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The lights and laughter in the massive ballroom at the annual Christmas party alone were something that couldn’t pull Seonghwa out of his thoughts. A champagne glass in hand as he stood with a group of colleagues barely listening to what the others were saying. He made sure to laugh when they did even though he didn’t hear the joke. They would ask him questions but he had to have them repeat themselves, honestly he couldn’t help it. The dread of his family Christmas trip this year was weighing down on him.

He could already hear his mother and aunts ask him when he’s going to bring someone home. They started by mentioning a girl, so Seonghwa mentioned he didn’t like women to shut them up. They were very quick on telling him they didn’t care who he brought home. He was genuinely surprised about that. After that it was harder and harder to avoid answering his family  on the one hard question. So when they asked it weeks before the trip this year he was fed up and finally responded with something he never thought he’d say. It was a lie but he hoped maybe they would drop it.

Seonghwa: I have a boyfriend you know. He’s just not the most sociable type.

He regrets lying now because the group chat exploded with many messages from his mother and other people in his family. So at that point he knew he had to bring someone. He was in too deep now and he would feel silly for telling them that he was lying, he definitely felt that way trying to cover it up. So he would have to figure out a plan, something to get them to back off. 

That was the problem, he had three days before he had to fly back to Jinju and he had no date. He was worried about being a fool, and he truly was going to be one if he didn’t find someone soon. So yes he was distracted because his mind was racing. He looked down at his champagne glass and finished his last bit of the bubbly drink before he dismissed himself from the group. He needed to be by himself to clear his mind, so he found the nearest balcony and leaned against the railing allowing the cold December air to clear his congested thoughts.

It wasn’t long before he felt a presence behind him, he wanted to snap at whoever it was and tell them to leave him alone. However the familiar voice of a friend spoke before he settled himself next to him on the balcony. “You know the party is inside. Being the CEO of this company and all, you kind of have to be here for your party.”

He looked over at Hongjoong, he had worked under him for years. He was one of his most trusted colleagues. He knew more than anyone why he dreaded the holidays. “Even CEOs need a moment.” 

The other gave him a look as if what he said was ridiculous. “That never stopped you from overworking before.” He turned his gaze to look out to the city of Seoul, right before his eyes lights on and illuminating the town. “So why are you out here?”

“I really just needed a moment to clear my head.” He said with a dramatic sigh. Hongjoong knew just from that statement alone what it was about.

“The family asking if you are bringing someone home again?” Hongjoong asked with a knowing look.

“Yes, but this time I did something insanely stupid. I told them I had a boyfriend and now they’re expecting to see him in a few days.”

“Oh…” Hongjoong began, he knew just by that sentence alone Seonghwa was screwed. “That is a problem.”

“I don’t know what to do! If I don’t find someone by Sunday I am going to look like a fool.” He groaned. There was silence between the two then almost awkward and thinking. Seonghwa then turned slowly to Hongjoong. He stared at him, thinking hard for a moment and when the other turned to him a small grin grew on his face. If he were to have a fake boyfriend it would be someone close. A friend like Hongjoong. “Say Hongjoong…”

“Seonghwa, I’ve got way more important things to do instead of finding you a fake boyfriend.” He stopped him in his tracks.

“I’m not asking you that.”

“Okay good.” He said as he turned to look back out at the night sky.

“I’m asking you to be the fake boyfriend.” When he said that Hongjoong’s gaze immediately snapped back at him.

“Me?! You’re joking. You expect me to drop everything to go to your family Christmas?” He asked the other. Seonghwa wasn’t sure why it seemed like such a ridiculous idea. So he shrugged as he removed himself off the railing.

“It’ll just be for a week, it’s not like I’m asking you to have sex with me to prove anything. Just hand holding, flirting, and some basic kisses.” He said it so casually that Hongjoong wasn’t sure at that moment who he was talking to. The CEO was closed off about his emotions. The thought of the other suggesting being all lovey was a first for him. He crossed his arms then analyzed the other in front of him.

“You didn’t even consider my family Christmas.”

Seonghwa smirked at him. “I did. I know every year you don’t leave Seoul until around New Years because your family’s Christmas is always delayed. It’s easier to get time off and the flights aren’t as ridiculous.” 

The other flushed because they both knew he was right. He kept his arms crossed as his eyes looked around trying to figure out another excuse. They both knew he didn’t have one. “If I agree, what’s in it for me?”

He had to admit, he hadn’t thought that far ahead. The fact the other was asking about it, he didn’t think he’d get to this point. He seemed confident but honestly if Hongjoong would have said no he would have just accepted defeat and taken the bullying from his family. “Well what do you want?”

Silence again as Hongjoong thought long and deep. He smirked when he finally thought about something. “I want an additional month of time off. Whenever I want, when I submit it you can’t tell me no.”

Oh he was serious now and Seonghwa knew it. The additional month of time off concerned him. The other would use it to his advantage, there were many periods of the year he would deny time off because of how busy they would be. However he was desperate, and looking at Hongjoong he knew there was more to it. “Is that it?”

Hongjoong smirked and shook his head. “No.” He paused, most likely for dramatic effect. And it definitely made Seonghwa rock back and forth. “In exchange for me coming to your family Christmas, you’ll come with me to mine.”

That was not what he was expecting, he blinked in shock at the other. “So you’re trying to have your family believe you also have a fake boyfriend?”

Hongjoong chuckled. “I mean it would make sense we go to both Christmases together. If you take me just to yours and then break up with me after it would be really suspicious. It only makes sense.”

He was right, he knew he was very much right. He hated when someone was right about something and he didn’t agree at first. So reluctantly he nodded. “Fine. Anything else?”

Hongjoong shook his head. “That should suffice. Do you have any conditions?”

“All I ask is that we don't get attached. This is just a business deal, nothing more.” He said simply. He could see Hongjoong’s expression shift at that. It got serious quick so it must have been that. “Tomorrow at work, come see me around lunch time. I’ll have a contract and some documents ready. To discuss this arrangement. We leave Sunday early.”

He held his hand out to the other, a way to agree on this arrangement. The other’s eyes looked down at the hand and he reached out after a moment. A firm shake was met and it was set, Seonghwa had his fake date. He could actually focus now that this was all fixed. He thought then how easy this was, hopefully that meant everything else would go smoothly.

A cold breeze caused them both to shiver, breaking them out of their silence. “Let’s get back inside to your company party Mr. CEO.” Hongjoong said, a hint of teasing was there. Seonghwa nodded and followed him inside to finish the night out. Right now the details about the next week weren’t important. He had a plan for what he hoped would go okay. So with that mindset he enjoyed the rest of his night.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆

“You’re giving this contract a name?” 

Seonghwa looked up at Hongjoong from his computer. He had come to his office at the agreed time. Seonghwa honestly worried about him changing his mind at the last minute. His eyebrow raised and then back to the contract in front of them. “Yes, any official contract should have a title to it.”

Hongjoong raised a brow. “The Mistletoe Contract?” He questioned the other.

“I can’t have fun with it?” Seonghwa asked as he turned away from his computer. It wasn’t a serious contract he would give to his business partners. This was a contract for fake dating.

Hongjoong rolled his eyes playfully. “Alright, just tell me what I need to sign.”

“Well I would advise you read everything and all you’ll need to sign is on the back page. It’s just a review of what we discussed last night.” Seonghwa replied as he learned back in his chair.

Hongjoong took a seat and grabbed the document. “You’ve already covered my work for next week? Some people will still be here you know.” 

Seonghwa nodded. “I got Yunho to cover you. Then when we’re gone for your Christmas, San will cover then.”

Hongjoong hummed as he read through the document. “Good to see you’re on top of this.” He then grabbed a pen out of his pocket. He signed it and slid it back over to Seonghwa. “So what should I expect for the next week?” 

“Expect? What do you mean?”

“Well shouldn’t I know more about your family? I have to act like you talk about your family all the time, right?” He asked. 

Honestly he did love his family but he never talked about them to his colleagues. “I mean sure… well… do you just want the basics?”

“Yeah obviously.” Hongjoong said.

The photo on Seonghwa’s computer of his family caught his eye then. So he adjusted the screen so it faced Hongjoong. He took his pen and began to point people out. “Well you will really only meet Eomma’s side. First you have my Eomma, her name is Youngmi… she is the sweetest lady you will ever meet but don’t cross her. She did NOT hold back on making sure me and my hyung listened when we grew up.”

He then moved to two other older women next to his Eomma. “These are my aunts. Her older sisters. You got Aunt Haerin and Aunt Jiwoo. Haerin has three kids and Jiwoo has one. They are all grown up like my hyung and I so I don’t know if they will be there.” He said before he moved to the other young man with a woman next to him. It was obvious who he was based on his features. “This is my hyung, Seojun… he’s also a business guy but not as up there as I am. He is married to Hayoon and they have my niece and nephew. Minjee is three and Minjae is five.”

He then looked at himself next to everyone. “Then there’s me. Which you know all about me already…”

“Seems pretty straight forward, I am sure you will introduce me to all of them when we get there.” He said as he analyzed all of their faces as if trying to remember them. He then realized something, there was no father on this picture. “What about your Appa?”

An uncomfortable look crossed his face and Hongjoong widened his eyes when he realized he may have pushed the wrong buttons. “You don’t have to answer that!”

Seonghwa shook his head then, he never talked about his Appa for obvious reasons. Hongjoong should know for the sake of the deal. “It’s fine. He uh… died when I was sixteen. A car accident of all things got him. Crazy enough,it was on Christmas Eve. So we always try to celebrate instead of mourn on the holiday. It’s Eomma’s way of coping, so we all go along with it.” He said as he pulled the computer screen back. It’s been years since the tragedy, and because of it Christmas was a bit harder for him and his family. 

