#4linos holiday series

[4linos]

not about the gift.

hwang hyunjin x gn!reader

synopsis: hyunjin’s beautiful yet expensive christmas present causes an unexpected rift between you.

wc: 1282

part 7/8 holiday series. 🎄

It was Christmas morning, and the soothing glow of the tree's sparkling lights warmed the room. The aroma of fresh coffee persisted in the air, while outside, a little sprinkling of snow transformed the area into a winter wonderland. Everything seemed perfect.

You and Hyunjin had been planning this holiday together for weeks, discussing ways to celebrate. As always, you wanted to keep things simple, enjoy each other's company, and concentrate on the tiny, meaningful moments. You had decided on a budget for your gifts since you wanted to keep things fair, especially when your funds didn't exactly match. Hyunjin, with his work and success, made far more than you, and you'd always been clear that you didn't want him to feel obligated to spend excessively on you. "I don't need anything big," you said a few weeks ago, smiling to comfort him. "Let's keep things simple. It's about the thought, not the price."

But now, as you sat on the couch, surrounded by wrapping paper and scattered gifts, you noticed a tightening in your chest. Hyunjin's present to you was a nicely wrapped package filled with expectation. His eyes were bright with enthusiasm as he gave it to you, and his smile was wide, almost as if he couldn't wait for you to open it. "Go ahead," he urged, his voice filled with excitement. "I think you'll really love it." You smiled back, appreciating his excitement, but as you untied the ribbon and peeled back the paper, your heart sank.

Inside the box was a beautiful customized necklace made of gold and diamonds, with your initials inscribed in elegant calligraphy. The price was apparent, much exceeding anything you had expected or desired. It was gorgeous, but it also served as a reminder of everything that had gone unspoken, and everything that had been slowly piling up inside you. Hyunjin's eyes were bright as he waited for your response, but you couldn't force yourself to smile. Instead, your face dropped. You could feel the warmth leaving the room, and an uneasy hush fell between you.

"Hyunjin..." you began, barely above a whisper, but the words remained in your throat. He looked at you, his smile fading as he saw your reaction. "What's wrong?" Don't you like it? I thought you would love it." You opened your mouth to speak but struggled to form the words. Finally, you took a deep breath and forced yourself to be honest, even if the words came out sharper than you planned. "I told you not to get something like this," you murmured, your voice quivering from frustration. "I told you we should stick to the budget we agreed on. I do not... I don't need anything like this."

Hyunjin looked taken aback, evidently upset by your words. His expression changed from confusion to defensiveness, and the room began to get colder for a brief while. "I thought you'd be happy," he replied, his voice softer but with an edge to it. "I wanted to give you something special. "Something you deserved." You drew a breath, but it did not make you feel better. The frustration you had been suppressing for weeks finally erupted, and you couldn't stop it. "You don't get it, do you?" you said. “You always do this. You go out of your way to buy expensive things, that I can't afford to purchase in return. Do you think I don’t feel that?”

Hyunjin's face fell, his eyes widening with a mix of uncertainty and pain. "What do you mean?" "I worked extra hours this month," you explained, your voice trembling with emotion. "I worked my ass off to get you something, even if it wasn't nearly as expensive as this. I wanted to show you how much I care, yet it doesn't feel important. You ignored what I said, and now I feel like I’m not enough.”

The words were out before you could stop them, and when they were, you felt a strong sense of regret. Hyunjin had just tried to do something nice for you, something he felt you would like. But the contrast between his extravagant gift and your small one was too much, and the difference hurt more than you could have imagined.

He opened his lips to say something, but you could feel the hurt in his eyes, as if you were both on different wavelengths at the time. His shoulders fell, and for a little, agonizing moment, you both stared at each other in silence.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel this way,” he finally said, his voice hoarse, like it took all of him to get the words out. “I just wanted to make you feel special. You mean everything to me, and I wanted to show you how much I care, but I see now that I messed up. I’m sorry.”

You sat there, feeling the weight of his apology, but it didn’t make the hurt go away. You had wanted something simple, something you could share and enjoy together, not a reminder of the differences between you. You had wanted to feel like you were on equal footing, but instead, you felt small, like you didn’t measure up.

You glanced at the necklace again, feeling the ache in your chest deepen. “It’s not about the gift,” you said softly, your eyes beginning to water. “It’s about the fact that I don’t feel like you understand. I’ve told you how I feel, but you keep doing this making me feel like I can’t keep up.”

Hyunjin’s face crumpled in regret. He reached out for your hand, his touch gentle, but you pulled it back, unable to meet his gaze.

“I didn’t think about that,” he said, his voice full of shame. “I’m sorry. I wanted to make you happy, but I see now that I made it worse. You’re right, I didn’t listen to what you said.”

You sat in silence for a while, unsure what to say next. The weight of the fight lingered, heavy and unyielding, but you still wanted to make things right. You still loved him and didn't want the day to be ruined, but it felt like the holes in your relationship were expanding, exposing issues neither of you had previously addressed. Finally, you spoke, your voice gentle and laced with regret. "I don't want to fight. I just want us to be on the same page. I want us to be able to talk about things openly without turning into this."

