𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐄; boysnextdoor

2025 ; boynextdoor

The winter air was crisp, filling the quiet streets with a biting chill. Snowflakes floated delicately from the heavens, blanketing the town in a serene white sheet. The warmth of the holiday spirit, however, buzzed inside Taesan's family cabin, where the annual New Year's gathering of close friends was underway.

Inside, laughter and chatter filled the space as Y/N stood in the kitchen, humming softly while arranging plates of tteokguk. She hadn't noticed the pairs of eyes constantly trailing her movements—each with a unique intensity—belonging to her six best friends.

"Y/N, need any help?" Riwoo called out from his seat near the fireplace, his voice casual but laced with anticipation. He leaned forward, pretending to adjust the marshmallows roasting on skewers.

"No, I've got it!" she replied cheerily, glancing over her shoulder with a smile that sent Riwoo's heart racing. Taesan, sitting cross-legged beside him, rolled his eyes.

"Why are you asking? I'm sure she doesn't need you hovering," Taesan said, attempting to sound indifferent. But his jaw clenched as he noticed how her smile lingered in Riwoo's direction.

"Stop bickering," Sungho interjected, stretching lazily on the couch. He had a casual air about him, but his gaze flickered toward Y/N more often than he liked to admit. He raised a brow at Jaehyun, who had been unnervingly silent.

Jaehyun, sitting near the window, was pretending to scroll through his phone, though his attention was entirely on Y/N. His sharp eyes caught every flick of her hair, every unconscious tilt of her head.

"Maybe we should set the table," Leehan offered, his soft voice cutting through the underlying tension in the room. He rose gracefully and moved toward Y/N, who was carrying a tray of dishes.

"Thanks, Leehan," she said, her voice warm and genuine. "You're always so thoughtful."

Leehan's cheeks flushed faintly, and he quickly turned away, careful not to let his joy show too obviously. He wasn't the only one feeling this way, of course. Woonhak, who had been sitting at the corner of the room, quietly observing the scene, stood abruptly.

"Let me help too," Woonhak said, walking to Y/N's side. He reached out to grab a bowl from the tray, their fingers brushing for a fleeting second. She glanced up, startled by the contact, and met his eyes.

"Thanks, Woonhak," she said softly, and he nodded, retreating before anyone could notice the heat rising to his ears.

The room seemed to buzz with unspoken emotions as everyone moved to the dining table. Plates were set, and glasses clinked as they toasted to the upcoming year. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, there was an invisible tension hanging between the boys, each vying for Y/N's attention in their own subtle ways.

After dinner, they gathered in the living room to exchange gifts. It was a tradition among them to draw names from a hat weeks before the celebration. Yet somehow, this year, each boy had found a way to gift Y/N something extra—just because.

"This one's from me," Riwoo announced, handing her a carefully wrapped box. Inside was a pair of woolen mittens in her favorite color. "I noticed your old ones were getting worn out," he added, rubbing the back of his neck.

"They're perfect, Riwoo. Thank you!" Y/N said, pulling them on immediately.

Taesan grumbled under his breath, waiting for his turn. "Here," he said, shoving his gift into her hands. It was a necklace with a small charm shaped like a snowflake. "You mentioned liking simple jewelry, so..."

"Taesan, it's beautiful," she said, admiring the delicate piece. Her words softened his scowl, though he tried to maintain his aloof demeanor.

Sungho leaned back on the couch, watching the exchanges with mild irritation. When his turn came, he handed her a book wrapped in brown paper. "It's a collection of short stories," he explained. "Thought you might like something to read during winter break."

Y/N's eyes lit up as she unwrapped it. "I love it. Thank you, Sungho."

Jaehyun, feeling the pressure mounting, stepped forward with a gift of his own. He had spent hours selecting the perfect pair of headphones, knowing how much she loved music. When she opened the box, her gasp was all the validation he needed.

"This is too much, Jaehyun," she said, though her smile betrayed her delight.

"Nothing's too much for you," he replied, his tone even but his words charged with meaning. She blinked, unsure of how to respond, and turned her attention to Leehan, who was next.

Leehan's gift was simple yet heartfelt—a framed sketch he had drawn of their group during last summer's trip to the beach. Y/N ran her fingers over the intricate lines, her chest swelling with emotion.

"This is amazing, Leehan. You're so talented."

Woonhak, the last to present his gift, handed her a small, neatly tied package. Inside was a handmade bracelet with tiny beads spelling out her name.

"I made it myself," he said shyly, his ears burning as she slipped it onto her wrist.

"I'll treasure it," she said, smiling brightly at him. Her words, though sincere, only deepened the silent rivalry simmering among the boys.

As the night wore on, they bundled up and headed outside to watch the fireworks. Taesan had set up a fire pit earlier, and the warmth of the flames provided some comfort against the biting cold. They huddled together, their breaths visible in the frosty air.

"Ten minutes to midnight!" Sungho announced, checking his watch.

Y/N sat between Leehan and Woonhak, her hands outstretched toward the fire. Leehan, noticing her shivering slightly, hesitated before draping his scarf around her shoulders.

"Thanks, Leehan," she said, pulling it closer. Woonhak frowned but said nothing, instead adjusting the beanie on her head that he had lent her earlier.

Riwoo, standing a few feet away, kicked at the snow, feeling restless. He wanted to pull her aside, confess everything, but how could he when the others clearly felt the same way?

Taesan, leaning against a tree, watched the scene unfold with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Hey, Y/N," he called out. "Come here for a second."

She stood, curious, and walked over to him. He pointed to the sky, where the first fireworks were beginning to light up.

"Thought you'd want the best view," he said, his voice softer than usual.

She smiled, touched by the gesture. "You're always so considerate, Taesan."

The others watched from a distance, each feeling a pang of jealousy but unable to act. Jaehyun crossed his arms, his sharp eyes catching every glance and movement. Sungho, meanwhile, sighed audibly, leaning back against the bench with a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes.

As the countdown began, they all gathered together again, standing shoulder to shoulder.

"Ten... nine... eight..." Their voices echoed into the night, mingling with the crackle of the fire and the distant pop of fireworks.

When the clock struck midnight, cheers erupted. "Happy New Year!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with hope and excitement.

Y/N turned to each of them, her smile radiant as she hugged them one by one. With each embrace, a silent wish passed through the boys' hearts—a wish for courage, for clarity, for her happiness.

"Here's to another year of friendship," she said, raising her cup of hot chocolate.

"To friendship," they echoed, though the word felt bittersweet to them all.

As the fireworks continued to light up the sky, Y/N remained blissfully unaware of the storm of emotions swirling around her. For now, the boys were content to simply stand by her side, cherishing the fleeting moments of togetherness as they welcomed the new year.