(no) Strings Attached

Just Us, Always

They sounded like victory in his ears. Like a reminder that not giving up on this was what he was destined to do in this moment of his life.

Unintentionally, he let his teeth sink on there, sucking before he pulled away with a gasp.

Love bites had always been a no-go between them.

"I-I'm sorry!" He gasped louder, his eyes wide. But the boy in his lap just smiled softer, shaking his head. "I don't mind anymore. Do whatever you want to. Because I need you, too."

"B-bu—"

"Just you and me, Hongjoong." Seonghwa cut in, smiling convincingly before he leaned in to kiss Hongjoong's cheek.

"Yes. Just us. I choose you over anything too." Hongjoong whispered back, his hands lifting from Seonghwa's waist to cradle the back of his head, hugging him close.

They stayed like that—forehead to shoulder, arms wrapped tight—as if the silence around them needed holding, too.

Hongjoong exhaled shakily. He wasn't going to push. He never would. Not with Seonghwa. He'd take this—just holding him—for as long as he'd let him.

But then—

Seonghwa shifted.

Slight. Barely there. Just a soft tilt of his head until his lips brushed the edge of Hongjoong's jaw. Then his chin. Then lower.

Hongjoong froze, heartbeat stuttering in his chest.

"Hwa?" His voice barely carried. "You—"

"Shh," Seonghwa said, this time to him.

His lips pressed again, more firmly, against the line of Hongjoong's throat. Not shy. Not hesitant. Just... wanting. His hands tightened around Hongjoong's shoulders as he whispered:

"I want to feel you. Can I?"

And Hongjoong almost broke right there. Not because of lust. But because of how much bravery that took. How steady Seonghwa sounded, even if his fingers trembled just slightly.

"You don't have to ask," he said, voice shaking as he cradled Seonghwa's cheek. "But the fact that you are—fuck, baby—yes. Anything."

Seonghwa smiled—nervous but proud. He leaned in again, kissing Hongjoong deeper this time, more sure of what he wanted. One of his hands slid beneath Hongjoong's hoodie, seeking warmth, connection, confirmation that this was real.

That this was safe.

That this was his choice.

Hongjoong paused one last time to say; "Tell me you want this. Not because you think I do."

And Seonghwa replied without hesitation; "I want this because I want you. I'm not scared anymore."

Hongjoong looked like he'd stopped breathing. His hands cupped Seonghwa's cheeks, eyes searching his face for any trace of uncertainty—but all he found was clarity. Want. Choice.

"Okay," he whispered. "Okay, baby."

This time, Seonghwa kissed him.

Not the gentle brush of lips from earlier—not the featherlight affection they'd grown used to. This one was deeper. Slower. It clung to the edges of something sacred. He tilted his head, letting the kiss pull him under. Letting it ground him in the reality that he was safe here. That this—this feeling—was his now.

Hongjoong's arms wound around his waist instinctively, holding him close. Still waiting. Still letting Seonghwa lead.

When Seonghwa pulled back, his lips were pink, parted, eyes a little glazed with want. He reached down with trembling hands and carefully began to lift Hongjoong's hoodie.