Fortnight

Chapter - 9

Paris,

Two years ago

For the next few days, Theo finds a new routine. In the morning, he works diligently with his father, whether they're inspecting project sites or attending meetings. The rhythm of the day is structured and disciplined, the expectations of his family weighing on his shoulders.

But at night, once everyone is asleep, Theo slips out of his room and scales the wall of the hotel. By now, he has mastered the technique, moving with a cat-like grace and confidence. On the other side, Kwang is always waiting, a constant in the sea of changes in Theo's life.

Sometimes they go to the hilltop, sitting under the vast, star-filled sky, talking about their dreams and fears. Other times, Kwang takes him to his underground matches. The first time, Theo was too shocked to fully comprehend the raw violence and energy, but now, he finds himself getting caught up in the excitement.

"Come on, Kwang! You got this!" Theo yells, his voice nearly drowned out by the roaring crowd.

Kwang, in the middle of a fierce exchange, glances over and smirks, the corner of his mouth lifting in a confident grin. Theo's heart pounds in his chest, both from the thrill of the fight and the fear for Kwang's safety. He watches with bated breath as Kwang dodges a critical hit, the movement so fluid it's almost unreal.

After the match, which Kwang wins as usual, they head back to the bar. In the private room, away from prying eyes, they unwind. Theo traces the intricate patterns of Kwang's tattoos with his fingers, fascinated by the stories they tell.

"What does this one mean?" Theo asks, his finger lingering on a dragon coiled around Kwang's bicep.

Kwang looks down at the tattoo, his eyes softening. "It's for strength and protection."

Theo nods, absorbing the personal history etched into Kwang's skin. "You have so many stories on your body," he murmurs.

Kwang chuckles, his eyes fixed on Theo's face. "And you have stories in your eyes," he says, his voice gentle.

Theo smirks as he pulls Kwang closer to himself. "I don't have any tattoos to show them off," he jokes.

"Not yet," Kwang replies with a wink.

They share stories from their lives, each revelation bringing them closer. Theo asks about Kwang's parents, who then with a nonchalance tells him how as far as his memories go, he has been an orphan. Theo learns about Kwang's tough upbringing and his path into the underground fighting world. In turn, he shares snippets of his own sheltered life, the pressure of his family's expectations, and his longing for freedom.

One night, after a particularly intense match, Theo finds himself tracing Kwang's tattoos again, his touch lingering. "You scare me sometimes," he admits quietly. "The way you take those hits... It's like you're invincible."

Kwang's eyes meet his, a mixture of warmth and steel. "I'm not invincible, Tae. I just have something worth fighting for."

Theo's breath catches. "And what's that?"

"You," Kwang says with a cheesy smirk, his hand coming up to cradle Theo's cheek. "You make me feel things I have never felt before. That's more scary than those matches."

Theo looks at Kwang and smiles. "You know, I never thought I'd find someone like you. Someone who understands me."

Kwang leans in, their foreheads touching. "And I never thought I'd find someone like you. Someone who gives me a reason to fight."

Theo feels a charge between them, an intensity that's been only rising since the time they met. Kwang pulls Theo over him, one hand securing around his waist, another holding his hand, as he pulls Theo into a slow, deliberate kiss. Theo follows his lead, leaning half over Kwang and placing his free hand over his heart, feeling its rapid beat.