Archive of Our Own ^beta

It's December 19th, the day before the annual group Christmas party, and Felix sits in the silence of his apartment as he waits for Changbin to come running through his door. Any minute now, he tells himself.

This year, Changbin and Felix have been given the task of baking a dessert for the party. Chan was very against the idea of letting Changbin bake anything, rightfully so, but Seungmin promised him Felix would take the heavy lifting. After all, Seungmin has been begging for Felix to finally confess to Changbin so he's been getting them to hangout with each other any way he can. Like last week: Seungmin knew Changbin had forgotten about buying a Secret Santa gift, and made sure to remind him at the exact time Felix was going planning to go to the mall to find his. It led to Changbin and Felix spending the whole day together after bumping into each other at their favorite cafe. They helped each other pick out presents, completely ruining the whole "secret" part of Secret Santa but they didn't care.

Ten minutes pass. Then fifteen. And Now twenty-five. Still no Changbin.

Felix starts to worry, bouncing his knee in anticipation. The thought that Changbin overslept or just forgot about their plans doesn't even cross his mind. Instead, his mind goes straight to the worst, Was he okay? Did something happen? He shoots Changbin a few panicked texts before calling him.

Changbin picks up on the third ring, "Yongbokieee… what is it?" he groans, very clearly sounding like he just woke up.

Felix sighs, "Where are you?"

"What do you mea-" Changbin starts, until he glances at the date shown on his phone screen, "OH SHIT. I AM SO SORRY, YONGBOKIE, I'LL BE OVER IN TEN."

"It's okay, I'll see you-"

Changbin hangs up.

"-soon." Felix finishes anyway, although Changbin's already gone on the other side.

It's not looking too good for Changbin, starting off the day by being late to their plans, but Felix gets over it pretty quickly. He uses the extra time to finish putting up some Christmas decorations in his apartment, while thinking about how attractive Changbin's morning voice is, of course. The apartment is already filled with lights and a beautifully decorated tree, all that was left was some small miscellaneous items. Digging through his last box of decorations, he finds a small bag labeled "Mistletoe."

Felix freezes. It was their safe word.

He and Changbin came up with it last year after surviving far too many of these Christmas parties with their friend group. When Hyunjin and Jeongin started flirting loud enough to make Chan want to leave his own home, or when Minho and Jisung decided it would be a good idea to make slime on the carpet. "Mistletoe" meant that they we're leaving. Last year Changbin used it when Jisung wouldn't stop yelling "MINHO HATES ME," when all Minho did was ask him why he wanted another drink. It was impossible to calm Jisung down while drunk, only Minho knew how to but he enjoyed seeing the others struggle.

As Felix reminisces on last year, he looks up at the empty space above his front door.

It makes sense to hang it there. A totally normal place for mistletoe to go. Right…?

He reaches up on his tippytoes, taping the mistletoe into place. He steps back, staring at it.

Just a normal Christmas decoration, he thinks, but his heart beats harder anyways.

He snaps out of it, suddenly hearing frantic footsteps racing down the hallway coming towards his apartment. Changbin doesn't even knock, he just bursts in, knowing Felix always leaves the door unlocked when he's coming over. Rushing past the mistletoe, Changbin immediately brings Felix into a hug.

"YONGBOKIE, I'M SORRY, I-"

Felix cuts him off before he goes on a guilt tangent, "It's okay, did you… Um- did you happen to notice anything when you walked in?"

Changbin internally panics. Did Felix get a new piercing? Or cut his hair? Dye it maybe? He looks Felix up and down to make sure he isn't missing anything.

"Umm… no?" his response filled with uncertainty.

Felix doesn't even know why he mentioned it. It wasn't like Changbin was gonna pull him under the mistletoe to kiss right there and then, but maybe he was just hoping for it to happen already.

He thinks quickly before getting lost in his thoughts, "Uh- I decorated the apartment!"

Changbin blinks. "Yongbok… you literally called me the other day to show me all the new ornaments you got… But it is nice seeing everything in person!"

"Oh. Right…" he mumbles back, looking down at the floor.

He did force Changbin to stay on call for over two hours while he was decorating his tree. Even while Changbin was at the gym and barely paying attention, Felix just wanted the company.

Trying to distract himself, Felix starts fidgeting with the whisk laying on the counter.

"Anyway, we should get to baking."

"I already set out all the ingredients and supplies for us!" he quickly adds.

"I don't know what I would do without you, Lix," Changbin exclaims.

Felix looks down, cheeks flushed. He’s always been organized, especially when it comes to baking. Changbin, on the other hand, was never familiar with anything cooking or baking wise. But they were making brownies. Felix’s specialty. How hard could it really be for Changbin? He labeled every bowl and highlighted the important steps on the recipe. He even assigned each of them separate tasks, Felix would mix the wet ingredients while Changbin mixed together the dry.

