#christmas seventeen

[honeyhae-svt]

🍪last christmas - y. jeonghan☕

y. jeonghan x gn!reader

december with seventeen ! 2/13 tags: jeonghan x reader, jeonghan fluff, seventeen fanfiction, holiday au, ex au, christmas love story, fluff, bittersweet love, exes to lovers(?), happy ending, romance, reader insert, cozy vibes. kisses (mwuah) genre: romance, fluff, christmas, holiday au, slice of life, really mild angst warnings: none (it’s pretty wholesome, so unless you have themes of anxiety or past trauma you have with past relationships, there should be no need for any major warnings) wc: 3050 (xp) a/n: 2/13 ! 11 to go =] PLAY LAST CHRISTMAS BY ARIANA GRANDE (her ver.) RN !

the festive glow of the christmas market wrapped around you like a warm hug, but tonight, the warmth felt bittersweet. the familiar stalls with twinkling lights and the scent of cinnamon in the air stirred memories you had tried to bury for the past year.

walking through the bustling crowd, you hadn’t expected to see him again. yet there he was, standing at a gingerbread stall, his profile illuminated by the golden light of a nearby lantern. jeonghan.

he looked the same and yet… not. his long coat flared slightly with the evening breeze, and his hair fell in soft waves, framing his face perfectly. for a moment, you froze, unsure whether to approach or slip away unnoticed. but as if he could sense you, his gaze shifted, locking onto yours.

“y/n,” he said, his voice carrying easily over the noise of the crowd. there was no mistaking the surprise—and something softer—in his tone.

you managed a polite smile, your heart doing an unwelcome flip. “hey, jeonghan.”

“it’s been a while,” he said, his lips curving into a small smile as he stepped closer. “how have you been?”

“good,” you replied curtly, though the word felt hollow. “you?”

“better now,” he said smoothly, and you could’ve sworn his eyes sparkled with mischief, just like they used to. “how’s your sweet tooth holding up?”

your brows furrowed, and then he nodded toward the gingerbread stall. “remember how you used to drag me here for those cookies?” he asked, his smile widening at your obvious surprise. “they still sell them, you know.”

“you remember that?” you asked, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

he laughed softly, a sound that felt like a warm breeze in the cold air. “of course i do. i remember a lot of things.”

the weight of his words hung between you, and for a moment, you both stood there, caught in the push and pull of shared history.

“want one?” he asked, gesturing to the stall. “my treat.”

against your better judgment, you found yourself nodding.

minutes later, the two of you were wandering through the market together, gingerbread cookies in hand. the conversation was light at first, filled with comments about the stalls and the crisp winter air. but every so often, his gaze would linger on you a moment too long, and you’d feel the familiar tug of emotions you thought you’d moved past.

when you stopped at a stall selling handcrafted trinkets, your breath hitched. this was the same stall where jeonghan had bought you a small snow globe last year—a delicate thing with a tiny couple standing under a snow-laden tree. you still had it, tucked away in a drawer because you couldn’t bring yourself to throw it out.

“y/n,” he said softly, pulling you out of your thoughts. “wait here for a second.”

before you could respond, he’d slipped away to speak with the vendor. moments later, he returned, holding a small box wrapped in festive paper.

“what’s this?” you asked, narrowing your eyes.

“just open it,” he said, his smile soft and almost… shy?

you hesitated but eventually unwrapped the box. inside was a tiny ornament—a snowflake carved out of wood, intricate and beautiful. your chest tightened as you realized it was from the same vendor who had made the snow globe.

“i saw it and thought of you,” jeonghan said, his voice quiet. “you used to love snowflakes, remember?”

“i… yeah, i do,” you murmured, running your fingers over the smooth edges of the ornament.

“i know i messed up last year,” he said suddenly, his tone turning serious. “but i’ve been thinking a lot about us, about what went wrong. and if there’s even a small chance you’d let me make it up to you, i’d take it.”

you stared at him, his words leaving you momentarily speechless. the market buzzed around you, a blur of lights and laughter, but all you could focus on was him—the sincerity in his eyes, the vulnerability in his posture.

“it’s not that simple, jeonghan,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper. “we can’t just pick up where we left off.”

“i know,” he said, nodding. “i’m not asking for that. but maybe… we could start fresh? as friends, even. just… give me a chance to prove that i’ve changed.”

his words hung in the air, and for the first time in a long while, you felt a flicker of hope—small and fragile, but there.

“we’ll see,” you said cautiously, though a small smile tugged at your lips.

jeonghan’s face lit up, and he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from your face. “that’s all i’m asking for.”

as the snow began to fall softly around you, the festive glow of the market grew even more magical, with each snowflake dancing in the air before settling on the ground. the cold, however, was beginning to bite, and you shivered slightly, rubbing your hands together for warmth.

jeonghan, noticing your discomfort, glanced down at you before shrugging off his long coat. "here," he said, draping it over your shoulders before you could protest. despite the warmth of his coat, you could feel the chill on his face, his breath visible in the cold night air.

"you'll freeze," you pointed out, though you couldn't deny how nice it felt to have something warm around you.

he smiled, though there was a slight tremble in his voice. "i'm fine. i've survived worse."

the two of you continued walking, your steps crunching in the snow, your arms brushing occasionally as you moved together through the market. you glanced over at jeonghan, but he seemed lost in thought, his gaze far off, distant. you weren’t sure what to make of the silence between you two—whether it was comfortable or uncomfortable—but before you could dwell on it, you felt his hand brush yours again. this time, it lingered for a split second, just enough for a jolt of warmth to shoot through your fingers.

your heart skipped, and you looked up to see him looking at you, his eyes momentarily soft. he cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "cold, huh?" he muttered.

"just a bit," you replied, your breath puffing in the air.

you continued walking, but there was a newfound tension between you, something unspoken but palpable. the moment lingered, filling the air with a subtle kind of anticipation.

when you reached a hot cocoa stand, jeonghan stopped in front of it, his hand reaching for his wallet. "hot chocolate?" he asked, voice light again, as if the brief moment of vulnerability had never happened. you nodded, though you couldn't shake the feeling that he was trying to keep things casual.

"let me at least be useful for once," he said with a small chuckle as he handed over the money, his eyes still carrying that same mixture of humor and regret.

you raised an eyebrow. "you're always useful," you teased, though the joke felt strangely hollow in the moment.

he smiled at you, but there was something wistful in the way his lips curled. he handed you your cocoa, and you both stood there for a moment, sipping in comfortable silence, the snow continuing to fall around you like soft whispers of the past.

as you both stood there, the cold seemed to settle deeper, the warmth of the cocoa barely enough to chase it away. your eyes flicked to jeonghan, who was rubbing his hands together to warm them up. without thinking, you reached for your scarf, unraveling it from your neck and holding it up between you.

"here," you said softly, your fingers brushing his as you pulled him closer, wrapping the scarf around his neck. his breath caught for a moment as you tugged him gently toward you, your fingers grazing the soft fabric of his coat as you adjusted the scarf to fit snugly.

jeonghan's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face, but it quickly softened into something more tender. "you sure?" he asked, his voice low, almost shy.

"yeah," you replied, your voice barely a whisper as you let the scarf rest around him. you couldn't help but notice how close he was now, his warmth mixing with yours in the cold night air. his breath mingled with yours, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you.

he smiled, his eyes softening as he met your gaze. "thank you," he murmured, the words carrying more weight than they should.

you swallowed, trying to ignore the flutter in your chest. "no problem," you said, voice barely steady as you pulled away, but not too far. "just... don’t freeze, okay?"

he chuckled, the sound quiet but full of something unspoken. "i’ll be fine with you looking out for me."

you both fell into a comfortable silence, walking through the market side by side, the scarf between you like a quiet promise.

as you two wandered further into the market, the atmosphere seemed to shift—quieter, more intimate. the noise of the crowd faded, replaced by the soft crunch of snow beneath your feet and the gentle hum of christmas songs playing from a nearby speaker. the air felt different here, as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of you.

you found yourself under a canopy of twinkling christmas lights, their soft glow reflecting off the snow and casting a warm, golden hue around you. everything felt more magical in the moment, as though the lights were pulling you closer together.

you looked up at the lights, your heart beating a little faster, when you felt his fingers brush against yours. at first, it was a simple, fleeting touch, but then his hand lingered, and he gave a gentle tug, silently asking for you to hold his hand.

your breath hitched, your pulse quickening as you turned to meet his gaze. his eyes were soft, but there was something deeper there—something almost unreadable, like he was waiting for you to make the next move. his fingers curled around yours, steady and sure this time, as if he was no longer afraid of what this moment might mean.

you didn't pull away. instead, you let the warmth of his hand seep into yours, your heart fluttering in your chest. the world seemed to hold its breath as you both stood there, a thousand unspoken words hanging in the air between you.

"y/n," he said softly, his voice low, as if he was testing the weight of your name on his lips again. "this... this feels different."

you nodded slowly, not trusting your voice, but the feeling in your chest told you everything you needed to know. this was different. this moment, under the soft glow of the lights, was something new. something more than what it had been before.

he squeezed your hand gently, as if reassuring himself that this was real. "i'm not asking for much," he continued, his words soft but filled with sincerity. "just... just a chance to make it right."

you let out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. the world felt small, just the two of you, and for a moment, you wondered if maybe—just maybe—this was the start of something different.

you didn’t pull away, didn’t say anything more. you just held his hand, the connection between you both deepening in the silence that followed.

as you both continued strolling through the market, the twinkling lights overhead creating a soft glow around you, a new sense of ease seemed to settle between you. the tension from earlier, while still lingering, melted away with every laugh and playful comment shared between you two.

you stopped in front of a stall selling christmas hats, each one more ridiculous than the last. jeonghan picked up a red reindeer antler headband and placed it on your head with a dramatic flourish.

“perfect,” he said with a grin, stepping back to admire his handiwork. “now you’re ready for the holiday season.”

you rolled your eyes, but the warmth in your chest couldn't be ignored. you swatted playfully at him. “you look ridiculous,” you teased, picking up a matching pair of antlers for yourself.

“i look festive,” he shot back, adjusting the antlers on his head like a crown.

you both burst into laughter, your giggles mixing with the sounds of the market. it felt so easy, so light, like the weight of the past year had been temporarily forgotten under the glow of the christmas lights.

after a moment, you wandered over to a stall selling tiny christmas trees, each one covered in glitter and tinsel. jeonghan picked up a small tree and handed it to you with a wink. "for you," he said, voice filled with mischief.

"seriously?" you asked, raising an eyebrow, but your heart melted a little at his thoughtfulness.

"it’s a little tacky," he admitted, "but i think it suits you."

you rolled your eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at your lips. "you really know how to pick gifts," you teased, cradling the tree carefully as if it was precious.

he shrugged with a grin. "i try." then, without missing a beat, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on your cheek. "merry christmas, y/n."

your heart fluttered at the unexpected gesture, and you laughed, a bit flustered. "you’re gonna make me sick with all this sweetness, jeonghan."

"that’s the point," he said, smiling that trademark mischievous smile you couldn’t help but fall for.

as the night grew colder, the two of you found your way to a hot cocoa stand, where jeonghan insisted on paying again. "this is the last one, i swear," he said, handing over the money with exaggerated seriousness.

"i’ll hold you to that," you teased, accepting the warm cup he offered.

as you walked together, sipping your cocoa and watching the snow fall gently around you, it felt like time slowed down. there was something magical about the night—the way his hand brushed against yours again, the way the air was thick with the scent of pine and cinnamon, the way you felt so incredibly... content.

eventually, the two of you found yourselves standing outside your apartment building, the night winding down but neither of you quite ready to let go just yet. the lights from the building cast a soft glow on his face as he turned to you, still holding your hand.

“well,” he said, his voice soft, “this is it. i guess i’ll have to walk away from all this magic.”

you couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto your face. “you know, it wasn’t so bad, this whole christmas thing.”

he laughed, but there was a hint of sincerity in his eyes as he reached into his pocket. “i had a feeling you might say that.”

he pulled out the small ornament, the snowflake from earlier, and handed it to you with a soft smile. “maybe we can try again next christmas… or sooner,” he said, his words carrying a weight you hadn’t expected.

you blinked, your heart skipping. you hadn’t expected him to say something so vulnerable, so hopeful.

he stepped closer, his eyes searching yours, and for a moment, neither of you spoke. just as he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours with that familiar tenderness, you surprised him by closing the gap yourself, pressing your lips softly to his.

he froze for a moment, eyes wide with surprise, but then he kissed you back, slow and gentle, the warmth between you building with each passing second.

when you pulled away, your foreheads resting together, he smiled, his eyes filled with something that was almost shy. "i’m glad you decided sooner," he murmured.

you smiled, your heart lighter than it had been in so long. "me too."

“stay?” you invited him softly, the words slipping out before you could stop them. you noticed you were still wearing his jacket, the warmth of it oddly comforting, as if it was a silent invitation. you turned away slightly, a bit shy, as if giving him the space to decide, but your heart raced with hope.

