The frosty wind fanned Ten's face as he stood before the majestic night view of Han River. The city lights sparkled akin to those decorating the christmas trees; the sky was clear with the crescent moon illuminating the body of water below it; the atmosphere still quite serene despite the festivities that seemed to occupy everyone.

Most people are inside their homes by now, Ten figured, apart from those who wanted to witness the fireworks display by the river and countdown to the new year hosted by the city.

Ten still had about four hours to spare and he couldn't just leave it be without strolling through the park and enjoy its the scenery. He had taken his camera with him and he's had more than enough shots than what he could post on social media.

It's a bummer he couldn't have his own SNS account and post all the pictures he kept stashed in his external hard drive. Ten had gotten his liking to photography back early this year, thanks to Johnny, and he's been taking pictures as much as and whenever he can. For "memories" sake, he compensates. He understands. It's just the company policy and there's really nothing he can do about that.

Still, it's a tad bit sad.

Not wanting to dampen his spirits more, Ten started to walk back to his hotel. Of course, the main reason why he had to force himself out of the bed and actually go out was that he had to buy food. For himself. For the new year. To celebrate.

Then again, with the year coming to an end a few hours away, most shops were closed and Ten didn't really have a lot of options.

First things first: he wanted a cake. And a tub of ice cream. And some som tam! But it's impossible to get the last one right now so he settles for the first two on his list. Luckily, Ten spots a convenience store not too far ahead, the only place he knows that might have the two things he needed and hurries off to get them.

The next thing to do is whether he should just chill and Netflix his way to the next five hours or take a long bath in the tub, maybe try to write some songs (but he wrote it off in his mind, considering that was work and technically he was on vacation). Ten also contemplates whether he should video call Taeyong or not but he settles with just sending his boyfriend a text message later so as not to disturb family time.

--

It was currently ten and he couldn't believe he spent almost an hour deciding which ice cream flavor he'd buy or whether he should take the smaller or bigger cake size.

Ten went back to his hotel, greeted the guards and other staff with a wide smile on his face, and took the elevator up to his hotel room.

The elevator ride was marvelous. With one side made of glass from top to bottom, Ten enjoyed the city view for the few seconds. His fans would probably laugh, thinking Ten would be afraid to ride one. But he didn't and it's partly why this is his go-to hotel.

Unlocking the door, Ten was greeted with the aroma of pesto wafting through his nostrils, alerting his senses and sudden the need for food. 

He didn't call for room service, Ten was sure of that. Neither did he call for food delivery. Was there a complimentary meal in celebration of the holidays? Was that it? But surely the hotel staff wouldn't enter his room without his permission, right? Or would they since room cleaning didn't need to have them there as well.

Or did some sasaeng knew of his hotel and slipped in food? , there could be cameras hidden. What if they spryed some kind of perfume so Ten would faint? Would he be kidnapped? Assaulted? Or worse - killed?

Frozen for a while, Ten let out the breath he was holding and despite the hammering in his heart he boldly (and as quietly as he can) slid his way inside the room.

What Ten's eyes laid upon was something far from he expected. It was the back of a human (bears couldn't have broken inside, could they?), shoulders hunched and preoccupied with what Ten could tell was a feast on the table. It was the shape of a back he was all too familiar with - one he's hugged countless times and Ten couldn't help but feel his heart flutter at the unanticipated visitor.

 

"Baby~" 

Ten could feel the vibrations on Taeyong's back as the latter chuckled when Ten backhugged and called for him.

"Guess you found me then. Never thought you'd be back too soon." Ten playfully hit his boyfriend's arm as he spun him around and take a proper look at him.

Taeyong had gelled his hair up, something he rarely did these days but knew Ten loved that look on him like their Rookie days; he also had this apron on that he looked to cute with - a contrast to his present hairstyle; and he had this smile (Johnny would describe it as 'Taeyong's fond look on Ten face') that Ten  just wants to imprint on his memory forever.

Soft pair of lips were on Ten's own and he smiled at the soft kiss, returning then ten times more.

"Surprise, I guess?"

"Huh, a surprise indeed! How did you even get inside?"

"I have my ways." Taeyong winked and changed their positions so Ten was in front of him, the food he prepared laid out on the table for Ten's eyes to marvel on.

"When did you even prepare all these? It's smells so good!!"

Taeyong led Ten to sit so they were across each other.

"I had a little help from mom earlier."

It was only when Taeyong mentioned his mom that Ten remembered what day it is.

"Oh, but Yongie, it's new year's eve. Wouldn't your mom rather you'd spend it with them?"

"Hmm but I told her you'd be alone and you know how she is. And she loved the sweater you gave her as Christmas gift."

"Your mom is so nice."

"Most of this is her to be honest, she'd make more if I didn't convince her this is more than enough."

"This is a lot! Tell her I said thanks."

"Would you.. would you like to say it to her personally?"

Ten studied Taeyong's face for a while, trying to discern what he meant by it.

"I-Imean I don't want to pressure you into meeting my family and all but I think mom's pretty much figured it out by now or else she wouldn't cook for you this much and I think dad may be cool with it if it's okay with mom and my sistr probably just want my happiness and you bring me so much joy and love and I love you so much and my family would love you as well will you go back with my to my house tomorrow?"

Ten laughed. He laughed because his boyfriend was rambling and he knew Taeyong was nervous too. After almost a year of being together, they danced around the topic of meeting each other's families for a while now, especially Taeyong's who lives nearer. Ten stood up and made his way to Taeyong's chair, held both his boyfriend's hands and bumped their heads together.

"Yongie.. I know how much this means to you. This is a big step into our relationship but more than that it's a big step for you, too." Ten know Taeyong came out to his parents a long time ago but he figured Taeyong didn't really bring anybody home. "And I'm really honored. I'll be more than glad to meet the people who are a big part of who you are, of the sweet and loving Taeyong that you are now."

Taeyong held his cheeks and pulled him in for a long kiss.

"Thank you. And I'm positive they'd love you."

"Hah. I know. Your mom loves me already."

"She does. Introducing you from friend to boyfriend wouldn't change that. She'd probably love you more than me, I bet."

"Haha, maybe. Now let's eat this food before it gets cold. I bought ice cream and cake for dessert." Ten stood up and returned to his seat. "After this I want to cuddle on our bed and kiss you into the new year."

"Whatever you want, babe."