Christmas Day

The Jung Family Holiday Stories
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“No.”

“No.”

“No.”

“This won’t work either.”

“No.”

Youngjae rummaged through the toys doing last minute Christmas shopping. It was early morning of Christmas Eve. He’d been working overtime the past few weeks and hadn’t had the time to thoroughly shop for his nephew. “What? Why not this? It’s so cool.” Daehyun said, playing with the walking toy dinosaur that Youngjae pushed aside.

“He’s not into dinosaurs…” Youngjae said absent-mindedly, moving onto another part of the toy section. Daehyun put down the toy and followed him. “What does he like then?”

“He loves to sing, he loves Pororo and Hamtaro, he loves stuffed animals, superheroes, Oh! He loves puzzles! Every Christmas we always do a puzzle together while drinking hot chocolate…” Youngjae began. Daehyun smiled, watching as the younger spoke enthusiastic about the things his nephew liked and the things they did together.

He was glad that Youngjae had at least been happy with his nephew. But he couldn’t help but feel a little jealousy. But he forced the emotion back. There was no reason he should be jealous of his friend’s family member. Especially a kid who’s barely a preschooler.

“Um Daehyun.” Youngjae stopped, snapping Daehyun of his thoughts. “Huh?”

“Um…Why are you staring at me?”

Daehyun’s eyes slightly widened, but he quickly laughed it off. “Who wouldn’t stare at you?”

“Huh?”

Daehyun paused for a moment. “I mean…uh…heh…Yeah, I was.” He confessed. “But it’s nice the way you talk about your nephew. You really do care about him.” Daehyun gave him a gentle smile. Youngjae blushed in embarrassment. “Sorry. I tend to get carried away when I…” His voice trialed when his eyes landed on an item. “This is perfect!”

He ran to the shelf and picked up the toy Karaoke machine. “Look. It even comes with 5 songs and a microphone. It’s perfect.” He beamed, placing it into his shopping basket.

He went around the rest of the store picking out a couple more toys and ma much needed jacket and socks. He was overjoyed that he saved up enough money to buy his nephew multiple presents along with much needed clothing that the preschooler probably didn’t care too much for.

Youngjae stopped to stare at the clothing section. A sad sigh escaped his lips, “Kihyun needs new clothes.” “Jae, everything okay?” Daehyun asked with concern, noticing that the younger stopped and was staring into space. Youngjae snapped out of it. “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go.” He said, quickly walking off. He made a mental note to save up next month’s checks to buy Kihyun clothes. Daehyun glanced at the boys’ clothing for a moment before following his friend.

 

“I have to hurry and wrap the gifts and hide them from Kihyun, then I have to- Oh! I have to go grocery shopping so I can make something for Christmas. I should make Kihyun’s favorite dish.” Youngjae mumbled to himself as he rode in the car. “You cook?” Daehyun questioned surprised. But Youngjae didn’t hear him, too lost in his thoughts. “I have a lot to do and not much time.” He mumbled on.

Daehyun chuckled seeing how cute his friend was. “You have plenty of time.” He assured him. “No. I have to be done before 5.” Youngjae finally responded. “Why?” “Every Christmas Eve I take Kihyun to see the Christmas lights. He looks forward to it every year.” Youngjae explained. “Ah~…” Daehyun nodded. “Can I go?”

Youngjae paused, not expecting the question, but smiled, “Yeah. It’ll be fun.”

Daehyun’s face lit up. “Then let’s hurry and get everything done before 5. I’ll help you.” He said enthusiastically turning his attention back to the road. Youngjae couldn’t help but laugh, the elder still had the same positive enthusiastic energy that he remembered from when they were kids.

 

Ever since Youngjae agreed to stay for the rest of the holidays, Daehyun had been inseparable from him. He went with him everywhere. On the days Youngjae left early for work, Daehyun woke up with him and dropped him off. During the day, he passed time by helping his father run the daycare until it was time to pick him up from work. He hardly ever left his side.

