illegiblechickenscratches

[illegiblechickenscratches]

Come with Me

Yoosung was so done. He felt like everything was falling into pieces and he could barely keep up this charade anymore. This definitely wasn’t the first time, but he felt like it was the last time he could stand it. He was disappointed with himself, but he couldn’t dredge up enough motivation or effort to bring himself to do something about it. Not an ounce of him cared. There was just..numbness.

 Why did he even go to university? Wasn’t he just wasting his parents’ hard earned money considering the amount of assignments he failed to hand up, the hours of lecture that had flown by as he slept in class…

 And social interaction, Yoosung used to bask in it. He would ask after everyone, do his utmost to make sure everyone felt comfortable, go out of his way to do what little he could for the needy. Now he shied away from it all, doing only the necessary to pass off as normal so people wouldn’t suspect he was crumbling inside. Although recently he tended to slip a lot. There was a constant undercurrent of worry in Jaehee’s messages to him, and Seven had alternated between harassing him a lot and not at all in what was an attempt to get him to snap out of whatever funk he was in.

 Yoosung couldn’t depend on RFA. After all it was headed by a liar who barely showed his face when it mattered. All he was ever good for was apologising and glossing over important things that should be discussed. No one truly knew the inner workings of his heart and mind, and even if they wanted to try, he didn’t think he would be able to string the appropriate words together without breaking into pieces or having that crippling heaviness settling over him like a cloud.

 To stifle the pressing issue of his lack of interest in doing anything, Yoosung had tried to distract himself with LoLoL marathons every night. His sleep cycle and grades suffered, but at least it made him feel a lot more human. Online he could hide and perfectly act the part of nearly invincible hero, people looked up to him. People depended on him. As Superman Yoosung, his life was perfectly put together; stats were impeccable, item inventory to die for. He had everything going for him.

 But he was sick of doing this day in day out. He was tired of surviving like this, having to seek approval from faceless individuals who spent much of their lives building up their ideal character. What he was doing couldn’t be considered living. Everything felt so meaningless. Why did he even bother? Without Rika as his guide, his inspiration, and role model, he had nothing. He felt nothing. He was empty. Everything he did was pointless. Even those pleasures from being so highly ranked in LoLoL were short lived. It was just a distraction. Something he needed to help him feel something. Rage, excitement, competitiveness. Anything.

 Yoosung barely thought of things to come outside of the now. Even with people telling him that he had potential, it was so hard to see beyond the present moment. Even with prospects like interning at the highly regarded C&R he couldn’t find the strength or the motivation within him to try. Just living day to day was a struggle. He was exhausted from trying to put on a brave face and appear the normal, happy bubbly Yoosung for pretences sake.

 That’s why when he was offered the chance to just leave, he took it without a moment’s hesitation. Even though those mint green eyes were feral, he wasn’t afraid. Yoosung knew he wouldn’t – he wasn’t lying. He felt the urge to go; that this just might be the escape he was looking for. He grasped the extended hand like it was a lifeline out of the hellhole he was in. No notes, no calls, not a word. He wouldn’t be gone that long anyway, they wouldn’t have enough time to miss him. Just a short breather to help him get his head back on straight.

 He felt a surge of excitement coursing through his veins. This rash recklessness was hardly him at all. Even when he was wrestling with just passing the time one day at a time, he always chose the safe and familiar. But now he was riding in a car he’s never seen before, going to who knows where. It felt like he had just started on a quest. He was the hero going out to seek his fortune. Endless possibilities were open to him. Only he wished that he could see.

 He hadn’t objected when the he had been showed the blindfold in his room.

 “I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”

 The hands that tied them were gentle, yet firm. Yoosung knew he could entrust himself to him. When it was in place he had stroked Yoosung’s hair, as if it was a reward.

 Yoosung had been assured that he would be going to someplace he would love, where he would finally feel the sense of belonging and purpose. People came from different backgrounds and circumstances but none would be a cause of discrimination against them. Everyone was welcome. It was a place where he would see how much he was valued and would be wholly accepted.

