Jin and Zoë’s relationship is going all too well. It’s now, their first Christmas holiday together. Zoë’s dad will also come to visit his daughter as well as meet Jin. Jin decided to move back to his parents house to give the father and daughter private time, it won’t be a long separation though since her dad will only be visiting for 3 days and the day after Christmas her father will be going back home.

“Dad!” Zoë called out to the man walking out of the arrival area. It was two days before Christmas.

“Hi Sweetie!” Zoë was pulled into a bear hug. “I miss you”

“Missed you too Dad.” Zoë kissed her dad.

Their relationship has always been close. Since her mother died, her dad had raised her alone despite being a busy man, he always find time to play with her. That’s why when she decided to work and live in Japan their relatives were shocked. Zoë has always been her dad’s baby and maybe one reason he didn’t remarry after his wife died. Her decision to move be independent from her dad surprised them. But still her dad supported her decision even though it would mean they won’t see each other as often as before. For that she was thankful to her old man, all the sacrifices he made for her without grudges. There was a time when she told her dad to find someone to marry but he told her that there is only one person who was really meant to each and every one of us. For him it’s her mom too bad she passed away too soon. The love that her parents shared was enough for her dad to go on with his life; he told her that her happiness is his own as well.

“How’s business?” she asked.

“It’s going on well, Charlene is left in-charged for a few days. Well, how are you here? Where’s that Jin guy who took you away from me?”

“I’m doing good. About my work, everything is well, you know I won an award and there are special works assigned to me. As for Jin, he’s still at work. They have rehearsals for the year-end countdown. You’ll be meeting him tomorrow”

“He has work when it’s already 2 days before Christmas?”

“He’s an idol, he rarely have time for vacation. But we’ll be spending the Christmas Eve with him. In fact, his parents invited us to their house to spend Christmas Eve.”

“Well, as you wish. I was hoping to meet him today but under those circumstances I guess there’s nothing I can do. So tomorrow we’ll be meeting his parents? We should buy something for them. What do you think they’ll like?”

“Dad, don’t panic. I’ve got everything settled. I’ll let you rest first then, at noon, we’ll go shopping. By the way did you bring the red wine I asked you? That’s our present to his parents.”

“I did and it took my secretary sometime to find that wine.”

“Oh come on dad, it’s not that hard to find. Nonna called me and told me she send the wine together with your shipment.”

“Busted!”

“That you are. I know you won’t have a hard time getting the wine it’s from our own vineyard anyway.”

“I’m going to unpack first and we’ll go out after. You’re still not done with you Christmas shopping? You’re being lazy. You’re not like that back home”

“Dad, I’m working now so time is limited. Besides, I have to go to Hokkaido to do some shoots; I didn’t have time to shop until today. And I know you would like to shop for some gifts to your staffs I thought maybe we can do some Christmas shopping together.”

“You’re right. Help me buy some things okay. Your cousins have sent me long list of their Christmas wishes. They told me to go to Roppongi and Shibuya and also Ginza.”

“Okay. I’ll bring you there. But you have to get rested first because I’m sure there are lots of late shoppers like us. The mall maybe crowded”

Her father is unpacking in his room when her cell phone rang. It’s her dear koibito.

“Hello, baby! Miss me already?”

“Maa. You’re dad is there already?”

“Yes, he’s in the room unpacking and resting for awhile. We’ll catch late lunch in Roppongi later. And do some shopping as well.”

“I missed you already even though we saw each other this morning. I’ll miss seeing your face when I wake up and before I close my eyes to sleep. I’m going to miss your warmth next to mine when we sleep. And I’m going to miss all the hugs and ki..”

“Babe, it will only be for 3 days don’t worry. And who asked you to move out?” she cut-off Jin’s litany.

“I don’t like to be away but you need sometime alone with your dad. I know you missed him. “

“So don’t complain and babe we’ll still see each other everyday. It’s just that we won’t be sleeping with each other. And we sometimes do that whenever you have a location shoot. So don’t be lonely okay”

“Hmp, you don’t miss me!”