Hyunjin nodded, his eyes filled with emotion. "I promise to do better. I will listen to you. Whatever happens, I'll make sure we're on the same page. I never wanted to make you feel this way. I'm really sorry." You looked at him, saw the sincerity in his eyes, and despite your pain, you felt a glimmer of hope. It would take time to work through this and find a method to balance your different stages of life, but maybe, just maybe, you could do it together.

You reached for his hand, this time letting him take it, the warmth of his touch grounding you.

“I don’t want anything to come between us,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I just want to be with you.”

Hyunjin squeezed your hand gently, his thumb brushing over your skin in reassurance. “I want that too. I want us to be happy, together. Let’s make it right, okay?”

You nodded, and for the first time that morning, you both breathed a little easier. The gift may have caused a rift, but it was only a moment, and you weren’t going to let it define your relationship.

Together, you’d figure it out.

//

[taglist: @lixies-favorite-cookie..]

[4linos]

home for the holidays.

bang chan x gn!reader

synopsis: it has always been difficult to celebrate christmas when you live far from your family. this year, however, chan surprises you with an unforgettable and heartwarming present that will make this christmas one you will always treasure.

wc: 815

part 6/8 holiday series. 🎄

You'd lived in your new city for years, and while you enjoyed your life with Chan and everything you'd built, there was always a subtle longing for your family back home.

The holidays, particularly Christmas, were the most challenging. The distance made it difficult to visit frequently, and while video conversations and messages were helpful, they weren't quite the same as being with them in person.

However, this year's Christmas felt different. Chan had been hinting at a big surprise for weeks, which had kept him both excited and secretive. He repeated it every chance he got, with a smile so wide that you couldn't help but share his excitement, even if you had no idea what he had planned. His enthusiasm was infectious, but you still didn’t know exactly what to expect.

Christmas morning arrived, and after a morning of gift exchanges and laughs with a cup of coffee, Chan brought you to the living room, where you sat on the couch with him in front of you. "Close your eyes," he instructed. You couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement in your chest, as if this was the moment you'd finally find out what he'd been talking about all month.

You waited with your eyes closed, the anticipation building, until you heard your parents' familiar voices. Your heart stopped for a second, and you quickly opened your eyes to see both of your parents standing in front of you with beaming smiles and arms wide open. They were here. In your home. Your family, who you hadn't seen in years, stood there in front of you. The shock of it all overwhelmed you, and you were unable to speak for a brief moment. Your hands shook somewhat as you gazed between them and Chan. "Chan... You—" You attempted to find the words, but your emotions had already taken over.

Chan smiled warmly and stepped forward to take you into an embrace, his arms warm around you. "I thought you deserved to have them here for Christmas," he added quietly, stroking a strand of hair away from your face. "I couldn't let another Christmas go by without you being with your family." Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked at your parents, who were still standing there, astonished by your emotional outburst. They stepped forward, hugging you tightly, and you clung to them as if you couldn't believe they were real and that they were actually here.

After the shock settled, you all gathered around the table for breakfast. The whole time, your parents kept mentioning how this was all Chan’s idea. Your mom couldn’t stop talking about how thoughtful and generous he had been, always making sure they didn’t have to pay for their flights, insisting on taking care of everything.

“He wouldn’t let us pay for a single thing,” your mom said, eyes sparkling as she looked at Chan. “He wanted to make sure we could all be here with you. You’re lucky to have him.”

Your dad chuckled, nodding in agreement. "He's absolutely a keeper, honey. "You got yourself a good one." Your heart swelled as you gazed at Chan, who appeared humbled by their praise. He smiled at you, his palm softly resting on yours, and you felt overwhelmed with love and appreciation for everything he had done for you. You had known how wonderful he was before, but now you could see just how deeply he cared for you and your family, going out of his way to make this Christmas perfect. It wasn't only the great gesture of flying your parents out, but the attention to detail that made it so meaningful.

"I'm so thankful for you," you said to Chan, leaning in to tenderly kiss his cheek. He smiled and grasped your hand. "I'm just happy to see you happy."

As you spent the day laughing, eating, and reminiscing with your family, you couldn't help but reflect on how much your life had changed in the best way. Christmas, previously melancholy due to your distance from your family, had become a reminder of all the love in your life both from those close and far, and especially from the guy who had made it all possible.

Later, as you and Chan sat on the couch together, watching your parents happily converse in the next room, you looked to him with an appreciative smile. "You've given me everything I could ask for Christmas this year. Thank you for making this so wonderful."

He wrapped his arm around you, pulling you close. “You don’t need to thank me. Seeing you so happy is the best gift I could ask for.”

And with that, you knew that no matter what the future held, this Christmas would be one to remember forever as a perfect moment in time, filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family.

[4linos]

the ugly truth.

lee know x gn!reader

synopsis: thinking it's an ugly sweater competition, minho is tricked into wearing an ugly sweater to seungmin’s party. the joke is evident as he enters, but minho ends up taking the spotlight and laughing along.

wc: 600

(a/n: part 1/8 holiday series 🎄.)

