brushing his hands off. "Glad you like it," he said with a grin. "It's held up pretty well, even in weather like this. Cozy, warm, and no bears — so far."

Taehyun snorted at that and wandered toward the kitchen in search of a snack. However, as he rounded the counter, something odd stopped him in his tracks.

"What the..."

Sitting on the counter was a huge reindeer figurine — or... at least that's what it was supposed to be. It was crudely shaped, made of random twigs and branches that were haphazardly glued together, with one antler significantly larger than the other — wait, were those M&M's as the damn eyes?

"Uhm... Jun...?" Taehyun called, his voice tinged with both hesitation and alarm as he remained rooted to the spot, staring at the disfigured stick reindeer on the counter. It looked like it might spring to life at any moment. "What... what is that?"

Yeonjun appeared in the kitchen a moment later, his brow furrowed at the distressed tone in Taehyun's voice. When he spotted the mangled twig reindeer, his expression immediately shifted to one of utter annoyance.

"For the love of — ugh, damn Soobin and Beomgyu!" he groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

"Who?" Taehyun asked, staring at the reindeer like it might spring to life and attack.

"My... unfortunately, my best friends," Yeonjun grumbled, glaring at the offending object. "I swear! I leave for two hours, and they break in just to leave this kind of dumb shit behind! They think they're so hilarious!"

Taehyun couldn't help it; he burst out laughing. "Wait, they made this? Why?"

Yeonjun threw his hands up. "Because they're chaos incarnate. Last time, it was a snowman with a damn pineapple on its head inside the cabin. I still don't know how they managed that."

Taehyun doubled over, his laughter echoing through the kitchen. "Okay, this is kind of genius. You've got to admit, it's creative."

Yeonjun shot him a mock glare. "You know what, you're lucky you're family, or I'd make you take it with you home! Now come on, let's get rid of this thing before it scares you in the middle of the night."

As Yeonjun picked up the reindeer and carried it toward the door, muttering curses under his breath, Taehyun wiped tears of laughter from his eyes from the sight, his heart warming up at the hilarious welcome gift.

The minute the elder came back, Taehyun was spent from laughing too hard, smiling widely. "The names you mentioned, were those the friends that we'll be hanging out with for Christmas?"

"Mhm," Yeonjun hummed, wiping his hands, grimacing slightly from the marks the sticks left. "They're... they're something. Soobin, Beomgyu, and Huening Kai — they're all my best friends."

Taehyun smiled warmly, he always loved hearing Yeonjun talk about the new people he met or his friends, especially now since he hasn't seen the elder in a while — it feels good to know that his cousin hasn't been lonely and isolated from the world in Gangwon-do.

"I'm assuming Soobin and Beomgyu are the trouble makers."

"Oh, definitely," Yeonjun groaned, sinking onto the couch. "Soobin's actually really responsible — he's the resort owner's son, after all — but put him in the same room as Beomgyu? Pure chaos. And Beomgyu? God, he thinks he's the funniest person alive. Huening Kai's the sweet one, though — he's your age. You'll probably get along with him."

Taehyun's lips twitched at that, feeling a little less nervous about meeting them. "What about Beomgyu? Is he responsible like Soobin or just... pure chaos?"

"Beomgyu?" Yeonjun scoffed, rolling his eyes. "He's smart, respectful when he needs to be, and even responsible in his own way. But the rest of the time? He's a menace. He's like a five-year-old with a PhD in pranks."

Taehyun chuckled, finding it hard not to laugh at Yeonjun's suffering. "They sound like fun, though."

"They are fun," Yeonjun admitted, his eyes softening for a moment before a mischievous grin crept onto his face. "Actually, now that I think about it..." He paused, his gaze sharpening with playful intent. "Beomgyu might just be your type."

Taehyun's eyes widened hearing that, his jaw dropping slightly as his heart stopped. "What? Don't- Don't assume things, hyung!"

"What? I'm just saying!" Yeonjun teased, holding his hands up defensively. "You like funny guys, right? Someone to keep the party going? Beomgyu's exactly like that! Not to mention he's hot as hell, definitely your type!"

"I-I don't even know what he looks like!" Taehyun protested, the blush betraying his voice. "What if he's like... thirty or something?"

"Hey! Don't be mean, he's like... twenty-two or something," Yeonjun snickered, causing Taehyun's heart to drop — Beomgyu was a year older. "Relax, relax, I'm kidding... kinda, and you'll see what he looks like tomorrow!"

"You're so annoying," Taehyun sighed, though his heart raced just a little. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but maybe — just maybe — he was a bit curious about this Beomgyu guy. "I don't even know why I agreed to come here with you."

"Because you love me!" Yeonjun teased, standing up and motioning for him to follow. "Now come on, get up. Let me show you around so you don't end up wandering like a ghost in the middle of the night."

For the rest of the time, Yeonjun led Taehyun through the cabin, pointing out each room with an enthusiasm that made the place feel even more inviting. The living room, with its sprawling sectional couch and plush blankets, was centered around the roaring fireplace. The kitchen, though not massive, was modern and cozy, with gleaming countertops and wooden cabinets.

"This is the dining area," Yeonjun said, gesturing toward a long wooden table near a window that overlooked the snowy forest. "I don't use it much since I usually eat on the couch, but it's nice right?"

"It's really nice," Taehyun said, still in awe. "This place is way fancier than I imagined."

"You haven't even seen the best part," Yeonjun said, grinning as he gestured for Taehyun to follow him upstairs.

The staircase creaked slightly under their feet, the sound comforting in the quiet of the cabin. Upstairs, the hallway was lined with doors, and Yeonjun stopped in front of one, pushing it open with a flourish.

"Now presenting," He announced, his voice filled with excitement. "Kang Taehyun's new room!!"

Taehyun froze as his eyes took in the sight before him. The room was... perfect. A queen-sized bed sat beneath a large window that framed a stunning view of the snowy forest. The duvet looked impossibly soft, inviting him to sink into it. A small desk and chair were tucked into the corner, and framed prints of snowy landscapes adorned the walls. The soft golden glow from a bedside lamp made the room feel impossibly cozy.

"Oh my god..." Taehyun whispered, his voice barely audible. "This... this is amazing. So much better than the dorms."

Yeonjun leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed and a smug smile on his face. "Glad you like it. Figured you'd want something quiet and comfortable after all the chaos of exams."

Taehyun turned to him, his expression softening. "Thanks, Jun. This... this means a lot."

Yeonjun's grin widened, and he stepped forward to ruffle Taehyun's hair. "Don't get all sappy on me now. You deserve this."

Taehyun smiled brightly, an embarrassed flush washing over his face. "It's nice and all, but why do you have such a large cabin? It's like it's meant for a whole family, not just one person."

"Well, technically, I don't live here full-time," Yeonjun explained, looking around the room. "Outside of my job, I come here every winter to help out at the ski resort. Soobin usually needs the help since this place gets crazy busy despite its small size, especially during the holidays. I've been helping out for years, it's kind of our thing."

Taehyun nodded his head, taking it all in. "That sounds... really cool, and here I was thinking you'd be trapped in an office job forever."

"Oh, trust me, It still feels like that." Yeonjun said, sighing softly at the idea of his current job. "It's fun, though. The atmosphere here during winter is unbeatable, especially with my dumbass friends. You'll see when they come tomorrow."

Taehyun bit the bottom of his lip, excitement bubbling up inside of him at the idea of properly meeting Yeonjun's friends. But, for some reason, his mind slowly drifted towards the Beomgyu guy the elder had mentioned earlier — his damn curiosity getting the best of him, he was really wondering if he was his type or if Yeonjun was being overdramatic.

"Thanks again for inviting me, hyung," Taehyun said, looking over towards him. "I don't think I've ever been this excited for a winter break."

"Hey, you deserve it," Yeonjun said, standing and ruffling Taehyun's hair. "Now, relax. You've been traveling all day, and the snowstorm isn't letting up anytime soon. Get some rest, and we'll start your Gangwon-do adventure tomorrow."

Taehyun nodded, setting his suitcase down near the desk. As Yeonjun headed out of the room, he paused at the door, looking back with a warm smile.

"Welcome to your winter getaway, Taehyun."

"Thanks, hyung." Taehyun replied, his voice soft.

The door was shut closed with a soft click, leaving him alone in the cozy room. For a moment, he was debating whether or not he should unpack right away or relax, but he decided to go with the latter as he sat down on the bed and stared out the window.

The snow continued to fall, blanketing the first in white. All of his nerves about traveling alone and leaving Busan, especially to a place he's never been before, had melted away, replaced by a quiet happiness and a growing sense of anticipation.

Christmas was in five days, and for the first time ever, he felt more excited than ever.

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛

By the time the sun arose and the next morning came, Taehyun slowly began to wake up from the faint sound of muffled shouting coming from downstairs.

His eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment, he was disoriented. It wasn't the first time he had woken up to strange shouting near his room, kudos to college being semi-crazy sometimes. But the cold in his room was sharp, far from the usual warmth he was used to in Busan.

Taehyun let out a small whimper, his body shivering as he pulled the blankets tighter around himself until his mind began to slowly clear up and the memories of where he was clicked into place.

Gangwon-do. The winter cabin. The resort. My first day here.

Excitement surged through him, quickly overriding the cold as he was fully awake now. He scrambled out of bed, his socks barely insulating him from the chilly wooden floor.

But besides that, even when he's a shivering mess, he rushed to get dressed — layering a sweater over a thermal shirt and tugging on his jeans. After that, he went over to the bathroom and brushed his teeth and splashed his face with cold water — feeling more awake.

However... the cold was getting to him.

"Why the hell is it so cold in here?" He muttered, rubbing his arms. Maybe he should've slept by the fireplace.

Once he was finally done, Taehyun took a deep breath as the muffled voices from downstairs grew louder, pulling his attention.

For a moment, he was a bit worried whether he should go downstairs or not, worried he might walk in on Yeonjun punching someone — but he didn't want to make a bad first impression. So he hurriedly adjusted his hair in the mirror, tucking a few strands behind his ear and rushed out of the room, heading down the staircase.

The moment he reached the last staircase and stepped into the living room, his eyes widened as he stopped abruptly, startled by the scene before him.

Yeonjun lounged on the couch, his arm draped lazily over the backrest, watching the chaos in front of him with mild amusement. Beside him sat a younger boy with round cheeks and a gentle expression, his lips twitching as if he were trying to hold back laughter but failing miserably.

In the middle of the room, two others were locked in a fiery debate. One of them, tall and broad-shouldered with a strikingly pretty face, was gesturing wildly as he pointed accusingly at the other. His opponent, a boy with ash-gray hair and sharp yet soft features, stood there with a smirk that practically oozed mischief, unfazed by the shouting.

And right in the center of it all, perched proudly on the coffee table like it was some kind of prized art piece, was the horrifying, ugly, makeshift reindeer from the night before.

"I told you it was fine the way it was!" The tall guy said, waving his hands around. "It wouldn't have nearly broke in the wind if you'd just left it alone!"

"But I said it needed a hat! It's festive!" the gray-haired boy shot back, the mischievous glint in his eyes only growing. "And maybe if you hadn't used hot glue, it wouldn't look so — uh — minimalist."

"You were the one who suggested hot glue, Gyu! And now it's barely standing!"

"Art is subjective, Bin!"

Yeonjun, who began to pinch the bridge of his nose in exasperation, groaned softly at the argument that had been going on for far too long. He rolled his eyes as the boy next to him whispered something in his ear, making him smile warmly.

Before Taehyun could process what was happening, or even run away since he had the chance since he didn't want to be caught in this strange argument, Yeonjun suddenly noticed him and lit up.

"Tyun!" Yeonjun exclaimed excitedly, standing up. "You're up! Perfect timing!"

The moment Yeonjun announced his presence like it was a damn grammy award or something, the argument immediately died down as the three people in the living room went quiet and turned to look at him, making his heart drop down to his stomach in fear.

Yeonjun strode over and grabbed him by the arm, before he could even run away and find shelter in his room, forcing him further into the living room as he stood in front of the group.

"Guys! This is Taehyun," Yeonjun happily showed him off. "My cousin I was telling you about, remember? The one that will be staying over at Ito for the holidays."

Taehyun managed a shaky breath, his lips curving into an awkward smile as he gave a small wave. "Uh... hi."

The other three boys smiled warmly at him, making his heart skip a beat for a moment knowing he hasn't made a dumb first impression of himself yet.

"Let me introduce you to them, these are the friends I was talking about last night," Yeonjun said as he began to point at each of them. "This is Soobin, that responsible one but absolutely stupid when it comes down to friends!"

Soobin rolled his eyes, scoffing softly as he crossed his arms but offered a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Taehyun. Don't listen to your dumbass cousin, I swear I'm the smartest when it comes down to this group."

Taehyun's eyes widened when he looked over at Soobin, one of the guys bickering. Holy shit, he was handsome — but also freakishly tall, but something about him just screamed kindness and comfort, and he could definitely understand why Yeonjun befriended him.

"Yeah, yeah, smartest my ass," Yeonjun snickered before pointing over towards another person, the boy on the couch. "This is Huening Kai, the one I said who was your age? He's the sweetest person you'll ever meet, trust me on that!"

Huening Kai waved enthusiastically, his eyes lighting up like stars as he was practically glowing. "Hi, Taehyun! Welcome! I'm so excited to meet you!"

Taehyun smiled brightly and waved back. Yeonjun was right, Huening Kai was absolutely sweet — he was sorta glad to meet someone like him, and he's already certain that the male would be his close friend during this trip.

"And finally..." Yeonjun sighed, but the smirk on his face betrayed his tone as they faced the ash-gray headed male who waited patiently for his turn. "This... This is Beomgyu, the chaos incarnate that I warned you about!"

"What the hell? Now you're being overdramatic!" Beomgyu laughed, turning towards Taehyun with a bright playful grin. His hair was slightly tousled and his warm brown eyes sparkled, he extended a hand. "Hey, Taehyun! It's nice to finally meet the infamous cousin. Didn't think you'd be so damn pretty in person, though."

Taehyun blinked, his eyes widening when he realized that this... this was Beomgyu.

oh.

oh.

Beomgyu's smile only widened as Taehyun mindlessly accepted the handshake, the palm of their hands fitting against one another perfectly as Taehyun felt his face begin to heat up despite the cold.

Yeonjun's words from last night echoed in his mind, louder than ever.

"Beomgyu might be your type."

And now, staring into Beomgyu's sparkling eyes and taking in the way his smile curved just so, Taehyun's stomach flipped, a swarm of butterflies erupting from nowhere.

Oh no.

Oh no, no, no.

Yeonjun... Yeonjun was right, he was absolutely right.

Beomgyu is my type.

Soon enough, the both of them pulled away as Taehyun snapped back into reality as a forced smile grew on his face, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's- uhm- It's uh, nice to meet you too."

Yeonjun, ever the instigator, clapped his hands together with a smug grin. "Well, now that everyone's officially acquainted, let's get some breakfast going! Tyun, you've got a big first day at Ito ahead of you. Gotta make sure you're fueled up!"

As the group began to scatter toward the kitchen, Taehyun, still feeling the residual heat from Beomgyu's gaze, opted to head to the dining area instead. He needed space — space to breathe, to calm his racing heart, and to process the whirlwind of introductions.

But his plan for solitude was quickly foiled when Beomgyu fell into step beside him, his easy smile still firmly in place.

"So," Beomgyu began, his tone much softer now, a far cry from the loud, teasing voice he'd used earlier with Soobin. "First time in Gangwon-do, right? How's it treating you so far? Or is it too early to ask?"

Taehyun, who was startled by his presence, flinched a little before nodding — his heart racing even more now that Beomgyu's full attention was on him, oh god... he was a sucker for pretty guys with humor and mischief to them.

"Uhm- it's- it's a little early to ask," Taehyun managed to croak out, his voice betraying him. "So far I like it though, hyung says that there's a resort near by for snowboarding and such, I'm pretty nervous about that."

"You're in for a treat," Beomgyu said, his gaze never leaving Taehyun even though the younger refused to look at him. "If snowboarding isn't your forte, then there's a lot of other activities: ice skating, sledding, hell — there's even a sauna, go boil yourself alive if the snow gets too much!"

A soft laugh escaped Taehyun before he could stop it, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. But his heart? That was another story — it was still racing, the butterflies from earlier fluttering wildly in his stomach.

He was officially torn.

On one hand, Beomgyu was effortlessly charming, funny, and way too good-looking for his own good. Spending time with him was both exciting and terrifying.

On the other hand, Yeonjun's words haunted him like a prophecy he couldn't shake: "Beomgyu might be your type."

And now? Now he knew. Yeonjun had been right. Beomgyu was his type, and Taehyun was terrified he'd mess everything up — or worse, make a complete fool of himself.

Thankfully, Beomgyu hadn't pressed further on continuing the conversation, and Taehyun just hoped it was because he felt comfortable staying silent with him and not because he thought he was ignoring him or something, he's going to be devastated if he fumbles this moment.

But soon enough, after an hour or so, the large dining table was decorated with plates of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and some fried potatoes all in front of him. The warmth of the food, combined with the laughter and chatter of Yeonjun and his friends, quickly melted away any lingering nerves or anxiety.

