Featured song: First Snow~EXO

"So, will you be celebrating Xmas with us, Kai-sshi?" asked Luhan's mother while filling up the bowl with beef stew and fresh veggies. She gave one to Kai before sitting down and eating her cabbage roll. 

Kai glanced momentarily at Luhan. When the latter nodded, he replied, "Yes. I will be staying here. I hope it's not a bother to you."

"Ah no no! It'll be more fun with you. This years, Luhan's father couldn't come home so it's good to have a new company," Luhan's mother answered back with a smile. 

Sojun raised both of his arms in excitement while Luhan's grandmother just looked at them with her endearing eyes. After dinner, Luhan and Kai volunteered to clean up. In the kitchen, they were acting like kids, splashing water to each other and technically creating more mess. They didn't notice Luhan's mother and grandmother watching them behind the counter. 

"Can you see them?" the older woman asked. 

Luhan's mother nodded, "I can see clearly." She then met his mother's eyes and they both expressed a knowing look.

Sojun suddenly popped out behind his grandmom and called out Luhan. The latter immediately looked back and caught his mom covering the little boy's mouth but it was too late. 

"Mom, grandma, what are you doing there? Sojun, too," inquired Luhan. Kai glanced at him and smiled shyly before he continued washing the dishes. He was quick to realize what the situation was but he just let Luhan wonder like an innocent child (which is exactly what he is). Luhan's grandmom took a glimpse of her daughter's busted face. 

"Nothing," replied Luhan's mom with a defensive expression. "Really. Nothing. Just watching."

"Really. Nothing. Jas watching," Sojun echoed her while clapping his hand. He then dashed towards Kai and jumped on him. The latter, caught off-guard, lost his balance and stumbled on Luhan. Good thing, Sojun was able to hold on the cabinet handle under the sink so he didn't fall with the cupid. 

"I'm sorry!" Kai quickly exclaimed when he realized the awkward position he and Luhan were in. Due to the sudden force, Luhan was almost fastened on the edge of the sink; Kai's body leaning over him. Sojun blinked a couple of times before he tilted his head to the side, wondering what the two blushing guys were up to. Luhan's face was a only a few inches away from the cupid's. Frozen, he stared at Kai's face momentarily until he became conscious of their nearness; not to mention the presence of his mother and grandmother.

And Sojun.

He twisted his body to get away from Kai.

***

"That was embarrassing," murmured Luhan as they went to his room to retire for the night. Kai followed behind him with an amused grin. Luhan kept on whispering the same words while preparing the bed. The cupid couldn't help but watch and listen to him, making fun of his silly reactions and regret on the obvious unintentional situation a while ago. "My mother saw it. My grandmother saw it," Luhan sighed. He turned back to Kai who hasn't responded for a while. The cupid smiled at him and added, "Sojun saw it, too."

"There goes your teasing again, Kai. Not funny.

"But have you seen how your grandmother smiled?"

"She smiled?"

Kai nodded, "She looked rather pleased."

"Really.....?" thought Luhan. "Why would she be pleased? Are you saying that she knows?"

"Your grandmother seemed like a very observant person. She's sharp despite her old age," said Kai knowingly. "It's not impossible."

"I don't know how to feel about that," muttered Luhan as he sat on the floor. The cupid watched his concerned expression as he, too, went to sit on the floor next ot him. He leaned closer to Luhan and cuddled him. "Don't worry too much. I'm sure, somehow, your family will understand. If not now, then maybe in the future. We don't need to rush them. I quite understand the norm in this planet. It's not easy but..." Before he continued, Kai gently laid Luhan down and kissed his chin. "...you just have to believe in our love."

Luhan smiled shyly. He held Kai tightly but remained silent. It was one of the moments when Luhan just wanted nothing but the cupid's encouraging words. He buried his head on the latter's chest, not really sure what to do at the sickly sweet feeling. He found himself drowned in the overwhelming happiness; that kind of feeling when you don't ever want to let go. 

"Luhan," Kai whispered. "Let me see your face"

Luhan squeezed his eyes shut. He breathed heavily and Kai realized how uncertain he was of what he's feeling. 

Not long, Luhan carefully lifted his head and their eyes met briefly.

A kiss.

It happened naturally. 

For Kai, it was his way to express his deepest admiration to Luhan. His heart and lips would ache simultaneously whenever he feels the urge to kiss him. And it's just magical every time.