“it’s christmas tomorrow,” you added quietly, your voice barely above a whisper, but the weight of it lingered in the crisp air between you.

jeonghan couldn't help but smile at that, his eyes softening as they met yours. “of course,” he said, his voice low and tender. without hesitation, he stepped closer, his fingers gently tilting your chin up, his touch warm and reassuring. then, as if there was no need for further words, he leaned down and kissed you again.

the kiss deepened, slow and sweet, a promise wrapped in the soft press of his lips against yours. you melted into him, his hand resting on your waist, pulling you closer as the world outside faded into the background. everything that had led up to this moment felt like it was meant to be. when he finally pulled away, you were breathless, cheeks flushed, and your heart pounding in your chest.

somehow, the two of you ended up on your couch, his back against the cushions with him sitting beneath you. you were straddling his lap, his arms around you, holding you close. the space between you was filled with warmth and tenderness, like you'd both found your place again.

your voice was small, a quiet murmur as you rested your head against his shoulder. “don’t give my heart away again the next day,” you whispered, the words familiar and haunting, taken from a song that had once felt like an echo of your past. last christmas i gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away.

jeonghan chuckled softly at that, the sound warm and full of affection. he tilted your face up to look at him, his eyes full of sincerity. “i never gave it away,” he said softly, his voice filled with conviction. then, as if to make sure you knew exactly what he meant, he kissed you again, his lips pressing against yours with a tenderness that left you breathless.

when he pulled away, he kept his gaze on you, his hand resting gently on your cheek. “it’s still in my heart,” he whispered, his words like a promise.

you smiled, feeling the warmth of his words settle deep within you. maybe this christmas would be the start of something new—something real, something lasting.

you leaned in to kiss him again, this time with a sense of peace and certainty. you were home, and this time, you weren’t letting go.

a/n: 2/13 ! i update everyday on 10:30 am (our timezones might be different though :]

december with seventeen ! - masterlist

[gotta-winwin]

(🎄) ... mirth and good cheer - xmas special

⭐ starring: vernon

🎄preview: vernon used to fly back to new york every christmas for one reason only: his childhood best friend. christmas used to be his and y/n’s thing, until he got seemingly too busy to ever return. now, as y/n departs to korea for the first time, she can’t help but wonder if her and vernon would ever cross paths again. vernon, unbeknownst to her, has been wondering the exact same thing. as the boys set up their christmas tree in their dorm, he does his best to ignore how hints of y/n still seemed to linger throughout the holiday air. 

tw/cw: idol!vernon x nonidol!reader, childhood friends to lovers, estranged friends, slight miscommunication, fluff, slight angst, best christmas romcom vibes, features svt members, stubborn!reader, equallystubborn!vernon, use of y/n, flips between past and present day

☁️ masterlist & a/n: dropping a vernon x reader fic for our xmas special! doesn't vernon just scream childhood bestie to lover (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭ merry christmas my loves!

11 DAYS FROM CHRISTMAS 2024:

“That’s not how it’s supposed to work.” Mingyu slapped Vernon’s hand away from the tree they were decorating. “It’s supposed to be symmetrical, not whatever you’re doing.”

Vernon had to admit he wasn’t really paying attention. Their dorm auntie, the one who came around once a week to clean up the place, had baked them gingerbread men as a Christmas gift, and the smell felt like it had seeped into the walls of their dorm. It was a nostalgic smell, one that took him back to his childhood, new york and-

“Vernon?” Mingyu waved a hand in front of his face. “Are you even listening right now?”

He blinked, brought back from his thoughts. “Sorry, hyung. What?”

Mingyu could only let out a deep sigh, moving to place the bauble where he intended it to be. “You’re like this every Christmas. If you miss her so much, why don’t you just fly back?”

Vernon didn’t really know why he wasn’t flying back. He certainly could be, they were off work for the holidays and a plane ticket back wasn’t hard to find. He would be doing himself a favor, putting himself out of misery and finally seeing his childhood best friend. The thing was, he wasn’t really sure if Y/N wanted to see him. He shrugged. “I don’t miss her.” It was a lie and everyone in the room knew it. 

CHRISTMAS DAY 2003: 

Everyone who knew either of them would say they were smart kids for their age. Both only five, they whispered secrets to each other like little middle schoolers would on the playground. 

“My parents say I’m going to Korea.” Vernon whispered to Y/N as they watched a christmas movie. “Forever.” Vernon always had a dramatic, theatrical side to him, even as a child.

Y/N could only frown. “Forever? Why?” She couldn’t imagine her best friend moving anywhere without her. “Am I going too?” 

Vernon mirrored her frown on his own face. “I don’t know.” Sensing her sadness, he reached over and gave her a hug. “I’ll visit every year.” He promised. 

“Every christmas.” Y/N insisted. She had always loved christmas above all else. “So we can watch movies again.”

Vernon agreed. “Okay. Every christmas. It’ll be like-” He paused, his young mind searching for the word. “Tradition.” He smiled at her, proud of the big word. 

“Promise?” Y/N stared at him with wide eyes, reaching out with her pinky, extended. “Pinky promise me.” 

Vernon grasped her pinky with his, shaking it firmly. He felt like a grown up, making one of those important business deals. “I promise.” Turning back to the screen, he let out a whine when he realized they had missed the best part. “We missed the part where the grinch screams down the mountain.” He complained. “I wanted to watch that part.”

Y/N got up, searching for the remote. “I’ll turn it back.” 

Their dynamic never changed, even as they grew older. Vernon walked through life, Y/N following behind him with eyes filled with admiration, gently nudging the boy whenever he got distracted and began walking off-track. It stayed that way even with the distance, until one Christmas, Y/N woke up and Vernon had not returned. 

CHRISTMAS DAY 2016:

“Mom?” Y/N called as she walked slowly down the stairs. She had returned home from university for the holidays and was confused when Vernon wasn’t at his usual spot to welcome her home. “Where’s Vernon?” He was usually back from Korea by now.

She didn’t like the look of pity her mother was giving her. “He didn’t tell you, honey? He’s been so busy with work, looks like he can’t fly back to join us for christmas this year.”

She felt her heart sink. She had been looking forward to spending time with him, even if it was just a couple of days out of the year. “Oh.” Of course, she understood. His work was important and she was sure the kpop industry couldn’t be easy. “That’s okay. I guess he must’ve been too busy to tell me.” 

--

“What are you still doing here?” Joshua frowned at Vernon, who was lying down on his bed. “Shouldn’t you be in New York by now?” He was used to Vernon flying back to New York every christmas since they had met. 

Vernon let out a huff. “Not going back this year, Josh.” 

“Why not?” His friend pressed, confused. Vernon was usually so excited to go back. “Isn’t your friend going to be sad?”

“I can’t miss any more practice before our comeback. One Christmas should be fine.” Vernon explained, although his voice betrayed his disappointment. He had been looking forward to going back home, to be able to see Y/N again. He thought to himself that one christmas couldn’t hurt, right?

One Christmas missed turned into two. Then four. Then the timing felt too long and awkward and Vernon just never got the confidence to ever go back.

10 DAYS FROM CHRISTMAS 2024: 

Korea was beautiful underneath a sheet of snow. Y/N had landed last night, having made up her mind to give living in Korea a try. Ever since graduating university and landing a job as a screenwriter, her friends and family had always urged her to try working for the Korean film scene. 

She supposed she had always just avoided the country because of Vernon.

Her new job writing for some K-drama started after New Years. She thought maybe spending Christmas in a new place would bring back the mirth and good cheer the holiday used to give her, but she knew she was here for a different reason. A selfish and pathetic one. It burned her, that a part of her still wished to bump into Vernon after all these years. She knew he was doing well, SEVENTEEN was soaring through new heights and she had kept tabs on his ongoing success. It was the only way she kept going: his large internet presence sometimes made it feel like he never even left at all.

It hurt her the most that he could be doing so well without ever seeing her again.

Rounding the corner to the coffee shop, she rubbed her raw hands to regain heat. Ordering, she was relieved to find out she could still hold a conversation in Korean. It had gone rusty, the only people she ever used Korean with back home was Vernon’s dad and sister. 

“Hello?” Someone from behind her tapped her on the shoulder. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

She was greeted by a slightly taller, blond man, sporting black rimmed glasses and holding a cup of iced coffee. Her mind short circuiting a bit from the sudden Korean, she paused, trying to recollect her thoughts before replying. “I don’t think so?” 

The man’s eyes widened in sudden recognition. “You’re the girl in the Christmas photos!” He exclaimed with wonder, pointing at her as if they were long lost friends.

She squinted, giving him another look over. “Um..” She frowned, quite sure she didn’t know this man. 

“Sorry.” He smiled sheepishly at her, extending his hand for a handshake. “That probably came out wrong. You’re Vernon’s friend from New York, right? I’ve seen you in the pictures on his wall.” 

She blanched, all of a sudden feeling very light and disoriented. “I’m sorry.” She smiled politely, still racking her brain furiously for the guy’s name. “How do you know Vernon?”

“I’m Seungkwan.” He explained, dropping her hand. “Vernon’s bandmate.”

She let out a sound of realization. “Ah~” She knew who he was. “Seungkwan. Sorry, I didn’t expect you to have blonde hair now.” 

Chuckling at her shy admission, Seungkwan felt strangely sad to see the girl in Korea. “When did you come to Korea?” He asked, knowing Vernon would lose his shit if he found out they had been in the same location for a while. 

“I arrived just last night.” 

He left out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. Okay, at least it hadn’t been very long. “You should come to our Christmas party.” He suggested, knowing Vernon would be there. “It’s being hosted at Coups hyung’s house this year, and everyone will be there.”

Y/N shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to make things weird.” She already caught on to the fact that Seungkwan knew all about her and Vernon’s falling out, or lack of one. 

“You wouldn’t.” He insisted. “You must come. I’d hate to see you spend Christmas by yourself.” 

It didn’t take much for Y/N to relent. She supposed a part of her had been looking for a chance to see Vernon again. “Alright. I’ll stop by and say a quick hi to everyone.” 

Seungkwan’s smile was contagious as he beamed, grabbing a napkin to scribble Scoups’ address onto it and handing it to her. “It’s at 7pm on the 24th. Bring a present- something small.” He hurriedly gave her all the details as he left, mumbling about being late for a company meeting and how lovely it was to finally meet Vernon’s mystery girl.

Holding the napkin in her still freezing hand, Y/N felt utterly shipwrecked as she watched Seungkwan leave. Nine days was enough to prepare her heart to see Vernon again, right?

12 HOURS TILL CHRISTMAS 2024: 

The frost in the air bit at Y/N’s face and neck as she quickly rang the doorbell to Seungcheol’s home. It was smaller than she had expected it to be, homey and comfortably situated in between two other larger houses. 

“Y/N!” Seungkwan greeted her as he opened the door, tugging her in. “Oh, look at you. You must be freezing. Come in, come in.” Taking her coat from her and hanging it up, he beamed down at her. “I’m so glad you actually came.” 

She bit back a smile, taking off her shoes. “I couldn’t turn down an invitation from Vernon’s friends.” 

“Vernon’s in the living room with the others.” Seungkwan pointed down the hall, directing her over. 

Y/N paused, loitering in the hallway between the door to the living room and the door to the kitchen. She felt strangely pulled towards the kitchen, knowing it’d be safe without the chance of a potential run-in with Vernon. Turning decisively towards the kitchen, she pretended not to hear Seungkwan’s deep sigh as he followed her in, knowing the boy was disappointed she had run away. 

“It’s the girl from Vernon’s photos!” Hoshi sprung off the kitchen island to greet her, handing her  a cup of mystery liquid. 

She sniffed it before cringing away at the strong liquor scent. “That’s me.” She mumbled, shoulders sagging a little. “Does he really still have photos of me up? 

Everyone in the kitchen nodded simultaneously. “It’s been on his wall since we were trainees.” Joshua informed her, his eyes holding a teasing glint. “Every time we move places he just puts it back up.” 

Y/N didn’t really know what to do with that information. “Oh.” She replied, looking down in her cup, thinking. “I didn’t know that.” 

Seungkwan let out a loud sigh once again. “You should go talk to him.” 

She looked up. 

“Please.” He added, his tone bordering on begging. “He’s been so grumpy. Especially during the holiday season. I got a pillow to the face for asking him a simple question yesterday.” He grumbled out, complaining about his moody roommate. 

“What did you ask him?” Joshua asked, mildly curious.

Seungkwan shrugged. “Just if he was going back to New York.”

“Of course he threw a pillow at you.” Joshua rolled his eyes. “I’m surprised he didn’t just deck you, with how you were antagonizing him. You know very well he hasn’t gone back in years.” 

Y/N watched the conversation silently, gagging quietly as she sipped the concoction Hoshi had handed her. She absorbed the information diligently, her eyes widening the more information she got on Vernon. Distance had turned him into a stranger - and now, well, she couldn’t really say she knew him at all. It was strange, having to admit someone she used to read like the back of her own hand was someone she now didn’t know at all. 

“I’m going to the living room.” She decided, having had enough of the topic. If she kept listening to them talk about Vernon’s struggles and heartache about leaving her in New York one more minute she might find herself leaving for the night. Being in the same room with Vernon was just going to be awkward silence anyways. She knew he wasn’t brave enough to approach her. At least not tonight. 

--

“Y/N!” 

It was Mingyu and Wonwoo who greeted her from the couch, the two of them in the middle of an intense round of what looked to be Mariokart. They waved at her from their place, inviting her over to sit next to them. She was painfully aware of Vernon’s eyes staring at her from his place on the rug, fingers busy with a random puzzle that was lying out. 

“Hi guys.” She smiled, sitting down, laughing when Mingyu pushed Wonwoo in an attempt to disrupt his driving. 

“We didn’t know you were in Korea for Christmas!” Mingyu exclaimed. “Good thing Seungkwan bumped into you when he did and invited you over.” 

She glanced at Vernon, who was doing his best to pretend like he wasn’t interested in their conversation. “Yeah. I moved here recently actually. Got a job writing for a TV show.” 

Vernon’s eyes widened as he fixed his stare against the white rug. 

“That’s cool.” Wonwoo smiled at Y/N, happy for her. “It’s good that you’re in Korea now.” He side eyed Vernon, frowning when he realized the boy hadn’t even spoken to Y/N. Nudging him with his foot, he gestured with his gaze. “Did you hear Vernon? Y/N got a job here.”

Vernon nodded stiffly before standing up. “I think Cheol hyung’s calling me, I’ll- I’ll go see what he wants.” And just like that he was gone, rushing out of the living room. 