“AKANISHI, BREAK IS OVER.” She heard Koki called Jin in the background.

“You’re wanted already. But for the record, I miss you badly. Love you. Jaa ne.” Zoë ended her boyfriend’s tantrums

“Love you too.”

“GROSS!!” can be heard from the other members in the background

“Shut up. I’m hanging up okay. I’ll see you soon. I still have to filming for Bandage.”

Zoë sighed as she pressed the “End” Button of her phone. She miss Jin already and it not yet 6 hours since they last see each other. For the last 2 months Jin has been busy filming Bandage. But she’s proud of him. Bandage has been a plan since before Jin’s hiatus and the final offer has been made just months ago. So Jin has been busy going to and fro Yokohama and Tokyo.

Father and daughter date….

Zoë excitedly grasped her dad’s hand; they just finished having their late lunch in one of her favorite restaurant in Roppongi Hills, L’Estasi, an Italian restaurant. After eating pizza and pasta they’re off to do their late Christmas shopping. Roppongi Hills is a bit crowded with people doing Christmas shopping.

They spend hours roaming the very expansive shopping complex. It houses several brands both Japanese and international. They entered dress shops, shoes store, jewelry and bags stores and other gifts shops. Her dad told her to buy anything she wants (because he was not able to buy a Christmas gift for her so a shopping spree is his gift to her). Her dad bought her a pair of earrings from Star Jewelry, and a leather bag from Kate Spade New York.

It’s fun to shop with her dad. And she also had fun dressing him. She bought him a new pair of pants and shirt and also a pair of shoes from Birkenstock. After their shopping they went to Roppongi Hills west walk where the Christmas Market was being held. The place has a festive atmosphere with all the Christmas lights and decors as well as the delicious smell of the German sausages and pretzels and other treats that came from Germany. The market boast a wide range of specialty items like Christmas ornaments, picture books, and glass items. The main feature for this Christmas is  a tall, four-layered Christmas pyramid made of wooden figures. There they have their dinner amidst the heartwarming German Christmas atmosphere.

“Have you gone here with Jin? This is a place ideal for couples. Looking around I can see couples holding hands while walking around.”

“Not yet. We can’t go out in places where there are so many people. Jin can’t risked being recognized or else there will be a terrible punishment.”

“That’s unfair for both of you. You deserve to have sweet moments together irregardless of what other people think.”

“That’s one wall we have to deal with. Being an idol does have many privileges but in exchange for those you’re right to privacy is violated. They are allowed to date but they shouldn’t be caught.”

“Well, you can have everything. I just felt bad that you can have a normal relationship like normal people.”

“It’s not that we can’t have a normal relationship. We can, we just have to be careful than other couples.”

“I just thought you deserve better treatment you know. I’m your dad after all.”

“yeah I know. Being with Jin makes me complete. I’m willing to make adjustments to be with him. We can date in other places where he can’t be recognized. We can stay in the house to watch movies. We sometimes go to cinemas too and also in Disneyland. He just had to wear a disguise.”

“Disguise? Like weird wigs? And all that things?”

“No. Wearing elaborate clothing will make him stand more. He just wears a cap and shades just simple disguise.”

“oh. And he can’t be recognized?”

“well, we’re doing good disguising. So far…”

“that’s good to hear. I don’t want you to get busted and have your face printed in newspapers. With all that rude write-ups about you guys. I would feel bad if it happen to you.”

“Don’t worry we’re careful. And these days we don’t always go out since he’s busy with filming and I’m busy with my photo shoots so we have no time to date. Just spend time lazing around the house.”

“lazing huh..”

“dad. Don’t start teasing.”

“so when is the wedding? Well you’re living together right?”

“hmm..”

“Don’t deny it. All the evidence of his presence in the house can be spotted.”

