And then it was the day of Christmas Eve. Taecyeon explained to him that it was normal for couples to go out on Christmas Day and Ryeowook realized that Heechul and Hangeng had also always gone out on a date on this particular day, but that realization alone didn’t help against the stress he had working in the kitchen because the restaurant was even fuller than on normal days.

By the time he, Taecyeon, Pilkyo, and the others from their team gathered in the changing room, all of them sat down first before they started to change very slowly one by one. Aside from the soft rustling of their clothes and bags, almost nothing could be heard.

Ryeowook left together with Pilkyo that day and they slowly walked towards the subway station. “This was your first holiday, huh?” the older hybrid eventually spoke up. Ryeowook simply hummed in response, looking down at the floor to avoid stumbling over his own feet or slip due to the icy ground and his exhaustion. Snow was falling softly. “You’ll get more used to it.”

“Really?”

This time, Pilkyo hummed. “Don’t get me wrong, it’ll always be tough, draining, and quite stressful. But not quite as bad as it is the first time.”

“You all looked worn out, too, though.”

“Believe me, we are. But you look like you could use a week of rest now.”

“I think I really could,” the cat hybrid mumbled and came to a stand in front of the staircase to the subway station since he knew Pilkyo would take the bus.

“Do you have any plans for today?”

Ryeowook shook his head lightly. “Not as far as I know of. What about you?”

“I might go out again in the evening with a few friends of mine,” he revealed.

“That sounds great. Have fun.”

“Thank you, you too. Rest a bit when you get home, alright?”

“I will. You too.”

Pilkyo’s smile deepened a little. “Believe me, I will. See you tomorrow, Ryeowook.”

“See you tomorrow.” The cat hybrid softly smiled back at the older and then dragged his tired feet down the stairs, already dreading his arrival because of the flights of stairs he’d have to take up again.

By the time he unlocked the apartment door, he had absolutely no idea how he had gotten there.

“Welcome home,” Kyuhyun called out from his room and Ryeowook could hear the other pause the game he had been playing.

“Thanks,” he called back tiredly and let his bag fall to the floor. After a couple of seconds of just staring at the empty hallway while listening to Kyuhyun leaving his room and walking to the stairs, he eventually managed to gather the strength to take off his coat and boots.

“Wookie, what happened to you! You look dead tired.”

Ryeowook looked up for long enough to flash Kyuhyun a ‘you don’t say’-glance, then he fought against his second boot that just didn’t seem to want to come off. Once he had succeeded and put his boots off to the side, he straightened and finally replied, “I am.”

“What a shame… Can we still go out later today?”

“Go out?” Ryeowook’s mind needed a moment to catch up with what the other was saying, then he nodded hesitantly. “Sure, where to? And at what time?”

“I arranged something for seven PM, is that alright for you?”

Ryeowook nodded. “Can I take a nap before we leave?”

Kyuhyun nodded back right away. “Of course you can. Do you want me to wake you up by five-thirty?”

The slightly older man thought about that option for a moment, then he nodded. “If I haven’t gotten up before then on my own, I’d appreciate that.”

“Alright. Do you want to grab a bite to eat before you nap?”

Ryeowook shook his head. “Right now I really just want to sleep,” he replied and stifled a yawn at the plain thought of going to sleep.

“Alright. I’ll wake you up later then.”

“Thank you.”

Kyuhyun nodded lightly and went back upstairs with another small smile. Ryeowook went to the kitchen first to drink a little bit, then he also went upstairs and simply let himself fall onto his bed. Within seconds, he had fallen asleep.

“Ryeowook? Hey Wookie, wake up.”

The cat hybrid groaned and tried to turn away from the voice. He wasn’t done sleeping yet after his stressful day.

The voice chuckled softly. “Are you sure? You want me to go out alone?”

Ryeowook groaned again and slowly opened his eyes, blinking a couple of times. The light in the hallway had been , making it a little difficult for him to identify Kyuhyun against its brightness right away.

“Hey there, did you sleep well?”

Ryeowook hummed and rolled onto his side so he could face Kyuhyun. After blinking a couple of times, his eyes finally adjusted to the light and he could see the younger crouching in front of his bed, smiling warmly at him.