Wonwoo looked apologetically at Y/N. “I’m sorry about that.”

She shrugged, although her heart had cracked at the movement. “It’s okay.” 

“Maybe now that you’re in Korea you guys can be friends again?” Mingyu suggested quietly, although a part of him wasn’t really certain about it. “Maybe?”

“Maybe.” She mumbled, taking another sip of her drink, feeling her face flush with heat. Anger or embarrassment, she couldn’t tell. 

Maybe it was the alcohol speaking, but Y/N could feel her lips start to loosen the more she sat with Mingyu and Wonwoo, the party heading later into the night. 

“You know I used to hate you guys.” She admitted all of a sudden, jolting both boys out of whatever conversation they were having. 

“What?” Wonwoo frowned. “Why?”

“I hated Vernon for choosing you guys over me.” She lowered her eyes to the floor, feeling ashamed. “I know it’s childish of me, but hating you guys was how I dealt with it. I couldn’t bring myself to hate Vernon for his own actions.” 

Mingyu looked at her with sad eyes as he patted her on the back gently. “I get that.” He reassured her, and she looked over at Wonwoo who was nodding as well. 

“Do you still hate us?” Wonwoo asked, his voice calm.

She shook her head. “No. So I guess I’m just-” She paused. “Confused now.”

She hated how pitiful their looks made her feel as she sat there, nursing her half finished drink, mind spinning. Perhaps it was time to leave her silly childhood infatuation with Vernon in the past. It seemed like he had done so already anyways. 

10 HOURS TILL CHRISTMAS 2024: 

Vernon felt like throwing up the moment he saw Y/N enter the party. It felt like a vision, something he had conjured up within his own mind, until the others had greeted her and shattered his vision into reality. 

“Talk to her, you moron.” Seungkwan nudged him. He had retreated from the living room into the kitchen the moment Y/N had sat down with the others on the couch. It physically stung to be in the same room as her, with all the knowledge that he had failed her and their once cherished friendship. 

He took another gulp of his drink instead of answering Seungkwan. 

“She clearly still loves you, y’know.” The boy continued upon hearing Vernon’s silence. “Or else she wouldn’t be here. And didn’t you always tell us Y/N would follow you around like a puppy whenever you were back home as kids?” 

Screw Seungkwan and his amazing, awfully selective memory.

“So?” Vernon mumbled, rolling his shoulders back and feeling himself tense. “Things change.”

“You’ve changed.” 

Vernon stared at his friend, thrown off by the sudden harsh truths. “What?”

“I don’t think she’s changed at all, Vernon.” Seungkwan observed. “It’s you who’s changed and you who has to fix it.” He paused. “Or at least explain it to her. Why you don’t want to be friends anymore.” 

“I do want to be friends.” He stated plainly.

Seungkwan cut his eyes at him, exasperated. “Then tell her that. Jeez, bro. You suck at this.” 

“We’re swapping presents now!” Seungcheol poked his head out from behind the hallway door. “Everyone in the living room!” 

Vernon grabbed his present from the counter and headed in behind Seungkwan and Joshua, turning the box in his hands as he examined the poor wrapping job he had done last night. He had bought the most generic gift he could find, knowing it was going to be a random swap with the boys. The thing he hadn’t accounted for was Y/N showing up - and now it had thrown both his present and him off the game. 

“Grab a pair.” Seungcheol announced loudly to everyone in the room, as there was a mad scramble for partners. 

Vernon found himself standing alone in the midst of his bandmates all already coupled up, limbs tangled together in an awkward mad dash for a partner. His eyes met the only other person with a partner and he stifled a pained cry. 

“It looks like you and Y/N are exchanging gifts this year, Non.” Seungkwan shot him a large grin from his spot next to Mingyu.

He knew this had to be preplanned - fate couldn’t be this cruel, right?

“Go on.” Seungkwan poked him in the back, urging him to approach Y/N, who suddenly seemed to be very captivated by a nearby portrait of Seungcheol and Kkmua, placed on the shelf next to her. She stared at it intensely, although Vernon knew she was still hyper-aware of the fact that he was slowly walking towards her. She had that funny way of darting her eyes towards the person she was avoiding while not facing in their direction. 

“Y/N.” Her name sounded so foreign yet so familiar across his tongue as he spoke.

“Vernon.” 

Her voice felt like coming home. 

“Here.” He placed his gift in her hands as he took hers, turning it awkwardly in his hands. “What is it?” He asked, shaking it gently. 

The corners of her mouth lifted. “Telling you would defeat the purpose of it being a surprise.” 

“You said that last time too.” 

He watched her stiffen at his words and he immediately regretted bringing up the past. They both knew last time had been years ago. 

“I guess I did.” She replied stiffly, turning his gift in her hands. “What’s yours?”

“Thought you liked your presents to be a surprise?” He recalled, remembering how she used to whine that he must wrap her presents, when the teenage him had insisted that just putting it in a bag would be fine. 

“I do.” Her tone made it sound like she was just remembering that fact herself. She looked up and shot him an awkward smile. “I guess I don’t really know what to say.”

“Me either.” 

He could’ve sworn he saw her face drop at his words. 

They separated soon after, the uncomfortable silence taking over and suffocating them both out of the vicinity of each other. Vernon returned to his spot in the kitchen, picking at the pieces of takeout still leftover on the counter, listening to the others squabble over meaningless things. 

He watched Y/N leave, feet rooted by the hallway door and mouth firmly shut closed - he didn’t trust himself to say goodbye to her - he knew that if he had, a million unsaid words would have spilled out and the night would have ended terribly for the both of them. But it was the fear that kept him still most of all, as he watched her exchange numbers with Seungkwan, hugging the others and promising to keep in touch. He stayed as still as a statue as the door shut behind her. 

“You idiot.” Seungkwan turned to face him as soon as he locked the door. 

“Seungkwan.” Seungcheol’s warning tone made Vernon look at him. He was sending a strong warning glance at the boy. 

“What?” Seungkwan protested. “He is being stupid.” 

“I think I’m going to head back.” Vernon mumbled, grabbing his coat and hurriedly throwing it on, Y/N’s gift clutched tightly under his arm as he headed for the door. “Thanks for the party, Coups hyung.” He called behind him, shutting the door behind him and welcoming in the cool, biting winter air. 

He released the pent up breath that had been choking him all night and furiously wiped away the tears that had begun to form the moment he shut the door behind him. 

“Idiot.” He quietly chided himself. “So stupid.”

CHRISTMAS 2018: 

“Are you really never going back to New York?” Joshua prodded at his arm with an insistent jab of a finger. 

Vernon hummed in response. “There’s no point. My family prefers coming to Korea for the holidays anyways. They get to visit family here and everything.” 

“What about your girlfriend?”

Vernon turned his head to see Joshua sporting a shit eating grin. “You know she’s not my girlfriend.”

“Might as well be.” He shrugged, pointing at the various photos that featured her against his wall. “Look at your pathetic loving gaze at her in all of these photos. You’re not even looking at the camera in any of these.” 

Vernon frowned at his comment, taking a good look at the photos and realizing Joshua was right. “Doesn’t matter what I feel, hyung. She’s not my girlfriend.”

“She’ll never be if you don’t go back.” Joshua suddenly got serious, as he shifted in his seat to look at Vernon better. “Is there an actual reason why you won’t go back? I know we were too busy the last two years but this year we’re free.” 

Vernon stayed silent even though the answer was clear as day in his mind. He was scared, terrified even. Terrified he had hurt her by neglecting her due to his heavy schedules, that she would slam the door in his face if he tried to visit her. “I don’t want to see her hate me.” He finally spat out, cringing as he said it. 

Joshua let out a tiny noise of understanding. “So you’re avoiding her. Pretending so you don’t have to deal with the consequences.”

“When you put it like that you make me sound like an asshole.” 

Joshua gave him a look that bordered on pitiful. “I don’t know what to tell you, man.” 

“I’d rather remember her like this, y’know?” He said, pointing at the way she smiled at him in the pictures on his wall. “Instead of-”

“She might not hate you.” Joshua reminded him quietly from next to him. 

“I really, really doubt that, hyung.” 

5 HOURS TILL CHRISTMAS: 

It wasn’t computing properly into Vernon’s head that you had just gotten him the one thing he’s been wanting all his life. 

He had been ogling the Novation Launchpad Pro that was currently sitting on his work table for the last hour, not really believing what he was seeing with his own two eyes. Unwrapping it had been a heart attack in of itself, as he opened up Y/N’s present to reveal the one thing that had been sitting on the top of his childhood wish list since he could remember. Even now, as a famous artist who could afford the splurge, he had never gotten it for himself, knowing it was a luxury and a purchase he didn’t necessarily need. 

“What the fuck, Y/N.” He muttered in disbelief, sliding his palm down his face as he continued to stare at the gift. It was fucking fantastic and exactly what he wanted, and it made him feel even worse about the whole situation. 

She might not hate you. He recalled the words Joshua had told him one time, Christmases ago. 

“Someone who hated me wouldn’t have gotten me this, right?” He said aloud to himself, reaching a timid hand out to fiddle with the launchpad controls. “How did she even know we’d be exchanging gifts anyways?” And how on earth does she know I never got myself one? In what felt like a split second decision, Vernon felt himself walking towards the door of his apartment, sliding his shoes on and grabbing his keys - only one destination in mind. He had to fix this, somehow. Because there was no fucking way she still hated him.

4 HOURS TILL CHRISTMAS:

She would’ve complained that the sudden doorbell at 3am woke her up but she hadn’t really been sleeping. Y/N had been lying in bed with her eyes wide open since the moment she’d gotten home, the bag of chocolates and various snacks from Vernon left on her kitchen counter. She had stifled a laugh when she opened it - even till this day, Vernon’s go to gift was still the same. Chocolate and snacks can never fail, he had told her, defending his choice of gift. Especially when you don’t know the person too well. 

She supposed that line made sense for their situation too. 

“Vernon?” She squinted at the figure standing on her porch in the dark. “What are you doing here?” She rubbed her eyes, mildly wondering if she was dreaming. 

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as he stared down at her. “You got me the launchpad.” 

She blinked. “Yeah.”

“How’d you know?”

She stared back at him, stunned at his bluntness and the randomness of the current setting. “You never shut up about it.” 

His mouth opened and closed again. She watched as he tried looking for words, his vocabulary ultimately failing him. 

“Come inside.” She said quietly, noticing how the harsh winter wind blew at his thin coat. Dragging him gently inside, she shut the door behind them both, turning around awkwardly to face him. She never thought she’d ever see him in his apartment - yet he looked so perfect.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled, eyes darting around her place, taking it all in. “I know it’s late.” Glancing down at her pajamas, his lips quivered in a small smile. “Cute.”

“What?” She stared at him indignantly, completely thrown off by his behaviour. “Are you drunk?” She reached out a hand to touch his face, trying to check his temperature, but he caught her hand in his before she could reach. 

“I’m not drunk, Y/N.” He dropped her hand like it had burned him. 

“Then what are you here for?”

She watched him moisten his lips as he stalled for time. 

“I wanted to say sorry.” He finally said, his words tumbling out as if they had been held back for long enough. “I shouldn’t have cut you off like that.” 

She thought she’d have a more visceral reaction to the apology she had been waiting for all this time, but she didn’t. “Why are you saying this now? It’s been nearly ten years, Vernon.” 

“I know. I’m sorry.” 

Her shoulders sagged at his words and the sight of his dejected, ashamed face. “Why didn’t you come back? Or text me?” She asked him, pleading for an answer. 

He finally looked up and met her eyes. “I guess I was scared. I got busy one year and didn’t go back- and I neglected our friendship. And then-” He paused, his voice breaking. “I left, and time passed and staying away felt simpler than going back. No goodbye felt better than a bad one.” 

“It wouldn’t have been a bad goodbye.” 

He shook his head. “You hated me.” 

She looked away, remembering all the times she had cursed him for leaving her behind when she was younger. “Maybe. But never for long.” She mustered all her courage to tell him her next words. “I loved you too much to hate you for very long.” 

Vernon blinked at her. “You loved me?”

She hummed in response, still not quite looking at him. They stood there, by her door, in the dim lights of her apartment. 

“How did you even get my address?” She suddenly asked, forgetting he shouldn’t have known where to find her. 

Vernon stayed silent, his mind still reeling from the sudden love confession. She used to love me? 

“Vernon.” Y/N nudged him. 

“Oh.” He finally responded, although his own voice felt like light years away as his mind continued to reel. “I asked my sister. Didn’t know you guys still talked.” 

“Oh.” 

“You used to love me?” He asked, incredulous, not quite believing her words. “Why?”

She laughed, and the sound wrapped around Vernon like her hugs used to. “What do you mean, why? Of course I loved you. I followed you around like a lost kid our entire childhood.” 

“I loved you too, y’know.” 

Her smile dropped as she paused mid-laugh. “What?” 

He took a step closer to her, unsure where the sudden confidence was coming from. Vernon searched her eyes for some figment of affection, for truth, for the way she used to look at him when they were younger. “I don’t think I ever stopped loving you.” He finally admitted. “I definitely tried to, but your hold on me lasted through distance and time.” 

“Me too.” 

“What?”

“I never stopped loving you too.”

[yeobooseyo]

Kim Mingyu: a summary (in/sp) for @kimsmingyu

[raplinenthusiasts]

PERFORMANCE UNIT PANTONE

for @dojaejung 🖤

[haoboutyou]

yoon jeonghan + “do you think you’re a polar bear or something?!”

it’s when jeonghan notices you shivering for the third time that night that he huffs, a puff of mist escaping his own breath. “remember to wear a scarf,” he had said. “it won’t be cold,” you had countered. now you’re stubbornly waiting in the middle of the sidewalk for the rest of your entourage, trying to pretend like the cold never bothered you anyway.

jeonghan loves you. and because he loves you, he knows when you deserve a good chiding; like now:

“jeez, do you think you’re a polar bear or something?” he unravels the fluffy white scarf he’s got on and wraps it around your neck. he makes a big show of making one of those elegant bows with it, tying you up like a pretty present.

