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At the Smith Villa

Chris was in the living room playing with his dog cuddles. Until his mom walked in and told him the news. "Guess what sweetheart!" She rejoiced, "What?" Chris smiled, "I just got a call from BaekHyeon's mom and she said we are invited to this year's Christmas ball." So told him, "I've always wanted to go to one, but you're father always had other plans for us. So I'm excited right now!" She said with a big smile on her face.

Chris nervously chuckled, "That's great Mom, but do I have to go?" He asked, "Of course sweetheart, I'm about to call my stylist right now. We're going to wear matching outfits!" Cheered, "But the Christmas ball is like in 3 months ma," he remarked, "The sooner the better sweetheart, I'm going to call your brothers, sister, and dad right now." She smiled as she looked at her phone.

"Also if you don't want to attend the ball because of the situation between you and BaekHyeon, you can just stay at the hotel while we're there." She told him, "what can't I just stay here alone?" She asked, "Because you can't." She replied as she walked away.

Chris sighed as he looked down at cuddles and petted him. "Man cuddles, I'm finally learning how to live without him but now I have to see him again." He pouted, cuddles braked as she licked his face. "You're right cuddles, the ball is in three months I'd be over him by then." He remarked smiling. "Let's go for a walk girl," he smiled as he got up, and placed her leash on, winter was approaching so he slipped his hoodie on and they went for the walk.

As they walked in the park the sun was shining and it was the perfect weather. "Do you want to go and playgirl?" The said patting her, cuddles braked and Chris smiled. Chris walked over to the dog center and took cuddles off her leash, as he watched her run off someone suddenly tapped him.

"Chris?" The person said, "huh?" Chris turned looking confused. "Omg it's really you!" The guy rejoiced, "Excuse me, do I know you?" He asked, "Oh sorry my bad, it's me Jamie we went to middle school together remember." He stated, Chris awkwardly smiled and shook his head. "Understandable, you never really paid attention to anyone except for Baekhyeon. But I was the guy who asked you out on Valentine's Day and you rejected me." He stated, "Oh, now I remember." He remarked, "You look a lot different from middle school," he pointed out, "We tend to change during high school." He chuckled.

The two found themselves walking through the park together and talking.

"So how is your relationship with Baekhyeon?" He asked, "Oh, I and him never dated." He told him, "Really!" He gasped. Chris slightly smiled and nodded. "I planned on asking him out after we finished eighth grade but he moved to Korea during that summer. But we're still very close, it's like he never moved," he stated. "How about now, have you tried telling him how you feel?" Jamie asked, Chris chuckled. "I did but didn't end well, after telling him he completely just ghosted me."

"Guess what they say is true, you can't always have what you want," Jamie stated.

As Chris and Jamie continued their stroll through the park, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Jamie shared stories about his life, and Chris found comfort in the easy camaraderie that had been absent from his recent interactions.

As they reached a bench, Chris couldn't help but reflect on his past with Baekhyeon. "It's been a tough few months," he admitted, "but I'm trying to move on and focus on myself."

Jamie nodded understandingly. "Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, and we have to adapt. Maybe there's someone out there who'll appreciate you in a way Baekhyeon couldn't."

Chris smiled, appreciating the sincerity in Jamie's words.

"How about we exchange numbers, I really like talking to you. Who would have known a guy who always kept to himself would be so goofy and funny." He said taking out his phone and handed to Chris, "Thank you for laughing at my corny jokes." He smiled as he dialed his number in and saved it. They stared at each other for what seemed like hours but they quickly looked away and busted out laughing.

"It was really nice seeing you Jamie," he smiled. "Let's meet again," Jamie suggested, Chris smiled and nodded his head. They hugged and walked their separate ways.

In the following weeks, Chris and Jamie's newfound friendship continued to blossom. They exchanged messages, shared more laughter, and discovered common interests. Jamie's easygoing nature and genuine friendship became a source of comfort for Chris as he navigated the complexities of healing from his past with Baekhyeon.

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At BaekHyeon and Jihoon's apartment in Jihoon's room.

"My older brother is back in town, and I'm pretty sure he's going to show up in a few minutes." Jihoon said putting on a shirt, "What, you're older brother is coming!?" Minji gasped as he rose up, "he didn't tell me but I know his coming, that's his thing showing up without a notice." He told him, "What do I do?" Minji panicked, "Nothing, you don't need to impress my brother." He stated.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. "That's him, just get dressed." He told him as he walked out of the room.

Minji quickly straightened his clothes, trying to appear composed despite the sudden surprise of meeting Jihoon's older brother, Jaehoon. As he exited Jihoon's room, he could hear the exchange between the brothers in the living room.

"Hyung, you're back!" Jihoon exclaimed with a grin, and Jaehoon ruffled his brother's hair affectionately. "Yeah, just for a short visit. Who's your friend?" Jaehoon asked, nodding toward Minji.

Minji greeted Jaehoon nervously, "Hello, I'm Minji. Nice to meet you, sir."

Jaehoon gave Minji a warm smile, "No need for formalities, Minji. Just call me Jaehoon. It's good to meet Jihoon's friends. I hear you've been keeping him company."

Minji blushed slightly, "Well, we've been hanging out." "We're dating Hyung, his not just a friend." Jihoon chimed in, "his my sweetheart." He added as he pulled Minji closer to him.

Jaehoon raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "Oh, is that so?" he said with a playful smirk. "Well then, Minji, it's not just good to meet you; it's good to officially welcome you to the family. Jihoon has always been a bit secretive about these things."

Minji blushed even more, feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "Thank you, Jaehoon. It's a pleasure to be here."

As the trio settled in the living room, Jihoon and Minji shared stories about their time together, while Jaehoon listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with teasing remarks. It didn't take long for Minji to sense the strong bond between the brothers.

"Oh yeah I almost forgot, mom needs you to see you tonight so you can get measured. Cause she wants to go all out for this year's Christmas ball." Jaehoon told him, "I'm not going," Jihoon stated, "I don't make the rules little man, you also don't want mom to come here and drag you out herself." He warned, "What's a Christmas ball?" Minji asked looking at both of them. "It's a party my grandparents throw every year, and it's very dumb," Jihoon replied.

"He says that but he knows he likes attending it," Jaehoon chuckled, "last year he hoo-" Jihoon jumped across the couch and covered his brother's mouth. "That's enough from you Hyung!" He told him, "Let him finish his sentence," Minji stated, "There's no need, all he says is no sense." Jihoon nervously smiled as he got up and dragged his brother to the door. "See you tonight hyung!" He waved at him and slammed the door in his face. "What was that all about?" Minji asked standing up from the couch, Jihoon nervously smiled and ran over to him.

"Nothing you need to worry about baby, let's get you something to eat." He told him as he grabbed him and took him to the kitchen.

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