Christmas makes a lot of people feel happy. Maybe it's the food, or the gifts one give and/or receive, maybe it's the family tradition, or maybe even just the mere fact that it's a joyous holiday everyone can be involved with how ever.


Namjoo really loves the Christmas season; she thinks it's one of those precious once-in-a-lifetime moments every year that would give you that special feeling and experience. For a long time now, giving gifts to her family, friends and even the kids who visit her at home has been a tradition of hers. She would save up the entire year just for this occasion, and just in time too. This year was and felt a bit different though. She was too busy with college that she ended up forgetting to plan her errands early.


"What— ah, who am I missing? Chorong, Bomi, Eunji... okay. I've also noted what to buy for the kids this year, and... okay, I think we're just about done."


It was already the morning of 24th when she realized she hadn't gone out to buy gifts for her members, as well as the kids she intended and never broke streak of giving gifts to. She anxiously prepared her commute items, dug deep in her bag to put on her best natural makeup quickly, changed to a comfortable shirt and jeans (along with a padded jacket, of course—not taking risks going out in a negative something weather) and went to and from her house to see if she left anything she needed before leaving.


"Alright! I have my wallet, checklist, handphone and all, and my outfit is warm as a toasty marshmallow! We're off to buy gifts!" She cheerfully uttered to herself. "...like last-minute buying of gifts." She added, with a hint of dismay in her tone. But nonetheless, she stayed positive.

But it seemed as though her mindset that everything will work out well that day isn't doing its job. She got to the station late and almost missed the train. She ran as fast as she could towards the closest door she'd come encounter with and got on just milliseconds before the door started panning shut. She heaved a sigh as she immediately catches her breath, hoping her hair didn't end up as bad as her day was going. She didn't had the time to look around for a seat as the crowd started enclosing the space. She was left with no other choice but to stand, and she quickly gripped onto one of the handles the moment the train started moving.


Namjoo was used to crowds and crowds of people, and was particularly aware of these situations. But just as she thought her luck was already running out, it got even worse.


As she got shoved by a flood of passengers like herself from behind, she felt a gust of warm breath upon the top of her head. Immediately she knew, she was in that kind of situation. It was a tall guy, and she was guessing whether he'd be masculine or not, or from what age range was he in, but she couldn't think properly. The creep was already starting to rock his hips against her rear, and to think she was wearing extremely appropriate clothes and it was still daylight, too. She gripped tighter to the handle and shut her eyes closed, wishing it'd just be over.


As the train went to a halt at one station, the rocking did too. Namjoo somehow felt like sighing of relief but then she heard a whisper, "Did you like that?", a really low and mischievous tone and was probably accompanied by a little smirk, that sent a shivers down her spine. She wanted to cry but was trying her best not to, as she thought it wasn't the time to be doing so. She wanted to get out the train but the doors started closing again, and missed the opportunity. She knew she was in trouble again.


As the crowd sway along the movement of the train, Namjoo felt even more uncomfortable. She kept her eyes closed, thinking all these will go away soon and thought of the smiles she'd get from the gifts she'd be giving out instead.


Just as she was in mild trance, the creepy man looked down at her rear. He levelled his palm just right in front of it as if waiting for the right time to land them. All of a sudden, he got grabbed in the collar by another guy as if there wasn't a crowd to worry about. Everyone looked surprised but didn't want to get involved.


The creep was most appalled. "What the hell, punk!?" He roared, staring at the guy almost his height but just a wee bit taller.


"You think you have the right to mess with my girl!? You ing creep!" He glared and answered back in a stronger, rather mocking tone. Namjoo looked back at that second and witnessed the scenario. Everyone was so focused, somehow scared, and not a single person would wish to interfere.


"What makes you think I'd believe she's your girl? You just came up randomly now?" The creep asked. The other guy expressed a teasing scoff and lets go of his collar immediately as he told to thank him for doing so. He moved so he'd be in front of Namjoo and glanced sideways at the crowd staring at them. "You think I'd want to deal with a ert like that? But you know, if I did, you'd be imprisoned with just the snap of my fingers... or worse, dead." He replied in a convincing and robust tone emphasizing the word ‘ert’ with a cunning smirk.


Everyone started buzzing and gave disgusting stares towards the creepy guy. Some even sauntered themselves away from him despite the space being crowded already. He was left speechless as he moved towards the corner of the door.


