Encore

28. Holidays (Ver 1)

24 December 2023
New York: Jaebeom's apartment

Jackson is having a Christmas Eve dinner with Jaebeom, Annie, Keanu and Alexandra.

After the dinner, Jackson helped Alexandra with the dishes.

"Thank you for the dinner Alexandra. It was wonderful!" Jackson thanked her graciously.

"It is no problem. In fact, I am glad that you joined. If not, those three would be squablling like little children." Alexandra laughed.

"Weren't they already squabbling?" Jackson laughed, amused.

"Owh, they can be even more childish." Alexandra rolled her eyes.

-----

Meanwhile, in Jaebeom's room...

"Have you got the rings?" Keanu asked.

"Jaebeom took out the box, opening it. The rings glinted under the light. Closing it, he placed it in his pocket.

"Yep."

"What about mouth spray? Or mint?" Annie asked.

Jaebeom raised his eyebrow.

"Why would I need that?"

"So that when you guys kiss, Jackson wouldn't be repulsed by your bad breath!"

"I mean, we would kiss. But why do you think we would kiss on the mouth? I could have just kissed his forehead or something."

Annie rolled her eyes.

"Believe me. When Jackson accepts your proposal, he would be so excited he would peck you on the lips. You, being the beast you are, would be excited by the fact that Jackson initiated the kiss. Then that simple kiss would turn into a make out."

Keanu sighed. "Should you really be so detailed? Look at him. Now he is horny."

Jaebeom's jaw went slack. "Am not!"

"Whatever floats your boat son. Just keep it under control."

Jaebeom took in a deep breath. Not to suppress his urges for Jackson. But to suppress the urge to knock his godparents' heads together.

"Okay okay. Jokes aside, you will be great." Keanu pat Jaebeom's shoulder.

"C'mere you." Annie wrapped Jaebeom in a hug.

"You know I am not a hugger right? So appreciate it while it lasts."

Jaebeom chuckled. He hugged Annie back, his hands trembling slightly.

"You will do fine." Annie pat Jaebeom's head.

Pushing Jaebeom out of the door, she narrowed her eyes.

"You better get him."

Jaebeom laughed, feeling much more at ease. "Of course."

Jaebeom turned around before looking back.

"And thank you guys."

"You can thank us by making him our son-in-law." Keanu commented. Annie nodded vigorously.

"Got it." Jaebeom laughed, leaving the room.

-----

There is no such thing as silence at Times Square. Everything jumps out at once, like the feathers on a peacock, immediately catching one's attention.

The buildings all loom over the people, their lights contrasting against the night sky. The glass surface reflects the LED lights from the billboards.