Every New Year they had the same party. There were always people who didn't show up or new people being invited, but there was always a party and Seohyun and Minho were always there. To be quite honest, Seohyun was actually the reason why Minho kept coming back. It wasn't like he never saw her outside of the yearly party, but he couldn't really pursue her well in a work environment. Maybe he was scared or maybe he just wanted everything to be perfect, so he didn't want to tell her until the moment was right.

The New Year party was always a costume party, so Minho usually started trying to figure out what he was going to wear about a week beforehand. The previous year Key had helped him with his outfit, which Minho wasn't really sure ended up being a good idea. It was probably one of the times in his life when he'd worn the most make-up. It looked cool, but it also hadn't looked really manly. Jonghyun was full of common, but good ideas. Suggesting things like a vampire or a pirate. Minho took those into consideration because it was better than Key's suggestion of him going as a crow. Minho did not want to end up looking like he'd jumped out of Black Swan.

The other guys knew by now why he went to the party every year, and they gave their support in various ways. Some urged him to get it over with and ask her out before it was too late, while other seemed to understand him waiting. Jonghyun was the least sympathetic because he was of the opinion that telling her straight out as soon as you have the feelings were the best way to go. Taemin was the most understanding, relating that he would have trouble confessing to someone who had already confessed to him. Minho wasn't sure if he really believed him, but he appreciated the maknae standing up for him nonetheless. Key and Onew were sort of in the middle, providing encouragement, sometimes teasing him, but never getting too annoying like the singer in their group who would hound him about it every time the topic was brought up.

Maybe that was the reason Minho had ended up at the party with a completely black outfit, long dark feathers on the sleeves and a feathered headdress that had ornamentation falling all the way down to his waist. There was intense black eye make-up around his eyes, and he even let Key paint his nails to match. Glitter sprinkled the ensemble just enough to keep him from looking too dark. If it hadn't looked so artistic, Minho would have taken the thing off as soon as it was on. But it actually looked good. Even Jonghyun said it was cool, so Minho figured it was worth giving a shot.

The party was as glamorous as ever, as would be expected of one hosted by idols. It was one of the few times of the year they could get together without cameras all around taking pictures and videos for the fans. It was an escape, and a chance to form bonds and friendships with one another. Jonghyun had joined him at the party that year, taking his leave as soon as he hit the door. He had ended up going as a pirate, and the younger man couldn't help but be amused that the suggestions he'd given were things he was considering for himself.

As the night started to progress, Minho kept his eyes on the lookout for Seohyun, and after an hour or so he started to wonder if she wasn't going to be there. Suddenly someone was ushering him out towards the middle of the room, and Minho realized it was Kyuhyun dressed up as a pimp or something.

"What are you doing?" Minho questioned, feeling amused rather than annoyed.

"Everyone's noticed you and someone else wearing complementary outfits and they're demanding a dance. I have to get you out on the dance floor before the next song starts."

Kyuhyun's voice rang out as the current song ended, and Minho felt curiosity quickly build up inside him. Really? Someone was wearing something that complimented him? As if on cue, he turned his head back to face in front of him and there she was.

Seohyun was completely in white, even her normally brown hair covered by a white wig with a small head piece. She was wearing a long white dress with a plush jacket around her arms. The skirt had white feathers all around it. Smiling, Minho thought it was really amazing that they were both birds, a black one and a white one. She smiled back at him when their eyes met. Stepping closer, Minho offered his hand. He would have been okay dancing with anyone, but dancing with Seohyun was like something that could have happened in a dream.

"So, what is this outfit?" he asked as he began to lead her around the room.

"It's an imitation of a white peacock," she answered in a matter of fact way that made Minho smile. Her being so smart and logical was something he always thought was cute, and insanely attractive. "They're albino. The reason why they are white is because they're missing a color pigment in their feathers that other peacocks have. The pigment they are missing is a dark one and has a reflective quality to it that absorbs light and gives them the sort of rainbow look, sort of like oil in water."