Yet somehow, within minutes, Changbin had already got flour over every visible surface.

"Yongbok, you have some flour in your hair," Changbin says as he reaches over, gently brushing a strand of blonde hair behind Felix's ear.

Felix immediately turns red, then he notices flour in Changbins hair as well.

"You too," he mumbles, his hand hovering uncertainly, shaking slightly as he considers getting the flour out of Changbin's hair.

They both freeze due to the closeness, before Changbin pulls back. He removes his hand from Felix's ear, rushing to fix his own hair before Felix can. "It's alright, I got it."

Felix brushes it off with a laugh, "How did you even manage to get flour on the both of us, I was across the kitchen."

"You know I can't multitask," Changbin says without thinking.

Felix's brows furrowed. But he was only doing one task?

Little did Felix know that Changbin was multitasking — trying to bake while also trying, and failing, at keeping his eyes off Felix. It's not Changbins fault that it's endearing to watch Felix do one of the hobbies he loves the most. And hearing him explain how to do everything with his soothing, deep voice made everything ten times worse.

After Changbin's multiple attempts, them "baking together" just ends up being Felix doing all the work while Changbin sits there listening to him explain all the steps that are going in one ear and out the other.

"Changbin," Felix says after putting the finished batter into the pan.

No response.

"Changbin?" he repeats.

Still nothing.

That's weird. He's staring right at me. "Changbinnnn…" Felix waves his hand. "Hello?"

Changbin had spaced out mid-conversation, his eyes just fixated on Felix like he was the most angelic person he had ever laid eyes on, absorbing none of the words Felix was saying.

Changbin jolts up, "H- Hi! What is it, Fefi?"

"You forgot to preheat the oven."

"NO I SWEAR I DID. I SWEAR!" Changbin panics. It was his one job.

Felix glances over at the oven, then back at Changbin, "Binnie, the knob isn't even turned?"

"THAT'S how you do it?" he looks over in genuine shock.

Felix's eyes widen, "WHAT ELSE DID YOU THINK?!?"

"Oh... I don't know," Changbin says under his breath, his shoulders sinking. "I'm sorry."

Felix's eyes go soft, he's filled with guilt even though he hasn't done anything wrong. "No it's okay."

"You're not mad?" Changbin looks up at him.

"Not at all," he shrugs, "We can just watch a Christmas movie while we wait for the oven to preheat!"

"You're literally an angel," Changbin mumbles.

Felix tries to act like he didn't hear Changbin, but he definitely did. The smile on his face was hiding nothing.

They get settled onto the couch with the movie The Santa Clause playing in the background, though neither of them are paying any attention to it. Conversation between the two always comes so easily. One minute they’re talking about new strategies they want to try the next time they play League, and the next they’re sharing their personal goals for the coming year, voices overlapping with soft laughter.

They start talking about memories from the past Christmas parties, when abruptly the oven beeps.

"Oh-" For a second, Felix forgot he was even in the middle of baking. "One second, the oven's preheated."

He gets up before Changbin can even react, grabbing his light blue oven mitts that are hanging on a hook by the oven.

Changbin pauses the movie, watching him go with an amused smile before leaning back against the couch again.

“Okay. Now we wait,” Felix says, settling back into his spot on the couch.

They fall back into conversation like nothing had interrupted them, shoulders brushing as they settle in again. Time passes unnoticed, chatter filling the room, until another sharp beep cuts through their voices.

"Seems like the brownies are done," Felix perks up.

Felix gets up first, but he still waits for Changbin. They both walk towards the oven together, despite it being just a few steps away.

"We did it, Binnie!"

To no one's shock, the brownies turned out perfectly.

"No YOU did it, Lixie," Changbin says, nudging him.

Felix smirks, "Thanks for the moral support. I'll tell everyone you really helped anyway."

"Do you think they'll buy it if I tell them you cast a spell on me, or maybe that just being near you made me a baking master!" Changbin jokes.

Felix giggles, "Maybe just let me do the talking."

"Okayyy I trust you," Changbin replies softly.

Felix neatly cuts the brownies, decorating each one with red and green sprinkles, completely occupied. Changbin watches him fondly, with a look he always tries to pretend isn't there.

"Here try one!" Felix says, bringing a brownie to Changbin's direction.

Changbin gladly takes it, but instead of taking a bite he lifts it towards Felix's mouth. "You first."

Felix pauses. He leans in, grabbing Changbins wrist, and as he takes a bite his lips graze Changbins fingers that are holding the brownie into place. Changbin hurriedly finishes the rest of the brownie as Felix's hand gently lets go of his wrist. Changbin's acting like nothing had happened, but his red ears say otherwise.

