The fireplace crackled, filling the room with warmth and the scent of burning wood. A record of western Christmas songs was playing softly in background. Everywhere you looked, there were touches of the holiday season; from the tree that was draped in white lights and red and gold ornaments to the garland hung on the mantle place and the pine scented candles. The whole apartment had a cozy feeling that immediately put one at ease.

That is part of why the two men on the couch hadn’t moved from their spot under the blanket in over a hour. The older of the two had his arm draped over the younger’s shoulders, just holding him close. Taehyung had his head on Hoseok’s chest, his eyes closed as he just inhaled the earthy smell of his boyfriend. Their mugs sat on the table in front of them, having been emptied quite some time ago, but neither had wanted to get up to refill their hot chocolate.

From where they sat, they could feel the warmth of the fire on the patches of skin that weren’t covered by blankets or clothes. Hoseok was watching the snowflakes falling lazily past his apartment window. Normally, he wasn’t a big fan of the snow, but he could admire its beauty when he was inside, protected from the bitter cold. He lazily rested his cheek on the top of his boyfriend’s head and noticed how he still smelled faintly of strawberry shampoo.

The younger hummed in contentment, but sat up despite the quiet protests of the older. He glanced at his phone and sighed.

“It is already 9 pm.” He stated quietly. Once he said that, he slipped out from the under the blanket.

Hoseok was a bit surprised and he wrapped his arms around the younger’s waist, keeping him from moving much father. “So?” He whispered, his grip tightening as he buried his face in the space between Taehyung’s neck and shoulder.

Taehyung let out a warm chuckle and patted Hoseok’s arm. “I need to go.” He said, thinking about how he had a brunch with his family next morning. He gently pried the arms from around his waist and stood up.

The older groaned in protest and looked up at the other from his spot on the couch. It already felt colder without Taehyung’s warmth against his side. “No, stay here tonight.” He said, as though it was the most obvious answer.

Taehyung just chuckled again. “I really can’t stay.” He said, moving toward the front door where his hat was hung up.

“But it is so cold outside.” Hoseok protested, finally moving from his spot on the couch. His joints cracked as he stood for the first time in over an hour.

“It is a good thing I wore a sweater, then.” The lilac-haired male said with a soft smile. “I really have to go, even if tonight was so nice.”

Hoseok walked over to him and grabbed his hand, stopping him from picking up his hat. “What’s the hurry?” He asked as he reached up to cup the other’s cheek in his hand.

“My parent’s will be waiting for me to get home. We have a family thing in the morning.” He moved away from the older’s touch. He couldn’t let himself get back into the cozy atmosphere, no matter how tempting it was.