Beautiful blankets of puffy white snow cover the earth as we sleep peacefully in our beds. Some obliviously unaware of becoming unknown captives to its icy grasp.

If you aren't prepared for the snow, well it's your own fault. The broadcaster warned us weeks ago about the storm. Those who were unaware well they either don't have a phone, ignored the announcement, or simply just thought the weather guy was wrong.

I have stockpiled firewood that will last well over a course of three months. I am prepared. I pity the fool who decided to think of this storm as a joke. Probably spent all their money on Christmas presents. Not that that's a bad thing mind you. Just not too smart if you ask me.

My pantry is stocked full of canned and dried foods. I am good to go. I have all the essentials and even some things I don't necessarily need. Sure, my Christmas tree skirt is bare of any presents. That new game system I had my eyes on for days surely would have been amazing. However, I set my priorities the right way.

Can't keep me down, Ice Queen! I had the 411 days in advance. So that icy glaze on my window doesn't bother me. Not one single bit! Ha!

Shuffling to my quaint little living room I sigh. The fire was crackling beautifully in the hearth casting a wonderful orange and red hue about the room. Tiny shadows danced along the walls with every lick from the fire. So very warm and comforting.

My name is Ella, I live with my dog Agnes. He's a French bulldog and he has more personality in one paw than any animal I have ever come across. Like this one time I was complaining about some anime figurine that had gone on sale. But I was too slow to get it. So I pouted about it.

You know I swear Agnes rolled his bulgy eyes at me. I guess I was too dramatic for him.

Agnes laid close to the fire on the rug, curled up into a little black ball with a white line going around. His markings were so cute. Settling down on the couch I picked up, 'Harry Potter and the Half blood Prince.' It's my third time around on the collection of books. Every time I read it it's like something else shows itself.

It's such a peaceful day, even the light howl of the wind outside can't dampen the mood. Maybe the snow if you go outside. Hopefully no one does... it's got to be well below -10 degrees.

Lazily my eyes wander to the frosted window. I could see within the slanted snow, pelting the ground, a black figure standing against the fury. They were struggling to stay on their feet.

I bolted straight up, startling Agnes who yelped and then gave me a dog look that I interpreted as 'what the hell human?!' Then he laid back down. Once again I glance out the window. The poor dude was struggling something fierce. I had to help. I don't really want to go outside. But I'm not going to sit here and watch some idiot turn into a popsicle. Not on my front lawn.

Quickly I ran to my coat closet, pulling out my heavy winter coat and my boots. Then grabbed my snowboarding goggles from the top shelf. That should do it.

I'm not going to like this.

Okay... pep talk.

"Suck it up, buttercup!" I mumbled, opening my front door to the white chaos beyond. I searched the yard for the black figure. They seem to have fallen just to the right of my driveway. Right.

Running towards them, I wish I hadn't. I found myself looking up at the sky on my backside. That surely smarted.

I groan, pushing myself off the ground. Carefully I made my way towards the black clump of person a mere 30 feet in front of me. Holy crap, why does my front yard seem so long today!?

When I got to the person, they had their arms around their head, their body curled into a tight ball.

"Excuse me!" I called out to them over the howling wind. The icy air stinging my cheeks. One hand dropped from their face. It was a man.

Right then I had half the mind to turn back and go inside. But the kind hearted side triumphed.

Leaning down, I helped him to his feet. Wrapped my arm around his waist and slowly we made our slippery way back to my house.

I didn't realize just how tall he was until he slipped and sent us both sliding up my driveway. The impact itself was brutal. Had there been people watching outside their window, I'm certain we would be on some YouTube video getting laughed at.

"S-sorry." He murmured, as we helped each other to our feet. This is ridiculous. I'm soaking wet now, freezing my ass off and I haven't even made it back to my bloody front door! Ugh... but his voice is smooth like chocolate...

Shaking my head, I pulled him the rest of the way. Dragging him up the short three steps and into the warmth of my house. Which smacked me right in the face when I walked in.

"I'll get you some dry clothes." I spouted quickly, taking off down my hallway to my room.

Shit...

I don't have anything that would fit that man. He's super tall and slim and I'm well... lack of a better word. Not.

Maybe dad left some of his old clothes in the attic. Although that's a fat chance. Better luck finding a muumuu of my mothers. I chewed on my bottom lip in contemplation. There has to be something.