“That’s great. Would you like me to prepare a small snack for you? Then you won’t have to go hungry until they serve the food.”

“So we’re really going out to eat tonight?” Ryeowook asked softly, the news of their plans for that day finally sinking in.

Kyuhyun nodded. “Yes. I figured it would be nice to go out now that I’m done with my finals. And Christmas is a day when couples or friends often go out to eat something together, many also go to noraebangs and drink, but that’s not my intention for tonight.”

The cat hybrid nodded lightly as he thought about it. “Hangeng-hyung and Heechul-hyung also always go out on Christmas Eve. They’re also busy on Christmas Day.”

“Of course they are,” Kyuhyun agreed, making Ryeowook frown.

“How would you know?”

“You don’t know?” This time, the younger one of them looked at the cat hybrid in confusion, so the latter shook his head lightly, propping himself up onto one elbow. “I really thought you’d known about this… If I had known you had no idea, I would have told you sooner.”

“Told me sooner about what?”

“About the Christmas party we’ll attend tomorrow that Hangeng-sshi organized.”

At those words, Ryeowook sat up, instantly awake. “There’s a party tomorrow that hyung organized?”

Kyuhyun nodded. “Yes, there is. In the e-mail Hangeng-sshi sent around it was described as a get-together for all the hybrids and the ones who adopted them. It seems like he does that every year. He wrote that it’s always a good way for everyone to share information and tips, to form new friendships and to make sure old friendships won’t be forgotten.”

Ryeowook couldn’t help but smile fondly when Kyuhyun elaborated the reasons for the party. He knew it had been Heechul’s idea to create this meetup. How many nights and days had they spent at their old shelter, wishing people wouldn’t just lose contact once they were adopted…

“Wow, you really had no idea…” When Ryeowook glanced over at Kyuhyun, he could see that the other looked stunned.

“Well, now we’re even, I guess, aren’t we?” The cat hybrid replied and flashed the younger a happy smile.

“Even?”

“Yes, of course! I had known about hyung’s surprise visit to check on us before you had, and now you knew about the party before I did~”

Kyuhyun shook his head lightly. “Really, Ryeowook, you’re a strange one… to compare those two things…”

The cat hybrid laughed in response and then got up. “Anyway, I’ll get ready now, okay? What kinds of snacks will you make?”

The younger man shook his head lightly, apparently to overcome his daze, then he got up. “I’m not sure yet. But I’ll make sure to have it done when you come downstairs, okay?”

“Okay,” Ryeowook agreed and left his room first to go to the bathroom. When he was done there and had changed into better clothing, he went downstairs to find Kyuhyun standing by the counter in the kitchen, so he went over to him. “What are you making?”

“I’m making fruit salad.”

“Oh, you are?” Ryeowook’s cat ears perked up at the announcement of the refreshingly healthy snack. He leaned against the counter next to the other. “Is there anything left I can help you with?”

Kyuhyun shook his head. “No, I’m almost done. It’s not much, but I guess it’ll be fine,” he replied with a soft smile. “How was your day today? Aside from tiring, I mean.”

“It was fine. But there was so much to do, I never knew holidays were this intense! And they said that the evening shift is even worse, that there are even more people coming in at that time! But Pilkyo-sshi said that the first time is always the worst because you don’t really know what’s coming at you and everything is stressful and you feel like you never get anything done in time.” He shrugged lightly. “It makes me feel a little bad for the cooks and everyone else in the restaurant we’ll go to later. They must also be very stressed out…”

“Try not to think about it too much tonight, alright? Remember they nevertheless make a lot of money on holidays and since we’re no rude customers, I guess they’ll be grateful for us.”

Ryeowook nodded with a soft smile. “Yes, that’s true.”

Kyuhyun finished cutting the last apple and put the knife aside. “Alright, let’s eat now, shall we? Should we get bowls?”

The cat hybrid looked at the bowl with fruit in it, then he shook his head. “Let’s just get forks, alright? I don’t feel like dirtying further dishes.”

The younger laughed at that remark. “You’re starting to think like me!”

“But that’s not a bad thing, is it?”

“I don’t think it is.”

