Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's Time for some holidays spirit because it's December!!!Rumi teaches Jinu about the spirit of Christmas and prepares to get him into the holiday mood. So here are 31 days of holiday related story prompts just for fun.

 

1.) Holiday

2.) Sleeping in

3.) Fairytale

4.) Seduction

5.) Shopping

6.) Children

7.) Movie Night

8.) Pillow Talk

9.) Falling in love

10.) Proposal

11.) Sick Day

12.) Dancing

13.) Confessions

14.) Snow Day

15.) Book Store

16.) Hot Drinks

17.) Cold

18.) Road Trips

19.) Baking

20.) Gift Giving

21.) Decorating

22.) Mistletoe

23.) Argument

24.) Pets

25.) Comfort

26.) Breakfast

27.) Stars

28.) Protective

29.) Blankets

30.) Flowers

31.) Kiss

 

Which one are you interested to see the most. I'm doing this for fun and I'm excited to get things started. Hope everyone had a fun Thanksgiving weekend with your families because I sure did. Looking forward to December.

Chapter Text

Rumi wasn’t sure how long she’d been awake, or whether she’d drifted in and out of sleep a few times, but she knew one thing for certain: she wasn’t leaving Jinu’s arms anytime soon. She lay nestled comfortably against his chest, her cheek pressed against the warm fabric of his shirt, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. His arms were wrapped loosely—yet possessively—around her, one hand idly tracing slow circles across her back. Every time his fingers brushed over her glowing demon markings, they shimmered faintly, betraying exactly how much she adored this closeness.

Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, dusting their bedroom in gold. Outside, there was faint rustling, the sound of boxes being opened and bags being shuffled. At first, Rumi thought nothing of it—Zoey and Mira were always doing something in the living room—but the longer she lay there in Jinu’s arms, the more it sounded like… rearranging furniture. And… the jingling of bells?

She sighed dramatically. “They’re up to something.”

Jinu hummed softly, nose brushing the top of her head. “Should we be concerned?”

“No,” Rumi answered immediately. Then paused. “Yes.”

He laughed—deep, warm, smooth like caramel melting in a pan—sending vibrations through her cheek. Rumi instinctively snuggled closer, winding her arms around his waist. Jinu’s hand slid to her hip, giving a gentle squeeze that made her glow brighten. “We can stay like this a little longer,” he murmured. “I like mornings when you’re clingy.”

“I’m always clingy,” she said into his chest.

“Yes,” he said lovingly, “and I like that too.”

Rumi lifted her head, cheeks already warm from how sweet he was being, and met his eyes. Demons weren’t supposed to look soft, but somehow Jinu looked like every romantic lead from every drama Zoey forced them to watch—messy hair, half-lidded golden eyes, sleepy smile. His fingers slipped under her chin, tilting her face just enough for him to lean in and kiss her softly.

It was barely a kiss—just a slow press of lips, tender enough to melt her bones—but it still made her markings flare faintly. She pulled back with a flustered little sound, pressing a hand over her face. “You can’t just do that,” she whispered.

“I can,” he corrected gently, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “And I will.”

Before Rumi could respond with something equally flustering, a loud thump echoed from the living room, followed by Zoey’s desperate, “Mira! Don’t let it fall—DON’T LET IT—"

A crash.

Mira’s voice: “This is why we should NOT be left unsupervised.”

Jinu blinked. “…Should we go check that?”

“No,” Rumi said again, deadpan, hugging him tighter. “Definitely not.”

In the living room, chaos bloomed like a disaster flower.

Zoey stood on a chair, tangled in a string of Christmas lights that wrapped around her like festive seaweed. Mira held the tree steady, looking exhausted and deeply done with life. “Remind me,” Mira said as she attempted to separate a knot of garland with the precision of a surgeon, “why we’re doing this again?”

Zoey gasped dramatically. “Because it’s Jinu’s FIRST Christmas as a free demon! We HAVE to celebrate!”

“Zoey,” Mira said slowly, “Christmas didn’t even exist 400 years ago.”

Zoey froze. “That is a bold accusation, Mira.”

“It’s a historical fact.”

“No,” Zoey countered, pointing an accusing finger. “I refuse to believe it.”

Mira rubbed her temple. “That’s not… how facts… work…”

Zoey ignored her entirely, turning her attention back to the tree. “We’re making this perfect. Because this is going to be Jinu’s first real holiday with people who love him. And Rumi is going to melt when she sees it. And they’ll kiss under the Christmas lights. And then—”

Mira held up a hand. “We do NOT need to hear what comes after that.”

Zoey shrugged, unconvinced. “I’m just saying Christmas is romantic.”

“Everything is romantic to them,” Mira muttered. “A couch is romantic to them. Grocery shopping is romantic to them. Breathing near each other is romantic to them.”

“And you love it,” Zoey said smugly.

Mira groaned. She did not.

Probably.

Maybe.

Rumi finally pushed up into a sitting position—still very much inside Jinu’s arms—and regarding him with sparkling, sleepy eyes. “Jinu?”

“Hm?” he answered, tucking a strand of her lavender hair behind her ear.

“Do you… know anything about Christmas?”

Jinu blinked. “I know it has trees. Lights. Presents. Humans get excited. Zoey refuses to stop humming.”

“That’s… technically correct,” Rumi said, trying not to laugh.

He tilted his head, studying her softly. “Tell me about it.”

Oh.

That was all the invitation she needed.

Rumi sat up straighter, her entire face lighting up like she swallowed a star. “Okay so—Christmas is magic. Like, actual magic. But not the demon kind or spell kind—like the emotional, warm kind. Everything is bright and sparkly and people drink hot chocolate even if they don’t like it because it feels festive. And you get gifts but not because you have to—because you want to show someone you care. And there’s music everywhere, and trees smell really good, and people put stockings above fireplaces—”

Jinu watched her with a softness so intense it was almost tangible.

“—and then there’s this thing where you stay up super late on Christmas Eve and you feel warm for no reason except that everything is cozy. And some people bake cookies together. And some people watch movies in pajamas. But mostly… it’s a holiday where you just…”

Her voice softened.

“…love the people you’re with.”

Jinu stared at her.

Rumi went quiet, suddenly shy. “Sorry. I rambled.”

“No,” he said immediately, reaching to cup her cheeks. “I like when you ramble. I like when you’re excited. I like when your patterns glow like that.”

She flushed instantly, markings shimmering brighter. “Jinu—”

He cut her off with a kiss.

