On The Surface | RavnWoong

C H A P T E R ₁₃

It was cozily warm in Youngjo's car. The older turned on the heaters immediately when he started the car, and the warmth helped Hwanwoong to feel comfortable. Both were vibing to a Taemin track at that moment, and Youngjo kept his eyes focused on the road while Hwanwoong did some subtle dance movements with his arms.

There were still around two hours left until they'd reach their destination. Youngjo drove a little slower than he usually would because of the snowfall, but that was fine. It would be afternoon once they'd arrive, which was perfect.

When they talked about this day three weeks ago, both agreed on introducing Youngjo as Hwanwoong's boyfriend. The younger had shivered jokingly and said that his parents would kill him if they knew that he married someone without telling them.

So here they were, on their way to Daegu to spend Christmas with Hwanwoong's parents. Youngjo felt somewhat nervous but also excited to get to know the people who raised the man that was sitting next to him. He wondered from who Hwanwoong got his pretty smile — the smile that'd cause the wrinkles he adored to form under his eyes, and he wondered how the parents would react to him. Youngjo was determined to make a good appearance, but it was also important to him to not look out of the ordinary.

Hwanwoong thought that the mustard-colored pullover Youngjo wore fit him very well, especially with his brown hair. A single silver earring decorated each of his ears and overall he looked relaxed and peaceful. It was nice seeing him like this. Youngjo seemed more stressed lately, so this view definitely warmed Hwanwoong's heart. Looking at him, this certain feeling spread in his chest.

The strong feeling that this Christmas would be special.

...

The snow crunched under their shoes as they made their way to the house. Excitement shot through Hwanwoong's veins at the sight of his parents' decorated fences, windows, and the door. It was smaller than Youngjo's property, that was for sure. But it looked warm, cozy, and friendly. The older waited for his husband. He was currently busy closing the gate, and when he was done, both walked to the doorstep together.

Hwanwoong did a happy dance (or according to Youngjo: tried to get warm in the cold) once he rang the doorbell and waited for his parents to welcome them. It didn't take long until a middle-aged woman opened the door and smiled brightly at Hwanwoong. She immediately took her son into her arms and plastered his cheeks with kisses while telling him how much she missed him.

Youngjo smiled at the sight and even more at the realization that Hwanwoong had his mother's eye smile. Suddenly, the pretty woman made eye contact with Youngjo, and the male stiffened up slightly, holding the handles of the bags in his hand tighter than before, and smiled nervously when she approached him.

"Nice to finally meet you! I'm Nari, Hwanwoong's mother," she smiled sweetly, and the male nodded politely.

"I-I'm Youngjo."

He wanted to slap himself in the face for stuttering. It wasn't until he opened his mouth that he realized how nervous he actually was. Hwanwoong's mother giggled before asking both of them to come inside.

Youngjo was immediately greeted with a warmth that caused goosebumps to travel over his body. The contrast was intense to the temperature outside, but it was also an unfamiliar and new feeling. The warmness surrounding his body wasn't the only kind of warmth he felt. It reached his heart for some reason and made him feel welcomed. The warmth was friendly and comfortable.

While the older took careful steps forward, Hwanwoong already rushed to the living room to take his father into his arms. The sight was heartwarming. At this moment, Hwanwoong was a child again. The man was a few inches taller than his son and that allowed Hwanwoong to nuzzle his cheek against his father's shoulder. The middle-aged man had a bright smile on his face as he let his hand stroke over Hwanwoong's grey pullover and Youngjo could tell just by the view that the father was a good man.