"Thank you, I..." Namjoo mumbled in her softest voice, but the tall guy cut her off. "Sshh."




It was the station Namjoo had to get off to but the creep was still standing by the doorway. She looked down to take a deep breath and thought about running instead. Maybe that way no one will notice, and the creepy guy wouldn't follow her. But as the doors open, her hand was pulled by a warmer, and obviously bigger hand. She was a little confused for a minute and wondered what happened. When she was free of the crowd, she looked up and saw the tall man in great form; his hair was of a brown shade and was cut short as if it wasn't the hair cut he wanted, he was wearing nothing special (shirt, jeans and a jacket like hers) and his other hand was covered by a thick mitt made of wool that was probably the reason for them being warm, his smile lingered ear to ear but a hint of worry was in his eyes.


"I hope you don't mind that I got you off this station." He spoke, in a calmer tone than earlier.


Namjoo was somehow awe-struck. It took her a few seconds before she could respond, and only with a shake of her head. The guy laughed and felt her hand was still gripping onto his. He assumed she felt really scared back there and went to pat her head with his free hand. Just as he did, Namjoo snapped back to her senses and immediately bowed for like, ten times (that's an exaggeration, maybe less than that) and the guy couldn't help but laugh. "No, honestly, it's alright. I'm one to say sorry, if only I acted on it sooner, you wouldn't have been traumatized."


Namjoo claimed she wasn't, that it was okay and that she just didn't know what to do at that sudden situation. She gave a nervous laugh and shrugged, not realizing her hand was still latched to his.


"You know, I don't know you but you're really not very good at lying." He said confidently, and with a chuckle as he tugged their entwined hands. The girl gasped in response and pulled her hand off his and apologized with another set of bows. He laughed again.


"I'm Hyuk, a dance major of a school near this station. But I don't think you're one to be interested in that kind of introductions." He grinned at her as he stuffed his hands inside the pockets of his jacket.


Namjoo gave in and let out a giggle. She smiled at him back. "I'm Namjoo, a music and arts major, probably in the same school you're going; And no, I'm actually interested, sir. Just as long as you're not a ert too." She managed to voice out a joke and laugh, and so did the other guy. "I'm actually wrong, you really aren't traumatized." He replied.


Just as they left the station, Hyuk offered to bring Namjoo to where she was headed to. Surprised to know it was the exact station she needed to get off to and that she was on an errand to buy Christmas gifts, he asked if she could accompany her for the day. "But I wouldn't want to ruin your own plan for the day." She demanded.


"I mean, I have nothing to do today except buy my mom gift cards of some sort." He snorted. "I can be your chaperone or something, you know, I really don't mind." He added, with another grin across his face.


He seemed convincing, and Namjoo felt like she also needed help that day (as it was not going well for her) so she kindly accepted the offer.




A few strolls and purchases down the streets, Namjoo ended up buying all the stuff she needed in less than her expected time. All thanks to Hyuk who helped her, especially when she needed items that were placed in high racks and pedestals. He was even an advantage at the cashier counter as he convinced the other people with his looks to let them head on first—even without doing anything. (Really, it's both a charm and a curse, he claimed)


"Thank you, Hyuk-ah! I'll just get something at the mall and it'll all be done. She smiled brightly and Hyuk only nodded. "Sorry to have you carry the other stuff I bought, I'll—" He chuckled and told her not to worry about it, cutting her off, and told her to just take her time. Namjoo beamed and skipped towards the end of the road where the mall was ahead.


"Oh! You can buy your gift card here too, right?"




They entered the mall and tons of people were walking around, some alone and some with their loved ones and families, shopping for Christmas necessities or even just having the time of their life there. Everyone was in such a preoccupied moment.


Namjoo immediately headed to where she needed to, and bought stuff she needed. Hyuk was just behind looking after her and asking in case she needed help with anything. At one point, Namjoo asked him a favor. "Can you stay outside just a bit while? I'm just going to get a gift for a friend." She said, and Hyuk obliged. He stood up at the corner and waited for her.


Just a few minutes after, Namjoo came out with a new paper bag and said she was done, and that she was glad it wasn't hard to pick out a gift for that friend. Hyuk smiled and symphatized with her relief. He asked if there was any other place she wanted to go, and Namjoo requested if they could take a rest somewhere for awhile.


