The apartment glowed warmly, a Christmas tree twinkling in the corner, its lights reflecting off the snow falling softly outside. Hanjin and Dohoon sat by the fireplace, the scent of pine and cinnamon filling the air. Empty plates from their Christmas Eve dinner sat on the coffee table. Dohoon stirred the embers with a poker, sending sparks dancing into the air.
Hanjin watched him, a smile playing on his lips. "It's quiet," he murmured, breaking the comfortable silence.
Dohoon chuckled, turning to face him. "Quiet is good. Especially after the year we've had."
Hanjin nodded, reaching for Dohoon's hand. "Remember last Christmas? We were still… figuring things out."
Dohoon squeezed his hand. "Figuring things out indeed. I never thought we'd end up here, cozy by the fire on Christmas Eve."
"Me neither," Hanjin admitted, a hint of wonder in his voice. "I'm grateful. For everything."
"Grateful is an understatement," Dohoon said softly. He leaned in, resting his head on Hanjin's shoulder. "I love you, Hanjin."
"I love you too, Dohoon," Hanjin replied, his voice thick with emotion. He gently stroked Dohoon's hair. "More than words can say."
A soft chime interrupted their intimate moment. It was a video call from Min-seo and Eun-ji. Hanjin answered, their faces appearing on the screen, framed by the festive decorations of a bustling Christmas Eve café.
"Merry Christmas, lovebirds!" Min-seo chirped, her voice full of cheer. "We're stuck in this crazy café, surrounded by screaming children and questionable eggnog."
Eun-ji laughed. "But we're thinking of you two. You look so peaceful."
"Peaceful and slightly overwhelmed by the amount of leftover Christmas cookies," Hanjin admitted, smiling.
"We're battling the crowds for the last gingerbread house," Min-seo complained playfully. "You win this year, you two."
"We'll save you some cookies," Dohoon promised, his voice warm.
They chatted for a while, sharing stories of their Christmas Eve, the contrast between the chaotic café and the cozy apartment highlighting the different paths they each chose. The conversation was filled with laughter and genuine affection, a testament to the enduring bond between the four friends.
After the call, a comfortable silence settled between Hanjin and Dohoon. Hanjin reached for the Christmas tree's ornaments, his fingers tracing the delicate details of each one.
"This year feels different," Hanjin said, his voice quiet. "Last year, there was so much uncertainty."
"We were lost in the storm," Dohoon agreed. "But we found our way through it, together."
Hanjin looked at Dohoon, his eyes filled with love and gratitude. "We did. And now… now we're here."
Dohoon stood up and pulled Hanjin to his feet. He wrapped his arms around Hanjin, holding him close. "Merry Christmas, Hanjin. I love you."
"Merry Christmas, Dohoon. I love you too," Hanjin whispered, his voice choked with emotion. He kissed Dohoon, a long, tender kiss that sealed their love and their shared journey. The crackling fire, the twinkling lights, and the soft snowfall outside created a perfect backdrop for their Christmas miracle—a quiet, intimate celebration of their enduring love, a love that had weathered the storms and emerged stronger, ready for whatever the future held. The soft chime of a phone notification went unheard as they held each other, lost in the magic of their Christmas Eve.
YOU ARE READING
The Rules of Love
RomanceTwo best friends, Hanjin and Dohoon, have been inseparable since high school. They share everything, from their dreams to their deepest secrets. But as they navigate the complexities of adulthood, Hanjin starts to realize that his feelings for Dohoo...
