The morning was greeted by the mouth-watering, belly teasing scent of dishes that would surely become that evening's dinner. Minho looked over at the small boy intertwined in and around his limbs. He couldn't help but laugh at the small, dark, wet spot that formed on the spot where Taemin's lips met his grey shirt. The boy's face seemed to show everything besides the motion of waking up. He heard his mother saying something to his father about which utensils need to be washed and how many chopsticks and spoons will be needed the accommodate the future guests. Minho turned his body sideways as he brought Taemin closer to his chest. He was surprised by Taemin's sudden stretch in which he reminded the older boy of a cat. He followed by his lips and what sounded like his tongue. Something warm and long unexpectedly wrapped around his head which he soon registered as Taemin's arms, pulling him against Taemin's chest. As Minho felt Taemin's small chin land softly in his hair, he placed his hands instinctively on his hips. They held that position for a while, Taemin too unconscious to move and Minho simply not wanting to. He nuzzled into his thin shirt, wondering how the boy kept his body so warm against the freezing temperatures. He kept stealing glances at the boy until he finally met his half lidded ones, still unaware of their surroundings. "Hyung, I'm cold." He whined, groping the area for covers or any type of blanket. "What, am I not warm enough for for you?" Minho joked, crawling up Taemin's body. He intentionally bumped foreheads with the younger boy, Taemin giggling as he turned his head to the side. He hated when Taemin did that. He always teased Minho with his soft looking lips, and just when Minho was second guessing himself, telling himself that maybe he should just bite, just go for the bait, Taemin pulled away. "Taemin, look at me." Taemin obeyed, their hearts pounding against each other's chests. Minho shifted, noticing Taemin's compromising position. "Minho, please, can you just-" He wiggled, hoping Minho could piece together his sentence. Despite that, Minho brought his thumb over Taemin's lip. They were both shocked stiff when they heard footsteps quickly growing louder as they neared. Minho's reflexes brought him to pull the covers over both of them as he dug his face into the other boy’s neck. "No! Minho, what are you doing?!" Taemin squealed, doing the opposite of his elder as he tried to force the covers down, rolling out from underneath as he fell onto the floor. "Boys- Oh dear, is everything alright?" She asked skeptically seeing one boy on the floor and the other strangled in between the sheets. “We’re fine mom!” Minho reassured, taking a bit before finding his way out of the web. “Alright… I just wanted to tell you that breakfast is ready but considering the havoc going on up there, I’d rather you have it down here. Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Lee are upstairs helping with meal preparations and decorating.” She placed a stack of pancakes with some red bean paste on the side on one of the tables near her. Taemin poked his head out one his hair settled semi neatly on his head, walking over to receive the food. “Imo, I’d be happy to help you out once I’m dressed and washed up.” Taemin offered with a cheerful smile, taking the plate with the forks neatly on the side. “Well, well, well, aren’t you a gentleman. I would greatly appreciate your help. I’ll see you two upstairs once you’re all dressed and ready.” They nodded as she climbed back up the stairs before Taemin turned around, pouting, walking towards Minho speedily as he shoved the plate towards him. “Minho, do you every think about how you act? People would get all the wrong impressions if I wasn’t constantly here to fix you up. Imagine what you mom would have thought if she saw us like that? What would anyone think? And the God forbid he gets any worse, he pulls the covers over us!” He scolded. At first, Minho was staring at him, somewhat dumbfounded before cracking into a smile. “Taemin-ah, let’s eat.” Despite his arguing state, he gave in, walking towards the taller boy. He put some of the red bean paste on top of the pancake before tearing a piece off with the fork. He offered it to Taemin who took it without hesitation. He waved another piece in front of him, leading Taemin towards him as he stepped back a bit each time Taemin leaned in. They danced around the room, Minho leading and Taemin following. Taemin whined, placing his hands on the taller boy’s shoulders, trying to steady him but achieving the opposite. He placed the pancake in Taemin’s mouth before setting the plate down somewhere nearby, shrugging one of Taemin’s hands into his own, his free one falling on his waist. They danced tangoed this way and that, taking each opportunity to twirl Taemin around. Each time they neared the plate, Minho would spoon Taemin another bite until they were both feeding each other and the plate was cleared. They paused as Taemin eyed his bag, looking back up. “I’m going to change; your mom probably needs help.” Minho nodded, giving an ‘alright’ before releasing the boy. They both made their way to their bags, separating as each headed for a separate room to change in.