Hongjoong frowned. “I’m sorry, I never knew…” He said that and Seonghwa simply shook his head telling him it would be okay. “Well I guess there’s some things I still don’t know about you…” 

Seonghwa almost preferred it that way. “There might be some things you’ll find out that I haven’t shared. Mostly embarrassing stories from when I was a kid. Eomma likes to tease her kids in front of the new girlfriends or in this case boyfriends we bring home.” He said with a small smile. He had pulled up his email again already being hounded by important tasks. “Do you have any other questions about this trip?”

“Nope. Just uh, who's picking up who on Sunday?” He asked.

His eyes were on his computer screen but he answered him nonetheless. “Our flight leaves at 10 am, I’ll pick you up early, I would like to be at the airport and settled before we even board. Please make sure you are ready. I don’t do well with being late.”

Hongjoong nodded as he stood up, Seonghwa glanced at him as he did so as he focused on tackling all the emails. “I’ll be ready, I’ll text you my address and see you Sunday.”

He had then walked alone leaving Seonghwa at his desk working, but also processing what was about to happen. In two days he’d be flying with his fake boyfriend to see his family. The fact this whole thing happened so easily made him wonder if it was maybe too easy. He hoped it would be with Hongjoong already being a friend beforehand. After everything though, it seemed like it would be tougher. He decided to not dwell on it as he had a full inbox to tackle. This week would be good, and maybe his family would finally believe he didn’t need to settle down.

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Sunday morning came faster than either of them could anticipate. He stood in front of the door to Hongjoong’s smaller home. It was a cold and slightly breezy morning, the sun was barely rising in the horizon as he tried to hide in his coat and scarf. The door opened and he was greeted by a sleepy Hongjoong. “I just need my coat but I promise I’m ready. Come on in.”

He stepped aside allowing Seonghwa to walk in. He was finally able to warm up a bit while Hongjoong gathered everything. Two suitcases, a check bag and a carry on stood in the hallway at the ready. His eyes went to Hongjoong as he was running through some last minute checks. It seemed as he ran all over the house. “You got everything?”

Hongjoong nodded as he grabbed his coat. “I just wanted to make sure everything was good.” He said as he slipped on the warm coat and grabbed the scarf right next to it. They grabbed his bags and made their way outside. Hongjoong made sure one last time that his door was locked before they loaded his suitcase into the SUV. As soon as they were off the car ride immediately was silent. They both realistically needed this. Enough time to process the week that was about to happen. Seonghwa wasn’t as nervous as before but he was nervous about the lie. He just knew getting anything past his family would be the challenge alone.

The drive, checking in, and getting to their terminal was filled with silence. So when they finally settled he had grabbed them both a coffee from the cafe nearest to the terminal. Enough to perk them both up. He brought the drinks over and when he handed one over to Hongjoong he could see the nerves buzzing around him. “You look nervous.” He said taking a seat next to the other.

“Yeah just a bit…” He said as he sipped at the hot drink in hand. “What if your family doesn’t like me.”

That made Seonghwa look over at the other. “You’re worried more about them not liking you and not them finding out we’re lying to them?”

“Yeah. I don’t know about you but I’m a great liar…” He said with a chuckle. “But seriously, what if they don’t like me?”

Seonghwa rolled his eyes at the other. “I think what they think about is the least of your concerns. Eomma loves everyone. She hasn’t shut up about the new guy I’m bringing home.”

Hongjoong smirked. “Oh so I’m a celebrity huh?”

“Yes. This is the first time I’m bringing home anyone.” 

Hongjoong looked over and frowned. “Have you never been in a relationship?”

Seonghwa shrugged at that. “I mean I’ve had partners… nothing ever serious. I thought when Seojun brought home his wife and then had kids they would drop it, but because of that they are even harder on me. That’s why I did what I did and why we are here.” 

“It sounds like they’re just super excited for you.” Hongjoong said to the other with a small smile. Seonghwa knew that he was just a busy man. Love was just never something he saw him getting too deep into. He was also really bad at expressing his feelings. He’s remembered multiple times where he would shut someone out when they got super close. He wasn’t sure why, but his body just naturally reacted that way.

He sipped his coffee for a moment before he responded. “I know. I think they’ll appreciate it this holiday season.” He said.

“Flight 1117, we are now preparing our boarding process…”

They both looked over, that was their flight. So they had began to gather their stuff, coffees in hand. Seonghwa made sure they were one of the first to board. He would like to get settled so he can work on some emails during their flight and maybe knock out some work before they make it to Jinju where he knew they wouldn’t have any chance to work for the whole of next week. 

“We are now boarding class A…”

“That’s us.”

Hongjoong nodded following Seonghwa onto the plane, both of them ready to put on a face for the next seven days. What could honestly go wrong?

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They arrived on time as planned and thankfully grabbing their bags and everything wasn’t too much of a problem either. They made sure everything was together and got their coats on as they headed for car rentals. Like everything else they were in and out and on the road. Seonghwa let out a grateful sigh as they were finally moving at a great pace outside of the airport traffic. “Okay so, what do you remember about my family. Like you said it will help a lot.”

Hongjoong nodded. “Eomma, her name is Youngmi, your two aunts who are older than her are Haerin and Jiwoo. They have kids but there’s a chance they won’t be there. Your hyung is Seojun who is married to Hayoon and they have Minjae and Minjee who are 3 and 5.” He listed them all off while counting with his fingers.

“Wowww impressive. You’ve been studying.” He said with a small smile.

“I told you I was anxious about meeting them. If I called someone the wrong name I would just walk out at that point.” He chuckled.

Seonghwa smiled softly, he then thought of something and glanced at the other. “What about your family?”

Hongjoong raised a brow. “What about them?”

“Tell me about them. We have a whole bunch of time until we get to the house.” He said casually.

He had hummed then, he was right they had nothing but road ahead of them for the next fourty five minute. “Well it’s my parents, and my brother. Bumjoong is married but they don’t have any kids. I did tell my mom I was bringing someone this year and the reaction wasn’t no Park family freak out, but she’s excited to meet you.”

Seonghwa smiled softly. He didn’t expect to feel a happy feeling towards another family seeing him on the holidays. However a feeling was ignited deep in his gut. He tried to ignore it. “A Park family freak out?” He asked the other with a chuckle.

“I feel like it’s fitting considering how your family reacted when you told them about a fake boyfriend.” He said with a smirk at the other.

Seonghwa rolled his eyes playfully. He had a point, he never seen messages come in that fast before on his phone when he said the magical words. “Alright fair enough…” He said before he glanced at the other. “So no Kim family lore? Just the members of your family?”

Hongjoong shrugged. “Well my dad is also a businessman. Not as big and spectacular as my Seoul career, but he runs a local coffee shop in my town. He has been running it since I was a teenager. He had a boring office job before but this job freed something in him. I could see the light come back in his eyes when he started the whole business. My Mom is retired now and helps him run his coffee shop, she used to be a school teacher. Bumjoong is only a few years older than me. We grew up together and I have always looked up to him. I was his best man a few years back and may have cried a bit.”

That caused both of them to chuckle. “Such a sucker…” Seonghwa said playfully.

“Something about the atmosphere of a wedding gets to you.” He said with a small shrug. He was quiet then and when Seonghwa glanced over, he seemed to be thoughtful at that moment. “It’s okay he cried that day too.”

The silence took over at that moment for the remainder of that car ride, they were realistically both tired from the plane flight and the travels so far. He knew as soon as they were settled a nap would be needed. It gave Seonghwa time to prepare for what he was driving towards. To prepare a whole story in his head, to tell his family.

He remembered on the plane going over the story they came up with together on how they met. To avoid suspicion Seonghwa came up with the idea that Hongjoong was a business colleague he met once on a trip. Then they ran into each other again at a coffee shop and they got talking and exchanged numbers. According to their story they had been together for only five months at this point but it felt like the perfect time to bring him to a family Christmas. If anyone asked if they would move in with each other it would be ‘oh we’re not ready yet.’ They also agreed to not even discuss with the family about future plans of kids and marriage. Because they both knew in the end this was just a contract, a deal. They knew it wouldn’t go any further so it’s best to not get their hopes up.

Seonghwa turned on a side road then, which meant they were getting close. He glanced at Hongjoong, he looked ready for a nap. He was right there with him. “We’re almost there.” Seonghwa reassured. “This isn’t my actual house by the way, it’s a vacation rental we use every year. It’s really nice and has plenty of bedrooms so we won’t be forced to sleep in the same room as the others.”

“What about us? Are you comfortable being in the same bed as your fake boyfriend?” Hongjoong asked in a teasing manner.

He did everything in his power to not react to that. It was just a simple statement but he knew he was right about one thing. The bed they would have to share. “We can figure that out when we get there. I’m sure the bed will be big enough.”

They turned down another road and after a few houses they pulled into a driveway. Hongjoong blinked in shock at how big the home was. There was at least three stories and windows littered all over. The drive way was huge to match up with the big mansion sitting in front of them. What got him was a separated part of the house that practically looked like a mini version of the home itself. “Holy shit Seonghwa, this is huge.”

Seonghwa chuckled. “Seojun and I split the rent fee every year as Eomma’s Christmas gift. She’s retired and was worried she wouldn’t be able to afford it but we make sure we get it every year.” 

He got out and Hongjoong followed right after, his face still in awe. “I’m going to get lost in this place.” 

A chuckle from the other was heard before he closed the driver side door. “I’ll give you a tour later.”

