𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 18: Why keep it a secret?

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18: Why Keep It A Secret?
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The cozy living room was bathed in the flickering light of the TV as Mina and Ni-ki lounged together on the couch, wrapped snugly in a thick, soft blanket. The sound of Deadpool filled the room, the humor and chaos of the movie contrasting with the calm intimacy that settled between them. The scent of popcorn lingered in the air, mingling with the faint perfume Mina always wore, the one Ni-ki secretly loved.

Mina shifted slightly, her knee brushing against Ni-ki's. He glanced down at the contact, then up at her, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"Are you enjoying the movie?" he asked, his voice low, almost teasing.

Mina shrugged, her eyes meeting his, a playful spark in them. "It's okay," she replied, her tone light but suggestive. "I think I'm more interested in something else."

Ni-ki raised an eyebrow, leaning in just enough to blur the space between them. "Oh yeah?" he murmured. "Like what?"

Her gaze flicked down to his lips for the briefest moment before returning to his eyes. A soft smile tugged at her mouth. "Like this," she whispered.

Before either of them could overthink, she closed the gap, her lips brushing against his. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, testing. Ni-ki's hand moved up to cradle the back of her head, his fingers threading gently through her hair. Mina let out a quiet sigh against his lips, her hand resting on his chest where she could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palm.

As the kiss deepened, Ni-ki tilted his head, their mouths moving together in perfect sync. The rest of the world melted away—the movie, the room, everything. His other hand found her waist, his touch light but grounding. She shifted, moving to straddle his lap, her body fitting against his as though they were pieces of a puzzle that had finally clicked into place.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, their foreheads rested together. Ni-ki's eyes were darker now, filled with a mix of desire and something softer, something tender.

"Mina," he murmured, his voice husky and raw. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

A smile broke across her face, her thumb brushing over his cheek. "So have I," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't need any more encouragement. He leaned in again, capturing her lips in another kiss, this one slower, more deliberate, as though they had all the time in the world. It wasn't hurried, just two people exploring, savoring, and losing themselves in each other.

Minutes passed, though neither of them could say how many, the outside world completely forgotten. When they finally pulled back, both breathing heavily, their eyes stayed locked, a silent understanding passing between them.

Mina broke the silence first, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Do you think we missed the best part of the movie?"

Ni-ki chuckled, the sound low and warm, his thumb brushing over her slightly swollen lower lip. "I think," he said, his voice full of affection, "we found something better."

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The kitchen was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the soft murmur of voices. Aerum and Heeseung sat across from each other at the worn wooden table, their expressions heavy with unspoken worries. A faint tension hung in the air, and their shared glances were laced with uncertainty.