                Once they were both dressed, they made their way upstairs, offering their extra pairs of hands. Taemin was assigned to setting the tables while Minho was decorating the surrounding rooms. He was hanging extravagant-looking ribbons alongside the walls and filling new vases with fresh flowers. The Christmas tree was taking up a good part of the giant living room, and he had a few extra ornaments placed neatly in a box with lights that were to be hung around it. He draped the glittering silver and gold tinsels around the tree, being corrected several times by his mother as to how one side drooped more than the other, making it look uneven. He looked over at Taemin who was focused strictly on the utensils, making sure each spoon and knife was apart by the exact same distance. He folded each napkin into the shape of a dove, each corned shaped to perfection. Minho walked up behind him, whispering a quiet ‘boo’ into the boys ear, watching his shoulders jump. “Minho, could you not- Oh geez.” He smiled, a soft laugh as he turned around the older boy standing in front of him with a fuchsia tinsel around his neck, imitating a scarf. “Do I look good?” He said, his long eyelashes fluttering shut only to be separated once more. “You look so pretty.” Taemin complimented, adding an emphasis to the ‘so’. Minho flipped his curly strands of hair over his shoulder. They both shared a good laugh before Minho nodded towards the table. “Are you done here?” He asked. Taemin turned around, spotting a few empty spots on the table. “Not yet.” He picked up another napkin, folding the corners inwards as his eyes dropped from Minho to the paper. “When you’re done, do you want to help me with the decorating? You seem like you would be good at that.” He added, referring to the napkin artwork. “Well unless your mom tells me otherwise, I’ll try to lend a pair of hands.” He nodded once more before heading back to the tree, Taemin wasting no time in turning back to the table. Once he finished decorating the tree, his mom called him into the kitchen, informing him of some bags and other gifts stacked by the door that the two women had brought along for convenience. He picked them up, a few at a time, placing them under the tree. He place the last few under the tree, enough room for plenty more to be brought back later when the rest of the dozens of guests arrived. “You know, if it counts for anything, I think the blue box would look better on top of the yellow one rather than the other one.” This time, Minho was the one turning around, Taemin standing behind him with his arms crossed. “Oh yeah Mr. Interior Designer? And why’s that?” He asked, playing Devil’s advocate. “Well why would green wrapping paper look good under a green tree? You need contrast, Hyung, contrast!” He knelt down in front of the gifts, rearranging them all until he was satisfied. “Tada~” He spoke in a singsong tone. “I have to admit, everything’s better with a woman’s touch.” Taemin rolled his eyes, punching Minho in his knee. “I’m kidding. I’m just jealous of your artistic nature.” Taemin stood up, brushing off his hands against each other. “Last time I checked, you were the arts student, Hyung.” He wanted to wrap his arms around the smaller boy, joke, and tell him how he should be the artist rather than him, but for some reason, he felt too much pressure with his mom and her friends walking about the other room. It was just hugging a friend though, right? Why would it be considered wrong or suspicious? Still, he shook the thought off and restrained himself. “Good job.” He turned towards the stairs. “How about we go hide our bags in one of the closets and decorate the downstairs?” He offered. He went over to his mom and asked for the decorations for the basement and was given another box. “Wait, Hyung, did you finish decorating up here?” Taemin asked, spotting a few extra ribbons. “You could say that. Now come on, let’s go.” Taemin took the first steps, walking ahead of Minho as he skipped over and picked up all the sheets lying on and around their bed. "We serve drinks down here, because, well, the bar." Minho explained the need for them to clean up.  Taemin had only half listened though, too busy with folding all the blankets and sheets, stacking them to the side, hoping that Minho would carry them away to wherever closet they belonged in. As he did just that, Taemin asked where he should put their bags and Minho pointed to a white door, telling him that a small closet lied behind it. He opened the spot and indeed the was a closet. He would have usually placed Minho's on top for ease of access for the older boy, but considering the pricey lens hidden underneath his clothes, he'd rather not risk it. He placed his on top of Minho's with care. Now that the room was back to it's former glory, not that it didn't seem that way even with the big mess taking up a good part of the center, Minho held a box which he offered to Taemin. "What's in here?" He asked, handling the unknown contents gently. "There's some wall decorations, some stuff to put on tables, there's also lights to hang around the place. Oh, we also have to set up the bar." Minho listed each job as he emptied the box onto the couch. "Can you help me with the lights, Minnie?" They took the strands of lights and approached the wall. "See the