Jax Min - Popular

He lived far away, in another city, almost always caught between studios, shows, and travel. Coming home was never easy. Even so, when his mother called asking him to spend Christmas with her, Jax accepted without arguing.

The road was long. He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the window, his cap pulled down, partially covering his face. His girlfriend fiddled with her phone beside him, far too excited for someone who didn't feel the weight of that return trip.

"It's been a while since I've been here..." Jax murmured, more to himself than to her.

His mother's house appeared at the end of the street, lit with simple Christmas lights. There were parked cars, voices coming from inside, laughter. More people than he expected.

Jax parked, turned off the engine, and stood there for a few seconds, taking a deep breath.

"There are quite a few people here ," he commented dryly.

He got out of the car, adjusted his cap, and grabbed his bags from the trunk. His girlfriend got out soon after, fixing her clothes and hair, looking around curiously.

As they approached the door, the sound of conversation grew louder. The smell of food wafted through the house. Jax hesitated for a moment, then knocked. The door opened almost immediately.

"Jax!" his mother exclaimed, surprised and smiling. He gave a restrained half-smile.

"Merry Christmas, Mom." She glanced at the girl beside him, assessing her quickly, and made room for her.

"Come in, come in. The others are here." Jax walked through the door with his girlfriend, observing the crowded room, people chatting, glasses in hand. He felt that familiar tightness in his chest—the feeling of not quite belonging anywhere.