Just Like Christmas Day
Title: Just like Christmas Day
Pairing: Krisbaek
Rating: PG
Summary: Kris completely forgets to play the Grinch role this Christmas because of Baekhyun.
So this is my shot at a Krisbaek oneshot ;; It's just mushy and everything because that's what they are to me ;___; Inspired by various things, including the song Christmas Day, EXO's Showtime Episode 4, Miracles In December outfits, and the Holiday Season. Happy Holidays! c: Comments of any form are welcome!
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Kris wonders what made him agree to this Secret Santa game the other members suggested the whole group do. He hasn’t played Secret Santa since high school and he vaguely remembers drawing the name of a classmate he wasn’t close to. Kris spent a week guessing what that classmate’s idea of a decent gift is until he gave up and gave the guy a random shirt, and he wasn’t even sure if it suited the guy. Needless to say, Kris didn’t feel like he was up for that same experience again this year, despite the fact that he knows all members well enough to know what they like. Thinking of an amazingly thoughtful gift that suits the recipient’s taste requires so much effort that Kris wasn’t all that willing to exert. If he had it his way, he’d just get the eleven other members a bar of chocolate each for Christmas. But now he has to get just ten chocolate bars and an extra special one for whoever’s name is written on the piece of paper he’ll draw.
Kris mentally slaps the back of his head, asking himself what made him agree to all of this. If he had said no, then the secret santa would be cancelled, since it was agreed upon that it only takes one unwilling member to cancel the whole thing (now that he thinks about it, he was pretty willing to play out the Grinch card to save himself). What did make Kris agree to this without even batting an eyelash moments ago?
“Duizhang,” Kris can still hear Baekhyun’s soft pleading in his head. “Come on, Duizhang, secret santa’s gonna be fun!”
And with that, it didn’t even take a second for Kris to answer, “Alright.” Seconds later, he heard the rest of the members cheering with excitement.
Kris remembers it all now. Damn it, he curses at himself. Baekhyun always had a way with Kris, whether the latter liked it or not. Whatever Baekhyun asked from him, Kris would definitely get to it; whatever Baekhyun needed, he would be all over the place to take care of it. There was always something about Baekhyun that made Kris so different whenever he was around the former.
The rest of the members had already settled back down when Kris woke up from a small episode of his “what-the-hell-happened-to-me-this-time” reflections. He watched as Luhan unfolded the small piece of paper in his hands, peeked into it, and just like half of the other members, try and horribly fail at hiding their excited expressions.
“Kris,” Joonmyeon calls. “You’re up next!” Kris sluggishly gets up from his spot on the couch and approaches Joonmyeon, who in turn reaches out his hand holding a bowl with small pieces of paper. How he wishes he gets someone like Joonmyeon so he can just get him a scarf or a nice card and he’d be pretty emotional about how “thoughtful and perfect” it is. Kris hurriedly picks out a piece of paper and plops back to his spot on the couch beside Zitao. He peeks into the small piece of paper and disguises the fact that he somehow forgot to breathe with a cough as he tries to process the name written on the paper.
“What’s wrong, Duizhang?” He hears Baekhyun from opposite him. He sees Baekhyun smile, almost mischievously. “Does your paper say ‘Baekhyun’?”
Kris lets out a small chuckle and shakes his head. “You wish, Baek.” He manages to say as he regains control of his breathing.
All Kris can think now is that he’s screwed. If it were any other member, he would have been okay with getting any random object, having it wrapped nicely, and giving it. Not with the name he got. Now he has to pick something he’d actually like. Something that’ll make the recipient say “Wow, Kris, this is the best gift I’ve ever gotten! You’re the best!” Kris stares down at the piece of paper in his hands and heaves a small sigh. What the hell do I do? Kris feels like he’s about to lose control over his breathing once again the longer he stares at the name written on the small paper in his hands.
Kris keeps staring at the piece of paper in his hand, at the two characters scribbled on it. All he hears is his own heart beating so loud that it feels like it’s about to jump out from his chest and take on a life of its own.
Baekhyun. Byun Baekhyun, why did it have to be you?
---
It was only recently that Kris realized how he had turned into a remote-controlled robot with Baekhyun holding onto the remote. He’d always noticed how Baekhyun seemed to always cling to him wherever they were. He liked the fact that Baekhyun did that; he liked how Baekhyun always picked him over the other members. He especially likes the fact that Baekhyun has been calling him Duizhang more often now. Not that he had this strong sense of pride about being leader or anything, it’s more the fact that it sounds and feels more like a term of endearment when Baekhyun is the one calling him Duizhang.
Kris realized how he was such a sucker for that damn smile of his, as beautiful as it looks all the time. Kris always noticed how bright Baekhyun’s smile was. Whether the boy was laughing at Chanyeol’s lame jokes or he was smiling at Yixing’s cluelessness, Baekhyun managed to kick Kris’ heart into overdrive whenever he smiled. It felt much worse when Baekhyun smiled at Kris. It was always felt like a mixture of a warm hug and a strong punch to the stomach at the same time. As cheesy and lame as it sounds, Kris always thought Baekhyun’s smile would be more than enough to illuminate the whole of Seoul.
And those eyes that are as bright as his smile. Those eyes that simply light up whenever he smiled. Kris felt like he could get lost in Baekhyun’s eyes. Kris feels like Baekhyun always seems to throw out this deadly puppy dog eyes-small pout combination at Kris without realizing its true potential.
Nothing screamed, “There’s definitely something else I feel for this boy” louder than the time Baekhyun asked for some moisturizer from Kris. Everyone knew of Kris’ complex nightly skincare procedures and the infinite number of products he’s tried to determine which would make his skin look the absolute best. The weather was starting to get chilly and a small patch of dry skin had been bothering Baekhyun for the longest time. Meanwhile, Kris had just purchased a canister of moisturizer (and an expensive one at that) from his favorite skincare brand. Kris had just finished with his skincare procedure that night when he heard a faint knock on his bedroom door.
“Duizhang,” Baekhyun said, almost sad-looking eyes and his lower lip pushed out ever so slightly. It’s that deadly combo again. “Do you mind if I ask for some moisturizer? I forgot to buy some today and-”
Kris abandoned the doorway abruptly to grab the bottle of his newly bought favorite moisturizer and handed it to Baekhyun. “This one works wonders. Keep it.”
Baekhyun smiled up at Kris before thanking him for sharing his “amazing skincare knowledge” to the “less fortunate” and off the smaller man went, back to his room to treat that bothersome dry spot on his cheek. As much as the members (and the fans) pick on his skincare habits, Kris gives himself a pat on the back for it this time. If he wasn’t known for his intense care for his complexion, then Baekhyun wouldn’t have asked him for help about it.
That, and he wouldn’t realize how much he actually likes Baekhyun.
---
Ever since that moisturizer “incident”, Kris found himself constantly paying more attention to whatever Baekhyun was doing, saying, or asking from him. It’s not that he turned into mindless jelly whenever Baekhyun talked, it was more like finding himself so interested in everything Baekhyun had to say. Everything Baekhyun said or did was either so funny or so interesting that Kris’ lips almost automatically curve upward towards the boy. Baekhyun was always like a ray of sunshine to Kris.
Kris was left in the dorm with Baekhyun one autumn night. The nights were slowly getting colder and colder, and most of the members wanted to get some exercise to warm up their bodies. Some of the other members though, spent the chilly nights at home, in the safety of their own rooms. Kris hadn’t realized that Baekhyun was the only member left in the dorm when Zitao, Chanyeol, and Sehun declared that they were going out for some street food.
Kris watched them shuffle out of the door from his seat on the couch with the television remote in his hand. While flipping through channels, Kris felt the free side of the couch next to him dip. He turned his attention to his side and was surprised to see a bright-eyed Baekhyun next to him.
“Duizhang!” Baekhyun greeted. Kris felt his breath starting to fall short. “Hope you don’t mind me watching some TV with you. Everyone’s out but it’s too cold outside, if you ask me!”
Kris managed to mutter out a “No problem” and tried his best to glue back his eyes on the TV screen in front of him. He had stopped at a channel showing a Disney film and was about to flip to the next channel when Baekhyun had stopped him.
“You want to watch Mulan?” Kris asked, almost letting out a chuckle. Baekhyun nodded with excitement.