You and Minho were getting ready for Seungmin's Christmas party when you double-checked the invitation on your phone. "Ugly sweater party," it announced, and Minho took it very seriously. He was currently adjusting his excessively flashy sweater in the mirror, which was bright green with blinking lights, a plush Santa stitched to the front, and an obnoxiously huge "Ho Ho Ho" on the back.

"Do I look amazing or what?" Minho grinned and spun for you.

"You look... something," you joked.

Just as you were about to leave, your phone vibrated with a text from Felix.

felix: I don't think seungmin expects minho to wear an ugly sweater.

felix: the prank is just for minho

felix: no one else is dressed up lol

Your stomach dropped but you could immediately imagine Minho going into the party, clueless, thinking he was killing the theme. It was going to be hilarious. You quickly texted Felix back.

you: Say nothing.

you: I'll handle it.

"Actually," you said, putting on a casual jacket, "Felix said he accidentally grabbed my sweater and took it home. I'll just take it from him when we get there."

Minho shrugged. "It's your loss. All of the attention will be on me anyway."

When the door to Seungmin's apartment opened, you could tell Felix wasn't kidding. Everyone inside was dressed in trendy, casual holiday outfits, with nothing close to ugly sweaters.

Minho stepped in confidently, his sweater's LED lights glowing obnoxiously in sync with a muffled Christmas song.

Then, all at once, laughter erupted. Seungmin doubled over, pointing to Minho's sweater, as Chan and Hyunjin howled from the couch. Felix gave you a thumbs-up from across the room, hardly holding back his laughter.

Minho froze, looking at the crowd and then back to you. His eyes narrowed as he realized what had happened. "Wait a minute," he murmured softly, his ears starting to get red. "You KNEW this wasn't an ugly sweater party, didn't you?"

You struggled to keep a straight expression, but it was difficult. "What? No! I thought it was! Why else would you look so...?" You nodded vaguely at him, stifling a laugh, "Festive?"

"You don't even have your sweater!" he accused, tugging on the side of your jacket.

"I told you," you said casually. "Felix took mine. "I'll grab it later."

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair as everyone else laughed. Seungmin approached, wiping away tears in his eyes. "You might be the highlight of the night," he remarked, chuckling. "That sweater is a masterpiece."

Minho shot him a glare before turning back to you, his embarrassment only growing as you couldn't stop laughing. "You're so dead when we get home," he whispered, his voice tinged with laughter.

"Oh, come on," you teased, brushing his chest, which prompted yet another blinking pattern. "You are stealing the show! Besides, you look adorable."

He let out an exaggerated groan but couldn't stop a slight smirk from spreading across his face. "This is the last time I trust any of you."

The rest of the night was spent with everyone taking pictures of Minho in his ridiculous sweater. Eventually, he couldn't help but laugh along especially when Seungmin declared him the "best prank victim" award.

On the way home, Minho finally sighed, squeezing your hand. “You’re lucky I have a good sense of humor.”

“Hey, it was worth it,” you replied, resting your head on his shoulder. “You’re still the life of the party. No one can top that sweater.”

“Next year,” he warned, “I’m getting my revenge on Seungmin. And you.”

//

[taglist: @lixies-favorite-cookie ..]

nini’s notes

in honor of this silly holiday fic..here’s some clips of 2min laughing at/teasing each other (🐰 🐶 🐰🐶)

asks are always open if you have a question, request, or concern!

[4linos]

takeout and true love.

han jisung x gn!reader

synopsis: jisung’s cooking mistake leads to an unexpected christmas dinner of takeout, but an honest conversation helps clear the air, reminding both of you what truly matters.

wc: 1338

part 4/8 holiday series. 🎄

It had been a long day, filled with both anticipation and unspoken stress. You'd spent hours in the kitchen, carefully planning and cooking the perfect Christmas dinner. You knew how much this meant to both of you, especially Jisung, who had never experienced Christmas in this way before. The idea of making a particular memory for him, the two of you together on this special day, filled your heart with both joy and anxiety.

You had everything planned out, from the appetizers, main dish, and side dishes, all perfectly planned. The main dish was a golden-brown roasted turkey stuffed with herbs and spices and gleaming with a rich glaze that would undoubtedly impress. The table was set, candles flickered, and Christmas music played quietly in the background. You could already envision Jisung's eyes lighting up as he saw the feast you had prepared for him.

But, as excited as you were about the dinner, there was also a sense of stress. You wanted everything to be perfect, and the pressure to get it perfectly began to weigh hard on you. This wasn't just about the food, you realized; it was about showing Jisung how much you cared, how valuable the relationship was to you, and how much you wanted this Christmas to be memorable.

As you worked in the kitchen, Jisung entered, eyes wide and full of eagerness. He smiled, as he often did when he was excited to help, his enthusiasm palpable. “Can I help with anything?” he asked, his voice hopeful. You’d hesitated at first. You loved him, but you also liked doing things yourself, especially when it was something you cared so deeply about.

Still, his persistent offers and puppy-like eyes made you relent.

