Archive of Our Own

The cold of winter made people bundle up in their thick coats, scarves wrapped around their neck and gloves keeping their hands warm. Their noses and ears were red from the freezing air.

People wandered through the thick snow that covered the streets during the night, the white powder-like substance making soft sounds every time Hyunjin took a step and his shoes hit the ground.

It was early in the morning, the street lights being the only light source this early. Most stores were just now opening, but the bakery Hyunjin was looking to visit had opened hours earlier to prepare fresh pastries and tables for customers.

The bell above the door chimed as Hyunjin opened the door and walked through, making it echo through the dimly-lit room, the warm air hitting his face. The bakery was a cozy and small place, the Christmas decorations made him frown a little, but he quickly shrugged it off, not wanting to make his discomfort obvious.

The sound of quiet music from a radio and the rustling of his police uniform filled the air.

He looked around the pastry shop. One worker was watering plants that were standing around, some plants near the windows, some on counters, and a few in the corners or hanging off the ceiling. The second worker was a young man with shoulder-length blond hair and freckles scattered like stars on his cheeks. He had caught Hyunjin‘s eye the second he visited the cafe two months ago after its opening.

Hyunjin wasn't sure if he kept going back for the man or the coffee. His first reason was the location, due to it being in front of the police department, it was obviously an easy way to get his coffee. He's a known face by now to employees at the bakery because of his daily visits. Sometimes he even goes there multiple times a day - blame it on his coffee addiction.

Or maybe he's addicted to seeing the blond baker.

Or maybe both.

A deep but soft voice pulled him out of his thoughts, he shook his head as he looked in the direction.

"Good morning, same as always?" the young man said, smiling widely as he spoke with a motivated voice, it was obvious that he loved his work. Always moving around and knowing exactly what he was doing. Always smiling and greeting everyone with a smile that warmed everyone's heart.

Hyunjin felt his heart skip a beat at the smile, his eyes roaming over the freckled cheeks. He only nodded to answer the question and then turned away, hoping he could distract himself with his phone while he waited for his iced americano.

Hyunjin wasn't really a talkative person. He hid away in his office and worked, day and night. He didn't open up easily or talk more than necessary. Coworkers would say he was intimidating, had a cold personality. Meanwhile, his friends would say the opposite - Hyunjin was capable of opening up once he got comfortable around someone, but it took some time.

The bakery was otherwise empty since it was only 6AM in the morning. The fresh smell of pastries and clicking of shoes and the coffee machine filled the air.

"Your coffee is ready, sir!" the baker chirped. Hyunjin looked up and pocketed his phone. He pulled his wallet out of his pocket and placed two ten thousand won bills on the counter before he slipped it back into the pocket of his pants and reached for the coffee cup.

"Keep the change," he muttered while turning around and leaving the shop through the same door he entered a few minutes ago.

Upon exiting the shop, the freezing weather left a cold shiver down his spine. It was a stark contrast to the warm air inside the room he was in just seconds ago, the snow still falling in thick flocks.

Hyunjin held the iced Americano up to his mouth, lips wrapping around the straw to take a sip of the cold drink. The tall man looked down at the receipt, wanting to throw it away, but then he spotted blue ink on the paper.

A phone number?? A name??

"So your name is Felix…" Hyunjin mused, looking back at the young freckled man through the windows of the cafe and turning away before Felix could see. Instead of throwing away the receipt, he slipped it into his wallet and made his way over to the traffic lights to cross the street and made his way towards the police department.

The man scanned his work ID to enter the building, as the door slid open, a sound signaled that the ID was scanned. He greeted his employees with a short "Morning" and continued walking to his office to lock himself in there for the rest of the day, only leaving when he needed to refill his coffee or had to fulfill his police duties.

—

Hyunjin‘s eyes were focused on the screen of his laptop as he filled out documents and sorted papers on his desk. Being a police officer wasn't always about driving around the streets and solving crimes sometimes, it was just paperwork. He let out an annoyed sigh when he heard the door open, interrupting his flow state. The Chief looked up to find Officer Lee Minho - his coworker and second-hand man - holding another stack of new files.

"Don't look so annoyed, I know you love me," Minho said with a smirk, letting the door fall closed behind him.

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, taking the files the older one handed him before mumbling, "I despise you, hope you know that.". The sentence only made Minho laugh while he leaned against the counter of the desk next to Hyunjin's chair, knowing his friend wasn't serious.

The police officer's eyes fell onto the receipt next to the keyboard of the laptop."What's that?" he asked curiously.

"Phone number," Hyunjin mumbled while focusing back on the screen.

"Ohhh? The cold and intimidating Chief didn't throw away someone's number? What happened?" Minho spoke in an almost-mocking voice, a bit high-pitched, before giving a slight giggle.

The younger one clenched his teeth in annoyance. "Didn't have time to do so yet," Hyunjin snapped, reaching for the receipt and throwing it into the bin under the table.

"You should give it a try sometime," Minho said, giving Hyunjin's shoulder a supportive squeeze before pushing himself away from the desk and walking back to the door. His fingers wrapped around the door handle and pushed it down, the door clicked softly as it creaked open. "Take the opportunityyyy... ya never know, eh boss? Don't let the bread get cold." With that, he went out the door before Hyunjin could even answer.

Does he know? Does he? How??

"Idiot," he muttered under his breath and looked back at the screen.

—

As the clock hit 8PM, Hyunjin's eyes were slowly drooping from working non-stop and not getting enough sleep. His thoughts kept returning to the young baker and the receipt. He leaned back in his chair and looked down at the bin he had thrown the receipt into.

Hyunjin sighed, conflicted. You know you want to call him... oooo.. come on, a little voice spoke to him, sounding suspiciously like Officer Lee Minho.

Hyunjin leaned down and reached for the receipt, looking down at the number and his phone laying on the desk. With a sigh, he turned on his phone and opened his contacts, typing in the number and saving it under the name "cute baker". His fingers hovered over the keyboard, hesitating before he started typing.

Hyunjin stared at his screen, typing and deleting..

Typing and deleting.

Again.

And again.

The Chief let out a sigh. Why is this not working?

Hwang Hyunjin[08:17PM]: Hello baker, you gave me your number this morning.

He mentally facepalmed, "This is so stupid..." Hyunjin muttered.

—

Felix was busy getting ready for bed, he brushed his teeth when the notification sound of his phone echoed through the bathroom. He looked over to see who had texted him when he saw an unknown number. He leaned forward further to read it better.

Oh?

"It's him??" Felix said in disbelief, the toothbrush still in his mouth. He hadn't thought the police officer who kept buying coffee from him would ever consider texting him, especially given how incredibly grumpy he always looked. But this was a good sign, right?

Felix quickly finished brushing his teeth and rushed to his bed, snuggling up in his blankets, as he considered what to write. He pondered, staring at his phone and the message. He started to type, then deleted it again. What is there to say to a police officer? Genuinely!

Lee Felix[08:23PM]: oh hello?? What's your name, officer??

He pulled the blanket up to his nose, trying to hide his red face. It wasn't like anyone would be seeing him, but he felt more protected that way. Well... as much as one could protect themselves from a text.

—

Hyunjin's body tensed at the notification sound. He hadn't expected to get an answer so quickly, so he decided to focus on documents again, not wanting to waste any time he could've put into working by just staring at his phone.

He read the message over and over again, not knowing how to reply. Hyunjin started to zone out while looking at his phone, but the sound of car tires screeching over the pavement outside his window pulled him out of his thoughts abruptly. He sighed and started typing.

Hwang Hyunjin [08:29PM]: Hwang Hyunjin, you're Felix??

Lee Felix [08:30PM]: yes!!

A sudden opening of his office door distracted the Chief. "Soooo!! Did yaaa??" There he was, Lee Minho. Who else?

Hyunjin hit Lee Minho with an annoyed glare, who already turned off his phone before the officer could come closer and read his messages. "I don't know what you are talking about."