Nodding as he listened to her explain her outfit in a way that might have had anyone else rolling their eyes, Minho felt more and more drawn in. It didn't matter so much what she was saying, but the intent, the feeling behind the words. Her passion was always something that Minho felt fascinated by. It wasn't an obvious passion, but anyone could see it once they got to know her better. She was a hard worker, someone dedicated to being better and making her life better. She never did anything half way, and that was what he loved about her.

"I'm a crow," he said back with a small smile. "I guess they don't have that pigment either."

Seohyun smiled and looked down in a shy way that was really cute. Before they knew it though, the dance was over and Minho ran out of excuses to be near her without making them up on his own. He bowed his head politely to her and she did the same back, her smile making his heart feel like it might stop beating. As she made to move away, Minho felt his hand still tightly around hers. She pulled against it, but stopped when she felt resistance, looking curiously at Minho.

"Ah, sorry," he said before letting go of her hand, something that almost felt painful to do.

Seohyun didn't move away though, instead looking at him curiously. "Is something wrong, Minho?" she questioned softly.

Everything inside of him tensed up nervously because he could do it now. He knew if Jonghyun was standing nearby he would be cheering him on. Luckily he wasn't, because he didn't want the singer to accidentally out him. "I," he started, but then the next song cut on and he knew he'd have to yell over it. "Thanks for the dance," he said just loud enough for her to hear him before stepping away. He needed something to drink.

The punch had a strong kick to it, and Minho was pretty sure it had been spiked. He only took another drink, because he could use the alcohol, before getting himself a clean cup and pouring some soda directly from a bottle. He didn't want to get wasted after all. Looking over, Minho noticed Jonghyun against the far wall, talking up some girl that Minho couldn't recognize because of her costume, and looking like he was really enjoying the punch. Minho shook his head, hoping the other man watched himself and didn't get wasted. Honestly, Minho wished he could be as direct as Jonghyun was sometimes. It was so easy for him to flirt with anyone he was interested in, even those he wasn't really interested in. Minho didn't really do that well at that pre-dating chatting up. He was good at actually dating someone though, something he thought he could up Jonghyun on. He was a good boyfriend, a good date. Before that though, he could be really hopeless.

Drinking the soda, Minho let his eyes move over the crowd. He didn't see Seohyun anywhere, something that made him feel a little regretful. It would have been a great time to talk, to try and get closer to her, but he'd felt frozen in that moment. He'd failed. Sighing deeply, Minho finished his drink and sat it down before heading off. He definitely didn't feel like talking to any other girls because no one compared to her. Tonight should have been their night. Everyone had even been pushing for it. Minho could clearly see his chance now that it had slipped by and … then he saw her, slipping out the back door.

Biting his lip, his mind racing with possibilities, Minho walked over to it and went out himself. He'd never been out there before, always sticking to the main room of the party. Minho found himself in an outside garden. There were rows of bushes and trees further out. The smell of flowers hung in the air even that late at night, and Minho could see the night bugs clinging to the few light posts out there. It was a rented house, a huge place that Minho figured someone must have a connection to get without emptying several wallets. As he moved further into the garden, Minho noticed a large fountain in the center. He smiled when he saw Seohyun sitting down on the edge of the outer rim, staring into the constantly moving water.

Stopping, Minho watched her for a moment, wondering what was going through her mind. Seohyun was someone that Minho knew thought a lot, a lot more than she spoke. He was that sort of person as well, valuing quiet time as much as the time that was spent with friends. There were so many things about them that he thought were compatible, but that wasn't why he liked her. It was a combination of everything, even the ways she was different from him. Every little part of her that combined together to equal someone that was amazing in his eyes.

Stepping closer, Minho coughed politely to let her know he was approaching. When she looked up at him, he took the initiative and moved even closer. She smiled and stood up quickly. "Minho," she said his name softly, surprised that he was out there. "I've never seen you out here before."

"Is this where you always sneak off to?" he asked before realizing it would make it obvious he always paid attention to her at these parties. A faint blush crept across her face, but she simply nodded and smiled a little more.

"I like the quiet. Most people stay inside, but having a moment alone amongst all the chaos is kind of nice. I usually end up leaving after this so I can get home by 11."

Laughing quietly, Minho moved to sit down on the edge of the fountain, motioning for her to sit back down beside him. He felt his inside squirm slightly in nervousness as he realized he'd been given a second chance. "Do you usually go home on your own?"