“I haven’t seen it in the longest time!” Baekhyun said, laughing and snatching the remote from Kris’ hand. “I kinda wish this was really in Chinese so I can learn a little Chinese…”
“… And maybe I can sneak into M…” Kris barely heard that last part, and until today, he still debates with himself whether he was dreaming or Baekhyun actually said those words.
Kris and Baekhyun spent the next half hour in silence, with Kris pretending to pay attention to the development of the movie, but he was actually too busy catching up with the thoughts racing through his mind at that moment. Why didn’t Baekhyun go out with the others to eat? Did he really just want to stay in? Did he really say he wanted to sneak into M someday? Why was he suddenly feeling so warm? Who the hell turned the dorm’s heater up to the highest possible temperature?
Kris glanced over to his side and caught a glimpse of an excited Baekhyun singing with gusto along with the television. “… Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!” Kris never doubted the quality of Baekhyun’s voice. His voice was as smooth as honey; he thought it impossible to not be held captive by that voice.
“Hah!” Kris flinched slightly when Baekhyun yelled along with the characters on the television with one leg up and a fist to the air, as if he was part of Captain Shang’s troops. Kris managed to let out a soft chuckle while watching Baekhyun turn into a child in front of the TV. Baekhyun turned his attention to Kris upon hearing the latter’s chuckle.
“Am I too noisy, Duizhang?” He asked. Even if he were, Kris would never say he was too noisy. It was all too entertaining (and not to mention adorable) to watch. Kris shook his head and rested his hand on Baekhyun’s head, who, in turn slouched in his seat to lean into Kris more comfortably.
Kris never got to pay enough attention at the television in front of him, even when he stuck his eyes on the screen. Feeling Baekhyun’s weight and warmth next to him made him feel even warmer, and he wasn’t sure if it started showing. He didn’t want to move an inch, afraid that if he did, the smaller man would think that he was uncomfortable and would move away.
The movie was about to end when Kris felt a strange weight on his shoulder and heard soft snores coming from beside him. He took a look at Baekhyun and found him asleep, lips parted a bit and arms crossed over his chest.
“Would you like to stay forever…?” Kris heard Baekhyun repeat after the television.
Kris was so close to actually answering that question. Instead, he wrapped his arm around the smaller man’s shoulders to keep him close, even just for a bit, until the rest came back home.
I can get used to this. Kris thought to himself.
---
Just when Kris thought he’d be able to go shop for Baekhyun’s gift alone, he was wrong. Jongdae had invited himself to Kris’ little trip to the mall, much to Kris’ disappointment (but more to his annoyance).
“So, Hyung,” Jongdae initiated. The trip to the mall was composed of deafening awkward silence, and as much as Kris was okay with that, Jongdae wasn’t. “Who’d you get for Secret Santa?”
“It’s a secret.” Kris replies without glancing over at Jongdae. “I’m guessing that’s why it’s called a Secret Santa?” He hears a laugh from beside him, but keeps his gaze around the shops they were passing by.
“That’s why you’re Duizhang!” Jongdae almost calls out as Kris’ pace quickens. “You’re so smart all the time!”
Kris rolls his eyes at Jongdae’s obviously sarcastic remark. There was no doubt that he envied how amazing Jongdae’s voice sounds, but if he had it his way (and clearly, he never really did have things his way), Kris would have no problems with locking (and leaving) Jongdae in the nearest utility closet. Kris walks into a men’s clothing store ahead of Jongdae in hopes of having the latter lose sight of him. Unfortunately, even if Jongdae took all the time in the world walking through the mall, he’d still be able to spot Kris with his immense height.
“Do you want me to help you out with your gift, hyung?” Jongdae offers. Kris shakes his head as he takes a look through the racks of jackets in the store.
“No thanks.” He says as he takes a leather jacket out from the rack and places it back after a moment. Kris shifts his attention from the jackets to the hats and caps on display and Jongdae follows suit.
What would Baekhyun look good in? Kris thought to himself as he stared at the caps on display.
“Hey, Hyung, let me guess who you got for Secret Santa.” Jongdae says as he browses through the shirts opposite the jackets.
“Uh, if you can, sure.” Kris answers absentmindedly as he reaches for a cap and takes a look at it.
“Is it Chanyeol…?” Jongdae muses when he approaches Kris, checking his reflection through the full mirror beside the display of hats.
“Sorry, Sherlock Kim. Try again.” Kris answers as he puts down the cap and takes a hat, trying it on and looking at the mirror. “Or don’t bother. That’d be the better option.”
“Could it be… Baekhyun?” Jongdae tries again, and he could have sworn he saw Kris almost choking on air when he hears his guess. Jongdae’s lips curve into his notorious mischievous smile, and Kris knows he’s pretty much done for. “It’s Baekhyun, isn’t it?” He prods and Kris feels cornered in such a spacious store.
“No it’s not.” Kris regains his composure and puts back the hat on its display. He hears Jongdae laugh and feels him pat his back.
“You may be ‘smart’, but you sure can’t hide things very well.” Jongdae says as he checks out how he looks in a blue snapback, his signature mischievous smile shining. Sometimes Kris wonders if it’s possible if he can wipe that mischievous smile off Jongdae’s face using his fist.
“Shut up, Jongdae.” Kris says as walks around the store, towards the exit, and Jongdae barely catches up to Kris on the way out (Kris was actually hoping Jongdae wouldn’t notice him leaving, that way he’d be able to go around the mall in peace).
“So what’s the beef with you and Baekhyun?” Jongdae continues asking.
“What beef, there is no beef.” Kris answers flatly, walking towards another men’s clothing store. Kris hears Jongdae chuckle and if only it didn’t have moral, social, and career-oriented consequences, Kris might have taken the liberty of either jumping or pushing Jongdae off the 5th floor of the mall.
“I know you’ve got some sort of tension with Baekhyun. I just don’t know what kind it is.” Jongdae muses, almost to himself. “Did you guys have a one night stand that had the most awkward ending possible or-“
“There really is no stopping Kim Jongdae, is there?” Kris sighs heavily as he looks around the store, scanning for anything he thinks Baekhyun might like.
“Not until I get an answer!” Jongdae replies, almost as if he’s doing all of this for an advocacy. Kris runs his fingers through his hair in frustration and walks to the end of the store.
“There aren’t any sexual tensions or anything.” Kris confesses and he watches as Jongdae’s expression change from a small anticipating smile to a huge smile of satisfaction. “I just like the guy, okay.”
“I knew it!” Jongdae almost yells, and Kris punches his arm lightly, looking around cautiously at the people now looking towards their direction.
“Just don’t let him know.” Kris says, close to a pleading tone in his voice. He sees Jongdae’s grin grow wider, if that’s even possible. “Of all the people I confide to, I confide to you.”
“Hey, what’s wrong with that?” Jongdae protests, his grin almost fading.
“Do you actually expect me to trust you after all the pranks you’ve pulled on me and the other members?” Kris retorts, and only gets a chuckle in return. Jongdae reaches up to give Kris a pat on the shoulder.
“Get him a nice hat. Not like the ones you wear; you’re the only one in the whole world who wears those. Like a cap or a beanie, or a bowtie.” Jongdae suggests. Finally, he’s actually good for something other than hitting all the high notes. Kris thinks to himself. “Or a nice hat and a bowtie. Bowties kinda look swanky, you know? And who doesn’t like looking swanky?”
And with that (first and) last piece of advice, Jongdae hands Kris a silky maroon bowtie he picked out from the display racks before wandering off to another corner of the store. Kris admits to himself that the bowtie Jongdae picked out really did look good by itself, and imagining Baekhyun wearing it with a simple black suit suddenly made his cheeks feel warm.
Kris had picked out a red snapback to go with the maroon bowtie Jongdae had already chosen. He didn’t really know if red was Baekhyun’s favorite color, but he did look good whenever he wore something red in his outfit. Then again, he looked good in anything in Kris’ opinion. Kris and Jongdae met again at the entrance of the store and continued walking around the mall.
“Thanks, Jongdae, for you know, the help.” Kris says quietly. Jongdae smiles and nods at his leader before patting his stomach.
“No problem. Now let’s go eat. You owe me.” Jongdae replies.
“Excuse me?” Kris raises his eyebrow at Jongdae and the latter just laughs.
“It’s the least you can do, Duizhang! Technically I saved your ass and Baekhyun’s Christmas.” There are times when Kris appreciates Jongdae’s sharp remarks, and there are other times when his remarks just make Kris want to literally kick his ass. This time, Kris feels strongly towards the latter.