He moved to get their bags out of the car and as he did he heard the front door open. He looked up and smiled softly, he knew he saw his mother’s car already here. He closed the trunk and gave Hongjoong a look telling him it starts now. “Seonghwa!!” 

He smiled and walked over meeting her with a hug. The woman was wearing her house slippers and a jacket, Seonghwa pulled back to scold her. “Eomma… it’s cold out.”

She gave him a look, it was obvious she didn’t care. “I wasn’t going to be out for long, I was just so excited to see my boy!” Her eyes then drifted to Hongjoong behind him and she grinned even wider. “And to finally meet the new boyfriend! Hongjoong was it? It’s so nice to meet you!”

Hongjoong smiled and was about to shake her hand but he let out a noise of surprise as he was pulled into a tight hug. He looked to Seonghwa who merely watched in admiration. “So nice to meet you Mrs. Park.” 

“Oh please call me Youngmi. Mrs. Park makes me sound older than I am.” She said with a chuckle. “Hurry and bring your stuff inside I’m making lunch!”

She was immediately hurrying to get back inside, definitely cold as Seonghwa mentioned. He shook his head before he turned to Hongjoong. “Come on, it’s cold out here…”

The suitcases were brought in and placed next to the entrance. As soon as their shoes and winter gear were all off Youngmi led them to the kitchen. The smell was the first indicator of what she was making and Seonghwa sighed happily. “I knew you would like it. Kimchi jjigae is his favorite, did he tell you that?” She asked Hongjoong.

He blinked and shook his head. “No. I’ll have to remember that.” 

“You know I like how you make it the best, Eomma.” He said.

She stirred the pot and hummed. “He would ask for it every day as he grew up. Some days I would have to break his little heart when I wasn’t able to make it or we didn’t have time.” She reminisced.  

Hongjoong smirked and looked to Seonghwa who became sheepish with all the attention on him. “There’s a reason Eomma. Your cooking is just that good.”

She smiled at him. “It’s almost done. Why don’t you boys wait at the table. There’s a tea pot I just prepared too, it’ll warm you right up.”

Seonghwa led Hongjoong over to the table. He knew his mother’s eyes would be on them so he made sure they looked close, maybe a bit in love. He poured tea in three cups, one set aside for his Eomma. He sat next to Hongjoong who must have known the same thing as he placed a hand on his leg. The warmth from the other caused goosebumps to arise. He played it cool but on the inside he felt warm and fuzzy. He distracted himself by sipping at his tea before turning to his Eomma in the kitchen. “Do you know the ETA for anyone else?”

Youngmi was serving up the food in a couple of bowls then as she spoke. “Seojun should be here tonight with his wife and the kids. I think your aunties are on their way now, but it’ll probably take them forever to get here.” She said with a chuckle. She brought over the bowls and placed them down in front of the two before she sat down next to them. They waited but she huffed. “Don’t wait for me, go ahead. I have to see if I still got it.”

“Oh you know you do Eomma.” Seonghwa said playfully before he went in for the first bite. He blew off some steam cooling it down for a moment before going in for the bite. The flavors all came at him at once in a good way. It gave him nostalgia from when he was a kid. He let out a satisfied noise then. “Still got it…”

She smiled before turning to Hongjoong who was also going in. As predicted he had the same reaction, a proud grin plastered on Youngmi’s face then. “Oh my god this is delicious.” Hongjoong said. Actual shock came across his face causing both Seonghwa and Youngmi to laugh. They continued their lunch discussing the plans for the week and what had been happening with them. Youngmi had especially wanted all the details about how they fell in love. As agreed on the plane they discussed the story about how they ran into each other again in Seoul and how they’ve been dating for five months now. 

Seonghwa could see how amazed she was and he almost felt bad for lying. He knew all she wanted for him was a happy and safe relationship. Where he wasn’t alone. He wasn’t alone though. He had his friends and his work colleagues. There were other things his mother could do other than worry about him and he wished maybe she could spend time doing those things. Especially since some of them were stuff she always wanted to do. She lost any dream the second his dad died though. Bringing it up was a sensitive topic so he doesn’t even think about it anymore.

Their bowls were empty and so Hongjoong and Seonghwa stood to help with the dishes. When everything was done Seonghwa stretched, his tired bones popping. “Eomma we’re going to unpack and settle in our room. Which one is ours?”

She nodded. “Up the stairs and the first bedroom on the left. It’s a king sized bed and plenty of space for the both of you.” A wiggle of her eyebrows made Seonghwa flush. He chuckled softly before he gave her a kiss on the cheek. 

Once they were upstairs with their suitcases both of them got a chance to look at what they were up to for the next week. Unfortunately it was one bed, but Youngmi was right it was big as well as the room. They still would have to share the same bed. “I can sleep on the floor if you want the bed?” Seonghwa asked.

“What?” Hongjoong asked.

That made Seonghwa freeze. He looked at Hongjoong trying to see if he was being serious. “Well I made you come here, I feel like it would be unfair to take the bed.” Seonghwa replied with a shrug.

The other eyed him for a moment before he huffed. His arms crossed then when he turned to him fully. “Seongwha, what would happen if I had the bed all to myself and you were on the floor and someone came bursting in? I think they would question why your new boyfriend is making their loved one sleep on the cold floor.” 

He was right, he never thought about how they wouldn’t really have a moment to act like colleagues without some suspicion. “So you’re fine sharing a bed?”

Hongjoong shrugged as he turned to the bed next to them. “I don’t see why not. It’s big enough where we have our own space if it’s needed. Besides, I’ve shared beds with my friends all the time when I’ve gone on trips. I’m completely okay with it” He stretched then and walked towards the bed. “Unless you’re afraid you might end up getting too snuggly at night?” 

The tone was teasing and it immediately caused Seonghwa to get defensive as he felt his face heat up. “I was just making sure what you wanted.” He argued to the other before he turned away to tend to his suitcase. There was a closet so he used the chance to hang up some clothes. He heard Hongjoong chuckle behind him and it made his face even more red. 

“So is this week a free for all on what we do? Or do we have events planned?” Hongjoong asked, thankfully he was moving on and Seonghwa couldn’t be more grateful. As he worked on hanging up a sweater he gave the other his response.

“Yeah, there are some traditions we do. When my hyung gets here he and I will go out to the Christmas tree farm a few miles away and we’ll grab a Christmas tree for the house. We decorate that first night as a family and drink hot cocoa. We also have a night where we bake cookies, go to the Christmas festival at the nearest village, and the kids like to go to the big hill behind the house to go sledding. When they see a fresh face, you, they will expect you to go out every day sledding.” Seonghwa said, finishing it off with a chuckle. “You can tell them no, just so you know.”

Hongjoong nodded, he was now leaning against the headboard of the bed and his feet propped up on the bed and crossed. “Sounds like a classic Christmas.” 

Seonghwa nods as he hangs up another item and then moves to put the shoes away that he packed. “It’s a classic Park family Christmas. We also leave cookies out for Santa as well as milk, and on actual Christmas we exchange gifts. Don’t worry about not having something, Eomma does NOT want you to feel like you have to bring something your first time here. She will make you take a gift though, so expect that.” He then noticed how silent it was and when he turned he was shocked to see him asleep. Eventually shock turned into a small smile as he walked over and grabbed the blanket and pulled it up so he wasn’t cold. He recalled the other responding with “mhm” and “yeah” before he had fallen asleep.

He changed into a comfier outfit and laid next to him on the bed. When he pulled up the comforter he felt the exhaustion from the travels and everything. No wonder Hongjoong had dozed off, he yawned and turned slightly to look at Hongjoong who had curled in. He looked peaceful which for how busy they worked, wasn’t common. It was nice being able to see the other one at peace for once, Hongjoong may not have been his boyfriend but he was still his friend.

After he realized he was staring he immediately turned away. He let out a sigh before he shook off any thoughts he had on his mind. He closed his eyes and did everything he could to let the nap take over and not think about the boy sleeping next to him.

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He didn’t wake up until he heard the door knocking. Something inside him caused his eyes to open immediately. He looked around still trying to wake up from his sleep, Hongjoong was sitting up next to him. His hair is a mess and sleep is still obvious in his eyes as well. The knocking came again and he groaned before he sat up. “What is it!” He called out.

“You better get your ass up if you want to get the best tree.” A familiar voice called. Seonghwa immediately looked over and then out the window. The sky had gotten slightly darker and he realized then how long they were out. He stood and shuffled to the door before opening it to be face to face with his older brother. 

“Hyung…” He said with a small grin. His brother pulled him into a tight hug.

“Eomma said you were up settling down, leave it to baby brother to nap the whole day away.” He teased, causing Seonghwa to huff. His eyes then went to Hongjoong behind him and he raised a brow. “So this is the boyfriend?”

Seonghwa nodded. “Hongjoong, this is my hyung, Seojun.” He introduced.

Hongjoong had woken up enough as well and walked over. They shook hands firmly, “It’s nice to meet you. Seonghwa has told me a lot about you.”

Seojun smirked. “I hope all good things.” 

Seonghwa rolled his eyes. “Of course.” He said.

Before anything else was said they heard tiny feet barreling towards them. “Uncle Seonghwa!” A little boy screamed. Seonghwa chuckled and picked up the boy almost causing him to fall back. 

“Ugh you’ve gotten so big…” He said adjusting his grip on the growing boy in his arms. 

“I’m five and a half now! I’m getting big every day!” He said with a big grin. 

“Five and a half?! I thought you were still three!” Seonghwa responded. 

“No! Minjee is three!”

