Home

42: together

The air outside was crisp and cold, the kind of chill that made your breath visible in the moonlight. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, blanketing the streets in a soft, white layer.

Inside Jungkook’s house, however, it was warm and lively. The living room was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, a small Christmas tree in the corner, and a pile of presents wrapped in colorful paper.

The boys had arrived earlier that evening, each bringing something to contribute to the celebration. Jin had brought a mountain of snacks, Hoseok had brought a playlist of Christmas songs, and Jimin had brought a huge bottle of homemade alcohol his grandmother had brewed. Jin-hoo, had also joined them, adding to the lively atmosphere with his easygoing personality.

“This,” Jimin declared, holding the bottle aloft like a trophy, “is going to make this the best Christmas ever.”

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, leaning back on the couch. “Your grandma’s makgeolli? Are we sure we’re ready for this?”

“Of course we are!” Jimin said, grinning. “We’re almost adults. We can handle it.”

“Speak for yourself,” Namjoon muttered, though he was smiling. “I’m still not convinced I’m ready to adult.”

The group laughed, the sound warm and familiar. Taehyung, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Jungkook, couldn’t help but smile.

“Alright,” Jungkook said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s get this party started. Who’s ready for some games?”

“Games?” Hoseok asked, his eyes lighting up. “What kind of games?”

“The kind where we embarrass ourselves,” Yoongi said dryly, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Jungkook grinned, pulling out a stack of cards. “Charades first!”

The group erupted into cheers and groans. They spent the next hour playing charades, their laughter echoing through the house as they acted out ridiculous scenarios and failed miserably at guessing each other’s clues. Jimin, in particular, was a disaster, his exaggerated gestures and over-the-top expressions sending the group into fits of laughter.

“How is The Lion King this hard to guess?” Jimin wailed after yet another failed attempt.

“You looked like you were having a seizure!” Hoseok said, clutching his sides. “How were we supposed to know?”

“Okay, okay,” Jungkook said, trying to catch his breath. “Next round.”

The games continued late into the night, the group growing sillier and more competitive with each round. By the time they finally called it quits, everyone was flushed and breathless from laughing so hard.

“Alright,” Jimin said, “Who’s ready for Ddakji?”

“Ddakji?” Hoseok asked, his eyes lighting up. “I haven’t played that in forever!”

“It’s perfect,” Jin said, already pulling out a stack of folded paper squares. “We can make it a competition!”

The group quickly divided into pairs, the rules of the game simple but surprisingly intense. The goal was to flip your opponent’s folded paper square by slamming your own square down onto it.

Jimin and Hoseok went first, their competitive spirits immediately taking over. Jimin slammed his ddakji down with a loud thwack, but Hoseok’s square didn’t budge.

“Too weak!” Hoseok teased, flipping his square effortlessly.

Jin and Yoongi were surprisingly skilled, their calm demeanors belying their fierce competitiveness. Jungkook and Taehyung teamed up, their laughter filling the room as they tried—and failed—to outdo each other.