“there you go!” one last fluff-up. he interlaces your hand in his, stuffing it in his pocket; the sudden warmth of the heat pack inside tickles you.

he turns to look out for his friends again, when you try to say something. your voice is muffled by the scarf.

“what was that?” he’s still craning his neck for any sight of seungkwan and chan. why are they always late–

a small peck on his cheek. “thank you, hannie.”

finally turning to you, he smiles. “always, polar bear.”

[dancinglikebutterflywings]

Snow Angels | S.Coups

❄️ Pairing: Dad!Choi Seungcheol x Mum!Reader ❄️ Requested by: Anon ❄️ Synopsis: Prompt 10 - Y//N and Seungcheol take their kids outside to make a snowman and snow angels ❄️ Word Count: 999 ❄️ Warnings: None. Sorry this was late, I've been sick with a migraine. ❄️ Taglist: Open. I am renewing my tag lists for 2025. Please read this post if you want to stay on them- tag list renewal (dec 01-31 2024).

12 Days of Christmas Masterlist

“Eomma! Eomma! Eomma!” Seungcheol and Y/N’s oldest son chants excitedly as she rushes into the kitchen where Y/N is making breakfast for the family of five. “It snowed again last night!” he informs her. The first thing he did after waking up was look out the window. Seungcheol had told him they were expecting another snow fall over night and promised him they’d spend time making snowmen and snow angels with his younger brother and sister. “There’s so much more snow out there!” the 8-year-old let’s her know. 

“Really?” Y/N asks, pretending to be surprised. “I guess that means you’ll have a lot more snow for your snowman.” 

He nods his head, before putting on the same pout his father uses for various reasons. “But more snow means I have to look harder for rocks to use as the eyes and mouth.” 

“Check the bowl on the table,” Y/N tells him nodding towards the bowl that sits near the end of the table, closest to the door. "Appa went out and found some last night." 

"Can we go build a snowman now?" Seung-han excitedly asks, seeing the small rocks in the bowl. 

"Let's have breakfast first," Y/N tells him. "Then we can get ready and go outside to make a snowman." 

"I thought we were decorating the Christmas Tree first," Seungcheol says walking into the kitchen, carrying their 2-year-old daughter, Nari, with their second son, 6-year-old Ye-jun trailing behind them. They were a little late to getting the christmas tree decorated. It had been sitting bare in the corner of their living room for a good two weeks. Between their busy schedules and school functions, they hadn't had time until now. Both Y/N and Seungcheol have a weekend off and thought it would be fun activity to do as a family. 

“But I want to build a snowman,” Seung-han insists, pouting once more. “We can always build a snowman after we decorate the tree,” Seungcheol suggests, gently placing Nari in her chair and helping Ye-jun into his.  

“Snowman first,” Seung-han argues, trying to convince his father. His younger siblings quickly echo his words leaving no room for argument. 

Seungcheol mirrors his sons pout as he walks over to his wife, pecking her lips before bowing down to place a kiss on her rounded belly where their fourth (and final) child, another boy, is growing. 

"We can always decorate the tree later," Y/N assures her husband. "It'll be nice to do once we're all warmed up from being in the snow," she continues before lowering her voice, "It won't be long until they get cold and bored and want to come back inside." 

"Snowman first, it is," Seungcheol concedes, earning cheers from all three of his children, even though he suspects Nari, the daddy's girl, is just going along with her older brothers. 

Once breakfast is ready, Seungcheol helps Y/N set the table. "Make sure to eat all your food, or I might change my mind and we’ll do the Christmas tree first," he warns the kids as he places their bowls in front of them. 

After they finish breakfast, Seungcheol does the dishes and then helps Y/N get their children wrapped up warm in coats, scarves and gloves before heading outside to play in the snow. As soon as they're outside, Seung-han is making snowballs to make the snowman with Seungcheol's help while Ye-jun and Nari flop onto the ground, waving their arms and legs, leaving behind perfect imprints in the soft snow. Nari, her cheeks flushed from the cold, gets up and admires her creation, her eyes wide with joy as Ye-jun goes to help his father and older brother in making a snowman. 

"Look Eomma, it's Uncle Hannie!" Nari says, standing up and pointing to the snow angel she made. "Take a photo!" 

Y/N chuckles at Nari's enthusiasm, her cheeks flushed from the snow as she stands proudly beside her creation that reminds her of her favourite uncle and godfather.  

"Alright, my little princess," she replies, pulling out her phone. She makes sure to get the perfect angle, making sure to include Nari's beaming smile and the outline of her snow angel in the frame. Y/N takes a couple photos, sending one to Jeonghan with the caption 'It's Uncle Hannie – Nari.' 

Seungcheol, still kneeling beside Seung-han as they make the base for their snowman, glances over at Y/N and Nari, his heart swelling with pride and love. He lives for these carefree moments, seeing his wife and children happy. He finishes packing a snowball and tosses it playfully at Seung-han, who squeals in surprise and retaliates with a snowball of his own. He laughs, dodging the incoming snowball. The playful banter quickly escalates into a full-blown snowball fight, all three kids against their dad. Y/N watches, her heart full. 

After a while, the snowball fight winds down, and the children, breathless and giggling, collapse into a heap in the snow. Seungcheol joins them, lying back and making his own snow angel, much to the delight of the kids. 

“Okay, everyone! We should get back to making the snowman!” Seungcheol suggests. They begin rolling large snowballs, working together to stack them on top of each other. Seungcheol helps them, lifting the large snowballs with ease and placing it carefully on top of the bottom one.  

“Now for the face!” Seung-han declares, running off to get the bowl of rocks that Seungcheol had connected the night before. Nari and Ye-jun follow suit, their little hands searching for the perfect items to give their snowman personality. Seungcheol takes off his scarf placing it around the snowman's neck. 

Once the snowman is complete, Y/N makes them crowd around their creation and takes some photos on her phone, wanting to capture the moment forever. 

“Can we go inside now?” Seung-han asks, starting to shiver from the cold, his teeth chattering slightly. 

Seungcheol agrees ushering his growing family back inside so they can get warmed up before they start decorating the Christmas tree.

I am renewing my tag list for 2025. If you want to remain on my tag list (or join) you can fill out my Tag List Form

taglist (haven't renewed so far): @do-you-remember-summer-127 - @catzachvsvt - @lemur46 - @ateez-atiny380 - @lovrehani

@lixisoul99

Already renewed for 2025 (don't need to fill out the form again):

@carattinymoa - @forever-atiny - @choppedballoondetective - @rainyday-daydreamer - @ultrapinkvoidbouquet

@reiofsuns2001 - @alexxavicry - @hollxe1 - @bookswillfindyouaway - @shuaserendipity95

@http-gyu - @astuteataraxy - @everythingboutkpop -

[hoshingi]

HOSHI & SEUNGKWAN Rocking' Around The Christmas Tree

[dojaejung]

JEONGHAN x WONWOO x MINGYU ♡ SEVENTEEN SONGS for @lovesight

[stayteezdreams]

White Elephant

Plot: Your friends decided to switch up the rules to your game of White Elephant. Instead of winning a mystery gift. You go on a date with someone else in the circle.

Pairing: Chwe Hansol | Vernon x Gn!Reader

Note: White Elephant is a game you play by using gifts (each player usually brings one, so only you know what is inside). Whoever goes first (however order is decided) picks a present, each following person has the choice to either steal someone else's present, or pick a new one. Whoever's present is stolen can then either pick a new one, or steal one. Each present can only be stolen three times. Whichever present you end up with at the end of the game is the one you get. *rules may change depending on how you want to play, these are just the ones I know.

A/N: I loved the idea I had for this, but I kind of hate how it came out, especially the ending. But I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

Words: ~3.5k

As you said goodbye to a few of your friends as they left, you thought to yourself when a good moment for you to excuse yourself for the night would come. You had been at your friends’ party for a few hours now and you could feel the exhaustion starting to sink in.

You had your fill of Christmas themed food, desserts and drinks. Sang along to an obnoxious amount of Christmas songs, and even won second place in the ugly sweater competition.

You were thoroughly Christmas-ed out.

"Okay! One more game!!" The host called out, and you let out a soft sigh, you had waited a bit too long. You guess you would leave after this game, whatever it might be.

"Since we had a couple-centered game earlier, now is time for the singles game!"

'Actually, maybe I should leave now.'

You and one of your closest friends Vernon shared a look across the room. This would be something neither of you would enjoy and you knew it.

Raising your hand, your friend acknowledged you as you spoke with an amused, yet meek tone. "Can I be excused?"

She frowned and shook her head, "Nope."

You sighed as you hung your head, earning laughs from everyone around you. But your ears only really noticed Vernon's familiar chuckle.

She clapped her hands as she started to pass out identical note cards. "Write your name and then fold it three times."

You frowned, but did as you were told, wondering more and more about what she had planned as she walked around with a hat to collect the names.

"Though the game might sound familiar, the results will be different. White Elephant."

There were murmurs and questions throughout the room. There would be a total of 12 people playing.

"We'll play it like a normal game of White Elephant, but instead of presents, it’s your names."

"And what happens with the name we get?" Your friend Joshua spoke up.

Your friend grinned and you felt your chest tighten. "You must go on a date with the person you have written on your card at the end of the night!"

Your mouth fell open as others laughed, protested, gasped, or even gagged jokingly.

As they quieted down, your friend continued. "Unless two people end up getting each other's names, which is very unlikely, you have the chance to go on two dates! With the person whose name you choose, and the person who chooses you! And who knows, you might find your soulmate!" Her voice had a sing-song tone to it as she spoke.

"What if we end up with our own name?"

"Then I will buy you an expensive gift!" She said quickly, which earns some 'oohs' from the crowd. Quickly she added on, "And if you don't take the person you choose on a date... you have to buy them an expensive gift!"

Looking over at Vernon, he seemed to sense your gaze as he met your eyes. He raised his brow and you both seemed to know what the other was feeling. This could get very awkward.

Out of the twelve people playing, you were friends with six, the other five were strangers. And out of the other eleven people, there was only one you could see yourself wanting to date, and that was Vernon himself.

You had been friends for ages and had feelings for him for nearly as long. And those feelings were something you had become an expert in repressing. But something that helped was that he never had any lasting relationships. You wanted him to be happy, but you couldn't deny the hurt and jealousy you felt whenever he dated someone. So as guilty as it made you, you couldn't help but feel relief when the relationships ended.

But now, with this game, you had to see Vernon go on a date with two people. Luckily for you, the chances of him getting one of his best friends was decently high. But there was also the small chance he could end up with your name, or you could end up with his.

The thought made your ears grow hot, so you quickly shooed the thought away.

As the game began, you ended up going fourth in line. Instead of stealing, you decided to choose a new name from the hat. As you refiled through them, you waited until you felt you had a good pick.

Sitting back down, you had a weird feeling that you needed to keep your card. Though you figured it was just your sense of challenge piquing at the idea that someone might steal it from you.

While the game went on, your original pick was stolen twice, one more time and it couldn't be taken any more. You feared someone else might take it before you, but luckily, your final turn came, and you took back the original note you picked from the hat.

When Vernon's turn came, he decided to remain with his choice, one he decided early on to take from Jun after his own was stolen. When someone took it from him, he took it back, seemingly feeling as though it was the one he was meant to have as well.

When the game was over, people murmured nervously, as everyone began to reveal the names on their notes. Mingyu ended up with the name of one of the people you didn't know, while Hoshi ended up with Mingyu's name. Something only one of them was excited about.

Jun ended up with the name of someone in the circle you knew he had a crush on, and you silently cheered him on while sharing knowing looks with Vernon and Joshua.

When it was your turn, you nervously opened the note, hoping if anyone it was one of your friends. That was you wouldn't have to go on a date with a stranger.

Opening the note, so the name was facing the crowd, just as the others did. Joshua laughed with something akin to excitement, before you looked at the note.

'Vernon'

"Oh-" You looked up and met Vernon's gaze, he looked shocked but happy as he repressed a grin.

You let out a soft laugh, playing along with everyone's disappointment that you got your best friend’s name. Picking up on a "But they hang out all the time already!" From a familiar voice nearby.

No one except a couple of people, Joshua included, knew about your long-hidden feelings.

Vernon gave you a thumbs up and you rolled your eyes at him, both glad and uneasy that you picked his name. If anything, to avoid the subtle heartbreak that would fill you, you could just call your "date" a hang-out. Just like you usually do.

You purposefully avoided looking at Joshua, knowing he would give you a look that would just make you more nervous.

As the others revealed their names, you couldn't seem to focus, as you held your own paper tightly in your hands. How was it that the paper you seemed so determined to keep, that felt like it was supposed to be the one you got, was Vernon's?

"Alright Vernon, your turn!"

Your eyes shot up as you came back to reality, your heart racing as your chest tightened. You weren't paying attention, had someone already gotten your name? There were only a few people left after Vernon. You had been worried about who Vernon would be going out with that you forgot about your own risk in this.

As he opened his note, facing himself first, you saw his lips tug up into a smile before he let out a chuckle. Turning the paper around, you saw your familiar handwriting. You sat up in shock as others got overly excited about the coincidence.

Joshua covered his mouth with his hand as he repressed the biggest grin he could make. Vernon looked at you and gave you an exaggerated look with another thumbs up.

"It must be fate!" Your friend called out, unknowingly making your heartbeat increase as you felt a bit uneasy.

