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Mark had always loved the holiday season, especially Christmas, a fondness he had carried with him since childhood. There was something deeply comforting about it all. The cute and slightly ridiculous traditions, the way gingerbread houses never turned out quite right, and the warmth of hot chocolate held between his hands on cold nights. He never minded the cheesiness either. In fact, he embraced it, happily sitting through every predictable Hallmark movie and letting the familiar plots and guaranteed happy endings wash over him.
But if he were being completely honest, there was one tradition in particular that shaped the way Mark saw Christmas and explained why it meant so much to him.
Ever since he was sixteen, he and his best friend Donghyuck had made it a rule to go to the Christmas market together every Christmas Eve. It had started for a very practical reason. Most of the items were on sale, and to two broke teenagers, it felt like they had cracked some kind of holiday cheat code.The crowds were thinner, the prices cheaper, and the whole place felt quieter, almost like it belonged just to them.
Somewhere along the way, what started as a money saving plan turned into something he couldn’t imagine skipping, no matter how old they got.
But recently, Donghyuck had moved away from their small city for work, and life had gotten busy in a way that left little room for them. Their conversations grew short, and the times they managed to meet could be counted on one hand. Mark couldn’t lie to himself, the absence left a quiet ache he didn’t know how to shake.
Donghyuck had been his constant since childhood, so the distance took its toll, even if Mark told himself this was just how adulthood worked, people drifting apart no matter how much they cared.
Still, he would not pretend he didn’t hope Donghyuck might come home for their silly little Christmas Eve tradition. Especially because if Donghyuck had planned to come home, he would have been here already.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden notification on his phone. He quickly picked it up from the table, and a soft smile slipped onto his lips before he could stop it.
Hyuckie: melkkk
Hyuckie: same time and place?
Mark was almost ready to accept that this might be the first Christmas Eve they’d spend apart, but of course, he was being dramatic. Obviously, Donghyuck cared about this just as much as he did and Mark almost laughed at himself for even doubting it.
He tugged on his coat and stepped outside, boots crunching on the frosty ground. The cold air nipped at his cheeks, and the lights of the market twinkled ahead, promising warmth, the smell of hot chocolate, and all the little Christmas comforts he loved. He couldn’t help but grin, feeling lighter than he had all day as he made his way down the familiar streets.
His mind wandered to where Donghyuck might be, what he was wearing, whether he was already at the market waiting. The thought made his chest flutter with a quiet excitement, the kind that only came once a year and never got old.
❆
Mark’s eyes roamed through the bustling crowd at the main entrance, scanning for Donghyuck’s familiar face. He bounced lightly on the balls of his feet and rubbed his hands together, silently cursing himself for forgetting his scarf. The cold bit at his cheeks and nose, making him shiver, but the chill barely registered.
He was too wrapped up in the thought of finally seeing Donghyuck again, imagining his grin, the way he always laughed at Mark’s terrible jokes, and the warmth of their usual holiday banter.
A light tap on his shoulder made him jump, and he turned to see the one person he had been waiting for. His chest tightened in a mix of relief and excitement, and a grin immediately spread across his face.
“Mark, I’ve missed youuu,” Donghyuck said, letting out a soft giggle as he wrapped his arms around him. Mark leaned into the hug, savoring the warmth, the smell of Donghyuck’s coat, and the comfort of being back in his presence.
“I missed you too,” Mark pulled back just enough to look at Donghyuck properly, taking in the familiar grin and the way his hair fell across his forehead. “I honestly didn’t know if you’d come home for Christmas.”
Donghyuck rolled his eyes, his grin widening. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been looking forward to coming back ever since I moved.” His hand found its way to ruffle Mark’s hair, just like it always did. “You didn’t think I wouldn’t come, did you? Did you already have other plans?”
Mark shook his head quickly, not caring if it made him look a little pathetic. He hadn’t had any plans at all, not really, not beyond waiting for Donghyuck. “I guess I should’ve expected nothing less from you.”