They end up breaking the silence by arguing over which member will eat the most brownies. Changbin insists it'll be Jeongin, but Felix is positive Minho will inhale the whole tray before anyone else even gets the chance to try one. Changbin eventually agrees with Felix — he always does, unknowingly finding it impossible to not take his side — but deep down he still thinks it's going to be Jeongin.

Their playful bickering goes on for a while, and without realizing it, they inch closer and closer to each other throughout the conversation until Felix has his arm wrapped around Changbin's shoulder — right where it always seems to end up.

Changbin sees the oven clock shining brightly in the corner of his eye. 12:48am.

The responsible thing to do would be to head home now, get some sleep before the party. Yet, he lets another thirty-seven minutes slip by before mentioning it.

"It's getting late, I should probably get going," Changbin says, stepping towards the door.

Felix, still clinging onto Changbin's shoulder, tightens his grip just enough to stop Changbin from getting any closer to the exit.

"Wait! But.. the movie isn't finished!" Felix protests, pointing at the TV screen.

Changbin looks over to find the credits literally rolling.

"Felix…"

Felix just stares back at him, thinking his innocent gaze will be enough to make Changbin want to stay.

"Seungmin will kill me if he finds out I got less than eight hours of sleep. Especially before the party," Changbin sighs.

"Then why don't you just stay?" Felix impulsively responds.

"We're both going to the party together anyway, so it would make sense if we just went together. Plus.. it's less traveling for you." he quickly adds.

Changbin smiles, warm and also a bit shy. "Alright, I'll stay."

Felix tries not to show his excitement. but he's already leading Changbin to his blanket collection, having Changbin feel every single one of them just to find his favorite.

"Okay, now feel this one… Actually no, this one is softer!" Felix says, cycling through the blankets. He looks at Changbin, waiting for his approval, suddenly realizing he should probably get him some pajamas to change into.

Once Changbin finally picks one, Felix is already heading to his room.

"Let me grab you something to change into." He disappears for a moment, rummaging through his drawers before coming back out with a folded pair of pajamas.

Felix hesitates for a moment before handing them over, "Here…" His voice softens. "You can use the bathroom to change."

"Thanks, Yongbok," Changbin says, heading to the bathroom to go change.

Felix moves back to the couch, fluffing up the pillows twice as much as necessary.

By the time Changbin comes back out, Felix is now adjusting the blanket meticulously. He sneaks into the kitchen, snagging another brownie while Felix is still setting up the couch like it's the most important task hes ever been given.

"Lix-ah, you don't have to go all out. It's just one night," he says around a mouthful.

"But I want you to be comfortable," Felix replies with his back still towards Changbin, too focused on setting things up perfectly for him.

Changbin swallows. He steps out of the kitchen, making his way over to the couch.

"Doing all this just for me? I feel special."

If Changbin gets any closer Felix might actually explode.

Changbin is known to be flirty all the time — but it's usually playful, exaggerated, and clearly a joke. This feels different though. A lot closer. More intimate.

"It's really-" but before Felix could finish, Changbin's got his arms wrapped around him from behind.

Felix isn't used to Changbin being the one to initiate touch like this, but it's also not a crazy concept. Changbin has hugged him many times before, he even did it when he walked in today. But why would he do it here? Why now? Felix being nice to him is nothing new.

"-nothing," he finishes, after a long pause. This time Changbin actually got to hear him finish his sentence, unlike their quick call from earlier that day.

"'Nothing' would be if you just had me sleep on the floor," Changbin says with a small laugh. "This isn't nothing, Felix."

Changbin's arms loosen, but instead of pulling away completely, his hands slide down Felix's chest until they rest on his forearms.

Changbin acts like this is a daily occurrence — staying relaxed and casual — and maybe because it would be, if the roles were switched. However, Felix is spiraling. He can hear his heartbeat getting louder and louder. The thought of how easy it would be to lean back into Changbins arms right now won't leave his head.

Changbin clears his throat.

"Ahh… your arms feel a bit tight, Lix. It's probably from all the decorating."

Felix barely takes in Changbin's words.

"Where's your massage ball at?"

Felix always carries around his massage ball. If he wasn't working as a fashion designer, he would probably be a masseuse. Except he technically already is a masseuse — a free, personal one for Seo Changbin at least. Felix spent months figuring out how to become a master in it — understanding every technique, trigger points, and what muscles Changbin was always working out in the gym. He felt like it was the least he could do after Changbin stressed how sore his muscles were getting.

Naturally Changbin picked up on the techniques Felix learned, yet still always let Felix do it on him instead of taking it upon himself to do so. This wasn't a secret to Felix, but he had never expected Changbin to want to try it on him. He contemplated telling Changbin where the ball is at because it was either him having a guy who was exactly his type sit there on his couch and massage him or it was Changbin knowing Felix was lying because he would never lose his massage ball.