The older one chuckled. "Sureee."

Hyunjin closed his laptop and looked up at his coworker. "What do you want??"

"Picking up the documents I gave you earlier this morning so I can go home."

The chief only sighed and raised his chin towards the finished stack of documents before he started packing his laptop and binder with the oh-so-many papers. The creaking of the chair while he moved was loud, he didn't have the slightest desire to continue the conversation further. He shoved the papers closer to Minho, who only scoffed at the other's action.

"You're so tense... you need to relax. Go get laid or something," Minho teased.

Hyunjin raised his eyebrow. "As if I have time for that."

"You do, you're just a workaholic."

"Whatever… see you tomorrow," Hyunjin grumbled under his breath as he opened the door and let it fall into the lock behind him, leaving Officer Lee Minho back in his office. The older man only laughed to himself, amused at his friend's attitude.

—

The loud ring of Felix's alarm broke the silence of the bedroom, waking the blond up. A complaining groan left his throat as he buried his face more into the sheets and pulled the blanket over his head, but the noise didn't stop so he turned around to turn the alarm off and decided to take a quick look at his notifications as well. Obviously looking for a message from a certain brown haired officer.

No message from him.

He is just busy, right??

Felix decided to force himself out of bed and get ready, hoping it would take his thoughts somewhere else and not to the beautiful … very good-looking ... police officer who has been buying coffee from him for months already.

His very soft and slender-looking hands... his pink lips...

He shook his head and frowned. "Felix, snap out of it!!" he mumbled to himself, not wanting to think about the other man right now. Instead, he opened his closet, browsing through his clothes for much longer than needed.

The outfit ended up looking very basic considering how long he had spent in front of his closet, looking through multiple possible outfits.

In truth, Felix had been thinking about him the entire time.

The streets were still covered in thick layers of snow; the cold air made him pull his sleeves lower and scarf higher. Luckily, Felix didn't live far away from the cafe, so he didn't have to deal with the cold for long.

His steps through the snow were heavy, his limbs still tired.

The door bell chimed as he walked into the bakery, the smell of freshly baked goods and the welcoming warmth feeling like a comforting hug as he stepped further into the room.

"Good morning!" Kim Seungmin, Felix's coworker, called out from behind the counter while he refilled the pastries.

"Not a good one", Felix muttered quietly as he made his way behind the counter and undid his scarf. He hung up his coat on the rack and put on his apron.

"Did your sexy officer not text you?" Seungmin teased with a smirk on his lips.

Felix rolled his eyes at the other's teasing voice. "Actually… He did. But not today, hes probably busy."

Seungmin let out a sigh but chuckled. "He hasn't come in yet, but he should be here soon based on the time he arrived during the few days."

The blond didn't answer; he only turned to the fresh pastries and helped sort them behind the glass wall of the counter while hoping a certain someone would be his customer today.

One hour passed.

Usually, Hyunjin would've been here by now, but all the customers that walked through the door in the past hour weren't him.

Another hour passed.

Two. Three. Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight hours.

Eight hours had passed without the tall, dark-haired police officer walking through the door.

Sigh.

Felix looked out of the windows, his shoulders slumped down. Seungmin interrupted his thinking by speaking up suddenly. "It's okay, you can go home for the day," he said sympathetically.

The blond looked up, a frown on his face. "You sure?"

"Yes. Maybe the Christmas market? Might help you distract yourself," Seungmin said, gently patting the other's back.

Felix nodded and sent a thankful smile to his coworker's direction. He reached behind himself to untie the ribbon of his apron before hanging it back up and wrapping himself up in his scarf and coat. He waved to Seungmin one last time before heading out.

The cold air made itself known and sent a shiver down his spine the second he closed the door behind him. Felix slid his cold hands into the warm insides of his coat's pockets and looked up at the sky, which was painted gray. The snow showed no sign of melting, and the roads were still slippery from the ice.

Just as Felix turned around, he suddenly bumped into someone, causing him to lose his balance on the iced sidewalk.

A tall man with strong hands wrapped around Felix's waist to steady him.

Felix quickly held onto the other's coat, fingers clenching into the soft and thick fabric.

"Wha–"

"Are you okay…?"

That voice.

his voice.

The blond's eyes widened in surprise as he stared up at the taller man's dark brown eyes. "Hyunjin?" he asked incredulously.

Hyunjin didn't let go of the other's waist, only tightening his grip. "Are you okay?" he repeated, voice stern.

Felix tried to wiggle himself out of Hyunjin's grip, but the older man didn't budge, so he leaned into the touch instead and nodded.

The dark-haired let out a relieved sigh, his thumbs brushing over the fabric of Felix's coat. The only sound was their breathing and the cars passing the street next to them.

An indeterminable amount of time passed while they just stood there, the snowflakes falling on their hair, their eyes lost in each other. Hyunjin removed his hands from Felix's waist just to cup his freckled cheeks and brush a strand of hair out of his face.

A shudder made its way over Felix's back from the sudden cold "Your hands are cold," he complained.

"Your cheeks are warm, so let me warm them up."

Felix looked to the side, of course his cheeks were warm.

All thanks to someone making him blush.

"You didn't come today," Felix said. He couldn't hide the edge of disappointment in his voice as he spoke.

Hyunjin felt his heart sink at the other's sad expression, he didn't know why the disappointed voice from Felix affected him so much but decided not to think about it too much right now.

"I had a day off and worked from home," he explained.

Felix shrugged. "We deliver too."

"Your website says something different."

"I deliver too," Felix corrected.

A slight smile played at the edges of Hyunjin's mouth. "Noted. Where were you going?"

"Christmas market."

A frown instantly made its way to Hyunjin's face. His hands disappeared from Felix's body as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat, causing the blond to unclench his fingers from the fabric and let go of his coat.

Felix tilted his head and hummed in confusion.

"Christmas is… let's just say, it's not my thing."

The younger's eyes widened, shock visible on his face. "How can anyone not like Christmas?!" Felix asked in a rushed voice, to which he only received a stiff shrug as an answer.

The blond sighed. "I'm going anyway," he said, already turning around mid-sentence and starting to walk in the direction of the Christmas market.

Hyunjin felt a sudden weight in his chest at the sight of Felix walking away. He hesitated but spoke up shortly after, surprising himself. "I'll join you."

Felix stopped in his tracks, looking back at the taller man over his shoulder. "Huh??"

—

The sign of the Christmas market lit up in front of them, dusted with snow. People walked left and right, past the rows of red-roofed wooden stalls that sold handmade goods like candles, tea, decorations, and winter accessories. Twinkling fairy lights and glowing lanterns light up the dark winter sky.

Bright but warm lights mirrored in Felix's already glowy and happy eyes. He didn't hesitate to drag Hyunjin along by the sleeve of his coat as he walked under the sign and into the market.

Chatter and laughter reached their ears and festive Christmas melodies chimed through the air. It sounded like heaven to Felix's ears - but not Hyunjin's.

The taller man just let himself be pulled by his sleeve across the market, even though the sound of carols sounded like hell to him.

The freckled man dragging him along didn't bother him as much as he thought it would, Hyunjin actually quite enjoyed it.

But he would never admit that.

-

Hyunjin was looking around, already having lost the blond in the crowd. "How is he so small…?" he muttered in an annoyed tone.

Suddenly, he heard his name being called. He turned to find the source of the voice, only to let out a relieved sigh at seeing the smaller blond. Big brown eyes looked up at him, the warm light of lanterns reflecting on his face.

His freckles looked like stars.

The lights in Felix's eyes resembled the night sky.

The stars that didn't fit into his eyes,
were scattered across his face.

"-Jin… Hyunjin..??"

Hyunjin shook his head. "Huh?? Yes… what?" he asked, cheeks flushed red from embarrassment. He hadn't realized how deep he was in his thoughts.