It took Donghyuck a second to notice the way Mark was shivering, his shoulders trembling slightly as the cold seeped in. He sighed, shaking his head. “Mark, why aren’t you wearing your scarf? You know you don’t stand a chance in this weather.”
Before Mark could protest, Donghyuck was already tugging his own scarf loose, carefully looping it around Mark’s neck instead. “How do you even take care of yourself when I’m not around?” he murmured, trying to sound stern, though the softness in his voice betrayed him.
Mark pouted in response, but he didn’t pull away. If anything, he leaned closer, quietly enjoying the familiar comfort of being fussed over. He let Donghyuck adjust the scarf, warm fabric brushing his chin, and for a moment, the noise of the market faded into the background.
Donghyuck gave the scarf one last tug, clearly satisfied, before hooking a finger around it and gently pulling Mark along. “Come on,” he said, already steering them toward the nearest row of stalls. Mark laughed under his breath, falling into step beside him with a smile.
Donghyuck dragged him toward the hot chocolate stall before Mark could even finish saying he was fine. It was pointless to argue anyway. That was just how Donghyuck was, always worrying over the smallest things and making sure Mark was comfortable, even if it meant going out of his way for him.
While they waited for the drinks, Donghyuck nudged Mark’s shoulder, leaning casually on the counter. “How have you been, Mark?”
Mark blinked, caught off guard by the question. Maybe it was the way they’d rarely spent time apart that made it feel strange for Donghyuck to ask. He tilted his head, glancing at the familiar smirk beside him. “I’m surviving,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Nothing’s changed much since you left.”
Donghyuck raised an eyebrow, matching Mark’s glance. “You say that like I’ve been gone for years,” he teased, letting out a short laugh. “It’s only been a couple of months.”
Mark shrugged, but the faint ache in his chest made him shake his head slightly. “It feels longer,” he admitted quietly, almost under his breath, hoping Donghyuck wouldn’t notice.
Donghyuck’s expression softened for a moment before he reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from Mark’s forehead, just enough to make him flinch without pulling away.
Mark gave a soft smile, trying to hide what he was feeling, though his face betrayed him anyway. “How long are you here for?”
Donghyuck tilted his head, thinking. “Just a couple of days.”
Mark’s lips pushed into a pout again, something he couldn’t help doing around Donghyuck. “That’s not enough.”
“Melk,” he said, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t make it harder for me to leave again.”
Mark’s chest tightened slightly at the words, and he let out a humorless laugh. “I can’t help it, I really missed you.”
Before they could get too caught up in the quiet moment, Donghyuck pressed a steaming cup into Mark’s hands. Marshmallows floated lazily on top, whipped cream piled high enough that it threatened to spill over the rim. Exactly how Mark liked it.
“You remembered,” Mark teased, even though he always got the same thing every single time they came here.
Donghyuck grinned, nudging him lightly. “Of course. You take up way too much space in my head.”
Mark let out a soft tsk, rolling his eyes with exaggerated disbelief, though a small smile tugged at his lips. He lifted the steaming cup to his face, inhaling the sweet scent of chocolate and marshmallows before taking a careful sip. The warmth spread through his fingers and chest, as he let himself savor it—and Donghyuck’s presence beside him.
When Mark pulled back from his cup, he realized Donghyuck was staring at him, while trying his best to hold back his laugh. The intensity of the gaze made his brows furrow in confusion, and he felt a small, unexpected flutter of shyness under the attention.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.
Donghyuck finally let out a soft chuckle, pointing a finger at him. “You’ve got whipped cream on your face, Mark.”
Mark’s hands flew to his face, trying to wipe off the stray dollop of whipped cream, but no matter how careful he was, it just wouldn’t budge. His cheeks heated, and he let out a frustrated huff.
Donghyuck leaned closer, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Here,” he said, his fingers gently brushing the whipped cream from the corner of Mark’s lips.
Mark blinked, caught mid-gesture, and felt his cheeks heat without knowing how to respond.
“There,” Donghyuck murmured, a teasing lilt in his voice. “All gone.”