Maybe this is something we can do together,

you thought, feeling a bit guilty for trying to handle it all on your own.

You assigned him a few easy tasks, but as you continued to juggle the various dishes, you couldn't help but notice that Jisung, despite his best intentions, seemed to be too enthusiastic and careless with things. When it came time for him to help with the turkey, you reminded him to be cautious, this was the main course, after all. But, eager to prove himself, he ignored the time, the heat, and the careful steps you had had mapped out.

And that was when it happened: the smell of burnt meat filled the air, choking out the savory aromas that had once made you feel so proud. You felt your stomach drop. Whipping around, you saw Jisung’s panicked expression as smoke wafted out from the oven. He fumbled with the mitts, pulling out a charred, unrecognizable mess that had once been your perfectly seasoned turkey. It was ruined.

“I—uh—” he stammered, his voice laced with guilt. “I think I turned the wrong knob…”

It wasn't only the food that felt ruined; the entire evening. The stress that had been building up all day suddenly erupted. You couldn't hold it in any longer. All of the little irritations you had been suppressing, the pressure to make everything perfect, and the dread that everything would fail to meet expectations, came rushing out. “Why didn’t you just leave it alone?!” you snapped, “I told you I’d handle it! I’ve been working on this all day, and now it’s completely ruined!”

The words came out sharper than you intended, cutting into him, and the look on his face told you everything. He wasn’t angry. He was just… hurt. You could see it in the way his shoulders slumped, his eyes faltering. It was like you’d slapped him without meaning to.

You felt a rush of guilt hit you almost immediately. You knew that this wasn't his fault. He was just trying to help. Instead of recognizing his gesture, you unleashed your frustration and disappointment on him.

Eventually you decided to give up on the ruined dinner completely. There was no purpose in recovering something that couldn't be repaired. You ordered takeout, nothing extravagant, just something to fill the void where a grand dinner should have been. It did not seem right, but it seemed like the only option.

As you both sat in front of the dazzling Christmas lights, the room was now illuminated solely by their soft glow, and the image was distant from what you had imagined. The lights, which should have been the finishing touch, now appeared to mock you. Instead of warmth, they heightened the tension in the air, the discomfort hanging between you two like a heavy curtain. The dinner, while good, didn't give any consolation. It was only a diversion. You could not concentrate on it. The taste of sorrow stayed in your mouth longer than the food did. You felt ashamed of your reaction. This was not the night you had hoped for, and you were aware that you had ruined it.

You couldn’t stay silent anymore. The guilt gnawed at you, and you knew you needed to make things right. This was supposed to be special. You couldn’t let it end on this note.

You turned to him, your heart heavy, and spoke softly. “Jisung… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the day with my attitude. I… I’ve been so stressed trying to make everything perfect, and when it all went wrong, I didn’t know how to handle it. But I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. You were just trying to help, and I snapped at you. I feel terrible.”

For a moment, Jisung said nothing. He simply looked at you, his hand laying on the table, fingers nervously tapping. Then he carefully grasped your hand into his. The warmth of his touch caused your heart to throb even more. "It's okay," he said calmly. His voice was soft and compassionate, not angry. He smiled, but it was gentle, mournful, and full of something deeper. "The food isn't important. "You're what makes Christmas special for me."

His words hit you harder than you expected. You had been so caught up in the idea of perfection, in the little details, that you had forgotten the most important thing of all: he was here, with you, and that was enough.

The dinner didn’t need to be perfect for it to be meaningful. What mattered was the time you spent together, the way you cared for each other, and the love you shared.

You realized, suddenly, that everything you had worked so hard for, the flawless meal, the immaculate decorations, the perfect Christmas wasn’t what made the holiday special. It was the connection you had with Jisung. It was the way he showed up for you, even when things weren’t perfect. It was how he loved you, even when you were stressed or frustrated or snapped at him.

“You’re right,” you said, your voice trembling slightly as you looked at him. “I got so caught up in trying to make everything perfect that I forgot about what actually matters. I’m sorry for taking it out on you. You make Christmas special, not anything on this table.”

Jisung squeezed your hand gently, his thumb brushing over your skin in a calming gesture. “And you make my Christmas perfect, no matter what happens.”

Jisung pulled you onto his lap and wrapped you in his arms as the Christmas lights shed a warm glow over the room. "I love you," you said softly, your voice muffled against his shoulder. "I love you, too," he said, laying a kiss on your temple. "Even if you yell at me over burned food." You drew back to swat him lightly, but the laughter that bubbled between you felt like the greatest gift of all. Christmas may not have gone exactly as planned, but as you sat in Jisung's arms, you realized it didn't matter. You already had him, so that was enough.

[4linos]

the gingerbread fix.

kim seungmin x gn!reader

synopsis: after seungmin unintentionally ruins the gingerbread house you’ve worked hard on, the two of you rebuild together, learning the importance of compromise and enjoying the process.

wc: 989

part 5/8 holiday series. 🎄

The week before Christmas, you’d come up with a fun idea, a gingerbread house decorating competition. You were excited about it, knowing that you and Seungmin could have a fun, festive time together. You’d gathered everything, the gingerbread kits, icing, sprinkles, and candy. It was going to be a lighthearted and playful competition to see who could create the best house, but you didn’t anticipate just how seriously you’d take it.