For Luhan, even though they have been doing it almost all the time, it feels genuine and sweeter each time.He never felt so emotionally connected to someone until he fell in love Kai. And the more they get to discover each other, the more he wishes to stay by his side forever.

While Kai rested his head on Luhan's shoulder, the latter glanced at the shopping bags scattered across the floor. He bought a silver necklace for the cupid as a Christmas gift. He couldn't help but wonder what Kai got him. Whatever it is, Luhan already made up his mind; Kai, for him, is best present he received in his life.

Chanyeol motioned towards the hard-pressed bed across the half-lit room. When he reached the edge where a person's feet were visibly showing, he immediately reached for the blanket and pulled it up. 

"Lay," he called. He bent down and hit his younger brother's forehead. "No use huh?" Chanyeol thought. "I guess I have to make it a little fiery for you." He closed his palms tightly for a while before he opened them again and brushed them all over the sleeping cupid's face. Due to the extreme heat, Lay woke up in a painful way. 

"Uhhhh why did you do that? My face burns."

"Wake up. I need to ask something from you," commanded Chanyeol while watching his brother rubbed his cheeks to ease out the pain. 

"What it is?"

Chanyeol gulped, suddenly fell hesitant.

"What is it?" repeated Lay. "Tell me so I can go back to bed."

"Well... I am curious," Chanyeol began. "About ...Luhannie."

Lay's sleepy eyes suddenly turned round and steady. When Chanyeol mentioned Luhan's name, it was like opening Pandora's forebidden box, stirring a lot of emotions in an instant. For days, no one dared to talk about Luhan and Kai, except for Xyke and Qupid who do it by themselves. 

Suho had been spending time in the palace bath; plunging himself under water to desert Luhan's thoughts. Tao shut himself in his room; same as Baekhyun and DO. They only appear during meal time. Because his brothers were all in the state of sadness, Kris was the one who took over, doing the necessary things a cupid should do for humans and for his fellow cupids. Xiumin was still stuck in the kitchen with all the food while Chen tried to support Chanyeol all these time. Sehun, the youngest and probably the most hurtful one, had been seen so often in the balcony, staring aimlessly at the sky. A melancholic expression hadn't left his face since he returned home. 

"What about him?" asked Lay. 

"When you think about him before you sleep, you can intercept with his dream, right?"

"Yes. As long as we're both asleep, I can do it."

"I...well I am wondering how he's doing right now," muttered Chanyeol. "Have you met him lately? Did you visit him in his dreams?"

Lay huffed and rolled over to the other side of the bed, "I haven't met him in my dreams, Channie. I don't think I can do that anymore."

"Why? Is it because of Kai?"

"I don't know. It just happened. I feel like I lost a connection with Luhannie the moment he confessed about his feelings to Kai," answered Lay truthfully. He then waited for his brother to continue speaking. But when he didn't, he furthered, "Is that really what you need from me, Chanyeol? I bet there's something else."

The latter shook his head before he decided to head towards the door and leave. 

"I miss him, too," murmured Lay all of a sudden. Chanyeol was already on his way out of the room and he halted upon hearing Lay's words. It was bittersweet. 

"I wish I could see him," the sleepy cupid added. "Especially during Christmas. Before everything turned out like this, I was able to get into Luhan's dream and knew about his wish for the holidays."

"Christmas wish... But his wish did come true. He's with Kai now. They are together and that's what matters to him the most," mumbled Chanyeol. He marched out of the room leaving Lay with a sad thought.  "He actually wished to be with us this Christmas. I guess that won't happen now. It's just impossible with our selfish feelings of not accepting Luhannie's decision. I wish I could do something about it."

"I heard that."

Lay jerked a little and glanced at the door; there stood Chen. The latter continued, "I heard your thoughts, Lay." He closed the door and approached him, "I saw Chanyeol coming out of your room with a gloomy expression. You talked about Luhannie, I can't blame him."

"Say, Chen," uttered Lay. "Do you want to see Luhannie and Kai?"

Chen paused momentarily. "Yes. I actually want to see them," he then replied. "To be honest, I think we are being unfair not only to Luhannie but to our brother as well. I am sure Kai is disappointed with us But despite that, he tries to understand. He may look like he's going to kill us but he knows better than that. I know this is too early to accept everything. Feelings don't waver, forget or move on quickly. That's why I cannot put the blame to the rest of our brothers. But for Xmas, knowing Luhannie's wish, I am eager to give him what he's asking. He's our special friend and spending time with him and Kai is the very least we can do to return his genuine friendship."

