codename: Seraphim

Snowflakes swirled through the air, glinting in the warm glow of neon signs and fairy lights strung across the streets. Seoul was alive with holiday spirit, its vibrant charm magnified by the bustling crowds bundled in scarves and coats, and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting from nearby stalls.

Beom tugged his scarf higher, trying to hide the flush on his cheeks. It wasn't just the cold—the ridiculous reindeer-antler beanie on his head, courtesy of Yaroslav, was drawing far too much attention from passersby.

"Quit staring," he muttered, throwing a side-eye at Yaroslav, who walked beside him with an infuriatingly smug grin.

"Can't help it," Yaroslav said, leaning closer. "You look cute."

Beom snorted. "I look like a walking Christmas cliché."

"And I like it," Yaroslav replied without missing a beat. "Makes it easier for me to keep an eye on you in this crowd."

Beom opened his mouth to retort but was distracted when Yaroslav suddenly pulled him to a stop in front of a light-adorned display. A group of tourists had just finished taking photos, leaving the spot open.

"Stay there," Yaroslav instructed, pulling out his phone.

"What are you doing?" Beom asked, suspicious.

"Taking your picture."

"No way." Beom crossed his arms. "Not with these antlers on."

But Yaroslav didn't budge, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "If you don't, I'll make you wear matching elf socks tomorrow."

Beom groaned but relented, standing stiffly in front of the glowing reindeer display. Yaroslav chuckled and snapped a few photos, then walked over and slung an arm around Beom's shoulders.

"Now a selfie," he said, holding the phone out.

Beom tried to look annoyed, but Yaroslav's warmth pressed against him, and the festive lights reflecting in their eyes made it impossible to hold onto the pretense. He allowed himself a small smile as Yaroslav clicked the photo.

"Happy?" Beom asked, rolling his eyes.

"Almost," Yaroslav said. "Let's go over there."

He pointed toward a massive Christmas tree in the plaza, glittering with ornaments and topped with a golden star. Couples and families posed for photos beneath it, and vendors nearby sold hot snacks and mulled drinks.

They joined the line for pictures, and when their turn came, Yaroslav wrapped an arm securely around Beom's waist, pulling him close.

"Smile," he said softly, his deep voice rumbling in Beom's ear.

Beom glanced up at him, his heart skipping a beat at the unguarded look in Yaroslav's eyes. With a soft exhale, he smiled—genuinely this time—and the camera clicked.

After the photo, they wandered through the plaza, stopping at various stalls to admire handcrafted ornaments and pick up small trinkets. Yaroslav spotted a booth selling custom photo frames and immediately dragged Beom over.

"For the tree photo," he explained, choosing a sleek wooden frame etched with snowflakes.

Beom shook his head but let Yaroslav pay for it. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"And yet, here you are," Yaroslav teased, his smirk making Beom's heart do a little flip.

They continued exploring, eventually stopping by a street cart for hotteok—sweet Korean pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts. Beom took a bite, letting out an involuntary hum of delight at the warmth and sweetness.

"Good?" Yaroslav asked, his gaze softening.

"Yeah," Beom admitted, licking sugar off his lips.

Yaroslav's eyes lingered on him for a moment too long before he cleared his throat and looked away. "Come on. One more stop before we head to the café."

They made their way to a small photo booth tucked in the corner of the square, surrounded by festive garlands. Yaroslav nudged Beom inside, and they sat side by side as the booth's camera blinked to life.

"Ready?" Yaroslav asked, pressing the start button.

"Not really," Beom muttered, but the first flash caught him mid-sentence.

Yaroslav laughed, and by the second photo, Beom was smiling despite himself. They made silly faces for the third shot, and by the fourth, Yaroslav surprised Beom by pressing a kiss to his cheek just as the camera clicked.

The strip of photos slid out, and Beom stared at them, his cheeks warm.

"Frame these too?" Yaroslav asked, grinning.

Beom rolled his eyes but pocketed the strip anyway. "You're unbelievable."

"And you love it," Yaroslav replied, slinging an arm around him as they stepped out into the snowy evening.

Beom couldn't deny it. As the lights of Seoul shimmered around them, and Yaroslav's laughter echoed in his ears, he realized this was one of the best Christmases he'd ever had.

Merry Christmas to y'all. :)