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10.

A million scenarios ran through my mind as I rode along in the black SUV, taking me somewhere. Sounds of my favorite holiday cheer playing in the background as I glanced out of the window and at other times on my phone. Any other person would freak out having an unknown man come to your door, but knowing someone like Kim Seokjin, this isn't unordinary at all.

He's done this to me before. Last year for my birthday, he had just returned from the Philippines for their summer package shooting and had a few days to use to their advantage before it was back to business as usual. Seokjin had someone to show up at my job the minute I stepped outside, ready to go home for the day and tell me he wanted my company. I freaked out, fussing in his native language about setting foot in a car with a stranger.

Suddenly, I received a text message from Seokjin telling me to get in the car. I felt silly afterward and apologize profusely to the gentleman. It was the first time I went to Jeju and our first trip together.

Seokjin doesn't have the time right now to pull the same stunt, so I wondered where I was going. The car stopped as if parked. The driver didn't say a word, but exited the car and a few minutes later, he opened the door for me. He escorted me to the gate before the one who wanted my company greeted me.

"Here, I brought you a warmer coat," Seokjin spoke as he handed me a long puffer coat falling to my ankles. The minute I took off my coat and put on the other, my lips quivered. It smelled like him. He gave my other coat to the driver. "I promised you would see the lights tonight, and I keep my promises." He held out his arm, nodding for me to join him.

A few of our paces, we walked in quietness. There was a mild awkwardness, or perhaps it was only me. Jin doesn't get embarrassed easily. So much unspoken between us made our walk seem like we were strangers. I needed to break the ice. "Congratulations on your win. I'm so proud of you and the boys." I complimented.

Seokjin grinned as he lowered his head, hands digging deeper in his pockets. There was always something about the way he smiled that made my heart leap. Especially when he's shy, like now. It was one reason I always wanted to be close to him. To see him happy meant more to me than he'll ever know. "You watched the awards show?" He asked.

"Of course. It was a crowning moment for you." Our walk came to a halt as we ended up in the center of the Christmas tree lane. Stopping is not the best idea when freezing.

"Zee, we should talk about the other night," Seokjin spoke. I watched his throat bobbed with nervousness. It's been something I wanted to speak on too, but I was expecting the subject so early in our walk. Perhaps after a few icebreakers and jokes. When this happens, our moments become serious.

"Sure. We should." I agreed with him, half-smiling through the freeze.

Seokjin inched closer to me. "I really enjoyed what we did the other night. I've waited so long to have you and I was desperate for you to forgive me for how I treated you. Maybe we moved a little too fast. I know I scared you with what I said, and I meant it, but you're not ready and I need to respect you. You're one of my best friends, Zee, and I don't want to lose you. Please tell me nothing will change with us."

I wasn't sure what to say. A piece of my heart chipped and as he kept talking, it fractured. I understood him and yet I regretted him for saying it on my behalf. Why couldn't he see I'm afraid I'm not good enough for him?

This reminded me of after the first time we kissed. It shocked me it happened, but it's not like I didn't want it. What is happening to us?

"Zee," Seokjin called. "Are you okay?"

I bit down on my lip to stop my tears and nodded. "Y-Yeah. Sure, nothing will change Jin. You're my best friend too and I cherish our friendship." I answered in truth, but I wondered if he heard the hurt lingering in my response.

Seokjin smiled a radiant smile and my heart cracked more. "Here, I got you something." He pulled out a small box and handed it to me. "Merry Christmas," he spoke.

"Jin," I whined.

"Go on. Open it now." He insisted. I obliged as the cold stung through my fingers because opening this with gloves turned impossible. Once I removed the wrapping paper, I gasped at the purple velvet box. I opened it and smiled. It was a necklace, but not just any necklace. It was his beloved character in the shape of a heart, but half of it was missing. I turned to Seokjin, who lowered the zipper on his jacket, and there around his neck was the other half. "I had this custom made for you. Wear it and think of me while I'm away. This way, I'm always with you."

I couldn't hold my tears in any longer. The warmth of them stung my cold cheeks. "T-Thank you Jin."

Seokjin walked up to me and hugged me. I melted in his embrace, and suddenly the stinging winter winds didn't matter. Only he mattered, but he will never know how much beyond a friendship. What am I supposed to do when I've fallen in love with my best friend?

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Thank you so much loves for reading! I really hoped you enjoyed it and anticipate more!

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Be Yourself. Love Yourself. Take care of yourself.

I love you! ❤️

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