 Saeran had been nervous to extend the invitation to Yoosung. He had thoroughly done his research and had been convinced by one who was very close to Yoosung that he would definitely enjoy himself. He would be grateful to Saeran for bringing him there. Saeran had been watching Yoosung for a long time, and it pained him to see how uninterested Yoosung was in life. Yoosung had a believable façade going on, but if you looked hard enough it was clear that there were hairline cracks concealing a world plunged into darkness. Somehow he felt protective over Yoosung with him being the youngest. Saeran wanted to reach out to him and transform Yoosung’s life, like how his had been transformed.

 He was relieved when Yoosung came so willingly. He was slightly worried that Yoosung would kick up a fuss, but Saeran had no trouble at all. His purple eyes were so full of trust as he took Saeran’s offered hand and went with him. He was eager even.

 Saeran turned his head to gaze at Yoosung fondly. Even now, being blindfolded, Yoosung was leaning back into the car seat. Perfectly relaxed and at ease. Such a good boy. Saeran ghosted his fingers across Yoosung’s cheek. He started a little, but then leaned into Saeran’s hand.

 “Such a good boy.” Saeran whispered.

 The corners of his lips curled upward when he noticed the pink hue colouring Yoosung’s cheeks. The smile grew wider when Yoosung reached up and threaded his fingers with Saeran’s. He had taken a liking to him already.

 “May..I?” Yoosung asked tentatively.

 Saeran hummed and left their hands twined as he brought them to rest on his lap.

 When the car rolled to a stop, Saeran reached over and unbuckled Yoosung’s seatbelt.

 He pushed a blond lock away from Yoosung’s ear. “I’ll come over to get you, wait for me.”

 Yoosung sat perfectly still with his heart thumping as he heard the car door slam. He kept unclenching and clenching his fists as he waited. Minutes later, the door beside him opened. He hesitantly reached out a hand.

 “Lower your head a little.” Saeran carefully brought him out of the car, keeping a hold on his small, smooth hand and leading him with his other on the small of his back. They entered the mansion. Yoosung shuddered a little as he noticed the drop in temperature as Saeran led him further in.

 When Saeran was satisfied, he removed the blindfold. Little light filtered into the room. Yoosung’s eyes had to take a while to adjust to it, but when they did, he was shocked to find a group of people in hooded robes watching him. He was in an ornate room with high ceilings and marble floors. It was cold and slightly damp.

 “I’ve brought him Saviour.”

 Yoosung whipped his head to the side in confusion to ask him to explain what he meant, but he wasn’t looking at him. His gaze was focused on the person sitting on the throne at the front of the room.

 Yoosung hadn’t noticed it because he had been flummoxed by the robed people and the strange design of the room that was not in the least bit Korean.

 “You did well.” The answering voice was high and girlish. “Bring him to me, Saeran.”

 It was a voice he could recognise anywhere. A voice that was so ingrained into his being. One that was locked in his memories, linked with happiness and good times when he was the best version of himself. The only version he ever needed to be, but could only wish to be now.

 Yoosung staggered back a few steps.

 No. No.

 It couldn’t be.

 She was dead, they all told her that she was dead! But that small stature, those blond curling locks, and those emerald eyes… Although they were strangely devoid of the warmth and love Yoosung was so used to seeing within them, he was absolutely positive it was she. Even if they had put her in strange ceremonial robes, there was no mistaking her.

 He was frozen. His heart was a mix of terror and happiness, questions swirling like a hurricane in his mind, and he couldn’t separate a single one from the vortex to voice it.

 Saeran – the man who had brought him here, grew impatient and tugged him forward inching him closer and deeper into this nightmare. Yoosung stumbled up the stairs. They both stopped a little distance in front of the throne. Her arms were thrown open, an invitation. An embrace he was ready to run into, yet wanted run away from and never look back. Yoosung didn’t need the proximity to confirm his suspicions of who she was. What he wanted to know was why she was here, why V had lied. Did she have an idea of how he felt when she disappeared? Did she even care?

