~a christmas special~
🚫 Some parts will not be suitable for young readers 🚫
-🎄-

Junhoe had been invited to his senior from school's party and asked me to be his plus one. He said that it was a formal attire party, so I racked my closet for something that I could wear, to no avail. All I had were Sunday best dresses, but not formal enough to wear on a black tie occasion. Thankfully, mom's been kind enough to take me shopping for something to wear. Now, as I looked at my reflection through the mirror, I wonder if what I wore revealed too much.

It was a black dress with a spaghetti strap and a scoop neckline. The fabric fit my figure perfectly, but opened wide when it came to the lower part so it looked like flowing when I walk. The length of the dress was just enough to cover my stiletto heels. I also wore a plaid wool coat since I don't want to sacrifice comfort. For my makeup, I kept it minimal; a light base, straight eyebrows, then rosy blush on my cheeks. Since I wanted to look that I put effort to it, I colored my lips red, the main point of my makeup tonight.

Soneone knocked on my opened bedroom door, taking my eyes off at my reflection. I saw that it was mom whose smile brightened when she took in my appearance.

"Oh, darling.... you look wonderful."

I returned her smile. "Thanks, mom. Is it alright though? I mean..." I trailed off, looking down at my dress. "—is it too revealing for me?"

Mom rolled her eyes and entered my room. With the warm smile still not leaving her lips, she replied, "I helped you choose this dress and you're asking me that?"

I laughed a little at her reply. Sometimes, Junhoe reminds me so much of her.

"Trust me, Chaeyoung. You look beautiful in that dress. If you aren't, then you're not my daughter at all."

See what I mean?

While I put my silver hoop earrings, my mom watching me from behind, the doorbell rang. Mom and I exchanged glances through the mirror.

"I'll go get it," I said, knowing full well who it was. I tilted my head from side to side to check my earrings. I don't know why I did that, just that it felt like a reflex, I guess.

Mom gave me a soft peck in the cheeks. "You look wonderful, baby. And remember, don't go home late!"

With a chuckle, I reassured, "Yes, mom. I know that." Now satisfied with how I look, I picked up the clutch containing my handphone, lipstick, and pocket money, and went to answer the door.

Anticipation filled my stomach with butterflies. It was dulling my common sense so much that I almost collided with the couch in the living room. The nervous feeling I had worsened when I saw his face at the doorbell monitor, seeing how much he cleaned up for this special event.

To make sure that I looked alright, I fixed my hair for what seemed the nth time, running my other hand to smooth out creases on the dress.

A part of my mind attacked me with doubts all of a sudden. What if he didn't like it? What if he says it's too revealing? What if the others say it's too much? What if...? When I opened the door, all those doubts disappeared when I saw Junhoe, his poker face changing into silent admiration as he gave me a once-over, a pleasant glint in his eyes telling me that he liked what he saw.

Of course, I was having the same thoughts. His bangs had been kept off his forehead, swept back stylishly that emphasized his attractive features. His black suit hugged his figure, his tie just ending on the line above his pants. He also brought something to keep him warm, his padded jacket hanging on one arm. To top it off, he wore leather shoes reserved for events like tonight.

His clean-cut style was making my knees weak. I have always been a er for men wearing formal attires. I don't know why, but they look so irresistible, like what Junhoe is right now.

A bow naturally came from Junhoe when I felt mom's presence beside me. Timidly, he greeted, "Good evening."

I almost wanted to laugh at that. Now, my mom's the opposite of a strict mom but in front of Junhoe, she acts like one. So it makes sense why Junhoe feels intimidated.

"Make sure she gets home before curfew, okay?" mom informed, her arms folding in front of her chest.

Junhoe uneasily shifted his footing. Holding the urge to laugh, I looked away from his face since he looked really constipated. Still, it was better for me that dad wasn't home yet or I'd laugh about it all the way to the venue.

My boyfriend nodded. "I'll make sure of that."

"Now off you go."

We bade our goodbyes as I got out of the house, with my mom sending me a wink behind Junhoe's back, mouthing the words, 'Have fun,' before closing the door. A sigh of relief came from my boyfriend, genuinely amusing me. But I kept my sentiments to myself.

"You're lucky dad's not home yet," I remarked, remembering about their first meeting.

My boyfriend raised a hand to his hair but as if remembering that it was styled, he paused midway and sent me a look instead. "Yeah, that's why I came early. By the way..." His nervous look changed into a smirk, sending me a chaste kiss on the cheek. "You look really beautiful tonight."