Seohyun looked at him for a moment before looking down at her hands. "Well, the other girls like to stay later, so yeah, I usually end up heading home on my own."

Taking a deep breath, Minho steeled himself for rejection before suggesting. "I could take you home. I mean, just so you don't have to ride alone. I can drive you in my car," he suggested, knowing full well how dangerous something like that was. If anyone noticed they were in a car together it would be scandalous, but he really didn't like the thought of her going home on her own.

"It's still a while till then," she said after a moment of silence, and Minho wondered if he would get turned down after all. "Will you stay with me until then?" she asked suddenly, making Minho feel like his heart stopped.

"Yes," he said, feeling a little breathless. "If you'd like that, I will stay with you as long as you like."

A darker blush covered Seohyun's cheeks and Minho wondered how cheesy he sounded to her. "Oh, okay," she said, smiling in a way that made him feel not so hopeless.

The silence seemed to engulf them, sounds of the party leaking through the walls and the running water were really the only things keeping it from feeling too stifling. Taking a breath, Minho decided to keep trying. "We didn't get to dance very much in there. It seemed over so quickly." Seohyun only nodded in agreement, pressing her white gloved hands against her knees. Reaching over, Minho slid his hand into hers and pulled her up to her feet as he stood. Smiling when she looked at him in surprise, Minho asked, "Dance with me?"

A smile lit up her face, seeming to catch the light falling onto them from the moon and stars. "Okay," she answered quietly with a nod before Minho started to lead her around. They didn't have much room to dance, but Minho moved them around the fountain, using the space in the courtyard to twirl her a few times, gently of course due to her long dress.

"I like your costume," she said after a moment.

"Thanks," he responded automatically, before adding guiltily, "Key was actually the one who designed it."

"Oh, I see," she voiced as he spun her around again. "Key is very creative."

"Yeah," Minho agreed, although he didn't really like talking about the other man when he was trying to get closer to Seohyun.

"I think it looks good on you though," she said before laughing awkwardly at her own comment, turning her head and blushing slightly.

Minho couldn't help but smile because of Seohyun's rather unique personality. It was something that he was really attracted to. "I'm glad you like it. You look," he paused, feeling his nerves making it difficult to speak, but he pushed past them to add, "beautiful. It really suits you." as he spoke, Minho reached up with one hand to brush it against the feathers near her white wig. She froze in her steps, and he stopped moving too. Her hand tightened on his shoulder, and she looked up at him with wide, uncertain eyes.

"Seohyun," he said softly, feeling like no moment could be better to confess to her. "I," he started with resolution, but the words seem to get stuck on his tongue. She stared at him with her big, curious eyes, and he felt completely captivated. He opened his mouth to say more, but nothing came out, and instead he found his mouth closing again and he was leaning closer to her. He could easily feel her tense in his arms as he pressed his lips against hers, and he quickly pulled back. "Sorry," he apologized quickly, but she wasn't pulling away or smacking him, or doing anything else he deserved for pulling such a move.

"No, it's okay," she said as she pursed her lips slightly. "I kind of saw it coming." Minho looked at her curiously now, and she started a little before adding, "I mean, I knew you were about to do it and I didn't pull away. It's okay really. I didn't mind."

Minho smiled at the rush of words and pressed his lips together briefly before asking, "Can I try again?"

After a small, uncertain nod from Seohyun, Minho smiled and moved his hand to brush his fingers against her face, feeling her soft skin under the tips. Leaning closer slowly, Minho slowly kissed her. He could still hear the music playing loudly inside, and quietly thanked everything he could think of that no one had walked out to interrupt them. Leaning back, Minho felt himself grinning like an idiot and Seohyun smiled back at him before pulling him back to the fountain.

Minho couldn't help but smile down at her hand grasping his as he followed her while she explained, "Come on. I still have a quarter of an hour before I leave. You have to keep me company until then."

It only took the amount of time for them to sit down before she leaned back in to kiss him again. When she pulled back she was smiling a beautiful smile that caught the light and suddenly Minho felt like it could have been a dream again, but then again it was too real and too good to be a dream.