nails just barely peeking out of the wall? Those are for these. Just kind of.. hang them from one to the other but let them droop in between a bit. Like this." He followed his instructions as Taemin watched. "And once you have it in place, secure it in the back with a piece of tape." He concluded, using a piece of duct tape and stealthily sticking it on behind the lights. "Okay Hyung. I'll get started on the other side." They separated paths, getting to work. Raise, hang, stick, repeat. After doing this ritual several times, they both reached for the next one, too caught up in it to realize they were about to bump into each other. "I'll take care of this one Hyung. I'll even finish the rest of the stuff we have to hang. You get started on the bar. I've never touched it in my life and I wouldn't know where to begin."

After working for quite some time, they finally finished. Each plug socket was nearly full, each wall ravished in shining decorations. "Hey, Tae, come here." He took the younger boy by the wrist and led him off towards the staircase, standing beside the wall the separated it from the rest of the room. "Watch." He whispered as he lifted Taemin's hand to the switch, turning off the main lights. "Wow." The dark room was now mesmerizing, a bright yet subtle twinkle coming from each bulb, creeping out from between the ribbons and tinsel. The bar was illuminated from underneath, the champagne capturing some of the escaping shine. “It looks so pretty.” Taemin admired the whole scene. Despite the gloomy weather and the large window connecting them to it, the inside still seemed like a wonderland. “Oh, wait!” Taemin turned the lights back on and ran over to what Minho thought was the empty box. “I found this but I didn’t know what to do with it or where to put it so I thought I’d ask you.” He lifted something small in his hands, holding it between his fingers. Minho registered it almost immediately as mistletoe. “Oh, that thing. Geez, my parents use it every single year and I have no idea why. We usually put it outside on the deck. I don’t think a lot of people will be making use of it seeing as it’ll be pouring It’s already drizzling right now. Here, follow me.” Taking tape, they made their way onto the deck. It consisted of wooden flooring and high columns which supported the roof that hung over it. “I’ll lift you and you hang it, near the third pillar.” He placed his hands between Taemin’s arms and chest, lifting him by his armpits until he was high enough to reach. Once it was stable, he brought Taemin back to his feet and the scurried away into the house, back into the warmth. They went upstairs, reporting their duties. “Would you like to help with cooking this stew? After this, you’re free to go.” They both agreed, slaving away in the hot kitchen, the heat somewhat unbearable as beads of sweat begin to form on the necks. Taemin cut up the vegetable and herbs while Minho placed them into the pot and stirred. With their efficiency, they were finished in no time, his mother taking over only to take the it off of the stove and place it elsewhere where one of the other women take to it. “Off you go you two. You can start getting changed if you like. Darling, if you need anything, some of your clothes are still in your old room upstairs.” He offered an ‘I understand.” As he reached Taemin who had run up ahead, Taemin walked up to him with his bag.  “Thanks.” Taemin nodded, walking over to the bathroom which he made his changing room. Taemin had spent hours deciding what he would wear to eat with people he’s never met. A nice, ironed, maroon-coloured shirt, along with khaki pants. Once his straightener was heated, he split his hair into several pieces, straightening one at a time. He played around with different styles, trying to find which one made him look the most mature. “Minho!” The boy came jogging towards him. “Yeah, what is it?” Taemin turned towards him, modelling his hairstyle. “Does my hair look okay up?” Minho stepped up behind Taemin as they both faced the mirror. “I think you look fine. If my camera lens wasn’t shattered, I’d definitely take as many pictures as I can.” He brushed Taemin’s bangs to the side of his face. Minho watched as Taemin reached for something on the counter, the same ring he had discovered in his bag yesterday. He slipped it onto his finger as Minho lazily tried to stop him. “Taemin~ don’t wear that.” He whined, causing the boy to wiggle against his chest. “What’s wrong with it? It has nothing to do with you, Hyung. It’s not like I’m making you wear it.” Minho silently left his arms around Taemin as he attempted several times to slide the ring of inconspicuously to no avail. “Minho… Just let me wear it.” He spun around, squishing the elder’s cheeks together. “Fine.” After all, he had no reason for Taemin not to wear it; he just didn’t like the sight of it. “Sit beside me at the dinner table.” Taemin laughed, patting his face gently. “You’re not even changed yet. You’re still in sweatpants.” He turned back around, gathering his belongings, waiting for the straightener to cool before packing everything up. “Dressing up is such a bother.” He got dressed and was down to putting his shoes on. He sat on the couch and Taemin sat behind him, combing out the knots in his messy hair.  They were finished and looking their best.