Mark’s lips parted slightly, still a little flustered, and gave a small, embarrassed laugh. “Thanks…”
Donghyuck just grinned, clearly savoring every second of Mark’s sheepish reactions. “You’re still so cute,” he teased, resting his chin on his folded arms and looking up at Mark with that mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
Mark rolled his eyes and tugged lightly on Donghyuck’s arm. “Let’s go,” he said, shifting the topic. He avoided looking at him directly—those same eyes, even after all these years, still had a way of making his heart skip and his thoughts spiral.
They started weaving through the less crowded market, cups in hand, shoulders brushing now and then as they fell into an easy conversation. Donghyuck animatedly described his new work, exaggerating the quirks of his officemates with wild hand gestures and dramatic voices. Mark couldn’t help but laugh, louder and freer than he had in months, the sound blending with the hum of the crowd and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting through the air.
Donghyuck suddenly stopped in front of a stall overflowing with colorful ornaments, his eyes lighting up like a kid in a candy store. “Mark, remember when we used to see who could find the weirdest ornament?” he asked, voice tinged with excitement.
Mark smiled, a small laugh escaping him. “Yeah… we’d spend forever wandering the aisles, arguing over the silliest things.”
Donghyuck’s grin softened, and he reached out to touch a glittery, oddly-shaped ornament. “Let’s do it again,” he said, glancing at Mark. “We can buy each other the ones we pick this time. Make it our new little thing.”
Mark felt his chest tighten at the words. Donghyuck had this way of making the ordinary feel special, like every memory with him was carefully threaded into the present. He watched as Donghyuck’s fingers brushed over the ornaments, already humming quietly to himself as he scanned for something ridiculous, and felt a warm ache of gratitude.
Somehow, Donghyuck always found ways to make new memories for their ‘little thing,’ as if the pile they already had wasn’t enough.
It was moments like this that made it impossible for Mark to ignore the feelings he’d tried so hard to keep in check. The little gestures, the way Donghyuck’s attention always seemed to land on him, like it was meant only for him. He knew entertaining those thoughts was risky, that it could complicate everything between them, but he let himself stay in it anyway. Just for a little while.
Just long enough to feel the warmth of being near him, to remember why some memories were worth holding onto.
They spent the next few minutes circling the ornament stall, laughing over the weirdest finds. Donghyuck made exaggerated faces at the tackiest ones, and Mark teased him back, insisting he would win this time. Every so often, Donghyuck’s laugh rang out loud and bright, making Mark’s chest warm in a way he couldn’t quite explain.
When their shoulders bumped as they reached for the same ornament, Mark’s fingers brushed against Donghyuck’s, and he felt a little jolt of heat that made him smile, trying to hide his fluster. Being back with Donghyuck made him feel like that same silly kid who used to carry a quiet crush on his best friend back in high school.
He wasn’t sure what was worse, reverting back into a lovestruck teenager or admitting the crush had never really gone away.
By the time they each picked an ornament, the playful competition had left them both breathless with laughter, hearts a little lighter, and a little closer than before.
“You’re seriously terrible at this every time,” Donghyuck said after they paid, gently swinging the ornament he’d chosen for Mark. It was a chicken wearing a Santa hat and a shirt that proudly read ho ho ho cock.
Mark scoffed, feigning offense. “Excuse you. I saw that one first.”
Donghyuck laughed, bumping his shoulder as they walked side by side. “You’re only saying that because you lost.”
“Or,” Mark said, shrugging lightly, “maybe I just wanted you to win.” There was no real bite to it, just something soft underneath.
Donghyuck glanced at him, a smile lingering. “You’re such a hopeless romantic.”
Heat crept up Mark’s cheeks at the comment, and he quickly looked away, focusing a little too intently on the lights strung above the stalls so it wouldn’t give him away. He blamed the cold, even though the warmth spreading through his chest told a different story.
Yeah. He was definitely down bad.
“What do you want to do now?” Donghyuck asked, pulling Mark out of his thoughts.
