Archive of Our Own

The knitting needle turned, forcing the thread to enter the stitch, or tried to at least, and then pushed away the new formed stitch on the right needle— except that the left needle's stitch was released too, and Jongho didn't notice it until the next stitch, and he groaned.

"It's the fifteenth time!"

"Darling, I think you should give up, you're not suited for knitting."

Jongho glared at his mother, and the woman frowned, disliking the defiance in her son's eyes.

"I will do it," he groaned, "there's no way I can't do it!"

"You're trying since you're a child, and it never changed. Give up."

"I agree with your mother."

"You know that Mom is always right," his little brother shrugged, "knitting is for women and gays, anyway."

Jongho glared at his brother, and so did his mother this time, disliking both the tone and the words he used. That kind of comments was the reason why Jongho never came out completely to his family. His mother knew, and was accepting; but his father and his brother? Assholes.

"Knitting is for everyone," the woman corrected him, "well, except your brother apparently. And God only knows how long I tried to teach him."

Maybe it's because you're a bad teacher, he thought bitterly. And because he was the only left-handed person of the family, and she didn't care trying to see his point of view— not that any of them cared, everything was done for right-handed people here.

"I'm sure I can do it," he defended himself, "I'll be able to knit a pullover soon!"

"I want to see that," she laughed, "a Christmas pullover."

"Challenge accepted!"

"If you don't succeed, you'll do whatever I want."

"Deal. And if I succeed, you'll cook me my favorite meal."

"Deal."

"We already know the result. Search for something you want him to do, honey."

The least Jongho could say was that none of them were cheering on him. It was fine, he was accustomed, especially when it came to knitting. He had always been fascinated by the art: since he was a child, he had enjoyed his grandmother's knitting, and the few clothes she had made her— so when she died, he had been full of regrets of not asking her how to do that, especially because she was a left-handed person too; and his mother had tried so many times to teach him that she gave up.

At now twenty-five, Jongho wanted to try again, but to no avail. There must be a way, though, the art of knitting wasn't only for right-handed people, and he would prove it! Surely there were videos on the internet to explain to left-handed people how it worked.

"Well, given that everyone is cheering on me," he pursed his lips, "I'm going back home. I work early tomorrow."

It was his first day and he didn't want to be late or for his colleagues to have a bad impression of him right at the start. So he said goodbye properly to his family, and went back home. His place was essentially empty given that he just moved in, but he already liked it: it was quiet, Jongho could do whatever he wanted— finally he was free of walking naked!— and his family wasn't here. He couldn't ask for better; maybe a pet, or a boyfriend… but one step at once! Jongho had others things to think about first.

Jongho took a shower, stretching his body while doing so, thinking that he would need to go back to the gym one day to keep his toned body. Then, once he was clean and in his pajama, he took his computer, his knitting needles and sat on the sofa, determined to find anything that could help him. He taped on the search bar "knitting for left-handed people" and barely five videos appeared on his feed. Did they hate him so much?

The first video was too fast, and the high pitched voice of the woman hurt his ears so he passed it. The second and the third video were slower, but the person managed to speak ten minutes between two knits, so he just lost patience. The fourth one had none sound at all, to the point that Jongho stared at it in disbelief, regretting his life choices already. There was still one video, and Jongho prayed for it to be good, or else, he would go crazy— he couldn't even ask his friends for help: Seonghwa knew how to crochet but disliked knitting. As for Yunho and Mingi… Yeah, now, it would be like asking a linguist to do maths. So, desperate, Jongho clicked on the vid and prayed with all his strength… and he froze. The person who made the video was a man, judging by the wonderful deep voice— and his hands? Damn, they were beautiful, and he could see the veins, and— and he wasn't focusing on the video at all! He took a deep breath and put the video back at the start; at least if the explanations weren't good, he would still have something else to watch…

But fortunately for him, the explanations were great, even better than what he thought, and when finally, he was able to knit his first row, albeit with the very easy stitches, he almost jumped out of joy!

"Thank you for your help, KnittingDobermann!"

So happy, he decided to follow his channel, and to continue his rows, to train on what he was actually learning while watching his other videos. He noticed that there were video for both right and left handed people, and Jongho wondered if he just reversed his video, but a small look at his bio told him that the man was actually ambidextrous. Good. He watched many videos, even ones way too difficult for him, making his rows of knit stitches on both the right and the wrong sides. It was eleven pm when he finally stopped, surprised that he had been focused not only on his knitting but also on the video— the man's deep voice was also very soothing, and somehow, Jongho felt at peace now, even though he should be angry against himself for going to bed so late. But, as he closed his eyes, he thought that it worth the effort.

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

Butterflies were flying in his tummy as Jongho nervously stood in front of the building where he worked from today on. His bag on his back, hands in his suit's pockets, he looked rather calm to anyone giving him a glance, but deep inside, Jongho was very nervous, to the point that he wanted to throw up. Becoming a lawyer had always been his dream, and now that he was one, he wondered if he was really fit for that. He took a deep breath. Okay Jongho, calm down. You can do it. With that last thought, he entered the building. Inside, he approached the first person he saw, a man shorter than him with black hair and glasses on his nose. He seemed lost in thoughts, and at first, Jongho hesitated to bother him, but suddenly, the man raised his head, and when he looked at him, he smiled.

"You must be Choi Jongho?"

Surprised, Jongho nodded.

"I'm Kim Hongjoong, I've been charged to show you around," then he added, showing the piece of papers in his hands, "sorry, I'm on a difficult case, I was reviewing it."

"I'm sorry for the bother, Kim-nim," he bowed.

"Don't worry for that, and please, drop the honorifics. You mustn't be much younger than me, you can call me Hyung."

"Thank you, Hongjoong-hyung."

Hongjoong's smile grew wilder and he asked him to follow him. And Jongho discovered his new place of work: it was large and comfortable, with a break room where a fridge, a TV, tables, chairs, and even sofa had been placed here and there. He also met a few of his colleagues, men and women who were busy but greeted him with big smiles nevertheless.

"We're always paired in two by office, and for cases too," Hongjoong explained as they entered a new office where two lawyers were bickering, "those are Wooyoung and San, but please, don't mind them, do as if they didn't exist."

"We heard you!"

"That's so mean!?"

Hongjoong didn't answer them, and forced Jongho to leave the office before any of the three men could greet each other— until the door was opened and both Wooyoung and San caught Hongjoong to hug him.

"You understand why, now," he sighed.

After that, Wooyoung and San greeted Jongho properly, before kissing a last time Hongjoong and going back in their office. Jongho blinked.

"So, like I was saying, we're always paired with someone else. I'm with Minju, you met her earlier."

Right, he remembered a woman sat alone in an office, eyes staring at the screen of her computer. So it had been Hongjoong's office too.

"You will be with Yeosang," Hongjoong continued, "you'll see, he's a sweet man."

They stopped in front of an office were a nameplate was set on the door. Kang Yeosang, Jongho's partner from now on. Soon, his own name would be settle under the man's nameplate. He really hoped that he was sweet, because Jongho was so nervous and afraid of doing something bad that he would need all the patience of the world. Hongjoong rasped his knuckles against the door, then entered.

"Yeosang-ah, are you free?"

