What If (What if I loved you)

Chapter 14

"Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts." - Janice Maeditere

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." - Alexander Smith

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Entering the agency on December 22nd, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. It's my first year at the company, and I'm eager to be part of the group's Christmas celebration. Every years, some of the staff member and some member of the group's that are managed by the company come together to celebrate Christmas. It is a weird period because all year round there's a huge, heavy atmosphere, especially during the festivities with all the programmes the groups have to take part in; but for a moment, just one evening, it's as if everything else disappears. Everyone is peaceful, as if thousands of euros didn't depend on their actions.

The dance studio has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with a massive Christmas tree that nearly touches the ceiling, adorned with colorful ornaments and twinkling lights. The walls and door are decked out with festive wreaths and garlands, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that envelops the room. The scent of corndogs, bulgogi, sweet potato, rice cake, and kimchi fills the air, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It's a reminder of shared traditions and the close bonds that have formed among the group and the staff. The mini buffet is set up in the corner, ready to cater to our appetites during the festivities.
My eyes quickly seek out Jake, who is chatting with the other members of our group. We have been "together" for a few weeks now, but our relationship is a well-kept secret. This discretion allows us to savour our newfound connection without the weight of judgment and scrutiny from others. Our eyes meet, and a warm smile spreads across both our faces. Jake's presence has a magical effect on me, making me feel as if I'm floating on air, surrounded by butterflies, and my cheeks flush with a rosy hue. A momentary embarrassment overtakes me, and I lower my gaze before joining the group.

When I arrived the all group is laughing at Minhyuk, that is not even here. I quickly understand that Chan could not resist making a comment about Minhyuk's habitual lateness, a theme that seems to persist during our gatherings. He playfully remarks that he has never seen Minhyuk arrive on time and hopes that his secret Santa has given him an alarm clock as a gift to help break the habit.
"Maybe this year, Minhyuk will finally learn to be on time. It's a Christmas miracle in the making!", he says making everyone laugh

Laughter fills the room as we tease Minhyuk, who eventually arrives, red-faced and out of breath, offering an excuse that none of us take seriously.

"You won't believe it, guys! I was helping an elderly lady cross the street, and I lost track of time! How crazy is that"

The room bursts into laughter at Minhyuk's creative excuse. It's all in good spirits as we share these lighthearted moments.

"Yeah of course. And where is your cape superman", I tell him laughing

"I swear, you're always fashionably late! Maybe your secret Santa got you an alarm clock.", Si-woo add.

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The moment we've all been waiting for arrives as the exchange of secret Santa gifts begins. The laugh filled the room as Sarah is opening her gift: a Christmas sweatshirt. The ugliest Christmas sweatshirt to be honest. She tries to keep herself together for a moment and thanks whoever offer it to her. It doesn't not take long to understand who it is, because Jii laugh filled the room again, this time with tears rolling on his cheek.