"So, Taehyun," Huening Kai started, leaning forward with a teasing grin. "Got any embarrassing stories about Yeonjun hyung? He's always so reserved, but you're his cousin, got any juicy stuff on him?"

Yeonjun, mid-sip of his coffee, choked and coughed dramatically. "Hyuka! Do you want to die?" 

Huening Kai laughed loudly, his eyes lighting up as he dodged a playful slap aimed at his head. "Come on! We need some good material! For bonding purposes, obviously!"

Taehyun laughed softly. "Well," He began, glancing at Yeonjun, who immediately shook his head in mock warning. "There was this one time during the summer years ago, he tried impressing this guy at a cafe by pretending to be into classical music, he got called out for not knowing who Mozart was."

The room immediately erupted into laughter, with Soobin covering his face and Huening Kai laughing the loudest, Yeonjun could only groan loudly and angrily sip his coffee to distract himself.

"No way!" Beomgyu laughed loudly, staring at Yeonjun. "Mozart? Seriously? Almost everyone knows who he is!"

"I was- I was literally drunk man!"

"In the middle of the day?"

"Oh my god, shut up!"

After a while, the laughter died down and the attention turned back to Taehyun, who was starting to get comfortable with the energy and jokes in the group.

"So, Taehyun, what are you studying in college?" Soobin asked, smiling warmly. "Yeonjun told us you just got finished with exams, how was it?"

"I'm studying physics," Taehyun replied, his face blank as the group collectively winced. "I passed the exams, all fine, didn't cry — that much."

"Damn," Beomgyu said, wide-eyed as he looked Taehyun up and down- wait a fucking second was he checking him out. "Brainiac alert, why would you willingly do that to yourself? Not to be mean! But that's crazy work, I'm impressed."

Taehyun, who was shocked by the compliment, awkwardly looked away as he felt his heart about to pounce out of his chest. "It's- It's stressful, but honestly? I like the challenge. It's also kind of cool when you finally understand how stuff works!"

The group nodded in understanding, expressions ranging from impressed to downright sympathetic.

"Props to you," Huening Kai chimed in, his smile bright and supportive. "I can barely handle algebra, so physics is, like, wizard-level stuff to me."

The conversation naturally began to flow as Taehyun grew more comfortable with the group. He found himself laughing more, even if he couldn't help but notice how Beomgyu's attention seemed to linger on him whenever he spoke. It was distracting, to say the least — but also kind of thrilling.

Soobin was studying business management, helping his family run the resort and soon will take over the business when his time comes around — but so far, he usually plans the events and stuff.

Huening Kai was taking a gap year from college to explore his interests, that he didn't have an exact idea of what he wanted to study for but he's happy regardless, and that he stays in Gangwon-do and helps out Soobin and Yeonjun during the winter.

Beomgyu, oh Beomgyu, if Taehyun was freaking about him before — he was freaking out even more about him after learning about the elder.

Beomgyu, it turned out, was dabbling in everything. He was a snowboarder who participated in competitive events, a photographer with a keen eye for unique shots, and a musician who performed with a band on his electric guitar. He somehow managed to balance all of it while maintaining an effortless charm, living life on his own terms.

A guy who's both athletically and musically gifted, and fucking handsome as shit? He would let Beomgyu take him right then and there if he wanted.

Taehyun barely managed to keep a straight face as his mind spiraled. I'm doomed. Officially doomed.

The energy in the cabin was vibrant, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of Taehyun's usual breaks at home. He found himself relaxing into the chaos, laughing at Yeonjun and Soobin's endless jokes, Huening's Kai's infectious positivity, and Beomgyu's smug replies and teases — it all felt right.

For a brief moment, though, Taehyun had gotten distracted — his gaze lingering on Beomgyu who was explaining something absolutely dumb, a bright smile on his lips as his hands waved around everywhere.

He's exactly my type. Taehyun thought, his heart skipping a beat as the elders laughter lit up the room. Would it... would it be bad if I... I tried making a move? Wait, no, I-I shouldn't think that, I just met him!

"Taehyun!" Huening Kai's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. 

"Huh?" Taehyun blinked, realizing everyone was looking at him. 

"Did Yeonjun tell you about the Christmas party yet?" Huening Kai asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Yeonjun gasped dramatically, smacking his palm to his forehead. "Oh my god, I almost forgot! Taehyun, every year we throw this massive Christmas party here at the cabin. Just the five of us, but it's fun to celebrate the holiday with a group and we always have crazy activities!"

"And we all have roles," Soobin added, his tone much calmer but still fond. "Decorations, food prep, entertainment... stuff like that." 

Taehyun's eyes lit up, a bright smile breaking across his face. It had been ages since he'd been part of a Christmas celebration that wasn't either a small, quiet family gathering or a chaotic, overly-boozy college party. The idea of something warm, fun, and festive made his heart flutter with excitement.

"It sounds..." He paused, searching for the right words to say. "...fun, it sounds really fun."

"Well, you're in for a treat," Yeonjun said, grinning at his cousins cuteness. "It's a lot of work, but it's also the most fun you'll have this entire break, trust me!"

Taehyun nodded eagerly, already imagining the festive atmosphere, the decorations, and the laughter filling the cabin. "I can't wait." 

After breakfast, Taehyun decided to help Yeonjun with the dishes. He stacked plates and wiped down the counter while Yeonjun tackled the glasses, the two working in a comfortable silence as the other boys disappeared into the living room.

"So," He began hesitantly, glancing at Yeonjun. "What's the plan for today? You didn't... really tell me."

Yeonjun paused mid-wash, his expression shifting as if he'd just remembered something important. He let out a small sigh before giving Taehyun an apologetic smile.

"Ah, I hate to do this, Tyun, you know I love you, right? But I'm gonna be super busy today," He said, his tone genuinely regretful. "Soobin and Hyuka roped me into helping with some resort work — holiday prep and all that. I know it's your first day, and I feel awful, but—"

Taehyun cut him off with a quick shake of his head, forcing a smile. "It's okay, really. I get it. You're busy. I wasn't expecting you to drop everything for me. Don't worry about it."

Though Taehyun tried to sound understanding, a faint disappointment lingered in his voice. He had looked forward to spending more time with Yeonjun, even if his cousin could be exasperating at times.

Before Yeonjun could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Hyung, if you're busy, I can keep Taehyun company."

Both boys turned to find Beomgyu leaning casually against the kitchen island, a playful grin tugging at his lips. His ash-gray hair was slightly tied up, and the light in his warm brown eyes made Taehyun's pulse quicken.

"If he doesn't mind, of course," Beomgyu added, his gaze flicking to Taehyun, his grin softening into something more genuine.

Taehyun froze, his eyes widening as his heart began to race at the offer — Beomgyu wants to spend time with him...?Holy shit.

"You?" Yeonjun said, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "You're offering to keep my cousin company? You're not going to, I don't know, murder him or something?" 

Beomgyu gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Excuse me? I'm a delight to be around, thank you very much! Taehyun, don't listen to this idiot." He turned back towards him. "I already had plans, it's not going to harm me if you tag along, if you want of course. I won't force you to go with me."

Taehyun blinked, his cheeks warming up as the question processed in his head — butterflies swarming in his stomach as he shyly smiled. "I-I uh... I don't mind at all, If you- you don't mind!"

"If I did mind, I wouldn't be inviting you," Beomgyu teased, his grin only widening. "I swear you'll have fun, trust me! I'll make your first day experience here at Ito the best ever."

Yeonjun snorted, muttering under his breath. "More like the worst day ever, you're going to get him stuck on the chair lift or something."

"Now you're purposely trying to get him to say no," Beomgyu scoffed, rolling his eyes. "So, Taehyun, what do you say? I won't be mad if you say no, so don't feel bad."

Taehyun bit on the bottom of his lip, ever since he met Beomgyu — his heart has been nothing but a racing mess and his thoughts were spiraling from how attracted he was to the elder, but now? The idea of spending the entire day alone with him was driving him crazy, maybe he should reject the offer — save his sanity.

But then Beomgyu's eyes met his again sparkling with that mischievous charm — and Taehyun felt himself melt.

"I'd love to go with you," Taehyun finally said, his voice shy but steady. "It'll be nice to... get to know you better and do something fun."

"R-Really?" Beomgyu said, his tone softening as if he hadn't expected Taehyun to agree, but soon enough his smile grew so wide — it was blinding. "That's great! I'll- I'll meet you later this evening, yeah? Dress warmly!"

With that, Beomgyu gave the male a reassuring wink and sauntered off towards the living room where the others were — leaving Taehyun standing there absolutely flustered at what had just happened.

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god, I'm going to be hanging out with him alone, oh shit—

"Well," Yeonjun spoke up, interrupting as Taehyun looked over and saw him leaning against the counter, smirking at his reaction. "You looked absolutely swooned, you okay there? You can say I'm right by the way."

Taehyun scowled slightly. "Right about what?"

"That he's totally your type," Yeonjun said, pushing himself off of the counter as he opened up the snack drawer and grabbed some chips. "You don't have to be all shy, but thank me later when you score a nice date with him — who knew? My baby cousin scoring a relationship before me!"

"Stop it! Stop. It." Taehyun hissed, his face flushing as he clamped a hand over Yeonjun's mouth. He glanced around nervously, his paranoia kicking in. "It's not a date! And so what if he's... my type? It's not like anything's going to happen."

Yeonjun pried Taehyun's hand away, that smug smirk still firmly in place. "Alright, alright, I'll stop," He said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Don't get all worked up, I'm just teasing."

Taehyun breathed out softly, stepping away before he fell deep into thought — the idea of spending the whole day with Beomgyu was really starting to affect him, he might go insane, his heart can't handle this — gosh why is he so... so embarrassing?

"Just stay safe and have fun," Yeonjun continued on. "I don't want to tell your parents that their son died because he broke his neck ice skating or something, but I trust Beomgyu, he's going to take care of you."

Taehyun's heart raced at that, his face heating up even more, Beomgyu was already so caring and hilarious, he's so nervous to see the full extent of the elders tenderness towards others — especially to him.

After a bit more, the both of them finally finished cleaning the dishes and eating some snacks in between, and by the time they were done, the other three boys had left the cabin to go attend to their schedules for the day or get ready for their plans.

"Hey, Taehyun?" Yeonjun spoke up after a while of silence.

"Yeah?"

Yeonjun hesitated, as though carefully considering his words. "I just... I want you to know that if you're serious about Beomgyu — okay, I know it's early, but hear me out — you should take a leap of faith. I believe in this. I believe in you."

Taehyun paused, narrowing his eyes as an explosion of butterflies swirled. "What... what do you mean...?"

"I'm just saying," Yeonjun smiled. "Don't feel like you have no chance or that Beomgyu's out of your league because..."

Taehyun was getting nervous, he knew that he might've been obvious — but was he really that obvious? For a brief moment, he wanted to cry and sob and beg his cousin not to expose him, but when he saw a kind smile on his face — he decided to hear him out.

"Sorry, I'm just happy," Yeonjun chuckled shaking his head. "I know things will go well because... I think you're exactly Beomgyu's type in a person."

Oh how his heart nearly burst right then and there.

The cabin was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fireplace as Taehyun sat curled up on the couch, glancing at the clock for the hundredth time.

It was just past six in the evening, and not that he was anxiously counting — but he was so nervous when Beomgyu would arrive.

The silence in the cabin felt louder than usual. Yeonjun had left a couple of hours ago to help out at the resort with Soobin and Huening Kai, leaving Taehyun to his own devices. And in that time, he'd done everything he could think of to pass the time — adjusting his outfit, fixing his hair, even debating whether or not to wear cologne.

He wanted to make a good impression, though he wasn't sure why it felt so important.

Actually, he knew exactly why.

Yeonjun's teasing words echoed in his head for the hundredth time:

"I think you're exactly Beomgyu's type in a person."

Why would Yeonjun tell him that? His whole entire day was messed up now, there's no way that... that he could be Beomgyu's ideal type in a person? He had... he had to mean... appearance wise, right? Beomgyu barely knows him, he barely knows Beomgyu. There's no way the elder could... see him like that.

Yet, his thoughts failed to stop his heart from racing at the new possibilities in front of him.

Taehyun sighed softly, wanting to relax more than cry, he shouldn't overthink this — that's how he ruins the mood. He took a quick glance up towards the clock and frowned, it was ten minutes past six, and the elder still hasn't shown up — he was starting to get worried, had something happened? The snow was crazy.

It wasn't until a deep aching pain tightened in his chest, his thoughts getting the best of him.

What if... he changed his mind? What if something came up? What if—

A sharp knock at the door cut through the cabin's quiet, jolting Taehyun out of his spiral of thoughts. He shot to his feet so quickly he nearly tripped over the edge of the rug in his rush to answer it.

In the far corners of his mind, he could hear a mini version of Yeonjun scolding him about stranger danger and how he shouldn't just fling the door open without checking first. But right now, he didn't care. He knew who it was.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Taehyun swung the door open, and there he was — the boy he'd been waiting for.

Beomgyu stood there, smiling brightly, bundled up in a warm jacket and a snug beanie that framed his messy hair. Compared to him, Taehyun suddenly felt painfully overdressed, like he was preparing for a trek through an arctic tundra.

"Hey," Beomgyu greeted casually, his breath visible in the air, his tone comforting and soft. "I'm sorry I'm late, my car got stuck in some snow and had to spend the past hour shoveling it out."

Taehyun flushed, guilt creeping up at the reminder of how his mind had been spiraling just moments ago. He shook his head quickly. "No, it's fine! Please don't apologize. These are your plans, not mine. I'm just tagging along."

"Yeah, but..." Beomgyu rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks faintly pink. Whether it was from the cold or something else, Taehyun couldn't tell. "Your happiness matters too. I want you to have fun tonight, no matter whose idea it was."

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Taehyun froze, his heart hammering in his chest as Beomgyu's words settled over him. There was something so disarming about the way Beomgyu said it, so genuine and effortless. It was enough to make Taehyun's chest feel warm despite the biting cold.

"Anyways," Beomgyu coughed, breaking the silence with an awkward laugh. "You ready?"

Taehyun blinked a couple times, his nervousness melted into a shy smile as he nodded. "Yeah, ready."

Beomgyu gestured for him to follow, and Taehyun held onto his coat tighter before stepping out into the snowy evening. The cold nipped at his cheeks, but the excitement bubbling in his chest kept him warm.

He followed Beomgyu to the car, trailing behind him and wondering if the elder would just hop into the driver's seat. But instead, Beomgyu walked ahead to the passenger door and opened it, flashing Taehyun another soft smile.

"You first." Beomgyu said casually, but there was something in the gesture that caught Taehyun completely off guard.

"Thanks." Taehyun mumbled, ducking his head as he slid into the seat. His voice came out quieter than he intended, but he didn't trust himself to speak any louder without giving away how fast his heart was racing.

As Beomgyu closed the door and moved to the driver's side, Taehyun couldn't help but replay those words in his head: Your happiness matters to me.

Is he crazy, delusional, or is this maybe a chance? He hopes it's not the first two.

Beomgyu grinned brightly as he adjusted the heater, making sure it wasn't too hot nor cold for them, then he turned towards Taehyun who was still going through a crisis in his head.

"Are you comfortable?" He asked, his voice so soft it was making his heart weak. "If you need anything, let me know, okay?"

Taehyun nodded, fiddling with his gloves anxiously, refusing to look in his direction as Beomgyu started up the car and began to drive out onto the main road.

"The resort isn't far," Beomgyu said, offering a warm smile in an attempt to further this conversation. "I figured we'd start with ice skating tonight. It's the most tame thing out here, and I don't think going head first into snowboarding is a great idea, so is that fine?"

"No, no, it's fine!" Taehyun replied, waving his hand, his nerves tinged with excitement. "It's perfectly fine, though... uh... I've never been ice skating before, so I might fall and slow you down. A lot."

Beomgyu chuckled, glancing at him briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "Don't worry about it. I'm not some... olympic level ice skater, wish I was! I'm okay at it, but... don't worry, okay? I'll be there to catch you when you fall."

The casual confidence in his voice made Taehyun's heart skip a beat, and he quickly looked out the window, hoping the darkness would hide the blush spreading across his cheeks. 

As they drove, Beomgyu chatted about his favorite winter activities — snowboarding, late-night bonfires, sledding disasters — and Taehyun found himself relaxing, his initial nervousness melting away. Beomgyu's voice had a calming effect, warm and playful, and Taehyun couldn't help but smile at his stories. The way Beomgyu's eyes sparkled when he talked about something he loved... and he was starting to find that sparkle addictive

By the time they arrived at the ice rink, Taehyun's excitement had overtaken his nerves.

The ice skating area was magical. It was nestled among towering pine trees, their branches dusted with snow, and strung with twinkling Christmas lights that bathed the space in a warm, golden glow. Couples and families glided gracefully across the frozen surface, their laughter ringing through the crisp night air. 

"Whoa." Taehyun whispered, his breath visible as he stepped out of the car.

Beomgyu appeared at his side, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets as he smiled. "Not bad, right?" 

