I walked my way home from work in the early evening on Christmas Day. It had snowed the night before and left the streets covered with a soft and enchanting blanket of white. I shivered as a gust of cold wind passed my way, instinctively burrowing my head into my scarf and shoving my hands further into my jacket pockets.

Things had changed a lot in the past year. The school talent show where Hana and Ethan performed seemed nothing but a dream after everything that has happened. This whole year was a whirlwind of emotions and hardship. From their intense training at JYP that physically and mentally exhausted them, to when Ethan got cancer, and when Hana got accepted into Big Hit, everything happened so dramatically.

As for me, I had my own set of obstacles I had to face. Growing older and starting to decide who you want to be is one of the biggest decisions of your life, and is definitely something you shouldn't take lightly. I always had an idea of what field I wanted to study, but after the announcement of Ethan's cancer, my decision has only became stronger.

I want to be a doctor. True, it's probably every Asian parents' dream to have their kids be doctors, but my parents never pressured me to be anything when I was little. Knowing full well that studies and school were already large pressures, they probably wanted to give me some freedom from the grueling burdens of youth.

I had never had such a driven passion to become anything in my life, until I saw what my brother had to go through while battling cancer. After going through treatments of chemo, he woke up one morning only to rush into my room in a panicked state. Some of his hair had fallen out, leaving him with a bald spot on his head.

The kid was so afraid and there was nothing I could do for him except be there. I could never understand his pain. I could barely understand Hana's. I just wanted to do something. Help someone. So that at least I'll know that I tried my best to help somebody, not just stand around uselessly.

But with this dream comes a price. An expensive one at that. Med school is one of the toughest schools to get into and the competition in Seoul for universities is fierce and intense. Tuition fees rake up as well, resulting in the average graduate to be millions of won in debt.

With Mom and Dad working as hard as they can in their jobs, Hana's training to be an idol, and Ethan's treatments, I don't have the luxury to ask my parents for much. So I've been working a couple of jobs during the summer and taking some shifts at that cafe. It'll cover up some costs, but at least my burden in university would be lighter.

Studying was tedious. There was homework everyday and tests every week. With shifts at the cafe and studying for school, going out with friends was a rarity and was treated as a treasure. But since today marked a special holiday, our entire family will be able to spend time together after months without seeing Hana. As tradition, we would celebrate with a big dinner and present opening. Jackson and Tzuyu were invited as well, but had would have to leave early due to their schedules.

I opened the front door to the house and was immediately greeting with a delicious scent wafting from the kitchen. My stomach grumbled and I realized just how hungry I was after working for the whole day. Walking into the kitchen, I saw Hana, Ethan, and my mother baking cookies together and preparing the Christmas dinner.

The three of them were laughing and smiling, all of their faces covered with bits of flour and butter. They were running around trying to wipe cookie batter and flour on each other as I looked around at the total mess with nothing but blank shock on my face. There was flour all over the floor with white sugar and coloured frosting all mixed in between.

"What are you guys doing?!" I cried, and three faces looked up at me in surprise.

"We're baking~" Ethan grinned.

"Don't you need to prepare for the dinner?" I asked.

"We did! It's on the table ready to eat." Hana said, gesturing to the dinner table heaped with food. Everything was covered with metal foiling to keep the food warm until guests arrived.

"We have 2 hours until the guests come, so we decided to make dessert to pass the time." my mother added, her face bright with happiness. I looked once again at their dirty faces, an array of plastered grins that were covered in various ingredients.

I sighed. This was going to be a nightmare to clean up.

A loud gasp startled me from my thoughts as I flinched, and turned to see my father in an almost equal state of shock as I was previously in. He looked from the trio, to me, and to the mess in the kitchen with a mortified look on his face.

I started to slowly back away, fearing the wrath of my father whenever he grew angry. Guilty looks were shared among the three as they sheepishly smiled at him. But in an instant, his expression turned from shock to absolute delight.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU GUYS TELL ME YOU WERE BAKING COOKIES?!" he cried, rushing in to lick the cookie dough off one of the spoons. From there, the mess making resumed, as the kitchen was one again as noisy as ever.

You've got to be kidding.

-

We had just finished cleaning up the kitchen and washing the dishes, when the doorbell rang, signalling the guests had arrived.

I opened the door to greet whoever had come and was immediately deafened by the girl's screams.

"HANA! It's been so long since we've seen each other!" Emily cried, rushing through the door in excitement. I had to swerve to the side to avoid being side tackled.

The boy Emily was standing with gave me an apologetic look. "Hey Mike, it's been a while. Hope everything's okay with you. Merry Christmas!" Adam greeted me with a smile.

"Merry Christmas! Studying has been tedious, but the holidays make it seem bearable." I replied.

"Tell me about it." Adam sighed, rolling his eyes. I guess I'm not the only one with school on my mind.

I could hear Emily blubbering in the background telling Hana how much she missed her in the past months. I was surprised by her emotional greeting, but understood her feelings for a friend that she hasn't seen for so long.

I gave a look to Adam. Girls, am I right?

He shrugged, an amused smile on his face, before walking in with the presents in both hands.

"DONGSAENG! I'VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!" screamed a male, who was sprinting toward the front door. I flinched as he had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The female who was walking beside him, let out a laugh of delight as she took her time carrying the presents to the house.

"JACKSON, I'VE MISSED YOU TOO!" Ethan screamed back, who happily ran out to meet him. Jackson tackled Ethan into a hug, and inspected his face and body to see if he was alright.

"You've lost so much weight..." Jackson said in awe before tearing up, "We're going to make sure you get fat tonight."