“Ahh that’s right!” He said and then the little boy’s eyes turned to Hongjoong behind Seonghwa. Immediately the brave little boy suddenly looked shocked and a little shy. Seonghwa noticed before he glanced back at Hongjoong. “Minjae… this is Hongjoong…”

Minjae eyed him for a moment, almost as if he was trying to find the bravery to speak. He then turned to Seonghwa. “Appa said you’d be bringing a boyfriend… is it him?”

Seonghwa smiled and nodded. “Yes, Hongjoong is my boyfriend.”

He wanted down then so Seonghwa allowed him to. He watched as the boy approached Hongjoong carefully. Eventually a small smile came on his face. “Do you want to play?”

Hongjoong blinked in surprise, but it was followed by a smile. “Sure!”

Minjae smiled before he grabbed his hand and ran him out of the room. Hongjoong wasn’t expecting that as he stumbled after him, he shot Seonghwa a look that only made him giggle. Then it was just him and his brother again. “He seems nice.” 

Seonghwa looked at him and nodded. “Yeah he’s really great, Eomma seems to like him.”

Seojun chuckled. “Eomma hasn’t stopped talking about him since we got here.” They chuckled at that knowing how excited she was about the whole thing. Out of everyone reacting when he made the announcement she was the one who was the most excited. “Get dressed, we got to get to that tree farm before all the good ones are gone.”

He nodded and closed the door when Seojun turned to check if his kid wasn’t tormenting Hongjoong. Thankfully everything was going well and no one seemed suspicious of anything. He had been freaking out the whole day before about if this plan would work. Thankfully Hongjoong was a natural at this and no one seemed to suspect a thing. He kept telling himself everything would be fine, and it really seemed that way.

He slid on some warmer clothes to prepare for the outside weather. He grabbed a pair of boots before grabbing any last minute essential stuff needed. Then he had left the room, as he came down the steps he stopped short seeing Hongjoong with Minjae. He was out of sight or at least not easily spotted. Just enough where he could watch the genuine smile on Hongjoong’s face as he and Minjae had a blast. They were playing with some action figures and the way Hongjoong made the little boy burst out in laughter, it made Seonghwa’s heart swell. “Hey slowpoke, come on.” Seojun said from the bottom of the steps. It broke Seonghwa out of his stare, and immediately he tried to recover from staring fondly at the other. 

“Sorry it was just nice to see Minjae have someone to play with.” He told the other. There wasn’t a lot of kids his age in the family. Him and Minjee were the youngest in the family, so having someone like Hongjoong who was willing to play like that was nice to see. 

Seojun nodded as he also turned his gaze to them. “He’s been asking all the way here if there would be kids to play with. I am sure Hongjoong will do great with him.” He said. 

“Appa!” Minjee shouted running over, the younger of the two must have noticed both of them packing up to go. The little girl was known to have separation anxiety. They all knew Seojun was a sucker for his daughter though. “Don’t go!”

“Ahh but Minjee, Appa and I are going to get the biggest tree for the house. Don’t you want Santa to bring presents and put it under the big tree.” Seonghwa piped up when he noticed Seojun slowly going soft. Especially when the little girl wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him extra tight. 

That caught Minjae’s attention, “I wanna go! I wanna find the biggest tree with you guys!”

Suddenly both kids seemed very interested and they knew there was no sneaking out. Both brothers looked at each other unsure what to say. Then Hongjoong spoke up. “We could go as a group… it would be nice to see this tree farm.” It was a simple suggestion, a mere idea but everyone knew that was the best idea. So Seojun and Seonghwa smirked before the older of the two spoke up.

“Minjae, go see if Eomma and Halmeoni want to come with. There’s a hot cocoa stand there so after we find our tree we can get a treat.” He said still holding Minjee who was still holding on tight to Seojun. The smile was obvious on her little face. The little boy jumped excitedly before running to the kitchen to do as asked. “Good idea Hongjoong.”

The compliment took Hongjoong by surprise but he smiled regardless and nodded. Seojun had dismissed himself to go check Minjee’s diaper before they leave. “I’ve got great ideas.” Hongjoong said with a confident smirk.

Seonghwa rolled his eyes at the other, “Alright hot shot, you better put that action figure away before we lose it and we will never hear the end of it.” 

As Hongjoong chuckled and turned away to make sure the superhero action figure was safe and secure, he thought about everything. Something deep within him felt off about it, but he pushed it away. He merely dismissed it as the nerves for the week ahead. Thankfully since things were going well, they weren’t as heavy as before. 

“Uncle Seonghwa! Eomma and Halmeoni are coming!” Minjae announced as he ran back. Seonghwa smiled and moved to help the boy get bundled up for their trip. He pushed any fears or worries at that moment.

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They had driven in separate cars. Seojun and his family in one car meanwhile Seonghwa, Hongjoong and his Eomma in the other. There was nerves the whole ride because she began to ask questions, and then they started getting serious. Some questions they didn’t even anticipate, or prepare for. They weren’t anything personal or anything, they just never thought too deep into the relationship when Youngmi would come up with something, they would exchange awkward glances trying to see who would come up with a lie first.

Before it got too intense, they had arrived at the tree farm. Seojun following them and parking next to them when they found a spot next to the building. Thankfully there was more than hot cocoa, they had a small play area where many kids were playing. Seonghwa thought maybe Minjae would want to play with other kids but when they all got out he was tugging them towards the trees. They would have to worry about playing later, so they allowed the energetic five year old to lead them over. “Minjae on the way here suggested we split into teams. Said whoever finds the biggest tree wins.”

“Minjae ah… the house is only so big.” Youngmi chuckled along with the rest of the group. 

“Appa said some of the biggest trees here would fit.” He argued.

When everyone turned to Seojun he smiled sheepishly. “I was just hyping him up.”

Seonghwa chuckled. “Let’s just make the max ten feet.” He suggested. It was at a size that was big but not like some of the bigger that they were already seeing looming over the others in the distance. “What teams should we do Minjae?”

They were split up eventually by the little boy. Seojun was paired with Hayoon, Minjae said that it was great that Eomma and Appa were a team. He paired himself automatically with Youngmi saying something that Halmeoni knew best. Then Seonghwa was paired with Hongjoong, since they were boyfriends. It made the two flush but they had automatically blamed it on the cold. He finished it off by saying since Minjee was already with Hayoon in a carrier, she was automatically part of their team. Seojun had joked that Minjae had forgot, as a brother would, about including his little sister.

They then split up to look amongst trees and it gave Seonghwa a chance to be alone with Hongjoong. As a checkpoint to see how he was doing. “That car ride with Eomma was rough for both of us, huh?” He said it almost quietly not wanting someone to conveniently hear.

Hongjoong chuckled as he browsed some of the trees in the row that they were in. “When she asked about our first kiss I froze. Not that it was something I had to make up, but it took me by surprise. I don’t ever think my Eomma has ever asked me about that stuff.” 

Seonghwa chuckled as he observed one tree for a second, it had caught his eye but he eventually decided there were more dying parts on it than green. “You came up with a great story though… it was quite romantic.”

When they were asked that question, Seonghwa was more panicked than Hongjoong about it. So the other had taken the opportunity. 

“We were on our third… maybe fourth date… we just had dinner and decided a walk through the park would help us walk off anything. The walk was the best part of the date I think, because we held hands the whole time and then we found this really nice stone bridge. We stopped to watch some ducks and then the next thing I know we’re looking at each other and it led to us kissing. It wasn’t too crazy but it was a kiss that said this was right.’

The way he had explained everything in detail allowed Seonghwa to imagine it. It made him have a fluttering feeling in his gut as he imagined it. He didn’t tell Hongjoong that though, he really didn’t know if he should be diving into that feeling further. “It honestly came out of nowhere.” Hongjoong said with a shrug. He stopped when he looked at one tree, the other was shorter than Seonghwa but it towered over them by a few feet. When he got a good look at it, Seonghwa followed. It was the perfect shade of green, a taller tree but not too tall, and the width of it was the perfect size as well. “I think we just found our tree, we’ll need to find our judge.” Seonghwa said. They both smirked knowing very well that Minjae would want this tree.

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They chose the tree when Minjae got excited about the choice. It was tagged and they had someone grab it while the two kids played at the play area. Everyone got hot chocolate and snacks from the stand. The adults all watched the kids running around in the snow. It was more Minjae rolling around in the snow and playing with other boys at the playground while Minjee had quietly played by herself. Both were content, and all they could do was smile while they had the time of their lives.

The tree was ready so they had it on top of Seojun’s car and strapped since his was more sturdy than Seonghwa’s. The two kids were knocked out from all the play and their tiny sleeping forms were buckled into the car. Now they were back at the house and getting the tree up in the living room. Minjee napped for longer but when the older noticed they were putting the tree up, he was suddenly wide awake. “Hongjoong found the best tree!” Minjae cheered. 

Hongjoong smiled while leisurely sitting on the couch next to Seonghwa. He played the role of boyfriend well, his hand was casually placed behind Seonghwa who followed along and leaned into him. He wasn’t sure how Hongjoong did it, but keeping a straight face while doing this was a struggle. The bindings of the tree were removed causing the branches and everythin to take form. When it was set in place Seojun smiled proudly. “I have to agree.” 

Before they could do anything further the door opened and a couple voices caught everyone’s attention. It was quick for Seonghwa to recognize the playful bickering, his aunts stepped into view. “Auntie Haerin! Auntie Jiwoo!” He shouted and they immediately picked up the little boy and smothered him in kisses.

“You remember them?” Seonghwa whispered to the other

Hongjoong nodded, remembering the review they had in his office. When their attention turned to them they got into character immediately. “Aunties, hi!” Seonghwa greeted before giving them both hugs, they hugged him especially tight as they normally did. “This is my boyfriend, Hongjoong.” 