He finally gives in, "It's umm over by my black bag… I think."

Felix didn't think. He knew. He knew that was exactly where the massage ball was, but he thought answering so confidently would make him seem desperate.

Changbin walks back towards the kitchen area, where Felix's black bag sits on the counter. He immediately finds the ball and picks it up, tossing it up twice while heading back over to Felix.

"Alright, sit down," Changbin urges him.

Felix does, finding a comfortable spot on the couch. Changbin sits down too, filling in the space right behind Felix.

The moment Changbin starts working the massage ball into his arms and upper back, Felix does everything he can to get himself to calm down. To not overthink every single touch. Changbin’s hands are warm and practiced, his pressure firm but careful, like he knows exactly what he’s doing — because he does.

After Felix's fifth exhale he finally relaxes, letting his eyes gently close. The tension slowly melts out of his shoulders. His thoughts become a blur as he lets himself sink into the soft blue and white blanket Changbin had picked out. The safety of Changbin's presence behind him is enough to make him doze off.

He doesn't even realize when his head starts tipping over to the side.

But Changbin notices.

He pauses on the massaging, wary that any sudden movement might wake Felix, yet continues softly until he starts to feel himself drifting off too.

Felix doesn't even remember falling asleep, and is blissfully unaware that he did so with Changbin right next to him the entire time.

Felix wakes up first, warmer than usual, with the weight of the velvety blanket wrapped tightly around him. He rubs his eyes, still half asleep — until reality hits him.

He was on the couch.

Not in his bed.

Felix jolts upright, finding Changbin laying right beside him. He's completely knocked out, breathing slow and peacefully. One of Changbin's arms is stretched out behind Felix, resting exactly where Felix had been sleeping.

Felix turns away instinctively, finally realizing that the blanket around him was the one Changbin had picked out for himself.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Felix had planned to go back to his room after setting everything up for Changbin, like a normal host would do. But things never seem to work out the way Felix plans them to.

He carefully turns back towards Changbin. Watching as his chest rises and falls in a slow, even rhythm. Felix just stares, when suddenly his mind starts drifting.

What if this was normal? What if everyday could start like this? — Falling asleep in Changbin's arms and waking up in his apartment with Changbin still sleeping next to him. His mind wandered through multiple scenarios, imagining if every morning he could quietly get up to make breakfast for the both of them or if every night could end with them naturally dozing off mid-conversation.

His phone vibrates, snapping him out of it.

It was a notification from his favorite fashion brand posting a new TikTok. He opens it, knowing he could use a distraction right now. He scrolls for a bit, then unexpectedly a video talking about massaging pops up. His mind betrays him again.

Your arms feel a bit tight Lix.

Without a second thought, his fingers open Google. He searches up if decorating can cause tight arms.

The results reveal for this to be "Highly unlikely," and "Causes minimal strain."

His heart drops. Did Changbin lie? If so, Felix wasn't even mad, in fact he was silently screaming. Pressing his phone to his chest at the fact that Changbin came up with an excuse to touch him, an excuse that led to Felix falling asleep in Changbin's arms.

He doesn't notice Changbin waking up until his arm brushes against Felix's back. Changbin stretches his arms following a big yawn.

"Morning, Lixie," he says, his voice rough due to sleep — the same morning voice Felix hasn't stopped thinking about since yesterday's call.

"Good morning, how'd you sleep?" Felix responds back, surprisingly calm.

Changbin nods, "Better than usual, actually."

Felix feels like melting into a puddle any second now. What do you mean his sleep was better with me laying next to him.

"I had this interesting dream," Changbin continues. "You were getting invited to all these modeling events and for some reason you kept taking me as your plus one. I can't remember why you invited me out of everyone though."

Felix lets out a shaky laugh, "Oh... that's cool!"

He definitely hasn't fantasized about introducing Changbin as his boyfriend to everyone at high end fashion events. Nope. It's definitely not one of his most recurring thoughts.

Changbin asks about breakfast before Felix's mind can spiral any further. Changbin insists on ordering in and to pay, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Once the food arrives they eat together at the counter, stealing bites of each other's plates while discussing everything they think might happen at the party.

Eventually, Changbin glances at the time.

"We should probably get ready."

"Yes, you're so right," Felix responds, a little too quickly.

"I'll be right back!" He rushes into his bedroom and shuts the door behind him, leaning the back of his head against it the second he’s alone.

He finally lets himself breathe.

Felix drags a hand down his face, heart still racing as he processes everything that just happened. The baking. The massaging. The couch. Changbin dreaming about him. The way Changbin basically said he slept better with Felix in his arms.

Get it together.