Was it fate? A cruel joke? Just a coincidence? Either way, you were sure if you should he happy or upset. Now you had to go on two dates with Vernon? Or was it still just one? Or would you just buy each other gifts and call it even?

Getting lost in your thoughts again, you weren't aware the game ended until people started standing and walking over to speak with the people they got as their mystery date.

Seeing Hoshi chase after Mingyu as he ran away, you let out a soft scoff before spotting Vernon moving to sit beside you. Your chest tightened as you put on your best smile, trying not to show him how the stupid game affected you.

"So." He said as he sat down, and you eyed him with a smile.

"So?" You repeated in a similar tone.

"What shall we do for our dates?"

You really hoped the way his question affected you didn't show on your face as you forced out a chuckle.

"What, you don't want me to buy you an expensive gift instead?"

He smiled but shook his head as he leaned back on the couch. "Nah, I'd rather go do something fun."

'Just another hang out' You told yourself.

"Like what?"

He hummed, "I don't know yet. How about we combine out two dates into one, and you pick something for us to do in the morning and I'll pick something for the evening."

Your heart was pounding as you nodded your head, the word 'date' continuously repeating in your head.

You nodded softly as you rose, "Okay."

He furrowed his brow, "Are you leaving?"

You nodded, trying to repress a yawn. "Yeah, I wanna leave before she starts another game."

Thinking about it for a second, Vernon nodded in agreement as he rose as well. "Good idea."

After turning down Vernon's offer to escort you back home, you waited together for your Uber. Seeing him frown at his phone you smiled softly. "What are you looking at?"

He spoke softly without looking up. "Date ideas."

You laughed but felt your chest clench. "You don't have to keep calling it a date."

Vernon looked up and you missed the look on his face as your Uber pulled in. As you waited for them to pull up to you, you looked back at Vernon, "Let me know what day you want to hang out okay?"

As you climbed in, Vernon grabbed the door, leaning in to speak to you. "Why do you call it a hang out?"

"Huh?" Your heart skipped a beat, "Well, I figured- I mean- what, do you actually want it to be a date?"

He nodded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Yeah. We're going on a date."

"Like an actual date?" You forced a laugh as you tried to keep yourself collected, confusion overwhelming you.

Vernon grinned at your perplexed look as he nodded again. "Yes. We're going on an actual date Y/n."

As you were about to protest and question him more, he smiled at the Uber driver before winking at you and closing the door.

"But-" you muttered to yourself, heart pounding as you tried to figure out what was happening.

Why did he want to make it a date? Just to appease the game results? Or did he actually want to go on a date with you?

You sighed as you leaned your head back, clenching your eyes shut as you tried to make sense of your muddled thoughts. Should you text him? Find out how he was feeling?

As if reading your mind, your phone buzzed with a message from Vernon.

Opening it, you held your breath.

'Let's do our date on Saturday, okay? That should give us enough time to plan something each.'

Another buzz

'And yes, it's an actual date in case you were still wondering. I've been wanting to ask you for a while but kept chickening out. But I guess it was meant to happen with or without me manning up.'

You stared down at your phone stunned, mouth agape. Your mind seemed to be in a fog for the rest of the evening. Mixtures of confusion, panic, elation and anxiety came over you again and again.

What you thought was going to be a normal hang out was turning into an actual first date.

It seemed surreal. Vernon had been wanting to ask you out?? For a while?? How had you never noticed his feelings were the same as yours? Did your own feelings make you blind to his? Did he have any idea how you felt?

Sleep refused to take you as your thoughts raced all night. You had never replied to Vernon, let alone thought of a date idea.

Those panicked thoughts would come the next day. But for now, you were too busy staring up at your ceiling, wondering how things changed so quickly.

You let out a long breath as you stared out at the streets around you. Since the night of the Christmas party, it had snowed a few times, leaving the outdoors blanketed in soft snow.

It was the day of your date with Vernon and your nerves were almost unbearable.

Over the last few days, you and Vernon had talked through text only, and he had teased you almost relentlessly for your constant confusion of actually going on a date together.

Giving in and deciding to go with it, accepting whatever was going to come. You picked the arcade as your first part of the date. Something Vernon agreed happily too.

It was one of the first things you did together after you met. You had met through Josh and become close after hanging out at an arcade as a group, it seemed to bond the two of you, and you had been nearly inseparable since. It seemed fitting that you go to the same arcade years later, on your first date.

It was decided you would have lunch afterwards, and then you would go to Vernon's chosen activity, ice skating, which you hadn't done in a long time. Your main hope was to not embarrass yourself.

Lost in thought you didn't notice Vernon getting out of an Uber nearby and creeping up to you. He had a wide smile on his face as he jumped forward, grabbing you with a "Boo!!" making you gasp and jump back.

You groaned as you rolled your eyes as Vernon laughed. Reaching out and smacking his shoulder, you almost forgot you had been nervous, up until you met his gaze and noticed his smile, it seemed softer than usual.

You swallowed nervously as you shoved your hands into your pockets. Vernon could see your new reservation around him, and he repressed a smile.

He was afraid, no matter how much he insisted he wanted to go on an actual date with you, that part of you thought he was joking. He needed to make sure you understood what was happening.

Your breath caught in your throat as Vernon reached out, grabbing you gently by the shoulders and pulling you forward. Wrapping his arms around you, he hugged you tightly, leaning his head against yours.

Stunned, you hesitated in hugging him in return, but gently rested your hands on his back.

Vernon smiled as he spoke, "Let's get this out of the way. I don't want you thinking all day that this is some cruel joke or something." Pulling back, he looked at you with a soft gaze. "I like you. I have for a while, probably even longer than I realize. No matter how much I wanted to ask you out, I kept talking myself out of it. But I won’t anymore, not when the chance was practically handed to me."

You swallowed nervously as your heart pounded and butterflies filled your stomach. "You like me?"

He nodded and you let out a soft scoff, unknowingly causing Vernon's chest to clench in panic. Up until you smiled brightly at him, "I like you too."

"You do?"

You nodded and he chuckled, shaking his head and sighing before he pulled you into a hug again making you let out a soft laugh. "I guess we have a lot to make up for then, huh?"

The next couple hours felt like a dream. The anxiety you felt leading up to your date seemed to vanish. Being with Vernon felt like breathing, it was the most natural thing in the world. And it turned out, being a couple was too.

There was no reservation, or discomfort when he hugged you from behind after you pouted about losing a game to him. Or when he spun you around in a hug after you won a game you had always lost, it felt normal, it felt right.

When he gently removed an eyelash from your cheek, the flushing of your cheeks only encouraged him to lean in and press a kiss on your cheek.

Nothing felt so natural to Vernon than the way his fingers intertwined with yours. Holding your hand felt so familiar, and perfect, he was disappointed he had to wait so long to do it.

The day seemed to fly by as you sat on the bench with your pair of rented ice skates.

You looked out nervously at the rink as a sense of nostalgia rushed over you.

"It's been a while since you've skated right?"

You nodded, "Wonder if I'll be any good anymore."

"I hope not, I don't want to be the only one to embarrass myself out there."

You chuckled as you began putting your skates on, stopping as Vernon kneeled down and helped tie them. You smiled as you watched him, butterflies fluttering through your stomach.

Tapping your leg when he was done, he quickly put his own skates on before you both nervously made your way out onto the ice.

Though your legs felt like a newborn fawn's the first few minutes, you slowly leaned into the familiarity of the motions. Soon enough you were gliding around with ease. All the while Vernon was gliding slightly hunched over and bow-legged behind you.

Looking back, you almost lost your balance from the laugh that escaped. Turning to stop, Vernon grimaced as he came to a rough stop, grabbing your arms for support as he did.

"Are you sure you're having fun?"

He nodded. "I'm just getting used to it still, I'm good."

You chuckled again as you took his hands and began gliding, dragging him along with you to help him get his "sea legs". It definitely helped, as after a few minutes he was no longer hunched over, and his legs were much straighter.

"Yeah! There you go!" You laughed as you let him go, as both of you skated side by side.

He had a wide grin on his face that made your heart flutter.

Skating around the rink, you slowly got more and more confident with your skills, as did Vernon.

Spotting Vernon across the rink, leaning against the wall watching you, he waved, and you grinned at him before making your way to him.

As you got closer, Vernon reached out his arms to help you glide to a stop, rather than slamming into the wall. As he wrapped his arms around you, hugging you as you skidded to a stop, you looked into his eyes with a giggle and grin that made his heart flutter.

Your eyes remained locked as held you, before he brought his gloved hand to your face and gently cupped your cheek. As he began leaning closer, you held your breath.

"I'm sorry it took so long for this to happen."

Before you could reply, his lips met yours. The kiss was still for a second as he waited for you to kiss him in return, afraid he might have done it too soon.

Grabbing the collar of his jacket, you leaned in to react, leading Vernon to pull you a bit closer and deepen the kiss even more.

As he pulled away a few moments later, you grinned at each other in bashful amusement. As he adjusted your hat, he let out a soft laugh before he met your eyes.

"Just to make sure. We are dating now, right?"

You laughed before you nodded happily. "Yes, we are dating now Vernon."

He nodded, "Good." Cupping the back of your head, he pulled you into another kiss with a renewed excitement as you wrapped your arms around his neck in return.

Both of you knew this was truly meant to be, and there was no longer any point in wishing it had happened sooner. Because it was happening now, and it was perfect.

xx End xx

I hate ending stories, it's so haaard.

((Taglist Form))

12 Days of Christmas Taglist: @multi-fandommaniac, @mbruben-stein

General Taglist: @charmsprout, @brattybunfornct, @bahng-chrizz, @otakutrash669,

@tinyelfperson, @pinievsev, @teenyfinds, @everythingboutkpop,

@shymexican, @stillwjk-channie-lixie, @alexxavicry

Seventeen Taglist: @ye0nvibezzn, @dancinglikebutterflywings Vernon: @lieutenantn

[honeyhae-svt]

❄ mistletoe - h. joshua 🎄

hong joshua x gn!reader

december with seventeen ! 3/13 tags: joshua x reader, holiday au, christmas love story, snowball fight, mistletoe kiss, fluff, romance, cozy vibes, snow angels, warmth in the cold, friends to lovers, slow burn, winter vibes genre: romance, fluff, holiday/christmas au, friendship, humor warnings: none (this is a fluff-filled story with light teasing and playful moments) wc: 3702 a/n: 3/13 ! ten to go. PLAY MISTLETOE BY JUSTIN BIEBER RN !!

the town square was alive with the kind of magic only december could bring. strings of fairy lights draped over every lamppost, their soft glow reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. the scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the occasional jingle of sleigh bells. stalls lined the cobblestone paths, each one adorned with wreaths and red bows, offering everything from hand-knitted scarves to steaming cups of mulled cider.

you pulled your coat tighter around you, your breath visible in the frosty air as you glanced at the clipboard in your gloved hands. "decorations—check. food vendors—check. sound system…" your eyes scanned the square, landing on a small stage being set up at the far end. "pending."

"you’re doing great, by the way," a voice piped up beside you. turning, you saw karina, the friend who had somehow convinced you to volunteer for this event. she was bundled in a puffy coat and a bright red scarf, her cheeks flushed from the cold, pretty as ever.

"sure," you replied with a wry smile. "because frantically running around and triple-checking lists just screams ‘competent.’"

karina laughed, linking her arm with yours. "it’s your first christmas in town. you’re supposed to be soaking in the charm, not stressing over the details."

"says the person who handed me this clipboard," you teased, nudging her lightly.

"okay, fair," she admitted, grinning. "but trust me, once the festival starts, you’ll forget all about the clipboard. besides, we’ve got an amazing performer lined up."

"oh?" you asked, only half-listening as you scanned the square again. "who is it?"

karina's eyes sparkled mischievously. "you’ll see."

before you could press her for more details, she gave your arm a squeeze and darted off, leaving you standing there with equal parts curiosity and exasperation. shaking your head, you turned your attention back to the clipboard, unaware of the pair of eyes watching you from across the square.

joshua hong adjusted the strap of his guitar case, a small smile tugging at his lips as he observed the flustered but determined volunteer coordinating the chaos. he didn’t recognize you, which was unusual in a town where everyone seemed to know everyone. a newcomer, then. interesting.

"ready to soundcheck?" one of the event organizers called to him.

joshua nodded, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before heading toward the stage.

the festival was in full swing, but you were too busy juggling a stack of boxes filled with ornaments to notice the festive cheer buzzing around you. balancing the boxes precariously, you tried to maneuver your way through the crowd, offering polite apologies to anyone who accidentally bumped into you.

"need a hand?"

the smooth voice startled you, and you turned to see a tall figure in a dark coat and scarf, his smile warm enough to melt the frost clinging to the air. he gestured toward the wobbling stack in your arms.

"uh, i… sure, thanks," you stammered, a little flustered as he easily took half the load. it wasn’t until you glanced at him again that recognition hit. this was the performer karina had been so cryptic about. joshua hong—the local celebrity with a voice that could make christmas carols sound like love songs.

"you’re doing all this by yourself?" he asked, his tone light as the two of you made your way toward the main decoration stall.

"it’s kind of in the job description," you replied, setting the boxes down with a relieved sigh. "volunteer extraordinaire, at your service."

joshua chuckled, the sound rich and genuine. "well, volunteer extraordinaire, you’ve got some serious multitasking skills. but even superheroes need a sidekick, right?"

before you could respond, a group of kids came barreling past, almost knocking over a nearby display of poinsettias. you instinctively reached out to steady it, your clipboard slipping from under your arm in the process. joshua caught it before it hit the ground, his reflexes quick.

"definitely a sidekick," he quipped, handing it back to you with a playful grin.