Or how lost he was in the other's eyes.

Felix blinked, surprised by Hyunjin's behavior. "Everything okay...?"

"Yes… everything's fine. Perfect, even."

The blond sighed and pulled a black scarf out of his bag before carefully wrapping it twice around Hyunjin's neck. The taller man tensed up a bit at the sudden action, his eyes widening.

Felix eyed his work, gently tugging at the edges to make it look neat. "Do you like it...?"

Hyunjin pulled the soft fabric higher over his nose, hoping the movement would hide the blush on his cheeks. "You didn't have to," he said in what he hoped was a cold tone. Despite his best efforts to have his voice sound emotionless, a gentle undertone made its way through.

"I asked if you like it."

"Yes. But you didn't-"

Felix didn't hesitate to quickly interrupt him. "But I wanted to! It looks good on you, and it keeps you warm. See? It's perfect," he exclaimed. A small smile crept its way onto his freckled face.

Hyunjin's eyes widened at the other's unexpected outburst. He just mumbled a quiet "Thank you" in response before reaching for Felix's hand and interlocking their fingers. A shiver ran down the blond's spine at the cold skin coming in contact with his. "Your hands are cold..." Felix said in a sweet tone.

Just as Hyunjin tried to pull his hand away due to the younger's words, he felt Felix tighten his grip. The older man tried to seem unfazed, but Felix noticed how he wrapped his fingers around his own and slightly tugged at him. "Let's continue walking," Felix said softly. Smiling a bit brighter now, he turned on his heel and started walking.

Hyunjin didn't question his action and just followed along, figuring he won't have much of a choice anyway.

—

Hwang Hyunjin [09:35PM]: Did you get home safe ?

Lee Felix [09:36PM]: Yes, thank you for tagging along

Hwang Hyunjin [09:37PM]: You're welcome
Hwang Hyunjin [09:37PM]: Please not a Christmas market next time

Lee Felix [09:38PM]: Meanie!!

Hwang Hyunjin [09:39PM]: Go to bed, i have a day off again tomorrow

Lee Felix [09:41PM]: Okie, thanks for letting me know
Lee Felix [09:41PM]: Good night!

Hyunjin let out a heavy sigh, "Why did I say this… Hyunjin, what do you mean next time.." He threw his phone next to him onto the pillow, where it made a dull, soft thud against the pillow and let a hand slide over his face.

"I'm so stupid, I need to focus on work," Hyunjin groaned. He got up from the bed and walked downstairs where he had work files spread out on the huge desk in the dining room. He sat onto one of the wooden chairs, the wood creaking beneath him and making a scratching sound against the floor as he moved closer to the table,

Hyunjin opened his laptop, hoping he can get some work done - even on his day's off, and to distract himself from thinking about a certain blond.

-

A sudden ringing sound made him jump up. Hyunjin looked around in confusion - wasn't it dark just a minute ago ?? He groaned at the throbbing pain in his head and reached up to rub his fingers across his forehead, the annoying sound of the doorbell wasn't making it any better.

"Who is it?" Hyunjin mumbled to himself, voice still raspy from just having woken up. He got up from the chair, dragging his still heavy feet across the smooth surface of the house's floor. Rubbing repeatedly over his eyes, trying to get just a bit of sleep out of them to not appear completely under the weather.

The man tried to fix his appearance on the way to the door, he wrapped his long slender around the door knob and turned it around.

His eyes widened at the view of the young freckled pastry worker standing in front of his house, bundled up in thick clothes to protect himself from the cold winter air and holding a bag but Hyunjin wasn't awake enough to register what he carried in it.

Felix tilted his head and looked up at the grumpy man in front of him, a frown formed on his face. "Did I wake you?" He spoke in a soft and quiet voice.

Hyunjin shook his head, "No you didn't..come in..," he stepped aside so Felix could walk past him before he closed the door and followed after the younger. "Just go to the living room..," Hyunjin's words were heavily slurred, blurring together into a low incoherent murmur.

"You sure I didn't wake you?" Felix muttered and looked around the living room, spotting the desk filled with documents. He walked to the table and placed the bag on one of the chairs, followed by a still sleepy looking Hyunjin who took a seat next to him.

"No you didn't wake me," he rubbed his forehead. Felix eyed him closely which caused Hyunjin to look away. Trying to keep himself busy by sorting some documents with tense shoulders before taking a quick glance at Felix, "Okay you did.." he sighed.

"Well..Coffee?"

Hyunjin's eyes lighted up at the mention, "Yes please.''

The blond nodded and started unpacking the goods that were placed inside the bag, he took out a cup of iced americano and held it in Hyunjin's direction who didn't hesitate to reach for it - his coffee addiction is striking again.

Felix felt a jolt of warmth when his fingers brushed Hyunjin's, he looked away with a red tint on his cheeks, Hyunjin on the other hand was too tired to even realize what just happened.

"Is it good?" Felix tried to distract himself from the tingling feeling in his fingers by asking Hyunjin about his drink who only looked up and nodded in response. He pulled a small box out of the bag and sat it down in front of Hyunjin.

"Brownies. I hope you like them," Hyunjin put the cup aside and opened the box, carefully pulling out one of the brownies and taking a bite.

Felix couldn't help but watch the way the brown-haired lips wrapped around the small chocolate cake. Those plump and soft looking lips, their shape so-

He shook his head again - stop thinking, Felix.

Hyunjin let out a hum at the taste, "These are good, did you make them?"

"Yes. Yes I did, just this morning"

"Is there a way I can have these everyday?" Hyunjin looked up with his big-brown eyes, his face still slightly swollen from sleep. Felix felt the urge to reach out and squish his cheeks but he quickly pushed that thought away.

"I mean- I would need to come over everyday then," Felix mumbled and tilted his head to the side. Hyunjin only shrugged in response.

"Where can I put my shoes?"

"Next to the door."

Felix nodded and went back to the door, leaving Hyunjin alone in the living room who sipped his coffee and ate brownies. A soft smile formed on his lips when he saw the scarf he bought Hyunjin just the night before, hanging neatly next to the door.

Hyunjin sighed as he looked around the table, "so many documents.." he whispered to himself and sat up. Just as he wanted to open his laptop, Felix spoke up in a caring but demanding voice, "Hyunjin you look like you barely slept. Turn it off and go to bed," and walked towards him.

Hyunjin's eyes widened, usually it was him ordering others around and not the other way around, "But-" he started to protest but was quickly interrupted.

"You have a day off, come on," Felix gave Hyunjin's shoulders a quick pat.

The older man got up with a sigh and walked to the stairs, Brownies box and coffee in both hands as he walked upstairs with heavy steps. Hyunjin turned around to face Felix who was still downstairs, "What about you?"

"I stay and take care of you?"

Hyunjin frowned. He didn't like when others took care of him, wanting to always be the strong guy and not letting his weak moments break through the thick mask he built over the years. -You don't have to-

"I want to, now go sleep"

Hyunjin didn't have the energy to fight back and turned around to head to his bedroom. He felt weak for giving in - It scratched roughly at his ego.

Felix's lips stretched into a soft smile as he watched Hyunjin leave, he doesn't know why but he just let it be. With curiosity he started looking around the living room, at paintings on the walls and empty canvas with acrylics in front of them which stood abandoned in the corner of the living room, as if no one used the supplies in months.

He made a mental note to ask Hyunjin about it later before the desk filled with documents fell into his view again. With hesitation he starts going through the files, starting to sort them and making different piles.

"I hope he's okay with it," he murmured to himself and took a look at the various names and description's on the papers. "Okay..where do I start.."

-

After an hour Felix finally placed the last document onto one of the piles he organized before he let himself fall back into a chair. He took a quick look at all the piles, making sure he didn't miss anything before he focused on his phone to pass the time until the chief woke up.Felix scrolled through his contacts until his thumb stopped over Seungmin's name

Lee Felix [10:24AM]: Hey min

Kim Seungmin [10:25AM]: This better be important. I was enjoying my day off

Lee Felix [10:26AM]: Oh hello Minho too then?