Jongho didn't hear the answer, but he didn't need to given that Hongjoong told him to enter the room, and the young man braced himself for the fateful meeting with his future cases partner. The office was spacious, but if he believed the desk, the inhabitant was messy. The room wasn't very personal, and maybe it was on purpose given that the other lawyer surely expected a partner in the future, but it made Jongho shiver because it felt too impersonal— he hoped they would be able to give more happiness in the room, because they were going to spend a lot of time there… He found a plant on the window edge, though, and it was a positive thing at least.

"Yeosang-ah, this is Choi Jongho. Starting from today, he will work here, with you."

Jongho bowed politely before looking at the man: he mustn't be too older than him, with dark hair tied in a small ponytail. Honestly speaking, the man was definitely the most handsome one he had met in his life, and he was hot too, with the sleeves of his white shirt rolled on his arms, showing muscles and veins that would have made Jongho drool in another situation.

"Nice to meet you, Choi-ssi," the man stood up and bowed.

His voice was so deep that it made Jongho blink, not expecting such a difference between his face and the low voice. It seemed very familiar too, but he couldn't pinpoint why, so he ignored it for now.

"I have work," Hongjoong continued, "Minju is waiting for me, so I'll leave you two alone. If there's any problem, you can ask me, or Wooyoung or San, they'll be eager to help you."

The man smiled then disappeared, closing the door behind him, leaving Jongho alone with Yeosang. Jongho didn't dare to move, on the moment, until Yeosang pointed at the desk in front of his, stating that it was his and that he could decorate it as much as he wanted.

"Are you sure?" And when the man tilted his head, he added, "I mean, you don't seem to like decoration…"

"Oh, that? As you can see, I'm the kind of messy person," he chuckled, "if I had a decoration, it wouldn't be visible." He smiled. "But you can decorate your desk, or the office as much as you want. As long as it's not something improper, I mean."

"Or you'll sue me?" He smirked.

Yeosang chuckled.

"I won't hesitate. I know goods lawyers here."

The man seemed to have the same humor than him, and it was a relief. He approached the desk, took his computer, his pens, and his notebooks, and then… looked around. Because he had nothing to do. He looked at Yeosang who was focused back on his screen, but then, the older looked at him, and smiled.

"Are you ready? I wouldn't mind a little bit of help with this one."

"Of course!"

After that, Jongho was given a large file that he had to read— 'take your time, there's a lot'. And a lot, there was because it took Jongho all the morning to read everything, and he took a few notes, things he deemed important on the case. When noon arrived, they left the office, Yeosang with a bag in hand, and he told him:

"If you don't have a meal, there's a convenience store near here. We have a microwave in the breaking room."

"Thank you, Hyung!"

He bowed and hurried up towards the convenience store, cursing himself for forgetting his lunchbox— but it was fine, he wouldn't repeat the same mistake twice! He bought something easy to eat, then went back to the building, and walked towards the breaking room; he found the microwave, warmed up his meal, then searched for a place to sit at. His eyes fell on Yeosang, and he blinked when he noticed that the man was knitting, and so fast that Jongho didn't think it was possible. He was sat one of the sofa, with Wooyoung, San, and Hongjoong around, and Jongho didn't want to bother them, to impose his presence— yet, he was called by Hongjoong. When Yeosang turned his face towards, he smiled and patted the place beside him, inviting him to join them, and who was Jongho to refuse? So, he sat beside the man, and started eating his lunch, sometimes glancing at the knitting happening beside him; he didn't know what Yeosang was doing, but the man was clearly focused on it, not even listening to Wooyoung cackling close to them. And then, San asked him a question— on the moment, Jongho thought that the lawyer would get angry because he was bothered and probably losing what he was doing, but Yeosang answered sweetly.

"Jongho-ya?"

Jongho raised his eyes towards Hongjoong and tilted his head to the side.

"We were thinking to go to the bar after work, to celebrate your arrival, do you want to? We won't do a think if you don't feel comfortable enough yet for that."

"Oh, no, it's fine," he smiled, "I'll actually like that."

It was a small lie, because he knew that he got easily overwhelmed in bars, but it was just once, and for him after all.

"Perfect," Hongjoong nodded before turning towards Yeosang, "Will it be alright with you? I know that you use to keep your niece home on Monday."

"It should be alright," Yeosang stated, "my mother wanted to take her, for once. I'll let her know."

"Okay, good. So, let's all gather around six pm at the entrance of the building."

They all agreed, and Jongho was finally able to finish his meal, before they all went back to their office. The afternoon went by so fast that when six pm arrived, Jongho thought it was only two pm. The two men, focused on the case at hands, didn't notice the hour, and it was Wooyoung who came searching for them, a grin on his face. The two men blinked, then put away their things and followed their colleague towards the entrance where everyone was already waiting for them. Jongho apologized, embarrassed, but they only smiled, and soon, they walked towards the closest bar.

Sat between Wooyoung and San, Jongho was trying to focus his attention on the conversation between them and Hongjoong, but his ears always caught another conversation, and it was hard to focus correctly; between that and the music, it felt overwhelming. In all honesty, Jongho hadn't wanted to come, but he had felt that it would be very impolite to refuse the invitation, especially because it was done for him, to welcome him properly in the group. He just dreamed of his home, his pajama, and his knitting project— he still didn't know how he would manage to make a pullover for Christmas, but he would do it! Jongho took a sip of his drink, then looked around. His eyes fell on Yeosang, staring into the void; it was obvious that his partner wished he wasn't there either, and Jongho felt bad for that. San stood up, and so did Wooyoung, and the two men disappeared somewhere in the bar— nobody except Jongho noticed it, and he forgot about it when he looked once again at the older man in front of him.

"Hyung, is everything alright?"

Yeosang's eyes moved and looked at him.

"I need fresh air."

And then, the man stood up and exited the bar. Worried, Jongho stood up and followed him. He found him against the wall of the building, fingers massaging his temples, and he repeated:

"Is everything alright?"

"Sorry, it was overwhelming," Yeosang answered, "I'm not accustomed to these kind of places."

"You seem to be someone who likes to be in quiet places," and when Yeosang blinked and looked at him, he added quickly, "I didn't mean it in a bad way. I enjoy silence too."

"I usually keep my niece and she's far from being quiet," he chuckled, "but yes, I really enjoy when silence is surrounding me."

"I understand, I like it too. I've never been so relieved than the day I finally was able to leave my parents."

"I feel you on that," Yeosang chuckled, "even if my mother would have preferred that I lived with my sister rather than alone," he sighed.

He scratched his neck, as if he was embarrassed by that fact, and Jongho decided to ignore it and change the subject: the last thing he wanted was to embarrass the very man he was working with.

"You seem pretty skilled in knitting. You must doing that for long."

Yeosang blinked and tilted his head, his long hair grazing his neck and the red birthmark near his eyes.

"Pretty skilled is maybe too much, but I learned when I was a child," he explained, "my sister refused to learn, so my mother decided that I should learn instead."

"… Did she force you?"

"At first, yes, but I started to appreciate the activity. Do you… Do you think it's strange?"

"No," Jongho answered, "I mean, I used to watched my grandmother knit, and I tried to learn for years."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but my mom isn't the best teacher, and given that I'm left-handed… Well, she didn't have the patience either. But! I managed to learn the garter stitch yesterday evening!" And he was so proud of that, damn! "My next goal is the purls, and the stockinette stitch."