                Taemin had stood by the door that evening, greeting all the guests and taking their gifts off their hands, placing them under the tree. Dinner was spread out over long tables that seated over 20 guests. Taemin had seemed to garner much attention and turned into something more of an attraction. Among the guests, the older women enjoyed pinching his cheeks and rubbing his back, asking him many questions about himself. “So where were you born?” One of the women asked. “I was born in Seoul. It’s where I’ve been living my whole life.” He took a bite of the food. “Is that where Minho attends school; Close to downtown?” They both nodded. “How did you two meet?” Taemin smiled, looking up at him. “He saved my life. I almost got ran over by a car, but thanks to him, I only walked away with a few scrapes and bruises.” The room was filled with ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’, some even applauded. “Did your friendship just blossom then and there?” Minho laughed awkwardly, thinking back to the days when they just met, how all he wanted was for Taemin to go away, the boy too cheerful to compliment Minho’s personality. Their legs brushed underneath the table. “I guess like all friendships, they take time to strengthen.” Taemin concluded. “What do your parents do?” They all leaned in. “Yes, I was quite curious myself.” Minho’s mom added. “They own a marketing firm. They travel around the world, doing their, well, jobs. They’re not home often but occasionally they call; if I’m lucky, once or twice a month.” A few of them gave an understanding nod. “Is that why you’re here this Christmas? Wow, you must be such an independent young man. Who do you live with if your parents aren’t home? A sibling?” Taemin shook his head. “I live alone in a small house my parents pay for. It’s not big, but I prefer to call it cozy. It’s easier to clean.” He was too busy explaining to help himself to more mashed potatoes, so Minho took initiative and did so for him. “Wow, you must be very smart. What are your grades in school? Surely nothing below an 85%!” One of the younger women commented, before being nudged by the one sitting beside her. “Of course not! Don’t say something pointless like that! Of course he wouldn’t!” This subject made him nervous. He wasn’t very smart and that usually disappointed many people. “Taemin tries hard in school. He even asked me for help once when he didn’t understand something. I think that was really brave about of because a lot of people suffer in silence when they don’t understand something.” He snuck his fingers around Taemin’s, their hands secretly interlocked. “Such a good boy.” They all began chattering amongst each other as they continued the dinner. Later that night, once everyone’s stuffed stomachs settled, they were all invited downstairs. His mother brought the women in front of the television which was to the digital fireplace channel. The men however gathered around the bar, chuckling over their drinks. Minho was with his father while Taemin was being pampered by the woman. Occasionally they caught each other’s gazes. As the crowds mixed and glasses began to fill with champagne, they split up, meeting once more. They stood in silence, watching the crowd. “I’ve never spent Christmas with this many people before. It’s really exciting.” Minho chuckled, nodding towards the patio door. “Want to get out of here?” He leaned over, looking outside at the rainy weather. “Isn’t it cold?” He shrugged. “That’s what jackets are for.” He agreed, walking over to the small closet where their possessions were. He tossed his coat over himself stopping as he stared at his bag. After a moment of hesitation, he ped his bag and snuck the small gift he was hiding since a few days ago under his coat. Luckily for him, his coat was this warm and bulky, making the bump at his side less detectible. He walked outside, and to his right, was Minho sitting right beneath the windowsill on what seemed like a blanket. “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable sitting on a chair or something?” He scooted over, offering a