This one wasn’t soft—it was slow, warm, deep enough to make Rumi forget her name for a moment. She clung to his shirt, breath catching as he pulled her closer by the hips.

When they finally parted, Jinu rested his forehead against hers. “I want to learn everything,” he whispered. “Every tradition. Every habit. Every silly thing Zoey insists on doing. But only if you’re next to me.”

Rumi melted into him like her bones had liquefied.

“You can’t say stuff like that,” she whispered.

“It’s true,” he murmured.

“It’s illegal,” she corrected.

“Then arrest me,” he whispered, kissing her again.

She hit his shoulder lightly. “Stop being romantic.”

“I’ll stop when you stop glowing every time I talk.”

“Never mind, don’t stop.”

Eventually, Zoey barged into the room without knocking. “THE TREE IS DONE—”

She froze.

Rumi was straddling Jinu’s lap.

Jinu had his hands on her waist.

They both turned toward Zoey at the exact same time.

Zoey covered her eyes with both hands. “NOPE. NOPE. THIS IS WHY WE KNOCK.”

Mira’s voice floated from the hallway: “Did they forget knocking exists aga—OH MY—”

Rumi scrambled off Jinu, flustered. “It’s not what it looks like!”
“It’s exactly what it looks like!” Zoey shouted.
Jinu shrugged. “It’s Christmas.”

“NO IT ISN’T,” Mira snapped.

Zoey clapped her hands. “Anyway! Jinu! Stand up! Come with us! Surprise!”

Jinu blinked. “Surprise?”

Rumi squeezed his hand, smiling. “You’ll like it.”

They guided him into the living room.

And Jinu stopped completely.

The tree—glittering in soft gold lights. Stockings with their initials. Garlands wrapped around the shelves. A little star on top that Zoey kept having to fix. The room smelled faintly of cinnamon from a candle Mira had lit to “cover the scent of their disgusting romance.”

Jinu took it all in slowly.

A demon who had spent centuries under control…

A boy who had never had a holiday…

A man who finally had people who loved him…

His eyes softened—deeply, silently moved.

Rumi held his hand. “Welcome to your first real Christmas.”

Jinu didn’t speak for a moment.

Then he turned, cupped her cheeks gently, and kissed her full on the mouth—slow, grateful, emotional. Rumi’s patterns glowed bright enough to reflect in the ornaments.

When he pulled away, voice a whisper meant only for her, he said:

“It’s beautiful. But not as beautiful as you.”

Mira gagged.
Zoey squealed.
Rumi blushed so hard the star toppled off the tree.

Jinu caught it without looking.

And hugged Rumi even closer.

Chapter Text

Christmas morning arrived with a quiet hush across the apartment—dim winter light spilling through the living room windows, the faint scent of cinnamon coffee drifting from the kitchen, and the soft glow of the Christmas tree blinking gently in the corner like it was waking up too. Snow dusted the balcony railing outside, making the whole world seem slower, softer, peaceful.

At least until—

BANG BANG BANG

“IT’S CHRISTMAS! EVERYONE WAKE UP!”

Zoey’s shrill excitement blasted through the hallway like a fire alarm.

Mira—dead asleep and wrapped burrito-style in her blankets—groaned so loudly her soul briefly left her body. Her hair was a chaotic halo on the pillow, and her face was mashed against her arm in a way that suggested she had no intention of being awake before noon.

Zoey knocked again. Harder. “Miraaaa! It’s present time! Present time, present time, PRESENT TIME!”

Mira squeezed her eyes tighter. “Five… more… hours…”

“FIVE HOURS?!” Zoey screeched as if personally offended. “No! No! Absolutely not!” She shook Mira’s door handle dramatically. “It’s CHRISTMAS! You can’t sleep through CHRISTMAS!”

Mira sat up just to throw a pillow at the door. “Watch me.”

Zoey gasped. “You’re a MONSTER.”

Mira flopped back down. “Merry Christmas,” she mumbled weakly. “Go away.”

But Zoey was already gone—running down the hallway like a feral Christmas elf on a mission.

Rumi was sleeping in the middle of the bed, limbs tangled in the warm blanket, glowing gently in her slumber. Jinu lay behind her, one arm wrapped around her waist while his face nuzzled the back of her hair. His fingers rested over her stomach, gently stroking with the kind of half-conscious affection he always gave her when falling asleep or waking up.

They were warm. They were comfortable. They were in their own world.

Until Zoey burst inside without knocking.

“GOOD MORNING LOVE BIRDS, IT’S PRESENT TIME!”

Jinu jerked so hard he smacked his head on the wall.

Rumi shot upright, hair everywhere, blinking rapidly like a startled kitten. “Wha—Zoey? What time is it?”

Zoey beamed. “Seven!”

Rumi and Jinu, in perfect unison: “Absolutely not.”

Zoey ignored them completely, bouncing excitedly on her toes. “Come oooon! You guys said last night that we’d all open gifts together! I’ve been awake since FIVE! I waited two whole hours! That’s patience! I did SO GOOD!”

Rumi rubbed her eyes with both hands, melting back into Jinu’s chest with a sleepy whine. “But Zoeyyyy… it’s warm here…”

Jinu wrapped his arms around her again, pulling her into his lap and burying his nose in her shoulder. His voice was low and half-asleep. “We’re hibernating today. Come back later.”

Zoey stomped her foot. “NO! Get up! Mira’s awake!”

From the hallway: “I AM NOT!”

Zoey yelled back, “YOU’RE AWAKE IN SPIRIT!”

Mira yelled, “MY SPIRIT IS ALSO ASLEEP!”

Jinu sighed, resting his chin on Rumi’s shoulder. “She’s going to keep yelling, isn’t she…”

“Yes,” Rumi mumbled into his neck. “It’s worse if you ignore her.”

Zoey clapped her hands. “See? Rumi knows. Get up!”

Rumi and Jinu exchanged a look—half defeated, half amused.

Finally, Rumi sighed dramatically. “Fine. Let us put on pants at least.”

Zoey blinked. “Why? You already have pajamas on.”

Rumi glanced down… and remembered.

Right. The matching pajamas.

Her cheeks immediately went neon pink.

Her pajamas were soft red flannel with tiny white hearts. Jinu’s were the same pattern… but black with red hearts. Zoey had insisted on buying them as a “couple’s Christmas present” even though they had protested for twenty minutes.

Zoey squealed when she noticed them both glance down. “YOU MATCH! OH MY GOSH. I LOVE IT. YOU LOOK LIKE A HOLIDAY CARD.”