Hongjoong got up reaching out to shake their hands but they immediately pulled him into a tight hug as well. Seonghwa stifled a laugh seeing his look of surprise. Just like Eomma earlier he had the same surprised look when they hugged him. They were definitely a family who liked to hug. “We don’t shake hands dear, we are huggers.” Haerin said with a chuckle.

“Seonghwa should have warned you.” Jiwoo teased as she moved to remove their coats.

“Yeah thanks Seonghwa.” Hongjoong played along. It caused the other to laugh. Their coats and everything were taken by Seojun so they could settle, they really wanted to interact with the two little ones. Minjae was proud to show off the tree they chose, bragging about how he approved Hongjoong’s choice. 

For the next hour everyone did what they wanted to do before dinner was ready. The food was prepared by Youngmi and everyone knew they’d be enjoying a good meal when she cooked. As they got to eating that’s when the questions from the family began. “So Hongjoong… what exactly do you do for work?” Haerin asked.

Hongjoong looked up as he was sipping at his water. A brief glance to Seonghwa telling him he got this, just like they practiced. “Oh I’m a sales executive for a company that works with Seonghwa’s company.”

“Is that how you two met?” Jiwoo asked.

“Yeah we were colleagues before but it became more than that.” He said smiling fondly to Seonghwa. “That fateful day we ran into each other at the coffee shop…”

Hongjoong told the story again and his aunties swooned over it just like his mother did. Seonghwa listened and this time he felt that feeling again, that funny feeling deep in his gut. He knew it was guilt for lying to his family, but it felt mixed in with something else. The more it lingered the more he knew what it could be, it almost scared him. As soon as Hongjoong finished the story, he heard the pleased noises from the women across from him. He snapped out of it and smiled. A warm hand was placed on his leg and he looked at Hongjoong, he gave him a smile but he saw another look, concern. He must have seen how he was acting just now. Everything was fine. He would just have to shove his emotions down and forget it. 

That’s what he did for the rest of dinner and continued to pretend.

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It was late and both of them were getting ready for bed. Both of them were in their pajamas and Seonghwa was freshly showered so his hair was slightly damp. He didn’t realize it but Seonghwa had been silent after dinner. His own thoughts are not really helping him out. As he pulled the sheets back from the bed, Hongjoong stood on the other side, arms crossed. It took a second but Seonghwa realized he was waiting for something. He looked up and blinked. “What?”

“Ever since dinner you’ve been quiet. Distant even.” He said. 

Seonghwa internally cursed when he realized he had been caught. He shrugged simply as he adjusted the pillows. If Hongjoong knew he was having conflicting feelings about him, it could ruin the whole week. “It’s just been a long day, I’m worn out honestly. Choosing and decorating trees takes a lot out of a guy.”

The other didn’t budge, arms still crossed and now his eyes staring deep into his soul. “Everything was fine until I told that story we made up… look Seonghwa if this is going to make you miserable…”

“That’s not…” He interrupted him immediately, and then it was followed by a deep sigh. “That’s not what it is… you’re doing great, my family is believing us. I think I’m just feeling a little guilty about the whole thing.”

Hongjoong’s face softened, he moved into the bed then sitting next to Seonghwa. “You feel guilty?”

“Everyone loves you, loves that I’m finally doing something for myself. Settling down. It’s just going to break their hearts when I have to end everything.” He said before he laid back on the pillows. He knew this was going to happen. Hongjoong was a great guy, people were going to love him. So when this was over he knew people would be upset. Hongjoong sat there and was silent for a moment before he turned to the other. He propped himself up on his elbow so he could lay down but be able to look at the other.

“Maybe after this is over, you should consider finding yourself someone for real. Maybe this is fate telling you to stop being so focused on your job and to get yourself out there.” He reasoned with the other.

Seonghwa didn’t want that though, at least he didn’t want it at first. Now the more he thought about it, it kind of sounded nice. Especially with how everyone reacted with Hongjoong. The conflicting emotions almost gave him a headache so he sighed and pulled up the blanket “I don’t know I’m just tired, I’m going to go to sleep.”

Hongjoong was silent when he turned away from him but eventually the other had fully laid down too. They lay there for a moment and Seonghwa’s eyes are wide open as he stares at the wall. He glanced back for a moment wondering if Hongjoong was asleep before he hesitantly spoke. “Tomorrow we’re going to the Christmas village. Just so you know.”

There was another moment of silence before Hongjoong spoke. “Thanks for the heads up.”

Then for the next hour the both of them laid in silence unable to sleep right away. He heard Hongjoong eventually sleeping as he heard deep and calming breaths. He laid on his back and glanced over to see that peaceful look on his face when he slept. He hated that feeling that bubbled up inside of him when he looked at Hongjoong in moments like this. He kept reminding himself of the same thing he told Hongjoong. 

“This is just a business deal, nothing more.”

But why did his heart continue to scream at him that it was more. He let out a quiet groan, trying to not wake the other. He needed to sleep, or otherwise tomorrow and the rest of the week was going to be the longest week. Eventually after some struggle he dozed off, the thought of Hongjoong unfortunately still on his mind.

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“SANTA! SANTA! SANTA!” 

The chants from Minjae caused everyone to chuckle at the energetic five year old. The Christmas village was well known for a lot of things, the kids favorite part was that they had a Santa Claus there. Minjae was more excited than Minjee, the little girl got scared last year the second they put her in a stranger’s lap. The pictures weren’t what everyone expected but they still laughed about the photo of the girl obviously screaming at the top of her lungs. “Alright if you want to see Santa I need you to get dressed.” Seojun said. They ran up the stairs then, excitement clearly in Minjae’s steps.

Seonghwa looked over to Hayoon who had Minjee in her arms. He smiled softly. “You think she’ll scream this year?” He asked.

“Unfortunately, yes.” She said with a sheepish grin. Minjee who held on tight to her Eomma immediately hid her face as soon as the attention was on her. “We’ll have to see if we should even bother with pictures.”

Seonghwa smiled softly before sipping at his coffee, the caffeine being much needed after his struggle to fall asleep last night. His mind being on the boy next to him the whole night. He really tried to not let him bother him, but how much longer could he take it if it was going to mess with his sleep. 

Minjae came storming down with Seojun ready to go. That was everyone else’s cue to get up and going. If they stood around any longer Minjae was going to lose his mind. The car arrangement was the same as yesterday except this time Seonghwa’s mother rode with her sisters so it was just Hongjoong and him in the car as they followed the others. It was silent for a moment before Hongjoong spoke. 

“You look tired.” 

Seonghwa looked over and mentally panicked. What was he supposed to say when the reason he couldn’t sleep was him? “Ahh yeah. I’m not used to these beds. I feel like they were a little hard.”

Hongjoong observed him for a second, causing him to worry that maybe he wouldn’t believe his story. The other had eventually agreed though. “I slept fine but I will admit my back was sore when I woke up.” 

He was relieved and glad the other didn’t bring anything up further. He was worried that maybe he saw through his lie. There was no sign that he did though, so he dropped it and focused on the rest of the drive. 

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Hongjoong knew when Seonghwa was clearly not feeling well. Having worked with the CEO for many years he knew when the man was stressed. Lying to his family and pretending they were together truly made the other tense as if he was about to drop a big business deal with another company. Knowing the other was uncomfortable, he had told himself he would find something here to help the other. Maybe make him feel better and try to get through this trip.

When they all arrived at the Christmas village he waited for Seonghwa to be distracted before he snuck off to go look around by himself. This Christmas village was full of craft shops and other souvenirs. There were many fun and cute options he could choose from, there had to be something that maybe would help. 

“You snuck off before anyone knew, dear.” 

Hongjoong immediately looked over to Seonghwa’s Eomma. Youngmi gave him a sweet smile before she tilted her head. “Are you looking for something specific?”

He knew then her help would be his best bet. Telling her a different story on why he was doing it would be the challenge though. “Seonghwa has just… seemed so nervous about me meeting you guys this whole trip. I wanted to get him something to cheer him up.”

She smiled fondly at him then. “Oh you’re such a good boyfriend to him… let’s take a look then shall we? We’ve got time. Minjae and Minjee got uncle Seonghwa distracted enough.” Hongjoong looked over in the distance to see Seonghwa playing with his nephew and niece. A fond smile grew on his face seeing him playing with the kids.

“I really appreciate your help… I’ve known him for a while but I feel like I know nothing about him.” He said honestly. It was the truth, Seonghwa was a close friend but he was the most closed off friend he’s ever met. Sure he was always busy with work, but even outside of work he was quiet. 

“Well dear, five months may seem like a long time but it’s barely just a year.” She said. He forgot for a moment he supposedly only really knew Seonghwa for that length of time, so to cover himself he laughed it off as she observed some snow globes. “I’m just glad he found someone like you though, I swear after the accident he had completely changed as a person.”

Hongjoong frowned knowing exactly what she meant. Seonghwa’s Appa. The basics he knew was that he died in an accident, Seonghwa never really shared further details on him. “Seonghwa’s Appa, right?”

She nodded grimly. “The second his Appa died, Seonghwa completely changed. He felt like instead of taking care of himself, he focused on work. He told me it was to earn money and take care of me. I know it’s not because of that though. Me and his brother knew he was just doing this to cope with his feelings.” She sighed softly. 

“He never really told me about his Appa until right before this trip.” He said.

“He doesn’t like to talk about it. Even with us.” She then picked up a snow globe and observed it for a second. She turned to Hongjoong and held it out for him. “Give him this.”

He took the globe and looked down. It was a pretty one, there was texturized snow on the outside and on the inside a snow man. He looked up at her. “Why this one?”

