Jaehwan was the first to wake up that morning. s all snoring softly in their beds. He slid out from under the covers, careful not to wake Hongbin peacefully sleeping beside him.

He dressed quiely. Head-to-toe in his spring favorites, warm enough to keep out the cold of the dawn. The large white snowball-looking earmuffs that matched Sanghyuk’s. A knit beanie with the pom pom Hongbin gave him on that cold night they roasted marshmallows last autumn. His army-green canvas parka Hakyeon had picked out for him. The one with the fur trim and hidden pockets for stashing treats. Also the large red scarf Taekwoon knitted himself that matched the mittens Wonsik gifted to him last Christmas. Jaehwan could feel all of their love. Surrounding him. Keeping him warm.

With a heavy sigh, he walked out the door of their dorm. A nice misty morning stroll aught to be good. The park had an eerie still beauty. It was a bit too quiet for comfort. No children on the playground. The trails not yet treked by even the earliest morning joggers and cyclists. It was just Jaehwan alone with his thoughts.

He looked up at one of the large cypress tress. So tall and grand. How long it took to become something so great. Maybe when it was just a sapling there might have been a chance it wouldn’t grow. What if it got stepped on or pulled up by its roots when it was small. Before its journey of life ever really began. It reminded him of himself in many ways. Remembering how he almost didn’t make the cut to be a part of VIXX. It sure is something. He’s worked so hard to get where he’s at. All of s have. They’ve grown to be so great individually and as a team. A family. So tall and great. Been through Hell and back struggling to grow and reach it’s potential. Like the cypress.

Thinking he’d had enough, his nose nipped by the chilly air, the calm of the morning rejuvenating and refreshing as the rising sun painting the sky pink and gold, he trudged back to the dorm.

Jaehwan barely made it in the door before being drowned in affection. Wonsik and Sanghyuk constricting him in a tight bear hug. But releasing to help him rid himself of his coldweather gear, smiling brightly the whole time. The two lead him by his hands to the kitchen where here was a sight to behold. A mountain-high stack of flapjacks being decorated with whipped cream, fruit, maple syrup and colorful birthday candles by Hakyeon and Taekwoon. Hongbin set down a large mug of hot chocolate with jumbo marshmallows and cinnamon on the table. Jaehwan couldn’t hold back. Tears began streaming down his face. Wonsik tried his best to dab them with his sleeve. Pecking small, delicate kisses on his reddening cheeks. Hakyeon pulled everyone in for a group hug. “Happy birthday, Jaehwan-ah.”