Ethan chuckled and patted his back, "It's nice to see you too, Jackson." he said, as Jackson sniffed, wiping his cheeks.

So I guess emotional greetings aren't just a girl thing then.

"Hi, Hyun-Shik-oppa it's nice to see you again." Tzuyu said, "Thanks for having us! These are some presents for the whole family."

I blushed, not many people called me by my Korean name as everyone referred to my English one. Especially, a pretty girl like Tzuyu.

"Thanks for coming, I hope everything has been fine for you and Jackson. You debuted back in October right?" I asked.

"Yes, so promotions have been heavy. However, the company let us take a break for the holidays!" Tzuyu replied, cheerfully.

"That's good to hear." I said, before noticing the strain in her arms from lifting the presents, "Here, let me take these in while you go inside, it's cold outside."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

Jackson and Ethan both ran inside as I closed the front door. Everyone was laughing and talking with each other, getting comfortable and warm as the cold air blew outside.

I was happy, it was the first time in a while since I've felt this way. My heart was warm and whole knowing that the people I loved and cared about were with me, united again as one family. We gathered around the dinner table and took our seats as my father raised his cup in cheers.

"Today marks a special day. A day where we are united as a family once again. A day where we can break bread and drink together. To celebrate a special birth and to spend time with the ones we love most." he said.

My mother raised her glass as well, "As 2015 is coming to a close, let's wish that the coming year will bring blessings and happiness to you all. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" We all cheered as we clinked glasses with each other before settling down to eat. The room burst out in conversation as everyone got to know each other and catch up with recent events.

"I still can't believe Tzuyu from Twice is in the same room as me right now!" Emily said, her eyes bright with awe.

"She's not the only idol in the room you know." Jackson commented with a grin.

"Jackson, no one asked you." Ethan giggled, to which we all roared at his burn. "Ohhh!!!"

"Besides, Hana aren't going to be an idol soon?" I asked my sister. Eyes around the table widened at my outburst. I guess she didn't tell everyone about the good news.

"You're going to be an idol?!" Adam and Emily screamed.

"Hana, congradulations! Your hard work has finally paid off!" Tzuyu cried.

"Eyyy....this household's got lots of idols now don't they?" Jackson nudged Ethan. Hana grew shy at the attention.

"Well, I haven't signed the contract yet. But I've met the members and they seem as passionate as I am." Hana said.

"What's the name?" Emily asked.

"Hestia, it means home."

"Have you thought about what kind of music you want to make?" Jackson asked. Hana thought for a moment, trying to form her words.

"I want to make music that will move people. I want to be able to share my struggles, my dreams, and my hopes to everyone around the world. So that people would know that they're not alone. That they have a place where they could belong, a voice they identify with." Hana replied.

I was proud with her words. She's been reaching for her dream for the longest time, while I still have a long journey ahead of me.

"I like the sound of that. It reflects the name, Hestia. Home." Tzuyu said quietly, "I'll be sure to give you lots of support."

"Fighting Hana!" Emily cried, and Hana chuckled.

"Fighting!"

-

It was time for present opening and one by one, gifts were exchanged to all the guests. Everyone gathered in the living room under the Christmas tree as my mother recorded everything on a video recorder so we could be able to see everyone's reactions to their gifts.

"Hana, you still have your charm bracelet right?" Emily asked.

"Yea, I've never taken it off ever since you've given it to me last year on my birthday." Hana replied.

"Well, Emily and I got you another charm." Adam said, before opening a small box that held a delicate silver star. Hana gazed at the small charm with love, "Thanks you guys. It means so much to me."

"I knew she'd like it!" Emily cried, wrapping her arms around Adam in delight. Adam kissed Emily's cheek in return, causing the girl to giggle.

Hana gasped, "Are you guys DATING?" she half-screamed, causing the two to stiffen in surprise.

Adam sheepishly grinned, "Ahh...forgot to tell you sooner..." he replied, as he scratched the back of his head.

"You don't approve?" Emily quietly asked.

"Don't approve?! I love it!" Hana cried, tackling the couple into a hug, "You have no idea how long I've been shipping you guys!"

"Thanks, Hana." Adam chuckled.

"Hey, Ethan. I got you something." Jackson said, handing Ethan a small box. Opening the box, Ethan revealed a black ring with thick edges and a shimmering center.

"Wow~ this is so cool!" Ethan said in delight, immediately trying on the ring and admired its look on his fingers.

"Thanks, Jackson! You've always been there for me during training. I can't thank you enough."

"Don't mention it, you're like the little brother I've never had. It makes me happy seeing you this excited." Jackson replied. Ethan smiled and ran over to hug Jackson for the gift.

From there, multiple other presents were given out. I gave as many gifts as I had received, and by the end of the night, the living room was reduced to piles of wrapping paper and ribbons. The air felt warm and the atmosphere was joyful. I felt a weight against my shoulder as Ethan leaned beside me, tired from the night of celebrating.

"Merry Christmas, Mike." Ethan whispered.

"Merry Christmas, Ethan." I replied, "Are you tired? Do you want to go to bed?"

Ethan shook his head, "No, I want to stay here with you all for a little longer and then I'll go."

"Okay."

"Michael?" Ethan asked, "Yeah?" I said.

"Thanks."

I chuckled, "For what?"

"For being my brother. I don't think I say this enough, but you've always been there for me. So, thank you." I smiled at his words as Ethan looked around the room of guests laughing and talking.

"It feels warm doesn't it? Like your heart is whole and full." Ethan said, I looked at him in surprise and nodded.

"Yeah. Everything feels just right."

Ethan stretched out his limbs and yawned, looking up at me as he smiled.

"This is the best day of my life."

---