 His knees trembled.

 She pulled him into her embrace. Yoosung couldn’t quite bring himself to hug her back. She smelled the same as he always remembered. When she pulled away she smiled at him, one that didn’t sit quite right on her face and seemed to be hiding a darker more sinister agenda. Yoosung recoiled and accidentally backed into Saeran.

 Saeran caught him and leaned down to whisper into his ear, “Welcome to paradise.”  

[illegiblechickenscratches]

The Recipe Calls For...

Yoosung knew Saeran’s recovery would take lots of time, effort, and patience. He was prepared to do whatever he could to help Saeran, be whatever he needed. He was ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice and be by his side if he even asked, but that was something Saeran rarely did. He felt immensely guilty for stealing Yoosung from whatever he was doing just for what he thought were personal, selfish reasons. Yoosung fiercely convinced him otherwise every time he voiced his thoughts. 

When Yoosung received a distressed text at 9am from Saeran telling him to come down right away, he was very alarmed, but a part of him was glad that he was being relied on. He sent a hurried text confirming he would be there soon then jumped into the shower to wash the weariness from his body. There had been a special EXP event last night on LoLoL and he had stayed up until the wee hours of the morning with his teammates. He had barely slept for 3 hours. Yoosung hoped it didn’t show.

He called a cab the moment he got out of the shower so it would have reached by the time he was done getting dressed. Then he would be able to see Saeran quickly.

The moment he stepped through the Choi’s doorway, Yoosung was engulfed in a hug.

Yoosung rubbed small slow circles on Saeran’s back. “I’m here now. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Saeran inhaled Yoosung’s familiar comforting scent deeply and felt some of the tension leave him. He stepped back slowly but kept Yoosung’s hands in his. Being in contact with Yoosung, no matter how small, kept him calm.

“S-sorry for calling you over so suddenly,” he began, but Yoosung cut him off with a quick shake of his head.

“Hey it’s fine. We’ve talked about this.” Yoosung squeezed his hands affectionately.

Saeran swallowed and nodded keeping his gaze lowered. “The fridge is acting up. It’s not cold anymore. I’m not sure when exactly it started, but everything is melting!” his voice quavered at the end.

Yoosung took in the panic in his green eyes and cupped his cheek. “It’ll be okay, do you know where the cooler boxes are? Or are there any Styrofoam boxes?”

“I might know where they are.” Saeran racked his brains trying to remember.

“Let’s go,” Yoosung let go of one of Saeran’s hands and let himself be led to the kitchen.

“I just bought the ice cream yesterday..” Saeran said, tonelessly. He suddenly turned to Yoosung as a thought occurred to him. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

Yoosung scratched his head evasively. “Uh..not really, but I’m fine!” he hastened to add.

“Want to eat an ice cream sandwich?” Yoosung could hear a tinge of desperation in Saeran’s tone.

“Sure. In fact, I know a recipe that calls for ice cream! We’ll be able to save them! How many pints do you have?”

“Three.”

“Alright!” Yoosung smiled, “We’ll make three kinds of bread then.”

“Bread?” Saeran asked with a confused look.

“Yeah, I recently saw a recipe for ice cream bread. Heard it’s really yummy.” Yoosung’s eyes twinkled. “It’s simple, just two ingredients.” 

“Okay, let’s try it.” Saeran finally smiled a small smile.

Yoosung inspected the fridge while Saeran dug out whatever cooler boxes he could find. Judging from the condensation and icicles within the fridge, it had most likely started and stopped off and on in the night. The pint right at the back of the freezer was still pretty intact except for slight signs of melting at the edges, but the two pints of ice cream in front were a little soft.

Yoosung smiled when he caught sight of the name of the ice cream at the back. Sweet Cream Coffee. He turned to Saeran with the question on his lips to find Saeran watching him.

