The Hideout I Need

Chapter 40: This is the first Christmas I've ever spent in a relationship

Tae-young stood in front of Hyeong-jun's apartment. It was dark outside, but with the street lights illuminating the snow on the ground, there was a comfortable brightness. It was the perfect setting for Christmas Eve.

His face lit up as he saw Hyeong-jun walking out of the door, "Hey!"

"Hi," Hyeong-jun smiled and ran towards Tae-young, quickly embracing him in a hug. He wrapped his arms around his torso, squeezing him tight. As he loosened the hug and their faces fell close, Hyeong-jun smiled before quickly kissing Tae-young. He giggled, "Merry Christmas."

"Hey, why aren't you wearing a puffer jacket? You'll be freezing," Tae-young said as he let go of the hug.

"I wanted to look good for you," Hyeong-jun giggled, quickly taking Tae-young's hand into his own.

"You always look good to me," Tae-young made a playful pout.

"So, what's your plan, lover boy?"

"I'm bringing you to Hongdae. They've set up the most wonderful Christmas decorations on the street. And then I'm taking you to dinner," Tae-young smiled with a playful tone.

"Wow, you have everything planned out!" Hyeong-jun playfully chuckled, "Let's go!"

As the two of them walked with their hands interlocked, Tae-young gently put both their hands in his pocket. He was genuinely concerned with Hyeong-jun getting too cold. How could he not wear a proper jacket in December? Nevertheless, it gave him an excuse to hold his hand more.

As they walked further down the street, Hyeong-jun suddenly felt a little shy, "You know... this is the first Christmas I've ever spent in a relationship."

Tae-young's heart fluttered as he heard that. He looked over at Hyeong-jun with a soft smile, "I'm so thankful you're spending it with me."

Hyeong-jun blushed like crazy as Tae-young planted a soft kiss on his cheek. He couldn't help but grin.

Tae-young looked back to where they were walking, "I read that in the western countries they celebrate Christmas with their families instead of with their partners. It's very big over there."

"Ah, Tae-youngpedia, my favorite encyclopedia," Hyeong-jun giggled.

Tae-young couldn't help but laugh. And then his eyes got caught by the cable cars going up the mountain to the viewpoint. Then he had an idea, "You aren't hungry, are you?"

"Not really, why?"

"Do you mind if we have a late dinner? I have somewhere I want to bring you," Tae-young smiled as he pointed up to the viewpoint.

Hyeong-jun gasped happily, "Oh my god! I've always wanted to go there! Let's go!"

So the two of them took the cable car up the mountain. It wasn't nearly as crowded as they expected, considering it was Christmas Eve. Maybe it's because most people were eating dinner at this time? But as they looked out from the viewpoint, they felt so amazing. The stars were visible, which wasn't usual in Seoul. And the city looked gorgeous. It was the kind of view you could never capture on camera.

"It's so beautiful," Hyeong-jun said, fully adoring the view. He almost felt touched.

Tae-young looked away from the view in front of them and looked toward Hyeong-jun. He started smiling without even realizing it, "You're really beautiful."

Hyeong-jun broke his gaze on the city below to look at Tae-young and started laughing, "Hey, that's so cheesy, don't say that."

Tae-young just smiled at Hyeong-jun. For some reason, he felt especially emotional. He couldn't tell if this was some sort of dream he had turned into reality, but there was something about the Christmas lights reflecting in Hyeong-jun's eyes that made Tae-young feel like all his troubles would be solved. His smile slowly turned into him tearing up, feeling his throat tighten a little. And before he knew it happy tears were streaming from his eyes, finding himself laughing out of how shy he felt. It reminded him of the day Hyeong-jun put stars all over the ceiling of the convenience store and he just couldn't stop crying. He ended up having to cover his face out of embarrassment.

"Hey, hey, don't cry... what's wrong?" Hyeong-jun laughed a little as he took Tae-young's hands, so he could see his face. He thought to himself that it was insane how adorable his boyfriend was being.

"I just... I love you, Hyeong-jun," Tae-young chuckled as tears were streaming down his face. He laughed a little at himself for being so emotional.

"I love you too," Hyeong-jun hurriedly wrapped his arms around Tae-young's puffy jacket, "Please don't cry."

"Hey, I cried in front of you within the first few weeks of us knowing each other, you should be used to this by now," Tae-young giggled as tears still streamed down his cheek, placing his chin onto Hyeong-jun's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around his torso. "I love you so much, Hyeong-jun."

"I love you too. And I always will," Hyeong-jun smiled softly as he loosened the hug, softly wrapping his arms around Tae-young's neck. Their faces were inches apart, making Hyeong-jun's heart flutter like crazy. He leaned in closer, "Merry Christmas, Tae-young."

"Merry Christmas," Tae-young smiled softly as he felt his cheeks were cold from the combination of his tears and the wind. But as their faces got closer his face and heart felt warmer.

And maybe time stopped as their lips met. Maybe all of this was just some crazy dream they both were lucky to be a part of. But the one thing that they knew was that they felt like the luckiest person on earth to have met each other. Hyeong-jun's heart pounded in his chest, his knees getting weaker as Tae-young deepened the kiss. He could only focus on how soft Tae-young felt against his lips and how grateful he was to have him in his life. Tae-young wrapped his arms around Hyeong-jun's waist and squeezed a little, as to hope he'd never have to let go.

Maybe it was fate that the two met. Fate versus coincidence; was it all meant to happen or was it all luck? Whether it was a mysterious force or it was a complete coincidence, Hyeong-jun will never forget the day he was looking at the clouds and suddenly saw the most beautiful boy he'd ever seen in his life. Tae-young will never forget the day he sat down next to the boy who not only calmed his nerves about being a new student but changed his life in ways he could never imagine. Because no matter what brought them together, they love each other.

Their lives completely changed the moment they realized that they had someone who'd shelter them from their fears. A hideout to stay in when they felt like they were falling apart. Someone who'd help them when they were slipping. Someone who'd love them when they couldn't love themselves. Thank god they found each other. And god, were they happy to have each other. Because no matter what could've happened, they were exactly what the other needed.