I couldn't help but smile at that. "You don't look so bad too."

"Hm..." he hummed as he evaluated me from head to toe. "I think something's missing though..."

"What is it?" I asked, looking down at myself. "Because I can still drop by at the apartment to—"

Pulling something from his coat, he shook his head and revealed it in front of me, glittering under the lights of the corridor. It was a silver necklace with a snowflake pendant in the middle. "I was hoping this would help."

I blushed, not expecting that from him. He took my silence as a cue to go behind, gently scooping my hair up, putting the necklace on me himself. As soon as the cold silver made its contact on my skin, I picked it up, cradling the snowflake between my fingers. It really looked beautiful.

"Do you like it?"

Looking up, I saw Junhoe's unsure gaze watching my reaction. He always seemed confident about anything so I was surprised to see him anxious.

With a smile reaching up to my eyes, I gave him a hug. "Of course I love it. Thank you!"

That eased him, I could tell. Now the confident smirk was back to decorate his face, coupling it with a wink. "I know you would."

🌺🌸🌺

Now that we were on the taxi en route to the party, I noticed that Junhoe's being touchy today.

He doesn't normally do these things, especially if another person was present with us (the taxi driver), but right now, his arm was around my waist, his close proximity making me breathless. If that wasn't enough, he nudged the crook of my neck with the tip of his nose, before kissing my jaw.

"You don't know much I want to keep you for myself right now," he murmured.

With my heartbeat picking up its pace, I shoved his face away with my hand, not admitting that it was making me feel the same too. If I ignore him then, would that be a solution? I mean, he was so charming tonight that it'd be hard to resist if he kept this up. That could work, right?

Making up my mind, I looked out of the window, watching the snow fall on the streets. The car's heater was working properly, but noticing the thick clothing of people on the sidewalk, I couldn't help but feel cold too. I hope that the people outside feel warm on this beautiful winter night.

My ignoring tactics didn't work on Junhoe, I quickly realized. My boyfriend hated being ignored so it was expected that he'd do things to catch my attention. His tactic right now was to face me, leaning in for a kiss on the lips when I put a hand to his chest, preventing him from doing so. I didn't want to, but knowing Junhoe, he'd ruin my perfectly red lips, especially now that he couldn't keep his hands off me.

Still, a hopeful look flashed across his face. "A peck then?"

I shook my head but inwardly, I wanted to laugh at his reaction. "No."

Rolling his eyes, he just kissed me on the cheek. "Fine." After that, he laid my head on his shoulder. "Don't expect you'd get out of my claws though."

"Why?" I responded with a slight laugh. "Do I look like I have a choice? You're really touchy today, Junhoe."

"Why did you have to dress up so prettily then?"

"You sound like it's a sin for me to do that."

"It is, especially if I know you're going to stun everyone at the party." Junhoe sighed. "Now I'm afraid to let you off my sight for a second."

"You're going to do the same too. Tell me honestly, do you have beautiful seniors there? I bet you're crushing on one right now."

His reaction was just a chuckle. I guess he wasn't taking me seriously then, so I squinted my eyes at him. "I'm serious."

As if an attempt to pacify me, he held my hand, his warmth coming up to reach mine, and sent me a grin. "How can I crush on someone else if I have the best one right here?"

If Junhoe was known for anything, it'd be for his smooth saves. This is why I can't escape his clutches. How can I, when he makes my heart pound with words alone?

"We're here," the taxi driver announced. Right as he did, I looked out the window and saw the majestic hotel come into sight. A sigh of admiration escaped my lips. As if entranced, I unlocked the car's door and was about to get out when Junhoe told me, "Wait," while paying the fare. After putting his wallet in his pocket, he got out first, rounding the back of the car, just so that he could open the door for me. Slightly not used to this side of him, I got out, my sight not leaving his as I wonder why he was acting like a gentleman.

As if reading my mind, he raised a brow. "Can't I act like a good boyfriend for once?"

"I'm just wondering if you're possessed by a good spirit."

My boyfriend took the initiative to link our arms together, like a couple would on awards night on television. "Ha-ha. Very funny."

With his lead, we entered the hotel. The interior looked ten times more glamorous than what I saw at the front. It held exquisite designs, gold-coated items, royal chairs, and antique expensive-looking vases, even a chandelier at the middle of the entrance. Junhoe removed my coat himself, putting it on top of his jacket hanging on his arm.