“Then I don’t mind it.” Ryeowook smiled at the younger and got two small forks, then he sat down at the table in his usual spot. Kyuhyun brought the bowl with the fruit salad and sat down across from him, then Ryeowook handed him one of the forks before he peeked into the big bowl between them. He used his fork to mix the ingredients, finding banana slices, pieces of peaches from a tin and also pineapple pieces from a tin as well as apple pieces. With a happy smile, he took one of the banana slices first and ate it, watching as Kyuhyun took a pineapple piece. “So how was your day? It must have been nice to finally have a day to relax again.”

“Oh yes, it was! But it was a shame that you couldn’t be with me.”

“Well, I’m with you now.”

“That’s true.”

They smiled at each other as they continued to eat. Ryeowook realized how hungry he had really been after the stress at work and only having eaten something small during his lunch break.

They left about an hour later and took the subway to go to the restaurant Kyuhyun had picked. Ryeowook was happy to find out it served traditional Chinese cuisine and couldn’t help but wonder if Hangeng also knew about this restaurant. When it was their time to order, Ryeowook ordered one of the dishes Hangeng had once made but that he himself had never been taught while Kyuhyun ordered something Ryeowook had never even heard of before.

The cat hybrid took the time to look around the restaurant. He realized that most of the employees seemed to be Chinese, probably to create a proper Chinese atmosphere and make the customers feel like they were on vacation or maybe because they had moved to Korea a while ago and now made a living with something they knew how to do really well. The dominant colors were a dark brown and red and on some banners above their heads Ryeowook spotted Chinese characters and dragons as well as lampions hanging between the banners. The customer area had been trimmed to emit a comfortable ambience that once again reminded Ryeowook of his close friend. If the food also tasted as nice as the place looked, he was certain Heechul and Hangeng would love that place!

“Do you like the restaurant?”

Ryeowook looked over at Kyuhyun at that question and nodded with a soft smile. “The interior is really nice and looks comfortable.”

“I know, I think so too every time I come here.”

“When was the first time you came here?”

“I think it was for noona’s graduation. She’s always loved Chinese food and found out about this restaurant through of a friend.”

“Oh, she really does like Chinese food?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Because… when we went to the Christmas fair, Eunhyuk-sshi suggested that I make a recipe book for Ara-sshi and that I should include the Beijing fried rice that you also like so much,” Ryeowook explained and saw the younger man light up at his words.

“I think she’ll love it! She’s always been passionate about cooking, so getting new recipes from you will most likely make her day!”

The cat hybrid smiled back at those cheerful words. “When will we hand over our presents?”

“Since we’re busy tomorrow, probably on the 26^th. I still have to check with noona, though,” Kyuhyun replied and looked up when their drinks were delivered. They both thanked the waitress, receiving a slightly stressed smile in return, then they looked at each other again. Kyuhyun raised his glass, so Ryeowook did the same. “To us, to our first Christmas together, and to our future. I can’t wait to see what it holds.”

Ryeowook blushed at those words but nodded softly. “To us,” he repeated and they clinked their glasses, then both of them took the first sip before putting their drinks back down again.

Kyuhyun played a little with his glass and Ryeowook could tell the other was nervous, but he waited patiently, wondering what was on the younger’s mind. When the seconds continued to stretch out and Kyuhyun still didn’t speak up, the cat hybrid leaned forward a little to rest his forearms on the table. “What are you thinking about?”

Kyuhyun looked up to meet Ryeowook’s gaze and the older one of them tilted his head lightly at the inscrutable look he was given. A few more seconds ticked by before Kyuhyun finally answered, “I’ve just been thinking about these past five months. So much has changed, especially for you… How was that time for you? I spend so much time away from you now that both of us are busy with our jobs and because of university… All I know is that I’d love to spend more time with you again and I feel like you must be lonely.”

