Finally new years had arrived. The following days after moving in had been one of the simplest yet nicest moments of this christmas break. No one around the house knew that Kai and I were more than a thing. We wanted to just enjoy each other first without anyone interfering or butting in.  Around the family we acted like normal which was a miracle in itself because we barely managed to keep our hands off each other. And once we were alone, like right now, this was more apparent.  

”Why do you never post a picture of your face on your social media?”, I asked. Kai and I were currently lying down on my bed in a yin and yang manor. His face was facing towards my legs and mine was towards his. He was reading a book and I was scrolling through a magazine on my phone but our free hands were intertwined in each others.

”Because I’m afraid I’m going to break my phone”, he answered monotonely. I let go of my phone and gave him a are-you-serious look. He did look dead serious. ”Do you know how many notifications I get per hour? Imagine if I released a picture of my face.”

”But what if I want to sneak peek your face?” I asked. He dropped his book and moved down so instead of facing his legs, his face was now in front of mine but up and down. 

”Then you call my name and I’ll come running”, he spoke softly.

”But what if I really miss you and you’re in another country?”

”Then we can facetime,” he smiled.

”And if for some reason we can't FaceTime?” I asked.

”You’re not going to let this go are you?” I shook my head. Kai began playing with my hair and then he kissed me sweetly and quickly. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my nerves and increasing heart rate. Kai’s kisses were filled with danger. They always left me wanting more and knowing everyone was downstairs made it difficult to continue the way I wanted. We hadn’t done anything overtly ual since on my birthday when we couldn’t hold back our need for each other. 

Things were a little more complicated at the Kim's house, especially since we wanted to keep things under wraps. If Kai and I sneaked in each other’s room too often, a mistake was bound to happen.

”What time is he coming?” Kai asked. I looked at my phone.

”He should be here soon”, I said. ”When are you going?”

”I’m supposed to get Hyun Ah now”, he quickly got up but I saw his mischievous smile.

”Ha ha”, I followed after. ”You’re funny, Kai.”

”I’m not joking”, he opened the door. ”She’s waiting for me.” His eyes here betraying him not to mention he was trying hard not to laugh. But even with these signs I still doubted him. He could be making jokes and then come to the party with Hyun Ah anyway. I hated that Kai was such a wild card. ”From what I’ve heard she’s wanted to date me for a while now, so she might be all over me.” I lost my own smile. He went in for a kiss. ”Don’t be jealous.”

”Kai”, I began in between kisses. ”You better be joking.”

”Or what?” He pulled back. I was about to answer when I saw Mrs. Kim coming from behind him and I put distance between Kai and I. 

"Oh", Mrs. Kim said. "I didn't know Kai was here. Ji Eun ah, Chen is downstairs.” Kai glanced at me before going to his room. Mrs. Kim and him began talking about something and I hurried downstairs. Chen was leaning against the wall dressed in a jeans shirt and wearing a pair of black skinnies. He was holding a bag over his shoulder and his arms were crossed. I noticed the make-up he was wearing not to forget he was now sporting a reddish hair colour. I knew he was an idol but it was in this moment that I actually realised just how much.

"Chen?" I called.

"I'm right here", he said. I pretended not to see him and looked around the first floor.

"Where?" I asked. "I can't see you."

"Ya", he laughed. "Come here." I stuck my tongue out and hugged him.

"You really look like an idol", I said.

"That's cause I am one", he smiled. I took his bag and we walked to my room. Chen stretched his arms and jumped on my bed as if it was his own.

"No make-up on the pillow", I warned him.

"I get it", he mumbled. "So are we taking a cab?"

”We could take the buss but then your fans will be all over you", I answered. Chen laughed. 

On the way to the party, it was quiet but not an uncomfortable silence which I appreciated. Things weren’t as awkward as I thought’s they’d be. ”Did you have a shoot today?"

"Yeah, a music video,” he said. ”I even took pictures.” He looked for something in his pocket and pulled out his phone. 

"Wanna see?" I didn't need to be asked twice. He put a picture of him before having coloured his hair. "This is me before the transformation a few days ago." He put a second picture of himself. "This is me after." After a few pictures of the set of their video, he showed pictures he took of the group while they were eating. One of those pictures was extremely funny as Kris was caught while making a funny face.

"I'm so keeping this one", I said after having laughed. "I'm going to with it for the rest of his life."

"Back to me now", Chen smiled. "In which picture do I look the most handsome?" He showed me a variety of pictures.

"This one", I poked his cheek.

"That's so cheesy", he cringed. "But true. The real one is the best looking."

The party itself was not exactly what I was expecting. There was no loud music, no dancing. Just students from school and others, I realised, walking around or standing with a glass of champagne and talking to each other. It was all very… relaxing. As we stepped inside and looked around I did feel a little weird. It didn’t feel like I was at a party, it felt like I was at a couple party. People were literally walking in duos.

”Welcome to my NYE couples party!” Chang Wook greeted us with big hugs immediately confirming what I was suspicious of. How did I miss this was a couples party? No wonder Chang Wook was so eager when he invited Chen and I. ”How are the both of you doing?”

