UNDER THE MISTLETOE | KTH √ |

SEVEN

"I'm not asking you to believe in something outlandish, just to understand why these moments, these traditions, mean so much to me. I want you to feel the heart of Winter Haven as I do." You spoke as his gaze never left yours. Soon your stares were interrupted as  Jungkook's interest was piqued. "A Santa contest? That sounds like a blast!" he exclaimed, turning to Avery, who chuckled in agreement. "I can already imagine the lively atmosphere."

Your mum, noticing Taehyung's hesitation, chimed in again, "Trust me, you'll enjoy it more than you think! It's about sharing joy and creating beautiful memories , Taehyung," she added with a warm smile.

Taehyung glanced at you, catching your  hopeful gaze. With a soft sigh, he relented, "Alright, I'll be there." Deep down, a part of him hoped it might not be as trivial as he initially presumed.

____________________________

Kids were brimming with excitement as the evening unfolded.  You, Avery ,Taehyung, and Jungkook entered the vibrant celebration hall, where you reunited with your hometown pals. You saw Jimin dressed up as the most dreamiest Santa ever.

Dressed in striking red outfits for the Santa contest, everyone eagerly awaited the mayor's explanations of the contest details. The crowd erupted in cheers, echoing through the hall. However, Taehyung seemed disinterested in the proceedings, standing apart from the excitement.

The mayor's voice boomed, capturing everyone's attention. "Welcome, everyone! It's time for the most exciting Santa contest in Winter Havan!"The crowd erupted in cheers, amplifying the festive atmosphere, but Taehyung simply observed. Jimin gazed at Taehyung and nudged you , speaking in a slightly lower tone. "Hey, does your boss , have an 'Boss/ Employee of the Year' award here too? He would win hands down." You chuckled. But someone's sharp ears had heard that.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow.  "At least I'm keeping away with kid's celebrations. "

Jimin chuckled mockingly. "Sure, but I bet you even dream about spreadsheets and deadlines. "

Taehyung smirked, playing along, "Well, they say I sleep-talk about profit margins. It's the language of my dreams. " Jungkook and Avery whoahed at both conversation.

Jimin laughed, shaking his head. "You're probably scheduling meetings even in your sleep, Taehyung. "

Taehyung rolled his eyeballs ignoring him. As far as you noticed , Taehyung and Jimin didn't catch up well with each other.

In the midst of the Santa contest, the participants were vying for the kids' attention, each trying to impress and secure their votes. Jimin , being the loveliest of all was being adorned by kids. And his efforts seemed null as kids surrounded him. You , Avery and Jungkook were in the game trying your best along with the other participants. And there stood Taehyung, all confused about what he should do. But he was least bothered until.

"Come on, Taehyung! You're too busy with your serious demeanor to impress these little ones," Jimin quipped, nudging Taehyung in a friendly yet challenging manner.

" I'm not here to impress anyone. " He shrugged.

"I don't know, Taehyung. Being jolly might not be your strongest suit. Are you sure you've got what it takes to win this? I don't think you're even in the competition. " Jimin mocked.  And that's it.

Taehyung, usually composed, felt a surge of determination. His eyes glinted with a playful yet competitive spark. "Watch me," he replied with a sly smile. You glanced at him as he marched in, determined to win over the kids, Taehyung pulled out all the stops. He danced, sang, and even did magic tricks, delighting the children with his contagious energy and warmth. Every move was crafted to capture the hearts of the young audience.

You , Jungkook, and Avery couldn't help but express  astonishment at Taehyung's success in winning over the kids' hearts. You wide-eyed and pleasantly surprised, remarked, "I didn't expect Taehyung to be this incredible with the kids. He's really something else."

Jungkook, a bit baffled, added, "I know, right? I've never seen him so lively and engaging. He's really shining out there."

The kids were spellbound by Taehyung's charismatic performance. His interactions, enthusiasm, and genuine connection with each child set him apart. Even Jimin couldn't help but admire Taehyung's remarkable transformation.

" You're really Santa, right? " A boy of 7 chimed.

Taehyung answered with a wide grin.
"Ho ho ho! Yes, I'm Santa's helper. Have you all been good this year?"

" Yes! We cleaned our rooms and helped our parents! " The kids exclaimed.

" That's wonderful! Santa loves kind and helpful children. What would you like for Christmas? " Taehyung smiled.

" I want a toy robot! " A guy exclaimed.

Another kid jumped in. "I want new shoes. !"

Taehyung was attentively listening with patience.  "Great choices. " And to your surprise, he handed the desired gift to the children.

" Damn. That's impressive. This guy had put all those stuffs in his bag. " Jungkook claimed to be in utter shock.

While Taehyung was busy distributing the gifts to the crowd that had surrounded him.  A girl shyly approached him, hesitating to speak, but somehow managed to speak up. " Santa, can I have a teddy bear, please? "

Taehyung, crouching down to the kid's level with a warm smile.  He felt a deep sense of warmth and appreciation for the child's innocence, finding it endearing and charming. "Of course! A cuddly teddy bear coming your way if you promise to share lots of hugs. " The girl nodded wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. Your heart melted at the sight while Taehyung handed her a teddy bear.

The children giggled and chatted excitedly, sharing their wishes and stories with Taehyung, who engaged with them warmly and playfully, creating a magical and delightful moment for everyone involved.

_____________________

Now it was time to end the celebrations as the mayor approached the stage.
"As the day unfolded with our esteemed Santa contestants, embodying the joy and magic of this special time, it's been a challenging decision. But, in the end, after much consideration, we have our winner," he announced, drawing a collective breath of anticipation from the crowd.

"In a heartwarming and unexpected turn of events, the judges were moved by the incredible connection, the warmth, and the sheer delight this individual brought to the children today. Our winner, embodying the true essence of Santa is......."

" TAEHYUNG "

The crowd erupted into a mix of surprised gasps and exuberant applause, while the children's gleeful cheers rang out above it all. Taehyung, looking both stunned and elated, accepted the recognition, his eyes shining with genuine happiness as he was enveloped by the kids' exuberant embrace. He glanced at Jimin with a satisfactory smirk over his victory making Jimin shrug away.

" Taehyung really knocked it out of the park. It's like he was born to be Santa. The way he interacted with the kids was just out of my imagination ever. " Jungkook spoke making you and Avery nod.

"I never thought ,  grumpy Taehyung would be great with kids, but today, he was pure magic. It's no wonder he won. The joy on those kids' faces says it all." Avery chuckled clapping as the kids had surrounded him.
You smiled to yourself being proud of him.

" He truly embodied the spirit of Santa. I've never seen someone connect with the kids like that before. It was a sight to behold." You spoke making Jungkook and Avery agree.

After all ,

Taehyung's sincere effort and wholehearted engagement won the children's hearts, securing him the most votes and clinching the Santa contest, much to everyone's surprise, including Jimin's.