Ryeowook looked down, toying with his glass as well. He thought about Kyuhyun’s words for a moment and recalled the past months before he slowly dared to respond, “It’s been overwhelming. Yes, I think that’s the best way to describe everything that happened since July. So much changed that I hadn’t dared to believe in anymore and everything turned out so much better than I feared and had dared to hope.” He could feel Kyuhyun’s eyes on him, but he still didn’t look up, too shy to make eye contact. “You know, at the shelters we often fantasize about what our future owners might be like. The fantasies always range from that old person who will only take us in for…” He tried to think of a fitting word, one that wouldn’t be too direct but still express what he wanted to say. “… for their own advantages to the young person like you whom we can become friends with.

"I don’t know what it was like for Donghae-sshi because he didn’t grow up in the shelters, but… I don’t know, when I came to your place, I got so much more than I had ever thought I’d be allowed to own. I not only got my own room but a big one on top of that. I still don’t know what to do with all that space all to myself. You give me more freedom than I’ve ever had in my whole life, I’m allowed to work and even found something I really, really like to do.” Eventually, he looked up again to find Kyuhyun still watching him, and for a moment he thought he saw something like amazement in the younger’s eyes. Was Kyuhyun trying to see it from his perspective? “You gave me a real family and a place I can confidently call my home without people looking at me strangely because I’m either talking about my best friend or about hyung’s shelter. You are so kind to me, patient, and caring... You showed me that the world is full of choices, even for people like me who are still seen as inferior to people like you. I never knew I could do all of this with my life.”

They continued to hold their gazes until Ryeowook felt awkward with it and looked down, taking a small sip from his water before he continued to play with the glass. He figured that the summary he had given Kyuhyun was the best one he could have given, even though his mind already came up with things he hadn’t mentioned—like the pride he started to feel because he belonged to Kyuhyun and because there were things he could call his own.

“I had no idea I could be even happier to have taken you in.” When Ryeowook looked up, he found Kyuhyun looking down again, but an affectionate smile was playing on his lips. “You know, when you first moved in with me, I was really wondering if I had made the right decision.” The cat hybrid’s eyes widened a little in surprise at the revelation. Kyuhyun had always been so confident around him, hearing that he had actually doubted the choice he had made didn’t seem to fit into his picture of their beginning. “I could see how much you had missed your friends and when Heechul-sshi and Hangeng-sshi came over for their surprise visit and I saw how happy you were to see your best friend again, I was about to let you go. It pained me to see you unhappy around me and so shy even though I could tell you were trying to be confident about everything. Then again, who wouldn’t be hesitant when they’re suddenly confronted with a stranger they’re supposed to live with.”

Kyuhyun laughed, but it was a dry, humorless laugh. “I talked to Hangeng-sshi about it while you and Heechul-sshi were in your room and he advised me to hang in there and keep trying. He told me that he knew things wouldn’t be easy but that he had seen and experienced on his own that it would simply take you time to get used to being around someone and get to know them. That’s one of the reasons why I came up with this question idea. Or well, actually, Hangeng-sshi helped me come up with it.” The younger looked up again as well and Ryeowook’s surprised gaze was met with Kyuhyun’s calm, certain, and warm eyes. “I’m incredibly glad that Hangeng-sshi was right, that you probably did mainly need time to settle down in your new surroundings. You have no idea how happy it makes me to see how comfortable you’ve become at our home and with me, to hear you call the apartment your home as well. When I first heard you say it, I thought I had misheard you.”

“Yes, I could tell you were very surprised,” Ryeowook admitted with a shy smile.

“I’m glad you didn’t take it back.”

“I never would. I mean it when I say that your place has also become my home.”

“I know that now.” They smiled at each other and Ryeowook felt warm on the inside after Kyuhyun’s confession. Somehow knowing Kyuhyun had actually doubted himself and had needed some help from Hangeng as well made him feel better about always running to Heechul when something was up or he simply needed someone to talk to.

“You said once that you also asked your sister for tips, didn’t you?”

“Yes, exactly. Though I have to admit that Eunhyuk usually proved to be more helpful than my sister.” The young man laughed at his own words.

“Oh really? Why? Shouldn’t Ara-sshi have been the more helpful one because she knew what it was like to have hybrids around who needed to adapt to everything first?”