Youngjae didn’t mind it. He also missed his friend and enjoyed the opportunity to spend loss time with him.

Jaejoong, Yunho, and Jaehyun noticed the complete change in Daehyun. But they didn’t dare to say anything to him about it, not wanting to ruin the refreshing reunion. They were also just as happy to have Youngjae back.

 

“Done!! And it’s 4:50pm.” Daehyun clasped his hands in satisfaction. Youngjae laughed at him, “You’re worse at cooking than I imagined you were.” He laughed, referring to the flour that was all over Daehyun’s body. “You already assumed I was bad at cooking?” Daehyun was somewhat offended.

Youngjae nodded, “I figured you’d be bad at these kinds of things. I mean, you were bad at making gingerbread houses. You’re better at eating than cooking.” He said with an amused smile on his lips. “Well, I only make instant ramen and mac and cheese at my university dorm.” Daehyun rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “But I mostly eat cereal. My Appa hates that.”

Youngjae chuckled at this, “You even got flour in your hair.” He stood on his toes and reached to dust the flour out the elder’s hair. Daehyun smiled deviously and shook his head, sprinkling flour on the younger.

Youngjae gasped, jumping back. “Oops.” Daehyun feigned innocence. “yah. I was trying to help you.” Youngjae swept excess flour from the counter and threw it directly into his friend’s face.

Daehyun froze.

Youngjae’s jaw dropped, “Oops, I didn’t know I grabbed that much.” He fought the urge to laugh.

Daehyun slowly wiped his face with his hands. “Now you’ve asked for it.”

Before he could do anything, Kihyun ran into the kitchen. “Hyung I’m-…” he paused, staring at the two. He then busted into laugher when he saw Daehyun’s face. Youngjae couldn’t help but join him. “This is funny to you?” Daehyun asked the two of them. Youngjae nodded. “You look silly.” Kihyun laughed.

Once the 4-year-old was done laughing, he turned to Youngjae. “Hyung! I’m ready!” he announced proudly. Youngjae looked over the preschooler to see that his jacket was inside out, and his shoes were on the wrong foot. Youngjae couldn’t help but chuckle at how cute his nephew was. “Ki, you have your shoes on the wrong feet. And your jacket is inside out.”

“What?!” Kihyun exclaimed in surprise. “this was hard to put on.” He whined in frustration. “I’ll help you in a minute. Just let me clean up.” Youngjae told him. “Okay! I’m gonna play with Jaejoongie.” He announced, running off.

“Why does he call you hyung?” Daehyun asked as he and Youngjae cleaned up their mess. “Uncle Youngjae was too hard for him to say when he was a toddler. So, I just had him call me hyung instead.” Youngjae explained. Daehyun nodded in understanding. He couldn’t help but feel bad for Youngjae, having to take care of a child at a young age. But he seemed happy with the preschooler, and that’s what mattered the most.

After they cleaned up the kitchen, they cleaned themselves and changed their clothes. Youngjae then helped Kihyun put on his shoes and jacket, showing him the correct way to put them on.

“Uncle Daehyun is coming with us too?” Kihyun asked while Youngjae buckled him in the car seat. “Who?” Youngjae asked in confusion. “Mr. Scrooge.” Kihyun pointed to Daehyun, who stood behind his uncle. “Daehyun?” Youngjae asked in confusion.

“Yeah. He said that he’s my Uncle, and that Uncle Jaehyun is my uncle.” Kihyun explained.

Youngjae looked back at Daehyun. Daehyun smiled cheekily. Youngjae shook his head. He turned back to Kihyun to tell him that they weren’t his uncles but stopped when he saw him smiling contently to himself. “I didn’t know I had so many uncles.”

Youngjae couldn’t help but smile. He was grateful toward the Jungs. They welcomed his nephew with open arms and took care of him as if he were their own. “But I don’t want Mr. Scrooge to go with us.” Kihyun frowned.