“Fine. Let’s go get some chicken.” Kris folds, and Jongdae cheers a little bit too loudly for Kris’ liking, especially with the people looking at them.
---
“Merry early Christmas! Make sure to give your gifts to your assigned recipients by tonight! We won’t be giving them out tomorrow at our Christmas dinner cause we’d all be too rowdy so just sit them down for a short private talk or something!”
Kris looks up from the screen of his cellphone to scan the room and foudnd Joonmyeon seated on the couch, still holding onto his cellphone.
“You could have just said it out loud, Joonmyeon. We’re all basically here.” Kris calls out from the kitchen counter. Joonmyeon lets out an embarrassed laugh and scratches his head.
“I guess I just wanted to make sure.” Joonmyeon answers before turning his attention back to his cellphone.
Kris is basically a large nervous wreck now that he thinks about sitting Baekhyun down somewhere private, just the two of them talking. He’s picturing giving Baekhyun the gift he picked out with Jongdae’s help and exploring the different possibilities of Baekhyun’s reactions. What if he doesn’t like the gift Kris got him? What if Jongdae was just playing a cruel joke about everyone liking bowties? What if Baekhyun hated bowties? Kris was entertaining all those thoughts in his head while taking a sip of orange juice, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“It would be nice if everyone around here didn’t act like such ninjas.” Kris muttered under his breath after surviving a near-death experience from choking on orange juice. Yixing looks at Kris with sleepy eyes and stares for a moment before pouring himself a glass of orange juice.
“What was that, Duizhang?” Yixing murmurs before gulping down the orange juice and resting an elbow on the countertop. Kris shakes his head and waves his hand lightly to dismiss the matter, as if Yixing really cares or actually pays attention.
“Hey Duizhang,” Yixing says in a sleepy tone. “I think you should just stay cool and confident when you give your gift later to Baekhyun. I mean, who doesn’t like guys who are confident with their feelings?”
Kris experiences a second episode of near-death from choking as soon as Yixing finishes off his statement. Experiencing two near-deaths within an hour is quite unsettling, but what was more unsettling to Kris was the fact Yixing was giving him advice on relationships, and even worse, specifically about Baekhyun. As much as Kris tries remembering if he ever told Yixing about his feelings, he can’t quite pluck out the memory from his mind at all. He hasn’t even gotten drunk with the other members since realizing his feelings for Baekhyun. Which leaves only one suspect: Jongdae.
If he were Superman, Kris would have probably crushed the glass in his hand with the image of Jongdae frolicking around the dorm telling everyone about Kris’ crush on Baekhyun. But in reality, Kris is only human, and Jongdae is still probably frolicking around telling the other members about his newly acquired information, and all Kris can do is heave a heavy sigh. He was planning to confess to Baekhyun tonight anyway and whatever result it will yield will still get to the members no matter what.
---
The EXO dorm was silent that night, with the members preparing their gifts to give to their assigned members for Secret Santa. After much debate with himself, Kris had finally decided where he wanted to have a private chat with Baekhyun that night. The living room was too open to chances of random members walking into their moment, and either of Kris or Baekhyun’s rooms would lead to some misunderstanding if any of the members found out. Kris then decided that the nearby park was the best choice, but when he was about to tell Baekhyun, he was getting ready in the bathroom. Kris was feeling too much of a coward to wait for him and tell him personally, that he ended up going ahead to the park and left Baekhyun a message on his phone to meet him there when he was finished.
Kris sat on the park bench feeling restless and nervous. A paper bag sat beside him as he fiddled with his cellphone and constantly checked how he looked. What if Baekhyun didn’t read the message? He thought to himself, and despite the positivity he was trying to place in himself, Kris couldn’t help but entertain the possibilities of rejection looming ahead.
The sun was starting to set, and although Kris has only been waiting for thirty minutes, he feels like he’s been sitting on that bench for hours. What’s taking him so long? Kris thinks as he leans forward to rest his palms on the edge of his seat. Suddenly he hears the fallen leaves around him rustle. He looks up to see Baekhyun approaching, and for the first time today, he feels like he can actually breathe normally, even though he knows he’d be back to trying to catch his breath when Baekhyun gets even closer to him.
“Duizhang!” Baekhyun calls with one hand waving in the air, the other holding a wrapped present. “Have you been waiting too long? Sorry about that!” Kris chuckles and shifts over to the side to make room for Baekhyun, who takes a seat and smiles at Kris.
“Hey,” Kris manages to say, almost as if he’s out of breath from running a mile when all he’d been doing the past half hour was sit on a park bench waiting for Baekhyun. “So, uh, well… It’s kind of obvious why I called you out here, I guess.”
“Well, you tell me!” Baekhyun answers with a laugh. “Are you gonna confess to me or something, Duizhang?”
Even with the knowledge that Baekhyun was joking, Kris manages to choke on air, and he finds it alarming that he’s been choking on practically nothing more often the past few weeks. Kris chuckles awkwardly and shifts in his seat, reaching for the paper bag beside him, and hands it to Baekhyun.
“I, uh,” Kris starts, and Baekhyun grins at the paper bag in his lap. “I’m gonna make this quick because you should probably be off giving your gift as well, so here’s mine. I got you for Secret Santa, so, uh, Merry Christmas, Baek.”
Baekhyun opens the paper bag and his mouth transforms into the signature rectangle that all the other members tease him for. He reaches in and takes out the red snapback and puts it on immediately.
“Wow, Duizhang!” Baekhyun squeaks in excitement. “How’d you know I like this style?” Kris gives himself a pat on the back for choosing the right style for Baekhyun. It was a lucky guess for the most part, but he thanks his instinct for picking that one out.
“Well, I had a hunch and picked that one out.” Kris answers and smiles almost meekly at Baekhyun. “There’s another one in there. Take a look.” Baekhyun peeks into the bag and takes out the silky maroon bowtie Jongdae had picked out. Kris saw Baekhyun’s smile and at that point, Kris feels like his heart is about to burst just from the relief and happiness of knowing that Baekhyun seems to really like what Kris got him.
“Thanks a lot, Duizhang!” Baekhyun says as he leans closer towards Kris to give him a hug. Taken by surprise, Kris slowly wraps his arms around the smaller man to return the hug and give him a pat on the back. Just when Kris thought he remembered how to breathe, he seemed that he had forgotten once again.
“No problem, Baek.” Kris says as Baekhyun pulls back and sits back down on the bench.
“Oh, right!” Baekhyun exclaims, and Kris flinches a little in surprise. “I still have to give my gift for Secret Santa.”
“Go ahead and give it then!” Kris says with a chuckle and motions for Baekhyun to get going. Baekhyun only laughs and opens the box where the bowtie from Kris is contained. He slid the straps under his collar and clipped it on before facing Kris and spreading out his arms with a grin. Kris blinks a few times before raising a thumb’s up at Baekhyun in approval.
“It looks great on you, Baek.” Kris smiles, and is surprised by Baekhyun’s laughter. “What’s so funny?”
“You don’t get it, do you?” Baekhyun says in between chuckles. Kris furrows his eyebrows, feeling lost and confused. He admits by shaking his head slowly and earns another fit of laughter from Baekhyun. “I’m the gift! You don’t get it?”
“I… Don’t think I’m following where you’re going, Baekhyun.” Kris answers, and Baekhyun is trying to control his laughter.
“Wow okay, so maybe Jongdae was kidding when he said Duizhang is the smartest member out of the twelve of us.” Baekhyun muses before erupting in another fit of laughter. “I got you for Secret Santa, Duizhang.” Kris’ lips part and lets out an inaudible “oh” as Baekhyun explains.
“So you’re… You got yourself as a gift… I don’t-“ Kris stutters and Baekhyun laughs again as he hands Kris the wrapped present he had brought with him.
“Well okay, I got you this, and it’s just a lame sweater, but I figured wearing the bowtie and saying I’m the gift would be much more interesting.” Baekhyun chuckles and Kris sees a tear from the corner of Baekhyun’s eye from all the laughing. Kris still has no idea what got into Baekhyun to actually do that, especially when deep down, what Kris just wants for Christmas is to call Baekhyun his. Kris reaches out his hand to wipe the tear on the corner of Baekhyun’s eye and smiles. He’s only got this chance to tell the boy in front of him exactly how he feels, and if he chickens out this time, he might as well chicken out of the rest of his life.
