✔ Caffeine || CHOI SOOBIN FF

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟝𝟝

~Is it snowing where you are?~

-Start of Chapter 55-

The mall doors slide open, and a burst of chilly December air greets us as we step outside. I huddle into my coat, clutching one of the many bags hanging from my arms, while Soobin trails behind me, carrying even more. The Christmas lights sparkle everywhere—wrapped around lampposts, draped over trees, and twinkling from storefronts—giving the street an almost magical glow.

Soobin chuckles as he adjusts the bags in his grip. "Did you have to buy me so many clothes?"

I pout, narrowing my eyes at him. "Just because I'm basically broke next to you doesn't mean I don't get to spoil you."

He shakes his head, laughing softly. "Y/N, you know I didn't mean it like that. You didn't have to—"

"I know" I interrupt, cutting him off with a small wave of my hand. "But I wanted to. Plus, it's not fair you couldn't celebrate your birthday here this year. Stupid concerts in Japan messing everything up. Can't they like give a day off on your birthday?"

I let out an exaggerated pout, sticking my bottom lip out as dramatically as I can. Soobin's laughter rings out, warm and full despite the cold.

"You're ridiculous" he says, his tone light as he gently nudges my shoulder.

"I'm serious!" I reply, my lips curving into a small grin despite myself. "You deserved a party with balloons, cake, and all your friends. Not just... ugh, work."

Soobin slows his steps, glancing down at me with a soft smile that makes my chest feel warmer than my coat. "Thank you, though" he says, his voice quieter now.

"For what?" I ask, furrowing my brows.

"For today" he says simply. "For spoiling me. For thinking about my birthday even when I didn't really care."

I roll my eyes, trying to brush it off. "Yeah, yeah. You better not forget this when my birthday comes around."

We reach the car, and Soobin sets the bags down on the trunk, exhaling a dramatic sigh. "You're lucky I work out, or I'd have collapsed halfway to the parking lot."

I roll my eyes, opening the trunk as I start stacking the bags. "You act like you don't carry heavier stuff all the time during your shoots."

"That's different" he counters, stuffing the last of the bags inside. "Those are props. This is..." He glances at the trunk, now full to the brim. "...a shopping spree on steroids."

I stick my tongue out at him as I slam the trunk shut. "You're welcome."

He chuckles, locking the car before falling into step beside me. "Where to now?" he asks.

I glance down the festive street, lit up with Christmas lights and bustling with life. Kids are running around, their laughter mingling with the faint sound of holiday music drifting from nearby stores. Couples walk hand in hand, and families huddle together, their breath visible in the cold air. My heart feels light just watching them.

"Let's walk for a bit" I suggest. "It's so pretty out here."

Soobin nods, his lips curving into a small smile as we start down the street. The crisp air nips at my cheeks, and I can feel the temperature dropping with every passing minute. I don't mind, though; the festive atmosphere makes up for it.