“Seonghwa’s favorite memories with him was building snowmen… they always made such big and elaborate ones.” She reminisced. A smile on her face as she thought back to the good times. “I know he’d love it. It would give you two a memento from the trip.”

Hongjoong knew then she was right. So he nodded and held it close but steady so he wouldn’t drop it. Seonghwa was still distracted with the kids so he moved immediately to check out. With the bag in hand he returned with Youngmi where the rest of the group were. Seonghwa looked over and when he saw the bag he tilted his head. “Did you buy something?”

Hongjoong knew he would have to give it to the other at the right time so for now he played it off as nothing. “Just something for my Eomma.” He said simply. 

Seonghwa nodded, not pushing it any further. He was thankful for him not questioning anything. He hoped when they got back he wouldn’t ask anything of it either. He needed him to not ask anything until it was the right moment. All he wanted was for him to feel better.

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The rest of the day zoomed by. Minjae and Minjee got to see Santa. Minjee was not as excited as her older brother. They managed to get her not screaming though as they did a group picture where Seojun held her. They browsed the rest of the village and a few hours later they had came back and were resting for a moment. 

When the kids' quiet time was up Minjae begged to go outside. Seojun and Hayoon were both busy so Seonghwa and Hongjoong offered to watch them. As soon as they were bundled up in their winter clothes Hongjoong and Seonghwa sat on the porch and watched the kids in the distance. Both of there snow suits puffy and causing them to waddle like penguins would make them chuckle a couple of times.

Hongjoong then looked over at Seonghwa, he could feel the other’s gaze on him as he eyed him for a moment. “You look better than you did this morning.” He advised.

Seonghwa looked over and blinked. “Thanks. Coffee and excitable kids will wake you up.” He joked.

“Or wear you out.” Hongjoong added as they glanced at the two kids running around like maniacs. They were silent and that made Seonghwa think about why he brought it up just now. Sure he looked tired but he didn’t look any worse than that did he? Hongjoong seemed to care a lot more than he thought he would as well. It felt nice that he paid attention to that, that someone paid attention to it.

“Uncle Seonghwa and Hongjoong, you wanna have a snowball fight?” Minjae asked running over to the two adults then. The older brother looked more excited than the slightly worried little girl behind him. Minjae had a tendency to play rough and everyone knew he wouldn’t hold back even for his little sister. 

“How about you and I have a snowball fight… Seonghwa and Minjee can do something a little less violent.” Hongjoong volunteered himself. Minjae seemed excited to just pelt someone with snow. So they ran off leaving Seonghwa with Minjee. He gave her a smile and she smiled back. This duo would work out just fine.

They ended up building a snow man while Hongjoong and Minjae played in the distance. Like how he did it with his Dad while his hyung played with the neighbor kids. Minjee insisted it was a pretty snow woman instead, who was Seonghwa to tell her no. So they found some sticks and gave her arms and broke tinier sticks into lashes for the stones that sat as eyes. Similar rocks were displayed as a smile and honestly Minjee was happy with it, so was he. “Do we have a name for her?” He asked.

“Snowy.” She said.

Honestly Seonghwa couldn’t argue with that. It was simple, but effective. “Snowy it is.”

Before he could do anything else he suddenly felt a snowball hit his back. It actually shocked him especially when cold snow fell into his collar and hit his skin. He turned to slowly face Hongjoong who was giggling with Minjae. He chuckled softly before he brushed off the snow off his coat. “Hongjoong made a big mistake challenging uncle Seonghwa, Minjee.”

The little girl suddenly giggled at that when she knew what was about to happen. Hongjoong knew one thing about Seonghwa, he was a competitive man who didn’t step down. Seonghwa had collected a huge pile of snow and he turned to Hongjoong. The second he saw the look in his eye, he knew he started something he wouldn’t be able to finish. So he immediately ran away when Seonghwa charged at him.

Both kids chanted for each adult as they ran around the yard. Hongjoong screamed for Mercy as Seonghwa chased after him with the mega snowball. It was an innocent fight and they were both laughing as they chased each other. When Seonghwa caught up with Hongjoong he moved to throw the snow at the other and when he did he ended up tripping over his own feet, which resulted in them tripping over each other. They laughed as they fell, so much was happening and the two little kids were also hysterical at the tumble. When they realized how they fell Seonghwa widened his eyes when he realized he was on top of Hongjoong. They almost stared at each other then longer than they should have. As if time froze, but they realized if they stayed like that longer they wouldn’t hear the end of it. Immediately they both scrambled away from each other and wiped off the snow.

“Wow, even adults can still have fun!” Seojun said smirking down at the two now covered in snow. He must have came out after their tumble or during, Seonghwa really hoped he didn’t see that. He would never hear the end of it.

“Of course.” Hongjoong said with a chuckle as he stood up. He helped Seonghwa up shortly after, all of them were now cold and covered in snow.

“Let’s get inside. Dinner will be ready soon and Halmeoni has hot cocoa.” Seojun said, picking up Minjee, and leading an excited Minjae inside. Hongjoong and Seonghwa trailed behind.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh the way you did.” Hongjoong said.

Seonghwa looked over. He thought about it and he also doesn’t think he hasn’t laughed that good in a while. It was because of Hongjoong, these new emotions he’s been feeling have all been because of him. “It takes a lot to get it out of me I guess.” He said. 

“I like it. It’s a genuine side of you I didn’t think I would ever see from you.” He said it and it made Seonghwa freeze. The fear he had of opening up to Hongjoong suddenly hit his gut. The other was just telling him the truth, but Seonghwa wanted nothing to do with it. Vulnerability was weakness, and he had told himself that since the day his father died. He couldn’t let him see that. So he did what he did in any situation like this. 

“We should get inside… I’m pretty soaked.” He said immediately changing the subject. He could see and feel the disappointment from Hongjoong when he moved on. At that moment he not only felt bad for lying to his family, but lying to Hongjoong and dragging it out. However he knew as much as it was going to hurt, he needed to do this.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆

There was a tense and strained feeling between them after that moment. Seonghwa could tell that Hongjoong was upset and he wouldn’t be able to confront him about it. The courage wasn’t there to do anything about it, he felt like a coward. Hongjoong accepted playing with the kids and Seonghwa decided to stay in the kitchen with the adults. They were finishing up preparing for dinner while talking about plans for the rest of the week.

He heard parts of it though, he was focused on other things clearly. Until his Eomma broke him out of his thoughts. He looked over with wide eyes when everyone stared at him. “What?”

Youngmi gave him a look before repeating her question. “I asked if you wanted to take Hongjoong with Seojun and the kids tomorrow to go sledding.” 

“Oh sorry.” He said softly before he shrugged. “Yeah we can do that. It’ll be nice to show him the famous sledding hill.” He said lying with practiced ease. 

All the adults looked at him for a second suspiciously before Youngmi continued. “We don’t have any plans until after dinner to make cookies. So everyone has the whole day to do whatever. The kids have been asking non stop about sledding. Well, more Minjae then Minjee.” She said as she worked on what was in the pot. 

They continued on their conversation and Seonghwa once again zoned out. Thankfully they all seemed to drop it. Youngmi though was a stubborn woman. Seonghwa didn’t see it but Youngmi could tell something was off with her son. She had exchanged a look with Seojun as a ‘talk with him later’ look. They both knew how Seonghwa kept things to himself sometimes. Sometimes he needed an older brother chat to get him back on track.

Minjae and Minjee came running in then. “I’m hungry!” He exclaimed.

“Dinner is almost ready.” Youngmi said softly.

When Hongjoong walked in the both of them tried to play it cool as if something wasn’t happening but it was obvious amongst them. Seojun knew then he needed to say something to them later.

After dinner and when everyone was settling down Seonghwa had dismissed himself to his room. He had the excuse that he had work to do. The other didn’t follow right away but eventually Seonghwa looked up when Hongjoong entered with a determined look on his face. “What’s your problem?”

He blinked in shock. “Nothing is my problem.” He said. He figured he wouldn’t get any work done so he closed his laptop and sat up in bed. 

“Really? The second I try to open up with you outside you shut me out. Also the looks everyone is giving us… have you even noticed?”

He gave him a look as if he was being ridiculous. “What are you even talking about…”

“You know what I’m talking about. You’re shutting out your fake boyfriend and being suddenly distant. They’re going to notice something…”

“It’s not a big deal. They don’t even suspect anything.” He shot as he walked past him to grab his pjs.

Hongjoong stood there shocked. “Do you not care? You know this whole fake boyfriend thing works out if we do this together. This was your idea… I can’t be the only one doing this.”

Seonghwa sighed with his back turned to him. “Can you please just drop it…” He said it and it made Hongjoong silent, as if he was contemplating what to even do, to say. They both knew this conversation was over and Seonghwa really needed a shower. So he gathered his stuff. “Look I really can’t have you getting attached especially since this will be over this week. We’re not actually a couple.” Once he looked at Hongjoong he knew he hurt him enough for them to understand the point of all of this. He noticed him flinch at that statement, it hurt to say but he needed him to understand that.

This was how it was supposed to be…

He turned to the door and opened it, he was about to move on and just get this week over with. He was about to save both of their feelings and cut anything off now. However the second he looked up he froze seeing Seojun staring back at him, in shock. There was no way he had just heard all of that. “Hyung…”

“This whole thing was fake?” He asked.

He definitely heard all of it.

“Hyung please… I can explain…”

He pulled him inside before he could yell at him further. If more people heard him yelling his whole secret would be exposed. “Explain what?! How you lied to everyone?! Lied to Eomma?! You know how excited she is for you? She’s been gushing non stop about how you finally found someone!” His eyes then turned to Hongjoong. “And you! You willingly went along with it… you don’t even know this family and you just agreed to do such a horrible thing?!” Hongjoong looked panicked unsure what to say, Seonghwa couldn’t let him get attacked.

