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Chapter 6 - Christmas Market
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The Christmas market was a winter wonderland, alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the smell of roasted chestnuts. Stalls lined the streets, each one offering something unique, from handmade ornaments to steaming cups of hot cider. The market was buzzing with people bundled up in their warmest coats, everyone soaking in the holiday spirit.
Soojin tugged her scarf a little tighter around her neck, her breath visible in the chilly air. She glanced around, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. This was her favorite time of year—the cold, the lights, the sense of anticipation in the air. But today, she felt a bit more nervous than usual.
Standing beside her was Heeseung, his hands tucked into his coat pockets. They’d been working together on their project for a while now, but this was different. This was outside of school, just the two of them. And while it wasn’t exactly a date, it kind of felt like one.
“This place is pretty cool,” Heeseung said, breaking the silence.
“Yeah,” Soojin replied, nodding a bit too eagerly. “It’s always been my favorite thing about winter.”
Heeseung smiled, looking around at the decorated stalls. “I can see why. It’s like a movie set or something.”
They walked side by side, the crowd bustling around them. Soojin noticed how their steps synced up without them even trying. It was a small thing, but it made her heart skip a beat.
“So, any must-visit stalls?” Heeseung asked, glancing at her.
Soojin thought for a moment, then pointed toward a stall where a woman was selling handmade woolen scarves. “That one has the softest scarves. I get one every year.”
Heeseung followed her gaze and nodded. “Let’s check it out then.”
They wandered over to the stall, and Soojin immediately reached out to touch one of the scarves, letting the soft wool run through her fingers. Heeseung picked up a deep blue one, holding it up as if considering it.
“Think it suits me?” he asked, a teasing smile on his lips.
Soojin chuckled, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. “It actually does. You should get it.”
Heeseung seemed to think it over, then nodded decisively. “Alright, you’ve convinced me.”
As they waited for the vendor to wrap up the scarf, Soojin noticed a booth nearby selling holiday-themed candles. “I’ll be right back,” she said, making a quick dash to the booth.
She picked up a candle labeled “Winter Wonderland,” taking a deep breath of the pine and cinnamon scent. It reminded her of cozy nights at home, and without much thought, she decided to buy it. When she returned to Heeseung, he was holding his new scarf, looking pleased with his purchase.
“Nice choice,” Heeseung commented, noticing the candle. “Smells like Christmas.”
Soojin nodded, a shy smile on her face. “Yeah, I thought it’d be nice to have around.”
——
As they continued to stroll through the market, the conversation was light but a bit stilted. Soojin felt the awkwardness creeping in, like they both wanted to say more but didn’t know how to bridge the gap.
“So, what’s your go-to Christmas movie?” Heeseung asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
“Home Alone,” Soojin answered quickly. “It’s a classic. You?”
Heeseung grinned. “Elf. Will Ferrell is hilarious.”
“Solid choice,” Soojin agreed, laughing a little. “My brother watches that one on repeat.”
The conversation flowed easier after that, the initial awkwardness fading as they shared favorite holiday memories and stories. They stopped by a booth selling hot chocolate, each getting a cup to warm their hands as they continued to explore.
As they walked, their shoulders brushed a couple of times, and each time, Soojin felt a little jolt, wondering if Heeseung noticed it too. The market’s energy surrounded them, the lights reflecting in their eyes as they slowly began to relax around each other.
——
They ended up by the main square, where a massive Christmas tree towered over them, decorated with ornaments and twinkling lights. Heeseung looked up at the tree, his expression thoughtful.
“Kind of crazy how a tree can make everything feel more festive,” he said.
“Yeah,” Soojin agreed, her voice softer. “It’s like it brings everything together.”
They stood there for a moment, letting the festive atmosphere settle around them. It wasn’t exactly a comfortable silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable either. Just two people, figuring out how to be around each other, in a place that felt like magic.