He was going little by little, it was better like that. He avoided telling him his stupid bet with his mother, because he was pretty sure that if Yeosang learned of that, his beautiful smile would disappear and he would tell him to give up. Making a pullover was certainly too difficult for a beginner like him, but Jongho was no man to give up.

"You're left-handed?" Yeosang repeated, "I'm ambidextrous, and I knit more like a left-handed person, so if you want, I could help you."

"Huh, really?"

"Sure. Bring your needles and your yarn tomorrow, I'll teach you the purls and stockinette stitches."

"Th-Thank you, Hyung!"

Wasn't it a chance? First, the very good videos, and now, his own colleague would teach him, and he was sure that the man would be a better teacher than his mother— nobody could be worse than her, anyway. Wait a minute… He's ambidextrous, can knit, and his deep voice… his hands… Yeosang couldn't be KnittingDobermann, right? It would be such a coincidence if he were. Jongho opened his mouth, but the words refused to leave his lips, so he asked instead:

"What are you knitting? I mean, from what I saw at noon, it seemed to be a big project."

"Oh, that? A carpet."

"A… Huh?"

"A carpet," Yeosang repeated, giggling, "I thought that it could be good in our office, so I started it. But I work on it only during my breaks, or at night before going to bed, so it's taking a lot of time to finish."

A carpet. Somehow, Jongho never thought that he could knit a carpet; his home would need one, especially close to his bed, or under his desk. It was a good idea. He should have bet a carpet instead of a pullover.

"You look surprised."

"It's just… I never thought about carpets."

"Oh, you can do a lot of things," he smiled, "carpets, hand towels, socks, pullovers, skirt, baskets, phone's covers… And the usual scarves, beanies and gloves, as well as other things."

"I always saw my grandmother and my mother do clothes, I never thought about carpets," Jongho repeated, and Yeosang laughed, before patting his shoulders.

"Welcome to the wonders of knitting!"

"So, for stockinette stitches, it's a row of knit, then a row of purl. For purls, you put the yarn in front, and instead of passing the left needle under the right one, you pass it above, like that—" experimented fingers passed the left needle between the knit, above the right needle, "and then, you yarn over like this—" the yarn was surrounding the left needle now, "and at last, you make it pass through the knit."

The left needle moved smoothly but slowly too for Jongho to appreciate the move, then the yarn was passed in the knot of the knit. Once the new formed knit — or rather purl — was on the left needle, the one on the right needle was released. Jongho blinked, and smiled awkwardly.

"What kind of sorcery is this?"

Yeosang chuckled as he gave him back his needles, and asked him to try. The tip of his tongue between his lips, Jongho was focused on his knitting, following Yeosang's words as he tried. When he yarn over, he pulled his left needle, too fast, and he pouted. Yeosang chuckled.

"It will go easier," he comforted him, "try again."

Jongho obeyed, trying to contain the shiver he felt when Yeosang gave him the order with that voice of him. He passed the needle, yarn over, and missed again the knit. He cursed, but before he was able to say a word, Yeosang put his hands on his, and he guided him.

"Like this."

His warm hands guided Jongho's colder ones during the process until the knit was done.

"You don't need to go so fast, take your time, make sure that it went through it," Yeosang stated, "you'll go faster when you'll be accustomed."

In all honesty, Jongho didn't really looked at what he had done, his eyes focused on his arms, the visible veins tempting it— then the colorful bracelet around his wrist, and the smell of his perfume surrounding him.

"I… Okay, I'll try again."

Yeosang hummed, pleased, and Jongho focused on his knitting. This time, he did it slowly, and it worked. He smiled, and he kept doing the first row of purls under Yeosang's careful gaze. When it was over, he turned his work, and made a row of knits, before turning the work once again and doing a row of purls.

"You got it," Yeosang clapped his hands, "look, the stockinette stitches are showing!"

Indeed, the wrong side of the work was now full of stitches made with the purls, and Jongho couldn't help but feel very proud of his work. Garter stitches were good, but it was so monotone to only do that; now that he could knit and purl, he could make the stockinette stitches.

"Thank you, teacher!" He beamed.

Yeosang chuckled.

"You can create something, now. What are you going for?"

"I don't know yet. Maybe a scarf?"

He would like to start the pullover right away, but he knew that he was too beginner for that, and Yeosang wouldn't like this answer. Well, he didn't seem to like the scarf idea if he believed his grimace, and it confused Jongho.

"What?"

"Scarves are long, and it tends to get… boring," Yeosang sighed, "My mother wanted me to do that for my first work, and it pissed me off so much that I did a neckerchief."

"How did she react?"

"She laughed, and told me that it was the right set of mind. You do whatever things you want, even if it's too difficult for you. You'll always learn something ahead, even if you fail."

"… So why do you refuse scarf?"

"You can do it if you really want it, but I bet you'll either give up in one week, or you'll take six months to finish it, because you will start something new."

"… Starting something new!?"

"I have two or three pairs of every length of needles possible…"

"One day, he brought the four projects he was working on," Wooyoung sighted, not raising his eyes from his phone, "and he chose whatever he wanted to do on that day."

"Also, don't accompany him in yarn shops. You'll spend there hours, and you'll see him spend his salary on them," San continued, cleaning his mouth after finishing his coffee.

"Hey, it's not true!" Yeosang pouted.

"Right, it was ten percent of it," San rolled his eyes and Jongho's eyes opened wide because ten percents were a lot! "And I even bought a few for me."

"Oh, do you knit?"

"I tried, never again," San grimaced, and Wooyoung cackled, "Hyung taught me how to sew, though."

"Oh, Hongjoong-hyung sews?"

"Yes, and he's good at it."

Jongho didn't imagine that Hongjoong could sew, but again, when he first met Yeosang, he never thought that he knitted: they were the embodiment of not judging people by what they wore.

"Honestly," Wooyoung started, raising his eyes, "I'm glad Yeosang-ah found someone who matches his knitting freak."

"Jung Wooyoung, when I'll catch you…!"

Wooyoung cackled, before standing up and leaving with a "see you later". San followed him, and soon, it was Yeosang and Jongho's turn to go back to work: the noon break was over, and the afternoon one would be around three pm. They were supposed to go back to work, they were on a difficult case for Jongho's first, and he knew that he should focus on it, but he still hadn't asked his question, and so, he took the opportunity of them being alone and not at work yet to ask.

"Hyung, can I ask you a last thing before we go back to work."

"Sure," Yeosang smiled.

He always smiled. Except when he was focused on their case, Jongho never saw him with another expression than a smile. It had only be two days, but didn't it hurt to always smile?

"Do you happen to make videos for knitting?" He asked and he added: "I mean, on Sunday, I found a very good channel for left-handed people and the voice and—" Your hands. "And the fact you're both ambidextrous match so…"

If he believed how Yeosang's smile disappear so suddenly, it was definitely a subject that the man didn't expect.

"Please, don't tell anyone, or it's over for me."

"Huh?"

"They already all think that I'm a freak," he sighed, "it took them time to accept that I knit, and they often made fun of me, so imagine if they learn that I also make tutorial videos."

"I'm surprised from San-hyung, Wooyoung-hyung, and Hongjoong-hyung."

"Not them, fortunately. But the others… Especially the men."