“I saw it and thought you might like it.” His mint eyes darted to the floor then to Yoosung’s face briefly. “It was for when you come over on Thursday.”

Yoosung padded over and hugged him. “Thank you.” He said simply.

Other than the ice cream, there was little else to worry about. With Saeyoung and MC away on their honeymoon, the fridge was not very well stocked. The only things which needed saving were the butter, some eggs, carrot juice, and a quarter carton of milk. Yoosung was relieved that there wasn’t any meats or fish to worry about, but then he was disturbed that Saeran wasn’t having proper meals since MC and his brother had already been gone for a week.

Gratefulness flooded Saeran when he saw how seriously Yoosung was taking this. Most people would have just brushed it off as trivial or even ridiculed him for getting upset over this. He was so glad he had Yoosung.

“Since you haven’t eaten, why don’t you help me finish some of these?” Saeran gestured to the eggs and milk.

“Sure, why not! I can finish up the juice too.” Yoosung wasn’t going to say anything, but skipping meals didn’t bode well with him. He ended up becoming irritable and cranky until he had some food in him.

Yoosung took a swig directly from the juice carton and sat down at the kitchen table. Saeran set aside two eggs and the milk then poured Yoosung a bowl of Kookie Krunch. He quickly transferred everything else into a cooler box and shut the lid with a snap.

“Eat this while I do your eggs.”

“No, it’s fine. I can do them myself.” Yoosung tried to protest.

Saeran wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Sit down,” he ordered, “It’s the least I can do since you rushed down.”

“Alright,” Yoosung replied meekly and doused his cereal in milk.

“How do you like your eggs?” Saeran asked in a gentler tone.

“Hmm, why don’t you make them scrambled? That would use up some of the butter and the rest of the milk.” He shook the carton.

“Good thinking.” Saeran took the carton from him and started the fire.

Yoosung scrolled through his phone and looked for the recipe as he shovelled cereal into his mouth.

“Do you have any flour?” he piped up between swallows.

“I think there’s some leftover from the last time MC had a experimental baking stint here.” Saeran set the plate of freshly cooked eggs in front of Yoosung.

“MC baked here?” Yoosung paused with the spoon halfway to his mouth.

“Yeah, she wanted to hang with Saeyoung but she had to come up with some ideas for Jaehee’s cafe.” Saeran shrugged as he checked the cupboards. “Ah here it is, self-rising flour.”

“Perfect!” Saeran was momentarily dazzled by Yoosung’s smile.

He jumped off his stool. “We should get started before it melts further.”

Saeran frowned at his untouched eggs. “You haven’t finished yet though.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll eat as we bake.” Yoosung reassured him. “Do you have any aprons? It could get messy.”

“Uh..maybe MC left a couple behind.” Saeran wandered off.

While Saeran was gone, Yoosung made a quick call so the repairmen could come check out the fridge as soon as possible. They confirmed that they would drop by the following morning. Saeran returned with a red and white checked apron draped over his arm. He handed it to Yoosung.

Yoosung accepted it from him. “Where’s yours?”

“There’s only one. I’m just wearing an old shirt, doesn’t matter.”

Yoosung looked between the apron and Saeran uncertainly.

“Don’t worry about it.” Saeran waved him off. “Let’s start.” He got out some mixing bowls, measuring cups, and cooking utensils.

Yoosung shrugged and tied the apron in place. He turned the knobs on the oven and set it to 175º.

“While that’s warming up, let’s check the ice cream.” Yoosung said cheerily. “Could you prepare the loaf pans?”

Saeran looked uncertain. “What do I need to do..?”

“Line them with parchment paper then spritz it with the non-stick cooking spray.”

The coffee ice cream was still looking much better than the pint of mint chocolate chip and fudge brownie so he left it in the box. Yoosung scooped them out into separate bowls then reached for the flour.

“Yoosung, the eggs are getting cold.” Saeran said disapprovingly.