spot for Taemin, which he took. “If you want to, go ahead. Your will probably get wet though.” Taemin feared sitting to close in case his plan was spoiled. “So what do you think of today? I hope you didn’t get too tired out with all the prep work.” Taemin shook his head. “It was really fun. I haven’t done anything like that in a long time. It was refreshing.” He looked at Taemin as he pointed in through the window. “They weren’t too nosey, were they?” Taemin laughed, recalling the feeling of being a celebrity at the dinner table. “Oh gosh, no. When’s the last time someone wanted me to talk about myself.” They both leaned back against the wall and watched the rain fall. “New year is soon.” Minho spoke up. “It is.” He looked over at him. “What about it, Hyung?” He shrugged and they sat through another silence. “Hyung, don’t be mad…” Minho looked over at him curiously. “What would I possibly be mad about?” Taemin started to feel his palms sweat. “I broke our promise..” Minho raised his eyebrows, generally confused. “What promise are you talking about..?” But before he could finish, Taemin pulled out the gift. “Merry Christmas, Hyung.” Minho stared at it, motionless, so Taemin tried again. “Merry Christmas, Hyung. Open it with care.” He shook his head, not yet taking the gift. “Taemin, I thought we agreed not to do this. I thought that was really clear. We pinky promised and everything. I just-” Taemin took one of Minho’s hands and placed it on the present, forcing him the hold the small but heavy gift. “Just open it, please Hyung. I put so much effort into getting this; if you don’t it’ll all go to waste. I can’t even use it if you gave it back.” Minho swallowed, staring at the younger boy as he brought the present into his lap. He shook it slightly, being stopped almost immediately by a worried looking Taemin. He unwrapped it and lifted the box up to catch some of the light coming from inside. He froze for a moment, his body immobilized by disbelief. Taemin slowly froze as well. “I didn’t get the wrong one, did I..?” Minho set it back down in his lap, cupping his face. “Taemin… you didn’t actually- you couldn’t have actually… is this a joke? Is there a lollipop or something inside the box?” Taemin laughed. “I wish it was as easy to buy that as it is to buy a lollipop.” He admitted. “This costs so much. How did you ever manage to even afford that? I couldn’t afford it!” Taemin lifted the box, slapping Minho’s shoulder, shooing him away. “Go get your camera.” He started at him, still unable to soak up the reality of the situation. “Go!” He stood up and bolted inside only to come back out a few seconds later. Taemin watched as Minho preformed what was probably a common assembly he was used to. His face had evidently lit up, his smile glued to his face. He looked around, testing the new lens before grabbing Taemin’s hand and kissing him firmly on the cheek. “Thank you… thank you so much. I feel horrible now… I haven’t gotten you anything at all.” Taemin blushed, swallowing. “No, really, your smile is the best gift I could ask for. Knowing I made you this happy… Is an unbelievable feeling.” Minho watched him for a second before looking down at his hand. “Taemin, is there anything you really want right now; right this moment?” Taemin didn’t speak, feeling slightly intimidated by a question he never asked himself before. Minho could have never expected getting something like this from anyone, let alone Taemin who he only met a few months ago. But a lot can happen in a few months. He began thinking of when he and Taemin met, then the trip when they went out into the countryside, when he took Taemin out to dinner on impulse, when Taemin had suddenly called him out to go to the movies, when he told Minho had liked him and Minho ran away because he didn’t know how to deal with that situation, but how happy he was when he saw Taemin again. Then he thought about all the times he wondered what Taemin was doing, all the times when he texted Taemin, all the times when he intentionally brushed his lips against Taemin because he wondered how it would feel to kiss him.