At the foodcourt, Namjoo bought rice cakes for them to share. "I hope pizza is okay with you." She said with worried expression across her face. Hyuk laughed and said he didn't mind. He grabbed a piece and bit on it immediately. "As long as I'll be the first to take a bite."


Namjoo smiled widely and went following his actions. They finished the pizza sooner, and Namjoo thought about going home since she still needed to wrap the items she bought as gifts and prepare them. Hyuk nodded but as he stood up, the girl hands him a paper bag—the one she got latest. She ushered it to him and said it was for him.


"You didn't have to—"


"But I want to." She smiled. "I owe you big, and I know just this won't cut out for it. So I'll be paying you any way, any how. Just say it." She added, in a cheerful and persuasive tone.


The guy took hold of the paper bag and smiled at her with a quick nod. "If you say so," he said as he took a peek inside the paper bag, and decided he'd open it once he got home. Namjoo didn't protest and asked if he could contact her what he thinks of the gift, and simply wished he'd like it. They exchanged contact information and left the foodcourt.




They arrived at the center of the mall where they had Christmas displays, paraphernalia and photo booths up. The lights were also bright and attractive, and fake (but realistic) snow was also covering most of the floors.


Namjoo beamed at the sight and asked Hyuk if she could look around for awhile. "You don't have to ask permission from me." He chuckled a bit and she realized he was right. She ran towards one of the displays and quickly took out her phone to take some photos. Hyuk approached her and asked if she wanted her photos taken with the display. The latter beamed once again and thanked him. She posed besides the artistic designs, and some interactive ones were there too, as Hyuk took photos (some candid as well) of her. Both of them were smiling throughout and enjoyed.


"Ah! Hyuk-ah! Look, look! It's so pretty!" She exclaimed as she was almost jumping out of joy, pointing down at a display of a Christmas town built from fiber glass and stones. They sure looked delicate and beautifully made. Hyuk walked right beside her to see what the fuss was about and all of a sudden, an employee came up to them. "Finally, a lucky couple!"


Both Namjoo and Hyuk got puzzled as they looked at each other. The employee grinned as he clapped his hands, and pointed to a Christmas tradition hanging just above them and saying ‘finally’ one more time. "We've been waiting for a couple to stop by our arch since early morning. You're the first one and it will be wonderful!"

It was a mistletoe, dangling from a white detailed arch made from thick cardboard and resin.


Namjoo looked up and realized that they were standing in between the mistletoe. She didn't even noticed it when she walked towards the display. She glanced at Hyuk while he was somehow preoccupied listening to the employee. "Uhm..." She mumbled.


She let out a small giggle and looked back at the employee who seemed excited about what he's about to witness. "But we're not—"


"Namjoo..." She heard him call her name in a different tone he could ever deliver that day. It was low, and soothing, and it just sounded so different. The second she turned back to respond to him, she felt lips locked against hers and for some reason, it just matched perfectly.


He pulled back as the employees started clapping and wishing them ‘Merry Christmas’. He gave her that smile going from ear to ear, and landed a pat on her head. "Sorry, I aimed for you cheeks." He chuckled a bit. "Merry Christmas, Namjoo." He greeted after.


Rather than shock, the girl felt relieved. She couldn't help but smile and greeted him back. "Merry Christmas, Hyuk-ah~"


He unconsciously ran his fingers across her cheek and tugged her hair behind her ear as he leaned towards her. "Your debt is only half paid though. That was only a downpayment." He whispered with a low, gentle laugh as he walked past the arch, thanking and greeting the employees.


Namjoo tilted her head a bit and wondered how she'd repay the other half, not even half-amused of what the guy just did to her. She strided behind to catch up to him and asked what he meant by downpayment. Hyuk gently entwined his hand with hers and with a smile, he answered.


"Well, the other half can only be paid by another date."


"Another?" She thought, as her eyes started batting repeatedly.


"Hey, princess. Come on! I still need to buy mom's gift card." He laughed.

Number of words: 2.5k+
A/N: I've been changing my format a lot, and I hope you don't mind. I keep seeing which format I can get myself used to. And I know this is a really weird flow of the story where they're complete strangers but forgive me, I did this really quick. I haven't updated a few of my stories but I will get to them. I'm so sorry, life's been really complicated (but I'm okay!) I hope everyone's having a nice day! I love you!