Villain kids

9

It was as if lightning had kissed their veins.

Even hours later, tangled in sheets far apart from each other, miles of wall and silence between them, Jeno still felt the ghost of Jaemin's lips—soft, reckless, electric. And it was driving him insane.

Jeno: “I can't fucking like a fucking Oredon kid…”
He muttered it under his breath, just loud enough for his own shame to hear. The room was dark, late, and quiet—except…

Jisung: “Can’t sleep because of the kiss? Me neither.”

Jeno: “What the hell—why are you awake?”

Jisung: “Too many thoughts. And… it’s not that bad here. People are kinda nice.”

Jeno: “Don’t start sounding like them. We get the wand, and we leave. End of story.”

Jisung: “What about Jaemin?”

Jeno: “What about him?”

Jisung: “You like him, don’t you?”

Jeno: “Even if I did, it doesn’t matter. We’re not staying.”

Jisung: “You could be with him. He said he wants to do things his way. Maybe that includes… you. Ever think of that? He’s stubborn.”

Jeno: “He’s an Oredon kid.”

Jisung: “Yeah, and he’s also the Son of Aladdin. Dude’s dad wasn’t royalty either—he made his own story.”

Silence stretched again, but it wasn’t restful. It was thick with questions neither of them wanted to answer. And then—

Click. The lock turned.

Both boys bolted upright. Instinct kicked in: Jisung grabbed his knife, Jeno clenched his fists, ready to knock out whoever dared barge in.

And then—purple hair.

Hyuck: “You guys are so dramatic. Jaemin’s having a breakdown, so I figured I’d check on you in case you were crying, too.”

Jisung: “He is, actually. Can’t sleep ‘cause of Jaemin.”

Hyuck: “Jeno, are you gonna be a mopey idiot or are you gonna grow a pair?”

Jeno: “I can’t like him. We’re leaving. He’s staying.”

Hyuck: “Okay. First of all—Jeno Lee, I’ve known you since you were pooping fire and crying over burnt teddy bears. You’ve never kissed anyone, not even me on a dare, and I watched you streak across the Isle because you refused. So no, that kiss wasn’t nothing.

Jaemin is in my room crying because he thinks he scared you off. Now get your overpowered ass in there and fix it. I’m crashing in your bed. Also? Tell Chan to come here. And for the love of magic, do not hook up on my sheets. I still like sleeping there.”

Jeno blinked, half-blushing, half-laughing as Hyuck hugged him—a rare gesture from both of them.

Hyuck: “You haven’t hugged me in a year. That’s… weird.”

Jeno: “Tell me about it.”

Hyuck shoved him off the bed and out the door. Jeno took a breath, nerves twisting, but warmth blooming in his chest. He wasn’t used to this—being cared for. Not like this.

But right now, he had something more pressing to handle: a crying boy with honey eyes and dangerous charm waiting behind a wooden door.

He knocked gently.

Sungchan: “Jaemin…”

The blonde looked up, tear-streaked and startled to see Jeno standing there, gaze soft.

Jeno: “Hyuck said I’m taking over. You get Jisung and a free bed.”

Sungchan nodded and gave Jaemin a quick hug before slipping out with a quiet, “You’ve got this.”

Inside, silence. Jeno sat beside Jaemin, close but not too close.

Jeno: “You okay?”

Jaemin: “Are you?”

Jeno: “…Not really.”

They sat in that strange, quiet tension, both bruised by emotions they weren’t used to sharing.

Jeno: “I’ve never kissed anyone before you. I always said… the first time should matter. It shouldn’t be wasted. And I don’t think I wasted it.”

Jaemin’s lips parted in surprise.

Jaemin: “I don’t flirt much. I tease, sure. But I don’t chase people, not really. I didn’t even have my first kiss before today. I don’t know what got into me, but… I don’t regret it either.”

Their knees brushed.

Jeno: “When we get the wand… we’re breaking the barrier, helping the villains escape. Then we’re going home. That was the plan.”

Jaemin: “And you’re wondering if I’ll still be here… or if I’ll follow?”

Jeno: “You read minds now?”

Jaemin: “It was kind of obvious.” He chuckled softly. “I want to help you first. Finish the mission. Then… I want to see the Isle. See what your world’s like. And if your friends don’t hate me, maybe I’ll stick around… with you.”

Jeno: “You can have the couch. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Jaemin: “Like hell you will. I want the Isle experience, not the exile experience. You’re sharing the bed.”

Jeno: “Wow. Day one and we’re already mapping sleeping arrangements.”
He laughed, his eye smile catching Jaemin off guard.

Jaemin: “You should smile more. It’s adorable.”

Jeno: “Yours is beautiful.”
And Jaemin blushed. He actually blushed—and that made Jeno grin harder.

Jaemin: “Would it be too much if I asked you to kiss me again?”

Jeno: “I was gonna do it even if you didn’t ask.”
He leaned in, slowly, carefully, savoring the moment where nothing else existed but them and the air between their lips.