"thanks," you murmured, still trying to steady yourself—and not just because of the near mishap. there was something about him, a natural ease that seemed to blend seamlessly with the festive chaos, leaving you both intrigued and… frustratingly charmed.

the two of you spent the next hour working together, joshua insisting on helping with everything from stringing lights to setting up tables. his presence drew curious glances from passersby, but he didn’t seem to mind, focused instead on making you laugh with little jokes and observations.

"you’ve got glitter on your face," he pointed out at one point, gesturing vaguely toward your cheek.

"what? where?" you asked, swiping at your face awkwardly.

he leaned in slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "here, let me…" he said softly, brushing a thumb just below your cheekbone. the gesture was innocent enough, but it sent a wave of heat rushing to your face nonetheless.

as the evening progressed, the mistletoe seemed to become a running joke. every time you turned around, it felt like one of the sprigs was conveniently hanging nearby, and joshua never missed an opportunity to point it out.

"you know, it’s practically a crime to ignore mistletoe," he said, his tone teasing as the two of you stood under yet another sprig while rearranging a table display.

"pretty sure it’s optional," you shot back, trying to sound unfazed.

he tilted his head, feigning deep thought. "hmm, maybe. but it’s bad luck to tempt fate during the holidays."

"you’re impossible," you muttered, though you couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips.

"and yet, here we are," he replied smoothly, his grin making it clear he was thoroughly enjoying this little game.

despite the teasing, there was a sincerity in his actions that made it hard to stay flustered for long. whether it was handing you a cup of hot cocoa when he noticed you shivering or helping an elderly vendor fix a stubborn string of lights, joshua had a way of making everything feel a little brighter.

by the time the night wound down, you couldn’t deny that he’d left an impression—one that lingered long after the last stall had closed and the fairy lights cast their soft glow over the empty square.

the festival's glow had long since faded as the crowd dispersed, leaving only a few lingering souls, each wrapped in the warmth of the evening's festivities. you were wrapping up, your clipboard now a crumpled relic of the day, as the final touches were made to the stalls. the soft crunch of snow underfoot was the only sound as you made your way toward the town's ice skating rink, your steps slow and heavy from a long day of coordinating and running errands.

but then, you heard it—joshua's voice, light and warm as ever, calling your name from behind.

"hey," he greeted, appearing beside you with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand. "thought you might need a break."

you smiled, accepting the drink gratefully. "thanks. this night’s been… a lot." your gaze shifted, following the snowflakes drifting down, blanketing the square in a thick layer of white.

"i can imagine," joshua said, his tone soft but carrying an undercurrent of something you couldn’t quite place. he fell into step beside you, matching your slow pace. "you’ve been running around all day, coordinating everything. that's impressive."

"well," you shrugged, wrapping your hands around the cup. "someone had to make sure everything was in order." you stole a glance at him, noting the way he seemed a little distant, his usual playful demeanor dimming slightly.

"yeah," joshua murmured, but there was a hesitation in his voice that made you glance at him more closely. "i heard you talking earlier. about leaving after christmas?"

you froze. the warmth from the cocoa seemed to drain from your fingers as the weight of his words sank in. "what?" you asked, trying to steady your voice, but a knot had already formed in your stomach.

"you said something about going back to the city, after the festival. thought i'd check if that’s still the plan." his voice was carefully neutral, though his gaze was intense, searching yours.

you couldn’t help the confusion that bubbled up. "oh, that… yeah, i’ve got some things to sort out. after the holidays, i’m going back." you tried to brush it off, but there was something in his eyes that made you pause. "but it’s not like i’m leaving forever. i’ll be back for work and stuff."

there was a long silence between you, one that stretched out uncomfortably as joshua seemed to retreat further into himself, his gaze now fixed ahead.

"right," he said quietly. "well, i guess that makes sense." his words were distant, the playfulness from earlier all but gone. it was strange, this shift in him. you were used to his teasing, the way he would joke and make everything feel easy, but now… now he seemed so different. like he’d closed off in a way you didn’t understand.

"joshua," you called softly, hesitating. "are you… are you okay?"

he turned to you then, his expression unreadable. for a moment, there was only the sound of the wind and the soft hum of the distant festival. and then, he smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "yeah, i’m fine. just, you know, a little tired. long day, that’s all."

you weren’t convinced. you wanted to press him for more, to understand why the joshua you knew was suddenly so distant. but the words caught in your throat, leaving you frustrated and unsure.

"i’ll teach you how to skate," he added quickly, as if to change the subject, his eyes lighting up with a new, brighter energy. "if you’re up for it, that is."

you nodded, grateful for the distraction. "sure, why not? i’ve never tried before."

joshua led you to the rink, his hand naturally brushing against yours as you approached the edge. there was a quiet moment between you, both of you standing there, bundled up in scarves and jackets, staring out at the ice. joshua grinned at you, his usual playful self returning just a little.

"okay, so," he began, his voice light. "first rule of skating: try not to fall."

"great," you muttered, already dreading the inevitable disaster that was about to unfold.

he laughed, a low, easy sound that filled the space between you. "don’t worry, i’ve got you. just hold onto my hand and follow my lead."

you hesitated but then took a deep breath, letting him guide you onto the ice. your legs wobbled beneath you at first, but joshua's grip on your hand was steady, reassuring. he guided you slowly, laughing when you nearly slipped.

"hey, you're doing better than i thought," he teased, his voice warm with the familiar teasing tone. "maybe i should start calling you a skating prodigy."

"please," you muttered, trying to ignore the flutter in your chest at the way his hand felt in yours. "i’m just not falling on my face yet."

joshua's grin widened. "yet."

you spent the next few minutes skating together, him teaching you the basics and laughing when you stumbled. the chill in the air seemed to disappear in his presence, replaced by something warm—something that settled in your chest every time his hand brushed against yours or he flashed you that smile. and yet, that nagging feeling still lingered, the one that told you something was off between you two.

finally, after a few more rounds on the rink, joshua stopped, pulling you to the side near a snow-covered path. the area was quieter now, the glow of the festival a distant memory behind you, and the snow felt like it had carved out a little world just for the two of you.

"i don’t want you to leave," joshua said, his voice quieter than before, his hand still holding yours, but this time, there was no teasing. only sincerity. "not just yet. i… i think i’ve caught feelings for you."

you blinked, taken aback by his confession. "joshua, i… i didn’t think you—"

"i know, i know," he interrupted, his face flushed from the cold and his words coming out a little rushed. "i've been acting distant, and i hate that i did, but i didn’t know how to say it. i just thought maybe you wouldn’t feel the same. or maybe you’d leave town and… well, then it would be too late."

you stood there for a moment, the weight of his words settling over you, mixing with the surprise and the warmth that bubbled up inside. it was hard to process, but the more you thought about it, the clearer it became.

"joshua," you said softly, your voice catching in your throat. "i didn't realize... but now that i know, i don’t want to leave things unsaid either."

he stepped a little closer, his gaze never leaving yours, and then, in a soft, sincere voice, he asked, "so… what does that mean? for us?"

you smiled, your heart suddenly light as the snow falling around you. "it means, i’m not leaving just yet. and maybe… just maybe… we should see where this goes."

joshua’s face broke into a grin, his relief palpable. but then, he hesitated, his eyes searching yours with a new intensity. "well, if that’s the case…" he began, his voice almost shy now. "how about you let me take you out on a date? nothing fancy, just… i don’t know, some hot cocoa and maybe a walk under the lights, or even a skating rink if you’re up for it?"

you felt your heart skip a beat. a date? it hadn’t even crossed your mind that he was thinking of this, of taking things further already. but the sincerity in his eyes, the way he held himself so openly, made you feel a warmth that spread through you.

"joshua…" you said, your smile growing, "i think that sounds pretty perfect."

his grin widened, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped moving around you. all that was left was the two of you, standing under the twinkling lights, the soft sound of falling snow, and the gentle press of his hand in yours.

"then it’s a date," he said, the playful spark returning to his eyes. "i promise, i’ll make it a night you won’t forget."

you laughed softly, feeling a little shy but also strangely giddy. "i’m looking forward to it," you replied, your voice lighter than it had been all evening.

the two of you stood there, the world quiet except for the soft hum of the holiday festivities in the distance, and as the snow continued to fall around you, you realized that this moment—this beginning—was more than you could’ve ever hoped for.

just as the two of you were about to say something, a snowball suddenly hit you in the back of the head, causing you to freeze in surprise.

"gotcha!" karina called out, her laughter ringing through the air. she was grinning mischievously, clearly delighted with herself. "you two look like you’re in your own little world over here, all lovey-dovey."

you turned to karina, your face flushed, and tried to glare at her, but it was hard to stay mad with the way her eyes were sparkling. before you could say anything, joshua was already brushing the snow off your coat, his hands gentle but quick.

"don’t want you to get cold," he said, his voice soft, but his eyes playful as he made sure no snow clung to you.

"oh, how sweet," karina teased, crossing her arms. "you’re really spoiling her now, huh?"

"well, someone has to take care of her," joshua shot back, a grin tugging at his lips as he wrapped his scarf tighter around your neck. you felt your heart warm at his protectiveness, but then—

"oh, it’s on," karina said, her tone wickedly playful as she scooped up a snowball, launching it straight at joshua.

he ducked easily, and with a smirk, he returned the favor. "watch out, karina!" he warned, before launching a snowball of his own in her direction.

within moments, snowballs were flying in every direction. karina and joshua were laughing and dodging, trying to outwit each other while you stood by, completely unprepared for the chaos.

"you’re just gonna stand there?" karina yelled, throwing another snowball, but you had no time to react. joshua immediately stepped in front of you, raising his arms to block the incoming snowball.

"stay behind me," he said firmly, his tone teasing but protective. "i won’t let you get hit."

"what?" you laughed, "you’re treating me like a princess or something."

"hey, you don’t have gloves on," he said, his eyes soft but mischievous. "besides, you’re too precious to get hit with a snowball."

you rolled your eyes, but the warmth in your chest made it impossible to say anything sarcastic. joshua had this way of making everything feel just a little bit magical.

"you better not be hiding behind him the whole time," karina shouted, tossing yet another snowball, but joshua dodged it easily, taking a few steps back to shield you further.

"i think i’ll hide behind him forever," you joked, poking joshua in the ribs as he grinned, clearly enjoying the attention.

before you could say anything else, karina threw a big snowball right at joshua, catching him off guard. the impact sent him stumbling backward, and before either of you knew it, he lost his balance completely and fell straight into the snow.

"oh no!" you gasped, quickly bending down to check on him. but as soon as you did, karina laughed triumphantly, her arms raised in victory.

"i finally got him!" she cheered.

but the celebration was short-lived, because in the next second, joshua reached up, grabbing your wrist, and pulled you down beside him. the two of you ended up laughing uncontrollably in the snow, your bodies making soft impressions in the cold ground as you rolled and tumbled together, trying to escape karina’s playful attacks.

"looks like we’re stuck now," joshua teased, his breath visible in the cold air as you both lay there, staring up at the sky, giggling.

"we’re definitely stuck," you agreed, a smile tugging at your lips as you made angel marks in the snow beside him, your body creating the perfect shape next to his. "this is nice."

"perfect, actually," joshua murmured, his voice low and warm as he reached over to take your hand, squeezing it gently. "snow angels with you? i can’t think of a better way to spend the night."

"me neither," you said softly, still laughing, but with a feeling of contentment filling you from head to toe. you looked at him, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of your laughter and the soft, fluffy snow that surrounded you.

karina, watching from a distance, rolled her eyes dramatically. "you two are impossible," she muttered, but her smile was as warm as the Christmas lights twinkling overhead.

joshua turned to you, his grin wide and genuine, his eyes sparkling with something more than just playfulness now. "hey, maybe we can do this again tomorrow?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.

you smiled, your heart light as a snowflake. "i’d like that."

"good," he said, his hand still holding yours, his fingers brushing gently against yours. "because there’s no one else i’d rather make snow angels with."

after karina left to give the two of you some space (or maybe she was just going to find her next snowball victim), the quiet of the night settled in, with the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots as you walked together. the night was peaceful now, the only sound being the occasional giggle between you and joshua as you made your way back to where the lights twinkled in the distance.

as you were walking, joshua stopped suddenly, his eyes catching something above. you followed his gaze and found yourself staring at a mistletoe, hanging just above you both, tucked between two snowy branches of a nearby tree. the sight made your heart skip a beat.

"well, well," joshua said, his voice low and teasing, "looks like we’ve been caught under the mistletoe."

you looked up at him, trying to suppress a grin, but it was impossible. the way he was looking at you—like he was waiting for something, and maybe even hoping for something—made your cheeks heat up.

"what are we supposed to do now?" you teased, trying to play it cool, but the fluttering in your chest gave away just how nervous you were.

"i think you know exactly what to do," he replied with a smirk, his eyes softening as he stepped closer to you. snowflakes dusted his hair and shoulders, and his cheeks were still flushed from the cold, but his warmth—his presence—felt like a blanket around you.

you took a small step toward him, your heart racing. "maybe," you said softly, your breath mixing with the chilly air. "but it’s your turn to make the move."

joshua’s smile widened, his fingers brushing gently against your cheek, brushing away the stray snowflakes that had landed there. "well, if you insist," he murmured, his voice a tender whisper against the quiet night.

then, with a small laugh, he leaned in. the world around you seemed to slow down, the falling snowflakes swirling in the air, everything silent except for the beating of your hearts. his lips were warm against yours, and for that brief moment, everything else faded. there was only the softness of the kiss and the sparkling snow around you, as if the world had paused to give you this perfect moment.

when you pulled away, your noses still brushing, joshua chuckled softly. "i think that’s the best Christmas kiss i’ve ever had."

you laughed, feeling lighter than air. "i think i might agree," you said, your hand slipping into his as you both stood under the mistletoe, still covered in snow, but with warmth radiating between you.

