Moonlight Meetings | Nichojoo | &Team

Chapter 3- Warm Winter

  

  Winters were never easy for Yixiang or his town in general. Living near the mountains meant harsh and unpredictable weather changes. They were always grateful to make it to another day and before they knew it, the snow would melt and spring would come.

  But tonight, the cold was a bitter reminder of the now. A snowstorm was approaching, bringing heavy snowfall and blinding winds. Forcing everyone inside and making the world feel so isolating.

  Yixiang had come back inside after getting some extra firewood for the night. It would be another lonely night but he was used to it by now.

  After years of being alone on these nights, he was used to it at this point. Starting the fire on the stove and set a tea to boil. Changing out of his cold and soaked clothing and wrapped himself in a blanket and waited in front of the stove.

  He began to doze off as the heat enveloped him in a warm hug. His head occasionally falling down and springs back up. Finally allowing himself to just rest against his better judgment.

  Yixiang wasn't asleep very long, being awoken by the sound of knocking. The teapot on the stove was boiling loudly but he ignored it, choosing to focus on the door. Looking through the singular window, he could only make out a figure standing outside his door.

  He was ready to exercise caution until he caught that familiar comforting blue glow in the dark night. A smile instantly grew on his face as he tore the door open and pulled him inside.

  "Woah that's one way to say hello!" Euijoo laughed as he shook the snow from his body. Yixiang took the blanket from around his shoulders and placed it around Euijoo's shoulders. "Pretty crazy night?"

  "You can say that again. Come join me." He gestured towards the bed to allow him to sit down. Before he did, the screaming pot caught his eye and he moved it off the burning spot. He turned and gave Yixiang a tired look, to which he only got a cheeky smile back.

  "How many times have I told you to be careful with this?" He only got a nod in response as Yixiang put his hands on his cheeks and kissed his forehead. "I was careful. Also, you're so warm Euijoo! How do you do it in this weather?" He was obviously deflecting but he would let it slide.

  Through squished cheeks, he mumbled a response that went nowhere. "I didn't catch that- anyway want some tea?"

  After getting to know him, Euijoo had adjusted to him always being this energetic. It just surprised him that he was always there during their late nights. After quickly pouring two cups of steaming tea, he handed one to Euijoo and sat on the floor in front of the stove again.

  But he didn't immediately drink from his cup, instead setting it down in favor of warming his hands in front of the stove. Euijoo chuckled and removed the blanket from his shoulders and laid it into Yixiang's lap.

  "Take this back before you freeze up. You know I don't need it." Sitting down next to him and helping him adjust it around his shoulders once again. The whole time, Yixiang stared so sweetly at him that he nearly collapsed.

  "Thank you. But it's fun to share." He said, opening up one side and gesturing for him to join him. He relented and scooted closer, they both now snuggled up side by side under the thick blanket. Euijoo couldn't hold in his laughter at how cute he was but was able to quiet himself with a sip of the tea.

"Mh, this is nice. What did you make this time?" Yixiang let out a gasp and clapped his hands.

  "So you like it? That's amazing." He placed a kiss on his cheek and took a sip of his own. The warmth instantly made him feel better inside and out. The sweet and fruity taste makes it even better. Granted, just having Euijoo next to him was already doing a great job of that.