if it's meant to be | ni-ki

it was christmas morning, and the house was filled with the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee and holiday pastries. hana, dressed in festive pajamas, hurried toward the christmas tree, her excitement bubbling over. she reached for one of the brightly wrapped gifts when her dad stepped in, holding up a hand.

"we're opening gifts after dinner," he said with a small smile, his voice calm but firm.

hana froze mid-reach, her excitement deflating as she frowned. "okay," she mumbled, retreating reluctantly.

just then, her mom walked into the room, looking slightly tired but holding a cup of tea in her hands. hana's face lit up, and she called out cheerfully, "merry christmas, mom!"

her mom didn't respond, her focus seemingly elsewhere. hana tilted her head and repeated, "merry christmas?" but once again, her mom said nothing, her expression growing sterner.

finally, her mom turned to her, her eyes sharp. "did you drink alcohol?"

hana blinked, caught off guard by the sudden accusation. "what?"

her mom's tone hardened. "don't lie to me, hana. yejin was with you, wasn't she? admit it right now, or there will be worse consequences."

hana's heart raced, and she stared at her mom in disbelief. "niki told you, didn't he?" she said, her voice trembling slightly. frustration bubbled up, and before she could stop herself, she added bitterly, "he literally smokes."

her mom's face tightened, and she pressed a hand to her temple, clearly trying to contain her growing frustration. "this isn't about niki right now," she said sharply, her voice rising.

her dad stepped in, gently placing a hand on his wife's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. "it's christmas. let's not ruin the day over this," he said softly.

but her mom brushed his hand off, her frustration boiling over. "hana, go to your room. now."

hana opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it, her fists clenching as she turned on her heel and stormed upstairs. the slam of her bedroom door echoed through the house, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

her dad sighed, running a hand through his hair. "don't mention it to niki, just tell him tomorrow."he said quietly, his tone filled with weariness.

her mom didn't respond, her lips pressed into a tight line as she stood by the christmas tree, her earlier warmth now replaced by an air of frustration and disappointment.

                                         ★

niki was busy helping his mom set the table, carefully placing dishes and adjusting the silverware. it was the kind of task that felt almost meditative, giving him something to focus on, but the peace didn't last long. as he was about to place the final bowl of food on the table, he turned to his mom, who was bustling around the kitchen.

"i'm going to head out for a bit," he said, his voice casual as he moved to grab his jacket.

his mom, who was arranging the food, barely glanced up at first, but her eyes shot to him when she heard his words. "to what? smoke?" her tone was sharp, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

niki froze, his hand pausing mid-motion. his gaze flicked toward her, confused by the sudden confrontation. "huh?"

his mom, now fully paying attention, didn't hesitate. she stepped toward him, frustration clear in her voice. "how long have you been smoking, niki? don't act like you don't know what i'm talking about. i heard about it. how long? you think i wouldn't find out?" her voice was raising with every question, the anger simmering in her words.