                “Taemin, stand up.” Despite not being given a reason, he did. Minho placed the camera down on the blanket, covering it slightly in case of some stray raindrops. He stood up himself and took hold of Taemin’s arm, slowly leading him towards the third pillar from the door and stood him there, still holding onto him. He felt like he was a zombie. His brain was out of order and the functions were all controlled by some sort of instinct, perhaps his hearts. “Minho, what are you doing?” Despite following everything Minho had requested of him, he still had no idea why. “Minho, we’re against the railing, we’re getting wet.” Taemin stated, the rain now hitting the sides of their bodies, including Taemin’s back which was up against the wet column. Minho watched Taemin’s eyes which would occasionally move to the window behind them. His hands ran down the boys sides, stepping closer. “Taemin,” Minho started, turning around, glancing at the window which kept attracting Taemin’s eyes, checking for an audience. When no one was seen he turned back to the boy. “Minho, you’re acting really weird…” He brought his hand onto Taemin’s soon after peeling it from the boys dampening shirt. Taemin was clearly beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable and began to squirm as Minho took more and more of Taemin’s mobility away. Minho began to lean in, the speed seeming really slow, to him at least. Taemin remained clueless until, in an attempted escape from the awkwardness of the situation, he looked up. He noticed it, but he noticed it too late. By the time he had spotted the Mistletoe he himself hung, Minho’s lips were on his. He dared not to allow the twitch of a finger or the curling of a toe. Minho began to slowly move his lips, and regardless of no prior experience, Taemin did the same. Minho took advantage of the rain, slipping off the ring that labeled Taemin as belonging to someone and for once, Taemin let him. Minho marveled in the feeling of Taemin’s lips against his. They were so soft; it seemed sinful to even think of pulling away. Minho had kissed girls before, in his early years of high school, when he was immature, but none of those kisses could compare to this. As he held his lips to the smaller boy’s, he felt his shoulders shake. Maybe he was cold. Minho pulled away to look at the shivering boy but was met with something unexpected. A teary-eyed, soaked-cheeked Taemin. Suddenly, Minho caught himself in the act. What if Taemin didn’t like him anymore? What if he just forced the boy into doing something he didn’t want to? The boy covered his mouth as he sobbed. “Hyung, you’re an idiot!” Minho began to apologize but Taemin’s cries drowned him out. “Hyung… Hyung, you’re the worst…” Minho whispered another ‘I’m sorry’ but that didn’t stop Taemin. “Hyung, how could you do that to me?” Minho began to pant. Did he imagine Taemin’s confession all along? “You know…” Taemin started. “You know I like you, and I know you don’t like me back and I’m trying so hard to get over you… I don’t care that you had no gift for me, you shouldn’t have done this… you’re making it so hard for me…” Minho wanted to stop Taemin from crying, explain to him that he didn’t kiss him because he had no present, but because he wanted to. He tried to kiss the boy again but was hurt at how much resistance he was facing. In the end, Taemin pushed him away and ran off, not daring to show his tear stained face inside the house, but instead going around the side. Minho was in hot pursuit but he didn’t have to go far because Taemin was crouched down, hugging his knees, near the front corner of the house. Minho approached with caution. “Taemin…” He was cut off by Taemin’s shout. “Hyung, go away!” Minho didn’t listen, coming closer until, in some way, he was holding the crying boy in his hands. He felt as If he was holding a priceless relic in his hands that could break at any moment. “Hyung, why would you do this to me?” Taemin asked in a shaky voice. “I’m trying so hard… every time I see you, I’m reminded of why I like you so much and it’s like I have to start at square one all over again…” Their wet shirts were plastered to their bodies now as the freezing rain soaked though their jackets completely. “Hyung, you asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I never thought about it before so I had no immediate answer, but something in the back of my head told me that all I wanted was a kiss from you. And I got it.” He pulled away from the hugs, looking up at Minho. “Hyung, please tell me, how do I stop loving you?” Minho finally found his voice as the question rang in his ears. “I don’t want you to stop Taemin, keep loving me, please.” Taemin laughed, but it could have just as well been another sob. “Won’t I be a burden when you get a girlfriend?” He asked, his lips quivering. “No, no you won’t Taemin.” He watched raindrops