After putting those in the cloakroom, Junhoe led me to the party. A lot of people were in attendance. Kwon Jiyong, Junhoe's senior from school, came from a respected family so maybe that explained the formalities and such.

I guess we were a bit late for the program since it looked like the party was in full swing. People were now dancing in the middle, slow music playing in the background.

Junhoe situated his hand at the small of my back as he led me to a round table. We bowed at the others sitting there before situating at the available chairs. As I put down my clutch beside the porcelain plate, I noticed that Junhoe was looking at something behind my back, making me look too.

"Seungri hyung's coming."

Sure enough, Lee Seungri sunbaenim, one of Jiyong sunbaenim's closest friends, was coming towards us, holding a glass of white wine. He wore a black suit on, but unlike everybody else, he wasn't wearing a tie, substituting it for a printed undershirt with the coat instead.

"Junhoe! Good to see you here!"

Immediately, Junhoe and I stood up out of respect, giving a bow at the senior.

"Hyung," Junhoe greeted. He gestured towards me. "This is my girlfriend, Chaeyoung."

"Good evening, sunbaenim," I also greeted with politeness.

Seungri's eyes sparkled at the sight of me. "Ah, so you're the girl who snatched Junhoe's heart... Mind if I take him away for a bit? We'll just discuss about something."

I exchanged looks with my boyfriend. "No problem, sunbaenim."

"Good, good. Come with me Junhoe?" Seungri prodded, tipping his head to the side.

"Will you be fine on your own?" Junhoe whispered.

I nodded, even though I knew I'd be anything but that. I didn't know anyone at the party after all. "Sure, you go follow what your senior says. I'll be right here."

His eyes still held uncertainty, causing me to wave him off. "Go. Don't keep sunbaenim waiting."

My boyfriend sent me one last look of hesitation before following after his senior. As soon as he disappeared among the throng of people, I let out a sigh, looking around for signs to do while I wait for him to come back. Should I get some drinks? I hope they have non-alcoholic ones.

A man in a red suit arrived in front of me before I could get a drink. Wondering why he was approaching me all of a sudden, I gave him a polite bow. He did the same, showing me his dazzling set of teeth that looked so white under the dim lights of the ballroom.

He held out his hand for me to take. "Mind if I take this dance?"

Subconsciously, I looked over at the direction where Junhoe disappeared off to. Should I accept the offer without him knowing? But I think it's rude to refuse either. So with a shy look painted across my face, I stood up and gave my hand to him. His eyes shined, giving me a grateful smile as he did so. With our hands loosely intertwined together, he led me deeper in the middle of the ballroom, stopping just at an empty spot so that we had enough room.

He was around Junhoe's height so even with the heels, I had to crane my neck up to see him. The guy was really handsome, even more so at a close range. He looked like someone that came out of a manhwa. Based from his stunning visuals alone, he was popular with the girls. Some girls were even glancing at our way.

"May I?" he asked, his other hand hovering on my side.

Keeping my facade as calm as possible, I nodded, even though anxiousness crept my heart at the thought of Junhoe seeing me with someone. Surely, he would think nothing of it, right? Right?

"I'm Cha Eunwoo," he introduced himself, coming closer to whisper in my ear since it was quite loud in the area. "What's your name?"

"Park Chaeyoung," I answered.

The guy held me as if he was an expert in ballroom dancing, leading me to do various dance steps that I could only remember from Health class. He was seriously giving off the vibe of a royalty.

"How do you know my uncle Jiyong?" he asked as he raised our intertwined hands above my head, urging me to twirl around. I did after understanding what he wanted me to do.

Keeping the surprise to myself that he was connected with the host of the party, I replied, "He's a sunbae of mine."

"Are you alone or did you come with someone else?"

"I'm with my boyfriend, actually. He's pretty close with Jiyong sunbaenim."

Even under the dim setting, I could see something shift in his eyes. "Oh... you have a boyfriend?"

Thinking nothing of it, I nodded. "Uh-hm. But he's with another senior right now."

"That's a pity. He shouldn't leave a pretty girl like you alone. If I were him, I'd keep you in my side forever." Eunwoo looked around. "You see, there are people waiting for the right time to make their move. Good thing I caught you in time."

I felt weird all of a sudden. What was he implying? I didn't want my thoughts to stay just as that, thoughts, so I voiced it out. "What do you mean?"

Eunwoo shrugged and as we danced, I noticed that the people around us grew in numbers. He didn't answer for a while and it only made my curiosity grow. As if my expression gave me away, he chuckled, a real throaty one I realized, and finally answered me, albeit an unclear one.