After some digging I found an old flannel shirt and some jeans my dad had stored away with some hunting stuff. A nice little switchblade that I decided might come in handy, case the guy got froggy.

Slowly I made my way back down the hallway. The man was no longer standing at the door. Panic struck me. Why hadn't I told him not to move? What if he is hiding, waiting for his moment to pounce. Maybe drive an icicle through my chest. Although I think it would have melted by now.

Gulp...

I crept towards the living room, switchblade at my hip. I could hear the tags on Agnes' collar jingle. He wasn't barking, nor was he growling. Either he was dead or he was a—

"You traitor!" I scolded my dog, stepping into the living room. Where he laid in the strange man's lap, getting his tummy rubbed.

The man chuckled at my accusation. Agnes didn't even seem bothered.

That laugh though...

"I—I uh... here are some clothes. Bathroom is down the hall to the right."

"Oh." He smiled, gently putting Agnes back on the rug.

"Thank you— uh... I don't know your name."

He looked at me expectantly.  Was I supposed to give him a name? Or give him the clothes I apparently am hugging.

"Agnes." Wait, that's my dogs name. I jutted the clothes at him.  Once he took the clothes, I facepalmed myself. Really?

I glared at the content hall of fur, before disappearing to my room to change. Settling for an oversized sweater and some legging, I glanced once in my mirror. Then awkwardly walked past the bathroom door.

Wonder what he was doing in there. Aside from getting changed. Plotting my death, so he could steal my traitorous dog, perhaps.

I lingered longer than I should have, because when that door opened I panicked and turned right smack into the wall.

"Dumbass!" I whined, rubbing my forehead. His soft chuckle bruising my already scarred ego.

"Are you okay, Agnes?"

"It's Ella... and I'm fine." I grumbled, moving towards the living room.

I once again plopped my butt right down on the sofa. He strolled into the living room behind me, taking a seat next to the fire in my lounge chair.

He tousled his dark brown hair, then stretched his hands out towards the warmth of the fire.

Maybe my father wasn't as tall as I thought he was. When the poor guy stretched out his arms, the sleeves slid up to his forearms. My eyes wandered to his legs, where sure enough, the pants looked like high waters.

"Oh goodness..."

He turned his head towards me.

"Pardon?"

I gave him a sheepish grin. "Those don't fit well, do they."

He simply smiled.

"They fit well enough to cover and keep me warm."

"Why were you out in the storm?"

I asked suddenly. I'd come to the realization that I didn't know his name or what the hell he was doing outside my house on a day like this.

"Hot Chocolate."

Hot chocolate? What about it?

"Huh?"

"I thought I could make it to the store to get hot chocolate before the storm hit... or got worse rather."

I stared at him in disbelief. He really thought he could beat a snow storm for some friggin hot chocolate? Stupid.

"Seriously, are you stupid?"

"That's rude."

"It's true though."

He scowled at me with his arms folded across his chest. I just shrugged, gazing out the window. Not the strangest thing to do. Considering someone I don't even know is sitting across my living room from me. I still don't know his name. Maybe I can give him a nickname until that happens. Or I suppose I could just ask. Is that weird of me? I mean he's just here until the storm let's up. Will it let up?

The swirling snowflakes and the howling winds that rustled the trees in a violent way told me this could take a while. So what do I do?

"Doesn't look like it's going to let up." He sighed, pulling on the sleeves of the shirt, trying to cover his arms.

"Are you cold?"

"Just got to get the chill out my bones."

"Ah..." I mumbled, getting up from my sofa, wandering down the hall to my linen closet. There at the top was a blanket I crochet earlier that year. That should warm him up.

Back in the living room, he had curled up in a ball again, much like how he was outside on the ground. You'd think with how warm it was near the fire he'd be toasty by now. However his nose was slightly pink and his cheeks flushed.

The poor guy. I sighed, draping the blanket over him.

"All this for some hot chocolate."

"It's my favorite drink when it's cold."

"Should have prepared better—uh what's your name?" Smooth that was smooth, right? I raised my brow at him. He frowned at me.

"It's Taehyung...and I prepared just like everyone else—I just forgot hot chocolate."

Obviously not. I'm not gonna bruise his ego anymore though. He seems nice enough.

On second thought, I'm not even sure if I have hot chocolate. I scurried off into my kitchen, sifting through my pantry.