Lay nodded before he yawned, "I agree with you. Though I'm sleepy, I can pass another hour to do the right thing. Can you read my thoughts, Chen?"

The latter smiled at him knowingly.

The next morning, Kai and Luhan were on their way to the latter's university to get some school stuff. The snow was falling heavily that morning and thick layers already ranged throughout the area. 

"Is that Mei Lin?" Luhan narrowed his eyes to see the young woman who was walking with a guy in the hallway. It's been a while since the two saw each other and talk. It surprised Luhan how she changed and couldn't help but remark, "She got cuter."

Kai's canine ears perked up after hearing Luhan's compliment. He quickly diverted the topic, "Look at that her and that guy. They look good together, don't they?"

"Hmm... yeah. I think so," answered Luhan. Mei Lin noticed the two. With her eyes fixed on Luhan, she greeted them. "I haven't seen you in a while, Luhan," she began. "How are you?"

Luhan smiled back at her, "I'm doing great. Yes. We haven't seen each other for a long time. I think the last time was when.." He suddenly stopped when he remembered. It was in the classroom where he and Mei Lin talked about the latter's painting. It was also the time when Kai showed up but left at once because of his jealousy.

Mei Lin somehow understood what's running inside Luhan's head. She remembered that time vividly; little details like Luhan's embarrassed expression and his hesitation to look at her. It was the time she planned to confess but Luhan seemed uninterested with her. She knew. It wasn't difficult to decipher. Luhan was always hesitant and looking away. Mei Lin could only guess that there's someone else who owns his heart. As much as she wanted to tell Luhan how much she adores him, Mei Lin made up her mind.  It's not right to force herself to someone who doesn't feel the same way towards her.

She smiled at Luhan and uttered, "It was when we talked about my painting."

"Ahh right," Luhan quickly nodded. 

Mei Lin turned around and introduced the guy she was with, "This is Jihoon, the president of the Illustration committee in our university."

"Nice to meet you," said Luhan politely and shook his hand.

Kai smiled at him as an acknowledgement.

Mei Lin continued, "The school is planning to have a Christmas party on the 24th and I will help his club to prepare for the decorations. Are you going to attend the celebration?"

"I am not sure about it," replied Luhan."

"I see. By the way, I am wondering. Where are your other friends? Chanyeol?" inquired Mei Lin."I haven't seen them around campus. Are they not attending school anymore?"

Kai immediately turned to Luhan who fell silent. The former was about to answer when Luhan butted in, "To be honest, I haven't see them myself. They went home and haven't returned until now." Not knowing the sadness behind his words, Mei Lin became more curious. But she didn't ask more. When Luhan remained silent and his mind wandered far, Kai excused the both of them and left, unconsciously holding Luhan's hand. 

While on their way, they passed by Emi who was busy helping the student council members in decorating the classrooms for the Xmas event. Her prying eyes followed the two as they went inside a random room.

The moment the door was closed, Luhan got back to his senses. He looked around and realized they were inside the music room. "Why are we here? This is Chen's..."

"I'm sorry," Kai started as his eyes surveyed around the music room. "I didn't mean to torture you any further. You were preoccupied talking with Mei Lin about my brothers and I was afraid you might spill the beans about us unintentionally. In addition, you look depressed. I just can't stand there watching you so sad so I might as well take you somewhere to give you--"

Luhan smiled and hugged Kai before the latter finished his words, "You want to comfort me. I get it. Thank you, Kai"

The latter tensed up a little before he sighed in relief. At least, Luhan knew his intentions. He embraced him back tightly. Just when he was about to give Luhan a kiss, the latter's jaw dropped.

"What's wrong?" asked Kai wearily.

Luhan gulped;  tears slowly forming in his eyes. He gently pushed Kai on the side and passed by him. The cupid's eyes followed his movements and turned around.

"You are here," uttered Luhan breathlessly due to the overwhelming joy.

Before his eyes, Kai saw Chen and Lay by the window, watching the both of them and surprisingly, with smiles on their faces.

~to be continued

A/N: Will Luhan have a memorable Xmas with the cupids?

The next chapter will be the last one. I am planning to have a special episode  after it (about what, I still don't know) so if you have suggestions, please leave them below. 

PS sorry for this mess. I lost a lot of documents yesterday and I have to rewrite it again. T-T

Thanks for reading anyways~ :D

^.^