"It's beautiful." Taehyun said, his voice filled with awe. 

Beomgyu hesitated, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he had something to say. But instead of speaking, he simply nodded and gestured for Taehyun to follow him. They made their way toward the rental booth, where Beomgyu secured skates for both of them.

Taehyun felt a pang of nervousness when he saw the big ice rink, what if he couldn't even stand up on the ice? What if he embarrassed himself in front of Beomgyu?

Beomgyu, who was for their skates turned to look at him, noticing his hesitation as he gently nudged him. "Hey, don't overthink it. I've got you, okay?"

Taehyun looked up at him, meeting his gaze. The sincerity in Beomgyu's eyes, paired with his reassuring smile, was enough to quell his doubts. 

"Okay," Taehyun said softly, his lips curving into a small smile. "Thank you."

The moment they received their ice skates, Beomgyu handing him his own skates, he couldn't help but feel his stomach tighten as they moved to a bench near the rink to put on their skates.

His hands began to tremble as he slipped out of his shoes and slipped into the ice skates, the feeling foreign and tight as he leaned down, his trembling hands fumbled with the laces as he frustratedly tried to focus — he knows how to tie his shoes, but his nerves were making him crazy, the knots slipping apart no matter how tightly he tried to tie them.

It wasn't until Beomgyu had suddenly crouched down in front of him, his soft hands swatting his own hands away as he smiled softly.

"Let me help you." He said, his voice soft and patient, and before Taehyun could protest, Beomgyu was already tying them.

"Hyung!" Taehyun stammered, his voice cracking in embarrassment. "You don't have to—"

Just before he could finish his sentence, the words died in his throat as Beomgyu glanced up at him with a reassuring smile, making his heart pause right then and there.

"It's no big deal," Beomgyu's voice was gentle, so soft. "You'll be more comfortable if they're tied properly, and I won't be worried, okay?" He said, looping the laces with practiced ease, his hands moving skillfully, securing the skates snugly — but not too tight.

Taehyun's heart was a mess, his breath shaky from the cold or his nerves, he's not sure. Beomgyu was so close, kneeling in front of him, his ash-gray hair falling slightly into his eyes as he focused on his task. The warmth in his smile and the casual care in his touch made Taehyun's breath hitch.

"There we go," Beomgyu said, looking up with a satisfied grin as he finished tying the last skate. "Tight and secure. You're good to go."

Taehyun stared down at him, his chest tightening as a wave of unexpected emotion hit him. In that moment — with Beomgyu's smile lighting up the space between them — he felt himself falling, completely and utterly, for the boy who had just promised to catch him when he fell.

"Th-Thank you," Taehyun said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate it."

Beomgyu stood and offered his hand, his grin turning playful again. "Ready to hit the ice, or do you need me to carry you too?"

Taehyun's laugh was shaky, but genuine, as he placed his hand in Beomgyu's. He wasn't sure if he was ready for the ice, but he knew he didn't mind falling — not if Beomgyu was there to catch him.

It was a shaky and slow process, but the minute they stepped onto the ice — Taehyun wobbled immediately, his arms flailing for balance as his legs buckled, but just before he could fall, a hand wrapped around his arm, steadying him.

Taehyun's breath hitched as he stared down at the ice before slowly looking back up, meeting eyes with Beomgyu who looked so happy and patient, his eyes glimmering with an emotion that he couldn't figure out.

"I told you," Beomgyu teased, a light squeeze was felt around his arm, the grip firm and comforting. "I've got you, trust me."

With that, he was ready to risk it all.

For the next few minutes, Taehyun shuffled nervously across the ice, his legs stiff and uncoordinated as he clung tightly to Beomgyu's hand. The cold air bit at his cheeks, but all he could focus on was keeping himself upright, and when Beomgyu moved his hand and wrapped it around his hand, the warmth of Beomgyu's palm against his own made his heart melt.

"You're doing great," Beomgyu said encouragingly, his voice light and full of genuine praise. "You've already made it halfway around the rink without falling!" 

Taehyun's ears burned as he glanced down at his skates, too embarrassed to meet Beomgyu's eyes. "Yeah, well... I'm basically squeezing the life out of your hand to stay upright." 

Beomgyu laughed, the sound light and infectious. "Hey, that's what I'm here for. Besides, I don't mind." 

Taehyun hesitated but couldn't stop himself. Slowly, he glanced up at Beomgyu, and his breath caught. Beomgyu was already looking at him, his bright smile radiating warmth under the golden glow of the Christmas lights. His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, his full focus on Taehyun as if there was no one else in the rink. The way his ash-gray hair shifted slightly in the cold breeze, framing his face perfectly, was downright unfair.

He was so beautiful, so effortlessly charming, that Taehyun's heart gave a wild thud, loud enough that he wondered if Beomgyu could hear it.

And that's when it all went downhill.

Literally.

Taehyun's foot slipped.

With a sharp yelp, he lost his balance and began to tip backward, arms flailing as he scrambled to grab onto something — anything — to steady himself. His heart raced, not just from the fall but from sheer embarrassment, and he braced himself for impact with the cold, unforgiving ice

But the fall never came. 

Instead, he felt a firm hand wrap around his waist, steadying him in an instant.

"Careful!" Beomgyu said, his voice breathless but steady, as if he had ran a marathon.

Taehyun's eyes snapped open, and his breath caught in his throat. Beomgyu was right there, holding him securely, their faces just inches apart. His bright smile was still there, softer now, framed by the glow of the twinkling lights. The way the golden hues illuminated Beomgyu's features — his sharp jawline, his warm brown eyes, the way his breath curled into the frosty air — was nothing short of mesmerizing. 

His heart raced so violently in his chest that he genuinely feared he might throw up. His gaze darted between Beomgyu's eyes and his smile, and he was suddenly hyperaware of how close they were. 

"You okay?" Beomgyu asked, his voice quieter this time, tinged with concern. 

Taehyun managed a shaky nod, his cheeks burning hotter than ever. "Y-yeah. I'm okay." 

Beomgyu grinned, his hand still firmly on Taehyun's waist. "You almost took us both out, you know." 

"I'm so sorry," Taehyun blurted, mortified. "I-I got distracted..."

"Don't be," Beomgyu said with a laugh. "I told you, I've got you. Always." 

Taehyun nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to focus on anything other than the fact that he was practically in Beomgyu's arms.

"You okay to keep going?" Beomgyu asked, tilting his head slightly as he looked at him with soft concern.

Taehyun nodded again, his voice failing him completely this time.

"Good," Beomgyu said with an encouraging grin. "Let's take it slow, okay? And don't worry — I'll catch you every time."

And as they continued around the rink, Beomgyu's hand never left his, steady and reassuring, and Taehyun knew it was already too late for his heart.

He was falling — not on the ice, but for Beomgyu.

It was around two hours they spent ice skating, and by the time they headed back to the car — it was filled with nothing but the buzz of excitement as they sat comfort with the heater swirling around them, just chilling there in the parking lot.

"It was so fun!" Taehyun beamed brightly, his voice high pitched. "I didn't think- I would enjoy it this much! I mean, I was terrified at first, but with you there... I got the hang of it and- and it was amazing!"

As Taehyun gushed on and on absentmindedly, talking about everything that he liked and he didn't like, Beomgyu just stared at him, his arms crossed on the steering wheel as his head was leaning down — staring at Taehyun with a fond smile, soaking in every word and expression.

He said nothing, no reply, but he only listened with a smile so fond, it could melt the coldest winters, and not once did his gaze ever leave Taehyun's figure while he talked.

When Taehyun finally finished, he paused and smiled brightly, looking at the elder with a shy, curious, expression. "So, what's next? Is there anything else we're doing tonight?"

Beomgyu blinked, as if he had suddenly was slapped out of a daze as he sat up straight and chuckled nervously. "Oh, uhm, yeah. Snowboarding, thought I'd... that... it would be fun, for the both of us. If that's okay."

Taehyun's eyes widened, his excitement returning full force. "Snowboarding? Of course it's okay! And you mentioned you're good at it right? I can't wait to watch you!"

Beomgyu laughed as he started the car, the engine purring softly. "Let's hope I don't embarrass myself in front of you, then." He said, his ears turning a bright shade of red.

The drive to the snowboard resort from the ice skating rink was peaceful, with the snowy landscape illuminated by the occasional streetlight and twinkling Christmas decorations. They didn't talk much, but the comfortable silence between them felt like its own kind of conversation. 

When they arrived, Taehyun's nerves returned, and just like the nerves he felt at the ice skating rink, these nerves were far more worse than before.

Beomgyu, who noticed his trembling hands and nervousness near immediately, gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry," He said, his voice steady and soothing. "I'm here for you, I promise."

Taehyun smiled warmly as the both of them got out of the car, securing their winter gear tighter as Beomgyu lead him inside the lobby where they rented some snowboards, mask, and goggles — his nerves getting the best of him as he leaned down and awkwardly manage to put his feet in the boards foot holders.

It wasn't until Beomgyu appeared, same as last time, guided him through the process and helped him secure his feet to the snowboard. "Keep one foot out for now — it's easier to balance when we get on the chair lift."

Taehyun muttered a quiet 'thank you' as Beomgyu stood up again, smiling softly as he ruffled his hair before he held onto his hand and guided him over to where the chair lifts are.

He desperately clung onto Beomgyu's arm as they approached the chair lifts, his nerves almost getting the better of him. But Beomgyu was calm and composed, explaining every step.

When the chair came around, they stepped out, and for a brief moment Taehyun felt panicked until Beomgyu had grinned and gently wrapped his hands around his waist, hosting him up the moment the chair came by, setting him onto the chair with ease before hopping on beside him. 

It was safe to say, his heart was a pure mess.

The lift began to ascend slowly, and Taehyun squealed happily as Beomgyu brought the metal bar down and secured it tightly, glancing over at Taehyun who couldn't contain his happiness.

"This chair lift is so slow," Taehyun laughed softly. "But we're going up so high, I'm getting nervous."

Beomgyu chuckled, his gaze never leaving him. "Relax, you're safe, I promise."

All of a sudden, Beomgyu extended his hand, palm up, and Taehyun froze as he stared at it until it clicked into place — he was offering it for comfort.

Taehyun hesitated for only a second before grabbing it, his grip tight but comforting. His nerves began to ease as Beomgyu started talking. "You know, the first time I ever went snowboarding, I thought it'd be easy. Ended up falling face first into a snowbank like, three times in a row. I think that's a world record."

Taehyun burst out laughing, the image of Beomgyu flailing around in the snow making him giggle uncontrollably. "You? Falling? I can't imagine that." 

"Oh, it happened," Beomgyu said, his tone dramatic. "Soobin still has a video of it, which he loves to whip out to embarrass me at parties." 

Taehyun's laughter trailed off into a soft smile as he gazed at Beomgyu. The elder's ability to ease his fears and make him laugh so effortlessly made something stir in his chest. It wasn't just admiration anymore — it was something deeper, something he wasn't so sure if he was ready for yet.

But as Beomgyu turned to look at him, his smile warm and his grip steady, Taehyun thought that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't mind accepting those feelings for a bit.

The chairlift slowed as they reached the top of the hill, and Beomgyu immediately jumped off with ease, turning around to help Taehyun. He placed steady hands on his waist, guiding him gently as he clumsily slid off the chair. 

"Easy," Beomgyu said, his voice calm and deep as he helped Taehyun find his footing on the snow. "There you go, you're doing so great."

The warmth in his tone and the constant praises was enough to make Taehyun's heart race, and he clung tightly to Beomgyu's arm as if it were a lifeline. His cheeks burned under the weight of Beomgyu's gaze, but his thoughts scattered completely when he crouched down in front of him.

"I've got you." Beomgyu added, his hands moving deftly to secure Taehyun's boot onto the snowboard. He glanced up briefly, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips. The proximity was overwhelming — Beomgyu's sharp features and soft breath were almost too much for Taehyun's flustered state to handle.

The minute he was done, he straightened up and gave him an encouraging smile. "Alright, listen up. Going down the hill isn't as scary as it looks, trust me!"

Taehyun listened closely, his eyes flickering over towards the hill where he watched people excitedly ride down — some easily falling.

"The key is to take it slow," Beomgyu continued on. "Don't lean too far forward, or you'll lose balance, and when you want to stop, just turn your board sideways, like this."

He demonstrated with his own snowboard, twisting his body slightly to show Taehyun the stopping technique. Taehyun paid close attention, nodding along. He was a quick learner, and Beomgyu could see the determination in his eyes. 

"You got it?" Beomgyu asked, his tone both playful and supportive. 

"Yeah, I think so." Taehyun said, his confidence building. 

"Great. So... you wanna go first?" He teased, raising an eyebrow. 

Taehyun immediately shook his head. "No way. I wanna see you go first, if that's okay with you?"

Beomgyu hesitated for a moment, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "You sure? What if I, uh, show off a little?" 

Taehyun's face lit up. "Please do! I wouldn't have tagged along if I didn't want to not see your skills."

Beomgyu chuckled, reaching out to gently pat Taehyun's cheek. "Alright, but don't blame me if you're too impressed to go after." 

Turning to face the slope, Beomgyu adjusted his goggles and pulled up his mask. With a deep breath, he pushed off, gliding effortlessly down the hill.

Taehyun's eyes widened as he watched, his breath catching in his throat. Beomgyu made it look so easy — weaving gracefully through the snow, carving smooth lines as if it were second nature. As he neared a small ramp, he suddenly leaped into the air, pulling his knees up and grabbing his board, spinning in a smooth arc before landing flawlessly.

Taehyun's jaw dropped.

The world around him seemed to fade into the background. All he could see was Beomgyu — confident, carefree, and utterly amazing under the soft glow of the snowy night.

When the elder finally reached the bottom of the hill, he spun to a perfect stop, lifting his mask to reveal a grin so bright it left Taehyun breathless.

He waved, calling something up to him, but Taehyun didn't hear a word. He was too moonstruck, his heart hammering wildly in his chest. Beomgyu looked like something out of a dream, his energy and charm leaving Taehyun completely dazed.

For a moment, it felt like time had stopped, leaving only the soft hush of snow and Beomgyu's radiant presence. Taehyun stood frozen, dazed under the starry sky.

It wasn't until he blinked a couple of times, snapping back to reality when he noticed Beomgyu waving at him again from the bottom of the hill. He looked so adorable— oh right, it was his turn.

His palms were suddenly clammy, despite how cold it was outside, and for a brief moment — he paused. What did Beomgyu tell him again...?

He tried to recall the tips, but his brain was still muddled from watching Beomgyu's performance. 

...eh, fuck it.

"Alright, you can do this," He whispered to himself, his stomach twisting slightly as he threw all safety precautions out the window.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself forward, wobbling slightly as he began to pick up speed. 

The wind whipped against his face, his heart hammering in his chest. He almost screamed as he felt the board wobble beneath him, but he steadied himself, biting down his panic. Then, something clicked — this wasn't terrifying. It was exhilarating. 

He felt like he was flying, absolutely flying.

His chest began to swell with pride and a newfound love for the moment, tears prickling the corner of his eyes. A smile began to grow on his face as the adrenaline rushed through him.

He glanced down at Beomgyu, who was watching him intently, a proud and encouraging smile lighting up his face. That made Taehyun's heart leap even more — until he noticed Beomgyu suddenly gesturing wildly and mouthing something. 

It took a second to register: slow down

Oh shit.

Just before he could save himself, it was too late. He hit a patch of uneven snow, and before he could stop, the board caught an edge, sending him flying forward. He yelped, landing face first into the snow with a muffled thud, just a few feet away from Beomgyu. 

"Taehyun!" Beomgyu shouted, immediately ripping off the straps on his snowboard as he ran over towards him.

Taehyun groaned, his pride more bruised than anything else. He felt hands gently pulling him up, and when he looked up, Beomgyu had already pulled his mask down and goggles up, his worried eyes scanning him. 

"Are you okay?" Beomgyu asked, brushing snow off Taehyun's jacket. "You're not hurt, right?" 

Taehyun blinked at him before a laugh bubbled out of his chest, a faint blush washing over his face. "I'm fine! Just embarrassed!"

Beomgyu's panic eased, and he chuckled softly. "You scared me for a second there." 

Taehyun, still laughing, dusted himself off. "That was actually kinda fun. Let's do it again!" 

Beomgyu's eyes widened in surprise before breaking into a wide grin. "You're really something, aren't you?" 

He offered Taehyun his hand, and Taehyun took it without hesitation, allowing Beomgyu to help him to his feet. 

"Alright," Beomgyu said, adjusting his goggles. "But this time, maybe listen when I tell you to slow down...?"

Taehyun snorted, his cheeks pink. "Yeah, yeah. I can't promise I won't stop falling though."

Beomgyu laughed, his warm smile making Taehyun's heart race again. "It's okay, I'll be here for you." 

As they headed back toward the lift, Taehyun couldn't stop smiling. Despite his fall and fumbling in front of the man who captured his heart, this was turning out to be one of the best days of his life.

The car hummed softly as Beomgyu drove down the snow-covered road, the dark sky now painted with stars. The heater was on full blast, filling the vehicle with cozy warmth.

