Winter's Wonder

One-shot.

December. Los Angeles.

Eric rubbed his eyes. He was so, so tired. He'd been working so hard these days – filming his music show, recording in the studio, appearances at numerous events - that all of it blended into one another. He'd also been flying between America and Korea so much that it seemed like his major mode of transportation was by plane. It was tough, trying to break into the American music industry, while maintaining his image in the Korean entertainment scene. But he knew that it was going to be all worth it in the end – only if he could stay awake for another couple of hours to oversee the mixing process of his latest track, a collaboration with a couple of indie American musicians. His already tiny Asian eyes were drooping - caffeine was definitely a need right now.

"Eddie. I need coffee." The words came out of his mouth, almost unintelligible. His brother, who was also his manager in America, took one glance at him and immediately dragged him towards the couch.

"No, you need some rest." Eddie said adamantly. The amount of coffee Eric had been consuming recently was alarming. That was what kept Eric going: coffee and work. He seemed to be addicted to it, that even Eddie, who knew how much of a workaholic Eric was, worried about him. Everyone noticed how haggard Eric was running himself, drowning himself in work (and coffee) ever since mid-November.

"Bro, I'll rest once the final mix is done." Eric stood up.

"Which will be in a couple of days." Eddie said, pushing his brother back onto the couch. He shot a glance at the producer at the mixing board, who seconded Eddie's sharp retort.

Eric ran his fingers through his hair. "I'll be in Korea by then." His mind was barely working; trying to remember his schedule for the next few days. Preparing for his music show, then a couple of appearances for this and that... he couldn't properly think of it right now.

"Damn right you'll be. That's why the rest of us will be here and you don't need to worry." Eddie said, flicking his phone to check Eric's schedule. Eric was supposed to be on a flight back to Korea the next day, and he'd spend the holiday season there. Their mother had called from their home in Atlanta, wondering when her sons would be back for Christmas. Eric and Eddie's youngest brother, Brian would be flying in from New York to be with the family, but Eddie couldn't find the words or the heart to tell their mother that Eric was fully booked until March the following year.

"I'll sleep on the flight back. Right now there's work to do." With a tired grin, Eric headed towards the mixing board, plopping into a chair next to the producer.

Eddie could do nothing else to stop him.

*****

December. Seoul.

Solar wrapped her scarf a little tighter. Winter had descended, and the holidays were around the corner. Temperatures dropped as Christmas decorations went up. Solar wasn't a big fan of winter – it was grey and dreary and cold, plus she didn't have any good memories of it. Spring was far nicer, when the flowers were blooming and the trees would be green and it wasn't as cold out.

Spring reminded her of Eric.

She tried to shake off all the memories before they flooded in. She had things to do, places to be. She could reminisce the good times she had with him later in the privacy of her own home, curled up in bed with her dog. Right now, she had to put a brave face for the world. Flipping her long brown hair back so that it wouldn't get caught in her parka, she put her chin up confidently. She was Solar, leader of one of the best girl groups in Korea. And she wasn't going to be less than that today.

Her December schedule was more relaxed now that her group was done promoting their latest mini-album. Only a couple of shows dotted her schedule, which included today. Then she'd be free for the rest of the month before work would flood in for the new year.