Felix chuckled, of course they'd be together.

Lee Felix [10:26AM]: I'm at Hyunjin's place, delivered him coffee

Kim Seungmin [10:26AM]: I thought we don't do deliveries
Kim Seungmin [10:26AM]: And Minho said hello back

Lee Felix [10:27AM]: We don't but i do :3
Lee Felix [10:27AM]: He seems like he was awake all night, i send him to bed

Kim Seungmin [10:27AM]: Minho asked if he is sick because he hates following orders

Lee Felix [10:26AM]: Oh his head hurts
Lee Felix [10:26AM]: His documents were all over the table, i sorted them

Kim Seungmin [10:27AM]: Minho asked if you have a death wish

Lee Felix [10:27AM]: I don't. Anyways. I'm gonna go check up on him. See you!

Felix brows drew in worry, did Hyunjin really not want anyone to help him?? Or is it just the way others interpret his actions?? He sighed and pocketed his phone before getting up and stepped into the kitchen.

After a quick look into the fridge and cabinets he decided to cook soup with the hope it will make Hyunjin feel better.

-

Felix sat the small bowl down onto the night table before he looked over at Hyunjin who seemed to be in a very deep sleep. He observed Hyunjin's vulnerable self, the pout on his lips and the movement of his lashes fluttering against his cheeks.

He reached out to lay his hand onto Hyunjin's shoulder and gently shook him awake - or tried.

Hyunjin only groaned and buried his face further into the pillow, clearly not wanting to wake up.

Felix shook his shoulder again, "Hyunjin.. wake up. I made soup" he spoke in a soft voice but only received a whine from under the blanket.

"No.."

"Hyunjin." Felix tried to pull at the blanket that wrapped around Hyunjin.

The dark haired let out an annoyed sigh and sat up while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, "okay okay i am up."

Felix sat down onto the edge of the bed with the bowl of soup in one of his hands. He reached for the spoon and guided it to Hyunjin's lips. "Here..try to eat," he whispered and repeated the gesture until the bowl was empty. Surprisingly, Hyunjin didn't complain and instead leaned against Felix's shoulder while being fed soup. He was too tired and the pain in his forehead was still bothering him.

They stayed like that even after Hyunjin finished eating. Felix's fingers slowly combed through Hyunjin's hair and untangled knots.

Hyunjin felt like he would fall back asleep in a second but Felix's voice pulled him out of the drowsy state.

"Hey, don't fall asleep on me," Felix chuckled.

Hyunjin mumbled and leaned more into Felix's shoulder, "Won't."

"How do you know my address?"

Felix hesitated, "Might have looked at your membership details at the cafe.."

"Thank you"

A surprised noise left the freckled boy and he looked down at Hyunjin who was looking up, "For?"

Hyunjin eyed Felix closely before he reached out and traced his freckles with his thumb, "For coming over, the coffee and brownies"

The blond just smiled and leaned into the touch without thinking, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax against the warm skin of Hyunjin's hands. Felix felt his cheeks tingle every time Hyunjin's thumb moved to trace another freckle.

And another.

Another.

Hyunjin was tracing an entire constellation of stars on Felix's cheeks

Hyunjin felt like he was touching the night sky filled with stars.

Felix looked away, the touch left him feeling shy and vulnerable - and loved.

"Do you paint??" His voice was careful, almost as if he as scared to confront Hyunjin with the question. The abandoned supplies seemed like Hyunjin didn't paint in a long time.

Hyunjin's shoulders tensed up, his voice was quiet when he spoke "I..I used to"

"Why not anymore??"

"My family thinks its a waste of time. Whatever.. i don't want to talk about it," Hyunjin's seemed irritated. Overwhelmed. Uncomfortable.

The younger nodded in understanding, "Okay. I understand"

Silence.

Uncomfortable silence.

The silence stretched between them, the atmosphere tense and their postures stiff.

A minute passed until Felix decided to break the silence, "Try to sleep some more, I won't leave. I'm gonna go put the bowl into the dishwasher and then I come back," Felix murmured and got up after giving Hyunjin a quick pat on the back.

Hyunjin nodded and snuggled deep into the pillows, pulling the thick blanket up to his chin and tucking the edges tightly under his sides.

-

Felix was greeted by the sound of soft snoring coming from under the covers, he let out a quiet chuckle before sitting down onto the bed and leaning against the headboard, his hands found their way back into Hyunjin's hair who let out a satisfied hum in response and leaned closer into the touch.

One hour passed. Felix ended up lying down to prevent his back from arching, his nails scratched gently against Hyunjin's scalp until his movement got slower and slower as he drifted off as well.

Another hour passed.

Felix moved under the blanket, the room temperature getting colder.

Another hour passed.

Their bodies moved closer to each other, seeking each others warmth.

Another hour passed.

Their legs intertwined in a tangled, intimate, position that hinted at a deep connection - a connection they themselves weren't aware of yet.

—

A few hours have passed, Felix rolled over in bed and opened his eyes when he noticed the other side was cold and empty. He looked up at the ceiling before he took a glance over at the clock on the night-table, 5PM. He forced himself to sat up, his body feeling heavy from sleep.

Just as he was about to drift off again, he heard foot steps approaching.

Hyunjin leaned against the door frame with intertwined arms in front of his naked chest, "You awake?" He only revived a nod as an answer.

"You don't look like it," Hyunjin scoffed.

Felix looked up and his widened, "i am now."

Hyunjin smirked at the youngers reaction, "Never saw someones chest before?"

"Shut up," Felix sighed and got up, he pushed past Hyunjin who followed him downstairs while quietly laughing at the others action.

"Oh you're cooking??" Felix looked around the kitchen with curiosity before asking again, "What are you making?"

The dark haired walked to the stove, "Just something basic, fried rice with eggs. Is that okay?"

Felix nodded and sat down onto the kitchen counter, "Sounds good, how's your head?"

"Good, thanks to your soup," Hyunjin stirred the rice in the pot and quickly turned the egg around before he turned around to face the blond, hands placed on each side of Felix's hip, caging him between the taller ones arms.

Felix didn't know where to look, he looked everywhere but at the man in front of him. He felt his cheeks warm up and embarrassment wash over him.

But also, he was right where he wanted to be.

"Where's your shirt??"

"Are you complaining?"

Felix blushed and he fidgeted with the hem of his hoodie, "Where's your shirt??"

"Can't have the luxury clothes get dirty right??" Hyunjin paused before he continued, "I'm joking. It got dirty and i wanted to get changed but you seem to like the view"

Felix looked up in shock, he opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself. Hyunjin was right.

The blond shook his head, "Keep an eye on the rice," he scolded and let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding when Hyunjin moved away.

Felix looked around again, "It could be a bit more..Christmas-like in here."

Hyunjin let out a heavy sigh, "I don't like Christmas."

"Why?"

"There is no real reason for it. I just never was a fan of it."

Felix just mumbled a quiet "That's fine" as a response to the other, he figured Hyunjin was lying but decided not to push it. He looked around the living room, the table with the documents fell into his view, "Did I sort the documents in correct order??"

The question made Hyunjin look away from the rice and looked at the table instead, "Yes, thank you. I've been wanting to organize it since a while but i get busy every time.. or fell asleep," he purred the rice into two small bowls and added an egg to each, "Dinner is ready!"

-

Felix wrapped the scarf around his neck and put on his coat, "You're gonna come tomorrow right??"

Who could say no to those big eyes - well. definitely not Hyunjin.

"Of course. I have an coffee addiction to feed," Hyunjin said in a serious but joking-like tone while he opened the front door. He stepped aside to let Felix walk trough the doorframe.