Taehyun sat in the passenger seat, his cheeks pink from both the heat and the events of the day, his head tilting and resting against the window.

After nearly two more hours of snowboarding, it was pure euphoria at this point, and he's certain he's found a new love for it as well. Especially when he watches Beomgyu go downhill.

Beomgyu glanced at him with a soft smile. "Tired?" 

Taehyun shook his head, even though his body felt pleasantly worn out. "A little... but mostly happy." He hesitated for a moment before turning toward Beomgyu. "Thank you... for today. I think this was the most fun I've ever had during the holidays. It's nothing like Busan." 

Beomgyu's expression softened, his smile growing as he kept his eyes on the road. "I should be the one thanking you. I don't think I've laughed this much in a while." 

Taehyun's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in the elders voice. He turned his gaze to the window, trying to hide his flustered expression. 

As the car pulled into the driveway of Yeonjun's cabin, Beomgyu slowed to a stop but didn't immediately turn off the engine. Instead, he glanced at Taehyun again, his tone casual but hopeful. "Hey, uh... if you're not too busy tomorrow, do you want to come over to my cabin? We could hang out or... do something else fun, if you want."

Taehyun's head snapped up towards him, his eyes wide as the offer registered in his mind. "Yes!" He blurted out before quickly catching himself, clearing his throat, trying to sound less eager. "I-I mean, yeah, that sounds nice, why not?"

Beomgyu chuckled, the sound warm and soothing. "Cool. I'll text you the time, then." 

Taehyun nodded, fumbling with his seatbelt before stepping out of the car. He waved shyly. "Goodnight, Beomgyu. Thanks again for everything." 

Beomgyu smiled, his gaze lingering on him for a moment. "Goodnight, Taehyun. See you tomorrow." 

As Taehyun walked toward the cabin, he noticed that the elder's car was still parked, headlights casting a soft glow on the snow. He glanced over his shoulder to see Beomgyu watching him, waiting until he was safely inside. 

The moment Taehyun shut the door, his heart raced wildly, and he leaned against it with a dazed expression. 

"Well, well, well," Yeonjun's teasing voice broke through his thoughts. "Look who's finally back. How was your romantic little adventure?" 

Taehyun groaned, his face heating up as he glanced over at Yeonjun who was resting on the couch, his head tilted up to stare at him.

"It... It wasn't romantic." he mumbled, shuffling his coat off. "It was just a friendly hang out."

"Sure, sure," Yeonjun teased, crossing his arms. "A friendly hang out that has you coming home at nearly one in the morning, you're so red! Did he ask you out?" 

Taehyun's eyes widened, and he sputtered. "No! He just — he asked if I wanted to hang out tomorrow. At his cabin." 

Yeonjun grinned wider. "So now you want to spend more time with Beomgyu than your beloved cousin? I'm hurt, Taehyun. Deeply hurt." 

"Hyung, stop!" Taehyun whined, burying his face in his hands. 

Yeonjun laughed but patted his shoulder reassuringly. "I'm just messing with you. Of course, you can go. Beomgyu's a good guy... even if he's extremely annoying at times— most times."

Taehyun peeked up at him, grateful. "Thanks, hyung." 

"Don't mention it." Yeonjun smirked again. "This is your break Tyun, the time to find yourself and find happiness — I want whats best for you."

Taehyun smiled warmly, walking over to give his cousin a comforting hug before he retreated back to his room, his heart still racing at memory's of today's events.

Yeonjun was right, Beomgyu was his type — and he didn't regret it all.

He cannot wait to see him again.

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛

The next morning was a blur for Taehyun.

The moment he woke up, he was out of bed, showering, and throwing on clothes before the chill of the winter morning could fully settle in. His body was slowly adjusting to the cold air after two and a half days at the resort — or maybe it was just the adrenaline coursing through him.

Today was it, the day he'd be hanging out with Beomgyu at his cabin! He would be lying if he said he wasn't excited.

After meticulously getting ready — cozy yet still trying to look his best — he bolted straight into Yeonjun's room, where the elder was snoring obnoxiously. Without a second thought, he jumped onto the bed (and Yeonjun himself) and started shaking him awake.

It was safe to say, he got slapped for doing so.

But now here he was! In the car with Yeonjun who was wide awake and much less bitchier than in the morning, humming a song on the radio as they drove to the elders cabin.

The drive to Beomgyu's cabin felt longer than it actually was, not because of the distance, but because Taehyun was practically bouncing with excitement in the passenger seat without even realizing it, his eyes shining at the possible fun things they were going to do.

Yeonjun eventually glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, smirking knowingly. "You're unusually eager," He teased, steering the car smoothly around a snowy bend. "The last time I saw you this excited was when you solved that 'impossible physics question.'"

Taehyun flinched, immediately freezing as he tried to play it cool, crossing his arms. "It's just hanging out, plus he's a new... friend. Also, he was really fun to hang out with yesterday! I'm just... yeah."

Yeonjun snorted, clearly unimpressed with Taehyun's attempt at nonchalance. "Is that so?" He mused, his voice dripping with amusement. "So, tell me, what do you think of this 'new friend' so far?"

Taehyun's cheeks flushed a soft pink as he fiddled with the hem of his jacket. "He's nice," He mumbled. "Really nice. Fun to be around."

"And?"

"And he's... great."

"And..?"

"Okay!" Taehyun finally exploded, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "He's really fun to be around, you were right! He's exactly my type — he's silly, considerate, caring, and, oh my god, he's so handsome! He's the whole fucking package, hyung! I'm screwed. I'm so fucking screwed!"

Yeonjun burst into laughter, slapping the steering wheel as he drove. "Oh, you're totally done for," He teased, glancing at Taehyun's thoroughly flustered expression. "I told you! He's exactly your type, and hey, you're his type too!"

A shade of red bloomed on Taehyun's face, scoffing softly as he looked out the window. "You don't know that, he probably doesn't even... like me like that."

Yeonjun didn't respond, and Taehyun was thankful for it. Only a fond smile growing on the elders lips as he focused on the road again, knowing better than to argue with his cousin who knew how to be mean when it came down to it, but seeing him so flustered and happy — made him glad.

After a long beat of silence, a thought flickered to Taehyun's mind, his heart aching a little as he slowly looked over towards Yeonjun who was still humming.

"Hyung?" He called out, his voice quieter, and after receiving a hum he continued on. "When... when I get back, can we hang out? Just the two of us, I... uh... miss you."

Yeonjun's smile softened, and he reached over to ruffle Taehyun's hair. "Of course. I'm always up for spending time with you, even if you ditch me for Beomgyu first. And I miss you too."

Taehyun batted his hand away, laughing. "Thanks, hyung." 

Before long, they pulled up to Beomgyu's cabin. It was smaller than Yeonjun's but had a cozier charm, its exterior decorated with twinkling lights and garlands. Taehyun unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out, waving at Yeonjun.

"Have fun!" Yeonjun called after him, watching as Taehyun nervously approached the cabin.

Taehyun sighed softly as Yeonjun drove away, leaving him alone out there as he approached the door and nervously prepared himself — but before he could even knock, the door suddenly swung open, and there stood Beomgyu with a wide smile, his eyes lighting up as if he hadn't just seen Taehyun twenty-four hours ago.

"You're here!" Beomgyu beamed brightly. "Come on in, don't stand out there, it's freezing!"

Without waiting for a response, Beomgyu grabbed Taehyun's wrist and tugged him inside, his excitement contagious. The warmth of the cabin hit Taehyun instantly, and he was met with the faint scent of cinnamon and pine. 

"I made a quick trip to the store earlier," Beomgyu explained as he led Taehyun into the kitchen. "Was thinking about what we could do here, I was thinking a movie, but that's boring soooo..."

Taehyun blinked in surprise when he saw the counter covered in baking ingredients, cookie cutters, and colorful icing decorations. "Wait... what is all this?" 

"We're baking cookies today!" Beomgyu announced proudly, his eyes sparkling. "I thought it would be nice, to eat something we both made together, and baking is always fun!"

Taehyun was a bit startled at the idea, but soon enough, the excitement began to bubble up — especially since he was doing this with Beomgyu.

"Really?" He smiled, but couldn't help but tease. "Have you baked before?"

Like a deer caught in headlights, Beomgyu suddenly froze — a sheepish smile growing on his lips as his confident demeanor faltered ever so slightly. "Uh... not... not really? Have you...?"

Taehyun paused, his eyes widening. "I haven't."

There was a beat of silence, the two of them staring at each other for a moment.

It wasn't until Taehyun broke the silence, immediately panicking. "Beomgyu hyung! Why in the world would you suggest us to bake cookies if neither of us know how to bake?!"

"H-Hey!" Beomgyu stuttered, a faint red blush appearing on his face from embarrassment. "I-I thought you knew how, and its cookies! It's the easiest dessert to make, it can't go that bad!"

Taehyun narrowed his eyes. "This cabin is made out of wood, we can burn it down and it'll go — poof!"

"Relax, it'll be fine!" Beomgyu reassured him, his confidence wavering high again, grabbing two aprons from the counter and tossing one to Taehyun. "It's about having fun, not being perfect." 

Taehyun's hands fumbled with the strings of the apron, his mind racing with every possible scenario of failure. "What if we burn everything? Or if the dough doesn't rise? Or worse, what if the cookies come out like bricks and we break a tooth—" 

"Hold still." Beomgyu's gentle voice interrupted his rambling. 

Taehyun froze as Beomgyu stepped closer, moving behind him. The warmth of Beomgyu's presence sent a shiver down his spine. Slowly, the elders hands rested lightly on his waist, steadying him as he leaned in to tie the apron strings.

"There," Beomgyu said softly, his breath brushing against Taehyun's ear. "All set."

Taehyun's heart thudded in his chest, his face heating as he nodded stiffly. "T-Thanks..."

And then, just like that, Beomgyu pulled away, his usual bright demeanor returning. "All set! Let me grab the recipe — I printed it out earlier!"

Taehyun stood rooted to the spot, his thoughts a whirlwind. His legs felt like jelly, and it took all his willpower not to crumple to the floor. What the hell was that?

Before he could spiral further, Beomgyu returned, holding a slightly crumpled piece of paper and handing it to him, the title in big bold letters: sugar strawberry shortcake cookies.

"Alright, Chef Kang," Beomgyu smiled, placing a big bowl out. "Let's make some magic happen, yeah?"

Quickly snapping out of his daze and ignoring his racing heart, Taehyun nodded quickly, picking up some random ingredients. "Yeah. Magic. Let's do it."

The two of them fell into an easy rhythm as they worked through the recipe, with Beomgyu handling the dry ingredients and Taehyun focusing on the wet ones. They paused occasionally to double-check measurements, but their teamwork was seamless. As they worked, Beomgyu started to share more about his life, his voice light and filled with warmth.

Taehyun learned that Beomgyu was originally from Daegu, where snow was a rare occurrence — similar to Busan. Beomgyu reminisced about the first time he experienced snowfall after coming to Gangwon-do, describing how it felt like his world had transformed. Taehyun couldn't help but smile, wishing he'd been there to witness Beomgyu's reaction in person.

Beomgyu also mentioned how Gangwon-do had become his second home. Every holiday, he made his way there for snowboarding, photography, or even playing with a random band — immersing himself in everything the area had to offer.

"I'm honestly planning to move here next year," Beomgyu said, mixing the dry and wet ingredients with care. "It just feels right, you know? It's a second home to me, I belong here, and it's less money to spend on traveling."

Taehyun smiled warmly at the thought, his heart aching from how precious Beomgyu was. "That's amazing, Gangwon-do is really beautiful," He paused, looking over at him. "It suits you."

Beomgyu's face lit up at Taehyun's words, his smile radiant as he stirred the mixture before adding chopped strawberries. "What about you?" He asked, glancing at Taehyun. "What are your plans?"

Taehyun hesitated, the question tightening something in his chest. "I mean..." He bit his lip nervously. "I'll have to go back to Busan eventually, finish my final year, and then... I think I'll move back to Seoul after I graduate."

For the briefest of moments, Beomgyu's smile faltered. It was subtle — barely noticeable — but Taehyun caught it.

"Seoul, huh?" Beomgyu said, his tone lighter than his expression as he focused on cutting cookie shapes.

"Yeah," Taehyun replied, his voice quieter now. "It's been the plan for a while. I'm only here for winter break, after all, but... it's always been Seoul."

Beomgyu nodded slightly, the conversation lulling into a silence that felt heavier than before. Despite the tension, they managed to finish preparing the cookie dough —though the consistency looked dubious at best, making Taehyun wonder if the cookies would even be edible.

Beomgyu broke the silence with a laugh, easing the weight in the air. "It's not about perfection!" He teased, trying to reassure Taehyun. "It's about vibes. Trust me, these are going to be amazing."

Soon enough, with the cookies properly cut out and placed on a baking tray and popped right into the oven, a comfortable silence settled between them.

Beomgyu leaned against the counter, smiling softly. "So I was thinking—"

Before he could even finish his sentence, his words were cut short when he felt something cold and sticky wipe across his cheek, his eyes widening as Taehyun stood there smiling, holding an icing pipe bag — smiling because he had just smudged a streak of icing across his cheek.

For a minute, Beomgyu was silent — stunned at what had just happened, but when a small laughter broke loose, a playful grin spread across his face. "Oh, it's definitely on!"

What followed was pure chaos. They darted around the kitchen, giggling and laughing as they smeared icing on each other's faces, arms, and aprons. Taehyun shrieked when Beomgyu managed to corner him, only to retaliate with a quick dab of icing on his nose. 

Finally, Beomgyu caught him, pinning him gently against the wall. Both of them were breathless, faces flushed from laughter and exertion. Taehyun's heart raced as Beomgyu gazed at him, his eyes warm and filled with something deeper than amusement. 

For a moment, everything else faded. Beomgyu's face was so close, and the playful atmosphere shifted into something heavier, more intense. Taehyun couldn't look away, his breath hitching as Beomgyu leaned in slightly, his gaze flickering down to his lips— 

A sharp, acrid smell filled the air, snapping them both out of the moment. 

"The cookies!" Taehyun exclaimed, pushing past Beomgyu as he rushed to the oven. Smoke wafted out as he opened the door, revealing the slightly charred edges of their cookies. 

Beomgyu stood there stunned, a faint hint of disappointment expressed on his face before he ran a hand through his icing-streaked hair. "Well, that's what happens when you have an icing war, but how are they burning already? We just put them in!"

"The ovens heat was too high," Taehyun said, a little bit sad as he carefully pulled the cookies out. "Oh! At least they're not... completely burnt.

Beomgyu grabbed a spatula, inspecting the cookies with exaggerated care. "Yeah, just... slightly crispier than usual. Extra protein, I guess."

As they set the tray aside to cool, the tension between them eased, replaced by comfortable laughter and teasing. The both of them joking about how they should never bake anything again unless they want to burn down the damn building.

It was all perfect.

But Taehyun couldn't ignore the lingering flutter in his chest every time Beomgyu smiled at him.

A few hours later has passed, and after spending time washing the icing off of their face and hair — they decided that a movie would be a nice way to cool down.

The soft glow of the television bathed the cabin in a cozy light as Taehyun and Beomgyu sat on the couch. The space between them was modest but somehow felt like miles to him, even though their knees occasionally brushed. 

Every now and then, Taehyun would steal a glance at Beomgyu, who was too focused on the movie. His features relaxed and lit perfectly by the flickering screen, his heart racing as he admired every single feature.

His newfound feelings swirled in his chest, a mix of warmth and terror. This is too fast. Taehyun thought, nervously biting the inside of his cheek. They'd only just met, but something about Beomgyu's presence felt so natural, like they'd known each other for years, like a connection he could not ignore.

His eyes drifted to the plate of cookies on the coffee table. Half-eaten, slightly burnt, and messily decorated, they were a tangible reminder of the chaos they'd shared in the kitchen earlier. The memory brought a small smile to his lips. 

He was momentarily distracted and lost deep in thought until he felt a light nudge to his knee, pulling him out of his thoughts as he turned to look at Beomgyu.

"Hey," Beomgyu asked softly. "Can I ask a question?"

"Oh, yeah! What's up?"

"Are you up for another activity?" Beomgyu asked, his voice soft yet teasing.

Taehyun tilted his head, his eyes widening slightly as curiosity took over from the new suggestion — and in that moment, he noticed how Beomgyu's breath seemed to hitch slightly when he did.

Taehyun didn't bother thinking too much on it, too focused on the question. "What kind of activity?" 

Beomgyu grinned, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. "Want to build a snowman?" 

The suggestion hit Taehyun like a bolt of electricity. His face broke into an excited grin as he shot up from the couch. "Absolutely!"

Without thinking, he grabbed Beomgyu's hand and began dragging him toward the door, already planning the whole name and design and everything in his head.

"Wait, wait!" Beomgyu laughed, tugging Taehyun back. "We need our jackets, unless you're planning to freeze to death out there." 

Taehyun paused, his cheeks flushing as he realized how eager he'd been. "Oh, right. Jackets." 