“Don’t blame him.” Seonghwa said it sternly. They both looked his way at the tone. “I dragged him into this and now I’m the one paying the price… I made him do all of this…”

Seojun stared at him for a minute before he sighed. “So are you going to tell Eomma? Or do I need to?”

“Hyung…” He began. He knew now Seojun was giving him no choice. “Don’t tell her. I will tell her, when I have the chance. You have to let me tell her… please…”

Seojun stared at him, expression unreadable for a moment. Seonghwa worried that maybe he would just run out and ruin his plan. It was long and stressful staring at each other. Finally Seojun spoke. “Fine. But if you don’t tell her soon, I will. So either you man up and tell Eomma about how you’ve been lying… or regret it.” He then turned and closed the door leaving Seonghwa and Hongjoong there to silently process what had just happened. 

Hongjoong sighed before he sat on the bed. “Do you regret this?” His tone was full of hurt, and a tinge of sadness. 

Seonghwa was silent and he couldn’t even bring himself to look at Hongjoong. The truth was, he didn’t know how he felt. He knew he didn’t regret this at all, but what he did regret was the lying. So maybe the thing he wished he had was Hongjoong. When he glanced back at Hongjoong he looked conflicted just as much as the other. “I don’t know…” He didn’t say another word and grabbed his items to take a shower. He had to think about a plan, a way around this. 

There was only one way he could fix all of this, and it hurt just thinking about it.

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The next day Seonghwa was even more silent than he was the day before. It was obvious something was wrong and he couldn’t hide it anymore. Especially when his Eomma would watch worriedly from the side. Even when they went sledding with the kids he just stayed back and let the others have fun. Hongjoong even had a mask on as he rode down the hill with the kids.

When they got back, Youngmi watched as Seonghwa went up to his room. Hongjoong looked just as shocked but when she asked him what happened he dismissed it and left her confused.  Something in the air wasn’t right and there was no hiding it anymore.

When dinner came around Hongjoong stood off to the side by the doorway allowing everyone else to gather. Seojun had the responsibility of dragging his hermit of a brother to the dining room. So when Seojun came out, Seonghwa eventually followed. Hongjoong could see he looked sad and withdrawn. He wished he would talk to him, but he knew the other would refuse. They stood there glancing at each other for a moment before a gasp came from the table. “Uh oh look who is under the mistletoe!” Jiwoo exclaimed.

“You know what that means!” Haerin exclaimed.

They both looked confused and as soon as they looked up, sure enough a mistletoe hung above them on the doorframe. They looked at each other in a moment of panic. Especially when all the people at the table, minus the kids and Seojun, started to chant ‘kiss kiss kiss!’ They haven’t gone past the point of holding hands and hugging in their fake relationship. So when the pressure was on they weren’t sure what to do.

Seonghwa looked towards Hongjoong, an unreadable expression clear on his face. He knew this was going to end soon, so something took over him then and he grabbed the other’s face gently and pulled him close to give the people what they wanted. He would probably regret this later, right now he didn’t care. Hongjoong stiffened, unsure how to react at first but something inside him knew he wanted more. So he kissed him back just to appease the crowd. Seonghwa wanted to feel more of those lips though, those soft lips that he had a sudden obsession over. 

However he pulled back first and looked at Hongjoong and he in return. Their eyes staring at each other for a moment many emotions crossing each other. It felt right but wrong all at the same time. Hongjoong was his friend who worked with him, under him. There was always a connection, and after that kiss it had hit him then. He wanted things, things he felt like he shouldn’t have. 

“Okay love birds, we get the point!” Youngmi said, causing them to break their eye contact. She looked relieved as if all was good, when that really wasn’t the case. Seonghwa didn’t miss the look Seojun gave him, as if a reminder. He was going to tell them all in the morning. If he told them during the cookies tonight it would ruin it. He gave his brother a look in return. He would handle it. 

They all gathered at the table and moved to have dinner. He would tell Hongjoong his plan tonight, and give him the choice to do what he wanted at this point. It was unfair to drag him along this line, he regrets asking him now. Regrets making him be his fake boyfriend. He would fix this and he knew hearts were going to break.

Dinner was finished and cleaned up so Youngmi pulled out the cookie dough she made earlier. “Alright, it’s cookie time!”

The kids exclaimed happily, they were more excited than the adults. They knew this would be used when Santa came. Seonghwa knew this was a good opportunity then, so he turned to Hongjoong. “Can we talk? Alone?”

The other looked over, a concerned look on his face. He nodded though and they silently dismissed themselves up to their bedroom. When the door was closed the silence grew louder. Now that it was just them Seonghwa felt unsure what to say. He looked at Hongjoong who had his arms crossed and was waiting. He led him to the bed and he sat him down eventually. “I wanted to let you know I’m sorry. Sorry for being so distant and how I’ve acted towards you. You came here because I asked you last minute. I dragged you into this lie. Into this lie I’m telling my family, and it was selfish… you deserve to be at someone’s Christmas where it isn’t a business deal…”

Hongjoong stared at him for a second. “You sound like you’re trying to break up with me… even if this is fake.”

Seonghwa sighed at the other. “I’m telling my Eomma tomorrow. I’m telling everyone that I lied to them. I’m telling them I don’t want a relationship and it doesn’t matter if I have love or not. I don’t know how they’ll react when they know you’ve been lying to them too. So I’m giving you the chance to go.”

There was hurt in Hongjoong’s eyes. Seonghwa couldn’t tell why, this relationship stuff wasn’t something he was used to. He could feel something deep hurt within him too. Even though he gave them the opportunity to go, he had secretly hoped he would stay. “I will still give you those pto days off. To make up for what I’ve done.”

“You think it’s about those PTO days?” Hongjoong asked, his tone sharp causing Seonghwa to look up in shock. “God Seonghwa you’re so… you make me so mad.”

“Why? Because I’m telling you the truth?” Seonghwa asked, his voice short and angered.

Hongjoong glared at him and let out a frustrated huff. “That’s exactly why.” He stood up and walked over to his suitcase and opened it up. Seonghwa watched his heart dropping, he was packing his things up. “Ya know what… I’ll do you one better on those PTO days. I quit.”

Seonghwa froze, this was not what he wanted to happen. “You quit?!”

“Yes. I’m done. I did this for you. I tried to help you. Then the second things get rough, you push me away and immediately deny any feelings you may have. If we just continue on like nothing happened, who is going to benefit from it in the end. Just you.” He threw his clothes in the suitcase and when it was all said and done he paused and let out a sigh. “I’ll leave tonight… just do me a favor and get out…”

He stood there in shock. Unsure what to do, but when he knew Hongjoong was serious he sighed in defeat. He didn’t say another word as he turned and left the room. Once the door was closed he felt hot tears falling down his face. He never really cried, especially after his father died. This feeling he had, it hurt just as bad as that day. 

He turned when he heard footsteps and came face to face with Seojun. His brother who was just pissed at him, had a softer expression now. Especially since he saw the heartbreak on his little brother’s face. “Come on Hwa… let’s talk.”

.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆

Seonghwa remembers the day his Appa died. Sometimes those memories overcrowded the good. He had set out to go grab some treats for Christmas when they realized they didn’t have much sweets left. When you had two growing boys, that’s all they would eat. There was a snow storm but he promised he would be back before it got rough. Seonghwa and his hyung had just returned back from sledding. They were laughing and goofing around and as soon as they were inside they heard their Eomma crying, she broke the news that there was a car accident. The second Seonghwa heard that he didn’t make it everything changed.

He cried for the first few hours, and after that he just sat and stared at the wall for a minute. He had just told his father his plans on what he wanted to do. How he wanted to be a business man who owned a big business one day. He received praise and was told he could do anything if he just worked super hard. He took what he said to heart and worked hard day and night. He couldn’t show his emotions or any distractions, so he put up walls. He had to do that in order to protect himself and his hard work. For his Appa.

So crying like he did now in Seojun’s room, this was the first hard cry he’s done in a while. His hyung sat across from him letting him cry it out. Sitting in silence the whole time, giving him every chance to talk when he was ready. Eventually Seonghwa had resorted to sniffles, Seojun had at one point grabbed the tissue box and let Seonghwa clean himself up. “I haven’t seen you cry like that in years…”

Seonghwa’s eyes were red, as well as other parts of his face. He felt pathetic just crying like that in front of his brother. There was also some weight finally off of his shoulders. “This is the first time I cried since Appa died… I think I really needed to do that.” He said.

Seojun nodded. “You know… if you let yourself cry here and there. You wouldn’t have such an emotional breakdown.” He said as he leaned back on his hands.

“Yeah I know…” He said taking a tissue and blowing whatever he could into it. “I’m the heartless CEO with the issues.”

“Hwa I never said that.” Seojun said with a sigh. He watched him for a second before he leaned forward to get a better look at his brother. “Is this about Hongjoong?”

“Why would it be? I never loved him.” He grumbled. They both knew that was a lie.

Seojun raised an eyebrow and smirked. “I never said anything about love…”

He looked up then, panicked as he just got caught. “You didn’t have to, I just knew…”

Seojun rolled his eyes before playfully nudging his brother. “When are you going to stop being in denial about how you feel for him? You know, before I even found out the truth, I really could see you together… you were really cute. Still could be.”

“He’s my employee… my friend. I hurt him. I can’t bring him into a relationship when I can barely function with my own feelings.” He argued. Seojun watched his little brother then and he knew just with that statement alone. He truly did want the other, but he had to push past those conflicting feelings.

“Well you won’t know unless you talk to him.” Seojun said.