"Let me guess: it's for women and gays?" And given Yeosang's expression, he was right, "my brother is the same. I promise that I won't tell anyone, then…"

"Thank you."

Yeosang seemed relieved and Jongho felt bad. It shouldn't be normal to be judged for a hobby you have— hobbies weren't gendered, fuck the society!

"Still, is it okay if I use them?"

"It's here for that," Yeosang chuckled.

Good, Jongho thought, it meant he would learn easily and more the next few days and months.

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

The shop was filled with so much people that it gave Jongho a headache. He groaned, making chuckle Seonghwa who chose ingredients and put them in the baskets.

"So, how is work?" His friend asked, "It's been… two months now, right? Is everything alright?"

"It is," Jongho answered a tad absentmindedly, "my colleagues are great."

"Oh right. One of them knits too?"

"Yeah. Yeosang-hyung is skilled, and helps me a lot."

"Does he know about your stupid bet with your mother?"

"I feel like he will stop helping me if he does," Seonghwa chuckled and shook his head, "but I want to start it soon so I believe he will know it when I'll come with my knitting work this week."

"Will it be alright? I know you learned a lot of things the past two months, but a pullover, a Christmas one at that, is another level."

Seonghwa was right. In the two months he learned, Jongho had learned many new stitches, the different increases, the decreases, how to change colors, among many other things. He had knitted gloves, beanies— one of them being on Seonghwa's head right now—, scarves —Yeosang had been right, his first one became a neckerchief— and even a basket to put his things on his desk. He took the idea from Yeosang who made him one first when he noticed that Jongho always searched for his pens, and Jongho had loved the idea. But he wanted to go farther now.

"I think I'm ready," Jongho confessed, "I'm just… unsure on how to read a pattern or how long it will take me."

He muttered the last part. Would his mother accept the pullover if it wasn't finished yet by Christmas time?

"Reading a pattern mustn't be so hard. I can't really help you because crochet and knit's patterns aren't the same but I can try."

He could ask Yeosang too, but he was afraid of bothering him. He already asked so much, and while his colleague never seemed to mind it, deep inside, Jongho feared that he was just being polite.

"Other than the pattern, do you have everything to make your pullover?"

"Not yet."

"Do you want to go to the yarn shop once the groceries are put away?" Seonghwa asked with a smile, "We have time before preparing the meal for the party, and I must go there for my own crochet projects."

"Oh. It would be great. I'm still confused with everything."

He had taken the yarn he felt right when he made his small projects, but other than that, it was confusing. They paid for the groceries, then went to Seonghwa's apartment before going to the yarn shop. The one Seonghwa brought him to wasn't the one Jongho used to go: it was larger, with more yarns, and even fabrics for people sewing; there was everything needed for everyone and it was incredible. Jongho took notes of this shop, and looked around while Seonghwa approached the yarns. Except for them, there were five people in the shop, and one of them was a man standing in front of the various knitting needles. Jongho raised an eyebrow, and without a warning, he approached said man.

"Wondering if you should buy this tenth pair of the same length?"

Yeosang turned towards him, eyebrows raised and he answered:

"It will only be the third ones," he pursed his lips, and Jongho wanted to poke them with his own.

He wasn't surprised anymore by that kind of thoughts about his colleague: it started with the video that he kept watching to learn knitting things, then continued with the dreams… And maybe he enjoyed Yeosang's hands a lot. Sometimes, he watched the videos just to look at his hands, and when his colleague helped him when he taught him new stitches, his brain froze. The length of his fingers, the visible veins, beautiful, the warm of his skin… Jongho wished that his hands — and his needles — weren't the only parts of his body that Yeosang's godly hands touched.

"I plan to make a pullover," Yeosang continued, unaware of the turmoil inside Jongho.

"Oh really?" Then Jongho sighed, "Do you think it's too early for me?"

"I told you the first time, right? You can try anything, either it fails or not, but you'll always learn something."

"Oh. Because hm… I made a bet with my mother…" Yeosang raised an eyebrow, "she believed that I'll never be able to knit given that she was unable to teach me, and we bet that I should do a Christmas pullover."

"You could have bet something a tad… easier," Yeosang smiled and it was hard for Jongho to know if he was truly amused or angry, "can you take a basket?" He suddenly asked.

And without thinking, Jongho nodded and left towards the entrance before coming back with a basket. He had a small thought for Seonghwa on the way, but his friend was busy looking at the crochet accessories. Once he was back near Yeosang, his colleague threw inside the basket a measure tape, and various other accessories that Jongho had already seen him use, but never did himself, muttering a small "you'll need that" each time. Yeosang frowned and asked:

"Do you have a model in mind?"

"No. I didn't search yet."

"You came here without knowing what model and what kind of things you needed?" Yeosang pouted, "You can do something easy for starter, I guess. Just two colors, no need for drawing and all… You could add different stitches here and there instead…"

Jongho blinked because he didn't think that far and he felt a bit ashamed about it. Yeosang took his phone out of his pocket and started searching for something. It was when he showed various pullovers models that Jongho understood what he was doing, but each one seemed too difficult for him.

"Hm… What about this one then?"

It was a red pullover, with a green tree and a yellow stars above it. There were pompoms and tinsel too.

"I thought no drawing?" He asked, perplexed.

"I know, but this isn't too difficult, and the star is made apart," Yeosang explained, "and if you need help, I'm here too."

"… Did you already knit it? For you to know that about the star?"

"Maybe it was my first pullover project," Yeosang giggled.

Oh. Suddenly, the project was more interesting. It meant that it was doable, even for him, right? And even if he struggled, Yeosang would know how to help him with this one. So, he nodded, and Yeosang sent him the link to the pattern in their kakaochat, before they started to choose the right needles for it, and then, they turned towards the yarns. The most difficult part was to figure out if Jongho wanted to use the same kind of yarn as the pattern — he did — and how many balls he would need, as well as the colors. The last one was the easiest, even if they had to ask the employees if they had more red balls. Fortunately, they had, and soon, Jongho's basket was filled with many balls and many accessories.

"It should be enough," Yeosang stated, eyeing at the basket.

Jongho was also doing that, but not for the same reason. Having knitting as a hobby had a cost, and he would definitely feel it for this one.

"Are you going to steal the complete shop?" Someone asked and when Jongho turned towards them, he saw Seonghwa.

With a full basket too. He wasn't surprised coming from his friend, it was always like that: he bought many yarns balls, telling that it would be useful but so far, Jongho was sure that he used the same balls and the ones he bought because it could be useful"were put away in a special room.

"Maybe," Jongho smirked, "Seonghwa-hyung, let me introduce you to Yeosang-hyung, my colleague. Yeosang-hyung, this is Seonghwa-hyung, a friend."

"Just a friend now?" Seonghwa rolled his eyes, dramatically, "nice too meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," Yeosang answered politely, but somehow, Jongho couldn't help but notice that his friend seemed uncomfortable now.

Jongho was confused. Did something happened? Or maybe Yeosang didn't like meeting new people without being prepared? He knew that a few people were like that, and he wouldn't be surprised if it was the case with Yeosang. He was about to say something, but Yeosang beat him to it:

"I have to go, I'm glad we could spend time here together," the last part was said with a blush on his face, and Jongho blushed too, matching him; he heard a snort coming from Seonghwa but he ignored it, "if you have any problem, you can contact me. See you on Monday."