Beomgyu chuckled, shaking his head as he stood up and grabbed their coats from the rack. He handed Taehyun his, their fingers brushing briefly, and the younger swore he felt sparks shoot up his arm, but he quickly shrugged into his coat, trying to hide the growing redness in his cheeks. 

"Ready now?" Beomgyu asked, tugging his beanie snug over his ears.

"Ready." Taehyun confirmed, grinning as he zipped up his coat. 

The minute Beomgyu opened the door, they were greeted by the crispy night air as they stepped outside — snow sparkling under the moonlight as the cold nipped at their faces. Taehyun inhaling deeply, the sharp winter air both refreshing and energizing.

"Alright," Beomgyu said, brushing his hands together as he cracked his neck. "Let's make the best snowman this resorts ever seen."

Taehyun laughed, rushing out to a nice empty spot as he crouched down, scooping up some snow right away. "I'm so prepared to blow them away."

As they began to gather snow, the night filled with the sound of their laughter and playful banter. And in that moment, Taehyun felt himself fall in deeper into the whirlpool of new emotions and strange desires he felt towards Beomgyu, feeling reassured and like a whole new different person whenever he was around.

For a moment, nothing else mattered in the world but Beomgyu's bright smile on display

Taehyun huffed softly, his gloved hands struggling to keep the snow packed into a proper ball. Every time he thought he had it, it crumbled apart, leaving him frustrated and cold. Beomgyu, meanwhile, worked efficiently beside him, the base of their snowman already a perfect sphere. 

Beomgyu, who noticed the younger's struggle, smiled softly. "Like this," He said, shuffling closer and crouching beside him. His hands covered Taehyun's as he gently guided him to pack the snow tighter. "Don't rush it. Press gently, but firmly, like this." 

Taehyun flinched slightly at the cold seeping into his hands. "Ah—" 

"Are you alright? Are they freezing?" Beomgyu asked, concern flickering across his face. Before Taehyun could respond, Beomgyu cupped his hands in his own, rubbing them lightly to create warmth. "It's okay, don't worry. They'll warm up soon." 

Taehyun stood there, frozen — not from the cold, but from the sudden closeness. His heart raced as he stared down at their hands, a warmth spreading through his chest that had nothing to do with the friction. 

Beomgyu looked up, smiling reassuringly. "Better?" 

"Y-Yeah." Taehyun stammered, his cheeks turning a vivid red as Beomgyu gently patted his head and stood back up. 

"Alright, let's finish this snowman!" Beomgyu said, his energy infectious as he moved back to work on the middle section. 

Taehyun shook himself out of his daze and joined in, watching in awe as Beomgyu effortlessly lifted the large middle snowball and placed it on top of the base. The sounds of the elder grunting heavily made his stomach twist, and he had to stop himself from outright gawking.

Quickly grabbing the smaller snowball for the head, Taehyun rushed over, careful not to drop it. Together, they placed the final piece on top, their creation finally complete. 

The both of them took a step back, Taehyun practically beaming in excitement as he stared at the first ever snowman he successfully created, his eyes sparkling with pure happiness.

It wasn't until Beomgyu gasped softly. "One second!" He dashed back into the cabin before returning with a random assortment of decorations: a floppy hat, a scarf, and mismatched buttons for eyes. 

Taehyun couldn't help but smile at the random stuff, allowing Beomgyu to give them to him as they began to decorate and dress the snowman the best they could — a slightly lopsided but undeniably charming snowman, with a crooked smile that somehow made it even more endearing. 

"I'm naming him Sir Snowington the Third," Beomgyu said, his face deadpanned as he stared at the precious creation.

But his seriousness, made Taehyun burst out laughing, extremely loud.

"That's ridiculous," Taehyun said, still giggling. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," He smirked, his eyes flickering between the snowman and Taehyun. Suddenly, an idea lit up in his mind, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Come on, stand next to him! I need a picture of you two."

Taehyun froze, caught off guard by the request. For a moment, he didn't know whether to run away or sink into the snow in embarrassment — maybe both. But when he flashed him a reassuring smile, warm and inviting, he found himself unable to say no.

Shyly, he shuffled over to the snowman, adjusting the snowman's crooked hat before standing beside it. He took a deep breath, then gave his brightest smile, his eyes scrunching up with joy as he posed.

Beomgyu raised his phone but hesitated, his fingers still as he stared at him with wide eyes. It was as if Taehyun had stolen his breath away, his expression softening into something unreadable yet tender.

Taehyun noticed the pause and tilted his head, his smile faltering slightly. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Beomgyu blinked, startled out of his trance. His cheeks flushed pink as though he'd been caught stealing national treasure or some sort. "N-Nothing! Just — uh — hold still! Pose!" He stammered.

Taehyun adjusted himself slightly, smiling again as Beomgyu snapped the picture. A grin spread across his lips as he lowered his phone to admire the photo, his gaze flicking back to Taehyun.

"You look beautiful—"

Thud.

Before Beomgyu could finish his sentence, something hit him square in the chest. His eyes widened as he looked down, spotting a half-squished snowball clinging to his jacket.

Taehyun stood a few feet away, his face half-hidden behind his scarf, but the mischievous sparkle in his eyes gave him away. "That's for Sir Snowington!"

Beomgyu stared at him in shock, sliding his phone back into his pocket. "You did not just—"

Another snowball hit Beomgyu's shoulder, and that was all it took for a full on war to break out. Snow flew everywhere as they ducked, threw, and dodged, their laughter echoing into the night. 

Taehyun, giggling uncontrollably, charged forward with a giant snowball in hand. His aim was clear, his target — Beomgyu. But in his excitement, he miscalculated his footing, his boot slipping on a patch of compacted snow.

"Ah!" Taehyun yelped, his giggles abruptly replaced with panic as he flailed, instinctively grabbing onto Beomgyu's jacket in a desperate attempt to steady himself.

Unfortunately, his attempt backfired spectacularly. Instead of saving himself, he sent them both toppling over, landing with a loud thud! in the snow.

Taehyun froze. His breath hitched as he realized he was sprawled on top of Beomgyu, straddling him. The elder's face was mere inches from his own, both of them wide-eyed, their breaths visible in the cold night air.

Neither of them moved.

The world around them seemed to vanish, leaving only the soft rustle of the wind and the steady sound of their breathing. Taehyun's heart pounded wildly, the tension in the air shifting into something unspoken but palpable.

Then, reality snapped back into focus. Taehyun scrambled to his feet, his face burning. "I-I'm so sorry!" He stammered, brushing snow off his coat in frantic movements.

Beomgyu sat up, snow clinging to his hair and jacket, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Not bad, Taehyun," he said, laughter bubbling in his voice as he got to his feet. "That was a solid takedown. I didn't know you were so competitive."

Taehyun groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I wasn't trying to take you down!"

Beomgyu smirked, brushing snow off his shoulders with a playful flourish. "Well, intentional or not, I think you might have a future in wrestling."

Taehyun's face burned, his heart racing at how... comfortable it felt being in that position, he sighed softly, opening his mouth to issue another apology—

Thud!

The both of them flinched as a soft thud echoed out, their eyes widening as they turned towards the sound, only to see their precious snowman — the proud Sir Snowington the Third — collapsed into a heap of snow. Only the head remained intact, sitting lopsided on the ground. 

For a moment, neither of them said anything, well that is until Taehyun spoke up, devastated.

"Oh my god!" He cried out. "We killed Sir Snowington the Third!"

The car ride back to the cabin was quiet, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Taehyun sat with his hands folded neatly in his lap, stealing glances at Beomgyu every now and then. 

After spending an hour giving Sir Snowington the Third a heartfelt, overly dramatic funeral, Taehyun had reluctantly decided to call it a day. As much as he wanted to stay, he had promised Yeonjun they'd spend some time together. 

The moonlight streamed through the car windows, casting a soft glow over the snow-covered landscape outside. It was breathtaking, but Taehyun found himself far more captivated by the way Beomgyu's fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel in rhythm with the radio. 

Ten minutes later, Beomgyu pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. Neither of them moved to leave. The cabin was just a few steps away, but the atmosphere inside the car felt heavy with unspoken words. 

He noticed the way Beomgyu's expression turned thoughtful, his fingers tightening ever so slightly around the steering wheel. Something was on his mind. 

"You know," Beomgyu began softly, breaking the silence, "I had a really great time with you today." 

Taehyun smiled, shy but genuine. "Me too. It was... even better than yesterday." 

Beomgyu's lips curved into a small smile at that, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. He shifted in his seat, turning to face Taehyun fully. 

"Taehyun," he said, his voice a little quieter, "I know this might sound random, but... have you ever thought about moving to Gangwon-do? Even if it's just something for the future." 

The question caught Taehyun off guard. He blinked, trying to process it. "Moving here?" 

Beomgyu nodded quickly, almost nervously. "Yeah. I mean, you said you liked it here, and... well, it's just a thought." He paused, then added, "This place feels like home to me, and I guess I thought maybe... with you..." His voice trailed off as he bit his lip, clearly unsure how to phrase what he wanted to say. 

Taehyun's chest felt warm and tight all at once. He could hear the underlying hope in his voice, but the question stirred a whirlwind of emotions. He thought about his plans — Busan, Seoul, the future he had mapped out so carefully. Yet, none of those thoughts seemed as clear as the look in Beomgyu's eyes right now. 

"I'll think about it." Taehyun said softly, offering a small smile. 

Beomgyu exhaled, visibly relaxing, though there was still a lingering uncertainty in his gaze. "Goodnight, Taehyun," He said after a moment, his voice gentle. 

"Goodnight, Beomgyu," Taehyun replied, stepping out of the car. He turned back to glance at Beomgyu once more before heading inside. 

As soon as the door closed behind him, Taehyun let out a shaky breath, the weight of their conversation sinking in. His thoughts raced, tumbling over one another as he tried to make sense of everything. 

He wandered into the living room, finding Yeonjun sprawled across the couch watching TV. The older man looked up when he saw Taehyun standing there, his expression immediately curious. 

"Well?" Yeonjun asked, raising an eyebrow. "How was it?" 

Taehyun didn't answer. Instead, he let out a quiet, trembling sigh before flopping onto the couch, burying his face into Yeonjun's chest. 

Startled but quick to recover, Yeonjun wrapped his arms around him, holding him close. "Whoa, what's this about?" He asked, his tone softening. 

Taehyun clung to him, his voice muffled. "Hyung... do you think it's okay if I—" He hesitated, his throat tightening. After a moment, he whispered, "Do you think it's okay if I fall in love with Beomgyu hyung?" 

Yeonjun froze for a moment, but then a knowing smile spread across his face. He gently ruffled Taehyun's hair. "Of course it's okay," He said warmly. "You're allowed to like someone, Taehyun. Especially someone who makes you smile the way he does." 

Taehyun's grip on him tightened as he whispered, "I'm scared." 

"I know," Yeonjun said, his voice steady and reassuring. "But you don't have to figure it all out right now. Just take it one step at a time, okay?" 

Taehyun nodded weakly, his heart still racing. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was clear.

He wanted to be there for Beomgyu. No matter what, he wanted to make him happy.

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛

The next day, Taehyun decided to just stay home to ease his racing and confused heart.

It's not like he was ignoring Beomgyu though, he honestly just wanted to stay home since... since he just needed time to completely figure what exactly felt... wrong with him.

There was no denying it — he was infatuated. Maybe even falling in love with the elder. Beomgyu had shown him nothing but care and affection these past few days, leaving Taehyun completely undone. He was a sucker for pretty boys who were funny, kind, and ridiculously considerate.

However, he's terrified, he's scared that this is too soon to feel this type of way towards a person, he arrived to Gangwon-do just nearly a few days ago and he's already feeling head over heels for a boy who probably only sees him as his best friends younger cousin that he needs to treat with care.

Taehyun leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the book in his hands. There was no doubt about his own feelings — they were strong, undeniable. But what about Beomgyu? That was the part he couldn't figure out.

Yeonjun's words haunt him though. That he's Beomgyu's type — but he's so scared, could he have meant appearance wise type or personality wise? It's messing with his head at this point.

I never felt this way for anyone this fast. He frowned, sitting at his desk, flipping through a book mindlessly. It feels so weird, like... we're instantly connected, that we should be together — it feels right, but am I the only one who feels this way? This is so fucking frustrating.

Taehyun wasn't used to this. He prided himself on being rational, making reasonable decisions based on logic rather than emotions.

But now? He felt utterly helpless. Beomgyu made him feel things he couldn't control, couldn't compartmentalize.

I want more, He admitted to himself. More than the playful touches, more than the quiet gazes, more than the brief caresses. I want—

He stopped himself, the weight of his own selfishness hitting him hard. He was asking for more when he didn't even know if Beomgyu felt the same way.

Just as he was about to spiral deeper into his thoughts, a loud, unmistakable scream echoed through the cabin.

"Huening Kai?" Taehyun whispered, his head snapping toward the door.

For a second, he thought he might have imagined it. But then the sound came again — Huening Kai's voice, excited and booming, reverberating through the cabin walls.

Taehyun blinked, his brows furrowing. What the hell is going on now?

Quickly bookmarking the page he left off in his book, closing it and safely placing it away, he dragged himself out of the chair and began walking out of his room — confusion and wondering questions forming in his mind as he trudged downstairs.

"Hey!" He called out, walking over to the living room. "Is everything okay?—"

Before he could even finish his sentence, he stopped dead in his tracks, his jaw practically hitting the floor at the sight he was seeing. Standing there in... in beach shorts... were Yeonjun, Soobin, and Beomgyu — who were all smiling brightly as if the air wasn't nearly in the negatives.

"What the—" Taehyun's voice cracked as he registered what the hell was going on. "What the fuck are you all doing?!" He practically yelled, his tone a mix of disbelief and horror.

Yeonjun grinned, completely unbothered by his cousins solid reaction — as if being shirtless and in beach shorts during the middle of winter time and the coldest point of the season was literally normal. "Calm down! It's tradition, Taehyun! Every winter, the day before Christmas Eve, we do a polar plunge!"

"A... A what?!" Taehyun screeched, his eyes darting between the three of them (where was Hyuka?) and then to the snowy landscape visible through the window. "The hell is a polar plunge?!"

Soobin sighed softly, adjusting his sunglasses — why in the world was he wearing sunglasses inside? — and replied to him calmly. "Every year, we fill this huge inflatable pool with water and pour ice cubes in it, then we jump in! It's both calming and fun! Hyuka's outside filling it up right now."

"In what way is jumping into a custom made ice bath that could give you hypothermia — fun?!" Taehyun asked, nervousness and worry flooding his systems. "You're all insane, you'll freeze to death!"

He then turned towards Beomgyu who was just smiling at him, his eyes widening. "You... You're seriously going to do this? Jump into a damn pool of ice water in the snow?"

Beomgyu smiled, strangely calm in the face of Taehyun's panic. "It's not as bad as it sounds, Tyun, I promise! We do this every year and neither of us has died... yet."

"That doesn't make me feel any better, Beomgyu!"

"I promise, we'll be okay!"

Taehyun opened his mouth to argue again, his panic rising even further until the sight of Beomgyu's bare chest caught his attention. The toned, yet pale skin, glowed under the cabin's warm lighting — left him momentarily speechless and his mouth dry.

It wasn't until he realized what the hell he was doing, blinking rapidly, trying to focus on the other two who were both trying to convince Taehyun to join them — oblivious to the new reason of his sheer panic.

But when he noticed the faint smirk twitch on Beomgyu's lips, the reaction only made things worse.

"Taehyun," Beomgyu said softly, his voice almost a purr as he stepped closer. "What's on your mind? Want to tell us?"

Taehyun froze, his eyes widening when Soobin and Yeonjun stared at him curiously — unaware of the rising tension between him and Beomgyu, and he was definitely not trying to do this right now. Especially in front of his damn cousin for fucks sake!

"I'm- It's- ugh! It's nothing!" He snapped angrily, flustered off the most part as he turned on his heel and stormed away — desperate for a distraction.

When Taehyun made his way to the back door, he stopped in confusion at the sight of it wide open. Muttering a curse under his breath, he approached cautiously, not daring to step outside without his winter boots. His eyes widened when he spotted Huening Kai by a large inflatable pool, happily dumping bags of ice cubes into the water.

"Oh my god," Taehyun gaped, his jaw nearly dropping. "You're actually serious about this."

Huening Kai, startled at first, quickly recovered and beamed at Taehyun with an enthusiasm far too bright for someone preparing to jump into what essentially amounted to a death trap.

"Taehyun!" he exclaimed, waving as if he hadn't just heard how insane this was. "Of course I'm serious! It's tradition! You should join us — it'll be fun!"

Taehyun stared at him, absolutely dumbfounded. His heart wavered slightly at Huening Kai's relentless positivity, but no amount of charm could convince him to dive into an ice pool when it was literally below freezing outside.

"Absolutely not," Taehyun deadpanned, folding his arms and shivering slightly at the cold breeze wafting in. "I can't believe you're all doing this. This is some wack tradition."

Huening Kai pouted but didn't push further, turning back to the pool to add more ice cubes. Taehyun watched him for a moment, feeling a slight pang of guilt. But no, absolutely not. There was no way he'd jump into a freezing pool. Screw that—

"Taehyun."

