http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEQTIVMeydw

Akdong Musician: Bean Duk Bing Soo

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The students were buzzing with excitement. They could not contain their anticipation.

In only ten minutes, winter break would officially begin. They would be free for a month.

No homework.

No tests.

No boring lectures.

“Please! Settle down! You still have ten minutes of history left!” The teacher sighed in frustration.

The class quieted down, but the talk still didn’t die down.

Luhan glanced over at Danji to see what she was doing. She was drawing a snow owl in a beautiful surrounding of pine trees and snowy mountains. *She’s an amazing drawer.* He admired.

Suddenly, the students began to count out loud. “TEN! NINE! EIGHT!”

“Class!” The history teacher squawked over the tremendous volume. Who knew twenty-six students could make so much noise?

“SEVEN! SIX! FIVE!” They pumped their fists with their eyes growing wider and wider. “FOUR! THREE!”

“Oh, I give up!” The history teacher sighed.

“TWO! ONE! YES!” The school bell rang.

School was officially out for the winter.

Danji looked up and smiled at the clock. *It’s vacation time.* She closed the sketchbook and put her pencils away.

“SCHOOL IS OVER! NO MORE SCHOOL!” Minyoung squealed and threw her arms around her best friend’s neck while jumping up and down with joy.

Danji chuckled and patted her arm. “At least for the winter.”

Minyoung made a face but grinned. She ran over to Uishik to celebrate with him also.

Danji stood up and put her backpack on.

Luhan fluidly stood up and towered over her. “Going home?”

Danji lifted her gaze to him and nodded. She realized the bad part about winter vacation. She would not be able to see Luhan every day. “Have a good Christmas. And a happy New Year, too.” Danji gave him a small, wistful smile and walked past him.

“You can tell me that when the dates comes.” Luhan said.

She paused and turned around with a curious expression.

“What? Did you not expect to see me during the holidays?” He smiled in amusement.

“I-I thought you would be going out of town with your family.” Danji stuttered, stunned.

Luhan shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere, Danji.” *Not without you.*

Her eyes brightened, and her voice perked up, “Really?!”

His grin grew. *She’s happy.* “Yes, really.”

“Oh. Okay.” Danji tried to maintain her cool composure. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around then.” She gave a casual wave and left the room. Danji squealed inwardly and clasped a hand over to keep the scream from spilling out of . Giggling, she skipped all the way home.

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Luhan kept his word.

During winter vacation, Danji saw him often. He was constantly there, and she had to admit, she really liked being with him. Whatever they were doing, weather they were with his brothers, their friends, or alone, she just liked his presence. He made her heart beat abnormally fast, yet at the same time, he made her feel safe like no one would be able to touch her as long as he was here.

On Christmas morning, Danji woke up to see everything covered in white. *Snow!* Her heart soared with happiness. She loved snow, especially the first snow.

Danji washed, dressed, and went out to the living room. Her grandfather looked up from the newspaper. “Finally you woke up. I thought you had turned into a hibernating bear.”

Danji gave him a look but smiled. “I’ll make breakfast- or, um, brunch right now.” She headed towards the kitchen.

“Hold on a minute.” Her grandfather waved her over. “Come here.”

“Why?” Danji asked curiously as she walked over.

“Why?! Because it’s time to open presents! That’s why! I’ve been waiting all morning long!” He stated.

“But you need to eat something first.” She said.

“I already ate some fruit. I won’t starve if I don’t eat for the next thirty minutes. Come on and sit!” Her grandfather demanded.

Chuckling, Danji sat in front of him on the floor.

“Where’s my gift?!” He demanded. Rolling her eyes, she dug underneath the Christmas tree and brought out a box. “Here.”

His eyes glistened. “Is it money?!” She shook her head. “No.”

“Is it cigarettes?!” He asked. She narrowed her eyes.

“Oh! I know! Beer!” Her grandfather whooped.

“GRANDPA!” Danji shouted, peeved.

“Okay, okay.” Chuckling, he took the box. “Oh, wow. It’s heavy,” Her grandfather grinned. “I wonder what could be inside…”

“No more guesses please. Just open it!” Danji blurted.

Her grandfather tore the wrapping off and opened the lid. His expression softened. “Well what do you know? Shoes.”

“I noticed yours had a hole in the bottom,” Danji shook her head. “Seriously, grandpa, if your shoes are a wreck, buy new ones. What do you do with all your money anyways?”

“I’m going to save it to buy me a castle.” Her grandfather stated.

Danji couldn’t help but laugh at his childishness. *I seriously think he’s aging backwards.*

“But, thank you, Danji. I’ll wear these well.” He smiled sincerely. She smiled back just as widely.

“Your turn!” Her grandfather changed the mood. He pointed to the large wooden case. “I didn’t wrap it though.”

“Of course not.” Danji lugged the heavy wooden box towards her. “Sheesh. What is in here? It feels like a metal.”

“You’ll only find out if you open it.” Her grandfather said.

Danji unlocked the case and opened it. She gasped at the large wooden easel. “G-grandpa…” Danji was stunned by the large gift. She ran her hands over the smooth, polished wood.

“I made it myself,” He declared proudly. “Do you like it?”

“It’s…beautiful.” Danji whispered, completely mesmerized. She looked up at her grandfather and beamed joyfully. “I love it, grandpa! Really!” She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “It’s the best present I have ever received. Thank you.”

Her grandfather softened. He was glad that he had gotten the right gift for his one and only precious granddaughter. Not the type to show affection