The night of the competition arrived, and the air was filled with a delicious smell of sugar and gingerbread. Seungmin was enthusiastic at at first, but when it came to decorating, he turned into the class clown. You concentrated on the house, carefully decorating every inch, placing the candy, and ensuring the frosting stayed neatly piped. Meanwhile, Seungmin slapped some frosting here and there, paying little attention to any kind of structure.

With each passing minute, you became more focused. You couldn't help yourself, it wasn't just about winning; it was about doing something special, showing that you cared about doing it right. Seungmin, on the other hand, was having a good time, nonchalantly bothering you as he randomly added candy canes and took nibbles out of the candy pieces. Every time you looked over, he gave you a grin, as if the whole thing was a joke to him. You tried to hold back your increasing frustration, but it came out when Seungmin, chuckling to himself, leaned over and touched your gingerbread house, just to tease you.

The whole thing crumbled.

You froze, staring in disbelief at the pile of crumbled gingerbread. Your heart dropped. You'd worked so hard to make that house perfect, and now it was ruined. Seungmin, still chuckling, stared up at you with wide eyes. He hadn't realized how serious you were about this. "Seungmin," you asked, your voice tight with rage. "What did you do?" His face fell, and he moved back. "Wait, I didn't mean to—" "No! "I've been working on this for hours, and you just…ruined it," you snapped, your words coming out harder than intended. His expression showed guilt, but the frustration was too much.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, his voice genuine. “I didn’t mean to mess it up. I was just joking around…”

You shook your head, biting back the anger and disappointment welling up inside you. “I don’t need you to joke around. I thought this was supposed to be fun, but now you’ve ruined it.”

Seungmin stood there, looking helpless. “I didn’t realize you were taking it so seriously.”

You folded your arms across your chest, hurt. “It’s not about that, Seungmin. It’s just… I wanted this to be something special. I wanted to share something with you, but instead you made me feel like it didn’t matter.”

The room fell silent for a minute. Seungmin, for the first time all night, looked completely serious. "I'm really sorry. "I didn't mean to hurt you." He hesitated, then looked down at the mess on the table. "I’ll fix it. "I promise." You didn't respond immediately away, the anger still simmering, but you were beginning to feel the sting of guilt yourself. You snapped at him when he didn't deserve it. You were frustrated and disappointed, but it didn't mean he deserved to be on the receiving end of it.

Later that evening, you went to the kitchen to grab a snack, still giving Seungmin the silent treatment. You were hurt, but you didn’t want to escalate things further. But as you opened the fridge, you heard him come in behind you.

"Sit down," he urged gently, putting you onto the table. "We're not giving up on this." Before you could argue, he had left the room, returning shortly after with two new gingerbread house kits and an apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry for messing around," he said cautiously, placing the boxes on the table. "Let's do it properly this time, together." You sighed, but couldn't keep the slight smile tugging at the edges of your lips. Despite everything, he was trying. He really was.

“Okay, fine,” you said, sitting back down. “Let’s do it again.”

So the two of you began again, this time more focused and serious. Seungmin, who had not been trying too hard before, now worked quietly beside you, delicately piped the icing, and set the candies with care. His gingerbread house was still a little disorganized, but there was something adorable about how hard he worked to improve things.

As the night progressed, you both began to relax. Your frustration gradually faded away, replaced with laughter as you giggled about how horrible Seungmin's house was looking. Even his decorating attempts failed miserably, but you couldn't help but laugh at how hard he was trying. "You're not winning this time," you mocked, staring at his house, which was leaning to one side and consisted of more sweets than actual construction. Seungmin grumbled, obviously dejected but taking it in stride. "Alright, fine. "I’ll let you win."

You grinned, finally feeling the tension dissipate. “Thanks for letting me win. That’s very generous of you.”

Seungmin smiled sheepishly, giving you a playful shove. “I’m just happy we’re not fighting anymore.”

You both sat back, looking at your respective gingerbread houses, your hearts lighter than they had been earlier. “I’m sorry, too,” you said, your voice soft. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. I was just really excited about this.”

He smiled at you, and the warmth in his gaze made you forget about the previous tension. "It's okay. I'm just glad we're doing this together." "Yeah," you replied, leaning against him. "Next year, though, we're definitely doing this seriously." Seungmin laughed and wrapped his arm around you. "Next year, we'll have an even bigger competition. But for now, let us just enjoy this." And with that, you both giggled together, enjoying the moment while the Christmas lights flickered softly in the backdrop.

//

[taglist: @lixies-favorite-cookie..]

[4linos]

lost and found on christmas eve.

lee felix x gn!reader

synopsis: as you wait for felix in the christmas market, you receive a shocking call from the hospital telling you that felix has been hurt.

wc: 999

part 3/8 holiday series. 🎄

The chilly air bites at your skin as you stand beneath the glittering lights of the Christmas market, staring nervously at your phone for the umpteenth time. The joyful mood around you, laughter, the scent of gingerbread, the calm music playing feels harsh in comparison to the growing tension in your chest. Felix was supposed to meet you an hour ago, and despite your attempts to be patient, the minutes felt like they went on forever. You try to call. 