Well, I don't have the powdered hot chocolate. But I do have ingredients that can make some. Gathering up the few things I needed, I pulled out a pot. Turn the heat on the stove to medium, I pour in the cream and then half a cup of chocolate morsels. Stirring mindlessly as I stared off into space. I didn't even hear Taehyung walk in.

"What are you doing?"

Making you hot chocolate, what's it look like?

"Making homemade hot chocolate."

"Really?" He peered into the pot. That's when I noticed the tiny mole on his nose and how deep brown his eyes were. His skin was void of any imperfection. My goodness, this man is beautiful.

I cleared my throat, "uh...yea."

He glanced at me before moving away. The smile on his face nearly stole my breath away. I just might need an inhaler.

"I've never had homemade before." His voice was as smooth as the hot chocolate cooking in my pot. Rich and dreamy. Oh no. No no. This is not a random ass girl meets a guy in a tragic way and they fall in love. Nope.

Not gonna happen. I sneak a peek at him over my shoulder. He was leaning against the table watching me. Quickly I turned back to the pot, knocking the handle. Cursing at my clumsiness, I turned it back.

Taehyung chuckled, I on the other hand turned as red as the basket of tomatoes on my counter.

Carefully I poured some more cream into the bubbly mixture, allowing them to calm down into a soft surface once more. The sweet aroma filled the room.

"It smells so good." Taehyung murmured, breathing in deeply.

"Could you grab two mugs out of the cupboard?" I asked, not turning to look at him.

"Uh—sure." I heard his bare feet pad against the linoleum, making his way. Then he came over to stand beside me at the stove, gently placing two mugs on the counter.

He was standing so close now. The smell of his cologne washing over me, making my head all fuzzy from its heavenly scent.

I bet this is how women get murdered. We tend to let our guard down when a handsome man comes in our homes smelling of heaven, but on the inside he's a demon. Ready to tear our hearts out and eat them in front of us as we stand there with a stupid grin on our paling faces.

Damn...

Ya know, if he were to do that. I wouldn't mind... wait.

"You're gonna burn it." He warned.

"Wha—" startled from my silly thoughts, I lifted the pot pouring the content into the mugs. That was awkward.

He seems so comfortable and it's not even his house. It's mine! So why do I feel like I'm the stranger in my own home?

"You okay?" His smooth voice once again halting my stampeding thoughts.

"Sorry... I seem a bit distracted." I murmured, taking a sip of the scolding liquid. So many regrets, my mouth was now scorched. Taste buds have been burned.

Taehyung watched me as he gently blew on his mug. The way his lips just—

That's not even fair.

I mentally pouted, getting up from the table. I don't even remember sitting down.

He must be a wizard or something. Perhaps some sort of alien that does mind tricks. Great now I've thrown myself into some sort of sci-fi shit.

"Your mouth okay?"

Excuse me? My eyes grew wide. He was looking at me intently when I turned around. He seemed genuinely concerned as he continued to blow on his steamy drink. I nearly dropped my ice cubes.

"I'm fine."  I say, plopping back down on my chair. I glanced up at him once more. He was still looking at me. The mug tilted up to his perfect mouth.

Oh gosh I need to stop. I could already feel my cheeks getting red. Great— he just smirked.

"Do I make you nervous?"

I spewed my hot chocolate all over my table.

"No..." coughing, I grab some paper towels to mop up my embarrassment. Then I glare at the man.

"Did you really leave your house just for hot chocolate?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you drive?"

"I don't have a car."

Who doesn't have a car?

"Why not?"

"I prefer to take in the scenery around me. I don't like to simply let it pass by."

"You could drive slow." I suggested. He smirked again. His dark eyes watching me as I sip my drink. The smooth chocolate is warm and sweet.

"It's not the same."

I tilted my head. "Sure it is."

"It's not."

"Explain."

Taehyung leaned back in the chair. The slight crack of the wood adjusting to his weight was the only sound in the room. He smiled as he thought of his answer.

"It's a lot like this hot chocolate versus the hot chocolate I was going to buy from the store."

He's comparing my hot chocolate to store bought. I quirked my eyebrow at him. Hw continued.

"The chocolate is sweet, smooth, and full of flavor. Even the smell is intoxicating enough to warm your soul. Whereas the store bought is grainy with tiny dry marshmallows that leave your mouth feeling kinda like sandpaper. Yet I'd still get that kind. Because it reminds me of the one my mom would make."