“Oh sorry, after you made them specially for me.” Yoosung looked contrite. “Just let me measure out the flour-“

Saeran shoved a spoonful into Yoosung’s mouth, anticipating that he would delay eating them.

“Mmm they’re good!” Yoosung’s eyes lit up. “You’ll have to make them for me again sometime.”

“Glad you like them.” Saeran averted his eyes shyly and carefully fed Yoosung another spoonful.

Chewing contentedly, he carefully measured out the flour and dumped it into the two bowls. Yoosung pushed the bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream and a wooden spoon towards Saeran.

“Now it’s time for the test of strength!” Yoosung announced as he grabbed a rubber spatula. He pushed up his sleeve and flexed the arm holding the spatula at Saeran. “Whoever’s mixture gets well combined first wins!”

Saeran watched the excited Yoosung in amusement. “And what does the winner get?”

“Uh..” Yoosung furrowed his brow as he gave it some thought. “A kiss?” he turned slightly pink.

“What? There’s no kick.” Saeran scoffed. “Winner gets to choose where he is kissed.”

“T-that’s..” Yoosung’s cheeks coloured even further. “…o-okay.” He ducked his head and started stirring frantically.

“Hmm? Do you have a place in mind?” Saeran leaned in and whispered into his ear.

“N-no. I…” Yoosung shot him a look and scooted further away from him.

Saeran just laughed and started on his own bowl.

 Saeran won.

Yoosung had still been mixing away fervently when a spoonful of his forgotten scrambled eggs appeared under his nose. Yoosung had started rather badly and Saeran had to steady the glass bowl to prevent it from tipping over the counter.

“Even with a head start I still won,” he teased while he deposited the spoon into Yoosung’s gaping mouth.

Saeran chuckled as he watched Yoosung fume while frantically picking up his pace. “Tell you what, I’ll give you a kiss instead. But I get to choose where I do.”

Yoosung gave a small huff but didn’t look up from the mixing bowl.

Saeran rested his chin in his palm. “You know, you’ve got some batter on your wrist.”

“Where?” Yoosung flipped the wrong hand and scrutinised the front and back.

“This one,” Saeran gently took Yoosung’s hand and licked the smear on the inside of his wrist.

Yoosung inhaled sharply. He tugged his hand out of Saeran’s grasp.

“S-saeran..not..n-not now..” he stuttered.

“Mmm later then,” Saeran smirked at him and put his loaf pan in the oven. “You about done?”

“Yeah..” Yoosung put his loaf pan in too and shut the oven door.

They washed up while waiting for the loaves to rise. The delicious aroma was making Yoosung’s mouth water.

When the oven dinged, he was very tempted to tear off a chunk and eat it right away. Instead he set both loaves on the cooling rack and watched as the steam rose to kiss his face. He had to swat Saeran’s hands away several times when he attempted to steal some before it was time.

Yoosung admire their creation, noting the texture. He wondered if it would be soft and moist on the inside. The fudge brownie flavour might end up with a more brownie like texture than bread. No matter, he and Saeran loved fudgy brownies.

Yoosung sliced the bread evenly then set a slice of mint chocolate chip and the fudge brownie each on two plates. He scooped a generous helping of the sweet cream coffee ice cream onto each one.

“I hope it’s good,” Yoosung licked his lips.

“It’s not,” Saeran said with his mouth full. “It’s great.”

“Really?” Yoosung dug in eagerly.

The warm bread paired with cold ice cream was really divine. The different flavours of the bread didn’t clash too much with the ice cream since it had more of a cream base. Although mint chocolate chip and sweet cream coffee was a slightly odd pair, it was still delicious on its own.

They had seconds. They convinced themselves that they had to finish the third pint of ice cream, but it was also because they weren’t satisfied with just one helping.

“We should try making this again.” Saeran smiled as he washed his plate.

“Yeah! I was thinking we should try other flavours and see how well different flavours complement each other.” Yoosung started rattling off the different combinations he thought would work.