"Thank you for your help, Hyung, see you on Monday."

The man left, and it was then that Jongho noticed that he didn't buy whatever he had come for— and he felt bad for it. He sighed, and Seonghwa patted his shoulders.

"So, abandoning me to flirt with your colleague was clearly not the thing I expected from you."

"I didn't flirt with him. We were speaking knitting."

"Sure. With the way he looked at you, he definitely wanted to speak others things with you."

"Huh?"

"You didn't notice?"

"Notice what?"

Seonghwa deadpanned at him, then shook his head.

"Let's go pay."

"Hyung!? Tell me?"

"Nope. You're a desperate case at this point."

Jongho opened his mouth, but none sound came from it, and instead, he sighed and paid for his yarns and accessories— he tried not to think too much when he saw the price, but he could swear that his heart missed a few beats.

"So, did you start your pullover?"

"I made the star."

"You started with the star?"

"Yeah it seemed… easier and less overwhelming," Jongho sighed, "sorry, I read the pattern, but it felt too much on the moment."

"It's okay," Yeosang smiled, and Jongho couldn't help but tried to see what Seonghwa had seen a few days ago but to no avail, "it's a lot, especially for a first big project like that. I can help you separate it in small objectives, if you want."

"I must learn doing it alone," he pouted, "I just need quietness, and my days have been everything but quiet."

"Oh."

Yeosang seemed to ponder for a while, unaware that there was rice stuck to his chin. It made Jongho smile, and he cleaned him. If it bothered Yeosang, he didn't show it— maybe he was getting accustomed to such act from the youngest.

"You know…," Yeosang started slowly, "my family has a chalet in the mountain. I was planning to go this weekend, so if you want to come… It would be a pleasure."

Jongho blinked and if he had been aware of his surroundings at this very moment, he would have noticed how San, Wooyoung and Hongjoong raised their heads after Yeosang's sentence, eyes opened for San and Hongjoong, and a smirk for Wooyoung.

"Do you plan to murder me there?" He joked.

"If so, it would be very stupid of me to tell that in front of everyone," Yeosang answered, amused.

"Damn, you're bold!" Wooyoung exclaimed and he earned a glare that made him cackle.

Jongho tilted his head, wondering what Wooyoung meant but deciding that this man never had the right thought in mind, it was better to ignore him.

"If you don't mind, it would be a pleasure."

"Oh wait, won't it bother your boyfriend?"

"My what?"

"The one I met at the shop."

"… But Seonghwa-hyung is only a friend?"

"Huh? But he seemed upset when you told me that he was a friend…"

"Ah! That's because he's a childhood friend," Jongho sighed, "he's a drama queen, don't mind him. There's no boyfriend to worry about," he added, "nor girlfriend as a matter of fact."

"Oh. Oh okay. Then… I usually drive there at night, so we'll probably leave after work on Friday. Bring your things, and don't forget your knitting!"

"Noted!"

Yeosang smiled happily. Jongho tried not to dwell too much on the fact that he would be alone with Yeosang for a full weekend, in a chalet, with nobody and nothing to bother them. He would definitely survive it.

"So you're going in his family chalet to knit?"

The soja sauce of their meal was surrounding Mingi's mouth and Yunho laughed at the view he gave them. The man pouted and cleaned his mouth before continuing:

"You're going to knit only?"

"Yes. What else do you want us to do than that?"

"This is the man I met at the shop?"

Jongho turned towards Seonghwa. The man had a rabbit hairpin keeping his hair from falling into his eyes while he ate, and he poured himself a shot of soju. After that, he looked at Jongho with both eyebrow raised, waiting for his answer.

"Yes. Yeosang-hyung."

"The famous one," Yunho smirked.

"Yeah, no, you're not going to knit only," Seonghwa stated, "you're going to be fucked. Please, use condoms."

"Stop that!"

"Damn, being fucked in a chalet in the mountain… Right in front of a fireplace…" Mingi dreamed.

"With a man who looks at you as if you were the eighth wonder of the world," Seonghwa sighed, "I wish to find someone like that one day."

"He doesn't look at me like that."

"He does."

Jongho rolled his eyes, then drank his shot of soju. Seonghwa was wrong: Yeosang didn't look at him like that, and would never do it. They were just trying to make him fall in a big delusion, and Jongho wouldn't let them do.

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

Friday evening came so fast that Jongho wasn't sure that Thursday existed. The case they had been working on was difficult enough to keep their focus on it, to the point that their breaks weren't used to knit but to eat or have a hot drink fast, then going back to work. So, when their phones buzzed to tell them that their Friday was over, the two of them sighed of relief. Jongho stretched his body, while Yeosang was putting his things away, every piece of papers becoming a small stack. Since Jongho's arrival, Yeosang had made effort to stay organized with everything, but sometimes, this habit of him came back, and they could search for hour for the needed thing— but when it was an important case, trust Yeosang to know where each thing was.

They finally left their office, luggage in hand, and Jongho followed Yeosang until the parking of the building where they finally put everything in the trunk of Yeosang's car. Next, said car was on the roads towards the famous chalet in the mountain, under the night sky. They were listening to the radio, a mix of western songs and Korean ones, when Yeosang asked:

"So, did you already go to the mountain?"

"Yes. I use to snowboard when I go," Jongho answered, "and when I do, I go with my family."

"Yeah, me too. We take the opportunity to all gather at the chalet. And it's a lot of people," he sighed.

"Oh right, you have a niece if I remember well."

"Hmhm, my sister's daughter. She's cute but terribly noisy. Like Wooyoung," he chuckled, "So between her, my sister and her husband, and my parents… It's a lot of noise."

"Must be terrible to survive."

"You can't even know," he whispered, "and my mother is awaiting the day I bring someone too."

"Why are all mothers like that?" Jongho sighed, "Mine's bothering me and my brother for that."

They kept speaking about things and others, learning more about each other than what they did in the past two months. Now that he thought about it, they barely spoke outside of knitting, and when they did, it was only when Wooyoung, San, or Hongjoong started the subject. And it was thanks to them that Jongho fell in love with Yeosang little by little. When they arrived in the mountain, Yeosang lowered his speed, and Jongho tried not to look into the void— he never came or left from this place at night, and it was even more impressive than what it usually did. Yeosang kept his calm, though, and soon, the car stopped in the garage of a chalet. When they finally entered the place, luggage in hands, it was already ten pm. Yeosang helped Jongho to install himself in a guest room, then together, they went to the convenience store not too far to get a quick diner— they would do groceries the next day.

Once back at the chalet, they ate their diner, and Yeosang invited him to take a shower. When he left the bathroom, he found his colleague sat in the living room, his eyes looking right in front of him, definitely lost in thoughts. It made Jongho smile, and he slowly tapped on his friend's shoulder to get him back into reality. Yeosang left for his shower, and once it was done, they decided that it was time to go to sleep; and soon Jongho fell asleep.

"I think we bought too much."

Yeosang raised his eyes from what he was doing and looked at Jongho. He blinked and asked:

"Did we?"

"We bought for a full week."

Jongho looked at everything around them, and he was pretty sure that they wouldn't be able to eat everything in a small weekend, especially if they left the next day in the evening. Yeosang cocked his head to the side, his black hair tied in a ponytail grazing his neck— Jongho was able to enjoy Yeosang's birthmark even more now that his hair was out of the way. Between this and his adorable lisp, Jongho wasn't sure he would survive the two days.