Kyuhyun shook his head. “No, Eunhyuk was indeed the better help because he could explain to me what it had probably been like for you at the shelters and what kinds of things I should pay attention to for you to feel more comfortable. Like trying not to pressure you into anything and giving you enough time, being there for you and doing things with you but trying not to overwhelm you with my constant presence and instead give you time to explore the apartment on your own and become comfortable in it. Or finding something for you to do, a way to help around the house like the cooking.”

“It’s not like you do much in the house anyway,” Ryeowook commented and blushed when he realized he had really said that, but Kyuhyun just laughed in response.

“I know, I’m sorry. If it gets too much for you, please tell me and I’ll help you more, okay? I know I shouldn’t just let you do the entire household on your own.”

The slightly older one was quick to shake his head. “No, no, no, that’s not how I meant it. I like doing the household. It’s something I can do to contribute to us living together.”

“But you work as well, you shouldn’t have to do the cooking, the laundry, and the cleaning all on your own.”

“Really, it’s fine for me, though. You’re paying for the rent and everything, after all. You should rather focus on your studies.”

“I think I focus enough on my studies. I’ll try to help you a little more around the house, okay? You’re not my servant, Ryeowook. You do more than I think you really notice. I mean, you get the groceries now, you make sure we always have a warm meal at least once a day, the apartment has not been as constantly clean before you moved in with me as it is now, and it almost feels like the laundry is doing itself. Before I even get the chance to think about doing the laundry, you’re already done with it. So don’t underestimate what you’re doing, alright?” The look in Kyuhyun’s eyes was warm and promising and Ryeowook couldn’t do anything but simply nod in return. He would try to step back a little and relax even more if that was what Kyuhyun wanted.

Ryeowook looked up when he smelled something nearby that was incredibly close to the meal he thought he had ordered and he brightened up even more when he was proven right and the waitress came to their table to put down their meals. She bowed towards them afterwards and quickly left to tend to her other customers, so Ryeowook turned to face Kyuhyun again.

“Let’s eat well,” Kyuhyun announced and picked up his chopsticks with a grin.

“Yes, let’s eat well. And thank you for the invitation,” Ryeowook replied, his eyes sparkling with joy over the course of the day. Looking at his food again, he beamed at how delicious it looked and smelled and he started to dig in, humming in delight at the taste. Yes, this was every bit as good as he remembered it!

“What did you get?” Kyuhyun asked eventually and nodded towards Ryeowook’s plate.

He smiled at that. “I got something called Gong Bao Chicken. Hangeng-hyung made it once and he said that it’s rather popular in China and that he used to eat it quite frequently. Have you ever tried it?”

“I’ve only tried a bit when Ara-noona ordered it once, but it really is good.”

“What did you take?”

“I chose their Sweet and Sour Pork.”

“Is it good?”

Kyuhyun nodded. “I like it. Have you ever tried it before?” When Ryeowook shook his head, the younger man picked up some of the pork with his chopsticks and grinned. “Here, try some.”

“Just like that?”

“If you want?”

Ryeowook stared at the pork held out for him, then he shyly leaned closer and carefully took the food into his mouth, paying close attention so he wouldn’t come in touch with the chopsticks. A soft blush made his cheeks heat up, but he tried to ignore it while he chewed on the piece of pork. Once he had swallowed it, he smiled at Kyuhyun who was watching him expectantly. “It really is good. Thank you for letting me try some.”

“Do you want some more?”

The cat hybrid was quick to shake his head. “I think my chicken will be enough for me, but thank you.”

“Alright.”

They ate mostly in silence. Ryeowook hung after his thoughts, thinking about the past five months and what they had brought him and how much had changed during that time and the more he thought about it, the more he realized how fully and genuinely happy he was with how things had turned out in the end. He still wasn’t sure exactly what to make of Kyuhyun’s parents and how to behave around them, but at least Mihye seemed really nice and he knew that Ara, Eunhyuk, and Donghae had long since accepted him.

“What are you thinking about?” Kyuhyun asked quietly and Ryeowook focused back on him with a warm smile.

“You. These past months. Your family. Thinking about it, everything still feels a little surreal. I’m so grateful for everything, Kyuhyun.”

“You’re welcome. I’m happy you feel that way.”