”Great”, Chen smiled. ”You have a lovely house.” 

”Thank you”, he said while leading us to the living room. He handed us each a glass of champagne. ”Join us.” Chen and I awkwardly greeted the guests as we entered one of the circles they had created and sat down. People were talking, but barely. They were all mostly looking at Chen probably because Exo was in the house but Chen and I decided to have our own conversation which wasn’t really social but since they were staring it was whatever until we got interrupted.

“You guys are so cute”, a girl from 3b said.

“Oh we’re no-”, I began but got interrupted again.

“I can’t believe you landed an idol Go Ji Eun”, she continued. “You’re such a Fox.”

“We’re not tog-”, I tried again only to get interrupted.

“How long have you been dat-?” She began. This time however Chen stopped her.

“We’re not together”, he snapped in a gently way. The girl got startled but she soon began laughing.

“Alright”, she whispered. “Your secret is safe with me.” She winked at us right before leaving. Chen and I immediately laughed. “Wow people are so nosy in this school.”

“I know”, I laughed back. “Sorry if it bothered you.” Chen smiled.

“It’s okay”, he said. “I don’t mind at all.”

“Do the others know?” I asked.

“Who?” Chen looked at me.

“Chan and them”, I said. Chen pursed his lips.

“I haven’t”, he cleared his throat, “Haven’t told them.” I nodded understandingly. He probably needed time to come to terms with it himself.

"Chen", I began. "Although-“ Just then I saw Kai walking in with Hyuna at his side. Seeing them made me feel a certain type of way since I’d thought he was joking but this didn’t last for long because wow did they look amazing together. Kai was dressed in a black sweatshirt, black skinny jeans, black boots and a brown coat. His hair was perfectly placed and parted. He looked perfect.   Hyun ah was dressed in a high waisted skirt, a blouse and heels with a black coat. Her makeup looked on point. She looked perfect.

I could just smell their entrance had changed the air in the room. Everyone was looking at them. I watched as Kai’s eyes went around searching and when he landed on mine, a corner of his mouth lift up. I immediately felt butterflies.

“Kai and Hyuna are here everybody”,  Chang Wook announced while the announced were removing their outside clothing. Kai and Hyun ah then disappeared in the crowd as I lost sight of them. I turned to Chen who was already looking at me. His jovial face looked sad.

“I didn’t know he was gonna be here”, he said. I couldn’t say anything because I really didn’t know what to say. “How come he’s with Hyun Ah? I thought the two of you were...” he cleared his throat. “Together.”

“I planned to go with you”, I tried a smile. Chen reciprocated the smile shyly.

“Oh”, he said. “Thanks for not ditching me.” I made sure he was looking at me before answering.

“Never”, I smiled.

I don’t know how much time had passed but there wasn’t much time left until midnight. Chen and I had gotten drunk and began engaging with the others sitting around us. At the beginning they’d kept asking Chen about Exo but now they’d given up and we were talking about the upcoming year and New Years resolutions. Although I was participating, in the back of my mind I was thinking about Kai.

Kai and Hyuna were still nowhere to be seen which bothered me. Were they going around and acting like a couple? Did people think they were together? Also I couldn’t believe Kai actually brought her as a date when I had told him not to. Was this payback for me going with Chen against his will? Knowing Kai, it probably was.

While one of the others were talking Chen naturally just took my hand and held it surprising the both of us.

“I’m sorry”, he let go. His face was tomato red and I knew he was probably extremely embarrassed about what he did. “I completely just acted on reflex.” I knew exactly what he was talking about. While dating it had felt so natural to just touch each other and not give so much thought to it. Now that we were sitting next to each other I found those reflexes were still there. I had found myself reaching for his hand and siting too close to him several time during the night but had managed to stop myself in time. So yes I completely understood.

“It’s okay”, I smiled. “I get it.” And just then I heard Hyun ah’s laugh. My head immediately turned to the source. She and Kai were standing not far from Chen and I. Kai’s eyes were glued on us and I felt hot inside. I could tell he was drunk by the way he was standing, Kai was a lightweight after all but most importantly I couldn’t help but wonder:

Had he seen what just happened?

 I saw Kai move his lips and Hyun Ah immediately burst in laughter while elegantly hitting him in the chest with her tiny wristed hands. I wanted to get up and push her off of him because I was supposed to stand there, not her but I didn’t. Kai must have seen how pissed off I looked because he quickly put some space between himself and Hyun Ah. I decided to ignore Kai and turned to Chen. If drunk Kai wanted to flirt with another girl just because I went with Chen as a date then he could do just that, I wasn’t going to stoop to his level.

“Game time?” Someone yelled. There were cheers and soon Chen, me and a few people including Kai and Hyun Ah created a circle. I quickly got out of the circle knowing I wouldn’t stand watching Kai and Hyun Ah sitting next to each other and laughing and acting like a couple.

I found myself in the open spaced kitchen and filled a glass with water to cool down. Barely had I put the glass to my lips had Kai entered the room with his stumbling and rosy cheeks self.

“Where’s your other half?” I asked. Kai smirked and then he chuckled.