"so," joshua said, squeezing your hand, "what else can we do to make this night even better?"

you smiled up at him, a mischievous glint in your eye. "we can start by making more snow angels."

joshua laughed, shaking his head. "always trying to get me into the snow, huh?"

"you’re lucky i like snow," you teased, nudging him playfully, your heart full of warmth despite the cold air around you.

"well, i’m lucky to be with you," he said, his voice full of sincerity. "this is the best christmas i’ve ever had."

"me too," you whispered, your heart swelling with happiness. and in that moment, with snow falling softly and the mistletoe still above you, everything felt perfectly, wonderfully right.

december with seventeen ! 3/13

[gotta-winwin]

(☎️) ... merry christmas, please don't call

⭐ starring: seungcheol

☎️ preview: The toughest part about loving Seungcheol was the fact that he didn’t know himself at all. And how does one truly love a ghost? 

based on the song Merry Christmas, Please Don't Call by Bleachers

“But you should know that I died slow Running through the halls of your haunted home And the toughest part is that we both know What to happened to you Why you're out on your own Merry Christmas, please don't call”

tw/cw: heavy angst + smut, not a happy ending, tortured lovers, coups is an asshole but he doesn't mean to, idol!seungcheol x nonidol!reader, talk of leader responsibilities, abstract telling of sexual intercourse, heavy topics such as anxiety and depression

🪽fic rating/wc: 18+ / 2.4k

☁️ masterlist & a/n: this heavy angst christmas fic is to combat the insane amount of fluff in the vernon christmas special (ᵕ—ᴗ—) it's also very self indulgent angst + smut with coups. thank you for spending 2024 with me and i cannot wait to spend 2025 with you too!

“Oh, golden boy, don't act like you were kind”

He was inevitable in the end. Like some invisible string connected the two of you together. Not the pretty, dainty kind of invisible string. Whatever held your lives together was made of barbed wire. Whatever line wrapped around your ribs, restricting your breathing, tying you to him was nothing pretty. It was what army men used in wars. 

You can’t hate your best friend, even if they end up hurting you. You just can’t.

“Come back to bed.” You whisper in the dark as you watch his dark silhouette get up. The clock on his nightstand was barely legible. 

You could hear him throwing a shirt on. “I’ve got to go.”

You open your mouth to ask him again, but the words die in your mouth. A couple days ago you would’ve begged, but the bubbling hatred in you pushed the words down your esophagus, momentarily choking you. Seungcheol noticed your silence. 

“I’ll be back before sunrise.” He leans over the bed and kisses your cheek, brushing a stray hair from it. “Don’t be mad.”

You shake your head in the dark. “I’m not mad.”

The door clicked shut behind him.

That was just how the world spun. You, lying in his bed, staring up at the ceiling you used to trace constellations on together. Sheets that smelled like him - aftershave and candles. Pleading words sewn shut in your mouth, hidden in your lungs, suffocating you. As you sank back into sleep, drowning under everything you’ve ever wanted to tell him. You knew it wasn’t his fault. After all - he barely knew who he was, hidden under all his responsibilities and his job title, he was barely a semblance of a man - tugged and stitched together. 

It barely registered in your mind that tomorrow would be Christmas Eve. Part of you knew he wouldn’t be there to celebrate anyways. 

“You know this moment don’t ya And time is strangely calm now”

You could say what drew Seungcheol to you initially was your confidence. It illuminated you like a beacon, a moth to the flame, as his eyes followed your movements from across the crowded room. 

It was Christmas Eve in Korea, and everyone in the right circles knew Johnny Suh’s Holiday Bash was the place to be. 

At least, that was what your friends had told you, claiming they had a way in and convincing you to join them. 

You were pleasantly surprised to find that for untouchable K-pop idols, everyone at the party was oddly normal. Kim Sunwoo’s voice could be heard over all the chaos, forehead pressed up against Lee Haechan’s, caught in the middle of some intense drinking game. Jeon Jungkook took a love shot with a heavily drunk Kim Mingyu, the sounds of their glass cups clinking against one another catching your attention.

Drifting away from the noise, you moved upstairs, your hand tracing the natural engravings against the wooden banister. The dim lights made it difficult to see, as you searched for a respite away from the noise downstairs. You’d certainly never question a K-opo idol’s ability to party again.

It was Seungcheol’s quiet stare that made you approach him, noticing how he sat with his back against the smooth white wall, his hair falling into his eyes. It was odd to see him alone, unaccompanied by his usual entourage of rowdy members. When alone, he seemed oddly sad, as if he was trying to convince himself he wasn’t. Perhaps it was the vulnerability in his eyes that urged you to sit next to him. 

“I’d like to be alone, please.” He mumbled, turning his big eyes towards you. The light from downstairs caught in his irises, refracting into a million tiny lights. 

“Me too.” 

Your reply amused him as he watched you, intrigued by the way you stared off into the distance. He hadn’t known how you had noticed his glassy, tearfilled eyes from the get go, or else he would’ve walked away. 

“You wanna talk about it?”

Your offhanded tone made the loaded question fall easier against his chest. He could feel himself breathing routinely once more, the tears in his eyes receding as he processed your question and figured out an answer. 

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” He admitted, finally turning the whole of his body to face you, moving his knees up against his chest as he leaned back against the wall once more. 

There was something about him that made you want to help him. Maybe it was the fact that he was famous for being the reliable leader, responsible for too many things at such a young age. Maybe it was because, based on the things you’ve heard about him, you knew you could relate. Maybe you had already known - even then - that the two of you were different sides of the same coin. That he was inevitable in the end. 

“I’ve got time.” You send him an open smile. “Lay it on me.”

Even to this day, Seungcheol had no idea why he confided in you, a total stranger, on the floor of a Johnny Suh Christmas party. He usually held his cards close to his chest - so close in fact, that the people around him often joked that he couldn’t read the cards himself. 

So maybe he knew you were inevitable in the end too. 

But neither of you could’ve ever predicted what would become of the two of you by the time the next Christmas rolled around. 

“Oh, golden boy, you shined a light on our home, And at your best you were magic; we were sold” 

By the time the next Christmas rolled around, everyone around Seungcehol would credit you as the one who had “fixed” him. It was a term they all danced around lightly - fixed. None of them knew how to describe it, but Seungcheol was happier, louder, and had magically learnt the art of self-confidence. 

“That is not my hyung.” Chan yelled into your ear from the side of the bar, eyeing Seungcheol, who was on the dance floor surrounded by an ecstatic Soonyoung and Mingyu. “My Seungcheol hyung does not dance.” 

You laughed, because you knew the amount of work that had taken him to get where he was now. No one, except the two of you, would know about the late nights Seungcheol had spent near tears as you knelt by him, soothing phrases leaving your lips only to crash against his back. 

“Look at him.” Chan was pointing an accusatory finger at Seungcheol, who had a wide grin on his face as he watched Soonyoung attempt to win over a girl on the dance floor. “He used to avoid the dance floor like it’d kill him. Hell, he avoided the bar in general.”

You followed his finger, a small smile drifting over your features as you witnessed Seungcheol laugh, the sound travelling straight to your core as you watched him. As if he had felt your stare, Seungcheol turned, his bright smile shining upon you as he reached out a hand, gesturing you towards him. 

“Hi.” His forehead pressed against yours as he spoke. 

“Hi.” You whispered back as he pulled you closer, relishing the safety you felt within his strong arms. 

“I love you.” He said, but there were other words hidden deep beneath them. Don’t leave. 

“I love you too.” Don’t hurt me. 

“And the toughest part is that we both know What happened to you”

You dreaded each time he was called in for work. You knew he loved his job, and more often than not, he would have a good time - singing, dancing, creating with his friends for his fans. But you also saw the heavy weight that followed him home whenever it wasn’t a good time. Each company meeting where he was yelled at, each unsettling encounter with a crazy fan, each hate post you knew your boyfriend had read multiple times over. 

You both knew the baggage that followed him home far outweighed the good he felt. But you couldn’t ask him to leave - because that would ruin him too. 

February 19 2022. The date forever seared in the front of your mind. It was the day Seungcheol had returned home after dropping out of his world tour. 

He had landed on your shared porch like a dead bird. 

“Cheol.” You grabbed at his shoulders, trying to get a good look at his face. 

He pushed past you into your shared home, kicking off his shoes and throwing his bags onto the floor. You watched him leave up the stairs. You heard the door of your shared bedroom swing close, the lock click into place. 

You didn’t mind sleeping on the couch that night. You knew he needed his space. 

“I’m sorry.” He had told you the next morning, his eyes betraying his lack of sleep. 

Handing him his breakfast, you shook your head. “Don’t apologize. Do you want to talk about it?” 

He shook his head. “Not really.” 

First crack in the glass. You really should’ve known. After all, Seungcheol told you everything.

“But you should know that I died slow Running through the halls of your haunted home” 

Seungcheol kissed you each time like he was afraid to lose you. His kisses were full of passion, firm and messy. He kissed you like he was constantly running out of time. 

His calloused hands ran gently against your bare skin, handling you like pieces of precious glass.

“I love you.” He’d murmur against your stomach as he inched his way down, looking up at you with shining eyes - akin to the way he once looked at you during your first meeting. That was something special about him: his eyes sparkled the same way whether he was crying or in love. You had yet to learn the difference. 

Seungcheol liked holding you as he pushed in, craving the feeling of closeness and how he was connected inside of you, with you. You were his escape and his solace, his mind numbing into a void of white as pleasure coursed through him. The usual jumble in his brain ceased to attack him and he was left with the sole thought of showing you how much he truly did love you. 

Seungcheol loved making love with you. It was the aftermath where he didn’t. 

“I love you.” You’d whisper as you threaded your fingers through his hair, your other hand drawing circles against his bare skin - and your voice would feel planets away. 

The loudness of his own mind was back, the mess of barely coherent thoughts intruding once again. Seungcheol knew it made no sense. 

“You were mine, but you were awful every time”

Choi Seungcheol was not good for your soul. You knew that. He was a man full of paradox, forever contradicting himself and everything you’ve ever felt for him. Even the way his coarse hands gently traced the bones of your back felt contradictory, when he had only just told you the two of you could never be together. 

“We won’t work.” His lower lip jutted out as he spoke, his eyes fixed on a spot on the floor. 

“I know.” You were tired of begging, the constant back and forth. Seungcheol would run, and then he would still find his way back to you in the following few months. That was just how this relationship worked, and you were used to it by now. 

“I’m sorry.” He would whisper, cupping his hands around your face as his thumbs traced your cheekbones, a gesture filled with silent love. 

Then don’t leave, you wanted to yell at him. If he really was sorry, if he really did love you, why would he still leave each time? But you knew that wasn’t how he operated. 

You knew Choi Seungcheol wanted you. But he barely knew what he wanted himself. 

“'Cause everybody's gone it's Just you and your anger”

You knew he’d be back like clockwork. You knew Seungcheol could never stray from you for too long, some hindrance keeping him from ever truly leaving you. 

He’d leave each time he felt like he wasn’t enough, each time you failed to convince him he was. Then he’d come back the moment that insecurity vanished, leaving him with his anger. At himself, at the world, at you. 

Seungcheol’s anger burned in white and blue. His anger was silent, suffocating, almost petty and petulant by nature. He would never yell or raise a hand at you but he’d push you away. Further and further until it felt like you never really knew him at all. 

“I love you.” You’d say, and he’d just hum in response. 

“Cheol.” You’d beg, because even when you said you were done begging, you knew you’d do it again. “Look at me, please.” 

He turned, although his eyes locked on some spot right above your head. 

“Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.” You’d ask him. “Let me help.” 

You knew your attempts at understanding were futile. Choi Seungcheol’s fatal flaw was his independence. He relied on no one but himself. 

“Merry Christmas, please don't call

Merry Christmas, I'm not yours at all”

You supposed Christmas Eve was as good a time as it could get. There would be no best time, you knew that now. You had been looking for the perfect time to leave and look where you were now. Six years deep, in love with a man who barely knew love himself. 

Merry Christmas. You wrote, leaving the letter tucked neatly beside his Christmas gift on the living room table. You knew you couldn’t say goodbye in person. One look at his shining eyes and you’d be begging for his love once more. 

I know none of this is anyone’s fault. You had begun the letter with. I know there are just some things nobody can fix. 

Your hand on the doorknob, your other hand clutched around the handle of your bags, you turned to take in the place one last time. Memories of you and Seungcheol circulated through the air as you lingered by the door, unable to step forward. 

Because that was the couch where he had said I love you for the first time, his face inches from yours. That was the kitchen lights that had flickered when broken, the same lights in which you had danced under, wrapped warmly in his arms. 

I really do wish you the best, Cheolie. And because at Christmas, you tell the truth - I hope you find everything you need to be happy in this life. Merry Christmas. Please don’t call. 

a/n: ending off the 2024 season with a bang! if you made it this far, thank you so much for following along through the beginning of this blog - and i'm excited to spend the next year with you!

[chugging-antiseptic-dye]

Seventeen as Chinese Idioms 🥢 :

Scoups: Love the house with its crows (ài wū jí wū) Meaning: Loving people as they are/ with their flaws Scoups is the epitome of fully and utterly loving someone. Flaws? Weaknesses? Those are what makes you who you are. If those were 'fixed' you would not be the same person to him.

Jeonghan: The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind (tángláng bǔ chán, huángquè zài hòu) Meaning: Not realizing the hidden danger when focusing on small gains Jeonghan is someone who looks at the big picture in any situation. He is always ready to threaten, cajole, plead, adapt, compromise, etc. to achieve his goal. Here, he is the oriole or the hidden danger. He waits till only one move will ensure his victory.