Rumi hid her face in her hands. Jinu smirked, leaning over to kiss her exposed cheek. “You look cute,” he murmured.

“You look too good for seven in the morning,” she whispered back, flustered.

Zoey gagged. “Please stop being romantic and come open presents.”

The living room looked magical. The tree glowed softly in gold and silver, stockings hanging crookedly—Zoey’s fault—while a pile of presents sat beneath the branches in a messy but enthusiastic cluster. The room smelled like cinnamon, oranges, and faint pine.

Mira sat on the couch, bundled in a blanket, head tilted back like she was reconsidering her life choices. She held a mug of coffee with both hands, staring into it like it contained the meaning of the universe.

Rumi sat beside her, snuggling into Jinu as he wrapped an arm around her waist. He was still sleepy, leaning his cheek on her shoulder as she stroked his hair absentmindedly.

Zoey stood in front of the tree like a proud conductor. “OKAY! EVERYBODY READY?”

Mira didn’t move. “No.”

Rumi smiled sleepily. “Yes.”

Jinu mumbled, “Whatever Rumi says.”

Zoey pointed at him dramatically. “THAT. That right there. Relationship goals.”

Rumi blushed so hard her markings glowed.

Jinu kissed her temple like it was instinct, causing her to glow brighter.

Mira groaned into her coffee. “It’s too early for this.”

Zoey ignored her and dove under the tree, rummaging noisily through the boxes like an overcaffeinated raccoon. “Okay! First present goes to—”

She pulled out a small box wrapped in silver paper.

“—Jinu!”

Jinu blinked, surprised. “Me?”

Zoey tossed it into his hands and hopped excitedly. “OPEN IT!”

Jinu unwrapped it carefully, as if afraid to tear the paper. Inside was a small wooden ornament carved in the shape of a fox demon—complete with tiny gold eyes and miniature horns. The craftsmanship was shockingly good for something Zoey made.

Rumi gasped softly. “Zoey… you made that?”

Zoey grinned, puffing out her chest. “Yep! It’s his first Christmas, duh! He needed something special!”

Jinu stared at the ornament for a long moment, expression softening into something deeply warm. “Thank you,” he said quietly. “It’s… perfect.”

Zoey lit up like a firework.

Mira looked away, pretending not to smile.

As Zoey passed out more presents—loudly narrating each one—Rumi leaned closer to Jinu, brushing her nose against his cheek. “Merry Christmas,” she whispered.

He turned to her, voice soft. “My first one. Ever.”

Her heart softened and expanded at the same time. “How’s it feel?”

He looked at her, eyes warm, gold deepening into amber. “Like it’s my favorite holiday now.”

Rumi melted into him instantly, hiding her smile in his neck. “You’re too sweet.”

“And you,” he whispered, fingers trailing up her spine, “are glowing again.”

Rumi squeaked, flustered. “Stop noticing that!”

“I can’t help it,” he murmured, kissing her shoulder. “It’s my favorite thing.”

Zoey, tossing wrapping paper into a pile, shouted, “HEY. No making out during present time!”

“We’re not—” Rumi began, completely red.

Jinu leaned toward her ear. “We could be.”

She elbowed him—gently.

Zoey pointed aggressively. “AFTER presents. Then you can be gross.”

Mira muttered, “They’re always gross.”

Presents piled up. Rumi received new hair clips from Zoey, “I can’t believe I’m awake” fuzzy socks from Mira, and a beautifully wrapped box from Jinu containing a delicate silver pendant shaped like intertwined flowers and flame—her motif and his combined.

Rumi’s breath caught.

“Jinu… it’s gorgeous…”

He lifted the chain, brushing her collarbone as he clasped it around her neck. “I wanted you to have something that’s only yours.”

Rumi’s glow softened into warm rose.

Zoey flapped her hands excitedly. “Kiss! Kiss! KISS!”

Mira tossed a wad of wrapping paper at Zoey. “Stop being weird.”

Rumi kissed Jinu anyway—soft, shy, sweet.

Zoey cheered.

Mira sighed. “I need more coffee.”

After the chaos, everyone sprawled around the living room—wrapping paper everywhere, gifts scattered, and the soft crackle of the radiator filling the peaceful lull.

Zoey finally sat still for the first time all morning, hugging a stuffed penguin Rumi bought her.

Mira leaned into the couch cushions, looking half-asleep but content.

Jinu sat on the floor with Rumi between his legs, arms wrapped around her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. Rumi leaned back against him fully, holding his hands in hers.

“This is nice,” she said softly.

“This is perfect,” Jinu corrected.

She smiled. “Merry Christmas.”

He kissed her cheek. “Merry Christmas, Rumi.”

Chapter Text

Rain tapped softly against the apartment windows, the Christmas lights glowed warm gold across the living room, and Zoey stood in front of the couch with all the dramatic poise of someone about to read a sacred prophecy.

The Saja Boys. Baby, Romance, Abby, and Mystery—were all seated crisscross on the carpet like oversized children at storytime. Jinu, however, sat on the couch with Rumi curled into his side, her head resting lazily on his shoulder as he absentmindedly stroked her arm. Rumi looked half invested, half ready to nap against her boyfriend’s chest.

Zoey clapped her hands loudly.

“Okay! Quiet down! It’s time for a Christmas FAIRY-TALE.”

Nobody had been talking, but she needed the authority.

Baby raised a hand. “Why are we doing this again?”

Zoey gasped. “Because you demons didn’t know Santa Claus existed until LAST WEEK, and that is unacceptable!”

Abby cleared his throat. “Santa is… the old human who breaks into houses?”

Jinu frowned. “That does sound like a demon.”

Rumi immediately swatted his arm. “Jinu, no—he’s not a demon. He brings gifts.”

Romance blinked. “Breaking in… but with presents?”

Zoey pointed dramatically at him. “EXACTLY. Now let me TELL THE STORY.”

Rumi sat up slightly, interested. “What version are you telling?”

Zoey froze. “My version.”

Rumi groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Oh no… that one’s wrong.”

Zoey placed a hand on her chest. “First of all—rude. Second—no one asked.”

Zoey cleared her throat and opened a notebook she absolutely didn’t need. She had decorated the cover with glitter stickers and wrote “Santa Lore: Zoey Edition” on the front.

Mystery tilted his head. “Is that… official?”

“No,” Rumi muttered. “Not even close.”

Zoey ignored her.

“Once upon a time,” she began, lifting her arms dramatically, “in a magical snowy land far, far away, lived Santa Claus! A jolly old man with a beard as white as Baby’s hair—”

Baby puffed out his chest proudly.