“Look, Baek, I-“ Baekhyun cuts short Kris’ confession by leaning forward and placing a peck on Kris’ lips. The world seemed too paradoxical for Kris and it was too much to handle. He never believed how the movies always depicted romantic scenes with excessive slow motion effects, but just as he felt Baekhyun’s lips on his, those few seconds felt like long hours. Things were processing slowly in Kris’ mind and while this was happening, he could feel his heart race in his chest. Kris is completely unable to register what he was feeling; he wanted to scream out of excitement and happiness but at the same time wanted to freak out and be consumed by unnecessary panic.
“Sorry,” Baekhyun almost whispers. “I thought that would help get your feelings out.” Kris continues staring at Baekhyun, wide eyed, and his brain is practically tripping on everything it needs to pick up. He took a deep breath, tried collecting his thoughts and feelings, and made sure his limbs weren’t falling apart from all the panic he was feeling.
“I like you.” Kris says too quickly for his liking, and now he’s worrying if he said it clearly enough for the boy in front of him to understand. “A lot, actually. I really do.” The silence wasn’t deafening; instead it was Kris’ loud heartbeat that was bothering him.
“Well,” Baekhyun finally says with a shy smile. “There is a reason why I asked Chanyeol, Zitao and Sehun to go out that one night a few weeks before.”
“Y-you… asked them to go out?” Kris stammers and he can’t believe what he’s hearing. Did he unknowingly faint, hit his head on the ground, and transport himself to hallucination land? “Wait, what-“
“God, I knew you were clumsy and silly,” Baekhyun laughs. “But I didn’t know you were this slow, Duizhang.” Kris blinks and finally lets all of the overwhelming feelings and thoughts subside. If Kris were a machine, he’d be overheating at what was happening to him at the moment. It was all a little too much to handle in such a short span of time. There were too many questions running through his head, too many feelings he was experiencing all over his body, and there was just not enough time to let it all cool down for a second.
“I like you too, Duizhang.” Baekhyun meekly admits, and Kris can’t help but notice that cute rectangular smile Baekhyun is wearing. “It’s pretty much the reason why I keep saying I want to sneak into M one day. I end up looking for you when you guys are in China promoting, and I just feel a lot more comfortable when I know you’re just nearby.”
Kris pulls Baekhyun closer to give him a tight hug. He never realized that the secret to calming down all his feelings was just relaxing and taking in Baekhyun’s scent and holding him close. All of a sudden Kris felt that everything was okay, and that nothing else mattered. Kris slides his hand to Baekhyun’s cheek, and plants a quick, gentle kiss on his lips. Kris pulls away almost awkwardly, despite wanting to make the kiss last longer, out of nervousness and sheer cluelessness about “doing the moves”. Baekhyun looks up at Kris and smiles, and Kris thinks he has no problem with getting caught up in the vicious cycle of getting captivated by Baekhyun’s beautiful bright eyes then calming back down. Kris takes note of Baekhyun’s slender fingers gliding from his broad shoulders down to his side to take the still wrapped present. Baekhyun hands it to Kris again.
“Open it!” Baekhyun encourages. Kris obliges and unwraps the gift to reveal a red knit sweater with white Christmas patterns. Rows of snowflakes cover the shoulders, with a row of reindeer covering the chest area. It’s definitely something different from Kris’ usual fashion style, but he’s instantly fond of it nonetheless. After all, it’s from the boy he’s fallen for, and Kris thinks that it’s Baekhyun’s way of saying he’s practically knit himself into Kris’ life; how Baekhyun is sharing his sense of style with Kris. Kris leans forward to peck Baekhyun’s lips one more time and smiles. This is by far his best Secret Santa experience, to say the least.
“Let’s head back home,” He invites, and Baekhyun nods excitedly. “Besides, Kim ‘Sherlock’ owes me something.”
---
“How do I not help a friend in need?” Jongdae reasons out once Kris found the opportunity to corner him in the dorm. As soon as Kris and Baekhyun entered the dorm with the latter clutching onto former’s arm, Jongdae had tried his very best avoiding Kris by desperately immersing himself in whatever the other members were doing.
“So you’re playing Superman now?” Jongdae chuckles nervously, avoiding Kris’ glare. Just as Kris was about to begin his tirade about how the day that he trusts Jongdae again will never come, Baekhyun grabs Kris’ arm to pull him back to the living room, with most of the other members. The other members watched Baekhyun lead Kris into the living room with wide smiles, some even suppressing bursts of laughter. Jongdae follows the new couple into the living room and takes a seat on the opposite end of where Kris was seated.
“Stop looking at me like I’m the only culprit here!” Jongdae protests while the other members laugh.
“How are you not the only culprit, Jongdae?” Kris accuses while Baekhyun watches in amusement.
“Okay first of all, Duizhang,” Jongdae retorts. “You should be thanking me because if I hadn’t stepped in to help, your baby Baekhyun over there would have given you a cheap photo of himself!” The dorm is filled with the roaring laughter of the members as they remember the gift Baekhyun handed Jongdae while filming for their variety program.
“And why don’t you ask Joonmyeon hyung about the gift-giving for Secret Santa!” Jongdae challenged, pointing his finger at their leader whose face suddenly dropped as the accusation was being passed on. “Hell, ask all the other members while you’re at it, hyung.”
The whole living room fell into a pit of awkward silence, nervous laughter, and inaudible threats pointed at each other. Suddenly, Kris had the feeling that the whole group was in on this thing with him confessing his feelings to Baekhyun. Kris scanned the room and glanced at each member, almost all of them avoiding his gaze save for some who were either not paying much attention or didn’t really take part in this whole scheme. He narrows his eyes at Jongdae and from the corner of his eye, he sees Zitao nudge his elbow against Joonmyeon’s arm.
“Okay, well we just wanted to help out a little.” Joonmyeon finally speaks up, earning the attention of all twelve members. “That text message I sent you about giving your gifts privately was just sent to you, Kris.” Kris’ face twists in confusion and frustration and he hears Baekhyun stifle a laugh and feels his slender fingers wrap around his arm.
“Duizhang,” Baekhyun says. “I asked Joonmyeon hyung to send you that text message so I could get some time alone with you. I didn’t know that you picked me until Jongdae told me, and I asked him for help, too. I kind of talked about it with the rest of the members before so they know and they’ve been helping me out.
“So don’t be mad at them anymore, Duizhang.” Baekhyun pleads softly with his lower lip pushed out slightly and Kris instantly yields, relaxing his tense shoulders and smoothing out his eyebrows. Kris hears a hint of relieved sighs, but then again, it wasn’t like he posed as a threat to any of the other members in the first place, so he dismisses it immediately. He ruffles Baekhyun’s hair before sliding his hand down to rest his arm on the smaller boy’s shoulders. Kris took Baekhyun’s hand in his and stood up, heading back to his room.
“Thanks, I guess.” Kris says with a hint of a smile before turning his back and pulling Baekhyun to his side. “For a happy Kris-tmas!” The rest of the members rolled their eyes at Kris’ dumb pun while Baekhyun chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Kris’ waist.
“Don’t make too much noise,” Jongdae yells as the living room is filled yet again with stifled laughter. “I’d like to get some sleep tonight!” Kris jokingly raises his middle finger at Jongdae behind his back, causing the whole living room to finally burst out laughing.
Kris closes the door behind him and pulls Baekhyun towards him as he leans back on the door. He cups Baekhyun’s cheeks with both his hands and plants a gentle kiss on his lips. He feels Baekhyun reciprocate the kiss and Kris can’t help but smile a bit and feel warm inside out. After all the paranoia he’s felt over the past few months, Kris can finally call the beautiful boy in front of him his. Kris smiles stupidly as he pulls away and immediately feels his smile widen when he sees Baekhyun grinning, his signature rectangular smile in place and gleaming eyes to match.
“You’re just like Christmas day.” Kris sings with the both of them knowing he was off by a note or two.
“Kris Wu, EXO’s new main vocalist,” Baekhyun chuckles and kisses Kris’ cheek. “And finally Byun Baekhyun’s boyfriend. That has a nice ring to it.” Kris laughs and Baekhyun reaches up to give Kris’ lips another kiss.
This Christmas is officially Kris’ best Christmas in the 23 years of his existence.
