Work Text:
It was the night before Christmas Eve and Bamby showed up to their sleepover at Noah's house with a pink sweater and a silly design on it.
Hamin saw Bamby enter the living room and the only thing he could blurt out is "Where on EARTH did you get that sweater?"
The others were surprised when Hamin spoke out loud. Eunho and Noah laughed while Yejun tried to keep a serious face. The pink-haired pouted a bit, sitting down on the bean bag next to the coffee table.
"My grandma gave this to me as a gift. She knitted it!" Bamby frowned, defending his sweater. "It's cute, right?" He asked, turning to Yejun but the older could only nod as to not upset the former any further.
"It is cute, Bamby-ya." Yejun reassured him.
"But hyung, why did your grandma knitted that design? What was in her mind?" Eunho asked, trying his best not to burst out laughing.
"That's none of your business, Eunho!" The shorter exclaimed, crossing his arms against his chest, clearly upset by the fact that they were teasing him.
But of course, the night goes on with the boys playing video games, eating snacks, and sharing stories. They eventually put the sweater incident out of their minds as the hours went by and concentrated on enjoying themselves. Bamby curled up with a blanket on the couch as they chose to watch a Christmas movie. Hamin sat down beside him and offered him some popcorn after feeling a little bad about his previous remark.
"Sorry for making fun of your sweater, hyung." He said. "I really didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Grinning, Bamby accepted the popcorn. "It's okay, Hamin. I know you were just joking."
For some time, they were absorbed in the film and sat in pleasant silence. But there was another thing in Hamin's mind. For a long time, he had wanted to express the truth to Bamby, and now felt the proper time.
"Hyung," Hamin began, seeming a little uncertain. "To be honest, I also got a sweater like yours."
Bamby turned to fully face Hamin, his eyes wide with surprise. His curiosity was evident as he asked, "You did? Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Looking down at his hands, Hamin's cheeks began to blush a little. Grasping the edge of the blanket, he confessed, "I was embarrassed. I thought everyone would make fun of me too."
Bamby reached out and placed his hand on Hamin's knee, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Hey, it's okay. We're friends, right? Friends don't make fun of each other for things like that." He said with a warm smile.
Hamin felt a flutter in his chest at the slightest touch as he glanced up at Bamby. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he nodded. With a somewhat more assured tone, he responded, "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, hyung."
Hamin's heart began to rush as they kept watching the film. He was afraid of destroying their friendship, but he knew he had to tell Bamby how he felt. But he felt a little braver when Bamby's fingers warmed his knee.
"Hyung." Hamin said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Bamby turned to face him once more, his face gentle and focused. "Yeah?" he asked.
Taking a deep breath, Hamin met Bamby's eyes. His voice trembled a little as he said, "There's something I need to tell you."
Bamby felt the gravity in Hamin's voice, and his heart missed a beat. His voice was soft as he questioned, "What is it, Hamin?"
After inhaling deeply once more, Hamin finally spoke. He glanced away, unwilling to meet Bamby's stare, and his cheeks flushed deeply. "Hyung, I... I really like you. Not just as a friend, but... more than that." Bamby was quiet for a while as he took in what Hamin had said. Then his face gradually lit up with a smile. With anguish in his voice, he said, "Hamin..." Thinking that Bamby was going to turn him down made Hamin's heart sink.
His eyes began to flood up with tears as he continued, "I'm sorry, hyung. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Hamin, don't be sorry." Bamby said softly and sincerely, "I like you too. I've been trying to figure out my feelings for a while, and I realized that I feel the same way about you."
He swiftly shook his head, shifted his hand from Hamin's knee to his own, and intertwined their fingers.
"Really, hyung?" asked Hamin, his eyes beaming with delight and amazement. Bamby smiled as he nodded his head. He squeezed Hamin's hand gently and whispered, "Yes, Hamin. Really."
A broad smile spread across Hamin's face, and he experienced a wave of relief and joy. His voice was excited as he said, "I'm so happy, hyung."
Bamby returned his smile as he murmured, feeling a surge of warmth go through his chest, "Me too, Hamin."
"Merry Christmas, hyung. You're the best gift I could ever have."
The connection between Bamby and Hamin changed after that. Although they remained friends, their bond had become stronger. They held hands and shared brief, private moments together more often. And they realized it was the beginning of something lovely when they reflected on that evening.