“—and a laugh so powerful it could shake mountains!”

Rumi blinked. “That’s… not actually how—”

Zoey didn’t even look at her. “Anyway, Santa had an army of elves—”

“Not an army,” Rumi corrected instantly. “A workshop. And they weren't—”

“—AN ARMY OF ELVES,” Zoey said louder, “all under his magical command!”

The Saja Boys nodded in fascination.

Rumi threw her hands up. “You can’t just give Santa an army!”

Zoey shot her a look. “Let me have my moment.”

“But it’s wrong!”

“But it’s MINE,” Zoey snapped.

Jinu chuckled quietly, rubbing Rumi’s back. “Maybe let her finish, love.”

Rumi sighed, leaning into him again. “But she’s messing it up…”

Jinu kissed the top of her head. “It’s fine. It’s Zoey. Everything she says is wrong.”

“HEY!” Zoey screeched.

Zoey cleared her throat again.

“So Santa ruled over the North Pole—”

“He doesn’t RULE it—”

“And every year,” Zoey continued louder, “he gathers his elves, hops onto his sleigh, and flies across the world using the MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS JOY—”

“That’s actually somewhat correct—”

“—AND DRAGON WINGS.”

Rumi stared at her. “Zoey. Santa does not have dragon wings.”

Mystery leaned in. “Does he really?”

“NO,” Rumi snapped.

Zoey jabbed a finger at her. “You don’t KNOW that! Have YOU seen him?!”

“Well… no, but—”

“Then let me finish my story!”

Rumi groaned into Jinu’s shoulder. “She’s ruining Christmas lore.”

Jinu chuckled and wrapped both arms around her, pulling her deep into his lap. “You’re very cute when you’re bothered.”

Rumi fought a smile. “I’m not cute. I’m accurately irritated.”

“Cute,” Jinu repeated, kissing her cheek.

Zoey pointed aggressively. “STOP MAKING OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY STORY!”

They weren’t even kissing, but Rumi blushed anyway and buried her face in Jinu’s neck.

Zoey resumed reading.

“So Santa rides through the sky, delivering presents to all the good children—”

Rumi smiled. “Okay, that part’s true—”

“—and COAL to all the demons!”

All four Saja Boys gasped dramatically.

Jinu’s jaw dropped. “He WHAT?”

Romance leaned forward. “Why just the demons?!”

Zoey froze. “…Rumi told me?”

Rumi whipped her head around. “No I didn’t!! Why would Santa discriminate?!”

Zoey gestured wildly. “Because you said demons used to steal cookies from people—”

Rumi smacked her own forehead. “I told you ONE STORY about Jinu stealing MY cookies!”

Baby squinted. “Wait… Jinu steals cookies?”

Rumi glared playfully at Jinu. “Yes. He does.”

Jinu smirked. “You’re the only sweet thing I steal.”

Rumi turned pink.

Zoey gagged. “Ugh, PLEASE, stop flirting! I’m TRYING to TELL A MAGICAL STORY!”

Rumi crossed her arms. “Then tell it correctly!”

Zoey threw her notebook onto the carpet. “NO. YOU KNOW WHAT? If you’re so bothered, why don’t you go make out with your boyfriend somewhere ELSE?”

The Saja Boys’ eyes widened.

Rumi blinked. “…what?”

“GO,” Zoey repeated, shooing her away. “Shoo! Shoo! Stop ruining my Santa lore!”

Jinu burst into laughter. “She’s kicking you out.”

“I noticed,” Rumi muttered.

Zoey stomped dramatically. “EXIT THE CHRISTMAS STORY CIRCLE!”

Rumi sighed, gave up, and slid off the couch—only for Jinu to immediately pull her back onto his lap.

“No,” he murmured possessively. “Stay.”

Rumi melted instantly, leaning back into him as his arms wrapped around her again. “Okay…”

Zoey threw a pillow at them. “STOP BEING CUTE!”

Zoey turned back to her audience, exasperated.

“ANYWAY. Santa then uses Christmas magic to—”

Baby raised his hand timidly. “Um… what’s a reindeer?”

Zoey gasped. “OH. MY. GOSH. You don’t know?!”

Mystery whispered, “Is it a demon horse?”

Romance nodded thoughtfully. “With antlers.”

Abby folded his arms. “I want one.”

Zoey was vibrating with excitement now. “OKAY, OKAY, NEW PLAN! We’re starting from the beginning!”

Rumi shot upright. “NO—Zoey, please—please just Google what Santa actually does!”

Zoey glared. “Rumi, I swear, if you correct me one more time—”

“Then get the facts right!”

“LET ME HAVE FUN!”

“FUN IS NOT WRONG INFORMATION!”

Jinu rested his chin on her shoulder. “Rumi… you’re arguing with Zoey.”

“I KNOW,” Rumi said desperately. “I hate it.”

He kissed her cheek slowly. “Just let her be.”

Rumi groaned. “I don’t want the Saja Boys thinking Santa is a dragon-winged emperor who hates demons!”

Mystery raised his hand. “Does he really hate demons?”

“No!” Rumi shouted.

Zoey shrugged. “The lore is flexible.”

Rumi nearly screamed.

Zoey inhaled deeply and dramatically.

“Fine. New ending. Santa Claus flies through the sky, gives presents to humans AND demons, and everyone loves him. He has a sleigh. No dragon wings. Rumi is boring.”

Rumi threw a pillow at her.

Zoey ducked. “HEY! Pillow violence is illegal!”

“You’re illegal,” Rumi snapped.

“Your FACE is illegal.”

Jinu quietly whispered, “I love your face.”

Rumi turned beet red.

Zoey groaned loudly. “STOP FLIRTING DURING STORYTIME.”

Jinu nuzzled Rumi’s cheek. “I can’t.”

Rumi giggled, soft and shy. “Jinu…”

Zoey slapped a hand over her eyes. “I SWEAR IF YOU TWO START KISSING I AM ENDING CHRISTMAS.”

Mystery whispered, “Can she do that?”

Baby shook his head. “Only Santa can.”

Zoey pointed at him. “EXACTLY—so you better listen to my story!”

Rumi rolled her eyes dramatically. “I am done. I’m leaving.”

Zoey yelled after her, “YES! GO MAKE OUT WITH JINU!”

Rumi paused. Jinu grinned.

“…should we?” he whispered.

Rumi glared at Zoey… then tugged Jinu off the couch by his sleeve.