Youngjae laughed. “Y-Yah! I’m not Mr. Scrooge.” Daehyun told him for the nth time. “You hate Christmas.” Kihyun accused. “No. I was just sad because I missed my son.” Daehyun said, unable to hold back his sneaky grin.

“YOU HAVE A SON?!” Kihyun exclaimed.

Youngjae furrowed his brow in confusion. Soon his eyes widened in realization.

“Yep. I’m Tiny Tim’s dad.” Daehyun announced.

Kihyun gasped at the news. “You’re Tiny Tim’s dad?” He repeated. Daehyun nodded. “Why were you sad? Where did Tiny Tim go?” Kihyun asked. “I don’t know. He disappeared one day, but then he came back. And he grew up to be an amazing, smart, beautiful person.” Daehyun smiled at Youngjae. Youngjae blushed at his words.

“Y-Yah. Stop being weird.” Youngjae lightly hit his arm.

Kihyun thought deeply to himself, “Fine. You can come with us Tiny Tim’s dad.” He finally said. “Thank you, Ki. I really appreciate it.” Daehyun thanked with a slight bow. Youngjae then carefully shut the door and sat in the passenger’s seat, with Daehyun at the wheel.

Yunho and Jaejoong watched them drive off, witnessing the entire interaction. Jaejoong waved back at Kihyun who waved eagerly through the car window. Yunho wrapped his arm around his husband’s waist. “I’m starting to think Dae has more than a little crush on Youngjae.” He said. Jaejoong nodded in agreement.

“$10 that Youngjae doesn’t see him more than a friend.”

They turned around to see Jaehyun standing in the doorway. “Jaehyun how could-,” “Deal, $10 that he does.” Yunho agreed before Jaejoong could finish.

Jaejoong looked at his son and husband in disbelief. “How can you make such a bet on your own brother and son?” “It makes it more entertaining.” Yunho shrugged. “Plus, it’s easy money.” Jaehyun agreed. Jaejoong scoffed in disbelief, not believing what he was hearing.

 

 

“Wooow~!” Kihyun’s eyes grew large and round as they entered the enchanted maze of lights. He gripped Youngjae’s hand tightly while they walked through the Lamaze. “Look at that one!” “Oh, and that one!” “That one is so cool!” he pointed to the delicate st3D structures that the lights created. The lights were formed into snowmen, trees, and other magnificent shapes. Some even took the shape of iconic fictional winter characters.

Youngjae led them to his favorite part of the exhibit. It was a forest of string lights hanging from the ceiling that engulfed the people that walked through it. “Wahahahaha!” Kihyun laughed, running through the magnificent sea of lights. “Kihyun! Wait up. Don’t go far.” Youngjae ran after him, not wanting to lose him.

“Try to catch me hyung!” Kihyun teased, running faster.

“Gotchya.” Daehyun caught him before he could run any further. “Heeeyyyy~…” Kihyun frowned in disappointment. “Where did you come from? I didn’t even see you.”

“I’m just super-fast.” Daehyun winked. “But you shouldn’t run off. This place is big. You could get lost. Then we won’t be able to find you.” Daehyun explained. “But my Uncle always finds me.” Kihyun told him proudly. “But if you get lost, then he’ll get worried.” Daehyun countered. “I don’t want hyung to worry about me.” Kihyun pouted.

“Kihyun, don’t run off like that again.” Youngjae caught up to them. “I won’t.” Kihyun promised. “I’m sorry.”

Youngjae smiled. “I forgive you.”

Kihyun’s smile returned to his lips. He broke out of Daehyun’s arms and ran to his uncle. Youngjae picked him up in one swift motion. “Let’s look at more lights. There’s still a lot more we haven’t seen yet.” He said. Kihyun nodded rapidly. Youngjae placed the 4-year-old onto his shoulders and continued their trek.

