Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 154.5

Turning Pages

As the end of the year rolled around, the biting cold outside made the warmth of the apartment feel all the more sacred.

​Instead of braving the freezing crowds downtown, the three of them opted for the ultimate home-bound celebration to ring in the new year.

​By evening, the living room had been transformed into a cozy fort of heavy knit blankets and plush pillows piled high on the rug in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a front-row view of the snow-dusted Seoul skyline glowing under the winter night.

​Yoongi had taken charge of the kitchen one last time for the year, pulling together a comforting, low-key spread of warm udon and grilled treats that filled the apartment with a rich, savory aroma.

​When dinner was wrapped up, Carly insisted on setting up a makeshift "countdown station," lining up a row of sparkling apple cider bottles and paper party hats they had picked up earlier in the week.

​"Ten minutes, Dadhie! Get on the blanket!" Carly urged, tugging insistently on Yoongi's sleeve until the rapper allowed himself to be dragged over to the nest of blankets, chuckling softly.

​As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the television broadcast projected the vibrant sights of the Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony in central Seoul, the crowd bundled in thick coats beneath a shower of colorful lights.

​Aen leaned back against the sofa cushions, a soft, contented sigh escaping her as Yoongi settled right beside her, immediately pulling a heavy fleece blanket over her lap and tucking it securely around her shoulders.

​His hand slid down, resting with familiar, grounding warmth right over her 15-week bump, his thumb tracing slow, rhythmic circles against the fabric.

​"How's my favorite view?" Yoongi murmured softly, his voice a low, steady rumble beneath the distant sound of fireworks beginning to pop across the neighborhood.

​"Absolute heaven," Aen whispered back, turning her head just enough to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

​"Ten, nine, eight..." Carly chanted excitedly from the floor, her eyes wide as she stared at the screen, her small fingers clutching a plastic flute of sparkling cider.

​"Three, two, one-Happy New Year!"

​As the screen erupted with cheers and the deep, resonant chime of the midnight bell echoed through the speakers, Carly let out a triumphant cheer, throwing her arms up in the air.

​Yoongi leaned in, capturing Aen in a tender, lingering kiss as the new year officially settled over them, while Carly scrambled over to wrap both of them in a fierce, collective hug.

​Surrounded by soft laughter, the gentle hum of the city, and the quiet promise of the months ahead, they watched the snow fall outside, knowing they were exactly where they were meant to be.

***

​But as January rolled in and the holiday lights came down, the crisp winter air carried a bittersweet reminder.

​The festive break was winding to a close, and it was almost time for Carly to pack her bags and head back home to the Philippines for the start of the new school term.

​When the departure morning finally arrived, the living room looked a little emptier with Carly's small suitcase zipped and waiting by the door.

Aen knelt down, helping her adjust her winter coat and tucking a warm scarf securely around her neck.