“Wait—Rumi—” Zoey shouted.

Rumi stopped in the doorway just long enough to say, “If Santa has dragon wings again, I swear—”

Zoey crossed her heart. “Fine. No wings.”

Rumi nodded, satisfied, then turned to Jinu.

“You. Come with me.”

Jinu smiled like he’d won a prize. “Gladly.”

Zoey covered her face. “OH GOSH THEY REALLY ARE GOING TO MAKE OUT.”

Mira walked into the room holding laundry, sighed, and muttered, “Why are any of you like this…”

Zoey finished her Santa story—mostly correct this time—while the Saja Boys listened with wide-eyed fascination.

When she was done, Mystery clapped. “I liked the dragon wings version better.”

Zoey beamed. “ME TOO.”

Mira muttered from the kitchen, “Please stop teaching demons things.”

Then Rumi and Jinu walked back into the room looking extremely smug and extremely cuddly.

Zoey screamed into a pillow.

Rumi sighed happily. “Okay. Continue your story.”

Zoey threw a blanket at her. “YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED BACK IN THE STORY CIRCLE.”

Rumi smirked. “Too late.”

Jinu kissed her temple. “She wasn’t focusing anyway.”

Zoey gagged loudly.

Romance whispered to Baby, “We need more human holidays.”

Baby nodded seriously. “But less kissing.”

Chapter Text

Jinu sat on the edge of the bed, trying to appear relaxed, but the glint in his soft brown eyes betrayed his eagerness. He ran a hand over his hair, adjusting the collar of his dress shirt, his gaze flicking toward the bathroom door with a mixture of anticipation and intrigue. He had a vague idea of what Rumi had planned—her hints had been tantalizing, after all—but he couldn’t help the spark of excitement that danced through him as he waited.

The door creaked open, and Jinu straightened, his breath catching as Rumi stepped out in her “special” Christmas surprise. Rumi wore a crimson Mrs. Claus outfit, trimmed with white fur that hugged her curves in all the right ways. The matching robe slipped over her shoulders, teasingly revealing and concealing at once, and his eyes traveled slowly over her body, drinking in every detail. He let out a low, appreciative hum, unable to hide the smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Well, well, love,” he drawled, his tone thick with playful delight, “it seems Santa’s been very generous this year… or perhaps, very, very naughty.”

Rumi sauntered over to him, a teasing smile on her lips as she let the robe slip from her shoulders, pooling on the floor. Jinu’s gaze darkened, his eye raking over her, the heat in his stare making Rumi’s skin tingle. “I thought you deserved a little something extra this Christmas, Jinu,” she murmured, her voice laced with mischief as she leaned forward, letting her fingers trail over his shoulder.

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to rest on her hip, pulling Rumi closer. “A little something extra, hmm?” His voice dropped to a murmur, his fingers tracing along the soft fabric, his touch igniting every nerve beneath his fingertips. “Well, let me be the judge of just how naughty you’ve been, Mrs. Claus.”

Rumi giggled, sliding onto his lap, straddling him as his hands settled on her waist. Jinu pressed a kiss to her collarbone, then trailed up to her neck, his lips warm and insistent, leaving a path of heat in their wake. His eye gleamed with that familiar, wicked gleam, his breath brushing her ear. “Now, what would Santa say if he knew his lovely wife was straddling another man’s lap, begging to be unwrapped like a present?”

“Oh, I don’t think he’d mind,” Rumi replied, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer, a teasing glint in her eye. “After all, Santa’s not here, but you are.”

His chuckle was dark, a low rumble that sent a thrill down Rumi’s spine. “Good answer,” he murmured, capturing her lips in a kiss that was anything but gentlemanly, his tongue teasing, claiming, as his hands slid down her back, tracing the curves of her body.

Jinu’s hands roamed over her with a possessive need, his grip firm as he guided her hips, his voice a rough whisper against her lips. “Tell me, love… have you been very good this year?” His fingers slipped beneath the fabric, brushing against her glowing skin, his touch both gentle and demanding.

Rumi bit her lip, her voice a breathless murmur. “Oh, Jinu… I’ve been terribly, terribly naughty.”

His smirk widened, his hand trailing down to the hem of her outfit, slipping beneath it as his touch sent sparks through her. “Then I suppose I’ll just have to punish you, won’t I?” His tone was a mixture of playful amusement and dark promise, his gaze intense as he held Rumi close, leaving her breathless in his embrace.

“Anything for you, Jinu,” Rumi whispered, giving in to the heat between them as he pulled her closer, his lips claiming hers once more, his hands roaming over her with a passion that left them both breathless and wanting more.

Jinu’s smirk deepened as he held Rumi close, his hands tracing her curves with a deliberate slowness that made her shiver. His fingers slipped beneath the soft fabric of her outfit, traveling along her thighs and settling with a firm grip that pulled Rumi even closer. Jinu leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Tell me, love… are you ready to be thoroughly unwrapped?”

Rumi’s breath hitched as his hand trailed up her thigh, slipping beneath the hem of her outfit, his touch warm and teasing against her skin. Jinu tilted his head, the intensity in his brown eyes sparking with wicked delight as he traced the curve of Rumi’s hip. “I want to savor every second of this, every inch of you,” he murmured, his tone both a promise and a warning. “After all, I’ve waited quite a while for my Christmas present.”

Rumi met his gaze, her own filled with playful defiance as she leaned forward, her lips brushing over his jaw. “Then why don’t you go ahead, Mr. Claus? You don’t strike me as the patient type.”

Jinu chuckled, his hand slipping further up, fingers grazing the edge of her lace as he murmured, “Oh, love, I can be very patient… when it’s worth the wait.” He let his fingers linger, tracing slow circles as he watched Rumi’s reaction, his voice lowering to a dark murmur. “And you, my dear, are worth every second.”

With a slow, deliberate movement, Jinu eased Rumi back onto the bed, his gaze never leaving hers as he hovered over her, his hand exploring every inch of exposed skin with a hunger that left Rumi breathless. “Now,” he murmured, his tone a mixture of possessive pride and raw need, “let’s see just how much of a naughty little Mrs. Claus you’ve been.”

He lowered his head, pressing a trail of heated kisses down Rumi’s neck, each one sending sparks through her skin. His mouth hovered near her collarbone, his breath warm as Jinu whispered against her skin, “Consider this my gift to you—a very thorough inspection.”