“Yoosung,” Saeran called softly.

Yoosung spun around and looked up at Saeran. “Hmm?”

“Here, your prize.”

Saeran leaned down and brushed a kiss along Yoosung’s nape making him shiver. He nipped the sensitive flesh there softly before touching his lips gently to Yoosung’s.

His lips were a little cold, and he could taste the sweetness of the ice cream on Saeran. Yoosung snaked his arms around Saeran’s waist and sighed contentedly into the kiss.

[illegiblechickenscratches]

I challenge you to a Pocky Battle!

You spy Shun-pyon sitting in the stairwell of the science block's top floor. He had his earpiece on and was totally focused on his DS. You sniggered to yourself as you snuck up behind him, holding a box of pocky behind your back. Your sneak attack was successful; he never saw it coming. He scowled when you removed one side of his earpiece and turned slowly to see who it was. His expression changed to one of surprise when he saw you grinning at him.

"Ryouma! What are you doing here?" He paused his game and pulled out the remaining earpiece.

"I wanted to challenge you in a game." You replied with glinting eyes.

This immediately perked his interest. "Yeah? What game? You're on."

You produce the concealed pocky box with a flourish. His eyes widen momentarily.

"Serious?"

Your only response was to rip the box open. He gets up and steps closer to you.

"I'm honoured that you want to play with me," he says in a low voice.

You step back. "Shut up," You roll your eyes with a smile.

"I'm going to crush you." He says in his best superhero voice.

"Round one, fight!" You place one end of the biscuit in your mouth and stare him down.

Shun saunters up to you, overconfident. He holds your gaze as he bites down on the stick. He makes it to the halfway point before you can even blink, and uses the opportunity to snatch the end just as you were about to take another bite.

He grins at your frustration, "Should've practiced more before coming to challenge the champ!" "Best out of five?" You press.

He just laughs then positions a stick in his mouth and waits for you. He wins this round again and you scowl unhappily.

"Should I go easy on you?" he teases.

"No, give me all you've got!" you snap.

"You're so adorable when you're all riled up," he whispers. His breath tickles your cheek.

You take a step backward and your back hits a wall. Shun's smile widens but he doesn't comment, handing you a stick of pocky to start the third round. You're determined to win this, so you try to move much quicker, analyse Shun's moves and counter them. In the past two rounds, Shun had been skillful enough to win without you both touching lips.

It ended up being a close win, so it was unavoidable this time. You put a hand on his shoulder to gain leverage, since he was about a head taller than you. Ironically it was your grip on his shoulder that fazed him, leading your win. You crowed in delight.

"Well-played," Shun-pyon said with a warm smile. "Do you want to get on a step higher than me? Then we'll be more..level."

"Mmm, maybe for the final round," you mused.

You decide to take it easy for the fourth round and let him do the work. You gain ground at your own pace, but once Shun gets too close you clamp down on the stick and refuse to budge. You exert enough pressure to lock it in place without it breaking. Shun struggles to wrench it free. His mounting frustration is evident.

He rests one hand on the wall behind you and tilts your head up towards him to gain better access. He tries, futilely, to coax the end from your lips with his own. Sun grows increasingly flustered as time passes. You use that to your advantage by a ghosting a hand down his chest and pressing your lips harder against his.

Shun freezes for a few crucial seconds and you go in for the kill. 2 - 2. "You play dirty, Ryouma." His eyes linger on your lips.

You laugh gleefully. "You should have seen your face!" You mimic his shell-shocked look and burst into peals of laughter.

"You think you're so funny," he complains. "Is it me, or is it getting pretty warm?" he takes his hoodie off and lays it over the banister.

"It's probably me," you say cheekily.

Shun shoots you a look. "Yeah, yeah yeah." He does some mock stretches. "I'm ready to win!"

"Just a sec," you take a gulp of water. "I'm ready to kick your butt!"