No response.

You remember his earlier message, in which he told you he was running late due to traffic and the icy ground, but his explanations aren't helping your growing worries. Felix isn't normally this late, and the longer he takes, the worse the gnawing feeling gets. Something's not right.

Then your phone rings. An unknown number appears on the screen, and your stomach sinks. You almost don't want to respond, a part of you wants to pretend everything is okay that he has only been caught up somewhere else. But you know. You know. With shaky fingertips, you swipe the screen to respond.

"Hello?"

There’s a brief pause before a deep, unfamiliar voice cuts through the line. “Is this Y/N?” 

“Yes, yes it is. Who’s this?” Your voice is already tight with anxiety.

“Hello, this is St. Mary’s Hospital. We’ve had a patient brought in, Felix Lee. He asked if we could call you to let you know he's here. He slipped on some ice while walking. He’s conscious, but he’s sustained some serious bruising and we’re taking precautions. You should come down right away.”

You freeze. Everything around you seems to stop. 

Felix. Hospital. Ice. 

Words blur together, and you can feel the ground beneath you shift as your heart races. Every possible bad scenario comes to mind, broken bones, concussions, internal problems, anything. You can't breathe or think clearly. All you can think about is that he's injured, and you need to get to him right away.

Without thinking, you hang up. You don't even remember what you said to the person on the phone, but the next thing you know, you're in a cab, your pulse pounding in your chest as the world outside whirls by in a swirl of lights and snowflakes.

As you run through the hospital doors, you can't help but imagine the worst-case scenario.

What if it's worse than they said?

Everything feels distant, as if the air around you has thickened with dread. The receptionist's words are a blur, and you don't even register her directions until you're standing before Felix's room, the door slightly open.

You hesitate. You take a deep breath and shakily push the door open.

The sight that greets you is nearly overwhelming. Felix is lying in a hospital bed, a sharp contrast to the upbeat, playful man you know. His face is pale, except for the heavy bruises that cover his cheek and jaw. His left arm is in a sling, and an IV is in his hand. His bright, sparkling eyes are open, but there’s a softness to them now, something fragile that you’ve never seen before.

And then he smiles. 

It's weak and apologetic, but it's there just for you. You freeze as fear floods your system once more, but this time it's a different type of panic. It is not simply fear. It's a state of frustration. It is a state of confusion.

He attempts to sit up, wincing at the effort. "Hey, I'm okay," he says, his voice hoarse but comforting. "I know I'm a mess, but it's not as awful as it looks. "I didn't want to scare you."

You can't talk. You can't think. All you can do is look at him, your heart thumping violently in your chest as the feelings you've been holding back spill forth. The concern. The frustration. The relief. The fear.

"Felix," you murmur, your voice cracking as the tears finally fall. "You scared me so bad. I did not know... I wasn't sure if you'd be okay, and I—" The words stick in your throat, and you struggle to keep your balance. "I thought... I thought I was going to lose you."

Felix's gaze softens immediately, as guilt washed over him. He attempts to raise his good hand toward you, his fingers softly caressing the side of your face, almost as if to apologize for making you feel this way.

"I'm so sorry," he says softly, his voice full of remorse. "I didn't mean to. I just don't know. I slipped. I was being careless. I never wanted you to go through that."

His words tumble out, each tinged with regret, but your emotions shift once again. The frustration, the irritation, begins to subside. It's still there, a slight edge, but what you're feeling right now is just... love. Love and relief. Felix is here, and he will be okay.

You felt his words wrap around your heart like a balm, and despite the tears streaming down your cheeks, a little smile tugged on your lips. "You're lucky you're so cute," you said, your voice full with emotion. Felix grinned gently then winced as his ankle throbbed. 

He drew you in, his arms cautiously wrapping around you, conscious of his injuries. You buried your face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent and the warmth of his embrace, which anchored you. "I'm so sorry," he murmured softly into your hair. "I promise this won't happen again."

"I know," you said gently, your heart remaining heavy but beginning to ease. "Do not do anything like this again. Please." Felix lightly kissed the top of your head, bringing you closer to him. "I will never." I'll be here. Always." You stayed like that for a long time, just holding each other and allowing the stillness to settle about you. The frustration had vanished leaving only a strong sense of love and relief between you two. He was with you, so everything else could wait.

//

asks are always open if you have a question, concern or request!

[taglist: @lixies-favorite-cookie..]

[4linos]

when love shows up late.

seo changbin x gn!reader

synopsis: you feel neglected as the night goes by as you wait for changbin. his surprise appearance provides comfort as he apologizes sincerely and admits he misunderstood your initial plans.

wc: 928

[part 2/8 holiday series 🎄]

The snow was falling softly outside, casting a sparkling white sheen on the streets, and the aroma of pine from the Christmas tree filled your living room. You had spent hours planning for tonight, your first Christmas Eve with Changbin. The table was set with candles, the lights on the tree twinkled, and you'd even played his favorite Christmas music. But as the hours passed, your excitement faded into confusion, and then sadness. You made plans to spend Christmas Eve together.