“I’m not hiding anything. We’re living together. I’m not hiding that, we talked about marriage stuffs but I guess we’re not in a hurry to tie knots. The important thing is we enjoyed and love being together. Tying the knots will come maybe later.”

“Okay. As long as you’re happy I won’t get in the way. But if he hurt you in anyway, I will not forgive him.”

Zoë just smiled. She’s confident Jin won’t hurt her.

“Dad, thank you. Thank you for spending Christmas with me. Thank you for your endless love and understanding. I’m thankful to god you’re my dad.” And she hugged her dad.

They went home with big smiles in their faces.

The next day they spend the day driving around Tokyo. By 8 pm. They are ready to go to Akanishi’s house.

Jin was pacing to and fro the living room and his dad was getting dizzy following his son’s movement.

“Jin, will you calm down and sit down. You look like an expectant father waiting outside the delivery room”

“ni-chan, will Zoë bring a cake today?”

“How will I know?” he snapped at his brother

“Hey, no need to get upset. It’s because you’ll be meeting her dad that you’re like that.” His mom told him off.

“Gomen, I’m just nervous; now I know how Zoë felt when she met you guys.”

“It will be okay. You’ve done nothing wrong to her daughter so don’t be afraid of her Dad.” His mom tried to lessen his agitation.

Buzz!!!

“I’ll get the door.” His dad stood up to open it.

“I’ll go with you” Jin walked to the door behind his dad

“Konbanwa!” Zoë greeted Jin’s dad with a big smile on her face. “Merry Christmas!”

“Come on in.”

“Hi, babe.!” Zoë planted a kiss on his cheek that caused him to turn beet red.

“Hi yourself” Jin kissed her back

“Jin, this is my dad, Tony Chen. Dad, my boyfriend, Jin Akanishi”

Jin introduced Mr. Chen to his entire family. Not long after, the Akanishi’s home was filled with happy voices that symbolize the harmony between the two families. Mr. Chen was a cool dad and he found a common ground with his dad, golf. After dinner and almost an hour of chatting Zoë and her father drove home so her father can take a rest.

“Bye, Okaasan, Otousan, Merry Christmas again.” Zoë bid good-bye

“Mom, I’ll drive them home. Zoë and I need to attend the Christmas party at the Ueda’s home. Tat-chan will be hosting this years party so he invited all his friends.”

“Okay so you’re just taking Chen-san home?”

“Hai.”

“Younger generations usually spend time partying during Christmas ne. When Zoë was still in the university she just eats Christmas dinner with me after that she’ll go partying with her friends.”

“Dad!” Zoë’s hand itched to smack her dad’s head for revealing her party-life.

“We have to go now. Babe, I’ll be the one driving. Give me your keys.” Jin told Zoë

“Okay, I’ll be taking the backseat. Dad, you take the passenger seat.”

The drive going home was full of Zoë’s childhood frolics. Not that Zoë mind she knows her father love her so much that those memories they have together will always be something to proud of.

They arrived home.

“Babe, wait for me I’ll just change my purse. And get our exchange gifts.”

After 5 minutes they’re at the door again.

“Dad, don’t wait up for me. I’m sure the party will be until morning.”

“Okay. You two take care. Be careful on driving. Jin, I leave my baby to you.”

“Yes, sir”

Once they have ridden the car, Jin quickly pulled Zoë for a very passionate if not torrid kiss. It feels like years since they last shared a kiss. After the kiss he presented Zoë a small box.

“Merry Christmas!”

“Oh, thank you.” Zoë kiss him again

“Open it.”

“Wait. Here, Merry Christmas too.” Zoë presented Jin a box a little bigger than his.

When they open they’re respective gifts they both have a bright smile in their lips. Zoë gave Jin a new watch; it’s the Bvlgari’s newest limited collection. Jin gave Zoë a Tiffany & Co necklace with snowflake pendant of          diamond.”

“Come here baby, let me put on the necklace for you.”

“Thank you babe.” Zoë again kissed the love of her life.