Luckily, he already had an outfit picked out for the party. He changes into it slowly, allowing himself time to still take everything in.

When he steps back out into the living room, Changbin’s already dressed too, back in the same clothes from yesterday.

“You ready?” Changbin asks, adjusting his jacket while leaning against the kitchen counter.

Felix nods. “Yep, Ready!”

They slip on their shoes by the doorway, Changbin finishing first. His gaze flicks upward, stopping.

“Hey,” he says, pointing at the mistletoe above the doorway. “That reminds me of our safe word from last year's party.”

Felix's eyes follow his gaze, his heart pauses at the mention of their safe word. “Oh… yeah!”

“Same word this time around?” Changbin asks easily. “Just in case anything happens again.”

Felix smiles, warmth spreading through his chest. “You already know ittt.”

Changbin opens the door for the both of them, grabbing Felix's Secret Santa present he had set on the counter. Luckily, Changbin had left his present in his car so they didn't have to stop back at his place, but Changbin did have to ask Felix for a bag and some tissue paper to wrap the gift — after all it had been sitting in his car since he got it.

The cold hits them the second they step outside, Felix shoves his hands into his pockets as Changbin unlocks the car.

The moment Changbin sits down and starts the car, he doesn't let a moment of silence go by.

"So," Changbin starts, "I was thinking… Last night went by so fast, didn't it?"

Felix, not even buckled in yet, reaches for his seatbelt. "Oh umm.. Yeah it did!"

"Which is weird, because we were up so late. Usually I would be exhausted, but like I said... that was some of the best sleep I've ever had," Changbin casually continues.

Felix knew Changbin slept well, it was already making him crazy, but for him to say it was some of the best sleep he has ever had was another level of crazy.

Changbin keeps talking, not forced, just more open now being in the comfort of his own car. He goes on about random topics and Felix listens, with warmth filling his chest.

After a bit of rambling, Changbin adds, "You've always been really good at taking care of things, Lix, you know that?"

"Huh?" Felix blinks, genuinely taken aback.

"Like everything just works out when you're around," Changbin adds on. "You plan stuff and notice things most people wouldn't. It's nice being with you, I don't have to think as hard."

Felix titters, "You know… I wasn't always like that."

Changbin glances over, "Really?"

Felix nods. "Yeah! You're the one who's always working so hard. I just wanted to make things easier for you."

Changbin doesn't respond at first, he's trying his hardest to hide his not-so-subtle smile. But Felix notices, he can't help but smile too.

"See, Lix, you notice things," Changbin finally responds.

His voice quieter than before,"I like that about you."

The rest of the drive continues with Changbin filling the space with easy conversation and small jokes. Felix just sits beside him, wondering when something as simple as a car ride started meaning so much.

They make it to Seungmin and Chan's place, almost feeling like not even a minute has passed since they left Felix's apartment.

Seungmin opens the door smirking. “You two showed up together… Cute.”

Changbin, absolutely oblivious, replies, “Well, yeah, I slept over at his place.”

Seungmin’s eyes open wide. “YOU WHAT.”

Changbin shrugs. “Yongbok's couch is pretty comfortable.”

Seungmin relaxes his shoulders, rolling his eyes. “Oh. Well, that’s boring.”

Felix's face is already bright red.

Changbin is still confused.

And Seungmin is already plotting a million new ways to force them into each other’s arms tonight, unaware that Felix had already slept in Changbin's arms the night before.

Changbin steps inside first, slipping his shoes off. Felix steadily follows him, carefully holding onto the brownies. Immediately, the warmth of the house hits them, there's a huge tree filled with ornaments, fairy lights strung along the walls, and even Christmas music humming on the home speakers. And mistletoe, of course. Above every single doorway.

Noticing this, Felix rushes past the living room and into the kitchen, like Changbin was going to pull him into a kiss right there and then if he didn't hurry away from every doorway. Realistically, Changbin hadn't even noticed the mistletoe. Felix meets Chan in the kitchen, doing some last minute setup, but before either of them can get a word in the front door opens again. And again.

Hyunjin arrives next, with Jeongin arriving just seconds after him.

"So Hyunjin, where's your dish?" Seungmin asks.

"My what…" Hyunjin freezes. "OH MY GOD I WAS SO FOCUSED ON MY PRESENT I FORGOT TO BRING ANY FOOD."

"It's okay, I brought enough for the both of us" Jeongin interrupts, opening up a container of Aglio e Olio.

Hyunjin stares at the container like it personally saved his life. "Yeni! That's my favorite," he rushes to hug Jeongin, almost knocking the pasta out of his hands.

"I know," Jeongin says, with a smile peeking through.

About five minutes later, Minho and Jisung show up.