Or you thought you did.

It was late, the food had gone cold, and your phone stayed silent. There were no calls, no messages, and absolutely no sign of him.

You tried to argue with yourself. Maybe he got caught with his family or work. Maybe something urgent came up. But the thought that he had just forgotten about you gnawed at your heart. It wasn't like him to forget, but the stillness seemed to be an explanation in itself. Finally, unable to handle the agony in your chest any longer, you sent him a hesitant text:

Hey..I thought we were spending Christmas Eve together? I hope everything’s okay.

The message went unanswered. You stared at your phone for what seemed like hours, a knot rising in your throat as tears threatened to spill out. All you wanted was to spend this special night with him, but now you felt like the only one who cared. By the time the clock struck ten, your hopes were almost completely vanished. You turned off the lights on the tree, blew out the candles, and cuddled up on the couch, clutching a blanket over you to keep the chill of loneliness out.

Then, just as you were about to close your eyes and give in to the exhaustion of the night, there was a knock at the door.

You sat up, your heart leaping in your chest despite yourself.

It couldn’t be him… could it?

Wiping at your face quickly, you shuffled to the door, opening it with shaky hands.

There he was, Changbin, standing in the softly falling snow, his breath visible in the cold air. He looked nervous, almost sheepish, but his eyes softened the moment they met yours. In one hand, he held a bag filled with your favorite snacks, and in the other, a small wrapped gift.

“I thought we were meeting here later…” he said, his voice quiet and filled with regret. “I’m so sorry if I made you feel forgotten. I swear, I didn’t mean to mess this up.”

Your chest tightened, a mix of relief and lingering hurt washing over you. “You didn’t call, Changbin. I thought… I thought you forgot about me.”

His eyes widened, and he shook his head quickly. "No. "Never," he murmured, moving closer. "I thought you'd be with your family first, and we'd meet here later. I had everything ready, but when I saw your texts, I realized I screwed up." He held the bag up in his hand. "I even got all your favorite snacks to surprise you, but I didn't realize you were waiting for me this whole time." You stared at him, torn between wanting to stay angry and feeling warm inside from his obvious sincerity. His gaze was earnest, full of apology, and his usual confident demeanor had been replaced with a vulnerability that made it impossible to stay upset.

“I was waiting,” you said softly, tears threatening again. “I wanted tonight to be special, and when you didn’t show up, I thought… maybe it wasn’t as important to you.”

Changbin's face fell, and he stepped closer, holding you in his strong arms. The warmth of his embrace broke the last of your resolve, and you melted against him, letting the tears to flow freely. "It is important to me," he said softly into your hair, his voice full of emotion. "You are important to me." I'm really sorry for making you feel this way. I never want you to think you don't matter to me.”

You clung to to him, the strain in your chest melting away as his words wrapped around your heart like a blanket. "I just..." You muttered, "I felt so alone."

“I know,” he said, pulling back just enough to look into your eyes. “I promise, I’ll do better. Next time, let’s double-check the plans, okay? I don’t want to spend another second without you.”

You nodded, a small smile forming through your tears. "Okay." He leaned down and gently kissed your forehead. "Merry Christmas," he whispered softly, holding out a present in his hand. "I know I messed up, but I hope this makes up for it a little."

You opened the gift to reveal a beautiful necklace with a little star charm. "I saw this and thought of you," he explained. "You are my star, you know. Even when I make mistakes, you are always there to guide me back.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and you slipped the necklace on, feeling its weight settle against your chest like a symbol of his love. “Thank you,” you said, your voice steady now. “And Merry Christmas, Changbin.”

He smiled and pulled you back into his arms. "Let's make the rest of tonight perfect," he murmured, his voice warm and determined.

And as you sat together on the couch, sharing snacks and laughter under the glow of the Christmas lights, you realized that sometimes, love wasn’t about getting everything right the first time. It was about learning, growing, and never letting each other feel alone, especially on Christmas.

//

asks are always open if you have a question, concern, or request!

[taglist: @lixies-favorite-cookie..]

[4linos]

together at last.

yang jeongin x gn!reader

synopsis: what began as a lonely christmas morning transforms when you join jeongin’s family.

wc: 1231

part 8/8 holiday series. 🎄

It was Christmas morning, and you were staring at the empty space across from you, holding a cup of coffee but feeling cold inside. The room was warm, lighted by twinkling lights from the tree you had meticulously decorated, but it felt unusually quiet. You had already accepted that you would be alone this Christmas. Jeongin had warned you about a month ago that he would have to work through the holidays, taking on last-minute activities that couldn't be avoided. While you understood, it didn't make things easier. You tried not to make a big deal of it, saying that you'd be okay. But now that Christmas is here, it seemed a touch too heavy.