Felix let out a giggle, "Your order is going to be ready the second you step into the cafe." Just as he was about to leave, he turned around and placed a kiss onto the taller ones cheek. "See you tomorrow." And then he walked away, stepping through the thick but soft snow.

Hyunjin just stood there, blinking, shocked at Felix's action but also, somehow, appreciating it.

He didn't stop looking at the figure walking away until it fully disappeared into the dark.

Hyunjin let out a heavy sigh before turning around and closing the door behind him. He reached for his phone in his pocket and scrolled through it, dialing Minho's Number.

"What can i do for you on this beautiful evening," Minho's cheerful voice went through the speakers.

"you sound so happy. Did you get laid or what?" Hyunjin questioned, he placed the phone on the counter and took care of the dinner plates that were used for their dinner earlier. Making sure they are neatly placed in the dishwasher.

A sudden giggle appeared a bit further away from Minho's phone, someone, who was with Minho and listened to the conversation. Hyunjin paused when he recognized the owner of the giggle.

Seungmin.

They aren't close, not really friends either. Only knew each others names and shared a few words at the cafe.

"Seungmin??"

"Oh yes he's with me." Hyunjin rolled his eyes, he just knows that Minho was smirking.

"Anyways...The baker came over today..you know. The guy who gave me his number."

"Felix??" Seungmin and Minho both said at the same time - the teasing undertone very obvious.

"Felix?" Hyunjin mumbled, hesitating for a few seconds before he continued, "How do you know it's him??"

Minho chuckled. "Seungmin told me."

Hyunjin just let out a surprised 'oh.' He leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed in front of his chest.

Both men on the other side of the phone stayed silent, waiting for Hyunjin to continue.

How did Minho know-

Suddenly something clicked in Hyunjin's mind. He thought about all the moments during the last weeks were Minho was talking about going out with someone but he never asked who because he wasn't interested in the older ones business, "You two are a thing?!"

"That took you a while to figure it out," Minho mumbled.

"Felix talks a lot about you," Seungmin blurted out.

Warmth crept up Hyunjin's cheeks, "You-!!"

Minho snorted, "Now we can go on double dates."

"See you at work tomorrow, the huge stack of documents will be yours"

"But it's-" Minho tried to complain but Hyunjin already ended the call. He walked over to the couch and let himself fall into the cushions, he sighed when he forgot his phone and laptop but decided not to care. Instead he turned on the TV and opened Netflix, scrolling until he found something.

In the end he decided on the same movie as always and fell asleep 5 minutes in.

—

The scent of freshly baked pastries and coffee filled the air as Felix busied himself arranging the baked goods in the display for customers to see and purchase. Seungmin watered the plants before setting up a few tables, making sure everything is clean and looking neat.

Just as Seungmin disappeared behind the 'staff door' the bell above the door rang and the rustle from a police uniform, belonging to a certain someone. The sound of the metallic clinking reached Felix ears, causing him to look up to search for the source when his eyes fell onto the handcuffs hanging on Hyunjin's belt. Thoughts took over his entire mind. The focus on the pastries he was arranging just a minute ago was far gone. He didn't even notice that Hyunjin was trying to talk to him.

what could he do with those handcuffs..

maybe he could—

Felix's thoughts were interrupted when Hyunjin cleared his throat. he looked up at Hyunjin who was already looking at him with his typical cold facade, as always. Felix looked everywhere but at the man in front of him. Trying to distract himself and get over the thoughts that consumed his mind just a second ago.

Hyunjin tilted is head with a crooked eyebrow at the others actions before he spoke up, "Are you going to talk to me? I need to be at work soon."

Felix eyes widened and he quickly moved to make the iced americano, already knowing what Hyunjin wants. His hands were shaky and he seemed to sweat a little.

"Here."

Hyunjin eyed him closely, noticing how the other seemed more nervous than usual - a bit on edge. Are you okay?"

Felix nodded and placed the cup onto the counter, Hyunjin placed his card onto the counter in response. "Don't pay. Take it as a thank you for the dinner," he pushed the card which

"Now i will tip extra," Hyunjin pushed his card back.

"I won't let you." Felix voice was stern.

Hyunjin sighed in defeat, "Next time i pay double the price."

Felix stayed silent, watching as Hyunjin pocket the card and took the drink off the counter.

"Well, see you during my next break or tomorrow." With that, Hyunjin turned around—

"Wait!" Felix mentally facepalmed, he spoke before he could even think.

Hyunjin turned back, straw between his lips.

Felix took a deep breath, "What are you doing at Christmas?"

The officer frowned at the mention of Christmas. "Nothing."

Felix let out a shaky sigh, "Do you want to come over?"

"To celebrate Christmas? No." Somehow, the word 'No' stung in both their chest, Even Hyunjin regretted saying it.

"No i- Just to talk? Spending time together? We don't have to do anything Christmas related."

"I think about it, Okay?"

Felix just nodded and turned around to clean the counter while Hyunjin left.

I think about it.

think about it.

think.

-

Throughout Felix's shift Hyunjin didn't come back. Probably too busy with work and too deep into documents.

Felix looked down at his phone when it lightened up from a notification, his heart started beating when he saw who sent the message. Hyunjin.

Hwang Hyunjin [08:20PM]: When do you want me to come over?

Lee Felix [07:26PM]: Maybe during evening? Dinner? But you can come whenever you feel like it.
Lee Felix [07:26PM]: Does that mean you're going to come over at Christmas?

Hwang Hyunjin [07:27PM]: Yes. I'm going on a work trip tomorrow, just letting you know. I'll be back in time though.

Lee Felix [07:29PM]: Stay safe and enjoy, see you then!!

Hwang Hyunjin [07:30PM]: Thank you, good night.

A wide smile made its way onto Felix's lips, wings of butterflies tickled the insides of his stomach as he thought about their...date??

Felix's eyes widened.

A date?!

Is it a date??

"What do i wear?? What do i cook for dinner?? Do i remove the Christmas decoration??"

He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself. Those are worries which aren't important right now. Its not Christmas yet. Still a week left.

A week.

Felix looked down at the date on his phone, "4 days?!!"

Lee Felix [08:41PM]: Seungmin
Lee Felix [08:41PM]: I have a date

Kim Seungmin [08:43PM]: Whoa he said yes?

Lee Felix [08:42PM]: What do i wear
Lee Felix [08:42PM]: Oh my how do i act?! What do i cook

Kim Seungmin [08:45PM]: Calm down, Just be yourself like always.

Lee Felix [08:46PM]: We're talking about Hwang Hyunjin here!

Kim Seungmin [08:47PM]: Yea, based on Minho's words, Hyunjin adores you.

Lee Felix [08:48PM]: He talks about me?

Kim Seungmin [08:49PM]: Yes now stop worrying and go to sleep

Lee Felix [08:50PM]: yea yea have fun getting laid or whatever

Felix sighed and put down hes phone, he decided to sit down at his table and go through some papers and order new ingredients for the cafe.

—

The documents started to fill Hyunjin's work desk. He has been sitting at the table since hours, going through file after file. He was so focused, he didn't even hear the door opening and foot steps coming closer until a hand was placed on his shoulder.

Hyunjin flinched and sat up, looking into the direction where the hand came from when he saw Minho glancing down at him, "ah..It's just you, you don't know how to knock?" Hyunjin mumbled and looked at the papers again, picking up a pen to write down notes.

"So, you have a date?" The smirk obvious in Minho's voice, like always.

"How do you kno— right. Seungmin," Hyunjin rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair.

Minho picked up the paper Hyunjin just wrote the notes on and leaned against the window behind Hyunjin, "Go home, i finish up the rest."

Hyunjin didn't even complain. He didn't fight back this time and just got up to pack his bag.

"Whoa no complaining this time??" Minho chuckled and sat down in the chair.

Hyunjin swinged the bag over his shoulder and glanced down at Minho, "Have to go to the gym and pack for the work trip." He then left. He wasn't in the mood for any conversations today.

