When they all calmed down, it was finally her turn to distribute her gifts. Everyone didn't hide their excitement as she gives out the presents. It is known not only among their circle, but also to other people who are acquainted with Lilac, that she is a very generous person.

Sometimes, she would even give her friends something with no reason at all, just saying that she remembered the person when she saw it. Not to mention, the fact that the girl loves shopping and has money to do so, so it was something they can't stop her from doing.

Up to this day, it's still a mystery to them how she always knew what to get. Just like tonight, when each one of them unwrapped their gifts, and was shocked to receive the things they've wanted to get for months. It reminded them of an absurd theory Gun will always convince them to believe;

"Lilac is one of Santa's elves, that's why." They never said they will never believe it though, because that can actually be possible when it comes to the girl.

"How about..." Rei silently drawled as she slowly glanced at the only person who hasn't received a gift. She is now back on her former seat, despite being very reluctant leaving Minhwan's lap earlier.

"Don't worry, I'm not petty like him," Lilac scoffed before standing up with a small box in hand. She walked towards Kio and handed him the simple gift. "Merry Christmas... uhm, here."

Unlike with the others, she was initially clueless about what to get him. First of all, he's Ahn Ki-Ryeong of RAVN, he obviously can get anything he wants. But then she thought; Why would I stress myself out with such a trivial matter? It's just Kio, why should I care about what he thinks? We're not close anyway.

So she got the most basic and common thing a person could give to a friend—a wristwatch. At least what she got is a vintage one, and still a bit pricey. She found it in a vintage shop in Hongdae where she frequents at.

It has the classic black leather strap, and the watch itself was circular, and has gold frame and hands. Its internal mechanism was the best part because it was seen outside through the transparent dial—even the gears were gold. It is such a beautiful little thing that she almost kept it to herself. Maybe she'll just search for it online and buy another one.

"You really have to give her Asher's number now," Enzo laughed while elbowing Kio. "She got you something and you didn't! You owe her one."

Lilac glared at the cheeky boy, "shut up Zo, I already said it's fine!"

"But—"

"I'll give you his number later."

Her head snapped towards the other guy and was greeted by his serious face. Oh my—

"N-no... you don't have to!"

"Shut up Li!" Rei suddenly stood up, "are you really letting this opportunity go? Just take it!"

She could feel her heart beating hard against her chest because of so much anticipation. Of course she wants to have the damn number! But she doesn't want to look so desperate for it!

She hurriedly looked away from Kio and acted nonchalantly, "okay... whatever." Shit, I need to breathe. "I'll get more snacks!"

Without waiting for anyone's response, she picked up the almost empty bowl of nachos and fries, before running towards the kitchen. Once alone, she leaned against the granite counter top and took a deep breath as she fanned her face with her hand.

Asher's effect on her is not healthy anymore. Just the possibility of getting his number—at long last!—excites her, and is leaving her breathless like this. Goodness, she's Lilac Ayutthaya! Known for her strong stage presence and undeniable charisma, yet only that guy can make her act like some lovesick twelve-year-old girl.

"Why does he have to be so gorgeous?," she cried out, sitting down the bar stool and burrying her face in her hands. But she abruptly looked up again when she remembered something; "what's the use of having his number if I won't even have the guts to text him? Ugh! I'm such a freaking loser..." she groaned.

"Indeed, you are."

"Jesus!" she almost fell off her seat before whirling it around. Only to find an infuriating figure leaning against the kitchen wall, one hand in his pocket and another holding something she didn't bother to check.

"No, it's Kio. Not Jesus," he smirked. He then walked closer and stood on the other side of the counter, across her.

She rolled her eyes and faced him, "what a disappointment."

"It'd be like that sometimes," he shrugged.

She wasn't used to seeing him this close—and this sober, might she add. Plus, they're actually having a real interaction, even though he's still being irritating. He's even wearing simple clothes, a plain white tee and a pair of black comfy-looking cargo pants, with his infamous sleeve of tattoos entirely exposed for her to ogle at.

Wait, speaking of tattoos, how can I forget about that important information?! He had a scandal with some fashion blogger, right? Weren't they photographed in a tattoo shop? Don't tell me she was the ex-girlfriend he was cry—

"You change expressions too fast, it looks like you're constipated." The guy tried speaking with a straight face, but wasn't able to stop himself from letting out a snort in the end.