You'd spent the morning scrolling through your phone, checking messages from friends and relatives. They all wished you a Merry Christmas, but the loneliness gnawed at you, particularly when Jeongin's name appeared on your screen. "Hey, baby," you replied with a forced smile, attempting to disguise your sadness. "Hey, Merry Christmas!" He spoke softly and warmly, as he always did. "How's everything?" You sighed, attempting to hide the disappointment in your tone. “It’s good. Just... you know, quiet. Just me here.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and you could tell Jeongin had noticed the change in your tone. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, his worry clear. You didn't want to admit how much it hurt to be alone, especially because you'd planned to spend the day with him, but you couldn't disguise it. "I'll be fine." "Just... kind of lonely, you know?" You bit your lip and regretted the words as soon as they left your mouth. He was silent for a minute, and when he spoke again, he did it in an apologetic tone, which just added to the weight of the situation. "I’m really sorry; I know you were looking forward to this... I wish I could be there!

“I know,” you whispered, glancing at the gifts you had wrapped for his family, sitting untouched on the table. “It’s just... hard, I guess.”

“I hate that you’re spending Christmas like this,” Jeongin said, his voice tight with emotion. “You deserve better.”

The words hurt more than they helped. He sounded so genuine, but it didn’t change the fact that you were sitting there, alone, without him. You tried to push the emotions aside, but they lingered, making it difficult to stay composed.

“It's okay, really,” you said, your voice a little shakier than you intended. “I’ll be fine.”

"I should go, but I'll call you later," Jeongin replied, trying to sound optimistic, but you could sense the sadness in his tone. "I love you." "I love you too," you said, but it seemed hollow in the silence of the room. After hanging up, you sat there for a long, staring at the gifts and felt the emptiness rise. Christmas didn't feel the same without Jeongin by your side, and the quiet house served as a reminder of everything you missed.

Hours passed, and as you became buried in your own thoughts, your phone rang again. It was Jeongin.

“Hey,” he said, his voice this time laced with urgency. “I know I said I had to work, but… listen, my parents want you to come over. They know you’re alone today, and they’ve been asking about you. I told them you were spending today by yourself, and they insisted that you come over. They’re expecting you.”

You hesitated, unsure of what to say. Your mind instantly went to all the reasons it would be awkward, his family might feel pity for you, you didn’t want to intrude on their celebration. But then you thought of Jeongin’s voice, how he sounded so sad that you were alone. It softened your heart, and his invitation didn’t feel like a guilt trip.

“I don’t know, Jeongin…” you started, unsure. “Are you sure they won’t mind? I don’t want to be a bother.”

“I’m sure. You’re not a bother, I promise,” Jeongin insisted. “Please, just come. I need you to be here, too.”

You closed your eyes and felt the weight of the decision. You knew you couldn't make this Christmas better on your by yourself, and the idea of being surrounded by people who cared about you, even if it was just for Jeongin's sake, sounded perfect. "Okay," you said quietly. "I will come. "I will be there soon." It wasn't long before you arrived at Jeongin's parents' house, your heart racing with eagerness and your hands slightly trembling from the day's overpowering emotions. You'd made your decision, but now reality was hitting in.

What if it felt too awkward?

What if his family treated you like a charity case?

However, as you approached the door, you became uneasy, thinking whether you were making the correct decision. Before you could knock, the door flung open, and there stood Jeongin, looking more relieved than you had ever seen him. "Hey," he replied softly, moving forward with a kind smile on his face. His eyes were warm, but they also included a hint of apprehension, as if he had been waiting for this moment all day. "I'm so glad you're here."

Without thinking, you slipped into his arms, felt a weight lift off your shoulders. You hadn't realized how much you needed it until that very moment. His embrace engulfed you like a cocoon, and you felt tears well up in the back of your eyes. "I was so worried you'd spend the day alone," Jeongin muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "When I heard how sad you sounded earlier, I couldn't let you be alone. You mean everything to me, and I couldn't take the idea of you being sad this Christmas."

You sniffled, hugging him tighter, your chest full of love and relief. “I didn’t want to ruin anything for you. I didn’t want to be the one who made you feel bad, but I was… I was just so lonely.”

“I never wanted you to feel that way,” Jeongin said, pulling away slightly to look into your eyes. “I’m sorry. I should’ve made more of an effort. You’re the most important person in my life, and I should’ve known that we don’t need to do anything special except be together.”

You let out a small laugh, wiping away a tear from your cheek. “I know. I just… I don’t know. I was just missing you so much, and I wanted things to be perfect.”

Jeongin smiled softly and cupped your face, his thumb brushing against your cheek in the gentlest of gestures. “You don’t have to try so hard to make things perfect. You and me, we’re already perfect.”

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “I love you. I’m so glad you came.”

As he led you inside, you felt a rush of warmth flood your body not just from the coziness of the house, but from the fact that you were with him. You weren’t alone anymore. You were with Jeongin and his family, and that was exactly what you needed.

Christmas was still special because, at the end of the day, the most important thing wasn’t the holiday or the presents or even the decorations. It was about being with the people who loved you, and in that moment, you had everything you needed.

//

nini’s notes

this was originally supposed to be jeongin meeting your family for the first time at a family christmas dinner but i discarded it because it wasn’t turning out good. 😅

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