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WHOO okay yay! Thanks for reading and I hope you didn't cringe that much. Happy Holidays! :)
Pairing: Krisbaek
Rating: PG
Summary: Kris completely forgets to play the Grinch role this Christmas because of Baekhyun.
So this is my shot at a Krisbaek oneshot ;; It's just mushy and everything because that's what they are to me ;___; Inspired by various things, including the song Christmas Day, EXO's Showtime Episode 4, Miracles In December outfits, and the Holiday Season. Happy Holidays! c: Comments of any form are welcome!
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Kris wonders what made him agree to this Secret Santa game the other members suggested the whole group do. He hasn’t played Secret Santa since high school and he vaguely remembers drawing the name of a classmate he wasn’t close to. Kris spent a week guessing what that classmate’s idea of a decent gift is until he gave up and gave the guy a random shirt, and he wasn’t even sure if it suited the guy. Needless to say, Kris didn’t feel like he was up for that same experience again this year, despite the fact that he knows all members well enough to know what they like. Thinking of an amazingly thoughtful gift that suits the recipient’s taste requires so much effort that Kris wasn’t all that willing to exert. If he had it his way, he’d just get the eleven other members a bar of chocolate each for Christmas. But now he has to get just ten chocolate bars and an extra special one for whoever’s name is written on the piece of paper he’ll draw.
Kris mentally slaps the back of his head, asking himself what made him agree to all of this. If he had said no, then the secret santa would be cancelled, since it was agreed upon that it only takes one unwilling member to cancel the whole thing (now that he thinks about it, he was pretty willing to play out the Grinch card to save himself). What did make Kris agree to this without even batting an eyelash moments ago?
“Duizhang,” Kris can still hear Baekhyun’s soft pleading in his head. “Come on, Duizhang, secret santa’s gonna be fun!”
And with that, it didn’t even take a second for Kris to answer, “Alright.” Seconds later, he heard the rest of the members cheering with excitement.
Kris remembers it all now. Damn it, he curses at himself. Baekhyun always had a way with Kris, whether the latter liked it or not. Whatever Baekhyun asked from him, Kris would definitely get to it; whatever Baekhyun needed, he would be all over the place to take care of it. There was always something about Baekhyun that made Kris so different whenever he was around the former.
The rest of the members had already settled back down when Kris woke up from a small episode of his “what-the-hell-happened-to-me-this-time” reflections. He watched as Luhan unfolded the small piece of paper in his hands, peeked into it, and just like half of the other members, try and horribly fail at hiding their excited expressions.
“Kris,” Joonmyeon calls. “You’re up next!” Kris sluggishly gets up from his spot on the couch and approaches Joonmyeon, who in turn reaches out his hand holding a bowl with small pieces of paper. How he wishes he gets someone like Joonmyeon so he can just get him a scarf or a nice card and he’d be pretty emotional about how “thoughtful and perfect” it is. Kris hurriedly picks out a piece of paper and plops back to his spot on the couch beside Zitao. He peeks into the small piece of paper and disguises the fact that he somehow forgot to breathe with a cough as he tries to process the name written on the paper.
“What’s wrong, Duizhang?” He hears Baekhyun from opposite him. He sees Baekhyun smile, almost mischievously. “Does your paper say ‘Baekhyun’?”
Kris lets out a small chuckle and shakes his head. “You wish, Baek.” He manages to say as he regains control of his breathing.
All Kris can think now is that he’s screwed. If it were any other member, he would have been okay with getting any random object, having it wrapped nicely, and giving it. Not with the name he got. Now he has to pick something he’d actually like. Something that’ll make the recipient say “Wow, Kris, this is the best gift I’ve ever gotten! You’re the best!” Kris stares down at the piece of paper in his hands and heaves a small sigh. What the hell do I do? Kris feels like he’s about to lose control over his breathing once again the longer he stares at the name written on the small paper in his hands.
Kris keeps staring at the piece of paper in his hand, at the two characters scribbled on it. All he hears is his own heart beating so loud that it feels like it’s about to jump out from his chest and take on a life of its own.
Baekhyun. Byun Baekhyun, why did it have to be you?
---
It was only recently that Kris realized how he had turned into a remote-controlled robot with Baekhyun holding onto the remote. He’d always noticed how Baekhyun seemed to always cling to him wherever they were. He liked the fact that Baekhyun did that; he liked how Baekhyun always picked him over the other members. He especially likes the fact that Baekhyun has been calling him Duizhang more often now. Not that he had this strong sense of pride about being leader or anything, it’s more the fact that it sounds and feels more like a term of endearment when Baekhyun is the one calling him Duizhang.
Kris realized how he was such a sucker for that damn smile of his, as beautiful as it looks all the time. Kris always noticed how bright Baekhyun’s smile was. Whether the boy was laughing at Chanyeol’s lame jokes or he was smiling at Yixing’s cluelessness, Baekhyun managed to kick Kris’ heart into overdrive whenever he smiled. It felt much worse when Baekhyun smiled at Kris. It was always felt like a mixture of a warm hug and a strong punch to the stomach at the same time. As cheesy and lame as it sounds, Kris always thought Baekhyun’s smile would be more than enough to illuminate the whole of Seoul.
And those eyes that are as bright as his smile. Those eyes that simply light up whenever he smiled. Kris felt like he could get lost in Baekhyun’s eyes. Kris feels like Baekhyun always seems to throw out this deadly puppy dog eyes-small pout combination at Kris without realizing its true potential.
Nothing screamed, “There’s definitely something else I feel for this boy” louder than the time Baekhyun asked for some moisturizer from Kris. Everyone knew of Kris’ complex nightly skincare procedures and the infinite number of products he’s tried to determine which would make his skin look the absolute best. The weather was starting to get chilly and a small patch of dry skin had been bothering Baekhyun for the longest time. Meanwhile, Kris had just purchased a canister of moisturizer (and an expensive one at that) from his favorite skincare brand. Kris had just finished with his skincare procedure that night when he heard a faint knock on his bedroom door.
“Duizhang,” Baekhyun said, almost sad-looking eyes and his lower lip pushed out ever so slightly. It’s that deadly combo again. “Do you mind if I ask for some moisturizer? I forgot to buy some today and-”
Kris abandoned the doorway abruptly to grab the bottle of his newly bought favorite moisturizer and handed it to Baekhyun. “This one works wonders. Keep it.”
Baekhyun smiled up at Kris before thanking him for sharing his “amazing skincare knowledge” to the “less fortunate” and off the smaller man went, back to his room to treat that bothersome dry spot on his cheek. As much as the members (and the fans) pick on his skincare habits, Kris gives himself a pat on the back for it this time. If he wasn’t known for his intense care for his complexion, then Baekhyun wouldn’t have asked him for help about it.
That, and he wouldn’t realize how much he actually likes Baekhyun.
---
Ever since that moisturizer “incident”, Kris found himself constantly paying more attention to whatever Baekhyun was doing, saying, or asking from him. It’s not that he turned into mindless jelly whenever Baekhyun talked, it was more like finding himself so interested in everything Baekhyun had to say. Everything Baekhyun said or did was either so funny or so interesting that Kris’ lips almost automatically curve upward towards the boy. Baekhyun was always like a ray of sunshine to Kris.
Kris was left in the dorm with Baekhyun one autumn night. The nights were slowly getting colder and colder, and most of the members wanted to get some exercise to warm up their bodies. Some of the other members though, spent the chilly nights at home, in the safety of their own rooms. Kris hadn’t realized that Baekhyun was the only member left in the dorm when Zitao, Chanyeol, and Sehun declared that they were going out for some street food.
Kris watched them shuffle out of the door from his seat on the couch with the television remote in his hand. While flipping through channels, Kris felt the free side of the couch next to him dip. He turned his attention to his side and was surprised to see a bright-eyed Baekhyun next to him.
“Duizhang!” Baekhyun greeted. Kris felt his breath starting to fall short. “Hope you don’t mind me watching some TV with you. Everyone’s out but it’s too cold outside, if you ask me!”
Kris managed to mutter out a “No problem” and tried his best to glue back his eyes on the TV screen in front of him. He had stopped at a channel showing a Disney film and was about to flip to the next channel when Baekhyun had stopped him.
“You want to watch Mulan?” Kris asked, almost letting out a chuckle. Baekhyun nodded with excitement.