“You’re jealous”, he said proudly.

“I’m not”, I put down the glass a little too forcefully. “I’m pissed. You weren’t supposed to come with anyone.”

“It’s a couples party”, he shrugged his shoulders. “You ditched me for Chen so I took Hyun Ah.”

“Admit you did it on purpose to piss me off,” I said. He shrugged yet again.

“Maybe”, he smiled. 

“You’re unbelievable”, I shook my head and began to leave but he caught me by the hand and pulled me into his arms.

“I’m sorry”, he apologized. “I was angry and jealous so I took her to irk you.”

“I’m well aware”, I retorted. “And it worked. You ruined New Year’s Eve.”

“Now you’re exaggerating”, he smiled and put his arm around my waist. “Ji Eun, our New Year’s Eve hasn’t even started.” Kai leaned down towards me and put his lips against mine. I was reluctant at first but relaxed and let his tongue roam inside. Him kissing me, his hands holding my waist and pulling me closer to him. Him smelling so amazing and just him in his entirety made me forget I was even angry. I relaxed and let him lift me up on the kitchen counter. Kai’s hands went down to my lower waist and when he bit my lower lip, I moaned.

“Kai?”

“Ji Eun?”

Kai and I quickly let go of each other. Chen and Hyun Ah stood in the kitchen. Both were wearing very different faces. Hyun Ah looked shocked to the core whereas Chen just looked... I couldn’t read his face. 

“Are you serious?” Hyun Ah said. “You’re kissing her?” Chen turned around and left the kitchen.

“Yes, I am.” Kai stood tall. 

“Why?” Hyun Ah asked. “You like Go Ji Eun?” Having had enough of her condescending ways of speaking about me, I got off the counter. Kai tried to stop me from leaving but I refused and made my way out to find Chen. I found him standing in the hallway and getting dressed.

“You’re leaving?” I asked.

“Yeah, I don’t feel so well.” I watched as he put his shoes on. I knew he wasn’t being honest with me. He was barely making eye contact and also I knew what he’d seen earlier must have made him feel a type of way but  of course he always pretended everything was fine when he was in front of me.

“Chen”, I began. “I’m sorry you had to see t-“

“It’s okay Ji Eun”, he stopped me. “Like I said, I’m not well. I just need to go home and rest.” He gave me a weak smile before waving bye and leaving the house..

"Why is Chen leaving?" Kai’s voice came from behind me. "Ji Eun?" Kai put his hands on my shoulders and gave me a gentle squeeze meanwhile I was trying my best not to run after Chen. "Go Ji Eun?”

“He doesn’t feel well”, I explained and put my hands on his in a try to gain comfort. 

“You want to get out of here?” He asked. I didn’t hesitate to nod. Quickly we gathered our things and opened the door.

“You guys are leaving?” Chang Wook showed up at the door. Kai held my hand, intertwining his fingers in mine. Chang Wook’s eyes grew big as he was putting two and two together. “Wait, you guys are a couple?”

“See you at school”, Kai said and took me outside.

We ended up at a river where fireworks were currently displaying. It was completely crowded and so loud but at the same time it felt amazing to be standing here with Kai and witnessing this. As the fireworks continued, I looked at him. He looked serene and gentle with a tiny red flush on the face. When people began counting, I felt nervous but excited for what was to come.

“Happy New Years”, I said. Kai smiled as he placed himself before me. I put my arms around his shoulders and put weight on my toes so I could reach him but he beat me to kiss. The fireworks were wild in the background. We both lingered after the kiss.

“I have something for you”, Kai finally said. He looked through his pockets and pulled a golden chain. When I saw the initial I remembered the bracelet I had refused to take. Kai put it on my left wrist. “Happy New Years, Go Ji Eun.”  He planted a kiss on my forehead and wrapped his arms around me. 

We were enjoying this beautiful moment for a while until suddenly Kai places his phone in front of us and tapped. When I heard the camera shutter, I realized he had taken a picture.

“I wasn’t ready”, I complained. “Let me see.” He himself looked at the picture and distances himself from me while laughing.

“I’m not”, he said from where he stood.

“Kai!” I whined. He probably wasn’t showing it because I’d want it deleted. “Show me th-“ I ran after him and managed to get hold but he lift the phone above his head. With my height there was no way I was gonna reach it.

“Fine”, I gave up. ”Tell me, how ugly do I look from a scale from 1 to 10?” Kai looked at the picture again.

“7”, he laughed and I gasped.

“I can’t believe my own boyfriend is c-“, when I realized I had said the B word, I stopped for a second. I was embarrassed for calling Kai my boyfriend when we hadn’t even talked about being official like that.

“So I’m the boyfriend now?” Kai asked while putting his arm around me and bringing me much closer. He planted a soft kiss on my jawline and then in my cheek. “I’ll accept the title Miss Go, my girlfriend.” He sang the last word and I couldn’t help but blush.

“You’re so embarrassing when you’re drunk”, I complained although I also found him to be immensely cute. 

“Only to you”, he engulfed me in his embrace and I took a deep and relaxing breath. I was definitely ready for the next chapter of my life with Kai at my side.