The adamant ringing of Jin’s hand phone interrupted their sweet moments. It’s Ueda.

 “Hai. We’re on our way.”

“Don’t you forget your presents we will have exchange gifts later. And also don’t forget our gifts.”

“Hai”

“AND JIN STOP MONOPOLIZING ZOË, WE WANT TO SEE HER TOO. NOW, COME ON OVER” Zoë can heard Koki’s ranting in the background.

“We’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

When they arrived carrying their presents, Kame was at the gate waiting for them.

“Kazu-Chan, Merry Christmas!” Zoë flashed him a wide grin.

Jin just rolled his eyes. Him being busy made Kame closer to Zoë, because of photography. Not that he is jealous with Kame but he’s more thankful that his best friend has accepted Zoë as part of their circle. Slowly the other members have become friends with his girlfriend. That’s why he don’t feel awkward bringing her to their gatherings, the member themselves called Zoë to invite her. Being with Zoë made him gain new friends, he doesn’t mind being associated with Zoë’s gay friends they are all fun to be with. And he knows that Zoë also gain new friends by being with him. Pi and Yuu often invite Zoë to dinner. He sometimes think that if they we’re caught by paparazzi he would not be the one to be issued with Zoë but either of his friends.

The party in Tat-chan’s house was a huge success. All their friends are there and also the juniors. Imai Tsubasa drop by for an hour to interact with their kouhai. Even matsujun and Aiba Masaki showed up. Pi bring Yuu with him. And even some of kanjani8 guys attended the party. Zoë was exhilarated all the beautiful faces stripped off of their facades. Just enjoying themselves no worries of being Un-idol-like. Being their true self and enjoying time with friends is a best way to spend Christmas. After tat-chan’s party Pi, Yuu, Ryo , kame and the couple drop by Shirota’s home to party as well. And It was already morning when they return to their own houses to rest.

After Christmas, Jin and Zoë drive mr. Chen to the airport. While driving back home, Jin told Zoë of his surprise.

“Babe, do you have an American visa?”

“Yes why?”

“How about spending New year in LA this time?”

“WHAT?!”

“You know, I feel like enjoying some free time with you without those paparazzi. Going to LA is a good idea. I also want to visit my friends there.”

“Oh, it’s so sudden. But I can travel anytime. That’s one of the perks of being a photographer I can travel without worries.”

“That’s good. Our flight is scheduled on Jan 1^st. right after the countdown we’ll be going to the airport.”

“Wait how did you get the ticket?”

“We’ll buy it today. I already called the travel agency to make reservations we just have to get the ticket.”

“Okay..”

After the countdown, the couple met in the airport where Jin told Zoë to wait.

It’s an early flight and they have 12 hours to travel. Jin being a celebrity was given a seat at the back so he won’t be recognized and the seat given to her was just next to him. They are in the business class section so the place has an exclusive aura. They spend the traveling time dozing off, holding hands while sleeping. They didn’t notice the glances that the attendant’s have on them. They’re too tired to care.

Los Angeles, Zoë and Jin both love this place. To Jin because it’s his second home and for Zoë because when she was young her dad and mom often bring her here to have vacations. Like Jin, Zoë loves to travel, but it seemed ages since she last visited LA. After her mom’s death, her vacation time was usually spent in Italy where her grandparents reside.

Jin enjoyed touring Zoë around LA. He introduced her to his friends that made during his study here. She noticed how one girl eyed her but she didn’t care. She learned that when Jin stayed in LA she became his girlfriend but Billy, jin’s friend, told her to just ignore the other girl. And that she did. Jin is an attentive boyfriend he never let her out of his sight. Their 3 days vacation in LA was full of fun and precious private moments. They shop and dine or just carelessly walked around. At night they spend partying with friends or going around the lighted streets of Hollywood.   

Jin was so happy that he asked Zoë to come with him. He truly enjoyed spending his private time with her. She is his inspiration after all. Work becomes easy because he knew somebody is waiting for him whenever he finishes work.