December 2008

            Since young, Christmas didn’t mean much. You see, while my mom was drinking and my dad was with my step-mother, I never had the feeling of euphoria when it was the holidays. Christmas was pretty much like any other day. It just gave me another excuse to be envious of families.

            At first, I thought this year was no different. But turned out, Jong In was all about celebrating the holidays. I woke up to Jong In’s face next to mine. Though it wasn’t apparent, my heart was thudding quite loudly against my rib cage.

            “Get up, we may have work, but that won’t put a stop to our celebration!” Jong In ruffled my hair before getting out of my bed. I had to stuff my fist into my mouth to prevent myself from calling him to stay in bed. Lazily stretching my limbs on my bed, I finally climbed out.

            Throwing on a bathrobe, I headed towards the bathroom to take a morning shower. Since Jong In moved in, I developed a habit of showering in the morning and night. Had he not moved in, I honestly wouldn’t care about looks 24/7, but since Jong In so happened to be living with me, that clearly was not the case.

            Plus, Jong In had stated he liked my shampoo.

            After 20 pointless minutes of daydreaming in the shower, I threw on my business suit and headed towards the kitchen. Jong In was already wearing his work attire. A Hello Kitty apron was draped over his neck. As childish as the apron was designed, somehow, Jong In managed to pull it off.

            “Come, we have to open presents after breakfast!” That was also another part I hated about Christmas. When you receive a present that you really like, you feel indebted to the giver of your present. Then, when you give a present back to the other person, there’s always that possibility that they won’t like the gift at all.

            That’s why I hate receiving gifts and giving out gifts. It wasn’t because I was being stingy, but rather, the feeling of disappointment hindered me from getting into the holiday spirit. Or the birthday spirit, for that matter.

            “Won’t we be late for work?” I asked as I scarfed down a waffle.

            “No, I made sure that we won’t be late. I woke you up an hour earlier!” Jong In gestured to the wall clock which read 5:00 AM. Hearing this, anger pulsed through my veins.

            “Yah! Kim Jong In!”

            “I don’t think we’ll have time to open presents tonight, so I thought we should open them now. You should be thankful, Hana,” Jong In stuck out his tongue. I sighed. I could never stay angry at Jong In.

* * * *

            Wearing the watch Jong In had given to me, I checked the time as I walked to my cubicle. For the past two days, Jong In and I hadn’t been doing much, aside from unpacking our belongings. But now that we were done with unpacking, it was time for real work. Well at least for Jong In. I wasn’t assigned to do anything. So I ended up alphabetizing clients’ names and reorganizing my files.

            I hadn’t seen Sehun for the entire day. Casting a glance at the box of chocolates on my desk, I sighed. I probably wouldn’t be able to give him his Christmas present. Since he didn’t leave any notice about his absence, I assumed he was out for a family brunch.

            By the time the clock struck five, Sehun still didn’t make his appearance. Maybe he isn’t at work today. I the ribbon tied onto the chocolate box. I’ll just save this for afterwards.

            I don’t bother waiting for Jong In, knowing that he has a lot to catch up on. When I reached the lobby, it was barren. Most employees didn’t bother coming to work or they left in the middle of the day. The only person aside from me in the lobby was the security guard. But he was dozing off. I sighed.

            “Everyone has their own family to go to,” I muttered spitefully. I glanced outside, seeing the white snow trickling down from the sky. I looked down at my pencil skirt and thin blazer.

            “Well aren’t I just lucky.” As I advanced towards the entrance, bracing myself for the coldness, the doors swung open. Sehun was standing across from me, wearing a wool coat.

            I nodded my head as a form of greeting. He did the same.

            I bit my tongue, preventing myself from asking him unnecessary questions. It wasn’t in my position to ask him any questions, after all.

             I shivered. Although the doors were closed, the winter draft escaped into the building. I sheepishly smile before walking towards the entrance.

            Sehun’s voice stopped me. “Don’t you have a jacket or an umbrella?”

            I turned around, shaking my head. Sehun bit his lip before he walked over to my side. “Wait here. I need to retrieve a few files but I’ll be heading home afterwards. I’ll take you home.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he had already left. Plus, he had somehow slipped out of his winter coat and threw it over my shoulders.

* * * *

            “Wear the coat,” Sehun said, avoiding my eyes. “I’m not cold.”

            “Are you sure? I mean, I—“

            “Just listen, alright?” In an aggravated tone, he shut me up. His chauffeur had parked on the curbside, waiting for Sehun.

            “Young Master,” he bowed before opening the door to Sehun. Spotting me, he also bowed. I bowed back. Uncertain, I hesitated. I was unsure whether I should sit in the back or in the front. Somehow, the chauffeur had ushered me into the back where I sat awkwardly next to Sehun.

            When the chauffeur entered the car, I gave him my address. He nodded and gunned the engine. In a matter of seconds, we were speeding down the highway.

            “Are you always driven around?” I asked, hoping to ease the atmosphere.

Please Subscribe to read the full chapter