She raised one eyebrow. If only this stupid asshole knows that I'm thinking of ways on how to ruin his career.

"Did you follow me here just to piss me off?"

"No, I followed you here to check if my kitchen is still in good condition. I heard from Gun that you can't cook for shit."

"Oh, come on! I haven't even been here for at least five minutes before you arrived! You're full of—what's this?" Lilac suspiciously gazed at the small paper bag her unwanted companion suddenly placed down in front of her.

"Thank you," he looked away. "For that night—the afterparty, I mean, and..." he then swallowed, "that time when I drunk-called you."

Hold up, is this really happening?

She was rendered speechless as she looked at him in disbelief for a full minute. Awkwardness crept up her face and made her blush a bit, when she remembered how she constantly thought of him as an ungrateful jerk earlier. But no one can blame her, she can't just believe he changed so quickly, right? Though now, fine, she can give him the benefit of the doubt.

"It's nothing," she forcefully chuckled and was about to reach out and take a peek inside the bag, when Kio suddenly snatched it away again.

"You should open it at home," he muttered before sliding it back to her.

This boy is hella weird.

"Is this a prank?," she frowned.

"No, unfortunately not. I know it's hard to believe that I'm feeling thankful of you, but I am. What happened back then might not be a big deal for you but it is for me, and I'm doing this because I don't want to owe you anything."

"Right, you just don't want to be in debt to me," she nodded, finally feeling convinced.

"What else can this mean other than that?," he smirked, tilting his head to the side.

God, how I desperately want to punch his face.

"Of course!" she fake smiled, "then thanks, I guess? We're even now."

"Not yet," he readily countered. "Actually..." She watched as he had a look of unease for a moment, before it was masked with his usual impassive one.

What's up with him now?

"What you did for me and the words you said to console me, I still think material things won't be able to pay for those." Her eyes widened as he kept his eyes on her, face completely serious and words dripping with honesty. She can't believe he got this side in him... but she never really knew him in the first place. "So I want to help you," he added.

"Help me?"

The side of his lips rose a bit, "you really like Ash?"

Lilac shyly looked away, "I—it's just... well, yeah."

Kio chuckled, causing her to look back with narrowed eyes. The moment he saw the girl's vicious glare, he playfully raised his hands in surrender. "Easy there, tiger," he smirked before turning serious again. "You get flustered just by thinking of him, you like him that much?"

She absentmindedly started drawing circles on the countertop with her pointer finger. "Yeah, but I'm sure what I'm feeling for him now can't just be considered as 'like.' But... it's also not 'love' yet," she ruefully smiled.

"Yet," he muttered. "You sound so sure you will... eventually fall in love with him." A flash of uncertainty appeared in the boy's eyes for a quick second. She guessed it was just him getting worried of her true intentions to one of his brothers.

"I am sure," she said, braver this time. If he's feeling unsure, then she's going to prove to him that she can be a good future girlfriend to one of his precious members. Just imagining the possibility is enough to overwhelm her. "It's not hard to fall in love with someone like... Asher Choi."

Kio breathed out, and it didn't escape her eyes when he slightly smiled. He then immediately hid it by casually rubbing his lips, before putting his hands down the counter.

"How about Soonho? You two seem close."

Why did Soonho suddenly get involved?

"I'll be honest, I adore him. He's a great friend and I'm comfortable with him, so it may really look like I'm closer to him than with others... which I can't deny as well. But that's it, he's my comfort zone, my happy pill."

"And?"

"And?," her brows furrowed.

"What about his feelings for you?"

She stilled, he knew? Did Soonho tell him?

"It's obvious," he added, answering her unspoken questions. "And I'm sure you've felt and seen it too. Don't you think your actions are giving him false hopes or are you actually keeping your options open?"

She instantly felt offended, "is that how you think of me?"

"No. That's why I'm asking you. I need to make sure the person I'm helping has the same mindset as me."

"What are you now? A love expert?"

Kio shrugged, "call me anything you want, but remember this, Lilac..." he then looked straight into her eyes. "As long as I feel like I haven't given you enough to make up for what you've done for me, I won't stop until I make sure you get everything you want and you're with someone who deserves you."

That night, it felt likesome kind of a deal was sealed.