"Sorry, I'm accustomed to have many people and to stay here for more than a weekend," he chuckled, "we can bring back home most of the things, it should be fine."

Jongho didn't think that he would bring back something home other than himself and his things, but it seemed he would. Well, he wouldn't need to think about what to eat once back home, at least. Once everything was put away, the two men went to the living room, and they both sat on the sofa, knit in hands. And then, they started. Or so, Jongho thought until he missed a few stitches, and he had to start over again. He pouted but didn't comment it, and glanced at Yeosang. The man was focused on his own knitting, a pullover too, the tip of his tongue passing through the barrier of his lips. Jongho bit his lips, trying to ignore the thoughts that were being formed in his mind, and went back into his own work. He finally was able to start the project properly, and now there was nothing else than his yarn, his needles, the pattern, and the warm presence of Yeosang. The silence was only broken by the sound of needle against needle… and the sudden curse coming from Yeosang. It surprised Jongho; he never heard his friend curse, and when he looked at him, the man was pouting.

"It's the first time that I see you lose a stitch. I didn't know that it was possible."

"It happens more often than what you think."

"Really?" Yeosang nodded. "And the curses too?" He smirked.

This time, Yeosang grimaced.

"I regret to inform you that knitting didn't make me more patient."

"Good to know that you're not perfect," he joked, but it made Yeosang frown, and it stopped him, "did I say something wrong?"

"Everyone says that I'm perfect," he started, "it's a tad annoying."

"I'm sorry."

"It's… No, I'm the one sorry. I shouldn't throw my frustration at you."

"Hyung, it's alright. I can understand that you hearing the same thing over and over is annoying. I won't tell you again."

"I'm everything but perfect," he whispered, "if I were… If I were, I wouldn't want to throw these needles away," he pouted.

Jongho laughed. After that, noon arrived, and they decided to cook. Once again, Yeosang proved that he wasn't perfect at all as he was a danger in the kitchen. Jongho thought that he would burn it many times, and he took his place before it was too late.

"How do you do when you're home?"

"Give a guess."

"You can't live of orders and convenience store's food only."

"I can, I'm doing it for years."

"I guess that I'll have to prepare your lunchbox from now on."

The words had left Jongho's mouth before he was able to think properly, and they both froze, staring at each other in disbelief. Fortunately, Yeosang was the first one to react:

"Don't offer me that or I'll take it for granted."

Jongho chuckled, ignoring how warm his cheeks felt, and that Yeosang himself was blushing. He shouldn't have done that kind of offer, it looked like he was trying to be more than his colleague, more than his friend— not that he would mind being more than that, but he was certain that Yeosang didn't want, and he answered that just to cut the awkward moment, and because he was very polite. They ate the meal Jongho prepared, and when it was done, Yeosang chuckled:

"I'm taking you on this offer, I wouldn't mind the lunchbox."

Jongho's sole answer was a gummy smile, a tad embarrassed because people usually didn't praise his cooking, so he always thought that it wasn't that good, or at least, good enough for everyone to eat. But Yeosang was someone who ate everything but self-made food, so maybe, he was exaggerating because he wasn't accustomed to meals prepared with love. They cleaned the dishes together, then went back to their knitting for the full afternoon. When dinner time came, it was once again Jongho who prepared the meal and once again, Yeosang praised his cooking. This time, they were too lazy to clean the dishes so they decided to leave for the next day. Instead, as it was starting to get cold, Yeosang started a fire in the fireplace, then put a very soft and warm blanket on the ground, and invited Jongho to sit here, before bringing two small tables, and coming back, minutes later, with two hot chocolate cups. They both blew it, sat in front of the fireplace, when Yeosang suddenly stated:

"Oops, I forgot to close the curtains."

"I'll do it," Jongho offered.

After all, he was the closest of the windows, so he stood up after putting his cup on the small table, then approached the curtains. But before he closed them, he blinked, looking through the window: something white was falling and he whispered:

"The first snow of the year…"

"Did you say something?" Yeosang asked.

"It's snowing."

"Oh."

The man stood up and approached him, looking through the window too. But instead of being happy like Jongho was—he loved snow— Yeosang frowned.

"I hope it won't snow too much or we'll have a problem."

"Like?"

"Being blocked here. One year, the first snow was so long and strong that I was blocked for a few days."

"How did you do?"

"I had to follow my lessons with a computer. Wooyoung was in the same course so he helped me and warned the teachers."

"You're fortunate that you had a computer and internet."

"Yeah. If anything happened with the snow now, we'll still be able to work. But let's hope it won't happen."

Jongho nodded, and they finally closed the curtains, before going back in front of the fireplace, with their hot chocolate and their knitting projects. It was quiet for a while, the two of them advancing their work slowly but surely. At one point, Jongho decided to take a break from it, and scrolled on his phone while Yeosang kept knitting. He didn't know how his colleague was able to do that for so long, but he supposed that he was accustomed to long sessions like that. He was on Pinterest, scrolling slowly, enjoying the beautiful images on it: he loved to do that, and taking inspiration from it, imagining things especially before going to bed, it helped him to fall asleep. Since he started knitting, though, his feed started to show knitting projects, and he just fell on one that made him smirk. He copied the link and sent it to Yeosang who raised an eyebrow when he heard his phone buzz. When he looked at it, though, he blinked then smirked, before asking:

"Is it a suggestion, Jongho? Do you want me to knit you a thong, now?"

"As if you would dare," Jongho laughed.

"Challenge accepted," the answer was, "I'll need the measurements. Take off your trousers."

"Huh what, no???"

"Yes."

"No?"

Yeosang was joking, right? He didn't truly want him to get rid of his trousers and take his measurements to knit a thong, right? Yet, the man put his project away and took his measure tape, looking Jongho from head to toe, and Jongho's opened his eyes wide. He was dead serious. Yeosang caught him, and Jongho tried to fight back, but fingers tickled him and he laughed because he was ticklish; and before he knew it, he was lying on the ground, a laughing mess trying to survive Yeosang's attacks. When the oldest finally stopped, they were both panting, their cheeks red, staring at each other, Yeosang atop Jongho, his fingers grazing the skin under his hoodie. If someone entered the chalet right now, they would find their position strange. Yeosang's eyes looked at him, before lowering slowly towards Jongho's lips, and going back to his eyes. With his right hand, he caressed Jongho's cheek, opened his mouth, but none sound came from it; yet, their face was close enough for Jongho to feel his breath against his lips now. Jongho's heart beat faster, but he didn't move, waiting.

"You should stop me…" Yeosang whispered.

"I don't want to stop you…"

Right after these words were pronounced, Yeosang brushed their lips together, and when he understood that Jongho was serious and didn't intend to stop him, he kissed him fully. Jongho reacted as soon as their lips crashes against each others, and he answered the kiss—the two men were now fighting for domination, but Jongho gave up fast, letting Yeosang do whatever he wanted, not before biting his inferior lips. Yeosang groaned, let his tongue brush Jongho's lips that parted away, allowing the intrusion. In the meantime, Yeosang's fingers were under Jongho's shirt, caressing the tan skin. Yeosang's lips moved to Jongho's nose, cheeks, and jaw, before slowly going down on his neck, tracing a line of kisses until his mole. He sucked the skin there, and Jongho moaned, as his shirt was soon away from him, letting his bare chest visible to his friend.

