#10.

Onew grips the edge of the table at their dorm, struggling to stay on his feet. When he’s sober, he’s clumsy. When he’s drunk, he can trip on air. He lets a loud burp out and sits down next to Jonghyun. He smiles gleefully at the lead singer and touches the tip of Jonghyun’s nose.

“Boop!”

9.

Jonghyun rolls his eyes at Onew and lets the leader rest his head on his shoulder. Jonghyun glances at the TV, and feels a surge of excitement overwhelm him.

He lets his hand drop from Onew’s shoulder to Key’s lap.

8.

Key can feel his heart pounding, like it always does when something major is about to happen. He presses an elegant hand to his chest and feels his heart thudding against his ribs. He sees Jonghyun’s hand lying on his lap and grabs it. When he presses Jonghyun’s hand to his chest, and he feels how hard Key’s heart is pounding, Jonghyun’s eyes widen comically.

7.

Minho looks up from the game he’s playing on Key’s phone. Seven seconds to go. Minho doesn’t understand what all the hype for New Year is about. He wants to sleep, but none of the members will let him go.

After all, it’s New Year. It comes literally once a year.

Taemin walks in with a glass of something in his hand and settles at Minho’s feet, resting his head between the rapper’s knees.

Minho lets his fingers sink into Taemin’s pink hair. He loves this colour on the maknae.

6.

Taemin sips at his drink and feels a shiver run up his back because of Minho’s softer-than-soft touches on his scalp. He looks up at the rapper and smiles a brilliant smile. Taemin ignores the way Minho’s face goes slack with desire.

5.

Onew grabs Taemin’s drink and drinks it all in one gulp. Taemin glares at the oldest, but Onew doesn’t acknowledge it. He grins at Taemin and lifts his head from Jonghyun’s shoulder. He stands on the couch and clears his throat. The others groan.

4.

“Not now, hyung,” Taemin protests. “I don’t want to start the New Year with your ridiculous-” But Key is interrupted by Onew’s excited, drunk version of Lucifer. Minho laughs uproariously, and Jonghyun winces when Onew’s voice breaks at every note.

3.

The countdown is getting louder, the shouts outside get more cheerful. Excitement takes root in every heart. Taemin grabs Minho’s hand.

Onew makes a lame joke, which the others choose to ignore. Key presses a soft kiss onto Jonghyun’s neck.

2.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Onew shouts, a second too early, and collapses onto Key’s lap, snoring peacefully. Key rolls his eyes and smiles.

1.

Happy New Year!