“I haven’t seen it in the longest time!” Baekhyun said, laughing and snatching the remote from Kris’ hand. “I kinda wish this was really in Chinese so I can learn a little Chinese…”
“… And maybe I can sneak into M…” Kris barely heard that last part, and until today, he still debates with himself whether he was dreaming or Baekhyun actually said those words.
Kris and Baekhyun spent the next half hour in silence, with Kris pretending to pay attention to the development of the movie, but he was actually too busy catching up with the thoughts racing through his mind at that moment. Why didn’t Baekhyun go out with the others to eat? Did he really just want to stay in? Did he really say he wanted to sneak into M someday? Why was he suddenly feeling so warm? Who the hell turned the dorm’s heater up to the highest possible temperature?
Kris glanced over to his side and caught a glimpse of an excited Baekhyun singing with gusto along with the television. “… Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!” Kris never doubted the quality of Baekhyun’s voice. His voice was as smooth as honey; he thought it impossible to not be held captive by that voice.
“Hah!” Kris flinched slightly when Baekhyun yelled along with the characters on the television with one leg up and a fist to the air, as if he was part of Captain Shang’s troops. Kris managed to let out a soft chuckle while watching Baekhyun turn into a child in front of the TV. Baekhyun turned his attention to Kris upon hearing the latter’s chuckle.
“Am I too noisy, Duizhang?” He asked. Even if he were, Kris would never say he was too noisy. It was all too entertaining (and not to mention adorable) to watch. Kris shook his head and rested his hand on Baekhyun’s head, who, in turn slouched in his seat to lean into Kris more comfortably.
Kris never got to pay enough attention at the television in front of him, even when he stuck his eyes on the screen. Feeling Baekhyun’s weight and warmth next to him made him feel even warmer, and he wasn’t sure if it started showing. He didn’t want to move an inch, afraid that if he did, the smaller man would think that he was uncomfortable and would move away.
The movie was about to end when Kris felt a strange weight on his shoulder and heard soft snores coming from beside him. He took a look at Baekhyun and found him asleep, lips parted a bit and arms crossed over his chest.
“Would you like to stay forever…?” Kris heard Baekhyun repeat after the television.
Kris was so close to actually answering that question. Instead, he wrapped his arm around the smaller man’s shoulders to keep him close, even just for a bit, until the rest came back home.
I can get used to this. Kris thought to himself.
---
Just when Kris thought he’d be able to go shop for Baekhyun’s gift alone, he was wrong. Jongdae had invited himself to Kris’ little trip to the mall, much to Kris’ disappointment (but more to his annoyance).
“So, Hyung,” Jongdae initiated. The trip to the mall was composed of deafening awkward silence, and as much as Kris was okay with that, Jongdae wasn’t. “Who’d you get for Secret Santa?”
“It’s a secret.” Kris replies without glancing over at Jongdae. “I’m guessing that’s why it’s called a Secret Santa?” He hears a laugh from beside him, but keeps his gaze around the shops they were passing by.
“That’s why you’re Duizhang!” Jongdae almost calls out as Kris’ pace quickens. “You’re so smart all the time!”
Kris rolls his eyes at Jongdae’s obviously sarcastic remark. There was no doubt that he envied how amazing Jongdae’s voice sounds, but if he had it his way (and clearly, he never really did have things his way), Kris would have no problems with locking (and leaving) Jongdae in the nearest utility closet. Kris walks into a men’s clothing store ahead of Jongdae in hopes of having the latter lose sight of him. Unfortunately, even if Jongdae took all the time in the world walking through the mall, he’d still be able to spot Kris with his immense height.
“Do you want me to help you out with your gift, hyung?” Jongdae offers. Kris shakes his head as he takes a look through the racks of jackets in the store.
“No thanks.” He says as he takes a leather jacket out from the rack and places it back after a moment. Kris shifts his attention from the jackets to the hats and caps on display and Jongdae follows suit.
What would Baekhyun look good in? Kris thought to himself as he stared at the caps on display.
“Hey, Hyung, let me guess who you got for Secret Santa.” Jongdae says as he browses through the shirts opposite the jackets.
“Uh, if you can, sure.” Kris answers absentmindedly as he reaches for a cap and takes a look at it.
“Is it Chanyeol…?” Jongdae muses when he approaches Kris, checking his reflection through the full mirror beside the display of hats.
“Sorry, Sherlock Kim. Try again.” Kris answers as he puts down the cap and takes a hat, trying it on and looking at the mirror. “Or don’t bother. That’d be the better option.”
“Could it be… Baekhyun?” Jongdae tries again, and he could have sworn he saw Kris almost choking on air when he hears his guess. Jongdae’s lips curve into his notorious mischievous smile, and Kris knows he’s pretty much done for. “It’s Baekhyun, isn’t it?” He prods and Kris feels cornered in such a spacious store.
“No it’s not.” Kris regains his composure and puts back the hat on its display. He hears Jongdae laugh and feels him pat his back.
“You may be ‘smart’, but you sure can’t hide things very well.” Jongdae says as he checks out how he looks in a blue snapback, his signature mischievous smile shining. Sometimes Kris wonders if it’s possible if he can wipe that mischievous smile off Jongdae’s face using his fist.
“Shut up, Jongdae.” Kris says as walks around the store, towards the exit, and Jongdae barely catches up to Kris on the way out (Kris was actually hoping Jongdae wouldn’t notice him leaving, that way he’d be able to go around the mall in peace).
“So what’s the beef with you and Baekhyun?” Jongdae continues asking.
“What beef, there is no beef.” Kris answers flatly, walking towards another men’s clothing store. Kris hears Jongdae chuckle and if only it didn’t have moral, social, and career-oriented consequences, Kris might have taken the liberty of either jumping or pushing Jongdae off the 5th floor of the mall.
“I know you’ve got some sort of tension with Baekhyun. I just don’t know what kind it is.” Jongdae muses, almost to himself. “Did you guys have a one night stand that had the most awkward ending possible or-“
“There really is no stopping Kim Jongdae, is there?” Kris sighs heavily as he looks around the store, scanning for anything he thinks Baekhyun might like.
“Not until I get an answer!” Jongdae replies, almost as if he’s doing all of this for an advocacy. Kris runs his fingers through his hair in frustration and walks to the end of the store.
“There aren’t any sexual tensions or anything.” Kris confesses and he watches as Jongdae’s expression change from a small anticipating smile to a huge smile of satisfaction. “I just like the guy, okay.”
“I knew it!” Jongdae almost yells, and Kris punches his arm lightly, looking around cautiously at the people now looking towards their direction.
“Just don’t let him know.” Kris says, close to a pleading tone in his voice. He sees Jongdae’s grin grow wider, if that’s even possible. “Of all the people I confide to, I confide to you.”
“Hey, what’s wrong with that?” Jongdae protests, his grin almost fading.
“Do you actually expect me to trust you after all the pranks you’ve pulled on me and the other members?” Kris retorts, and only gets a chuckle in return. Jongdae reaches up to give Kris a pat on the shoulder.
“Get him a nice hat. Not like the ones you wear; you’re the only one in the whole world who wears those. Like a cap or a beanie, or a bowtie.” Jongdae suggests. Finally, he’s actually good for something other than hitting all the high notes. Kris thinks to himself. “Or a nice hat and a bowtie. Bowties kinda look swanky, you know? And who doesn’t like looking swanky?”
And with that (first and) last piece of advice, Jongdae hands Kris a silky maroon bowtie he picked out from the display racks before wandering off to another corner of the store. Kris admits to himself that the bowtie Jongdae picked out really did look good by itself, and imagining Baekhyun wearing it with a simple black suit suddenly made his cheeks feel warm.
Kris had picked out a red snapback to go with the maroon bowtie Jongdae had already chosen. He didn’t really know if red was Baekhyun’s favorite color, but he did look good whenever he wore something red in his outfit. Then again, he looked good in anything in Kris’ opinion. Kris and Jongdae met again at the entrance of the store and continued walking around the mall.
“Thanks, Jongdae, for you know, the help.” Kris says quietly. Jongdae smiles and nods at his leader before patting his stomach.
“No problem. Now let’s go eat. You owe me.” Jongdae replies.
“Excuse me?” Kris raises his eyebrow at Jongdae and the latter just laughs.
“It’s the least you can do, Duizhang! Technically I saved your ass and Baekhyun’s Christmas.” There are times when Kris appreciates Jongdae’s sharp remarks, and there are other times when his remarks just make Kris want to literally kick his ass. This time, Kris feels strongly towards the latter.
