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The bitter cold nipped at his neck as he cursed himself for not wearing a scarf out. Hongjoong shifted between his feet, shivering a bit as he stood at the door of his neighbor’s apartment. Said neighbor was rather new, only moving in a few weeks ago and Hongjoong only saw him one day when the blonde was leaving presumably for work. He got a glimpse of his face and damn he was hot. And that was why he got his hot neighbor a small gift for gracing this world with his beauty.
The downside to this, Hongjoong didn't know if the man was single, if he even liked boys at that, but that was fine! Out of the kindness of his heart, this could be taken as a friendly gesture, a welcome to the neighborhood sort of thing. The thing was, Hongjoong was incredibly nervous. He had been standing at this door for probably ten minutes in the suffocating cold as he gathered up the courage to ring the doorbell. Which he did a few more minutes later because the fear of frostbite was becoming a reality as chills rattled his bones. Not even a minute went by and he could hear the door being opened.
His heart decided now was the time to speed up.
The man that appeared had Hongjoong’s knees weaken, a blush forming on his face which he played off since it was cold, but God this man was drop-dead gorgeous. He had pink hair now, pastel and fluffy which softened his features and those lips looked so soft and moisturized, doe brown eyes wide with wonder. He stood a few inches taller, long legs encased by pajama pants and upper body by the matching shirt. This man was so cute.
Well, now that Hongjoong was staring at the pretty man without saying anything for a solid minute, he cleared his voice so he could actually carry the conversation.
“Merry Christmas!” He said excitedly, holding out the box. “Wait, let me introduce myself. I'm Hongjoong, I live a few doors down. I don't go around giving presents to people, but I saw you one day and figured a pretty boy like you deserved a present.” Hongjoong felt like he sounded insane and maybe he was since he spontaneously decided to give his neighbor a Christmas gift when he didn't even know the man's name.
Speaking of which the man did not say a word back. He looked a bit in shock and soon it looked like tears were dripping down his pretty face and Hongjoong had the urge to bring his hands up and wipe them away.
“I— W-wait just a minute… I'm sorry just…” Then the man closed the door in his face.
Great, he scared the man off.
Maybe it was a little weird giving a stranger a Christmas present. Hongjoong had half the mind to just set the little box down and book it back to his apartment and this whole thing could be in the past. The only thing was the door was being opened again and the same man answered only this time his nose was red, eyes puffy, seeming as if he was catching his breath before taking in a deep breath and letting it out.
“Sorry! I'm not used to getting gifts let alone from a handsome man like yourself. I'm Seonghwa. You can come in if you want. I have some hot chocolate and cookies.” The man squeaked and God, he couldn't have gotten more adorable. Hongjoong’s heart was doing flips in his chest as a blush crept back onto his cheeks.
“I don't have to! You seem a bit upset and I don't want to intrude—”
“ Please, I insist.” And how could Hongjoong refuse such an offer from the prettiest person he's ever seen. He nodded his head then and soon the other stepped to the side to let him in.
The atmosphere was cozy, the lingering scent of sugar cookies was in the air and the light tune of It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas was playing in the background. The apartment itself looked like his own, significantly cleaner and organized since he himself didn't have an organization bone in his body. There were a few festive lights hung throughout the apartment, a neatly decorated Christmas tree in one corner all tied together with the few handmade snowflake cutouts on the ceiling. He marveled at the decorations, taking off his shoes, soon shrugging off his coat, and laid it much nicer than he usually would on the back of the couch. He sat down then, eyeing the precious pink-haired boy who looked rather skittish.
“So… Are you usually alone on Christmas?” He asked which earned him a nod.
“For the most part. Usually, I'd go see my grandparents but they're going to be at my parents' place and well… I don't get along with my parents so I'm here alone.” He said. Hongjoong hummed a bit of the next tune playing, Silver Bells. He knew he shouldn't pry so he only continued to hum the song.