Rumi let out a soft moan as his hands continued to roam, his touch both gentle and demanding, each movement precise and possessive. “Jinu …” Rumi breathed, arching against him as he continued his exploration, his fingers igniting every nerve they touched.

Jinu’s hand slid up, his fingers deftly unhooking the top of Rumi’s lingerie and letting it fall away, exposing her bare skin to his gaze. He let out a low, appreciative hum as his eye traveled over her, taking in every inch of Rumi with that familiar mix of hunger and admiration. His mouth curved into a satisfied smirk as he took hold of Rumi’s waist, his grip firm as he pulled her even closer.

"Good lord, love," he murmured, his tone thick with desire, "you’re absolutely stunning." His voice was a low, rough whisper, each word filled with admiration and possessiveness. His hand traced a slow, tantalizing path over her side, his thumb brushing just below Rumi’s breast before his lips followed, placing soft, heated kisses that made her skin tingle.

Rumi held the back of his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as she tugged gently on his collar, encouraging him to come closer. Jinu chuckled, a dark, rumbling sound that sent a thrill through Rumi, and his mouth moved to her breast, capturing her sensitive skin with a teasing nip that made Rumi gasp.

“Ah, my dear Mrs. Claus,” he whispered against her skin, his breath warm as he trailed kisses around her breast, circling slowly, “it seems you really have been naughty this year.” His tongue flicked over her nipple, a deliberate, teasing motion that sent a jolt of pleasure through Rumi. His eye flicked up to meet hers, the glint in his gaze wicked as he continued, “I suppose it’s only fitting I give you a proper… inspection.”

Rumi’s fingers tightened in his hair as his mouth moved over her skin, his lips warm and insistent, his tongue tracing slow, agonizingly sensual circles. Jinu alternated between soft, teasing kisses and rougher, more demanding touches, his mouth claiming her in a way that left her breathless, aching for more.

“You taste as sweet as ever,” he murmured, his lips barely leaving her skin as his hand moved to support the small of Rumi’s back, arching her toward him. “I must say, it’s rather difficult to keep myself in check when you look so damn tempting.” His voice held a wicked note, and he pressed another kiss to her breast, his mouth warm and possessive as he continued his exploration.

Rumi could feel the heat radiating from him, the rough stubble of his jaw brushing against her skin as he moved, each touch igniting every nerve. Jinu looked up at Rumi, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of affection and raw need. “Tell me, love,” he murmured, his tone soft but laced with a dark edge, “how does it feel to know you’re driving me absolutely mad?”

His hands roamed over Rumi’s waist, pulling her flush against him as he dipped his head again, his mouth capturing her nipple with a firm, heated pull that made her arch into him, a soft moan slipping from her lips.

Rumi’s fingers curled into the collar of his shirt, tugging him closer as she murmured breathlessly, “It feels… deliciously dangerous, Jinu.” Rumi smirked, letting her nails trace along the back of his neck as his mouth continued its devoted attention, each touch of his lips sending sparks of pleasure through her.

Jinu’s chuckle was low and dark as he let his hand slide up, tracing the line of her spine before settling at the nape of Rumi’s neck, holding her steady as he pressed a slow, lingering kiss over her heart. His mouth continued its exploration, moving back and forth between her breasts with a thoroughness that left Rumi dizzy, his tongue tracing each curve, each sensitive spot, until she was breathless beneath him.

“Mmm, I think I’ll take my time with you, love,” he murmured, his tone thick with amusement and desire. “After all, it’s not every day that I get to unwrap a gift as delightful as you.”

Chapter Text

Mira guided her toward the home section.

“We’ll start easy,” Mira said. “Zoey is simple. She likes: puzzles, weird snacks, stationery, plushies shaped like animals, and extremely tacky decorations.”

Rumi relaxed slightly. “Oh! Then we can get her the giant pink cat mug she saw last week.”

“Exactly,” Mira said with a relieved sigh. “See? This is fine.”

Rumi nodded as they grabbed a few items: the mug, a sparkly notebook, a candy-making kit Zoey absolutely did not need, and a sweater covered in cartoon rabbits.

Zoey would love all of it.

“Okay,” Mira said cheerfully. “Zoey: done! Now we just need—”

Rumi stiffened.

“Jinu,” she whispered, as though saying his name summoned a tidal wave of emotion.

“Yes,” Mira said patiently. “Your boyfriend. Your very pretty, very in-love, very clingy boyfriend.”

Rumi sighed dreamily. “He IS clingy. He’s so cute. And tall. And warm. And the way he looks at me—!”

Mira snapped her fingers sharply. “Focus! Gift. Not his face.”

Rumi pouted. “But his face is beautiful.”

“I KNOW,” Mira said loudly, “trust me, we’ve ALL heard.”

Winter wrapped the city in a soft white glow, the sidewalks dusted with powdered snow, Christmas lights reflecting in storefront windows like glitter scattered across the darkened evening. The shopping district buzzed with people carrying gift bags, sipping warm drinks, chatting excitedly as they darted between stores. In the middle of all this holiday chaos stood Mira and Rumi—bundled in winter coats, scarves, and boots—hesitating at the entrance of a large department store.

Mira exhaled, pulling her coat tighter. “Okay. Two hours. We find Zoey’s gift, we find Jinu’s gift, we go home. Easy.”

Rumi nodded… but with the expression of someone walking into a battlefield.

“Right,” she said, voice tight. “Easy.”

They stepped inside—and immediately, Rumi’s face tightened with panic.

The store was enormous. Christmas music boomed loudly from speakers. Shelves overflowed with sparkly displays, plush toys, matching pajama sets, jewelry stands, and gadgets. It should have been fun and festive.

But Rumi froze.

“Oh no,” she whispered dramatically. “There’s… too many things.”

Mira pinched the bridge of her nose. “Rumi… we haven’t even looked yet.”

“But Mira,” Rumi said, clutching her own cheeks, “what if I pick the wrong thing? What if I disappoint Jinu? What if I give him something that doesn’t express my eternal undying devotion to him? What if—”

“Stop,” Mira said immediately. “Pause. Breathe.”

Rumi took a deep breath.

And then: “What if he hates it? Mira, he’s so perfect and kind and gorgeous and sweet and—”

“Too much already,” Mira cut in, holding up a hand. “Dial it down before you start describing his abs again.”

Rumi went scarlet. “I wasn’t going to say abs.”

Mira raised an eyebrow. “You were thinking abs.”

Rumi opened her mouth… then quietly shut it.

“…Maybe.”

They wandered toward the men’s section. Rumi’s intensity only got worse.