“Fine. Let’s go get some chicken.” Kris folds, and Jongdae cheers a little bit too loudly for Kris’ liking, especially with the people looking at them.
---
“Merry early Christmas! Make sure to give your gifts to your assigned recipients by tonight! We won’t be giving them out tomorrow at our Christmas dinner cause we’d all be too rowdy so just sit them down for a short private talk or something!”
Kris looks up from the screen of his cellphone to scan the room and foudnd Joonmyeon seated on the couch, still holding onto his cellphone.
“You could have just said it out loud, Joonmyeon. We’re all basically here.” Kris calls out from the kitchen counter. Joonmyeon lets out an embarrassed laugh and scratches his head.
“I guess I just wanted to make sure.” Joonmyeon answers before turning his attention back to his cellphone.
Kris is basically a large nervous wreck now that he thinks about sitting Baekhyun down somewhere private, just the two of them talking. He’s picturing giving Baekhyun the gift he picked out with Jongdae’s help and exploring the different possibilities of Baekhyun’s reactions. What if he doesn’t like the gift Kris got him? What if Jongdae was just playing a cruel joke about everyone liking bowties? What if Baekhyun hated bowties? Kris was entertaining all those thoughts in his head while taking a sip of orange juice, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“It would be nice if everyone around here didn’t act like such ninjas.” Kris muttered under his breath after surviving a near-death experience from choking on orange juice. Yixing looks at Kris with sleepy eyes and stares for a moment before pouring himself a glass of orange juice.
“What was that, Duizhang?” Yixing murmurs before gulping down the orange juice and resting an elbow on the countertop. Kris shakes his head and waves his hand lightly to dismiss the matter, as if Yixing really cares or actually pays attention.
“Hey Duizhang,” Yixing says in a sleepy tone. “I think you should just stay cool and confident when you give your gift later to Baekhyun. I mean, who doesn’t like guys who are confident with their feelings?”
Kris experiences a second episode of near-death from choking as soon as Yixing finishes off his statement. Experiencing two near-deaths within an hour is quite unsettling, but what was more unsettling to Kris was the fact Yixing was giving him advice on relationships, and even worse, specifically about Baekhyun. As much as Kris tries remembering if he ever told Yixing about his feelings, he can’t quite pluck out the memory from his mind at all. He hasn’t even gotten drunk with the other members since realizing his feelings for Baekhyun. Which leaves only one suspect: Jongdae.
If he were Superman, Kris would have probably crushed the glass in his hand with the image of Jongdae frolicking around the dorm telling everyone about Kris’ crush on Baekhyun. But in reality, Kris is only human, and Jongdae is still probably frolicking around telling the other members about his newly acquired information, and all Kris can do is heave a heavy sigh. He was planning to confess to Baekhyun tonight anyway and whatever result it will yield will still get to the members no matter what.
---
The EXO dorm was silent that night, with the members preparing their gifts to give to their assigned members for Secret Santa. After much debate with himself, Kris had finally decided where he wanted to have a private chat with Baekhyun that night. The living room was too open to chances of random members walking into their moment, and either of Kris or Baekhyun’s rooms would lead to some misunderstanding if any of the members found out. Kris then decided that the nearby park was the best choice, but when he was about to tell Baekhyun, he was getting ready in the bathroom. Kris was feeling too much of a coward to wait for him and tell him personally, that he ended up going ahead to the park and left Baekhyun a message on his phone to meet him there when he was finished.
Kris sat on the park bench feeling restless and nervous. A paper bag sat beside him as he fiddled with his cellphone and constantly checked how he looked. What if Baekhyun didn’t read the message? He thought to himself, and despite the positivity he was trying to place in himself, Kris couldn’t help but entertain the possibilities of rejection looming ahead.
The sun was starting to set, and although Kris has only been waiting for thirty minutes, he feels like he’s been sitting on that bench for hours. What’s taking him so long? Kris thinks as he leans forward to rest his palms on the edge of his seat. Suddenly he hears the fallen leaves around him rustle. He looks up to see Baekhyun approaching, and for the first time today, he feels like he can actually breathe normally, even though he knows he’d be back to trying to catch his breath when Baekhyun gets even closer to him.
“Duizhang!” Baekhyun calls with one hand waving in the air, the other holding a wrapped present. “Have you been waiting too long? Sorry about that!” Kris chuckles and shifts over to the side to make room for Baekhyun, who takes a seat and smiles at Kris.
“Hey,” Kris manages to say, almost as if he’s out of breath from running a mile when all he’d been doing the past half hour was sit on a park bench waiting for Baekhyun. “So, uh, well… It’s kind of obvious why I called you out here, I guess.”
“Well, you tell me!” Baekhyun answers with a laugh. “Are you gonna confess to me or something, Duizhang?”
Even with the knowledge that Baekhyun was joking, Kris manages to choke on air, and he finds it alarming that he’s been choking on practically nothing more often the past few weeks. Kris chuckles awkwardly and shifts in his seat, reaching for the paper bag beside him, and hands it to Baekhyun.
“I, uh,” Kris starts, and Baekhyun grins at the paper bag in his lap. “I’m gonna make this quick because you should probably be off giving your gift as well, so here’s mine. I got you for Secret Santa, so, uh, Merry Christmas, Baek.”
Baekhyun opens the paper bag and his mouth transforms into the signature rectangle that all the other members tease him for. He reaches in and takes out the red snapback and puts it on immediately.
“Wow, Duizhang!” Baekhyun squeaks in excitement. “How’d you know I like this style?” Kris gives himself a pat on the back for choosing the right style for Baekhyun. It was a lucky guess for the most part, but he thanks his instinct for picking that one out.
“Well, I had a hunch and picked that one out.” Kris answers and smiles almost meekly at Baekhyun. “There’s another one in there. Take a look.” Baekhyun peeks into the bag and takes out the silky maroon bowtie Jongdae had picked out. Kris saw Baekhyun’s smile and at that point, Kris feels like his heart is about to burst just from the relief and happiness of knowing that Baekhyun seems to really like what Kris got him.
“Thanks a lot, Duizhang!” Baekhyun says as he leans closer towards Kris to give him a hug. Taken by surprise, Kris slowly wraps his arms around the smaller man to return the hug and give him a pat on the back. Just when Kris thought he remembered how to breathe, he seemed that he had forgotten once again.
“No problem, Baek.” Kris says as Baekhyun pulls back and sits back down on the bench.
“Oh, right!” Baekhyun exclaims, and Kris flinches a little in surprise. “I still have to give my gift for Secret Santa.”
“Go ahead and give it then!” Kris says with a chuckle and motions for Baekhyun to get going. Baekhyun only laughs and opens the box where the bowtie from Kris is contained. He slid the straps under his collar and clipped it on before facing Kris and spreading out his arms with a grin. Kris blinks a few times before raising a thumb’s up at Baekhyun in approval.
“It looks great on you, Baek.” Kris smiles, and is surprised by Baekhyun’s laughter. “What’s so funny?”
“You don’t get it, do you?” Baekhyun says in between chuckles. Kris furrows his eyebrows, feeling lost and confused. He admits by shaking his head slowly and earns another fit of laughter from Baekhyun. “I’m the gift! You don’t get it?”
“I… Don’t think I’m following where you’re going, Baekhyun.” Kris answers, and Baekhyun is trying to control his laughter.
“Wow okay, so maybe Jongdae was kidding when he said Duizhang is the smartest member out of the twelve of us.” Baekhyun muses before erupting in another fit of laughter. “I got you for Secret Santa, Duizhang.” Kris’ lips part and lets out an inaudible “oh” as Baekhyun explains.
“So you’re… You got yourself as a gift… I don’t-“ Kris stutters and Baekhyun laughs again as he hands Kris the wrapped present he had brought with him.
“Well okay, I got you this, and it’s just a lame sweater, but I figured wearing the bowtie and saying I’m the gift would be much more interesting.” Baekhyun chuckles and Kris sees a tear from the corner of Baekhyun’s eye from all the laughing. Kris still has no idea what got into Baekhyun to actually do that, especially when deep down, what Kris just wants for Christmas is to call Baekhyun his. Kris reaches out his hand to wipe the tear on the corner of Baekhyun’s eye and smiles. He’s only got this chance to tell the boy in front of him exactly how he feels, and if he chickens out this time, he might as well chicken out of the rest of his life.