Mark shrugged, eyes drifting over the market as if the answer might be hiding somewhere between the lights and stalls. Then he spotted a photobooth tucked off to the side, glowing softly among the crowd. He cleared his throat, trying to sound casual.
“Uh… you wanna check out the photobooth?” he asked. His voice cracked halfway through, and he quickly covered it with another cough.
Donghyuck glanced at him, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his face. “The one for couples?”
Mark forced his expression into something he hoped passed as casual. “I mean… I think anyone can use it,” he said. It was the best excuse he could come up with, and the second it left his mouth, he knew it sounded ridiculous.
Donghyuck hummed, clearly holding back a laugh. “I guess two people do count as a couple, right?”
“You’re funny,” Mark said flatly as he let Donghyuck tug him toward the photobooth, excitement buzzing off him like it had been his idea all along.
Donghyuck insisted on paying, just like he had for everything else that night, and soon they were squeezed into the booth together. Mark stood a little stiff, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands, while Donghyuck was already shifting around, full of energy, scanning the space.
“We should try these,” Donghyuck said, pointing at the example poses taped to the wall.
Mark nodded, suddenly too shy to say much of anything, even though he’d been the one to suggest this in the first place.
Before they could even decide on the last pose, the timer started ticking, and Donghyuck lunged into position. The first shot was easy, just both of them holding their cheeks. For the second, Donghyuck lunged in for a quick hug, and Mark couldn’t help laughing because Donghyuck looked like he was worried the timer would ruin everything.
The third one got a little ridiculous. Donghyuck squeezed both of Mark’s cheeks, and Mark protested loudly, insisting that was not at all the pose they had agreed on.
By the time the last shot came up, they still hadn’t picked a pose. Mark opened his mouth to ask what they should do, but Donghyuck beat him to it. He leaned in and pressed a small, quick kiss to Mark’s cheek just as the shutter clicked.
Mark froze, his whole body stiffening at the sudden kiss as heat crawled mercilessly up his cheeks. “Donghyuck…” he muttered, eyes still glued to the screen in front of them.
What he didn’t notice was that Donghyuck was blushing faintly too, shaking his head as if to play it off. “I mean… we might as well pretend to act like a cute couple, right?”
Mark cleared his throat and shook his head, muttering, “Yeah, yeah…” He fumbled with his glasses, using the motion to keep himself busy and hide the fact that he had no idea what to do next.
They both slid out of the booth, waiting patiently for the photos to drop. As soon as they did, Donghyuck grabbed both sets, holding them up close to his eyes, tugging at Mark’s sleeves so he could look too.
“Melk, you look so cute,” he said, examining one of the pictures, completely ignoring the last shot. “Seriously, you look like a little marshmallow.”
Mark blinked, the words barely registering as his gaze locked on the final photo. His chest tightened, and heat pooled in his stomach. God, it was insane. Donghyuck could be impulsive, sure, but he had never expected him to do that. Something Mark had secretly wished for every time they’d walked past this very photobooth.
They continued walking, but Mark barely looked up from the photo in his hands, completely forgetting about shame or dignity in front of Donghyuck. He could feel his cheeks still warm, and for once, he didn’t care. Donghyuck walked beside him quietly, letting him get lost in his own world, eyes flicking to the colorful stalls and twinkling lights around them, a small, content smile tugging at his lips.
Mark didn’t even realize Donghyuck had been talking to someone until he felt a light nudge on his arm. “This is Mark,”
Mark’s head snapped up, meeting a friendly face with a warm smile. “Hey, Mark. I’m Jaehyun.”
“Oh, hi,” Mark said, offering a quick handshake. “I don’t think I’ve heard of you,” he added before realizing how unnecessary it sounded.
Donghyuck jumped in. “He’s my officemate.”
Jaehyun raised an eyebrow, letting out a soft, amused chuckle. “I thought we’d leveled up to friends by now, considering we hang out almost every weekend.”
