#𝟏𝟑:𝟎𝟎 |✦| ࿐ ࿔ ⸢𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫: 430⸥

[lgcjaejin]

Jaejin feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as if mortally wounded. “You wound me, hyung! Younger? Sure, technically. But let’s not pretend I’m not the more mature one here,” he said with a sly grin. “Besides, with those antlers, you’re serving major middle-school-theater vibes." He glanced at the antlers again, laughter escaping as they strolled toward the market.

At the market, Jaejin let Seyoon dive headfirst into the stalls while he meandered through the colorful displays. A leather keychain shaped like a guitar caught his eye. Does anyone in Type Zero play? He turned it over in his hand before setting it back down. Too specific—it didn’t feel right.

Further down, a collection of mugs with funny slogans made him pause. One read, “World’s Okayest Boss” with an awkwardly filled-in 3/5 star rating. He couldn’t help but snort, picturing Baekhyun’s face when unwrapping it. With a shrug, he handed over a few won to the seller, before claiming the first gift.

Seyoon’s energy was unrelenting. Jaejin glanced over to see him haggling with wild enthusiasm over a pair of daisy-embroidered gloves. Shaking his head, Jaejin chuckled and kept walking, stopping at a stall selling practical outdoor gear. He picked up a pocket-sized multi-tool and turned it over in his hand. Parker might like this— perhaps? or at least find a use for it.

Seyoon’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts before he could decide. “What do I like?” Jaejin echoed, raising a brow. “Oh, you know, the usual—world peace, a jet ski, and maybe a nap that doesn’t get interrupted by training.” He took a gummy bear from Seyoon’s offered packet, biting it in half.

As he spoke, his eyes drifted to another stall displaying hand-stitched tote bags. One in particular caught his attention—a sturdy canvas bag dyed a deep navy blue, with a retro gaming controller meticulously embroidered on the front. The buttons and joysticks were outlined in vibrant reds and yellows, and the phrase “Press Start to Continue” was stitched beneath it in bold, multicolored thread that sparkled faintly under the string lights of the market. It was practical but playful, and he made a mental note of it. That’s definitely Kai.

“But seriously,” he added after a moment, his tone softening, “I don’t need much. Something practical with a bit of heart behind it. Like… a handwritten letter or a playlist someone made just for me. It’s the thought that counts, right?”

Jaejin nudged Seyoon lightly. “You must have a dream gift in mind, huh? If you could pick anything for Christmas, what would it be?"

Off to the Christmas market, they shall go!

"Behave yourself, child!" Seyoon narrowed his eyes at the antler flick. He didn't actually mind in the slightest but decided to feign a little sternness just to see how Jaejin would react. "You are younger than me, right?" He asked as they walked, smiling again because he could not hold his serious expression for long.

The market was not far, and Seyoon saw the vendor who sold him his beanie right away. After having a brief look over the contents on display, he decided to get a pair of gloves for Hyoseop. Some guys would not like knitted gloves with daisies on them because feminine, but he figured Hyoseop would be the opposite since the guy always posted flowers on social media. Besides, daisies meant cheerfulness and new beginnings - very appropriate for the occasion.

While browsing, Seyoon also casually bought whatever snacks he thought were interesting and could keep for a while. He stuffed the whole lot into his backpack and intended to present Parker with a curated munchies box later. Depending on how much money he had left over, he could get some nice wrapping paper for it and a huge ribbon. What was Parker's favorite color again? Hmm, maybe one of the fansites would have that detail. Last time he heard, Baek needed new camera lenses and Kai would probably love one of those figurines of gaming characters.

"What do you like?" He asked Jaejin as he purchased himself a pack of gummy candies. Seyoon figured he deserved it since he was working hard. "Go on, fess up. What kind of gift would make you smile for real? I am collecting this info so I can sell it to your fangirls for big money in the future." He chomped the head off of a gummy bear savagely and offered Jaejin the open packet in case he wanted some.