They don't talk about it, about the kiss, about the hand holding, about anything. It's almost as if Baekhyun dreamt it all, maybe he did. He doesn't really know, and Kai doesn't ask him for lessons anymore, Baekhyun guesses he's got all the practice he needed. And Christmas finally comes by, Baekhyun decides to go over to Chanyeol's place. He doesn't really have a choice, Chanyeol did say that Sehun would kill him if he didn't drop by and Baekhyun is going to take his word for it, he actually might.

Baekhyun is seated comfortably on a mustard coloured futon bed in the corner of the room, right next to the humongous Christmas tree. Baekhyun notices that the Christmas tree did end up being decorated with clear wrapping paper and a small pieces of red and green wrapping paper is thrown around the tree, Baekhyun laughs, they did find a middle ground after all. He looks around and spots Kai in the kitchen, who is trying hard decorate some cookies. Kai wipes his brows with the back of his hand, but all it does is knock the reindeer headband he is wearing off his head. He huffs a little, his mouth forming a small pout. Sehun laughs as he picks it up and places it on his head. Baekhyun grins, Kai seems to have an effect on people around him, he is just that radiant, in ways Baekhyun can never be.

"Pretty, isn't it?", he faintly hears.

"Yeah," Baekhyun muses, still watching Kai awkwardly ice his tiny cookies. He quickly snaps his head up when he feels the futon dip next to him. He turns his head to find Chanyeol smirking at him, Baekhyun clears his throat awkwardly. Okay, Chanyeol obviously knows something's up, Baekhyun knew he'd find out. But this is quick, even for Chanyeol.

"I was talking about the Christmas tree," Chanyeol says cheekily, examining Baekhyun face for any telltales.

"I, um, I, uh, same here," Baekhyun splutters.

"Sure, Baek. Sure you were. You know, I heard from a little birdy that you guys were making out in the backstage the other day," Chanyeol says, readjusting the pillow on his lap.

Beakhyun guesses it was Sehun who probably told it to him, "We were not-," he considers lying, but there's no point, not when he was ogling Kai not-so-subtly. He groans, "Okay, we were. But it's nothing, he just wanted to practice-, nevermind. It's just nothing," Baekhyun says, hoping he doesn't too miserable.

Chanyeol is quiet for a while and it bothers Baekhyun, Chanyeol is thinking and that's something he rarely does. He finally says, "You've always had a soft spot for him, you know. Maybe you never realised it, but you are a lot, I don't know how to put this, but you're a lot nicer to him. You treat him differently."

"I don't," Baekhyun says meekly.

"Just, just be careful," Chanyeol says gently, patting his shoulder.

The damage has already been done, there's nothing to be careful about anymore, he nods nonetheless, a small promise, just for Chanyeol. He gestures towards the dining table, where Sehun, Kai, Mark, Lucas and a few others whom he doesn't recognise are huddled up and are chattering rather loudly. They join them and Baekhyun finds himself laughing at the stupid childhood stories Lucas is telling them. Mark suggests that they watch Home Alone,

"Noooo, let's watch Die Hard instead," Chanyeol yells.

"NO," Baekhyun and Sehun say in unison.

"Yippee ki yay mother-"

"NO"

They watch Home Alone.

They finally reach home, Lucas dropped them off to their apartment, he was little too excited about it, he finally got his driver's license.

"I'm stuffed," sighs Baekhyun, falling onto the couch. Kai hums in agreement as he falls next to him. Baekhyun's phone suddenly buzzes, he unlocks it to find his mom calling him.

"How's my Baekhyunnie doing," she coos. Baekhyun smiles, he misses her. It's C