“I'm usually with my parents but they decided to go to some tropical island this year. I'm alone but my friends will come over later on.”
“Must be nice…” Seonghwa muttered which was probably supposed to be more towards himself, but Hongjoong had very keen hearing and could pick those words up easily. He again didn't pry.
“So that hot chocolate of yours, I'd love some!” He decided to ease the slowly building tension in the air. The other was soon going into the kitchen, the sound of mugs clinking together and one small shit! was voiced out before the pink-haired man returned with a tray with two mugs and two cookies.
“Hope you like them!” Seonghwa said excitedly with a bright smile Hongjoong swore could put the sun to shame. The tray was sat down on the coffee table and soon Hongjoong was joined by the other who sat down next to him, taking one of the mugs. He first blew on his hot chocolate a bit before taking a sip, the delicious chocolate sensation pleasant on his tongue as he proclaimed this as the best hot chocolate he's ever had.
“Dude, this is amazing. What brand is this?” He asked and the other blushed. God, heart stop doing that!
“I-it’s homemade. So are the cookies… From scratch.” Somehow this beautiful pink-haired man has gotten impossibly cuter and it's not good for Hongjoong’s heart to handle. And he tried the cookie and obviously it was delicious because Seonghwa was just perfect at everything.
“Are you a baker or something?”
“Just in my free time. I work at a library in town and usually come home to bake things for myself. A relaxing hobby.” Hongjoong could tell the other was rather passionate about it which made him smile.
“That's really cool! I can't bake for shit let alone cook.” That made Seonghwa laugh and even his laugh was so angelic. Why was this man so perfect?
“Well if you ever want a home-cooked meal, you can stop by. I always make so much food anyways.” He can cook, clean, and is so damn hot there's no way this man is real, just a figment of his imagination. Then Hongjoong remembered the reason he was here in the first place, the present. He presented the gift, a small white box with a black ribbon around it.
“Here. It's nothing much, but maybe you'll like it.” The nerves came back quickly as he wondered if the man would even like this gift. He was blushing, the man was blushing and this was kind of embarrassing, yet Hongjoong pressed on, sliding the box towards the other who took it. Seonghwa eyed it carefully, shaking the box gently to see if he could gauge what was inside.
“You know, you giving me, a stranger, a Christmas gift is really making my holiday.” The pink-haired boy said as he began to open the small box. He gasped, holding his mouth as he looked between the dangling diamond earrings and back at Hongjoong.
“Merry Christmas!” He said happily as he examined the other's expression.
“W-what the fuck?!” There was definitely shock in Seonghwa's voice. “I-I can't accept these… they're probably so expensive, why would you buy these for me of all people?”
“I'll have you know these were mine. I just never wore them and I saw you one day wearing dangly earrings and thought you'd like them. So, they're yours now.” Hongjoong explained as he watched the other begin to outright cry. This alarmed him. Was the present too much? Was this actually a really stupid idea of giving a stranger a present? Many more questions swarmed his head, but he tried to shake them so he could calm the other down.
“I-I don't deserve these... Thank you but… I can't take these.”
“Why not?” Hongjoong had to ask and even if he didn't want to pry at his neighbor so he didn't come off as nosy, he figured there was some underlying reason he wouldn't accept his gift.
“I don't have anything to give back and it'd be unfair for me to accept this and you leave empty-handed.” Seonghwa hiccupped as his tears slowly stopped.
“Hey,” Then Hongjoong let his arms drape over Seonghwa’s shoulders. “Christmas isn't just about giving and receiving gifts. It's also about family and friends and just the atmosphere around the holidays. You don't have to give me anything back and I gave you this out of the kindness of my heart.” He gave a soft smile and it seemed a new wave of emotions came over Seonghwa because he began crying again, leaning against Hongjoong's shoulder. He was so close.