"You're an innocent one, are you?"

"So I've heard."

Something about what I said urged his eyes to sparkle again. "It's really a pity you're with someone else. If you weren't, I would've already smooth-talked in getting your number."

Not knowing how to reply to that, I blinked at him, which made me confused because he chuckled again. Someone just had to bump at me on that exact time, making me collide against Eunwoo's chest. Foreseeing an accident coming, Eunwoo prevented it by tightening his grip on my waist.

"Sorry!" A woman around her thirties apologized. "My husband keeps on stepping on my toes!"

Regaining my footing, I gave her a smile. "It's nothing."

As soon as the conversation was over, Eunwoo took me away from the bickering couple, still with his hand on my waist. When we stopped, his features softened at me. "Are you okay?"

I couldn't reply to that as my sight was directed at something else, a clearing among the crowd that revealed my boyfriend, striding towards us. Junhoe's presence must have been too much that even without Eunwoo knowing that he's my boyfriend, he retracted his hand on my waist.

"Chaeyoung," Junhoe said as his arms went around my waist, replacing the warmth of Eunwoo's hand. Whenever he does this, it felt like he was taking care of my well-being, but now, it felt like he was guarding me.

My boyfriend gave Eunwoo a nod. "I'm sorry, but I have to take my girlfriend away. She still hasn't eaten, you see."

"No worries," Eunwoo nodded. Now turning to me, he sent me a smile that made his eyes into crescent-shaped ones. "It's nice to meet you, Chaeyoung-sshi."

"Likewise."

Junhoe already led me away before I could see Eunwoo's expression. Glancing at the person on my side, his shoulders were rigid and his jaw was squared, which only meant one thing.

"You're mad at me," I pointed out, not even bothering to ask since it was that obvious.

"Not at you," he quickly dismissed.

"What? So at Eunwoo-sshi?"

"Frankly, I don't want to bother knowing his name."

Sensing an argument coming, I stopped on my tracks, making him stop too. "Okay, let's settle for a bit and talk this out. What's happening?"

Junhoe pocketed his hands, still with a tick in his jaw. "I want to blame it at you, but it's your nature to be so oblivious about men's intentions."

That took me off-guard. "What?"

"He's flirting with you, can't you see that?"

I went silent as the time spent with Eunwoo reviewed back in my mind. Did I sense him flirting? No. But looking back at it now? Okay, maybe a little bit...

"I told him I have a boyfriend," I said for a while.

"That didn't seem to stop him," my boyfriend shrugged.

"But he seems nice."

"Every man is nice until he gets what he wants. I should know."

I frowned. "Don't you trust me?"

"I do, Chaeyoung. It's him I don't trust."

For the second time, I stayed silent, not because I had something to remember, but because I couldn't say anything. I don't even know what to do to console him.

"You know what, this isn't working. Are you hungry?"

Surprised at the sudden change of topic, I tried not to show it much by replying, no. How could I eat when we were in a middle of a fight?

Junhoe puffed a heap of air. "Then let's go, I want to take you somewhere else."

🌺🌸🌺

The nightlight scenery of Seoul comes into full view at the enclosed balcony of the hotel. Snow was relentlessly falling outside. I guess it must've been so cold with the people out there. Good thing that even if the place was empty, the heater was full-on blast.

When we first came here, I thought that it was a restricted place since no one was around, but Junhoe assured that it wasn't. Seungri sunbaenim was the one who suggested this place to Junhoe. A good place to talk, he says. Apparently, even sunbaenim sensed that we'd have a quarrel when he came back with Junhoe.

Silence still reigned on us. I thought he didn't want to talk so I kind of agreed to do the same. At some point, it stifled me so much that I finally took the initiative.

"Are you mad at me?"

Junhoe sighed for the nth time tonight. "I told you I'm not."

I raised my head to look at him, filling my gaze with sincerity so he'd know how much I'm guilty about it. "I'm really sorry for upsetting you, Junhoe..."

He pinched my cheek. "Quit saying sorry. I know you didn't mean it."

"Still..."

"Just be careful next time. You charm men even without you knowing it. I don't like that. I don't want competition with you. If I have to, I'll give you hideous clothes so that no men will look at you anymore."

"Think maybe that could work for me?" I said, just to humor him.

"Well... now that I'm thinking it through, I think you have the ability to turn the ugliest clothes into a beautiful one."