He froze at the sound of his name, the warmth of a hand suddenly wrapping around his waist. A body pressed into his side, and he sucked in a sharp breath as he felt lips brush faintly against the shell of his ear. He didn't even need to look to know who it was — his heart was already racing.

"No," Taehyun blurted, his voice wavering as he tried to stand his ground. But the close proximity was already breaking his resolve. "Shut up, Beomgyu."

"But you'd have so much fun!" Beomgyu said, his tone playful yet oddly persuasive. There was a hint of a pout in his voice, and then he added with deliberate ease. "You'd look so adorable doing it too. Come on, join us!"

Taehyun's breath hitched at the compliment, slowly looking over towards the elder, which was a big mistake when his resolve was beginning to crack under his gaze. "I said no!"

Beomgyu only grinned wider, stepping closer until the tips of their noses were nearly touching. Taehyun's eyes widened, his entire body freezing. Moving felt impossible — if he so much as breathed, he feared his heart would fully betray him.

"Come on, sweetheart," Beomgyu said, his voice dropping into a lower, softer tone. It was sweet, coaxing, and far too effective. "I know you can do it. Do it for me, yeah?"

Taehyun's lips parted, but no words came out. His mind raced as he tried to find a coherent response, but the way Beomgyu was looking at him, the way his voice melted into his ears, the sweet little nickname, made forming a logical thought impossible.

"I—" Taehyun stammered, his cheeks burning so fiercely he was certain Beomgyu could feel the heat radiating off him.

"Hmm?" Beomgyu tilted his head, a teasing smile playing on his lips. His grip on Taehyun's waist tightened ever so slightly, enough to send a jolt of electricity straight through him.

Before he knew it, his lips were forming the words without his permission, his voice daring to speak without him processing a single word. "Y-Yeah, fine. I'll do it."

Beomgyu's eyes lit up instantly, his smile spreading into something that could rival the sun. He took a step back, giving Taehyun just enough room to finally breathe. But the next moment, the elder let out an excited cheer, ruffling Taehyun's hair as he bounded back into the cabin.

"I did it! Yeonjun hyung, I convinced him!" Beomgyu hollered, his voice echoing through the hall like a triumphant anthem.

Taehyun stood rooted to the spot, completely dumbfounded and vaguely horrified. What had he just agreed to? He barely had time to process the betrayal from his own lips before Yeonjun appeared out of nowhere, beaming and dragging Taehyun toward his room.

"I'll grab you some extra swim shorts!" Yeonjun said cheerfully, pulling open his closet.

"Wait— no! I don't want to—" Taehyun's protests were drowned out as Yeonjun tossed a pair of shorts at him.

"You're going to have the best time of your life!" His older cousin declared, grinning.

"I hate you!" He yelled back, clutching the shorts and stomping his foot.

A few minutes later, Taehyun stood outside in the snow, his arms wrapped around himself as he stared at the ice-filled pool like it was a death trap. And unlike the absolute psychopaths he surrounded himself with, he decided to wear a t-shirt with his beach shorts, absolutely refusing to take it off.

He stood near the pool with Yeonjun, Soobin, and Beomgyu — all four of them watching as Huening Kai began to climb the makeshift diving board with ease, a wide smile on his face as if he wasn't about to dive to his literal death.

"You got this Huening!" Yeonjun excitedly called out.

Huening Kai gave an excited grin, his energy palpable as he bounced on the diving board a few times, testing it. Then, without hesitation, he launched himself into the icy pool with all the enthusiasm of a kid diving into a summer lake. A loud splash echoed as water sprayed in every direction.

For a moment, everything was still. Taehyun held his breath, his nervousness growing as Huening Kai disappeared under the surface. But then, with a gasp and a scream that could probably be heard for miles, Huening Kai shot back up, flailing wildly.

"IT'S SO COLD!" He yelled, his limbs moving in chaotic directions as he scrambled out of the pool like his life depended on it.

Once free, he collapsed dramatically into the snow, rolling around for a moment before sprinting into the cabin without a backward glance.

Everyone was stunned into silence — and then erupted into hysterical laughter.

"Oh my god!" Yeonjun cried, clutching his stomach as he laughed. "Alright, my turn!"

Without a second thought, Yeonjun ran up to the makeshift diving board, a wide smile on his face. He backed up just a little before sprinting forward and leaping — landing with an impressive belly flop.

The loud smack of his impact made everyone collectively wince. Seconds later, Yeonjun resurfaced, his face contorted in pure regret.

"Bad idea. BAD IDEA!" He wheezed, flailing as he struggled to climb out. Soobin quickly rushed over, grabbing his arm and pulling him to safety.

"Soobin hyung!" Beomgyu called out, practically vibrating with excitement. "Do a backflip or something!"

Soobin rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his amused smile. He turned to Taehyun, who looked absolutely mortified. "You're next."

Taehyun froze, his mind racing as he tried to process the words. But before he could protest, Soobin walked toward the diving board, hopping onto it with unnerving grace. Without hesitation, he jumped in, barely flinching as the icy water engulfed him.

For a few seconds, Soobin stayed under, making Taehyun even more nervous. But when he finally surfaced, he shot them a thumbs up and an encouraging smile before calmly climbing out as if the freezing water was nothing. He immediately went over to check on Huening Kai and Yeonjun, who were still recovering from their respective jumps.

Taehyun's horror was written all over his face. Each reaction he'd just witnessed was unhinged in its own unique way. Slowly, he turned to the elder, his voice trembling. "You're all crazy. Absolutely insane for doing this."

Beomgyu, his damp hair clinging to his forehead, turned to him with an amused smile. "Your turn, Taehyun."

"I-I can't do this!" Taehyun stammered, stepping back instinctively.

Beomgyu's expression softened at his obvious nerves. Taking a step closer, he held out a hand. "Then let's do it together."

Taehyun hesitated, his eyes darting between the icy pool and Beomgyu's outstretched hand. Every rational part of his brain screamed at him to say no, to run back into the warmth of the cabin and never look back.

But then he caught sight of Beomgyu's warm smile, the same one that always managed to disarm him. Against his better judgment, he found himself nodding, his hand slowly reaching out to take Beomgyu's.

The two of them walked toward the diving board, Taehyun's nerves skyrocketing with every step. When they finally reached the edge, panic hit him like a freight train. Without thinking, he clung to Beomgyu like a lifeline, wrapping his arms tightly around his neck and burying his face in his chest.

Nope. Never mind. Now that he was actually standing there, staring into the icy abyss, he was absolutely not doing this.

"Let's go inside," Taehyun whispered desperately, his voice trembling. He tilted his head up, his pleading eyes meeting Beomgyu's. "We can have some hot cocoa — maybe even cuddle! Doesn't that sound so much better, hyung?"

Beomgyu raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smile. His hands rested lightly on Taehyun's waist, and for a moment, it seemed like he was genuinely considering it. "Hot cocoa does sound nice."

A rush of hope and relief flooded Taehyun, his eyes lighting up with hope. "See? Let's just go back—"

But before he could finish, Beomgyu's grip tightened on his waist, and a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "Maybe after this."

"Wait, what — NO!" Taehyun's scream echoed across the snow covered forest when Beomgyu suddenly lifted him up and launched the both of them off of the diving board.

The icy air whipped against his skin for a split second before they crashed into the freezing water with an explosive splash.

The cold hit Taehyun like a thousand needles piercing his body all at once. He surfaced with a gasp, flailing as he tried to process the shock to his system.

"Choi Beomgyu!" He screeched, the moment he came back up to the surface, scrambling towards the edge of the pool. "I hate you! I hate you so damn much!"

Beomgyu surfaced beside him, laughing uncontrollably, his hair plastered to his face as he was slightly shivering. "You're fine!"

"Fine?!" Taehyun shrieked, his teeth chattering violently as he clawed his way out of the water. "I'm never forgiving you for this! Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you!"

Taehyun struggled as he stumbled out of the pool and collapsed onto the snow, the cold air mixed with how drenched he was, was driving him absolutely crazy as he shivered — yet, a small laugh escaped his lips despite his anger.

"You survived!" Beomgyu said, with a cheeky grin as he wrapped a towel around Taehyun and guided him back to the cabin. "See? I told you, I knew you could do it."

Taehyun glared at him weakly, his cheeks flushed from a mix of cold and embarrassment — unconsciously leaning closer to his touch as he scoffed. "You're so damn lucky I don't have the strength to just punch you right now!"

As they stumbled toward the cabin, soaked and freezing, he couldn't help but admire Beomgyu's laughter — it was bright, warm, and oddly comforting, even in the bitter cold.

A few hours had passed by since the chaotic polar plunge, and it was safe to say, Taehyun was content on being warm and cozied up in his room.

After watching Soobin and Huening Kai squeeze into the small shower to bury themselves under the hot water — which probably wasn't a smart idea to do after jumping in ice cold water, he couldn't help but laugh and head to the other bathroom to fix his hair.

Then later on, he decided to go to his own room for the time being, just to breathe a little.

Of course, he had some company with him.

Taehyun sat at his desk, his hands wrapped around a steaming cup of hot cocoa, the warmth slowly chasing away the lingering chill. Beomgyu sat beside him, his head resting comfortably on his shoulder.

It was a small gesture, but one that sent Taehyun's heart racing. He tried to focus on the video playing on his laptop — Yeonjun's chaotic recording of their earlier antics, which made a smile grow at the face seeing the whole entire thing in another perspective.

The sounds of Huening Kai's scream, the dramatic belly flop, the laughter and shouting all filled the room, and yet he was smiling. The footage was absolutely ridiculous, watching the part where Beomgyu picked him up and dramatically jumped into the pool with the both of them — making him laugh loudly.

"You're still mad about it, huh?" Beomgyu teased softly, his voice close, a lazy grin tugging at his lips.

"Of course, I am," He muttered, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably as a laugh escaped him. "You practically threw me into that freezing water!"

Beomgyu chuckled, his laughter vibrating against Taehyun's shoulder. "But look at you now, all warm and smiling. Totally worth it."

Taehyun didn't respond, his focus shifting back to the video. The silence that followed was oddly comfortable, broken only by the occasional sip of cocoa and the soft hum of the heater in the room.

It wasn't until then, Beomgyu shifted slightly, tilting his head up to glance at him. "Hey..." He began softly. "Can I... ask you something?"

Taehyun blinked, looking away from the laptop, taken aback by the sudden question. "Yeah, what's up?"

Beomgyu hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering to the screen before returning to Taehyun. "This might... this might be weird, honestly, but uhm... I know you're in college and all, i'm happy for you but uhm — have you, y'know... experienced crazy relationships or some sort there?"

The question caught him off guard, the grip on his cocoa tightened slightly as he processed the words before his cheeks instantly warmed up.

"Yeah," He spoke honestly, understanding the deeper meaning of why he asked that. "I've had a few boyfriends — maybe two or three? It was during my first year though."

At that, Beomgyu visibly tensed, though his face remained neutral. Taehyun noticed the subtle change and bit his lip, unsure whether to elaborate.

He decided to continue, his voice quieter now. "But they're exes for a reason. I guess... I'm still looking for someone who feels right, my type."

Beomgyu nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "What's your type, then?"

The question made Taehyun's heart stutter. He hesitated, glancing at Beomgyu, who was watching him with an expression that was both curious and vulnerable. Gathering his courage, he gave a shy answer.

"Someone kind, funny, a little chaotic but thoughtful," He said, his voice barely above a whisper as the noise from the laptop became white noise. "I want someone who can make every single day a new adventure, yet keeps me safe. I want someone to can keep me on my toes and make the most boring days... bright."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but realize how closely the description aligned with Beomgyu. Every single day with him was a new adventure, he never felt bored — even when all they did was sit in silence or do nothing, his eyes began to widen a little when he realized that Yeonjun was right once again: he was truly his type.

When he finished, the elder didn't say anything at first, but the faint, knowing smile tugging at his lips spoke volumes.

"And you?" Taehyun asked, feeling brave enough to turn the question around.

Beomgyu's smile softened, his gaze lowering briefly before meeting Taehyun's. "I like someone already," He admitted quietly, and Taehyun felt a pang in his chest. "I have for a while now."

Before Taehyun could force out a congratulation or ask who it was, Beomgyu continued, his tone lower, more deliberate.

"They're smart, strong, and independent," He began, leaning back slightly, his eyes flickering with something unspoken. "But they've got this soft side too. When they let their guard down... they're thoughtful, driven, and really..." His voice faltered, a grin spreading across his face. "...really fucking cute when they're flustered. They make me want to be better."

The words hung in the air, and Taehyun felt like the ground beneath him had vanished. His thoughts spiraled as he pieced it together, his gaze locking onto Beomgyu's.

The intensity in his expression, the deliberate way he was speaking — was he...?

Taehyun sat up straighter, his breath shaky as he stared at Beomgyu, his heart pounding so hard it was deafening.

For a moment, everything else disappeared.

Beomgyu's gaze dropped to Taehyun's lips, lingering for a fraction too long to be mistaken. His eyes were heavy with something raw and unspoken. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he began to lean in.

Taehyun's pulse raced as he found himself mirroring the movement, their faces drawing closer and closer until their noses brushed.

Beomgyu's eyes fluttered shut, his breath warm against Taehyun's skin as their lips were about to meet—

"Guys! Guys!"

The door burst open with a loud bang, and they both jolted apart like they'd been caught doing something forbidden.

Huening Kai stood in the doorway, wide-eyed and breathless. "You have to come outside! Right now! Get your jackets!" He exclaimed with excitement.

As soon as Huening Kai darted back downstairs, Beomgyu groaned loudly, visibly annoyed by the interruption. The tense atmosphere between them had dissipated, leaving something lighter, yet unspoken, lingering in the air.

Taehyun chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Come on, before he comes back and drags us out himself."

They quickly grabbed their jackets, the room momentarily silent as they bundled up. When Taehyun looked over, Beomgyu was already watching him, an emotion flickering in his eyes that made his heart race all over again. Neither of them said a word, but their gazes held for a beat longer than usual, carrying the weight of what had almost happened.

Finally, they made their way downstairs and stepped into the cold night air. In the distance, they spotted the others standing in an open patch of the yard, their faces turned toward the sky.

"Over here!" Yeonjun called out, waving at them before pointing eagerly upwards. "Look!"

Taehyun tilted his head back, his breath catching in his throat. Above them, the night sky shimmered with vibrant waves of green and blue, the aurora borealis stretching like an ethereal ribbon across the heavens. Hints of violet and pink danced along the edges, glowing softly against the endless black canvas of stars.

"Oh my god," Taehyun whispered, his voice barely audible as he stared in awe. "Holy shit — it's beautiful."

Beomgyu glanced at him, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he watched Taehyun's expression light up with wonder.

Huening Kai grinned, clearly pleased by their reactions, but his excitement quickly shifted to panic as he patted his coat pockets. "Crap! I forgot the camera!" He turned to Yeonjun, grabbing his arm. "Come with me, hyung!"

"Me?" Yeonjun yelped, startled.

Before he could protest further, Huening Kai had already grabbed both him and Soobin, dragging them toward the cabin. "Wait! I don't even know where it is!"

"That's what Soobin hyung is for!" Huening Kai shouted over his shoulder, leaving Taehyun and Beomgyu alone under the dancing lights.

For a moment, neither of them said anything only admiring the beautiful sight above as the soft wind swirled around them. It wasn't until Beomgyu had stepped closer, his hand found his own, and their fingers began to intertwine nearly naturally, and Taehyun couldn't help but smile at the gesture, how well their hands fit against each other.

"Every time I visit Gangwon-do, I hope to see this," Beomgyu murmured softly, his eyes sparkling, reflecting the light above. "It never gets old, no matter how many times I see it, it's always so beautiful."

Taehyun glanced at him, his chest swelling with warmth as he squeezed the elders hand reassuringly. "I'm happy that you get to see it again, and... and I'm happy being here with you."

The expression that appeared on Beomgyu's face when he had said that, was something that he couldn't exactly tell. It was a mixture between hope, happiness, and another emotion, yet deep down Taehyun knew exactly well what it was, but now he's staying silent.

"When I was younger," Beomgyu started, his thumb gently rubbing his hand, comforting him. "My dad would bring me here, tell me a story about the aurora borealis every time we saw it. I didn't really believe it, it was a silly story. But he told me that... it was a trail that guides two lovers back to each other, no matter how far apart they are — as long as they follow the beautiful path, they'll find each other again."

Taehyun felt his heart ache at the sweetness of the story, though it was probably a silly story that he was told in his childhood — a myth of some sort, he couldn't help but feel so... in awe by it. Turning over to look at Beomgyu fully, he felt his breath hitch.

The elders face was beautiful underneath the aurora lights. The way the colors illuminated down on his face, the colors reflecting a soft glow in his eyes and bringing out his features more, he felt himself enchanted — unable to look away.

It wasn't until he shakily spoke up. "Do you believe in it?"

Beomgyu paused at that question, turning to meet his gaze and the air grew heavy between them once again — but this time, neither of them in a rush to break it.

The question lingered in the air for a moment, as if the elder was thinking about it carefully inside of his mind — trying to form the proper answer, although it was just a yes or no question, it seemed like he wanted his answer to be something more by the way his eyes softened.