Donghyuck let out a nervous laugh, glancing briefly at Mark before replying, “I don’t think going to baseball games counts as hanging out every week.”
“I mean, we did agree on drinks every time our team wins,” Jaehyun said, oblivious to the tension in the air.
Mark felt a sudden pang in his chest, jealousy creeping in faster than he expected. His stomach dropped at the casual comment, and for a moment, all the worry he’d carried about drifting apart since Donghyuck moved came rushing back.
What stung the most wasn’t just that Donghyuck had been making new memories without him. It was realizing that he had his own little routine with someone else—someone who wasn’t him.
Mark excused himself, forcing his voice to stay steady as he wandered a few steps away. Donghyuck didn’t question it, letting him slip away while continuing his conversation with Jaehyun.
His gaze landed on a small cat curled up near one of the stalls, the store owner watching it lazily from behind the counter. He crouched down, letting his fingers brush over the soft fur, feeling the warmth and purring vibration calm him.
It was a small comfort, and a way to keep himself from staring back at them with a glare sharp enough to melt steel.
He felt ridiculous for letting himself get so caught up in his own thoughts. He should be happy that Donghyuck was settling in just fine, making new friends, and there was no way he had the right to resent that. It wasn’t surprising because Donghyuck had always had a way of lighting up a room and drawing people in without even trying.
But his thoughts wouldn’t let him be. They raced ahead, imagining every possibility he didn’t want to consider. Maybe Donghyuck hadn’t come back for him, hadn’t missed him at all. Maybe it was just out of habit, a routine he followed because it was expected, not because he truly wanted to.
He felt a gentle touch brushing through his hair and looked up to see Donghyuck smiling softly. “Hey,” he said, letting his fingers linger for a moment. “Are you okay?”
Mark stood and returned a small smile, shaking his head lightly. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just thought I’d give you some space to talk with your friend.”
Donghyuck’s lips pouted in mock disappointment. “You didn’t have to walk away,” he said, his voice teasing.
Mark grinned, his hand awkwardly brushing the back of his head as he avoided the truth. “I’m sorry.”
“What are you saying sorry for?” Donghyuck asked, tilting his head in disbelief. “Come on,” he added, reaching out his hand. “Let’s catch the live music before we head home.”
Mark took his hand, letting himself savor the warmth and the moment, pushing away the unwanted thoughts that always threatened to creep in. He didn’t want anything—especially his own overthinking—to spoil the night or the time they still had together before the holidays ended and Donghyuck had to leave again.
They stood in front of the small stage at the center of the market while the band set up. Donghyuck kept sneaking glances at Mark, who seemed completely absorbed in the scene around him. He noticed the slight shift in Mark’s mood, the way his shoulders tensed just a little or how his gaze flickered toward the crowd.
It wasn’t because Mark was being quiet. Mark was always quiet. Donghyuck simply knew him well enough to read him like an open book and understand the tiny hints that no one else would notice.
“My hands are freezing,” Donghyuck said, breaking the quiet between them. “Can I warm them up for a bit?”
Mark blinked, a little caught off guard, but nodded. He knew exactly what Donghyuck meant whenever he said that.
Donghyuck stepped behind him and wrapped his arms around him, sliding his hands into Mark’s coat pockets. He rested his chin gently on Mark’s shoulder, careful not to press too hard.
“I missed you so much, Mark,” he murmured, holding him a little tighter. “I don’t know how I survived all those months without you.”
Mark melted at that, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He leaned his head against Donghyuck’s cheek, savoring the care and attention he was receiving. He knew Donghyuck had noticed the subtle tension in the air between them, and the gesture made his heart tug quietly, a soft reminder of how much he cared for this person who had been by his side for so long.
The band started singing, and both of them immediately recognized the song, exchanging smiles. “This is your favorite Christmas song, Melk,” Donghyuck said, a soft giggle escaping him.
The song was Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas by Justin Bieber, from Mark’s all-time favorite Christmas album. He had replayed it so many times that even Donghyuck had memorized the lyrics, whether he liked it or not.