That sent me laughing. He was being greasy! "Geez, Junhoe... Where has your smooth-talking tongue gone off to?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "Maybe in yours if you'll let me...?"

Oh my gosh. Feeling myself blush with that, I playfully hit his arm, which made him chuckle in return.

"You know..." He leaned against the balcony's transparent window and twirled some of my hair using his finger. It was then I knew that he was up to something. "I still have the urge to ruin your reddish lips. Think that I can pull the guilt card for that?"

"I don't know, Junhoe... the beautiful night plus the empty place makes me want to do that too."

A smirk appeared on his devilish lips, knowing that he got what he wanted. Then he was leaning to collide his lips with mine the next moment. It was the last thing I saw before closing my eyes, completely engulfed by his charm.

The kiss started out as something close to innocent; a nibble on my lower lip, a nudge of his nose on my cheek... until I felt his tongue sliding in my mouth. The feeling was close to unlocking Pandora's box or well, Junhoe's other side.

Junhoe was being especially agressive tonight as his fingers trailed on my side downwards, leaving a ticklish sensation on its wake. I arched my body close to him like a reflex. That wasn't the end of it as his hand went on my thigh, forcing me to wrap it around his behind. I don't know why, but I felt my knees turning jelly with that.

Quickly finding it hard to keep myself steady, he pushed me towards the glass window, his fingers gently digging at my nape. The act made me gasp against his lips and I could tell that he was pleased by it when his movements grew more feral.

The beating of my heart must have been too much that I could also hear it in my ears. Everything felt numb, only focused on the things Junhoe was making me do. Nothing was even making sense. I just knew that my body was yearning for him. And maybe that was the reason why thoughts stopped going through my mind.

My boyfriend's grip on my thigh tightened as he tipped his head closer. I could feel his desire with every glide, every breath, even with the pounding of his heart I felt against my chest. Now that didn't prove to be helpful on my end since he was motivating me to do just as much.

For what seemed like forever, we finally parted, with me doing the initiative. I leaned my head on the window with half-lidded eyes, panting. I feel so lightheaded... To be honest, I was too into it that I forgot I had to breathe.

Junhoe's agressive state wasn't tamed yet as I felt the tip of his nose nudging the area between my ear and neck. Then he flicked my hair away from my shoulders. For the second time, my eyes were closing on its own accord, letting myself get lost in his touches again.

"Junhoe..." a sigh couldn't help but escape from my own mouth, surprising myself at how raspy my voice turned out to be.

It was enough to urge my boyfriend to continue what he was planning to do, the said plan being to send feathery kisses on my neck, even kissing the silver chain of the necklace he gave me. My hands shot up to his hair with that. His warm fingers trailed on my collarbone, before nudging the necklace on the side to make room.

Make room for what?

The answer came when he slid his tongue over the now empty space, getting it wet with its trail. It was so hard not to let out a moan when he on it. Biting my lower lip, I felt pain on one side of my neck, his teeth gently grazing my skin. I combed through his hair since it was tickling my cheek so much.

It felt like I was flying, until something pulled me from the ground. Sense was coming to wake me up.

"Junhoe..." I breathed out. "Stop..."

He musn't hear since he continued what he was doing. I tried again, holding his shoulders firmly. "Junhoe... stop."

That did the trick when he finally stopped. When he raised his head, the haze in his eyes slowly cleared as they met mine.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, disheveling his hair that was initially ruined by me. "I'm so sorry... I must've scared you..."

On the contrary, I'd like to say.

With my flushed face, I tried hard to collect myself. Even if I was the one who ordered him to stop, I was still disoriented, stuck on the spell he casted upon me.

"Chaeyoung..." Junhoe muttered as he gathered some of my hair to lean on my shoulders, seemingly to cover up the bruise I hope wouldn't form yet. He briefly leaned his forehead on mine, cupping my cheeks along with the gesture, before kissing it. ". I'm really sorry."

I shook my head to ease him. "Don't worry about it."

"Let's just get out of here," my boyfriend said while taking my hand, urging me to send him a smile.

Before we could leave though, I knew I have to say something else. "That was really fun, Junhoe."

He turned his head to me at a rapid speed. "What?"

Feeling bold all of a sudden, I leaned close to give his lips a peck, a naughty smile found in mine. "Let's do it again sometime."

He was too shocked to hear that from me that all he could do was stare. Furiously shaking his head, he tugged my hand and started walking out of the balcony, all the while muttering, "Let's really go before I get tempted to do it again..."

~🌸tbc