Joshua: When the sandpiper and the clam fight each other, it’s the fisherman who benefits (yù bàng xiāngzhēng, yúwēng dé lì) Meaning: To take advantage of a situation/conflict Joshua works harder and smarter. Why bother to get into a troublesome situation when he is going to win either way? He values his peace way too much. If you watched nana tour, you would see that both him and Jeonghan wanted to destroy Mingyu's meringue but when Jeonghan splashed a tub of water on Mingyu, Joshua just ran away :3 He is not getting into a fight, thank you very much.

Jun: A crane in a flock of chickens (hè lì jī qún) Meaning: An astounding person in a room full of mediocre ones Three words can explain this idiom perfectly: Jun's stage presence. Even if we forget everything else, his stage presence is out of this world. Carats are so lucky that Jun chose to debut in Seventeen instead of becoming a full-time actor.

Hoshi: A lion uses its full strength even when hunting a rabbit (shīzi bǔ tù, yì yòng quánlì) Meaning: Giving your best effort in everything Hoshi gives 200 percent energy in everything. Dance practice? Stage performance? Going seventeen episode? Some random skit? Tiktok challenges? He never underestimates anything related to his career as an idol and he even gives his all into having fun. He is one of a kind.

Wonwoo: Those who eat with one chopstick will stay hungry (yòng yīgè kuàizi chīfàn de rén shì è de) Meaning: Finding balance in life It's one of my favourite Chinese sayings. Food is meant to be eaten with two chopsticks and life is meant to be lived in a measured way. Nothing too extreme or too unbalanced. And Wonwoo is someone who understands how to balance his public life and private life. He surrounds himself with lots of hobbies and yet no one will catch him slacking when it comes to his career.

Woozi: Having love, drinking water will fill you up, without love, eating food will leave you hungry (yǒuqíng yǐnshuǐ bǎo, wúqíng shí fàn jī) Meaning: Love makes everything bearable Jihoon has so much love to give and it shows when he looks at his members and in his songs. He is the epitome of sharing hardship and happiness together. He is not afraid to work from the bottom if it is for someone/something he loves.

Dokyeom: Freezing into three feet depth can’t be done in one day (bīngdòng sān chǐ, fēi yī rì zhī hán) Meaning: Taking things step by step/ Rome was not built in a day If this idiom doesn't describe Dokyeom, I don't know who else it does. He has been constantly taking vocal lessons for more than ten years. He practices his vocal exercises everyday. Dokyeom does not give up nor does he rush. He improves at his own pace.

Mingyu: Fall in the moat and you’ll be wiser next time (chī yī qiàn , cháng yī zhì) Meaning: When one makes a mistake, one knows what to avoid Here, I was leaning more into how Mingyu wants to experience everything even once. Maybe some of them were bad experiences or maybe in hindsight he realized that some of them were mistakes. But I don't think he still regrets anything though. He lives in the moment.

Minghao: Cherish a broom as if it was gold (jiā yǒu bì zhǒu, xiǎng zhī qiānjīn) Meaning: Appreciating small things in life Minghao's mindset of finding joy in small things is one of my favourite things about him. His aura screams contentment and mindfulness. I truly believe that he, literally, cherishes his broom/vacuum as if it was gold.

Seungkwan: Three parts fate, seven parts hard work.” (sān fēn tiān zhù dìng, qī fēn kào dǎ pīn) Meaning: While destiny is written, it still depends on you Everyone knows how hard Seungkwan promoted Seventeen when they were rookies. He is the personification of hard work. Fate has nothing on him. He would fistfight it if he could.

Vernon: Pretending to be a Pig to eat a Tiger (bàn zhū chī lǎo​hǔ) Meaning: Hiding one's real strength Most of the time Vernon trends for being funny or for 'Vernon-ing' but not for his skills or talents. I am not saying people don't appreciate him or that he is actively hiding himself. It's just he is not known for them. He writes, produces, sings and his rap flow is so unique. He was almost in the performance unit!! Man is so underrated, I swear.

Chan: Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons (wòhǔ cáng lóng) Meaning: Talented people hiding from view Chan has a Santa alter ago and his magic bag is hiding all the skills Chan has. Cause what do you mean he can act, sing, dance, rap, be a professional comedian AND play the piano. He is chronically offline because his real life goal is to be the best in everything!! Every new thing I learn sends a shock to my system.

[gyubakeries]

𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝟏𝟑 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔!

masterlist for my christmas series!

comment on the post to be added to the series taglist <3

fics are standalone. they don't have to be read in a particular order <3

posting schedule: every day from 13/12 to 25/12 @ 12 p.m. IST

likes and reblogs are highly appreciated 💗

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝟷: buying ugly sweaters ... (13/12/24)

⤷ bf!seungcheol x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 2: ice-skating ... (14/12/24)

⤷ bf!eonghan x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 3: matching bracelets ... (15/12/24)

⤷ bf!joshua x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 4: christmas decor ... (16/12/24)

⤷ bf!junhui x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 5: hanging up the mistletoe ... (17/12/24)

⤷ bf!soonyoung x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 6: christmas games ... (18/12/24)

⤷ bf!wonwoo x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 7: christmas playlist ... (19/12/24)

⤷ bf!jihoon x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 8: baking cookies ... (20/12/24)

⤷ bf!seokmin x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 9: pre-christmas dinner ... (21/12/24)

⤷ bf!mingyu x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 10: making hot chocolate ... (22/12/24)

⤷ bf!minghao x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 11: christmas movie marathon ... (23/12/24)

⤷ bf!seungkwan x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 12: late-night walks ... (24/12/24)

⤷ bf!hansol x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

❆ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 13: christmas morning ... (25/12/24)

⤷ bf!chan x reader

⤷ read here 🎄

main taglist: @min-imum @sousydive @k1eev @livelaughloveseventeen

@unlikelysublimekryptonite @theidontknowmehn @wonuwrites @baseball-dokyeom

@tychebaby @lecheugo @shinwonderful @hearts4hee

@t-102 @grapejuicelh @gyuguys

divider made by @bernardsbendystraws !

name headers made by me !

head to the masterlist for more!

[baseball-dokyeom]

Christmas Cookies

Pairing: Mingyu x fem!reader

Word Count: 725

Genre: Fluff, romance

Content: Christmas, engagement, proposals

A/N: Sorry this took so long to get out, i hope you all enjoy it! Happy Holidays!

*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥ *̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃️

“Okay!” You murmur, looking at everything laid out on the table before you. Cookies that were cooling, a rainbow of different colored frostings, sprinkles, and tubes to make finer details. “Mingyu! Come out to the kitchen!”

Your boyfriend of 3 years, Mingyu, walks out, wearing a hoodie and sweatpants. “What’s up?”

“Oh no no no, this is not what we agreed on!” You say, motioning to the ugly christmas sweater that you’re wearing.

Mingyu whines, a pout on his lips. “But it’s ugly!”

“That’s the point! And what’s christmas without ugly sweaters?” You laugh. “Now go put it on pleeeeeease? You promised!” You pout.

“You’re lucky I love you,” He murmurs. He goes to change, making you squeal as he comes out. Your matching sweaters are green, with his saying, “I come in peace” and yours saying, “peace”. You knew that you had to make it at least a little funny if it was going to be ugly and cringey.

“Thank you,” You smile, kissing his cheek. “And i do love when you come in peace,” you wink.

His cheeks turn red and he murmurs, “Shut up,”

You smile and take his hand, leading him to the table. “Okay, they should be fine to decorate by now.”

There’s different shapes laid out: ornaments, stockings, presents, trees, and snowmen.

“Let’s start, yeah?” You smile, putting on your christmas playlist.

You and Mingyu start decorating cookies, making all variations of cute ornaments, pretty christmas trees, and silly snowmen. You don’t even notice that he’s taken one of the circular ornament cookies and is decorating it at an angle where you can’t see it. He occasionally works on it when you aren’t looking,

“Baby hand me that tree cookie, please?” You ask.

“Y-yeah! of course,” He says. His voice is trembling slightly, but you don’t notice it. He hands you the undecorated cookie, and turns back to his own, as you happily sing and decorate.

“Baby,”

“Hm?”

You take some frosting and put it on his nose, all the while a huge smile is on your face.

“You dork,” He smiles, taking some frosting on his finger and making a heart with it on your cheek.

You giggle and return to decorating the cookies, never bothering to wipe his art off your cheek.

“And…i think that’s all of them!” You smile, putting your hands on your hips.

“Actually…there’s one more,” He says softly.

“What do you mean?”

He pushes an ornament shaped cookie towards you. Frosted onto the cookie was a small diamond ring. “Baby…? What…” You look to Mingyu, confusion on your face.

He smiles, taking your hand and leading you under the mistletoe. He fishes for something in his pocket, a small box, before getting down on one knee, never letting go of your hand.

“Y/N,” He says softly, looking into your eyes with pure love and adoration. You feel your heart start to race and tears well in your eyes as he speaks. “We’ve been together 3 years now, and it’s been the best 3 years of my life, and now I can’t even a single second of my life without you. I said I didn’t want anything for Christmas this year, but there is really only one thing I want.” He opens the small box, revealing a beautiful engagement ring, the exact one you had sent to him months ago on instagram, telling him that was your dream ring. He takes a deep breath, looking up at your now tear stained face.

“Y/N Y/L/N, will you marry me?” He asks softly, a hopeful smile on his face, as he rubs his thumb on your knuckles.

“Yes!” You say, voice barely audible as you hold back tears. You nod furiously, as a smile breaks out on his face, and he stands up, cupping your cheek and pulling you into a kiss. After you pull away, he slides the ring onto your left hand, your ring finger.

You look back at the cookie he decorated, smiling as you take a picture of your new engagement ring next to the cookie. “Christmas cookies for a christmas proposal,” You smile.

“I know, I’m a genius.” He smiles.

You chuckle, shaking your head. “I love you, Mingyu,”

“I love you, too. Merry Christmas, Y/N.” He smiles, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“Merry Christmas.”

Tags: @daisymbin @gyubakeries @al-e67is @bloopmeplz @quinyunnie07 @yoouuuhooo @magicx1d @nishimura2210 @pinkchromacosmos @ibxxmc-blog @veeehsstuff @thewormofyourdreams @judesvirtual @bettyandveronic @aboutmariee @queen-of-knowhere @channieschubbycake @kidlarsen @jeonjaemark @hehehehehehes-world @cxffecoupx @mnjrosn @mansaaay @reiofsuns2001 @snowieangel @k4tsey3 @akeminy @hobiiimingyu @unlikelysublimekryptonite @katerina00sstuff @strwbrryktten @weirdomcfreak @brunette-babe @geijijucas @saturnblu @mingi24 @doggosandborks @fairyystar @sapphire2110 @snapsandchats @petit-croissant @hchiis @rociotaborda @lela249

[prettygirl-gabi]

Gingerbread & Us

Gingerbread & Us

Rating: General Audiences

Warning: none

Paring: !idol wonwoo x !non-idol reader

Fandom: Seventeen (SVT), (boyband)

Summary: no gaming this year, wonwoo wanted to show you off to carats.. in a wholesome way

Merry Christmas everyone I hope you enjoy!

I wasn’t entirely sure why Wonwoo was so insistent about gingerbread houses this year. Usually, his Christmas tradition revolved around quietly gaming and chatting with Carats in his soft, soothing voice. But this year, he had other plans.

“Are you sure you want to do this instead of streaming?” I asked, glancing at the spread of gingerbread pieces, candy, and icing he had meticulously laid out on the table.

Wonwoo looked up from his seat, adjusting his glasses with a slight smile. “I’m sure. I want to spend Christmas doing something fun with you. Carats will understand.”

A warmth spread through me at his words, and I couldn’t help but smile back. “Okay, but don’t get mad when my house looks better than yours.”

He laughed, the deep sound making me feel even more at home. “We’ll see about that.”

We got to work, sitting across from each other at the small dining table. Wonwoo was surprisingly meticulous, carefully piping icing onto the edges of the gingerbread pieces before placing them together like a master craftsman. Meanwhile, my house was… let’s just say I had more candy on my hands than on the roof.

“Y/N,” he said, tilting his head to look at me. “Are you eating the decorations?”

“No,” I replied quickly, though the chocolate smear on my lips betrayed me.

He reached out, gently wiping the corner of my mouth with his thumb. “Caught you,” he teased, his eyes sparkling.

My cheeks heated up, and I playfully stuck my tongue out at him. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

As we worked, we talked about everything and nothing—favorite Christmas memories, our shared love for cozy winter nights, and his excitement about Carats seeing this side of him.

“I think they’re going to love this,” I said, glancing at the camera crew subtly filming us for Seventeen’s holiday content.

Wonwoo chuckled. “They’ll probably laugh at how competitive you are.”

“Me? Competitive? Have you seen yourself with video games?”

The staff watching us chuckled softly, one of them whispering, “They’re so cute together.”

I pretended not to hear, but it made my heart flutter. Wonwoo, ever the humble one, didn’t even react. He just focused on his gingerbread masterpiece, occasionally sneaking glances at me when he thought I wasn’t looking.

When we finally finished, my house was leaning slightly to one side, candy sliding off the roof, while Wonwoo’s looked like something out of a professional baking show.

“Okay, fine, yours is better,” I admitted, crossing my arms with a pout.

He leaned back in his chair, a triumphant grin on his face. “Told you.”

I picked up a piece of candy and threw it at him, laughing when it hit his chest. “Merry Christmas, nerd.”

“Merry Christmas,” he replied, reaching out to take my hand. “Thanks for being here with me.”

The warmth in his voice made me forget all about my lopsided gingerbread house. In that moment, with Wonwoo by my side, Christmas couldn’t have been more perfect.

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

-Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

-prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

[kpop-locks]

꒰ ⛄ ↷ mingyu ; simple + edit ”🎄❅꒱

like/reblog | @exolyxions

don’t repost our work or claim it as yours