First Snow

First Snow; First Love

"Jongin, everyone's going out to play. Are you coming along?" Minseok asked the said boy. Jongin had been sitting by the big window that overlooked the front yard, which was covered in a thick, white sheet of snow since he caught sight of the falling crystals. Winter had to be the children's favorite season, for they could step out of the orphanage; to play in the white-sheet setting and build snow mans. Everyone adored the cold weather; all except Jongin.

"No thanks hyung. I'll pass." Jongin said with a bittersweet smile. Minseok sighed, but patted him on the head softly before joining the other children who were currently putting on their winter-clothing. Jongin shifted his eyes towards the coat stand, eyes full of envy as he saw their calm and smiling faces.

Why can't I be that brave, he asked himself.

Jongin was currently suffering from a terrible disease, one called 'lack of confidence'.  He was afraid of stepping out of the orphanage, simply because the world outside the four walls of the orphanage didn't seem so inviting to the boy. He found comfort in the place for it gave him a sense of security; something that had to develop over a long period of time. Since his birth, Jongin never had the chance to experience the things we like to call 'love' and 'family'.

In  his young, innocent eyes, the orphanage was the only place that had accepted him; and so he vowed to never leave the place. But ever since he caught sight of sparkling crystals falling from the sky, Jongin's curiosity of the outside world grew, but he still had no intentions of stepping out into the icy atmosphere.

His friends in the orphanage had tried countless times, convincing Jongin that playing in the snow was fun; and that it was the highlight of the year, but the stubborn boy still refused, saying that he was very comfortable with just sitting by the window and watching the others play.

"But you'll never get to experience the snow. It's a wonderful feeling Jonginnie, and everyone deserves to see and feel snow." Minseok once told him, and hearing those words, Jongin did feel like he was missing out on something so wonderful. But he was still young, and he knew somehow, he would grow out of his fear and face the world.

What he did not expect, however, was his opportunity arriving so soon. Too soon. 

When Bora, the helper at the orphanage, announced that her nephew would be coming to visit them; the tanned boy became excited, just because it meant meeting a new friend.

She told the children about her nephew; whom she described as a very caring and thoughtful boy; one having a very big and generous heart. Everyone was anticipating his visit, especially a certain sun-kissed boy.

And the day finally came.

It was the day before Christmas, and the orphanage was decorated beautifully; with colourful lights placed by the windows, delicious food placed on a long table which could seat all of the children, and a big Christmas tree, which was decorated with colourful ornaments and a shiny star right at the top.

Everyone was wearing white and light blue-coloured clothes, since the theme for their Christmas celebration was 'A White Christmas'. Jongin was wearing white jeans and a white button-up shirt, looking like a angel. Everyone was feeling happy and excited, since celebrations like these came rarely, and they were very fortunate that so many people helped out with the food and decorations.

Jongin and Minseok were busy snacking on the food when the doorbell rang, and Bora entered hand-in-hand with a doe-eyed boy, wearing all-white clothes and holding a big, stuffy bag. He was smiling so widely at everyone, with his eye big and sparkly, attracting everyone's attention, especially Jongin's.

"Everyone, this is Kyungsoo. He's come to give everyone presents!" Bora happily said, as she led Kyungsoo to the middle of the room, where the Christmas tree had been placed.