Minho walks in first, carrying in a huge plate. Jisung follows right behind him, hands empty.

"Beef Wellington," Minho says, casually placing it on the kitchen counter as if Beef Wellington was the easiest possible dish to make.

"Woah that looks amazing! I'm gonna eat it all before anyone else can," Changbin nods.

"And we brought brownies!" Felix chimes in.

"Did Changbin really help though?" Chan asks, skeptical of Changbin's abilities.

Felix takes over before Changbin could say anything, "Yes, he really did! Changbin put in a lot of work to make these brownies perfect."

No one believes him. Not even Changbin is trying to defend himself.

Chan raises an eyebrow, "Oh yeah? Then what ingredients did you mix together first Changbin?"

Changbin's mind goes blank.

He remembers white powder getting everywhere, because how could he forget when Felix looked so cute with it somehow getting all over his face. He decides that ingredient was most likely flour, but there was another white ingredient he doesn't quite remember.

Salt…? Changbin thinks, But why would salt be in brownies? He couldn't wrap his head around why such a savory ingredient would be needed in something so sweet.

Changbin just blurts out the next best thing that comes to mind, "Flour and sugar obviously!" Because of course brownies need sugar, right?

Chan scoffs, "Felix.. did you even try to teach him anything to make it seem like he helped?"

"What… What did I say that was wrong…" Changbin says, now getting defensive.

"Sugar is a wet ingredient while flour is a dry ingredient, you never mix those together first…" Felix whispers to Changbin, looking down at the counter in disappointment.

"Changbin probably just spaced out staring at Felix the whole time," Seungmin adds.

Changbin just stands there, a bit tense looking, but on the inside his heart is pounding faster than ever.

"Okay well, I think everyone needs to thank Jeongin personally for bringing such a perfect dish," Hyunjin randomly states.

"Yeah... you guys are insane," Minho comments, now cutting up his entree so they can start eating.

Everyone naturally starts heading to the dining table, where Chan had already set out drinks and appetizers. The Christmas music still faintly playing mixed with the overlapping conversations created a comforting kind of noise. Most importantly, they're all enjoying the simple act of eating a meal in each other's presence.

Changbin and Felix sit side by side, Felix casually stealing bites off Changbin's plate just because it's closer than reaching over to the serving dishes in the middle of the table and Changbin doesn't even comment on it.

Jisung notices this and attempts to take a bite off Changbin's plate for himself.

"Wait let me try a bite of this pasta before I commit to putting it on my own plate," Jisung says, reaching across the table with his fork.

Changbin immediately pulls his plate away, "No, just get your own."

Jisung pouts, "Ohhhh but when Felix does it, it's fine?"

"That's different." Changbin replies firmly.

"Literally how?" Jisung huffs.

"… It just is."

"Here he goes again," Minho butts in.

Felix holds back a smile.

Meanwhile Hyunjin has eaten nothing but Jeongin's pasta, ignoring everything else on the table.

"I told you to try some of Minho's entree too," Jeongin reminds Hyunjin for the fourth time.

"Hmm no." Hyunjin replies, acting like he's on a strict diet that includes only this pasta.

As their dinner starts to wind down, Seungmin starts collecting everybody's plates before Jisung makes an even bigger mess — he decided to steal from Minho's plate instead but somehow dropped food in between the two inches separating their plates. Chan joins Seungmin and mutters something about never hosting a party at their place again.

They all make their way to the living room for the Secret Santa exchange, brownies in hand to eat while opening gifts. Minho and Jisung find a spot together on the couch, while Hyunjin, Jeongin, Chan, and Seungmin settle on the floor around the tree. Changbin and Felix come in last, squeezing into the open space under the same doorway Felix had rushed through earlier.

Jisung quickly steals Seungmin's phone off the floor, turning up the music multiple notches louder. 

“OKAY,” he shouts over the music. “I SAY WHOEVER GOT THE YOUNGEST SHOULD GO FIRST!” 

Seungmin looks back at Jisung, shooting him a deathly stare, "Sure,” he says flatly, reaching for his phone, “but we are absolutely not doing this with the music that loud.”

The volume drops back down.

Their version of Secret Santa is simple: after someone opens their gift, they hand their gift to the person they were assigned. A continual chain until everyone has got their gift. 

Hyunjin doesn’t let a moment pass before jolting up, “I WAS THE ONE WHO GOT JEONGINNIE!” 

He practically launches to his feet, handing over a huge bag to Jeongin. Everyone already knows that Hyunjin's gift is about to be something incredibly extra, especially because he got Jeongin.

Jeongin opens it and freezes.

A ridiculously expensive jacket. Along with a matching necklace that very clearly came from a designer brand.

The room goes dead silent for a few seconds.

“…Hyunjin,” Chan says carefully, “There is no way that meets the price limit.”