Daehyun was also amazed by the enchanted maze. He never knew such event existed. To him the entire place seemed magical. It was unreal. It felt as if he were in a completely different world. He was left in complete awe.

 

Daehyun ordered 3 cups of hot chocolate at the concession stand and carried them to the bench where Youngjae and Kihyun were sat. “Hot chocolate!” Kihyun cheered when Daehyun handed them each a cup. “What do you say?” Youngjae asked. “Thank yoouuu Uncle Daehyun.” Kihyun smiled, teeth and all. “You’re welcome.” Daehyun laughed. “Make sure you blow it before you drink it.” Youngjae reminded. He didn’t want him to burn his tongue. “Okay!” Kihyun blew hard into his cup.

Youngjae turned to Daehyun, “You didn’t have to buy us hot chocolate. I brought money to buy some.” He told the elder. Daehyun shrugged, ‘it’s okay. I wanted to.” Daehyun smiled at him. “Look!” Kihyun pointed to the sky. “A wishing star!”

Youngjae and Daehyun looked up to where the younger was pointing. Kihyun squeezed his eyes shut and mumbled under his breath.

“What did you wish for?” Youngjae asked when he re-opened his eyes. “I can’t tell you, or else it won’t come true.” Kihyun answered as if it were obvious. “Oh~…” Youngjae nodded in understanding. He looked to his left to see that Daehyun’s eyes were also closed, making his own wish. Youngjae shook his head, then looked up at the star and whispered quietly, “Thank you.”

 

They stayed for a few more minutes before heading home. Everyone was already in bed when they returned, including Kihyun, who fell asleep in the car. “Thank you for tonight.” Youngjae thanked Daehyun when they reached the top of the stairs.

“Why are you thanking me? I should be thanking you for letting me come.” Daehyun said. “yeah, but you helped me get everything else done. And…it was fun.” Youngjae said. “Well then, thank you for letting me join you.” Daehyun thanked instead. “You’re welcome” Youngjae chuckled, “And Good Night. See you tomorrow.”

“Night.” Daehyun watched Youngjae walk to the guest room with a sleeping Kihyun in his arms. He really didn’t want

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Kattan69 #1
Chapter 14: Someone need to push Dae to be proactive....any one wants to volunteer...mmm...
sirchenchen
#2
Chapter 14: Happy New Year author-nim, here's hoping it's a good one~! These drabbles were a nice ride, and it's bittersweet for them to be finished. I'd like to imagine that from here everyone is happy forever. Like, kaisoo with their things and jaeyong with their things, and daejae gets together and then their things, and jaejoong and yunho are blissfully content because their sons are happy and everyone's HAPPY.

And now, I'm gonna go scroll through your other stories and possibly give some of those a read~ I've already got The Third Snow Prince bookmarked for reading, and I'm anticipating it!
damchuu
#3
Chapter 13: Happy holiday to you too author nim 030 can’t wait for next update, thanks
Kattan69 #4
Chapter 13: Good for all of them!
susan0622 #5
Chapter 13: Merry Christmas authorshii and everyone here...Thank you for your updates and still waiting for Jaeyong ha ha ha
sirchenchen
#6
Chapter 13: Aww it's sad that this'll be coming to an end with the next drabble, but it's been a fun ride all the same! Have a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays~!
Kattan69 #7
Chapter 12: Poor boy...suffering at such a young age. Hope he will accept the Jung’s help cause we know Dae will sure want him to.
damchuu
#8
Chapter 12: I can’t believe I cried again, This is so sad , thank you for this! Looking forward to ur next updates
sajja_09
#9
Chapter 12: That was amazing, I cried, but I love it ... Thank you very much and I can't wait to continue (and I sorry for my English)
sirchenchen
#10
Chapter 12: Oh my dear lord thank GOODNESS things have been resolved, my heart HURTS at the things that have happened to Youngjae but I’m so GLAD things are taking that upward turn again!!! I will eagerly anticipate whatever left you have planned for this!!!