"Stop me."

"No."

Yeosang groaned, but Jongho could feel his smile on his skin as he lowered his lips on his collarbones before going slowly to his right nipple. He sucked the small bud, licked it, bit the skin around. Jongho couldn't help but moan, not even embarrassed by his reaction and the one of his body. When Yeosang took care of the second nipple, he put his arms around his neck, passed his hands through the collar of his shirt, reaching for the warm skin of Yeosang's back.

"Your hands are cold," Yeosang grumbled.

"Warm them then."

Yeosang didn't waste time to obey and Jongho was grateful for that. The youngest helped him getting rid of his shirt, then Yeosang caught his hands and kissed them, kissed his knuckles, kissed his fingers. After that, Jongho set his arms around the man's waist, and putting all his strength, he turned them upside down. He was now lying atop of Yeosang, sat on his hips, and he smirked. Yeosang's hands caught his waist, trying to steady him up, and his fingers digged his skin when Jongho humped his crotch. The older bit his lips, trying not to moan, and it pissed Jongho off, who leaned and sucked his nipples, palming the bulge in his trousers at the same time. He got the reaction he wanted: Yeosang unsealed his lips and a loud moan left them, his back arched, and he met Jongho through his humps. Sweat was pouring on their body, either because of what they were doing, or because of the fireplace, making their skins blister.

"H-Hyung…" He panted and Yeosang looked at him, cheeks flushed, eyes full of stars, "do-do you have lube and condoms?"

Because there was no way that they would continue what they were doing if he didn't. It would be frustrating, but Jongho didn't want to play with their health; and it seemed that Yeosang understood it because he answered:

"Always in my bag."

Following his words, he made Jongho lay on the carpet, kissed him fast, and disappeared on the floor above to get his things. And it was when Jongho was alone, half naked, the flame of the fireplace drawing shadows on his body that he understood that Seonghwa had been right all along: he was going to be fucked. Jongho waited for that to happen, his cock twitched at the thought of Yeosang being inside him; and when he heard the footsteps coming closer, he was even more eager for it to happen. Yeosang came back with everything in hands, then knelt in front of Jongho.

"I need to know," he started, "to be sure of it. Do you really want to continue?"

"I do."

"Good."

After that small word, the man kissed him, hand on his neck, first tenderly, and when Jongho answered it, it became hungrier. They were back in their working the other up session and Jongho followed his instinct: he unbuttoned Yeosang's trousers, helping him to get rid of it, before palming the bulge of his pants. Yeosang moaned, released what he was holding, before taking care of Jongho's trousers— but he took the opportunity for getting rid of his pants too, and now Jongho was fully naked, his cock hard visible to every eyes. A glint that he couldn't describe appeared in Yeosang's eyes, and before Jongho could react, his long fingers were around his hard member, warm against his skin. Jongho's breath stopped as the man started his slow motion, teasing the head of his cock with a brush of his fingers— his fists clenched and his eyes followed Yeosang's every move, and he let a small 'oh' when the older man suddenly caught his balls with his other hands— the very godly hands he had dreamed about so much to feel on his body . He massed them, kneaded them, carefully, so slowly that the fire inside Jongho was fanned, asking for more, always for more. He closed his eyes, tried to ground himself by focusing on the warmth given by the fireplace, but lost everything when something wet teased his balls. He opened his eyes wide, and let a moan, his back arching, as Yeosang sucked them, licked them, before kissing his cock and taking it in his mouth. And a thing that Jongho learned right at this moment was Yeosang wasn't only skilled with his hands, he was also with his mouth. He could feel the fire inside him growing stronger, and his toes curled as he approached his climax— but Yeosang stopped before it happened, and Jongho groaned of frustration. The man dared to chuckle!

Yeosang took the bottle of lube near them and opened it, pouring it on his fingers, his eyes never leaving Jongho. Jongho wondered what kind of thought the oldest could have when he saw his Adam apple move when he swallowed.

"Be a good boy, and sit on my laps."

Not expecting the request, he found it very pleasant nevertheless and Jongho gulped as he obeyed.

"Good boy…" Yeosang whispered in his ear.

Yes, it's me, I'm the good boy. Fingers brushed the rim of his hole, and he tensed up a little bit; Yeosang kissed his temple, then his nose, then his lips in a comforting way.

"If you want me to stop, tell me."

"If you stop, I punch you," Jongho warned him.

He didn't mind that Yeosang asked him his consent so many times, especially given their relationship— they were colleagues first, after all, but if he stopped everything now, Jongho would go crazy. Yeosang hummed, then brushed his hole once again, before inserting a finger inside. Jongho's jaw clenched under the intrusion because it had been a while since the last time he had a sexual activity, but Yeosang's caressed all over his body with his other hand relaxed him a little. Once he felt better, Jongho started to fuck himself on Yeosang's finger, and the other man inserted a second finger, opened him more, curled his fingers to find the sensitive spot; and when he did, Jongho let out a loud moan, and placed his hands on Yeosang's shoulders, dipping his fingers in the skin. Yeosang took advantage of it to insert a third and last finger, playing with him, chuckling when Jongho stated with a pout on his lips:

"Hyung, stop playing with me and fuck me."

"Help me, then, hm?"

He showed his own underwear, and very eager to be able to feel the man inside him, of course Jongho helped him getting rid of it, and he almost chocked in front of the man's cock. Jongho had always been proud of his girth and his big balls, and honestly, when he played alone, he always imagined that people loved it too, and what it would feel to find someone with something as big, if not bigger than him. It seemed that his imagination would become real now. And honestly, he couldn't wait. Yeosang must feel the same, because carefully, he made him lay on the carpet, pushed his legs apart, before rolling the condom on his wonderful length and placing himself correctly between Jongho's legs. And then, slowly, his cock entered Jongho's hole. Jongho felt pleasantly full now, and if he believed Yeosang's flushed face and his smile, he felt the same. The older kissed the younger, slowly, his hands caressed his thigh, and when they were both ready, he pulled away, before going back, faster this time. Jongho's hole clenched around the warm skin of Yeosang's cock; and soon, they were both a mess. Each thrust from Yeosang gave him a moan, a whine, and more than anything, Jongho's nails dipping in his skin, leaving their marks, scratching the fair skin. Their kisses were sloppy, drool falling on their chins, their lips muffling their moans. Teeth bit shoulders, chests, jaws. Sweet words of love were whispered. Their pants echoed in the room, mixed with the crackling of the flames, and tension rose up when Yeosang went faster, messier, harder— Jongho's back arched when Yeosang touched his sensible spot, once, twice, thrice, and his seed spilled between their bellies as he came in a low wheeze. Yeosang followed soon after, his deep voice echoing in the room as his own seed filled the condom.

Yeosang now laid atop of Jongho as they were catching their breath back. Jongho took profit of the quietness of the moment to caress Yeosang's back and kiss the crook of his neck. When they were both ready, Yeosang stood up, and before Jongho could react, he was carrying him bride style. He chuckled, enjoyed the small kiss on his temple, and let Yeosang bring him in his room upstairs— once he was on the bed, Yeosang left and came back with a wet washcloth and cleaned him, slowly, tenderly, and he wished the moment never stopped. He didn't know what kind of future waited for them, if it was only a one-night stand, or something more serious — please, be something serious! — but as Yeosang lied beside him and took him an embrace, as their eyes slowly closed, Jongho thought that it was a problem for the next day.