“Look, Baek, I-“ Baekhyun cuts short Kris’ confession by leaning forward and placing a peck on Kris’ lips. The world seemed too paradoxical for Kris and it was too much to handle. He never believed how the movies always depicted romantic scenes with excessive slow motion effects, but just as he felt Baekhyun’s lips on his, those few seconds felt like long hours. Things were processing slowly in Kris’ mind and while this was happening, he could feel his heart race in his chest. Kris is completely unable to register what he was feeling; he wanted to scream out of excitement and happiness but at the same time wanted to freak out and be consumed by unnecessary panic.
“Sorry,” Baekhyun almost whispers. “I thought that would help get your feelings out.” Kris continues staring at Baekhyun, wide eyed, and his brain is practically tripping on everything it needs to pick up. He took a deep breath, tried collecting his thoughts and feelings, and made sure his limbs weren’t falling apart from all the panic he was feeling.
“I like you.” Kris says too quickly for his liking, and now he’s worrying if he said it clearly enough for the boy in front of him to understand. “A lot, actually. I really do.” The silence wasn’t deafening; instead it was Kris’ loud heartbeat that was bothering him.
“Well,” Baekhyun finally says with a shy smile. “There is a reason why I asked Chanyeol, Zitao and Sehun to go out that one night a few weeks before.”
“Y-you… asked them to go out?” Kris stammers and he can’t believe what he’s hearing. Did he unknowingly faint, hit his head on the ground, and transport himself to hallucination land? “Wait, what-“
“God, I knew you were clumsy and silly,” Baekhyun laughs. “But I didn’t know you were this slow, Duizhang.” Kris blinks and finally lets all of the overwhelming feelings and thoughts subside. If Kris were a machine, he’d be overheating at what was happening to him at the moment. It was all a little too much to handle in such a short span of time. There were too many questions running through his head, too many feelings he was experiencing all over his body, and there was just not enough time to let it all cool down for a second.
“I like you too, Duizhang.” Baekhyun meekly admits, and Kris can’t help but notice that cute rectangular smile Baekhyun is wearing. “It’s pretty much the reason why I keep saying I want to sneak into M one day. I end up looking for you when you guys are in China promoting, and I just feel a lot more comfortable when I know you’re just nearby.”
Kris pulls Baekhyun closer to give him a tight hug. He never realized that the secret to calming down all his feelings was just relaxing and taking in Baekhyun’s scent and holding him close. All of a sudden Kris felt that everything was okay, and that nothing else mattered. Kris slides his hand to Baekhyun’s cheek, and plants a quick, gentle kiss on his lips. Kris pulls away almost awkwardly, despite wanting to make the kiss last longer, out of nervousness and sheer cluelessness about “doing the moves”. Baekhyun looks up at Kris and smiles, and Kris thinks he has no problem with getting caught up in the vicious cycle of getting captivated by Baekhyun’s beautiful bright eyes then calming back down. Kris takes note of Baekhyun’s slender fingers gliding from his broad shoulders down to his side to take the still wrapped present. Baekhyun hands it to Kris again.
“Open it!” Baekhyun encourages. Kris obliges and unwraps the gift to reveal a red knit sweater with white Christmas patterns. Rows of snowflakes cover the shoulders, with a row of reindeer covering the chest area. It’s definitely something different from Kris’ usual fashion style, but he’s instantly fond of it nonetheless. After all, it’s from the boy he’s fallen for, and Kris thinks that it’s Baekhyun’s way of saying he’s practically knit himself into Kris’ life; how Baekhyun is sharing his sense of style with Kris. Kris leans forward to peck Baekhyun’s lips one more time and smiles. This is by far his best Secret Santa experience, to say the least.
“Let’s head back home,” He invites, and Baekhyun nods excitedly. “Besides, Kim ‘Sherlock’ owes me something.”
---
“How do I not help a friend in need?” Jongdae reasons out once Kris found the opportunity to corner him in the dorm. As soon as Kris and Baekhyun entered the dorm with the latter clutching onto former’s arm, Jongdae had tried his very best avoiding Kris by desperately immersing himself in whatever the other members were doing.
“So you’re playing Superman now?” Jongdae chuckles nervously, avoiding Kris’ glare. Just as Kris was about to begin his tirade about how the day that he trusts Jongdae again will never come, Baekhyun grabs Kris’ arm to pull him back to the living room, with most of the other members. The other members watched Baekhyun lead Kris into the living room with wide smiles, some even suppressing bursts of laughter. Jongdae follows the new couple into the living room and takes a seat on the opposite end of where Kris was seated.
“Stop looking at me like I’m the only culprit here!” Jongdae protests while the other members laugh.
“How are you not the only culprit, Jongdae?” Kris accuses while Baekhyun watches in amusement.
“Okay first of all, Duizhang,” Jongdae retorts. “You should be thanking me because if I hadn’t stepped in to help, your baby Baekhyun over there would have given you a cheap photo of himself!” The dorm is filled with the roaring laughter of the members as they remember the gift Baekhyun handed Jongdae while filming for their variety program.
“And why don’t you ask Joonmyeon hyung about the gift-giving for Secret Santa!” Jongdae challenged, pointing his finger at their leader whose face suddenly dropped as the accusation was being passed on. “Hell, ask all the other members while you’re at it, hyung.”
The whole living room fell into a pit of awkward silence, nervous laughter, and inaudible threats pointed at each other. Suddenly, Kris had the feeling that the whole group was in on this thing with him confessing his feelings to Baekhyun. Kris scanned the room and glanced at each member, almost all of them avoiding his gaze save for some who were either not paying much attention or didn’t really take part in this whole scheme. He narrows his eyes at Jongdae and from the corner of his eye, he sees Zitao nudge his elbow against Joonmyeon’s arm.
“Okay, well we just wanted to help out a little.” Joonmyeon finally speaks up, earning the attention of all twelve members. “That text message I sent you about giving your gifts privately was just sent to you, Kris.” Kris’ face twists in confusion and frustration and he hears Baekhyun stifle a laugh and feels his slender fingers wrap around his arm.
“Duizhang,” Baekhyun says. “I asked Joonmyeon hyung to send you that text message so I could get some time alone with you. I didn’t know that you picked me until Jongdae told me, and I asked him for help, too. I kind of talked about it with the rest of the members before so they know and they’ve been helping me out.
“So don’t be mad at them anymore, Duizhang.” Baekhyun pleads softly with his lower lip pushed out slightly and Kris instantly yields, relaxing his tense shoulders and smoothing out his eyebrows. Kris hears a hint of relieved sighs, but then again, it wasn’t like he posed as a threat to any of the other members in the first place, so he dismisses it immediately. He ruffles Baekhyun’s hair before sliding his hand down to rest his arm on the smaller boy’s shoulders. Kris took Baekhyun’s hand in his and stood up, heading back to his room.
“Thanks, I guess.” Kris says with a hint of a smile before turning his back and pulling Baekhyun to his side. “For a happy Kris-tmas!” The rest of the members rolled their eyes at Kris’ dumb pun while Baekhyun chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Kris’ waist.
“Don’t make too much noise,” Jongdae yells as the living room is filled yet again with stifled laughter. “I’d like to get some sleep tonight!” Kris jokingly raises his middle finger at Jongdae behind his back, causing the whole living room to finally burst out laughing.
Kris closes the door behind him and pulls Baekhyun towards him as he leans back on the door. He cups Baekhyun’s cheeks with both his hands and plants a gentle kiss on his lips. He feels Baekhyun reciprocate the kiss and Kris can’t help but smile a bit and feel warm inside out. After all the paranoia he’s felt over the past few months, Kris can finally call the beautiful boy in front of him his. Kris smiles stupidly as he pulls away and immediately feels his smile widen when he sees Baekhyun grinning, his signature rectangular smile in place and gleaming eyes to match.
“You’re just like Christmas day.” Kris sings with the both of them knowing he was off by a note or two.
“Kris Wu, EXO’s new main vocalist,” Baekhyun chuckles and kisses Kris’ cheek. “And finally Byun Baekhyun’s boyfriend. That has a nice ring to it.” Kris laughs and Baekhyun reaches up to give Kris’ lips another kiss.
This Christmas is officially Kris’ best Christmas in the 23 years of his existence.
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WHOO okay yay! Thanks for reading and I hope you didn't cringe that much. Happy Holidays! :)