Jungtae's back hit the couch.
The cushion dipped under him, leather cold against his palms. Before he could sit up, the door behind Owen clicked shut.
Locked.
"W-wait," Jungtae said, breathing unevenly. "What is this about?"
Owen turned slowly, hand still on the knob. His gaze dragged over Jungtae, unhurried.
"You're an hour late," Owen said.
He walked closer.
Jungtae tried to push himself up, but Owen leaned in, placing one hand above Jungtae's head, pressing into the couch. The space between them became thinner.
"I texted you," Owen continued. "I told you to come see me. And I told you, do not make me wait. Right?"
"Hey." Jungtae's hands lifted, palms pressing weakly against Owen's chest. "Stop."
Owen's eyes flicked down to Jungtae's hands, then back to his face.
"This is part of the deal."
Jungtae's stomach dropped.
Before he could answer, Owen leaned down and kissed him.
It wasn't rough, but it wasn't gentle either.
Jungtae froze. Eyes widened.
Owen's lips were warm, firm, lingering just long enough for Jungtae to realize what was happening.
His mind went blank, every thought scattering. This was his first kiss, and it was nothing like he imagined. No softness. No choice.
His breath hitched. His first kiss is with this guy? Kwon Owen? The guy he hated before.
Owen pulled back just a little, watching him.
Jungtae's hands trembled. "Stop!"
Then before realizing it.
His hand moved before he could stop it.
Smack.
The sound echoed sharply in the room.
ৎ────
Earlier.
Jungtae had seen the message during lunch.
"Come to the student council office. Now."
His stomach twisted as he stood from his seat.
'He is serious when he said, anywhere. What if Woojin sees us.' Jungtae thought with a sigh.
The hallway buzzed with noise, students moving in different directions. He was almost there when someone stepped into his path.
Cha Haneul.
"Where are you going?" Haneul asked.
Jungtae stopped. "I… I'm here to see Owen."
Haneul's expression changed. The easy smile vanished, replaced by something tight.
"Why do you need to see him?"
"He called me," Jungtae replied, gripping his phone.
Haneul looked away for a second, jaw clenching. "He's not inside," he said flatly. "He went somewhere."
"Oh." Jungtae hesitated. "Okay."
He turned back toward his classroom.
At break time, the hallway was nearly empty.
That was when Owen appeared behind him. "There you are."
A hand grabbed Jungtae's wrist.
Before he could react, Owen pulled him forward, dragging him through the corridor and into the office.
Now.
Owen stumbled back just a little, fingers tracing to his mouth. A thin bruise already darkened near his lip.
"Ow. That hurt Jungtae."
Jungtae stared, chest heaving. "I-I didn't."
Owen looked at him.
Then he laughed softly.
"So you still have claws," Owen said, licking his lip where it hurt. His eyes gleamed. "Always interesting."
Jungtae's face burned. "I'm sorry. I thought…I didn't know this was…"
Owen stepped forward again.
"You agreed," he said quietly. "You said yes to the deal. This is part of the deal. I just said it earlier."
Jungtae swallowed hard.
Images flashed through his mind, hospital lights, wires, his grandpa's unconscious body laying at the hospital bed.
The number on the bill. Half million won. And the future expenses were all paid.
His shoulders sagged.
"I know," Jungtae said, voice small. He gave in.
Owen tilted his head, satisfied.
"Good."
He leaned in again, but slower this time.
"Relax," Owen murmured. "I'm not in a rush. Well. Kinda."
Owen brushed his thumb lightly along Jungtae's jaw, lifting his chin. Jungtae's breath caught as their lips met again.
This time, Owen didn't rush it. Jungtae's body was shaking.
The kiss deepened, slow and soft at first. Owen lingered, pressing just enough to make Jungtae aware of every second. Jungtae's face grew hot, his hands clenched tight at his sides, unsure where to go, what to do.
"Open your mouth and let out your tongue." Owen whispered against his lips.
Jungtae hesitated, a wave of embarrassment washed over deep inside him but then obeyed.
"Mmp."
Their tongues touched, they could taste each others saliva. Owen looked at Jungtae's expression, it was turning him on and deepened the kiss even more.
The kiss lasted a little longer before Owen pulled away.
Jungtae sat there, stunned, lips tingling, heart racing like it wanted to break out of his chest.
Owen straightened, smoothing his collar like nothing happened.
"Go back to class," he said casually, unlocking the door. "You're flustered enough." Owen said with a smirk.
Jungtae stood on shaky legs and left without looking back. On his way back, his hand landed a slap on his cheek.
"Argh."
'I can't believe it. I hated him before and promised myself to not get involved with him because he's trouble.'
ৎ────
He slid into his seat just as the bell rang.
His face still felt hot.
Woojin glanced over immediately. "Hey. What happened to you? Where have you been?"
Jungtae stared at his desk. "Nothing. I-I just helped the P.E teacher carry some stuff back to the gym."
Woojin frowned. "Your face is red."
"I just felt hot." Jungtae replied with a low laugh.
Woojin didn't push, but his eyes stayed on Jungtae longer than usual.
After class, Woojin walked beside him. "How's your grandpa?"
Jungtae's steps slowed. "Still unconscious."
Woojin nodded. "You know… you can ask me now to help you pay the bills."
Jungtae looked at him. Guilt pressed heavy on his chest.
"Yes.Yes. Thank you Woojin." he said softly.
"Okay. Just tell me anytime."
Then, suddenly, he bumped his fist lightly against Woojin's shoulder.
Woojin blinked. "Hmm? What was that for?"
Jungtae laughed, forcing lightness into his voice. He jumped a little and ruffled Woojin's hair.
"Your hair's getting long Woojin."
Woojin swatted his hand away, cheeks pink. "Yeah. It is."
"Want me to cut it and have a new hair cut?" Woojin asked.
"Nah. Your long hair looks good on you." Jungtae said with a smile on his face.
Woojin hesitated, then looked away. "You think it looks okay?"
Jungtae smiled. "Yeah. It suits you."
Woojin didn't answer, but the tips of his ears turned red, hiding it.
"Okay…"