“There was a price limit?!?” Hyunjin asks, looking more offended than confused.

Everyone scoffs in disbelief.

“It’s not my fault yall are broke,” Hyunjin adds.

No one even tries to argue with Hyunjin any further, mainly because Jeongin looks like he might cry.

Hyunjin immediately turns back to Jeongin. “Do you like it?”

Jeongin nods, “I love it... I love it so much,” he mutters, holding back tears.

Hyunjin beams like he was the one who just got the best gift of the night. And maybe he did — after all, all he wanted was to make Jeongin happy.

Minho leans back on the couch, arms crossing as he eyes the jacket. "You know…" he says thoughtfully. "That would've been perfect to wear when you guys watched the first snow."

Hyunjin and Jeongin both pause.

"Minho's not wrong," Chan adds. "You two literally drop everything just to rush to each others side the moment it starts snowing. Every single year."

Jeongin looks down at the jacket again, his fingers brush over the fabric as a soft smile appears on his face. "Then I'll make sure to wear it next year."

"And I'll be there to see it," Hyunjin doesn't hesitate to reply.

No one even questions it. At this point, Hyunjin and Jeongin doing the most romantic things together is just expected.

From there, the exchange keeps moving.

Jeongin, still sniffling, hands Jisung a bag. Inside are quokka socks and a signed CD from one of Jisung’s favorite artists.

Jisung lights up. “WAIT. You remembered that I love this band?”

“Of course,” Jeongin says shyly.

Hyunjin leans over immediately. “And those socks are adorable.”

“They’re just socks,” Jisung says, examining the signatures on the CD.

“If you don’t want them, I’ll take them,” Hyunjin insists.

“Noooo they’re his,” Jeongin laughs. “I can find matching ferret ones for you instead.”

“As long as you find fox ones for yourself too!” Hyunjin exclaims.

“CAN WE PLEASE PLAY THIS CD RIGHT NOW PLEASE PLEA-” Jisung impulsively shouts.

”Jisung.” Seungmin impatiently cuts him off. “Who did you get?”

“Oh right! My gift is sooo meaningful,” he says, handing a wrapped rectangle to Felix.

“Only the best for the sunshine of the group,” he adds proudly.

Felix opens it.

A book? A journal? Whatever it is, Jisung up sold it like crazy.

The cover reads: “You Are a Badass.”

Felix blinks. “Oh.”

Jisung nods seriously. “I just think you should realize how amazing you are and never let a man step over you. Ever. Not emotionally, not-”

“Jisung,” Hyunjin interrupts. “That’s enough.”

Felix laughs, genuinely touched. “I like it. Thank you, Jisung.”

Changbin stares at the book, suddenly wondering why he feels personally attacked by it.

“Well,” Felix gets quieter, “I got Chan.” 

Felix gives Chan a clothing gift box.

“Wait,” Chan lights up. “This is exactly what I've been needing since my old sweatshirt ripped!”

Felix lets out a breath, “I’m glad!” He rubs the back of his neck. “Changbin helped me pick it since… I had no idea what to get you.”

The room fills with groans.

“OF COURSE he did,” Minho says.

“I just made suggestions!” Changbin yells out.

“I don’t care who helped. I love it.” Chan says, immediately deflating the situation.

“Anyways…” Chan clears his throat, “I got Minho!”

Minho raises an eyebrow as Chan hands him a neatly wrapped box.

“I honestly wasn’t quite sure what to get you,” Chan admits immediately. 

Minho opens it.

Inside is a sleek knife set. Very professional and seemed expensive, enough to make Seungmin suspicious of Chan not following the price limit too.

“Oh,” Minho says, genuinely surprised. “But this is… actually perfect.”

Chan exhales in relief. “Thank God.”

“I already have knives, but these are like.. actually good,” Minho adds.

“You better let me taste the first thing you cook with them,” Chan says. 

Minho nods, humming approvingly.

Minho quickly moves on, quietly handing Changbin a flat envelope.

Changbin opens it.

Inside is a printed out wikiHow article titled: “How to Confess Your Love to Someone.”

Changbin stares. “This isn’t a gift.”

“Printer paper and ink are expensive,” Minho says calmly.

Jisung squints at it, already a little tipsy. “Minho told me it would help you with Felix, so it’s actually a really valuable gift.”

Hyunjin nearly chokes on his water. “WHY would you say that?!”

Felix freezes, brownie halfway to his mouth.

“I’m so sorry,” Jisung mouths to Hyunjin. 

Felix laughs it off a second too late, heart practically beating outside of his chest but he’s forcing himself to look normal. Yet, the thought still sticks. What did he mean by Changbin using it with me?

Minho and Seungmin meet eyes, smirking like this is exactly the situation they’ve been waiting for.