“What if I give him something that doesn’t match his aesthetic?” she panicked. “Or what if the colors don’t compliment his aura? Or what if—”

Mira grabbed Rumi's shoulders firmly.

“You are overthinking.”

“I love him too much!” Rumi whined.

“I KNOW,” Mira sighed. “We all know. You told the cashier at the grocery store last week.”

Rumi clapped her hands over her mouth. “I DID.”

“Yes. You said—and I quote—‘my boyfriend is so handsome that every time he smiles I think I might melt and die right there.’”

Rumi fell to her knees. “He IS that handsome—!”

Mira dragged her up. “Stop melting! We don’t have time!”

They approached the jewelry counter.

Rumi gasped. “What if I get him a bracelet? Something engraved?”

“That’s actually a nice idea—”

“Or maybe a necklace with our initials—”

“Cute—”

“Or a matching ring—”

Mira’s eyes widened. “NO. That looks like a proposal.”

“But he’s so beautiful—”

“Rumi NO.”

Rumi deflated. “Fine…”

Rumi pointed to a jacket.

“What about this?! Would Jinu like this?!”

Mira examined it. “It’s nice. Classy.”

“But what if he prefers darker shades?! What if this color doesn’t match his demon aura?! What if the sleeves aren’t long enough—and you’ve seen how long his arms are—”

“Rumi,” Mira said flatly, “you are spiraling like a tornado.”

Rumi groaned, rubbing her temples. “Why am I like this?”

“Because you’re in love with an ancient demon who treats you like you hung the moon,” Mira said simply.

Rumi turned pink again. “He DOES treat me like that…”

“Yeah, yeah,” Mira waved her off. “Don’t start swooning again.”

Mira led her to a quieter aisle to get her to breathe.

“Look,” Mira said softly, “the best gifts come from the heart. Something personal. Something meaningful. What does Jinu love the most?”

Rumi didn’t hesitate.

“…Me.”

Mira snorted. “Okay besides that.”

“Uh… music. Sweet food. Animals. The color of my hair. My laugh. My—”

“Rumi.”

Rumi blinked. “Too love-y?”

“Yes.”

“…Should I stop?”

“I don’t think you can,” Mira muttered.

Rumi groaned, covering her burning cheeks.

“Mira, it’s our first Christmas together! I want it to be perfect! I want him to open the present and feel loved! I want him to think I’m thoughtful! I want him to feel cherished! I want him to—”

“Rumi, breathe.”

“—And I want to give him something that reminds him of me when I'm not there, like when Huntrix goes on tour, because he gets lonely and I get lonely and sometimes I miss him so much that I want to—”

“STOP,” Mira said loudly. “The next words leave your mouth and we’re leaving the store.”

Rumi shut her mouth instantly.

“…Sorry.”

Mira sighed. “It’s fine. But please don’t make me hear anything private about you two again.”

Rumi stared at the floor. “You’re the one who asked…”

“And now I deeply regret it.”

Mira suddenly froze, eyes lighting up.

“Oh. Rumi. Rumi—THIS.”

She pointed to a display of sleek, elegant custom-made photo lockets.

Rumi blinked. “A… locket?”

Mira nodded, excited. “Yep. You can put a picture of you two in it. He can wear it under his shirts. It’s romantic but not overwhelming.”

Rumi’s eyes widened.

Then she smiled—bright, warm, starry.

“That’s perfect.”

Mira exhaled in RELIEF. “THANK. GOODNESS.”

Rumi lifted one locket—a silver one with subtle engravings that reminded her of Jinu’s demon markings.

“It looks like him,” she whispered.

“Then get it engraved,” Mira suggested. “Something simple. Something sweet.”

Rumi bit her lip thoughtfully… then wrote:

“My heart is yours — R.”

When the jewelry worker handed the finished result to her, Rumi stared at it emotionally.

“This is it,” she whispered. “This is the gift.”

Mira smiled softly. “See? You did great.”

“YOU helped me,” Rumi insisted. “Thank you, Mira. Really.”

Mira shrugged. “Someone has to keep you from proposing by accident.”

Rumi laughed, leaning over to hug her tightly.

Rumi held the gift bag like it contained treasure.

“He’s going to love it,” she whispered dreamily. “I can’t wait to see his face.”

Mira smirked. “If he cries, I’m taking a picture.”

Rumi gasped. “He might cry! He gets emotional when we kiss sometimes—”

Mira covered her ears. “STOP STOP STOP! Save it for Jinu!”

Rumi giggled. “Fine.”

They walked through the snowy evening, lights twinkling overhead.

Rumi was glowing with excitement.

Mira was exhausted but relieved.

And somewhere back at the apartment… Jinu was probably staring at the door, waiting for his girlfriend to return.

Because he adored her just as much as she adored him.

Chapter Text

The living room looked like Christmas had exploded into a glittery, pine-scented paradise — or at least, that was Zoey’s goal. She stood on her tiptoes at the base of the tree, directing Rumi and Jinu like a tiny but determined general preparing for battle.

“Okay!” Zoey announced, hands on her hips. “Team Tree is now officially in session. Rumi, hand Jinu the snowflake ornaments. Jinu, make sure she doesn’t break anything because she can get clumsy when she’s making googly eyes at you.”

Rumi, who had been reaching into a box of ornaments, froze. “I do not make googly eyes.”

Jinu, holding a strand of lights, smiled at her like she personally hung every star in the universe. “You kinda do, angel.”

Zoey groaned dramatically. “See? This is EXACTLY what I’m talking about. I am literally third wheeling in high definition.”

Rumi’s cheeks went pink, but she didn’t deny it. The half-demon idol had been glowing ever since Jinu walked into the room, and everyone except her seemed painfully aware of it.

Zoey suddenly clapped her hands. “You know what would make Christmas even better next year?”

Jinu, ever polite, tilted his head. “More lights? A bigger tree?”

“No,” Zoey said as if it were obvious. “Kids.”

Rumi nearly dropped an ornament. “I—I’m sorry, WHAT?”

Zoey turned around with a look of complete sincerity. “Kids! You and Jinu should totally have kids! Imagine little half-demon munchkins running around the tree. Christmas stockings with tiny horns drawn on them. Baby’s first ornament! Oh my gosh, it would be SO CUTE.”

Rumi blinked several times, brain short-circuiting. “Z-Zoey… this is literally our first Christmas together.”

“Exactly!” Zoey said. “Perfect timing to plan ahead!”