“Oh, I haven’t even wished Heechul-hyung and Hangeng-hyung a merry Christmas!” Ryeowook suddenly realized and stared at Kyuhyun in shock, watching as the other burst out laughing while still trying to chew some food.

A couple of seconds went by until the younger was able to speak again, “I’m sure they’ll get over it.”

Ryeowook was quick to shake his head. “No, you don’t know what Heechul is like… He’ll be upset that I didn’t remember to do it.”

“Did you bring your phone?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then why don’t you go ahead and text him now?”

The cat hybrid shook his head. “It’s not nice to text while you’re eating,” he recalled one of the many rules he had learned as a child, even though it had been worded in a more general manner.

Kyuhyun shrugged. “You don’t usually do it and I think this is a valid reason to make an exception. Go ahead and text Heechul, I don’t want him to be upset with you.”

“Are you sure?” When Kyuhyun nodded, Ryeowook quickly did as he had been told, then he put his phone back into the pocket of his jacket again. “Alright, now I feel better.”

“Good then.”

After the meal, they decided to go out to take a walk. The air was cold and snow had started falling again, but Ryeowook was happier than he had been in a long time. He was together with Kyuhyun, walking along the beautifully twinkling streets of Seoul while the snow made everything quiet. Christmas decorations had been hung up everywhere, on street lamps, between houses, in windows…

As they walked through the unusually quiet streets that were filled with traffic on any other day, Ryeowook spotted many couples along their way, though he couldn’t tell with most of them whether they were humans or hybrids. Like he himself, most people were wearing a beanie and his cat tail was also hidden underneath his long, padded coat since it was too cold to leave it outside. He couldn’t see anyone who was dressed poorly, showing again that those hybrids who didn’t have a family were most likely inside somewhere, at least that was the way it had always been at the shelters he had stayed at. They had always been inside on Christmas Eve and they had been grateful that they hadn’t needed to go outside. But this time, it was different—the cold didn’t bother him because he had proper clothes and he was with someone who meant a lot to him. And just like that, he realized why people always spoke so highly of Christmas, even those who weren’t particularly religious.

“Kyuhyun?” The other hummed in response. “I never knew Christmas was like this.”

“Like what?”

“Like this.” Ryeowook motioned to his surroundings with one arm before quickly putting his hand back into the warm pocket of his winter coat. “Everyone’s happy. There’s light everywhere. People sing and spread joy. You can’t tell who’s who, everyone looks the same or at least equal. I really like this.”

Kyuhyun nodded. “That’s true. That’s also something I have always liked about Christmas. I think this is the real Christmas spirit. It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with going to church and all that, it’s about being with someone you love—with your partner, with your friends, or with your family. It’s about feeling comfortable, about being happy and feeling warm while eating cookies.”

“Let’s have some of the cookies I made these past days when we get home, alright?”

“Yes, let’s do that.” Ryeowook could hear that Kyuhyun was smiling as he said that. “Oh, and Ryeowook?”

“Mhm?”

“Let’s bake cookies together sometime soon, alright? We haven’t made any together yet, but I’ve always helped make some around Christmas. I either did them with Ara-noona, with Mihye-noona, or with my parents, it’s only this year that I haven’t made any yet.”

Ryeowook glanced over at the other and couldn’t help but smile when he saw the dreamy expression on Kyuhyun’s face. “Yes, let’s do that tomorrow when I come back from work,” he agreed, already excited at the thought of baking cookies with Kyuhyun. Doing them on his own that past week hadn’t been the slightest bit fun after he had always done them with the other hybrids at the shelters for years.

“Ryeowook?”

“Hm?”

“Are you cold?”

“No, I’m not. Why do you ask?”

“Let me check. Give me your hand.”

Ryeowook laughed but did as he was told.

“Ah, you’re right. You’re really not cold,” Kyuhyun commented and nevertheless pulled both hands into the pocket of his coat, fidgeting a little to make it work. The cat hybrid laughed again and automatically walked closer to Kyuhyun.

No, he thought to himself, I really couldn’t be any happier.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello~ Here you go with the first part of Christmas. I hope you guys liked it? It's yet another really big thing for Ryeowook~

I also wish everyone a happy pride month :* I hope you can be yourselves freely and if not, then that you can be eventually <3