Think he's getting off track here.

"I'm not following."

He sighed heavily.

"The scenery isn't blurred by the speed of the car, nor the sounds of the song birds drowned out by the radio. It's more fulfilling, more humbling to the soul to walk and be one with nature."

Oh okay that makes more sense.

"So your a tree hugger."

Taehyung's face deadpanned. His tone is flat.

"No... I just prefer the view on foot."

Again makes sense. I just wanted to pick at him.

"Heh—you said my hot chocolate warms your soul."

I'm such an idiot. I swear that is the only thing replaying in my head. This beautiful man saying my hot chocolate warmed his soul.

"It is definitely a new favorite of mine." He smiled at me before taking another sip from his mug.

"Glad you like it."

Becoming more self aware, I got up to go back and hide under my throw.

Agnes lifted his head to watch me fall onto my sofa. Then looked towards the hallway. A moment later Taehyung walked in and sat down.

"Thank you for the hot chocolate... and saving me from the storm."

"You friggin traitor!" I blurted out, as my dog jumped up into Taehyung's lap. Taehyung laughed, scratching Agnes behind his ears.

"He's a friendly pup."

I sighed, pouting because my dog preferred the cute stranger over me. Snatching my book off the end table, I immersed myself into the world of Harry Potter. Completely ignoring my traitor dog and the cute guy.

Harry had just wrestled with Ron for a potions book, when I felt his gaze on me. I slowly looked up to see him look quickly towards the fire. Agnes' tongue lulled out the side of his mouth as he slept.

"You good?"

Taehyung glanced at me.

"Yes." He murmured.

"Do you want a book or something?"

He looked at the book on my lap, then back towards the fire.

"No, I'm okay."

Uh... okay. I watched him gaze into the fire. Then went back to reading. Some time later I felt his eyes on me again.

"Take a picture, it will last longer." I mutter. I wasn't expecting to hear the shutter of a camera lens moments after.

"What the hell?"

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself." He smiled sheepishly.

"The way the light of the fire surrounds you is stunning. You are a sight to behold."

I'm pretty sure my face is the color of a beet. Either that or it's too damn hot in here.

"Yea okay."

"You are beautiful."

"Okay you can stop now." I tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear, trying to hide my blush. Even though I know he's seen it.

This guy needs to get out of my house. I looked out the frosted window. To my dismay the wind was a lot stronger and the snow was pelting the ground harder. He wasn't leaving anytime soon.

"Can I ask a question?" Taehyung questioned, smiling down at Agnes.

"Eh?"

"What happens if I'm stuck here for the next month or so?"

Oh dear sweet baby Jesus, no.

"I guess it's a good thing I make good hot chocolate."
I chuckled uncomfortably. He smiled, looking around the room.

"Where would I sleep?"

Is he serious?

"Uh... I have a guest room."

"Oh."

You weren't sleeping with me. Although. He-he-he.

No. I scolded myself mentally.

There would be no winter romance here. That I did not prepare for. I was prepared for quiet doggie companion solitude. Not a hot guy making me uncomfortable and stealing my dog, type of solitude.

Ugh... someone help me!

"Are you okay?"

Why was he asking me that?

Shit.

In my worrying, I had torn bits of my books pages off.

"I uh... am not interested in you."

He laughed.

Why is he laughing!?

"Okay."

"I mean it."

He smiled a boxy smile and nodded. This guy is trouble.

"Ya can't touch this." I informed him, gesturing to all
of myself. The guy burst out laughing. I didn't find myself comical at all. I was being dead serious. Even if my subconscious was screaming something else.

"Okay." He smiled at me once more. "I respect that."

And he did.
—-

It had been a full month since I had saved him from turning into a popsicle on my front lawn. Taehyung is by far the best company I have ever had and someone I don't mind being stuck with during a snowstorm.

No, the storm didn't last a full month. However, we did get snowed in.

Taehyung rolled the dice for Yahtzee, getting a full house. I grumbled because I have yet to beat him at this game and it didn't look like I ever would.

Sure a full house was easy to get. But somehow the man always rolled a Yahtzee when we played. Quite frustrating really.

"Yah! You cheat so much!" I whined, after he beat me once more. He feigned innocence as he put the game away. I wander into the living room. The fire had dwindled down this evening, sending a bitter chill throughout.

"Oof..."