Mira, if she had been there, would’ve snorted, sighed, and walked away. But Mira wasn’t here — meaning the chaos had no natural predator to keep it under control.

Rumi expected Jinu to laugh awkwardly, change the topic, or remind Zoey that this was none of her business.

Instead, Jinu placed an angel ornament on a branch and said in the most casual tone:

“I wouldn’t mind kids someday.”

Rumi’s soul nearly left her body.

Zoey gasped like she just heard an engagement announcement. “SEE? Jinu agrees! Democracy rules!”

“Jinu!” Rumi squeaked. “You—you can’t just say things like that out loud!”

He raised an eyebrow, moving closer and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Why not? I like imagining the future with you.”

Her face went nuclear.

Zoey waved her arms dramatically. “I’m serious! You two would make the cutest parents. Like—Rumi with the glittery, magical mom energy and Jinu with the mysterious demon dad vibe.”

Jinu pretended to think deeply. “I could read bedtime stories in a dramatic villain voice.”

Rumi swatted him lightly. “Stop encouraging her!”

Zoey, who could never leave anything alone, immediately started pacing and mumbling to herself.

“Okay, so if you have a girl, her name should be… Starla. No—Moonella. OOH! Demonette!”

Rumi almost choked. “We are NOT naming a child Demonette!”

Zoey ignored her. “If it’s a boy, maybe Jasper? Nightfang? Oh! Wait! Jinu Jr.!”

Jinu quietly whispered, “Jinu Jr. does sound cute.”

“NO IT DOESN’T,” Rumi snapped while turning a shade of pink never documented in nature. “We are not naming theoretical children anything!”

“Why not?” Jinu teased, leaning down to kiss her temple. “It’s fun thinking about a future with you.”

Zoey gagged loudly. “STOP. Can you two flirt after the tree is done? This is supposed to be a wholesome bonding activity, not a mating ritual.”

Rumi covered her face with her hands. “I regret everything.”

Jinu wrapped an arm around Rumi’s waist while she tried to hook a delicate orb onto a branch.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered,” he murmured softly.

Zoey pointed a finger at them. “HEY. I said STOP being cute! Some of us are single and emotionally fragile!”

Rumi cleared her throat, trying to look composed. “You’re not single, Zoey…”

Zoey huffed. “Mystery hasn’t asked me out yet so until he does, I am lonely.”

“You could ask him,” Rumi offered gently.

“Nope,” Zoey said proudly. “I am a girl who waits for signs. And the universe better get on that, because I’m running out of patience.”

Jinu chuckled. “You rely on signs way too much.”

Zoey shot him a look. “Says the demon who didn’t know what Christmas was until last week.”

Rumi giggled. “She’s got you there.”

Feeling her face heat up, Rumi tried to steer the conversation away from babies, future plans, and her boyfriend’s unfairly charming smile.

“So—uh—Jinu! Could you hand me that snowflake ornament?”

“Of course,” he said, his voice warm.

But when he passed it to her, he let his fingers brush along her wrist — intentionally. Rumi’s breath hitched.

“Jinu…” she whispered.

“Yes, angel?”

“You’re flirting on purpose.”

He smirked. “Absolutely.”

Zoey grabbed a tinsel garland and snapped, “CAN YOU TWO PLEASE PRETEND I’M IN THE ROOM?!”

Rumi squeaked and nearly fell off the step stool she was standing on.

Jinu caught her by the waist instantly, pulling her safely against him.

“Careful,” he murmured. “I can’t let my future co-founder of Christmas chaos get hurt.”

Zoey pointed at them like she was watching a soap opera. “SEE?! THEY’RE ALREADY PARENTING EACH OTHER. THIS IS WHAT I MEAN!”

After hanging the last strand of lights on the tree, Zoey stepped back and sighed dramatically.

“You know… I’m really excited for when you two have a family.”

Rumi froze again. “ZOEY.”

“No, listen!” Zoey insisted. “You and Jinu already act like a little family. You decorate together, you cook together, you cuddle on the couch like you were printed from a romance novel—”

Jinu added, “I do enjoy the cuddles.”

Rumi elbowed him lightly. “Stop. Talking.”

Zoey continued, “And you’re both disgustingly in love. It’s adorable. It makes me want to puke. But like—affectionately.”

Jinu pulled Rumi closer, chin resting on her shoulder. “Being in love with her is easy.”

Zoey threw a pillow at him. “SHUT UP.”

Finally, with all ornaments hung, Jinu lifted Rumi so she could place the star on top of the tree. She laughed, wrapping an arm around his neck for balance.

“You always pick me up like it’s nothing.”

“You’re tiny,” he replied. “And adorable. And incredibly liftable.”

Zoey groaned so loud the neighbors probably heard.

“STOP. TALKING.”

Rumi placed the star, turned around, and kissed Jinu sweetly as he lowered her back down completely forgetting Zoey was watching.

Zoey flailed her arms. “UNBELIEVABLE. I HELPED SET UP A TREE BUT WHAT I REALLY SET UP WAS A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL PHOTO SHOOT.”

Rumi, flustered beyond hope, buried her face in Jinu’s chest. He stroked her hair gently, smiling like she was the entire holiday season wrapped in one.

Trying to calm herself down, Rumi blurted,

“One day… maybe Jinu and I will have three kids and Christmas will be fun.”

Zoey gasped so hard she looked like she swallowed a candy cane sideways.

“THREE?! YOU’RE HAVING THREE? YOU SKIPPED ONE AND TWO?!”

Rumi slapped a hand over her mouth. “I DIDN’T MEAN— I WAS JUST— IT WAS A FIGURE OF— JINU STOP LAUGHING!”

Jinu was absolutely laughing, arms wrapped around her as if she belonged permanently in them.

“I like the number three,” he whispered teasingly.

Zoey screamed into a pillow.

The tree glowed softly. The apartment buzzed with warmth, pine, and the sound of Zoey muttering about baby names while Rumi tried to erase the last five minutes from existence.

Jinu kissed Rumi’s forehead, then her cheek, then her nose.

“You’re too adorable when you’re embarrassed,” he murmured.

“I blame you,” she whispered back.

“I accept full responsibility.”

Zoey rolled her eyes. “I’m literally going to need therapy from witnessing you two.”

But despite her dramatic disapproval, she finally smiled — proud of the beautiful tree, proud of the warmth filling the room, and secretly proud of her favorite couple.

And as Rumi leaned into Jinu’s arms, whispering something only he could hear, Zoey muttered,

“Yep. I’m definitely the third wheel. But honestly? Worth it.”