As much as he hated to admit it, his hyung was right. Ever since their Appa died he’s really taken over as the voice of reason. He nibbled on his lip debating for a second, “What if he doesn’t want to see me…”

“Worth trying first…” He said before he pushed the tissue box back towards him. “You might need these. You just opened the floodgates of all the years of suppressed emotions.”

Just the talk alone with this brother was all he needed, that cry was truly what got him to start to understand. He’s been a jerk, he needed to go and apologize to Hongjoong, tell him how he felt. “Alright. Thanks for letting me cry and talk.” He said to his brother. 

The other nodded and patted his back when they stood up from the bed. “You better go now, Minjee might see you and get upset too. She’s a sympathetic crier.” He said.

They walked out and when his brother gave him a nod he walked to the bedroom. His heart raced, was he too late? It was hard to tell as he stood there pathetically with a tissue box in his hands. So hesitantly he knocked on the door, there was silence. He knocked again and when he didn’t hear anything his heart dropped. Was he already gone? “Joong?” He called out as he opened the door and when he looked inside he froze. All of the other’s stuff was gone…

He walked in and looked around, not sure what he was looking for. He stopped when he saw a box with a bow on it. He approached it and picked it up. There was a note attached to it in Hongjoong’s writing.

I couldn’t stay any longer. I’m sorry.

Please try to enjoy your Christmas with your family. They really are a bunch of good people. They love you and want what’s best for you.

Please don’t try to run after me. You know this will be harder for the both of us.

Seonghwa sighed as he put down the note. He turned to the box then and wondered what was inside. So he opened it and when the snow globe was revealed he let out a shaky breath. He remembered seeing his Eomma with him at the Christmas village. She knew exactly how to tug at his heartstrings and that was with the smiling snowman inside of the glass dome. “Dammit…” He cursed as he placed the snow globe down on the side table. 

He really fucked up and he wasn’t sure if he could fix it.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆

The next morning, it was quiet. It was the day before Christmas Eve and you would think excitement would be higher. However it was as if everyone knew there was something wrong. Seonghwa stood in his room after getting dressed, his stare on the snow globe. The smiling snowman staring back at his depressed form. Seonghwa wanted to run after him, but he remembered his words.

Please don’t try to run after me, you know this will be harder for the both of us.

The truth was it was harder for him when he ran away from him. He drove him away though and all of this was his fault. So if he needed to fix this, this was something he needed to take in steps. First thing’s first, he needed to come clean to his family. Especially his Eomma…

He walked downstairs and when he noticed how quiet the kitchen was he was relieved to see just her. She was working on the coffee machine and when she looked up she smiled to him, but she soon realized something was wrong. She looked around for a moment and then to her son. “What’s wrong?”

He came over and he let out a deep sigh as he took her hand. “I want you to know, I did this because I wasn’t in the right headspace. I lied to you. I lied to you, saying that Hongjoong was my boyfriend. I… I wanted all the pressure of having a boyfriend or partner to go away. It was selfish of me, and I’m sorry. He’s not my boyfriend, he’s my employee, my friend… I made him lie to you, to aunties, to Seojun hyung and the kids…. I’m sorry…”

She stared at him in shock unsure what to say but when he felt those stupid tears slip down his face again, he felt her warm soothing hand wipe them away. He looked at her in shock. “Seonghwa… I don’t want you to feel like you have to lie to me. I’m proud of you and happy for you no matter what you do. Maybe I’m a little upset you’re more focused on work and not taking care of yourself, but I never wanted you to feel like you had to impress me. Especially with a fake boyfriend…” She said softly.

“I’m sorry…”

“Shhh, don’t apologize.” She reassured him. Her warm hand reached up and caressed his cheek. “Just tell me one thing, I could see it in both of your eyes, did you care for him?”

He paused, he remembered his conversation with Seojun last night. That funny feeling he’s always had deep in his gut, maybe that was it. Seojun was right, he shouldn't be in denial. The way they fumbled in the snow, the walk through the Christmas trees, and the kiss under the mistletoe. Those feelings he had, they were far from fake. They were real, he knew it had been there lingering, but now he was accepting it. “More than I thought.”

“Then go tell him that…”

He looked at her in shock, she was right. He couldn’t be standing here moping around while Hongjoong was going to leave. He needed to tell him the truth, he had to. He heard footsteps then, and the kids and his brother walked in. “Where’s Hongjoong?” Minjae asked.

Seonghwa then moved towards the door. “I’ll bring him back…”

As he rushed to put his boots and everything else on Youngmi smiled and turned towards Seojun who returned the look. They had a knowing look on their face, Seonghwa was in love. They knew then there old Seonghwa was back, after all those years. “The quickest route to the airport is Highway 3!” Youngmi called.

Seonghwa was gone then.

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As Seonghwa drove he tried calling Hongjoong a few times. Each time it would ring and go straight to voicemail. His heart raced as he tried and tried, but there was no answer. He left him a voicemail desperately telling him to call back. He had checked flights leaving for Seoul and there was a couple leaving soon, he hoped that he would make it in time. 

He arrived to temporary parking and practically ran to get inside. He wasn’t even sure if he went to this airport, or flew out today. Maybe he was already gone, but he needed to try. He ran inside, it was busy as it was the day before Christmas Eve and people were traveling. He panted and looked around hoping maybe he would miraculously see him with a check in person. With all the possibilities, he was truly looking for a needle in a haystack. 

There was no sight of him at any check out so he turned to the board that had all the flights displayed. As soon as he saw the red departed symbol for the one flight to Seoul he frowned. Was that his plane? Was he already gone? He let out a shaky sigh, he was frustrated beyond measure. He wasn’t sure what to do at this point. As he was about to turn to head back to the parking garage and give up, a voice behind him spoke. “Seonghwa?”

He froze and took a second to fully turn and when he did, Hongjoong stood in front of him. They stood there like that forever when some people grumbled when they walked past them. Seonghwa knew he had to be the first to speak. “I needed to talk to you…”

“I told you not to follow me…”

“I know. God dammit I know.” He said before he let out a sigh. “I needed to tell you I’m sorry…”

“You’ve already told me that. Then you told me to go…”

“Let me finish. Please.” He said it sternly and Hongjoong stared at him, the long beat of silence gave him the go ahead.

“Hongjoong, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that all these years of knowing you, I never opened up to you. I’m sorry that I pushed you away and was closed off. I’m sorry I’ve been nothing but a total jerk. I’m sorry I never told you how I truly feel and us having a fake relationship to impress my family. I’m the worst when it comes to my emotions…” The whole time he said this he hesitantly walked towards the other and he could see conflicting thoughts cross his eyes. “I’ve cared deeply about you for I don’t know how long. I thought it was just our friendship, but it’s more than that Hongjoong. You’ve done something to me that hasn’t happened since my Appa died. I cried when I realized what I’d done. I cried seeing that damn snow globe. I especially cried when I knew you were leaving me… I’m. Sorry.”

Hongjoong stared at him, jaw tight as if he was debating even accepting all of that. The longer he stood there in silence, the more Seonghwa anxiously stood there. He wondered if it was enough, maybe it wasn’t and Hongjoong would turn away and leave him behind. Eventually he let out a sigh. “God you make it too hard to be mad at you…” He said softly. “So, what are you saying. You want me to come back to your family Christmas? To pretend?”

Seonghwa shook his head and he stepped even closer now in front of Hongjoong. “I want you to come back. No more pretending.”

“No more business contracts? No more CEO Park parading me around?” He asked.

“No more.” 

That was all Hongjoong needed to hear before he let go of his suitcase and stepped forward. He closed the distance pressing a firm and genuine kiss to the other. Seonghwa was shocked but as soon as he got used to it he melted into the kiss. When they kissed he knew then, this feeling was what he had been fighting, and he isn’t sure why he took so long to realize it. If he would have known sooner, he would have fallen sooner. He regrets that, but doesn’t regret Hongjoong.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆

“Wake up! Santa came!”

Minjae’s loud screaming had woken up the house in minutes on Christmas morning at 7 am. Seonghwa groaned as he shoved himself deeper into the blanket. He felt the other shift behind him and eventually soft kisses were placed on his shoulder. That alone caused Seonghwa to peek an eye open and look back with a sleepy smirk. “Can I help you?” Seonghwa asked in a teasing tone. 

Hongjoong smirked down at Seonghwa as he propped himself up. “You heard the kid, Santa was here… it’s Christmas…”

“Can’t a guy want a little sleep on Christmas Day?” He asked, Hongjoong only responded with a chuckle before leaning in and kissing him. A satisfied hum and a hand reached up to run through Hongjoong’s bed head. They slowly grew obsessed with kissing each other, there were times they had to be reminded there were kids watching them. So it was no surprise at that moment that Minjae bursted in.

“WAKE UP! SANTA CAME!”

The two separated immediately and looked at the little boy. “Okay okay we’re coming.” Seonghwa said, shooing him out. He ran away but left the door wide open. They both chuckled before they looked back at each other. “Well we should get up before he bursts in here again.”

As they got up Seonghwa caught a glimpse of the two snow globes on the bedside table. His and Hongjoong’s. He remembered the other’s face when he surprised him with one last night. Telling him it was only fair they both gave each other a gift for each other. He knew they would display these proudly. Once they were dressed and were about to head down Hongjoong grabbed his hand. Seonghwa stopped and looked back, before he could question anything he was pulled close. “Merry Christmas…”

Seonghwa smiled back at him. For the first time in a really long time, Christmas felt right again. Especially with Hongjoong holding him the way he did. “Merry Christmas.”

He then pressed his lips to Hongjoong, this time not needing a mistletoe.