"At first I thought it was dumb," Beomgyu admitted softly, his hand tightening around Taehyun's. "The thought of literal lights in the sky acting as a guide for lovers was a... dumb idea."

Taehyun stayed silent when he finished his sentence, noticing a hesitant look in his eyes before he continued on.

"I tried to feel the story's emotion when my dad told me, tried to feel what it was like being under these lights — waiting for someone who could take care of my heart with proper care," Beomgyu continued on, his gaze flickering back up towards the sky. "I tried understanding, but all I felt was loneliness and... nothing, in my heart."

Taehyun bit the bottom of his lip, noticing how Beomgyu's expression had changed into one with a bit of sadness. "Do you still feel that way... right now?"

The silence that answered his question felt suffocating, Beomgyu just standing there as he stared at the sky — and for a moment Taehyun thought he had said something wrong, he doesn't know why they're getting so sentimental over a made up story, maybe he should've kept quiet.

It wasn't until Beomgyu slowly looked back at him, his gaze vulnerable and so filled with desires that he couldn't say out loud, and for a moment, he paused before speaking.

"If I'm honest," He said. "I don't anymore, I think my mind changed."

Taehyun's eyes widened hearing that, his heart racing as the pull to just have Beomgyu's as his own grew increasingly larger, his chest tightening.

"What made you change your mind...?" He asked, his breath shaky.

A fond smile grew on Beomgyu's lips, and for a moment neither of them said anything until the elder had slowly brought his hand up, making his heart race as he pressed a soft kiss to it.

"Because I met you," He said softly. "Being with you under these lights, filled that aching loneliness in my heart."

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛

Taehyun was done.

He was so so so so so done!

Screw his anxiety, screw his second thoughts, screw all of his worries — he was done.

By the time the morning sun filtered through the windows, he didn't notice at all. He was too busy sulking in his own feelings, sprawled face down on the couch, groaning loudly.

His mind race with thoughts, specifically about Beomgyu. The blush on his cheek was burning him now, all he could think about what the time they spent together the night before under the northern lights.

He could still hear him, every single damn word in that ridiculously heart throbbing tone that drove him insane.

"Because I met you," He said softly. "Being with you under these lights, filled that aching loneliness in my heart."

That fucking shit! Taehyun groaned loudly, the words repeating themselves in his mind over and over again, driving him absolutely crazy. He can't just say that- he can't!

Oh, he was so angry! By the time Taehyun's damn brain which worked ninety percent of the time processed everything, he couldn't even reply when his cousin and the others came back outside and started taking multiple polaroid pictures of them as a group under the sky — which he didn't mind but, fuck!

And by the time they were finally alone, Beomgyu had to leave, his heart aching, practically screaming at him to do something, to discover the deeper depth of the words he heard.

But nope, here he was, sulking on the couch because he couldn't get the boy who he's been hopelessly falling for to explain his feelings further, leaving him alone!

And... okay, he's not that dumb sometimes, when he chooses to be. He knows there's something between them, despite the very few days they've fully known each other, it just feels right being around him. Every day was a new day that they got to spend together, a new day to learn about each other, a new day for him to fall for him more.

So that's why he's so sick, he's so done.

He wants Beomgyu to be his, he wants to be there for him more than he is now — ever since they spent time together at the damn ice skating rink and snowboarding hills, he's been nothing but hopelessly infatuated with the elder.

His feelings were growing more stronger hour by hour, and he's terrified that he might mess up if he doesn't make them clear soon.

I can't do this anymore, I'm not reading into this too much, I'm not, right? Taehyun grumbled, burying his face deeper into the pillow. He... he has to reciprocate some feelings, right? He's so sweet to me, but... am I crazy? Am I—

SLAP!

"OW!" Taehyun yelped loudly when a sharp slap landed on his ass, making him jolt up right away. "Yeonjun, what the hell?!"

Yeonjun stood over him, grinning proudly at what he had just done before gently flicking his forehead. "Watching you sulk and cry on the couch is fun and all, but get up! We're going out, shopping together!"

Taehyun scowled angrily, rubbing the spot where he had flicked. "Why the hell are we going shopping?! Couldn't you leave me alone to — I don't know — drown my feelings?"

"As entertaining as it is watching you sulk over that Choi Beomgyu, I'd rather not," Yeonjun said, his head tilting slightly. "And today's Christmas Eve! We have the holiday party tomorrow, and we're in charge of decorations!"

At first, Taehyun wanted to laugh and disregard his cousins silly words, but when the realization sank in and he checked the date on his phone, a loud gasp of horror came out. "It's Christmas Eve already?! What the hell! I have even gotten anyone a gift yet! Especially Beom—"

Yeonjun laughed loudly and pulled him up, dragging him over to the rack as he handed him his jacket. "Exactly! We're going to be screwed if we don't get decorations, what's a holiday party without decorations? Now let's go!"

Taehyun, who was still panicking internally, let his cousin drag him on over to the car — struggling to wipe the snow off of it before they both got in, sitting there for a moment to allow themselves to bask in the warmth before Yeonjun started it up and began to drive.

With the soft sound of the heater blasting and the faint music of some random holiday song playing in the background, it all felt well — except, Taehyun's mind was still racing, consumed by one thought: Beomgyu.

He had been so.. caught up in the fun of being in Gangwon-do, caught up being around Beomgyu, all caught up in his feelings that he had totally forgot the real reason why he was here: spending the holiday with his cousin!

But now, he had a new reason, he has new friends. He had a new passion, and he wants it to be the best Christmas ever.

He has a little bit of an idea what Beomgyu likes, he likes snowboarding, winter activities, photography, his guitar — all that stuff! But Taehyun needs to know what he truly likes, what can ignite that spark in his heart.

He wants to find a gift that'll make him happy, but let his feelings known.

He's not going to hold back anymore, they can't keep dancing around each other with feelings so strong it was like a magnetic pull — he needed to confess one way or another.

So first things first, a gift.

After being deep in thought for a bit, Taehyun sighed — glancing over at Yeonjun who was humming along to a cheesy holiday song, if anyone knew Beomgyu best, it would be Yeonjun. His literal best friend.

"Hey, Jun-ah?" He started hesitantly, staring at his cousin with wide eyes.

"Yeah?" Yeonjun replied, his tone soft. "What's up, Hyun-ah?"

Taehyun paused for a moment, wondering if this question would be a bit strange or not — but... for the past few days, Yeonjun has been nothing but supportive of him and Beomgyu, so it probably wouldn't hurt if he asked, maybe.

"What kind of stuff does Beomgyu like?" He asked, trying his best to sound casual, nonchalant even — only to fail. "I mean! I know he likes uh, snowboarding a lot. Photography, being crazy with Soobin... but what does he really like?"

As expected, Yeonjun wasn't  that startled by the question, but the teasing smirk growing on his lips gave it all away. "He's pretty easy to please, you could give him a damn rock and give it a sob story and he'll cherish it like it's the last day on earth."

Taehyun groaned softly, already expecting that sort of answer, the elder was just too considerate and kind for his own good it was driving him insane. "I know, but I want to get him something special, that speaks from the heart."

A soft laugh came out as Yeonjun glanced at him for a brief moment before paying attention to the road again. "That's sweet of you, I've never seen you so... smitten before, he must've really done a number on you."

Taehyun felt his face turn red, a protest bubbling up in his throat, but he knew it was better than to deny it anymore — he needs to man up and accept his feelings! Even when Yeonjun decides to use it against him and tease him like it's the cure to a zombie apocalypse or something.

"It's not too late you know," Yeonjun hummed, his tone smug and happy. "It okay! Just admit that I told you so, I was so right! You're his type, he's your type — match made in heaven, or snow!"

"Oh my god," Taehyun groaned, rolling his eyes. "Shut up, please."

Yeonjun yelped loudly when he received a sharp slap on the shoulder, only to burst out laughing again when he saw the scowl on the younger's face. "Alright, alright!" He said, laughing loudly. "You want me to be honest? I think that you shouldn't worry so much. You'll find something, just follow your gut and heart."

Follow his gut and heart.

Taehyun fell silent as he took those words into consideration, his heart racing at the idea that he could find a holiday gift for the elder — something that spoke from his heart. I need something special, something that'll really show him how much he's come to mean to me.

It was around an hour later by the time they reached the market, since they had to go into the city to find the best holiday decorations for the party — and honestly? Taehyun was determined.

Even if it took him all day, he was going to find the perfect gift for Beomgyu, and nothing is going to stop him! Not even Yeonjun's constant whining about going home will stop him!

He just prayed Yeonjun didn't get bored and abandon him, leaving him to figure out how to trek back to the cabin alone.

As soon as they stepped out of the car and into the bustling market, it was like stepping into a holiday dream. The atmosphere was alive with the spirit of the season—vendors calling out their wares, the faint jingle of bells in the air, Christmas music playing softly in the background, and strings of colorful lights illuminating every corner. It was almost magical.

Taehyun wandered through the stalls, occasionally pausing to examine trinkets or potential gifts, while trailing behind Yeonjun, who was determinedly checking items off his crumpled shopping list.

He regretted offering to push the cart almost immediately. It was quickly filling up with the most ridiculous assortment of decorations he'd ever seen.

"Alright!" Yeonjun grinned triumphantly, holding up yet another item from his list. "Here we go! Now we just need more glittery garlands, an inflatable reindeer, maybe a Santa, and a fog machine—"

"A fog machine?!"

"—for the dramatic Santa entrance, of course!" Yeonjun replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Soobin usually dresses up as Santa and runs around throwing coal at everyone. It's hilarious! We need this, Tyun!"

Taehyun blinked, struggling to process the absurdity. "And you don't already have... any of this stuff? Like, in some random storage closet from last year?"

Yeonjun scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, his smile turning a bit too cheeky. "About that... Let's just say most of the decorations don't survive the night. They're either broken, ripped, or mysteriously missing by morning."

For a second, Taehyun felt his eye twitch hearing those words, but he just gave up and shook his head, he shouldn't argue — this wasn't his party. "You're absolutely... stupid. Why do we need all this... random stuff? Why not normal decorations?"

"What's the fun in that?" Yeonjun chuckled, squeezing his cousins cheek earning a hiss and a light slap. "It's Christmas, Taehyun! It's go big or go home!"

Well, there's no argument in that. So, sighing softly, he decided to be less of a grinch as he begrudgingly followed along. As they walked further through the market, he slowly found himself growing increasingly frustrated.

He scanned every vendor, every little display window, but nothing screamed perfect gift for Beomgyu.

Nothing stood out.

The cart was already half-full with Yeonjun's absurd collection of decorations by the time they'd made it through only a fraction of the list. They stopped by another stall, where Yeonjun was enthusiastically haggling with the vendor over a glittering neon snowman that no one else seemed to want, leaving Taehyun standing there bored out of his mind.

Nothing is calling out to him, nothing is good enough. It was pissing him off, and they passed by a bunch of pretty things like jewelry, stuff animals, perfumes — all that stuff, but nothing was calling out to him.

His fingers absently traced patterns on the cart's handle as his frustration bubbled. They'd passed stalls filled with jewelry, plush toys, handmade crafts, and even perfumes — but none of it felt right. Nothing was good enough.

As his cousin continued bargaining, Taehyun was momentarily lost in thought, staring at nothing in particular, until his phone buzzed in his pocket. The sudden vibration jolted him back to reality.

Fumbling slightly, he pulled it out, glancing at the screen. His heart stuttered when he saw the name: Beomgyu hyung <3

He froze, staring at the screen as if it might disappear any second. His hands trembled slightly as he swallowed hard, willing himself to snap out of it. With a deep breath, he answered the call, lifting the phone to his ear and trying his best to sound casual.

"Hello?"

"Taehyun!" Beomgyu's cheerful voice came through the line, instantly softening the frustration he had been carrying. "What are you up to right now? It sounds like you're in the middle of a giant zoo or something!"

Taehyun laughed softly at the little joke, glancing back at Yeonjun who successfully got the snowman. "Just out with Yeonjun hyung right now, shopping or whatever."

"Ohhh!" Beomgyu beamed, sounding genuinely interested. "That sounds like fun! I hope he's not being too crazy, going shopping with that maniac is insane sometimes."

Before Taehyun could respond to what he said and tell him that it was too late, Yeonjun was being a maniac, a loud scream echoed in the background of Beomgyu's side — making him freeze as he brought the phone away from his ear before bringing it back.

"What the hell was that?!"

Beomgyu took a moment before answering, his laughter spilling through the line. It was that loud, unrestrained laugh that Taehyun could so clearly imagine, the kind that always made his heart race. "Oh, don't worry! That was just Soobin. We're on the hill snowboarding, and—" He paused, laughing harder. "He wiped out in front of Huening Kai — again!"

"You're on the hill right now?" Taehyun asked, though he couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped him. He almost wished he were there to see Soobin's fall firsthand. "I didn't know you were busy. Am I bothering you?"

"If you were bothering me, I wouldn't have called, silly," Beomgyu replied softly, his tone warm and reassuring. "I just wanted to check in on you, see how you're doing or whatever."

Taehyun's heart melted at the thought of Beomgyu calling to check on him despite being out with his friends. His cheeks flushed as he struggled to keep his voice steady. "Oh... I really appreciate it. Thank you. I hope you're having fun."

"It is fun," Beomgyu said warmly. "But honestly? It'd be even better if you were here with me... with us."

For a moment, there was only silence. Taehyun was too stunned — and far too flustered — to respond. The weight of Beomgyu's words sent his heart into overdrive.

When the silence dragged on, Beomgyu awkwardly cleared his throat and spoke again. "Anyway... do you want to hang out later? I've been missing you a little too much, even though it's only been a day."

Taehyun's heart raced, and a giddy smile crept onto his face. He bit his bottom lip, trying to contain it, but the warmth in his chest was impossible to ignore. "Yeah," he said softly. "I'd like that."

Another pause followed, lingering and loaded. They both knew the conversation had naturally come to an end, but neither wanted to say goodbye. Taehyun could hear someone calling Beomgyu's name faintly in the background, just as Yeonjun shouted for him from a nearby stall.

But he couldn't bring himself to hang up.

The words I love you hovered on the edge of his tongue, tempting him, taunting him. He swallowed them down, knowing it wasn't the right time.

"Bye, hyung," He said instead, his voice barely above a whisper.

Beomgyu laughed softly, his warmth spilling through the phone one last time. "Bye, Taehyun."

As the call ended, Taehyun lowered his phone, his cheeks burning. He looked up and immediately groaned. Yeonjun was smirking at him, arms crossed, clearly having overheard everything. 

"Stop looking at me like that," Taehyun scowled, shoving him lightly with the cart. "You're so nosy!"

"It's not my fault you both are so damn adorable, it's honestly sickening," Yeonjun teased, ruffling his hair before gesturing for him to follow. "Come on, I have a few more things to get and then we can find that perfect gift for your lover boy."

Taehyun scoffed at his words, but couldn't fight the small smile on his face as he followed Yeonjun through the market, his determined to find something meaningful for Beomgyu only grew stronger, especially after that call.

As the evening deepened, the market's festive lights twinkled against the snowy backdrop, casting a warm glow. Yeonjun's car was now bursting with an absurd assortment of decorations — giant inflatable candy canes, a glowing reindeer, and even a questionable singing Santa statue. Taehyun side-eyed the pile as Yeonjun stuffed yet another box into the trunk. 

"I really don't get it," Taehyun asked, genuinely concerned. "How in the world do you even have this much money for this... catastrophe...?"

"It's called budgeting! Saving up!" Yeonjun said, stuffing another box into the car. "Now instead of being so mean, why don't you scatter along and find something for Beomgyu?"

Taehyun rolled his eyes but listened to him,  wandering further down the market and leaving behind Yeonjun who haggled over yet another bizarre purchase.

It took him a bit, but after a while he froze when his eyes landed on a small vendor stall tucked away in a cozy corner, its display illuminated by soft string lights. Among the items was a set of star-shaped matching necklaces, each delicately crafted with a shimmering silver outline and a tiny gemstone at the center. 

It caught his attention right away.

Taehyun approached the stall, running his eyes over the smooth edges of one necklace, something in his heart clicking with warmth and familiarity.

It wasn't until the vendor, a cheerful older woman, noticed his interest and began speaking. "Those necklaces have a special story," She said with a twinkle in her eye. "Legend has it, two lovers once wore these. They believed as long as they kept them close, their hearts would always find each other, no matter how far apart they were." 

Okay, honestly, that story sounds stupid as hell.

But... despite it being overly romantic and slightly fabricated, he honestly didn't care. He loved the design, and something about the stars reminded him of Beomgyu and their conversation about the northern lights, his own story that he told him — how he now believes the story because of... him.

Without hesitation, he bought the necklaces and held them tightly in his hand, his heart racing as he imagined Beomgyu's reaction. Would he hug him? Kiss him? Anything? Oh, his heart cannot handle it.

He hurried back to Yeonjun, who was now triumphantly carrying an enormous box labeled "Holiday Extravaganza Kit.", his eye twitching at the more additions to the already overfilled car.