“S-sorry I just… I don't have the best memories of Christmas. My parents would force me to buy them gifts and never gave me anything in return because ‘I didn't deserve them’ so that's why I don't like getting gifts because I feel obligated to give something in return.” He took a deep breath. “Sorry… I rambled way too much…” He brought his head up and yes, they were very close to each other. Hongjoong did the unthinkable, letting his hand cup Seonghwa’s cheeks as he thumbed away the tears.
“Listen, you deserve everything given to you and you're never obligated to give back. Your parents are shit for doing that to you.”
“Oh, they're awful that's why I'm not with them but that's neither here nor there.” Seonghwa soon smiled at him. “Thank you for saying this, I already feel better. You really didn't have to get me these.”
“Sure I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Can I put them on you?” He asked and for the millionth time, his heart wanted to jump out of his chest. Seonghwa was blushing and nodding his head, pulling back from him to let him get the earrings. It took minimal effort to put the dangling diamonds in Seonghwa's ears, soon admiring how they shimmer in the light.
“How do they look?” Seonghwa asked.
“Beautiful,” Hongjoong respond much quicker than he intended and he could feel his face heating up once more. The pink-haired boy soon took out his phone to see them for himself and gasped at just how pretty they looked.
“I-I love them. Thank you so much. I'll get you something in return—”
“Your amazing hot chocolate and cookies were good enough gifts.” Hongjoong insisted, Seonghwa pouted and he had the strongest urge to kiss that pout away. Because kissing a stranger would totally be a normal thing to do.
Then it kind of went silent. It wasn't awkward, but it just seemed like there wasn't much to say. That was until Hongjoong realized he should probably get back to his apartment since his friend would be over probably in the next hour and he should definitely clean up a bit.
“Well, looks like it's my time to go. My friends will be over in an hour and I have to straighten up a bit. I hope you really enjoy your gift.” He said.
“Oh!” Seonghwa looked a bit upset at that, soon forcing a small smile. “Have fun with your friends and thanks again. I hope to see you around.” There was a tinge of sadness in his voice. Hongjoong then realized he couldn't let this gorgeous man be alone on Christmas day.
“Hey, if you want, you can come by my place too. My friends are a bit chaotic, but they mean well.” Hongjoong offered happily and, once again, Seonghwa looked shocked at the invitation.
“I-I don't want to intrude on your time spent with your friends when I'm just a stranger.”
“I think we're past the stranger part now.” Hongjoong grinned as the pink-haired man smiled back at him.
“Then I'd love to come over.”
Hongjoong soon left with a small goodbye and his heart was seconds away from exploding.
Fast forward the next hour or so and all of Hongjoong's friends were raiding into his apartment with gifts and food and laughter he had missed so much. He had a busy schedule which usually had him all holed up in the studio, but the small break he had where he could enjoy it with his friends was very well needed. He was happy, but just a small bit of sadness came over him upon wondering if Seonghwa would actually come over. It was rather abrasive for inviting him on short notice so he wouldn't necessarily be upset if it was just too much for the pink-haired boy.
That was until his door was knocked on. His friends looked around at each other, seeing as everyone was there, yet Hongjoong quickly got up, giddily so, and answered the door.
He was going to drop dead on the spot.
Seonghwa, the prettiest boy ever, had changed from his pajamas from earlier and into a soft-looking, fluffy white knee-length skirt with dark legging underneath, a cotton pink sweater that complimented his pink hair and God, his cheeks were rosy with a faint blush upon them which made him look even cuter. On top of his beautiful outfit, he wore the earrings and Hongjoong felt like his soul left his body.
“Hi! I bought a few things if you don't mind.” Seonghwa said and Hongjoong was still trying to rewire his brain back to reality.
“I— that's fine, thank you. Come in.” And the moment Seonghwa stepped in, all eyes were on the duo.
“Joong, we haven't seen you in so long and you go and get a boyfriend without telling anyone?” Wooyoung had whined out.
“I'm surprised. He's a workaholic so him actually going out is astounding.” Yunho had spoken too, all the while Hongjoong’s face flushed a deep red.