Mark just smiled, letting himself soak in the moment, appreciating how perfectly it fit his hopeless romantic heart. The only thing that could make it better was if Donghyuck knew how he truly felt, if all the gentle care he received was more than just friendly gestures.
❆
The walk back was quiet, both of them slipping into a comfortable silence as they walked side by side. The night felt perfect, and Mark never thought it could get any better. But somehow, Donghyuck always found a way to make it even more special. Or maybe it was just that Mark was hopelessly, stupidly in love with him.
When they arrived at Mark’s front door, Donghyuck fumbled in his bag before pulling out a small package. “Oh, I almost forgot these,” he said, handing a bag of cookies to Mark.
Mark took them, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Donghyuck,” he murmured, his lips naturally pouting. “You didn’t have to.”
Donghyuck shrugged. “Why not? I do it for you every year,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I guess my body is just wired to do it by now.”
What sounded like an innocent comment, a soft gesture, made Mark frown despite his best efforts. His mind couldn’t help but wander, twisting the words into something heavier. Was Donghyuck doing these things out of habit, not because he truly wanted to? It shouldn’t matter, and yet Mark felt his stomach tighten at the thought, a small pang of jealousy and worry he couldn’t quite shake.
“Donghyuck,” Mark said, his voice firm as he looked him directly in the eyes. “You don’t have to do all of this just because it’s something we’ve always done every year.”
Donghyuck’s eyebrows knitted together, a small frown appearing. “What do you mean?” he asked, genuinely confused.
“I mean…” Mark paused, searching for the right words. “I don’t want you doing all of this just because you have to, not because you want to.” He swallowed, the words tasting bitter as they left his mouth.
Donghyuck’s eyes widened, disbelief and hurt flickering across his face. “Is that really how you see me, Mark?”
Mark went silent, instantly regretting his words as he saw the effect they had.
“Mark?” Donghyuck called again, his voice softer this time, pulling Mark back to him.
“It’s just… I don’t want to feel like I’m just part of your routine,” Mark said, his honesty spilling out before he could filter it. “Like… how you go to baseball games with Jaehyun.”
“And you know how I feel?” Donghyuck asked, and Mark shook his head, suddenly aware of how foolish he must look. It was his own fault for overcomplicating things.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice quieter now. “I just… I wanted to mean more to you. I don’t want you to come home just because you have to meet a friend for Christmas.”
“A friend?” Donghyuck let out a soft chuckle. “You really think I would come all the way home for a friend?”
Mark couldn’t meet his eyes, his mind racing to untangle what that meant. He tried not to read too much into it, but Donghyuck’s words made it impossible.
“I wouldn’t come home if it was for anyone else, Mark,” he said, the sincerity in his voice grounding Mark in a way nothing else could.
“What do you mean?” Mark asked, his voice barely above a whisper, heart hammering in his chest.
Donghyuck didn’t answer with words. He leaned in slowly, giving Mark just a moment to pull away, though he knew he wouldn’t. His lips brushed against Mark’s in a soft, fleeting kiss, careful and tender, as if testing the waters while saying everything he couldn’t put into words.
Mark froze for a heartbeat, the warmth of Donghyuck’s lips sending a shiver through him. When he finally blinked, he realized Donghyuck was smiling faintly against him, eyes searching him for any sign of hesitation, but finding only awe and something like relief.
“Spending time apart made me realize how much I need you in my life, Mark,” Donghyuck said, his hands brushing softly against Mark’s before their fingers intertwined. “You’re not just a routine, you’re everything to me.”
Mark almost cried at the raw confession, caught completely off guard. His chest tightened with warmth, a rush of emotions making his cheeks flush as he struggled to find the right words.
“You don’t know how badly I wanted to come back to you… to my home.” Donghyuck’s other hand cupped Mark’s cheek gently, a shy smile tugging at his lips as he finally confessed something he had kept bottled up far longer than he wanted to admit.
“Melk,” Donghyuck called softly, giving Mark’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Say something.”