"We'll see who'll be kicking whose butt." he shoots back.

"Enough chatter," you command, moving to the top step and gesturing for him to get on the step below.

Shun complies. His eyes are level with yours now. You gaze at each other for a while.

"I feel so tall now," you laugh.

"What.. this is nothing," Shun says unimpressed.

His thumb brushes your lower lip in a caress and without thinking, you part your lips. He slips a biscuit between them.

"Ladies first," he whispers before biting onto the other end.

The final round is intense.

Both of you battle for the upper hand. Your fingers are securely threaded into Shun's hair, holding his face to yours. He kept trying to tug the biscuit from your hold, moving his head sharply away and pulling you along with him. To counter his move, you had been trying to turn your face away from his. One too many times of this and the pocky had snapped.

"Again," Shun had commanded, displeased.

Shun had cupped your cheek in his left hand to prevent you from trying the same tactic again. With your hand in his hair, his cupping your face, and the quickly diminishing pocky stick being the only thing separating your lips, passing students would think you were a passionate couple having a tryst in the middle of the school day. Good thing the science block was secluded, and the top floor was rarely used. No one would unwittingly stumble upon your heated game of pocky.

You were down to the last inch of Pocky, and Shun had stolen your move from before. He had locked his jaw on his bit of pocky, a vice-like grip, and his hand was firmly on the back of your neck to keep you from tugging it away. Sneakily touching him no longer had the effect of paralysing him before. You had tried really hard. You had only felt his lips curving into a smile, his eyes boring into yours as if to say it wouldn't happen again.

You had pressed yourself against him in hopes of making him fumble, but as if on instinct, he wrapped his free hand around your waist holding you flush against him. Now you couldn't even draw back. You ceased your unsuccessful flailing and dropped your hands from him. Shun noticed your change of demeanour and brushed his hand against your cheek in a feather-light touch. He moved his lips against yours gently like he was trying to spur you on and rekindle the fight in you.

Your eyes slid closed. You can feel the tension in Shun's jaw as he awaited your move. You ghost your fingers along his jaw briefly before putting your arms around his neck, eliciting a small sigh from him. You steel yourself before making your move. It was risky. Putting it into play would open a brief window of opportunity for Shun to claim the prize. Speed was key, you needed to move faster than the speed of light. Hopefully the element of surprise would buy you more time.

You slip your tongue into his mouth.

Shun froze for a while but noticed the window and recovered quickly. He tried pulling the remaining bit of pocky into his mouth, but you block his attempts with your tongue. You manage to sweep the bit of pocky into your mouth but his grip on your neck tightens, preventing you from moving away. The battle wasn't over yet.

His tongue lingered at the entrance for a moment. He traced your upper lip making you shudder. Then he explored your mouth in search of the pocky. You had hidden it under your tongue and had refused to move it despite Shun's coaxing. He took your lower lip in his mouth and gently sucked on it as a plea before trying to coax it out of you again with his tongue.

You pushed his tongue back where it belonged, but your retreat was hindered by Shun sucking on your tongue. You had to make an effort to hold back a moan. Soon he released you and drew back panting. A silver thread connected your lips for a few seconds before breaking and vanishing. Neither of you stepped away from the other as you caught your breath. You were momentarily lost in the mix of wonder and tenderness in his eyes.

You grinned at him as you chewed on the final bit of pocky and swallowed. He wrinkled his nose in annoyance. Shun leans in to hug you then whispers, "I'll come back for a rematch," in your ear making you tremble.

He pulls back and presses a chaste kiss to your lips. You searched for words that would not come. Shun runs his thumb round the corner of your lips, then collects his belongings and makes his descent down the stairs. Your eyes lock when he turns the corner. You open your mouth to try and say something - anything. But he doesn't wait for you and moves out of view.

The empty pocky wrapper crinkles as you clench your fist.

Hope you liked my fic, thanks for reading! You can also find it on Ao3. I’m beastslikeffs there!