—

Hyunjin locked the door, about to leave for the airport to attend the work trip when a small bag fell into his view. Curiosity filled his mind, he let go of the luggage to carefully inspect the bag - a note?

"Coffee and brownies,
enjoy your trip and text me <3"

The corners of Hyunjin lips moved upwards. A tickling sensation appeared in his gut, he picked up the bag and his luggage to continue his way to his car, already feeling much more motivated and happier which was unusual for him, but he wasn't complaining.

——

Felix sat onto his couch, watching a series on Netflix to pass the time. During the last four days he couldn't help but keep thinking about Hyunjin. Seungmin already told him something about being in love but Felix brushed it off. But the more he thought about it..

maybe he's in love??

Just as he was about to sink deeper into his thoughts, the door bell suddenly rang and pulled him back to reality. He jumped up from the couch with excitement and headed to the door.

Felix looked up at the man who waited in front of the door step. Hyunjin's luggage stood on the ground next to him.

Felix looked down in confusion, "Planning to move in?"

"No. I just arrived and headed to your place right away" A cold shiver went down Hyunjin back, "It's cold, can i come in??"

Felix quickly stepped aside to let the other inside and closed the door behind them. "How was work?"

"Good. A bit stressful, almost missed the flight—" Hyunjin's stomach rumbled, causing him to look away in embarrassment, he rubbed his hand over his stomach and made a quiet shhh sound.

Felix chuckled, "I have sushi and rice, If you want?"

Hyunjin send a grateful nod while he shed himself from his coat and scarf.

The scarf.

"The food on the plane tasted like crap, i gave it to Minho."

Felix took Hyunjin's coat and hung it onto a hanger. "Did he eat it?"

Hyunjin laughed, "No"

A smile made its way to Felix's face, the butterflies came back. Seeing Hyunjin laugh made him..happy?

oh he was down bad.

He took the scarf from Hyunjin's hands and wrapped it around the hanger as well, "You like it a lot huh??" Felix started walking into the kitchen, Hyunjin followed him while looking around, looking closely at pictures on the wall, "It keeps me warm.." Hyunjin mumbled, "And it's soft."

Hyunjin leaned against the kitchen counter while Felix prepared a plate with sushi and rice. He looked at the Christmas decoration that was hanging in some corner of the kitchen and a mini tree that stood on the counter, he swallowed the lump his throat and sighed.

Felix watched for a few seconds before he decided to interrupt Hyunjin's thoughts, "Hyunjin?"

Hyunjin blinked, "Yes??"

Felix pushed the plate towards Hyunjin, "Is...everything okay?" his voice was careful, he hesitated between words and spoke quiet.

Hyunjin just nodded and took the plate. It was obvious to Felix that the nod was a lie, a cover up to hide and avoid, but he didn't want to pry further. Not yet.

Felix would wait until Hyunjin was done eating, they stayed in silence for minutes until Hyunjin placed the now empty plate back onto the counter. The blond took the plate and placed it into the dishwasher before turning his attention back to Hyunjin. Felix gently tugged at Hyunjin's sleeve, he got the hint and followed Felix, who was walking to the couch. Both sat down, no words, just each other presence. That silence turned soft, peaceful.

Felix took the thick soft blanket from the side of the couch, holding it towards the dark-haired sitting next to him. Hyunjin took hold of the blanket and draped it over their laps. Felix's eyes widened in surprise, he didn't expect for him to do that but he wasn't complaining either. Instead he pulled the blanket a bit further up his lab and got comfortable.

A Christmas tree stood in the corner of the living room, fairy lights wrapped around it and blinking in a soft warm white. Hyunjin didn't pay any attention to it and just looked somewhere else.

He tried not to pay attention to it, where ever he looked he saw at least one Christmas related item.

Felix fidgeted with a lose thread of the blanket, "You seem exhausted."

"I am," Hyunjin groaned and leaned back into the cushions, usually he wouldn't give in and would try to downplay it, trying to make himself appear okay.

Felix turned towards him, "Why do you hate Christmas so much?" There was pure curiosity and interest in his voice. He wasn't judging, just curious and caring. He was ready to comfort Hyunjin and hear him out.

Hyunjin glanced down at him, "Do i have to answer?"

Felix shook his head, "You don't, but maybe it helps to talk about?" Hyunjin just sighed in response, he wanted to tell him, but at the same time he felt like hiding away. He felt the strong walls he built around himself and tried so hard to keep up start to crumple.

Felix knows him as the strong and cold officer, not the vulnerable man sitting next to him. But he felt the urge to protect him, to listen to all his worries and wrap his arms around him tightly.

Silence wrapped around them like a warm blanket, Felix didn't push Hyunjin. He waited patiently for the other to sort his thoughts and words.

Hyunjin hesitated, opened his mouth to speak but he paused. He took a glimpse at Felix, noticing the others dark-brown eyes staring up at him. The youngers presence made him feel safe, somehow.

He doesn't remember when he last felt this emotion bubbling up inside him. It was himself who made him feel save for years, to scared to let anyone else in. Building thick walls around himself and keeping every emotion hidden.

Who thought a cute freckled baker would be able to get those walls to crumble so easily.

Felix straightened his back which Hyunjin took as an invitation to lean against Felix's shoulder. Hyunjin made himself smaller just so he could fit perfectly against Felix's side, he didn't even know why he suddenly felt so clingy. He just gave in to his urges, not even thinking about it.

A subtle smile appeared on Felix's lips, he felt warmth fill his chest and his heart beating fast against his ribcage. Felix decided to test the waters and bought up his hand to place it on the crown of Hyunjin's hair. Felix started to comb his fingers through the soft and dark, almost black, hair. Slowly, Hyunjin leaned into Felix's touch, nuzzling against his hand like a cat.

"So.." Felix started to speak, his voice almost a whisper, he didn't want to destroy the comfortable atmosphere they built around themselves in the past minutes, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Relief washed through Felix's body when the other nodded against his shoulder.

"Christmas just seems very fake to me. I used to enjoy it.." Hyunjin paused, unsure if he wanted to continue. Hyunjin was glad that Felix didn't push him, he listened and waited patiently. The feeling of Felix's fingers in his hair relaxed him but also made him unable to think. Hyunjin felt like a puddle against the blond's body.

"Stop i cant focus.." Hyunjin whined and shook his head to get Felix's hand off him but as soon as the hand left his head he started to complain again, "No don't stop!" Felix tried to hold back his laugh but he failed.

"Shut— hm.." Hyunjin went slack against Felix's body, he tried to complain at the others laugh but the hand in his hair sent him into the clouds and the tension left his body as quick as they came at the feeling of his fingers in his hair.

"Now if Minho would know how soft you get." The teasing smirk was obvious in his voice.

Hyunjin pulled away and glared at Felix, "I dare you!"

"Next time i will tell him", he nudged Hyunjin's shoulder in a teasing way.

"Nooo!"

Felix scoffed, "Stop whining and come back here."

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, leaning back against the shoulder of Felix and slowly relaxed back into the caresses of Felix fingers. The feeling of his caresses, the scratching on his scalp - It made him almost fall asleep. His eyes growing heavier the longer he focused on the feeling.

Felix buried his nose in the dark hair, breathing in slowly as a faint hint of coconut hit him, subtle but unmistakable.

"You weren't done speaking," Felix mumbled quietly.

"Oh."

Hyunjin sat up and fidgeted with the gold stack of rings on his index finger, Felix noticed and placed his hand above the other. He traced small circles on the soft back of Hyunjin's hand with his thumb.

A heavy sigh left Hyunjin as he started speaking, "My Family always seemed so happy on Christmas. Like a wrong picture to please everyone else, you'd think my Family is so perfect just from that day," Hyunjin paused and glanced down at Felix's hand which was still on his. The soft and warm touch felt calming.

He didn't know why.