"I'll get some more firewood." Taehyung said, turning to leave the room. I simply nodded, moving to sit on the sofa.

He came back a few minutes later with an arm full of firewood. Taking a few to feed the fire. The light crackle
of the burning wood filling the quiet air. Along with a horrendous sneeze from myself.

Taehyung frowned in my direction. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, but then I sneezed again.

What the hell?

Swiftly he moved to my side, taking his hand and resting it on my forehead. He grimaced.

"You're burning up."

"I literally—achooo! Just sneezed."

Taehyung disappeared from the living room. When he showed up again he had some medicine and tea.

"Here."

Uh... I'm not sick.

"What's this for?"

"Seriously? You are burning up."

He pulled a thermometer out his pocket and handed it to me. I took it, putting the cold metal under my tongue.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"102.3"

Oh...

"Please." He looked almost pitiful. Childlike even when he held the medicine and tea out to me. The worry on his face bothered me.

"Thanks." I took the medicine, sipping the ginger tea.
Taehyung just sat and watched me. He didn't move, didn't even seem like he was breathing at timesZ

"Tae, I am okay." I assured him. He still didn't move from my side.

I fell asleep after I finished the tea, Taehyung's warm hand held mine. His eyes searching my face as I slept for any signs of discomfort. I was just so tired, nothing else bothered me.

I dreamt of Taehyung and I building snowmen in the front yard, while Agnes tried to steal its stick arms. We had snowball fights and even made an igloo. We laid down on the snow covered ground inside looking up at our handy work. Or at least I was. When I glanced over at him, he was smiling at me.

Then his face changed to that of desire. He moved to caress my face and the next thing I knew, his lips were on mine. He kissed me softly.

"I love you." I murmured, my eyes fluttered open. I was drenched in sweat. My fever had broken and there with a huge boxy grin on his face was Taehyung.

Oh no... please tell me I did not say that out loud.  Carefully I sat up, my body felt heavy. The cold had not yet left me.

"Did you sleep okay?" He asked, rubbing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.

"I feel fine." That wasn't entirely true.

Slowly he leaned forward, my vision blurred the closer he got. My heart pounded behind my ribcage. What was this man doing?

His warm lips pressed against my temple. He smelled so good, Taehyung was intoxicating.

"Go back to sleep." He whispered. The hairs on my arm raised at the feeling of his warm breath against
my skin.

"Can't touch this.." I muttered, drifting off into a sea of risqué dreams about him.

I woke up a few days later. Turns out I had caught pneumonia. Taehyung had taken care of me. I don't even remember waking up to drink the broth he had made. I didn't even realize Agnes was curled up against me.

Taehyung was sitting at the end of the sofa with my feet in his lap. He looked from his book and smiled.

"Good morning beautiful. How are you feeling?"

Beautiful? I probably look like Shrek.

"Are you talking to Agnes?" I joked. He smiled at me, giving my shin a gentle squeeze.

"I'm going to take that as a yes."

Sitting up, I looked out the window. It no longer had the frost covering it and the snow seemed to have dissipated some.

Oh. I stole at glance at Taehyung. As always he was watching me.

"The snow is melting."

He nodded, lifting my legs to stand up. I noticed he wasn't wearing my dad's clothes anymore. He had on dark blue jeans and a gray and white flannel.

Taehyung had gone home? Why did he come back?

"You left?" I accused. He chuckled.

"You needed antibiotics."

"But the storm."

"It had let up. You were getting worse." He sighed.

"Why did you come back?"

" you needed medicine."

Was there an and?

"And?"

"I care about you."

Swoon. Every part of me just went jelly. Did he really say that?

"I also wanted some more of your hot chocolate." He grinned a boyish grin. I laughed. I had made him hot chocolate quite often.

He never seemed to grow tired of it.

"Tae."

"Hmmm?"

"Would you like some hot chocolate?"

He nodded.

After he drank his hot chocolate, Taehyung left. He went back to his house down the street. He made sure I was well and from time to time he stops by for a drink and to school me in Yahtzee.

Taehyung was neither a serial killer, nor was he a bad guy of any sort. He was and is a gentleman. A lover of rich creamy hot chocolate and now my best friend.

Winter is fast approaching. Which is great because we
decided to spend the frozen days together. So long as he stuck to my rule of 'can't touch this.'

I'm really starting to regret that rule. However, I am always thankful for hot chocolate. Because this introvert now has a friend aside from her dog.