“H-he’s not my boyfriend! He's my neighbor and I invited him over so he wasn't alone on Christmas day.” He stated. “This is Seonghwa.” He introduced and the pink-haired boy waved shyly.
“Hi everyone, Merry Christmas!” He said brightly and Hongjoong continued to swoon.
“Joong, if you won't ask him out, I will!” Yeosang had said, which caused Jongho to pout.
“We're literally dating.”
“I'm sure that pretty man wouldn't mind a three-way.”
“You know Hongjoong gets jealous, I'd watch it if I were you.” Mingi had chimed in and Hongjoong had enough of their shenanigans already.
“Can you guys shut up?” He barked out before turning back to Seonghwa. “Let's take the stuff to the kitchen…”
The duo was quickly in the kitchen, setting the few bags down Seonghwa had brought over. “It's leftover stew I made, a few cookies, and hot chocolate.” He said as he sat down in one of the chairs.
“Thank you. Also, sorry about my friends. As I said, they're chaotic.” Hongjoong had sat next to him, organizing a few things before he just stared at the beautiful man.
“It's fine. They seem like very fun people.” And Seonghwa was looking back at him. Hongjoong's eyes flicked up and Goddamn it, they were sitting directly under the mistletoe he strategically placed so no one was kissing in front of everyone. Seonghwa’s eyes must have looked up too because he blushed when he looked back at him.
“Um…” Hongjoong didn't know what to say.
“We… we don't have to. It's not the most important tradition.” Seonghwa was right, it wasn't that important, but it was Christmas. The season of joy and love and who was Hongjoong to ignore such affection. He took a deep breath, exhaling it out.
“We don't have to,” He parrots back before leaning in and pecking Seonghwa’s lips gently. “But I've wanted to do that ever since I met you.” He was running purely on adrenaline right now, heart pounding so hard against his chest he could hear it in his ears and the other only stared at him with widened eyes. And Hongjoong thought that maybe he was crossing a line and this could possibly fuck up any sort of friendship they might have had built.
He should probably apologize.
Before Hongjoong could even utter a word, soft lips were capturing his in a slow kiss held much longer than before. His eyes fluttered close, savoring the electrifying buzz as the kiss deepened just a tad bit when he leaned more into it. Their lips move in tandem, slow and steady, unrushed yet so good. His mind was growing hazy, completely lost in the kiss before they were pulling back breathless. Seonghwa licked his lips and whoa, now wasn't the time for any dirty thoughts to plague his mind.
“Are you sure he's not your boyfriend? I don't think neighbors just kiss like that.” That was San’s voice that pulled them out of their own little world.
“I— we— th-the mistletoe.” Hongjoong stuttered.
“Right. Well, when you two are done sucking face, come join us in the board games.” San said before turning back towards the living room. The two were left alone again, blushing feverishly.
“So um, would now be the time to ask for your number?” Seonghwa had asked him and Hongjoong swore he was going to pass out.
“Yes… Yes, my number.” They exchanged numbers soon enough. “Want to go on a date tomorrow?” The nerves were intense, but Seonghwa, with the wonderful smile of his, nodded his head.
“I'd love that.” Then Hongjoong broke out into a huge smile before wrapping his arms around the other for a warm hug.
“Great, now let's go back to the group before they think we started fucking in the kitchen.”
“Do they really think that lowly of us?”
“They're nosy because I'm the only one not in a relationship so they'll say just about anything, to be honest.” Seonghwa rolled his eyes at that soon smirking.
“Well… maybe that's something we could do down the line.” Hongjoong was going to combust because there's just no way this perfect pink-haired angel was speaking an innuendo in front of him and it made his mind bring about a few more… scenarios.
“You're going to kill me, I swear.”
“Hopefully not before our date.” They laughed with one another before they soon returned back to the group.
Maybe meeting his neighbor made this the best Christmas ever.