He didn't realize why. He didn't understand why he was letting Felix get so close to him but he also didn't feel the urge to push him away.

Hyunjin wasn't sure if he even wanted to understand.

maybe he is in love??

Hyunjin looked up and continued speaking, "It just a day full of fake emotions and smiles. I never connected anything good to it. My family turns into completely different people, suddenly it's "we love each other so much" and the other days of the year we barley connect or talk well of another."

Felix rubbed his hands over Hyunjin's back, gently massaging the spot between Hyunjin's shoulder blades. The supportive and comforting gesture encouraged Hyunjin to continue, "It just feels like a performance," he paused and let out a small breath, as if giving himself time not to break, "Like everything is planned out and nothing is real." Hyunjin swallowed the lump that formed in his throat and blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that welled up in his eyes, but some tears still slipped down his cheeks.

Felix cupped his cheeks to make Hyunjin look up at him, he softly wiped away a tear before speaking in a quiet voice, almost a whisper, "Maybe Christmas itself isn't the problem but the way they do it??"

Hyunjin just nodded and mumbled out a small "maybe."

Their eyes lock, Felix fingers continued to brush over Hyunjin's cheeks. Staring into Hyunjin's deep-brown eyes, he felt hypnotized, like he was pulled into the beautiful darkness.

He broke the glance when he noticed another tear falling from Hyunjin's eyes, he leaned in and placed his soft lips over the hot tears that rolled down his cheek. Trying and hoping to ease the growing well of emotion within the man before him.

Hyunjin flinched and his eyes widened in surprise, his heart dropped as he backed away and looked up. His cold stare returned like it was never gone. Properly sitting up, he'd rub remaining tears from his cheeks as he averted the gaze of Felix who looked reasonably perplexed, maybe a bit embarrassed even.

Hyunjin suddenly got up, so fast he almost felt dizzy. The blanket that had been resting on his lab a moment ago slipped to the floor. He dragged a hand through his hair as his shoulders tensed, his breath uneven and tight.

"Hyunjin??" Felix got up, he didn't know what to do. Did he do something wrong?? Was all this a bad idea??

Maybe Hyunjin shouldn't have come.

Maybe Felix should have never invited him.

Hyunjin hesitated. He took deep breaths and tried to calm himself. He was fighting against his own feelings.

He couldn't fall in love.

What would his parents think?!

He needs to focus on work, he couldn't allow himself to get distracted.

"—Jin? Hyunjin??" Felix called out, his voice was careful and quiet. Wanting to pull the other out of his thoughts but also too scared to do so.

Hyunjin shook his head to push his thoughts away, his body froze when he saw Felix standing before him.

"...yes?? What did you say?" Hyunjin mumbled, voice so quiet Felix almost didn't understand him.

Felix cupped his cheeks, making sure Hyunjin will listen to him and wont turn away like he did earlier. "Are you okay?"

A nod.

But Felix wanted words.

"Are you okay?" Felix repeated while staring into Hyunjin's eyes.

Hyunjin didn't answer, only stared back at Felix. Hyunjin seemed to be lost in his dark, almost black, eyes. He bought up his hands to cradle Felix's face in between. His thumbs brushed over the soft skin beneath Felix's eyes. Felix's blinked and looked away, his cheeks and neck flushed a bright red. "Answer me...please??" Felix's voice was shaky, trembling while his heart beat heavily. Felix wasn't sure what to do or how to act.

They kept staring at each other, no one dared to breathe as if too scared that even the smallest sound would break the atmosphere. The room was silent, only sound being the quiet humming coming from the heater and if they listen close enough then they would hear each others heartbeats too.

"Felix..." Hyunjin mumbled under his breath, his gaze fell down to Felix's lips. The soft and plump looking lips that fulfilled the fantasies of his dreams every night since he first saw them.

Felix didn't know where to look, his eyes went between Hyunjin's eyes and lips the entire time. Almost like he was analyzing every feature on Hyunjin's face.

Hyunjin hesitated just long enough to search for Felix's eyes again before he leaned down and captured the others Lips. The kiss was soft at first, uncertain and questioning, before both deepened the kiss. Their hands wandered over each others necks and chests, as if they couldn't believe it was real and they needed to feel to realize.

Neither moved away after they broke the kiss, breaths still shared like the moment hadn't quite decided to end.

Felix buried his face into Hyunjin's neck, wanting to hide his flushed face. The rich and woody scent reached Felix's nose, "I like your perfume.." Felix voice got muffled by Hyunjin's shoulder.

Hyunjin combed his fingers through Felix's hair, "I don't use perfume."

"Even better." Felix melted against Hyunjin's body, his hand traced down Hyunjin's arm and over the pulse point of his wrist. The feeling of Hyunjin's rapid pulse against his fingers made him chuckle a bit. He wanted to tease the other for it but he knew his own pulse was acting up the exact way, teasing Hyunjin would only in a back and forth. Instead, he lowered his head a bit to be able to listen to Hyunjin's heart beating strong against his ribcage.

A sound Felix could listen to forever.

"That won't change my opinion on Christmas though." Hyunjin grumbled and looked at the Christmas tree.

It does look pretty.

Felix turned towards the tree too before looking up at Hyunjin, "Not even if your gift is brownies?"

Hyunjin looked around, as if pretending that he wouldn't care before he slowly moved towards the tree and sat down on the carpet covered floor in front of it. He read the names on the gifts to find his own. When he found a small box with red paper wrapped around it, a small note attached with Hyunjin written on it, he picked it up with gentle hands. Like he would be scared to break it.

Felix sat down next to him, watching as Hyunjin removed the wrapping paper in such a careful way. Not a single rib. Felix couldn't help but admire the way Hyunjin's fingers handled the paper in between. He didn't even notice Hyunjin already eating the brownies because he was so focused to go over every single knuckle and vein.

"Maybe Christmas isn't so bad." Hyunjin said around the brownie in his mouth and continued happily chewing it.

Felix smiled, "I'm glad you think so.. What do we eat for dinner??"

"Brownies."

Felix rolled his eyes, "Dinner."

"Yes, brownies."

Sigh.

-

Somehow, Hyunjin ended up cooking. He said something about "Hyung will take care of everything." Felix just rolled his eyes but sat down onto the kitchen counter to just watch from the sidelines. Felix listened to Hyunjin telling him everything about his work trip while he moved around the kitchen.

Every time Hyunjin moved past Felix he had to stop his movements and peck the younger lips, sometimes he got to caught up in the feeling of the others soft lips against his and almost forgot about the food he was cooking, if it wasn't for Felix's hands on his chest, pushing him away to remind him about dinner he probably would have let the food burn - but he knew Felix wouldn't appreciate it.

who cares about dinner when making out is also an option??

Felix's eyes followed Hyunjin as he turned away to check on the food, "Just weeks ago you didn't even look my way and now you're addicted to me," Felix spoke and pushed himself of the counter to set the table while Hyunjin tries to focus on finishing cooking dinner.

Hyunjin turned off the stove, "I did look at you. Just not when you would notice it."

"Secretive. I like it." Felix chuckled out and smiled at Hyunjin who responded with a soft smile. Hyunjin's face looked so soft, so relaxed and his eyes carried so much love in them it surprised Felix a bit considering he met Hyunjin with thick walls build around himself.

Hyunjin was still hesitant about letting those walls fall but he felt like he could trust Felix, he felt comfortable and at ease around the younger.

"Are you gonna stay after dinner??" Felix asked, hoped.

"You want me to??"

"Yes."

"Then i will," Hyunjin promised and settled down at the table with Felix.

-

Hyunjin buried his face in Felix's pillow and took a deep breath of the scent that lingered in the fabric while Felix was rummaging through his closet to find fitting clothes for Hyunjin to sleep in.

As if Hyunjin doesn't have an entire suitcase with him.

"I can sleep naked too," Hyunjin groaned as he turned onto his back.

