Chapter 82: The Smoldering Fuse

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And then, he nods.

"Yeah," Jin Oppa smiles, voice quiet but certain.

"We really are."

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The Christmas tree lights flicker gently, casting golden hues over the remnants of the night-wrapping paper crumpled in little piles, half-empty mugs of cocoa sitting forgotten, the echoes of laughter still hanging in the air.

Yeontan and Wacha are curled up together, their tiny forms rising and falling in peaceful synchrony

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Yeontan and Wacha are curled up together, their tiny forms rising and falling in peaceful synchrony.

And all I can feel is this-this warmth, this overwhelming, quiet knowing.

This is home.

Joon shifts beside me, stretching his arms with a soft groan. "Alright," he murmurs, voice thick with the emotions still lingering in his chest. "I think it's time we call it."

There's a murmur of agreement, tired but content.

Slowly, we begin to move-gathering wrapping paper, tucking gifts into corners, draping blankets over the couch.

But no one rushes to leave just yet.

Then, Tae suddenly stands, arms stretched wide. "Hug circle."

Yoongi groans. "No."

But Taehyung is already grabbing him, wrapping him in an exaggerated, swaying embrace.

One by one, we follow.

Joon pulls me in first, his arms strong and warm, chin resting on my head for just a second longer than necessary. I sigh into his hold, pressing closer.

Then Tae, still flushed from earlier, clutches onto both of us, slotting himself between me, Jin Oppa and Namjoon like it's where he belongs.

And then Yoongi-who doesn't say a word, doesn't make a grand gesture-lets himself be tugged in too, his arms tightening around us, grounding us all.

The silence is thick. Warm. Full of something I can't name.

I'm the first to break it.

"Merry Christmas," I whisper, pressing a kiss to Oppa's cheek.

"Merry Christmas," he murmurs back, squeezing me close.

Joon presses a lingering kiss to my hair. "Merry Christmas, my loves."

Tae grins, though his voice wobbles just a little. "Merry Christmas, hyungs and noona."

Yoongi sighs, but there's no real edge to it.

"Yeah, yeah. Merry Christmas, you sentimental idiots."

Taehyung-dramatic as always-grabs Yoongi's face and kisses him full on the mouth. Slow. Deep. Warm.

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