As everyone keeps laughing, Seungmin suddenly tilts his head and points up at the green and red decoration hanging in the doorway above Changbin and Felix. He nudges Minho to look.

Without a second thought, Minho whispers “Hey… aren’t you two under mistletoe?”

Felix repeats it, unsure of what Minho said. “Mistletoe?”

Changbin doesn’t hear Minho, but he sure does hear Felix. His head immediately snaps toward Felix. Their eyes meet and something clicks.

Changbin suddenly starts running towards the door. Felix follows, barely even realizing how fast he is moving.

The door slams behind them.

“What- what’s wrong?” Changbin asks breathlessly once they’re outside. “Why did you say it?”

“Say what?” Felix blinks. “You started running, so I followed.”

“You said the word,” Changbin says.

“I did?” Felix looks up, replaying the moment. “Oh my God- I did.”

They fall into silence after that, continuing to walk side by side with no real destination in mind, breath fogging in the cold air.

After a few blocks, Changbin finally mutters, “…Jisung wasn’t even drunk yet.”

“And Hyunjin and Jeongin hadn’t even gotten that annoying yet,” Felix adds.

So why did they leave?

Neither of them really question it. They just keep walking.

“So…" Changbin says after a moment, rubbing his hands together for warmth, “we probably didn’t need to run away.”

Felix huffs softly. “Yeah… probably not.”

Changbin glances at him. “But I don’t hate running away with you.”

Felix smiles, softer now. “Me neither.”

Chan and Seungmin’s place isn’t far from the mall, and without really discussing it, they end up heading there — the same one where they had shopped for gifts together. Eventually, the warm glow of their favorite café comes into view. The same café they’d run into each other at a week ago because of Seungmin's planning.

Changbin exhales, shoulders loosening despite the cold. “Minho’s stupid gift wasn’t wrong, you know.”

Felix’s heartbeat stutters. “Oh?” He tries to sound casual. “What do you mean?”

Changbin freezes mid-step. “…Whatever you’re thinking,” he says carefully, “you’re most likely right.”

Felix doesn’t answer. He doesn’t need to. Instead, he lets his hand brush lightly against Changbin’s sleeve, just once, before letting it fall back to his side as they keep walking.

Back at the house, Secret Santa doesn’t take long to finish once it becomes obvious who’s missing. They quickly brush over the fact that Changbin and Felix left, Chan and Seungmin just glad the house is a little quieter.

Seungmin opens Changbin’s gift to find the exact shirts he’d mentioned wanting weeks ago — something Felix had absolutely helped with. Seungmin sighs, shaking his head, but he’s smiling. Hyunjin gets his gift next and reacts with overwhelming gratitude, pulling Jeongin into an overly dramatic hug even though Seungmin was the one to give it to him.

By the time Changbin and Felix reach the café, it’s quiet and warm inside, lights glowing softly through the windows.

They step up to the counter together. Changbin offers to pay without hesitation.

Felix orders his usual: coffee drowned in milk and syrup until it barely qualifies as coffee at all.

Changbin watches with fond amusement. “That’s basically candy.”

Felix pouts. “Hey! I like it.”

The barista smiles. “It’s cute how you tease him,” she says casually while punching in the order.

Felix’s ears burn. Changbin clears his throat, pretending not to hear it.

When their drinks are ready, they settle by the window, sitting close enough that their shoulders touch without either of them moving away.

Felix lifts his cup and then freezes.

“Oh,” he says softly. “Look, it's mistletoe.”

Changbin follows his gaze.

He laughs quietly. “Guess we gotta leave.”

Felix doesn’t laugh.

Instead he leans in, setting down his cup.

It’s hesitant at first, like he’s giving Changbin time to pull away if he wants to. Their foreheads brush, breath mingling in the small space between them. Changbin sits completely still, like he has been waiting his whole life just for this moment. 

Then, Felix closes the distance.

Changbin doesn’t hesitate for long. His hands lift, hovering for half a second before settling at Felix’s waist, grounding them both. The kiss is gentle, yet deliberate. Warm fills in between them despite the cold clinging onto Changbin's hands off of Felix’s coat. 

Felix feels Changbin relax into it, feeling the tension he didn’t even realize was there finally melting away. The kiss deepens just a little, enough to make Felix’s heart skip a beat, enough to make Changbin breathe out softly against him like he’s been holding it in all night.

When they pull back, they naturally stay close. Changbin’s forehead rests briefly against Felix’s, both of them smiling without even realizing it.

Felix’s cheeks are warm when he finally speaks.

“You’re a horrible baker, by the way.”

Changbin smirks, “I know. I just wanted to see how long you’d put up with me.”

Felix laughs, quiet and fond.

All it took was a little mistletoe.