Mark let out a shaky breath, his fingers tightening around Donghyuck’s. “I’m just… trying not to cry right now,” he admitted quietly.
“I’ve wanted to hear that for so long,” he said, voice barely steady. “I just didn’t think I ever would.”
Before Donghyuck could say anything else, Mark leaned in, his lips brushing against his again. This time the kiss lingered, soft and unhurried, as if Mark was taking his time, memorizing the moment. Donghyuck melted into it, instinctively pulling Mark closer, one hand settling at his waist while the other guided Mark’s hand up to rest at the back of his neck.
They pulled apart just enough for their foreheads to rest together, both of them letting out soft, breathless laughs. “You’re so cute, Mark,” Donghyuck murmured, stealing a quick peck on his lips before Mark could react.
“I know,” Mark replied with mock confidence, lips tugging into a grin. “You’ve been telling me that all night.”
Donghyuck smiled at Mark’s response, but his expression shifted when his eyes drifted past him, catching on something hanging just above the doorframe. He leaned back slightly, hands loosening around Mark as curiosity flickered across his face.
“Why did you hang a mistletoe here?”
Mark followed his gaze and immediately felt warmth rush to his face. The sight of it made his stomach flip all over again, the small green sprig suddenly feeling far more embarrassing now that it had been noticed. He rubbed the back of his neck, unable to come up with a proper explanation. There really wasn’t one. He had just been feeling soft, hopeful, a little stupidly romantic.
Donghyuck’s smile turned slow and teasing as realization dawned on him. “Were you planning on kissing someone else here?”
Mark coughed at the sudden question, choking slightly on his own breath as he looked anywhere but Donghyuck’s face. He shook his head quickly, heat rushing to his cheeks, not wanting Donghyuck to read too much into his questionable decorating choices.
“I’m just kidding,” Donghyuck said softly, clearly amused by how flustered Mark looked. He cupped Mark’s cheeks again, thumbs brushing gently against his skin. “Melk,” he murmured.
Mark only hummed in response, instinctively leaning further into the warmth of Donghyuck’s hands, his eyes fluttering shut.
“I don’t want to go home,” Donghyuck admitted quietly.
Mark’s eyes fluttered open, his head turning just enough to press a gentle kiss into the palm cupping his cheek.
“Then don’t,” he murmured, the words soft but certain.
Donghyuck brought both of his arms around Mark’s waist again, pulling him close. He pressed a soft kiss to Mark’s lips before pulling back just enough to look at him. “What would we do?” he asked, voice low and teasing.
“Whatever you want,” Mark replied, nuzzling his head against Donghyuck’s shoulder, feeling clingy in that familiar, effortless way.
“Whatever I want?” Donghyuck repeated, a playful lilt in his tone.
Mark’s cheeks warmed instantly, the meaning sinking in. He buried his face deeper into Donghyuck’s neck, hiding from the teasing glint in his eyes. “Let’s go inside,” he murmured, his voice slow and hesitant, almost as if testing himself.
Donghyuck tilted his head, gently lifting Mark’s chin so their eyes met. “If we go inside,” he said, voice low and earnest, “I can’t promise I’ll be able to control myself, Mark.”
Mark swallowed hard, turning to open his door before stepping inside. He reached out his hand for Donghyuck, silently inviting him in.
Donghyuck’s smile widened, teasing and confident, sending a flutter of nerves through Mark. He took Mark’s hand and stepped inside, closing the door softly behind them. Their bodies pressed close immediately, and Donghyuck leaned in, kissing Mark with a deeper, more intimate intensity—one that carried all the unspoken meaning between them.
“You have no idea how much I wanted this,” Donghyuck murmured against his lips, voice soft and almost vulnerable.
Mark smiled, nuzzling closer. “I think I do,” he whispered back, letting himself soak in the quiet comfort of being in Donghyuck’s arms.
They stayed like that for a moment, foreheads resting together, breath mingling in the warm glow of the room, just two people who had found their way back to each other, wrapped in the gentle warmth of love and a Christmas night they would always remember.