When he woke up the next morning, Jongho didn't dare to open his eyes. He was warm under the blankets, but Yeosang's arms missed around his waist, and he just knew that the man wasn't in the bed anymore. It was proved by Yeosang's small 'ouch' and he was clearly not beside him. He felt movement close to him, the blanket being put back above his shoulder and then, a bit of light passed through his eyelids, as if someone had been moving the curtains.

"Oh shit…" he heard and this time, Jongho opened his eyes.

He was greeted with the view of Yeosang's naked back and ass, the man looking through the window, and Jongho's mouth opened wide when he saw the many red marks: from scratches, to nails marks, to bruises, he hadn't spared the man's skin even once.

"Oh shit indeed," he answered back, shocked by his own bestiality.

Yeosang turned towards him and smiled.

"You're awake. Did you sleep well?"

"Have you seen your back?" Jongho answered instead, "I'm so sorry, oh my god, does it hurt?"

"No, it doesn't hurt," Yeosang tilted his head to the side, his black hair grazing his neck, "and even if it did, I wouldn't care. It's a proof that you enjoyed the night."

He winked after that, and Jongho blushed. Enjoyed wasn't strong enough to describe what Jongho had felt the night before.

"Other than that, we have a problem."

"A problem?" Jongho repeated, and Yeosang pushed the curtains.

It was still snowing, stronger this time, and when he stood up, he saw through the window that, indeed, they had a problem: everything was white outside, and the road invisible.

"… We're blocked?"

"I think we can go outside," Yeosang explained, "and go to the shops and all as long as we're going by feet. Other than that, it will be impossible. Not until that there's less snow."

"… In the end, it was a good thing that we bought too much…"

"It was," Yeosang sighed, "I'll call Hongjoong to warn him of our absence," he stated, "you should warn your friends and family too. But before that…" He put his arms around Jongho's waist, and whispered, "should we take a shower to get warmer?"

"Why do I feel that it won't be only a shower?" Jongho grinned.

"Only if you don't stop me."

They stared at each other. A question burned Jongho's lips, and he didn't know if he should ask it or not— but after a few minutes of debating with himself, he decided that he should, that he needed the answer.

"Is it… Is it something serious for you or just a one night thing? Because if it was a one night stand, then it's better if we don't continue like that."

Better for my heart, he added for himself.

"I don't want it to be a one night stand," Yeosang answered, "I have feelings for you."

"Oh. Oh okay," Jongho blinked, surprised, "great. I would have disliked otherwise."

Yeosang chuckled then he kissed him on the lips. It was tender and slow, and now that Jongho knew that Yeosang had feelings for him, it felt even better.

"I like you too. A lot."

"Then… You won't mind being blocked here with me for a few more days."

"It will be a pleasure."

They both smiled, and went in the shower together. And if, later, Seonghwa made fun of Jongho, telling him that he had been right all along, then it was only between him and the secrecy of his phone.

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

Christmas arrived faster than Jongho expected. Now sat beside his brother, he listened to the TV shows specially aired for the day. His father was sipping his wine, and his mother was answering the questions, jaded by the 'stupidity of the guests' (her words, not his). They were waiting for midnight to come. Jongho's bag was at his feet and he couldn't wait to open it and show them his pullover, to show them that yes, he could knit. Also, he wanted to tell his mother that he had a boyfriend. As for his coming out to his father and his brother, he would do that later. He wasn't ready to face them yet.

Midnight finally arrived, and they offered each other their presents— Jongho thought about Yeosang, hoping that he was fine. They weren't able to spend Christmas together, but they would be together for New Year. For present, Jongho knitted him a basket, as well as socks. His boyfriend often complained that he didn't have enough boxes to put their cases reports in and that his feet were cold. It was funny given that Yeosang could have knitted them but didn't bother, and when Jongho offered to do it, he accepted fast. Jongho suspected that his lover waited for that, that he was too lazy to knit them. As for what himself would receive from his boyfriend, Jongho didn't know; he just knew that it amused Yeosang and he feared a little bit what it could be.

Once the presents were exchanged with his family, the young man stood in front of his mother. The woman looked at him, confused, and he took the pullover from his bag. His mother blinked, then took the clothe and examined it.

"You knitted it yourself?"

"I did. I was a bit helped by a friend for a few things, but I did it myself. "

She looked the pullover everywhere, stretched it and then stated with a sigh:

"I can't believe that I lost."

Jongho smirked proudly. His brother looked at him in disbelief, his father was focused on the TV. The woman sighed once again, but then she smiled and congratulated him, asking him when he was free for his meal. At first, she offered him to do that for New Year, but Jongho shook his head.

"Can I speak with you privately?"

The woman cocked her head to the side and nodded before leading him in the kitchen. Once they were sure that the two other men of the family didn't plan to come, the woman turned towards him and asked:

"So? What is it?"

"If I can't come for New Year, it's because I spend it with my boyfriend."

"Your... Boyfriend? Since when?" She smiled.

"Remember when I was blocked in a chalet in November? Since then. I was blocked with him."

"And you were able to hide this until now?"

She seemed amused. Jongho usually told her fast but this time, he waited. He wanted to make sure that it was truly serious with Yeosang, that their first month was passed for that. Besides, their friends were teasing them a lot and he didn't want to add his mother in the mix. But fortunately, she was calm and didn't tease him at all, asked him a few questions about his boyfriend, her future son-in-law like she called him, and made him promise to bring him as soon as he would be ready, and especially once his father and his brother would know about his sexuality. And if he believed her, they were slowly opening their mind.

And Jongho felt very happy to know that, and he couldn't wait to introduce Yeosang to his family.

The next week passed fast, and Jongho was now in Yeosang's bathroom, regretting a few of his life choices. He groaned, rubbed his temples then slapped his cheeks. Okay, Jongho, you can do it. It wasn't something bad, he was just a little embarrassed. He couldn't believe that Yeosang wasn't joking that day and that he really did it. He took a deep breath, then he left the bathroom and went into the living room where his boyfriend was enjoying a glass of alcohol.

"Hyung, it's not large enough," he complained.

Yeosang turned towards him and smiled when he saw him. His eyes went from head to toes then focused on his crotch. He licked his lips, and Jongho groaned.

"Of course it's not, I did it on purpose. The best choice of my life. The best knitting project I could do, thank you for being giving me the idea and being my model," he continued with a smile.

And he was amused…! Jongho sighed. Why did he send this thong model now? If he had known that his boyfriend was devilish enough to knit it, he wouldn't have sent it. Now, he was standing in his living room, without trousers, a knitted thong barely hiding his balls, if they were hidden at all. Yeosang stood up, and Jongho put his hands in front of him, blushing, but the man took his hands and kissed his lips.

"If you had let me take your measurements, it would have been at the right length."

"Liar. You would have done the same thing because you're a pervert!"

Yeosang laughed and kissed him again, putting his hands on his butt, and for the umptieth times, Jongho melted under this touch, his warmth, and his love. But, he promised himself, he would get his revenge, and next time, Yeosang would be the one wearing a thong!

Now that Jongho had the power of knitting, he would make sure to use it for the right things.