Felix snorted. "Yea sure, here," he threw a shirt and pants onto the bed next to Hyunjin who picked the clothes up and headed into the bathroom to change.

oh.

The shirt doesn't fit.

Hyunjin shrugs and continues getting ready for bed, brushing his teeth with a toothbrush he unpacked from his suitcase earlier and washed his face before he returned back to the bedroom where Felix already laid spread out in the bed.

Felix looked up, his eyes widened as he looked over Hyunjin's chest. He couldn't help but stare the defined V-line right above—

"Felix??"

Felix shook his head, a bit too fast but he quickly recovered, "Where's the shirt??"

Hyunjin chuckled and moved to lay down onto the bed where Felix was inviting him under the Blanket already, "Didn't fit. Are you complaining??"

Felix shook his head, "No. But you could've also digged a bit deeper in your luggage and wear your own clothes."

Why Hyunjin didn't do it?? He just didn't feel like it.

Hyunjin rolled his eyes and moved onto his back, his arms resting behind his head and the blanket pooling at his hip. Giving Felix a perfect chance to eye him closely.

Which Felix took without hesitation.

Felix let his finger trace over Hyunjin's defined muscles, he traced the veins that stood out against his Hyunjin's tan skin. His bicep tightened under his touch.

Hyunjin just stared at Felix's face, admiring the freckles that were scattered across the soft skin. "You like what you see??" Hyunjin's voice was soft but slightly teasing as he spoke.

Felix let out a hum in confirmation and settled down as well, his face snuggled against Hyunjin's bicep. His body went limp as soon as he felt Hyunjin's fingers gently scratching against his scalp.

"Seungmin called you Yongbok the other day, is it your Korean name?" Felix only nodded and pulled the blanket higher.

Hyunjin smiled, "Cute..Yongbokkie.." He couldn't hold back a chuckled when he saw Felix covering his flushed red face with the blanket, "Hey..don't cover yourself up."

"Just go to sleep!" Felix snuggled closer, "Good night.."

"Good night..Yongbokkie."

They fell asleep after Hyunjin made it his mission to kiss each freckle on Felix's face and Felix just laid there and giggled. Maybe that's why Hyunjin didn't want to stop.

The giggles sounded like music to his ears.

Like happiness.

——

Hyunjin woke up to the bed side cold. He stretched out his long limps and wiped the sleep out of his eyes before sitting up to look around. He felt too lazy to get up and walk through the apartment so he reached for his phone and scrolled to find Felix's contact before pressing onto the call button.

Hwang Hyunjin [09:26AM]: incoming call
Hwang Hyunjin [09:27AM]: where are you??

Lee Felix [09:29AM]: Showering

Hwang Hyunjin [09:29AM]: incoming video call

Lee Felix [09:30AM]: Hyunjin!!!

Hwang Hyunjin [09:30AM]: ;)

Lee Felix [09:30AM]: There's still brownies from your gift and also coffee

A wide smile made it's way onto Hyunjin's face, he got up right away to head into the kitchen. A cold shower rushed over his naked back when he walked through the hallway, making him miss the warmth of the bed but he needed coffee and more so, he wanted the brownies.

Hyunjin made himself a cup of coffee and took a plate of brownies - maybe too much to call it a healthy breakfast but its brownies made by Felix, who could say no, right??

Definitely not Hyunjin.

He settled on the couch and scrolled through his phone. He had a day off but still went through his work mails and made a mental note to answer them later. Hyunjin put the phone down and took a bite of a brownie while his eyes drifted over the Christmas tree.

It does look pretty, he thought.

Hyunjin's thoughts were interrupted when he heard steps coming from the hallway, followed by a cheerful voice, "Good morning!" He looked up to see Felix walk into the living room and sat down onto the couch as well. "

"Slept well?" Felix asked, he leaned against Hyunjin's shoulder and stole a brownie from the plate.

"Yes, very good. Woke up alone though. I rate the service a 6 out of 10. More company in the morning would be great," Hyunjin muttered, trying to stay serious but he couldn't help but chuckle at the end of his sentence.

Felix gasped, pretending to be hurt at the rating,"Whoa!"

"But the coffee is great," Hyunjin shrugged and took another sip.

"By the way, i tried waking you up."

"Minho said i am impossible to wake up"

"Sounds about right"

They stayed in silence while eating the brownies. Felix used to dislike silence, but with Hyunjin it felt comfortable. They didn't need words. Just each others presence was enough.

Hyunjin turned his head towards Felix, he pressed his lips against the soft freckled forehead before mumbling, "Hey Yongbok??"

"mhm?"

"Wanna go to the Christmas market??"

Felix eyes widened, "You sure?" as soon as he received a nod of confirmation he got up to get ready. excitement obvious in his steps. Hyunjin couldn't help but laugh before he followed with a smile.

-

The snow was still falling as they stepped trough the snow laying on the ground. Both had their hands in their pockets, trying to keep them warm. Hyunjin reached for Felix's, pulling it out of Felix's pocket before intertwining their fingers and pushing them into the pocket of his jacket.

Hyunjin gently bumped his shoulder against Felix's, "Warm??"

"Yes. Better than any glove."

They continued walking to the market. It was mostly empty since it was still early, they passed by many wooden stalls, ate sweets and bought cute candles and mugs.

or well.

Felix wanted it.

Hyunjin paid for it.

This time Hyunjin tried to enjoy it a bit more, he doesn't think Christmas will ever be his favorite holiday. But seeing the happiness on Felix's face was worth going through all the Christmas stuff.

They walked along the Han river after Felix spend an hour pulling Hyunjin from booth to booth. Their fingers intertwined and their shoulders brushed together during each step they took.

"Christmas still bad??" Felix asked somewhat careful

Hyunjin shrugged, "I can deal with it," he paused and stopped walking, he turned to face the blond before he continued talking, "As long as i get brownies as a gift."

Felix chuckled and let go of Hyunjin's hand to cup his cheek instead, his thumb tracing Hyunjin's eye mole. "You can get brownies as often as you want."

Hyunjin leaned down, hands wrapping around Felix's waist and lips ghosting over Felix's. "Sounds perfect," he mumbled before he connected their lips, his hands around his waist tightened.

Felix broke the kiss which he received a complaining whine for from the taller, their lips still touching as he mumbled, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Hyunjin said in a soft voice, the smile obvious in his voice, he was just about to lean in for another kiss when he remembered something and he smirked,

"You stared at the handcuffs with a lot interest the other day."

Felix's eyes widened, "Ey!!"

-extra-

New years. Friends and Family came together to celebrate. Hyunjin's and Felix's friends were aware of their Relationship by now and they started to befriend each others Friend's as well, becoming a bit friend group of eight.

Few minutes left until midnight, until the fireworks go off and paint the night sky into many beautiful colors.

Hyunjin took Felix's hand, fingers tightly intertwined as they walked away from the group to a quieter place to enjoy each others presence.

As soon as they stopped walking Felix turned towards Hyunjin and leaned his head against his chest, "I love you."

Hyunjin buried his face in the crown of the blond's hair, taking a deep breath. oh how he loved the scent. "Love you."

Felix jokingly glared up at his boyfriend, "Who?"

"Hm??"

"Who loves me?"

"hmm??"

Felix rolled his eyes but couldn't hold back a giggle. He was simply too weak for the other and so down bad, he couldn't even pretend to be mad for longer than five seconds.

Hyunjin felt his heart fill with warmth at the giggle - his favorite giggle from his favorite person.

The darkness of the sky lightened up as soon as the clock hit 12am, Hyunjin hand reached to tilt Felix's face up. "Happy new year," He mumbled against Felix's lips before placing a peck against them, as soon as Hyunjin pulled back Felix tried chasing after his lips but the upcoming words stopped him, "I love you."

Felix smiled wide before he gripped Hyunjin by his shirt's collar and pulled him down to press their lips together.

"Happy new year...hopefully for many more to follow."