"Did you find your gift?" Yeonjun asked, noticing his flushed cheeks.

Taehyun nodded, unable to hide his smile as he held up the small bag containing the necklaces. 

Yeonjun grinned, examining the gifts for a second before he whistled out softly, clearly impressed by his choice. "Simple but beautiful, good job, Tyun! He's going to love it, now let's go grab some gifts for the others, can't have them feeling left out."

Taehyun nodded his head, clearly flustered by the praise as he began to follow the elder through the market once more, his heart lighter now and the tension melting off of him now that he found the perfect gift.

Now he has to just wait, wait until he gets to see the elders reaction.

The cabin was buzzing with activity as Taehyun and Yeonjun worked tirelessly to transform the entire cabin space into a holiday wonderland — albeit an eccentric one, thanks to Yeonjun's unique holiday decorations.

When Taehyun woke up that morning, he was already brimming with excitement. It was Christmas Day, and not only would he be spending it with his cousin and newfound friends, but also Beomgyu.

His thoughts kept drifting to the matching necklaces he'd picked out for them, and his mind played out a dozen scenarios of how Beomgyu might react when he gave him the gift. But today wasn't just about exchanging presents.

He was going to confess.

No matter what happens, he's going to confess — and yes, he was freaking out about it but who cares? He wants Beomgyu, and even though he's going to be here for a while — he's not letting him slip past his fingers.

However, instead of forming a great idea of how he's going to confess, he still doesn't know what he's going to say or what he's going to do, Yeonjun had dragged him out of his room to decorate the cabin before everyone arrives.

It was a mere disaster though, the giant reindeer balloon stubbornly refused to inflate evenly, making Taehyun groan in frustration. Yeonjun, ever the optimist, laughed as he adjusted the nozzle of the pump.

"Relax, it's fine! What's Christmas without a slightly deflated reindeer centerpiece?"

Taehyun shot him a look but couldn't hold back a small smile. He hugged Yeonjun impulsively, grateful for his cousin's endless energy and enthusiasm.

They spent the next couple of hours running around the cabin, hanging garlands, draping lights, and positioning inflatable decorations. Now, Taehyun was carefully balancing a tangled string of Christmas lights, passing it up to Yeonjun, who precariously taped the letters "Merry Christmas" onto the wall — comically misspelled at first attempt.

It wasn't until the door had suddenly burst open, revealing Huening Kai who waltzed in excited, arms loaded with a ton of food. "Merry Christmas, guys!" He announced, walking over to the counter. "How's decorating going?"

Taehyun's eyes perked up at the sight of the trays, curiosity getting to him. "What's all of that?"

"I made everything!" Huening Kai beamed proudly. "Holiday cookies, roast chicken, rice cakes, and even hotteok. This party's going to be amazing! No starving on my watch!"

Right behind him, Soobin entered with his usual warm smile, dressed festively in a cozy holiday sweater. He walked over to where Taehyun and Yeonjun were struggling with the lights.

"Here, Taehyun," Soobin offered gently, reaching for the tangled string. "I'll take over. You can go grab something to eat if you want."

Taehyun hesitated for a moment, then handed the lights to Soobin with a nod of gratitude. Yet, as he stepped away, he couldn't shake the nagging emptiness in the room. Something — someone — was missing.

"Where's Beomgyu?" He asked, his voice casual but tinged with anticipation.

Soobin glanced at him, his smile turning apologetic. "He's on the hill right now, teaching a group how to snowboard. But don't worry, he'll be here later. Beomgyu never misses holiday parties."

Taehyun nodded, reassured but still feeling a pang of longing. He tried to shake it off as they finished decorating, the cabin transforming into a vibrant, quirky holiday haven with inflatable reindeer, oversized candy canes, and glittering lights.

When the party officially started, the cabin came alive with laughter, music, and the warmth of friendship. The four of them threw themselves into festive games: gingerbread house building, a chaotic round of scooping cotton balls with gloves, and blindfolded cookie decorating that left Yeonjun with frosting in his hair.

It was fun — Taehyun couldn't deny that. But it also felt incomplete.

One person was still missing.

He tried to focus on the games and the festive spirit, reminding himself of Soobin's words: Beomgyu will be here. But as the hours passed, the weight of the small gift box in his pocket grew heavier, and the ache in his chest deepened.

By the time night fell and the sky turned inky black, the ache had become almost unbearable. Taehyun's mood visibly faltered, and it didn't go unnoticed.

Yeonjun, his face smeared with icing after an intense frosting battle, gently nudged Taehyun with his elbow. "Hey, why don't you step outside for a bit? Get some fresh air. I promise, he's on his way. Just... breathe, okay?"

Taehyun hesitated, guilt creeping in for letting his feelings dampen the holiday spirit. But when his hand brushed the gift box in his pocket, the ache sharpened. He nodded, his expression softening under Yeonjun's knowing smile.

Yeonjun reached out and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Go on. He'll be here soon."

Slipping out the back door, he sighed as the crisp, cold air enveloped him. The backyard was quiet, save for the faint hum of music and laughter from inside. His breath formed small puffs in the freezing air as he stared up at the sky.

The stars twinkled faintly, but their usual comfort escaped him tonight. His hands twitched in his pockets, and before he could stop himself, he pulled out his phone. Beomgyu's name lit up on the screen, his thumb hovering over the call button.

I shouldn't be this upset, He thought, biting his lip. I'll see him again. He's just busy, and he'll be here soon. Why am I so damn desperate?

But no matter how much he tried to rationalize his feelings, the ache in his chest wouldn't subside.

With a quiet sigh, he slipped his phone back into his pocket and leaned against the porch railing. The cold air bit at his skin, but he welcomed the sting, closing his eyes and letting the stillness settle over him.

He just stood there, basking in his aching loneliness as he mentally scolded himself, leaning into his hands as he scoffed at how foolish he was acting. It was just Beomgyu, he will see him again, it's not the end of the world.

He was so far lost in his thoughts, he wasn't unaware that the door behind him had suddenly opened and then, a soft, slightly out-of-breath voice broke the silence.

"Taehyun?"

Taehyun's eyes flew open as his body straightened almost immediately, turning around as his heart nearly burst at the night of Beomgyu, standing right there near the door as a bit of snow dusted his hair, his cheeks flushed from the cold, his jacket was half zipped and he could see his snowboarding uniform still on — as if he had rushed out here in a hurry.

Taehyun felt his throat dry up, his eyes widening as Beomgyu took a step forward, his chest heaving up and down as if he had ran a marathon.

"There you are," Beomgyu smiled, his gaze softening as he now stood in front of Taehyun, towering over him just a little. "I'm sorry I'm late, I was looking for you."

The silence stretched between them, charged and heavy, but Taehyun couldn't muster a response. His mind had blanked entirely, save for the weight of the gift in his pocket and the sheer presence of the boy standing in front of him.

Beomgyu shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "The snowboarding lessons ran longer than I thought. More groups kept showing up, and I couldn't just leave them stranded..." His voice softened as his gaze met Taehyun's. "But I wanted to be here. With you. I'm sorry for losing track of time—"

Before he could even finish his sentence, Taehyun suddenly threw his arms around his neck — pulling him into a tight hug that made him freeze, but when he processed what was happening, he wasted no time as he melted into the embrace, wrapping his arms around him just as tightly.

"Don't apologize, please don't apologize," Taehyun muttered, his voice trembling with relief as his anxiety began to fade away the moment he was in Beomgyu's arms. "I'm just happy you're here..."

Beomgyu glanced down at him, the emotions in his gaze deepening as he rested his chin on top of his head. "I'm happy to be here with you too, I'd be a fool to miss our first Christmas together."

They stood there in the quiet, the faint sound of music and laughter from the cabin filtering through the cold air. Taehyun stayed close, his head leaning gently against Beomgyu's chest, listening to the steady, comforting rhythm of his heartbeat. For a moment, the world felt still, as if it existed only for them.

But Taehyun couldn't ignore the weight in his chest any longer. Tonight felt different — stronger, heavier — and he was done pretending it didn't.

He pulled back slightly, meeting Beomgyu's curious gaze. Taking a deep, shaky breath, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. His fingers trembled as he held it up, his heart hammering in his chest.

"When you told me that story under the northern lights," Taehyun began, his voice soft but unwavering, "I don't know... it felt good. Hearing such a sweet, tacky, story made my heart feel full. But when you said I was the reason you started to believe in it again..." He trailed off, his voice breaking just slightly. "These feelings I've been holding in for you — they only grew stronger."

Beomgyu didn't speak, his wide, curious eyes fixed on him. The night seemed to hold its breath as Taehyun carefully opened the box, revealing the two matching necklaces with star-shaped pendants that glimmered faintly under the soft glow of the holiday lights.

"I got these for us," Taehyun said quietly, his words nearly swallowed by the crisp night air. "The vendor who sold them to me told a story — just like the one you shared with me. About hearts that are intertwined, no matter the distance or time. I thought... maybe you'd like it. I want us to be like that, Beomgyu. Intertwined. Bound, no matter where we are or what happens."

Beomgyu's breath hitched, his wide eyes now shining with something unspoken as he stared at the necklaces. Slowly, as if afraid to break the moment, he reached out and took one of the pendants from his hand. Their fingers brushed, and Taehyun swore he felt a spark shoot through him.

His lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, he looked up, his gaze meeting Taehyun's with an intensity that made the younger boy's heart skip a beat.

It wasn't until Taehyun began to tremble a little, feeling vulnerable under his intense gaze.

"I'll be honest with you, hyung," He spoke up, his tone quick. "I like you, a lot. I know it's far too soon to feel this way, and I know we met barely a week ago, but I honestly like you so much that my heart aches knowing you're not mine. You're everything I ever wanted in a person, you've made me the most happiest this holiday — more happier than I've ever felt."

Beomgyu stood frozen, his eyes widening as Taehyun continued, spilling every feeling he'd bottled up. The younger boy's voice wavered with emotion, but he pressed on, no longer able to hold back.

"Meeting you was a miracle," Taehyun said, his voice raw and sincere. "I want to be with you, Beomgyu. I want to be the reason you smile, the reason you laugh, the reason you cry. I want to be your everything. And I—" His voice broke slightly, but he pushed through. "I want to be yours, and only yours."

Before Taehyun could finish his sentence, Beomgyu's hands reached out, cold from the night air yet warm against his skin as they cupped his face. Taehyun's breath hitched, his words caught in his throat as Beomgyu leaned in, closing the gap between them.

Their lips met in a kiss so sudden, so deep, it took Taehyun's breath away. The cold night seemed to vanish as warmth bloomed inside him, spreading through every corner of his being. Beomgyu's kiss was tender but passionate, filled with everything he hadn't been able to say in words.

Taehyun's eyes fluttered shut as he melted into the kiss, his hands instinctively reaching up to grip the front of Beomgyu's jacket, grounding himself in the moment. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of their breathing and the faint hum of music from the cabin in the distance.

When Beomgyu finally pulled back, his hands lingered on Taehyun's face, their foreheads pressed together as they both caught their breath.

"You don't know how happy I am hearing you say that," Beomgyu murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze soft and full of affection. "I've liked you from the moment we met, Taehyun. You're my miracle too."

Taehyun stared at him wide eyes until a waterfall of emotions crashed down on him, making him choke out on a lob sob as he immediately hugged the elder who held onto him like his entire life — the two of them holding onto each other tightly as the air around them grew lighter and the lights grew brighter.

"I love you, Taehyun," Beomgyu said softly, his voice wavering a little. "Forever and always, merry christmas."

Taehyun let out a shaky breath, the words sinking in like warmth into his very soul. "I... I love you too," He managed, his voice cracking but filled with raw emotion. "Forever and always. Merry Christmas, hyung."

Beomgyu pulled back slightly, just enough to lift the necklace he still held in his hand. The star pendant sparkled in the soft light, and he grinned as he quickly slipped it over his head. The pendant rested perfectly against his chest. Beomgyu then looked up at Taehyun, his gaze soft and adoring, his happiness practically radiating from him.

"Turn around," The elder said gently, his voice light with excitement. "Let me put yours on."

Taehyun blinked, momentarily stunned, but nodded and turned around. He lifted his hair as Beomgyu carefully fastened the chain around his neck, his fingers brushing against his skin with a delicate touch. The pendant settled over his chest, and Taehyun reached up to hold it, his heart racing.

When he turned back to face Beomgyu, their eyes locked. The elder took a step forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. Without hesitation, Beomgyu leaned in for another kiss — this one deeper, more desperate, as if he was putting all of his desires into it.

"You don't know how long I've waited for this — for you," Beomgyu muttered against his lips, holding onto his waist tightly as Taehyun trembled in his hold. "Ever since Yeonjun told me about you, showed me your pictures during the summer, I've wanted nothing but you — and now I have you."

Taehyun froze, his eyes widening as he leaned back a little, staring at him in disbelief. "The summer...? You- You liked me for that long? Even if we didn't know each other at all?"

Beomgyu smirked, tilting his head as he he shrugged. "What can I say? You're my type, and I'm definitely happy being here with you now."

Taehyun didn't know how to feel, his chest tightening so much he felt like puking, his stomach was fluttering with those butterflies, but when everything fully processed — he pulled Beomgyu in for another kiss, small little tears of happiness dropping slowly.

In that moment, all of his suffering had faded away. His heavy thoughts now gone as the weight of the world seemed to lift off of his shoulders.

That aching pain in his chest that urged him to find something new to do, to discover a change, to discover something that he never realized was missing was slowly being filled — the puzzle making its way back home as he melted in Beomgyu's hold.

He came to Gangwon-do in search of something new, and he finally found it.

Now he doesn't want to leave at all, no matter what anyone says — it'll forever be his second home now, now that he found the one he's been searching for.

After a moment, the both of them pulled away, breathless and flustered as they stared at each other — smiling brightly until a voice rang out in the background, Huening Kai calling for them to come inside so they could start the holiday karaoke.

"Well, I guess it's time to go inside now."
Beomgyu said, backing away yet kept his hands lingering on his waist. "Let's get out of this cold, yeah?"

Just as he started to move, Taehyun's hands tightened their grip, stopping him in place. Beomgyu's brow furrowed in curiosity.

"What's wrong?" He asked gently, a hint of concern in his voice.

Taehyun hesitated, his teeth worrying at his bottom lip as he glanced up nervously. He knew he shouldn't let anxiety creep in after everything that had just happened, but the question gnawed at him relentlessly.

"Hyung..." He began, his voice trembling slightly. "What... are we?"

Beomgyu froze for a moment, his expression unreadable. But then, a soft, understanding smile graced his lips.

"Obviously, we're friends," He teased lightly before leaning closer, their noses brushing together as his voice softened. "But we could be more than that, if you'd let me. I trust you with my heart, Taehyun. Do you trust me with yours?"

Overcome with emotion, Taehyun felt his chest tighten, the sincerity in Beomgyu's words filling every corner of his heart. His lips curved into a radiant smile as he nodded fervently.

"I trust you with my heart, hyung," he replied, his voice steady and sure. "I want you as my boyfriend — maybe even more when the time comes."

Beomgyu's eyes lit up with pride and excitement, and he pulled Taehyun into a tight embrace, holding him close as their newfound relationship settled into place.

"Alright," Beomgyu said, his voice tinged with playful warmth. "Let's head inside before Yeonjun kills us for missing karaoke."

Taehyun laughed softly, intertwining their fingers as they walked back toward the cabin. His heart was overflowing with happiness, his dream finally a reality — Beomgyu was his.

As they approached the door, though, a lingering thought tugged at Taehyun's mind: the knowledge that his time here was temporary. But now, with Beomgyu by his side, he felt certain of one thing — he would always come back.

"Hey, hyung?" Taehyun asked quietly, glancing up at Beomgyu as they walked. "Do you remember when you asked me where I wanted to move after college?"

Beomgyu tilted his head, his eyes flickering with curiosity. "Yeah, I remember. Why? Did you change your mind?"

Taehyun smiled warmly, his heart racing as he squeezed Beomgyu's hand tighter. The question that had plagued him for so long now had a clear answer.

"Yeah," He said softly, his fingers brushing the star pendant resting on his chest. "I did change my mind — and it's because of you."

Beomgyu stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide with surprise. He let out a shaky breath, his voice quiet when he spoke again. "And...?"

Taehyun stepped closer, the snowy night around them feeling like a magical backdrop to his words.

"I've decided I'm going to move here to Gangwon-do. Not just for the resort, the cabin, my cousin, or our friends," he said, his smile bright and full of certainty. "But for you, too."

For a moment, Beomgyu said nothing, his expression softening as joy and disbelief washed over him. Then, without warning, he scooped Taehyun into his arms, spinning him around as he shouted toward the cabin while running.

"Guys! Taehyun's moving here!"

Taehyun couldn't stop laughing, his heart lighter than it had ever been. Beomgyu's happiness was infectious, his arms strong and secure as he held him close.

In that moment, surrounded by love, laughter, and the promise of a new beginning.

Yeonjun was right, Beomgyu is his type, and now he has a new chapter in his life to write.

Because here in Gangwon-do, he finally found the place where his heart belongs.

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