fall from the tips of the boy’s hair and onto his pale face. “Taemin, do you really like me?” Taemin bit back a cry, nodding. “I like you… so much Hyung. Sometimes it hurts.” His heart felt like it was about to explode as Taemin explained all the emotions that surged through him at the thought of him. “Taemin, do you think you can start calling me your boyfriend? Because I really want to call you mine.” Taemin looked up at him in shock before shaking it off. "Please don't joke about that, Hyung." He lifted Taemin's falling face, brushing his lips against the corner of the smaller boy's. "This isn't a joke Taemin. I'll ask you over and over, because when you asked, I missed my chance, so now it's my turn. Taemin, please go out with me. If you don't give me an answer now, even if it's a no, I'll wait in the rain until I pass out from a high fever, and then I'll leave the hospital, come find you, and wait all over again." Taemin's quivering lip curved upwards into a quivering smile at Minho's claim, placing his hands on the taller boy's cheeks. He sniffled, closing his eyes as Minho's warm lips took his over and over to the point that Taemin found himself leaning in each time Minho pulled away. When they were both freezing to the bone, they decided to head in. They shocked everyone, his mother quickly rushing them to their bags to go change out of their clothes. They stood in front of each other in the bathroom, clothes in hand. Minho stripped down to his boxers right away, hanging the clothes over the towel rack and heater. "Aren't you going to change?" Minho asked, staring at the fully clothed Taemin. "I... I can't." Minho reached for Taemin but the boy took a step back. "Why not? It's not like you haven't done it before. You've seen me undressed too." He reached over once more and Taemin took another step back. "It's different now... I mean, it should be... right?" His red face cause Minho's to heat up in response, chuckling. "Haven't you ever dated anyone before, Minne?" He walked over towards him and this time Taemin didn't move. He shook his head as Minho began ing his shirt, sliding it off his shoulders. "No, I haven't." His voice grew high in pitch as Minho pulled off his shirt and began working on his pants. "Don't worry," Minho assured, "I won't touch anything." He let his pants fall to the ground and stepped away from the boy, picking up his clothes and hanging them over the heater. "I won't look, so you can change." He did as promised and turned around, averting his eyes. Once Taemin was dressed, they switched roles, not that it was requested of Taemin, just because he didn't feel comfortable. Once they were both clothed and dry, he placed his hand on the door handle, turning around. "Okay, let's go." Minho pulled Taemin back into a hug, stalling him. "Can I kiss you one more time?" Taemin shook his head. "Isn't it too soon?" He turned the younger boy around. "I don't know if it's too soon or too late, I just know I want to kiss you right now. Please, before we go out to join the others." Taemin closed his eyes, but didn't lean in. Soon enough, his lips came in contact with another's. Minho pulled away, running his thumb over Taemin's bottom lip, watching his face reddened. "Don't forget to breathe." He teased. He dropped a towel on Taemin's head and placed another around his own neck. Holding his hand, leading him to the door, they went to join the others. As soon as the door opened, they let go of each other's hands and went back to acting as if they we still the same two people as they had arrived. Smiling, Minho sang the fib that was them dropping something over the fence and having to search for it.

As the groups began to leave, the four of them stood at the door, waving everyone off. When the house fell silent and the lights went dim, Taemin and Minho sat in front of the fireplace. His father was reading a magazine in his reclined comforter while his mother was preparing hot chocolate. They had a thick blanket draped around them, listening to the soft crackling of the burning wood and embers. They thanked his mother who had given them their hot chocolate, marshmallows floating on top along with whipped cream. Taemin was beginning to drift off into his dreaming state, Minho continuously nudging his until he had drank his drink. Unfortunately, he couldn't hold his eyes open and slumped over, tipping over into Minho's lap. He stayed caressing the top of the Taemin's head far past midnight, until he himself also felt sleep taking over. He lifted Taemin up, walking him down to their shared bed where he lied him down with his leftover strength. He threw himself down more carelessly, finding different ways for his body to tie around Taemin. Left content with Taemin's head on his arm and their legs intertwined, he gave into the darkness.

A/N: Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers.