8. jitak

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Jiung was so over movie nights at Intak's place. Not because they weren't fun—they were too fun. Which was exactly the problem. Every time they watched something, Intak would find an excuse to drag Jiung into chaos. Tonight? Horror movies.

"Come on, Jiung! You said you weren't scared," Intak teased as they stood in the kitchen, illuminated by the fridge's soft glow.

"I'm not scared," Jiung grumbled, pulling out a carton of milk. His eyes still darted to the doorway, half-expecting a jump scare. "I just don't trust you. You've been planning something all night, I can feel it."

Intak leaned against the counter, all mischievous smirks and soft giggles. He was wearing his usual oversized hoodie, the hood falling halfway over his eyes. "What, me? I'm an angel."

Jiung scoffed, pouring himself a glass. "You? An angel? Yeah, sure. And I'm the Tooth Fairy."

Intak snorted, hopping onto the counter with the grace of someone who clearly lived for middle-of-the-night antics. "Why would the Tooth Fairy drink milk? Shouldn't you be out collecting teeth or something?"

Jiung shot him a glare over his glass but couldn't fight the smile tugging at his lips. Intak was impossible to stay mad at—too bright, too carefree. It was irritating, but in the best way.

"Why are you even awake?" Jiung asked, setting his glass down. "It's 2 AM."

Intak shrugged, kicking his legs playfully from the counter. "Couldn't sleep. You know how it is."

Jiung knew exactly how it was. Late-night thoughts, tangled dreams, and the comfort of knowing someone else was awake too.

"Plus," Intak continued, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, "I figured you'd come wandering in eventually. Like a moth to a fridge light."

Jiung rolled his eyes, leaning against the counter next to him. "You wish I came here for you."

Intak leaned closer, grinning. "Admit it, Ji. You love me."

Jiung snorted, bumping his shoulder against Intak's. "In your dreams."

"Aw, Jiungie," Intak whined dramatically, clutching his chest like Jiung had wounded him. "So cold. So heartless. And after all the snacks I've fed you!"

Jiung shook his head, laughing softly. "You act like giving me half a bag of chips counts as generosity."

"It does!" Intak shot back, grinning ear to ear. "It's a grand gesture of friendship. I'm basically a hero."

Jiung rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the fond smile spreading across his face. It was always like this—banter, teasing, warmth beneath it all.

Intak suddenly hopped off the counter, standing toe-to-toe with Jiung. "Wanna make pancakes?"

Jiung blinked. "Now?"

"Yeah," Intak said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Midnight pancakes taste better. Science, or whatever."

Jiung groaned, but he was already moving toward the pantry. "You're lucky I like you."

Intak's smile softened, just for a moment—enough to make Jiung's heart do something strange.

"I know," Intak whispered, like it was a secret only they shared.

They worked side by side, mixing batter, stealing sprinkles from the cabinet, and laughing quietly in the soft hum of the night. Jiung tried to ignore the way his chest felt light, like the simple act of making pancakes with Intak meant more than it should.

When the first pancake hit the pan, Intak leaned against Jiung's shoulder, a little closer than necessary. Jiung's breath hitched, but he didn't move away.

"You're my favorite late-night snack buddy," Intak murmured.

Jiung smiled, hiding his face in the sleeve of his hoodie. "Yeah, yeah. You're not too bad yourself."

Intak grinned at Jiung's soft, half-hearted compliment. He could tell Jiung was trying to sound casual, but the way his smile lingered gave him away. Intak always knew how to push just the right buttons—and tonight, he was feeling a little bold.

"Not too bad, huh?" Intak teased, leaning in closer until their shoulders were pressed together.

Before Jiung could react, Intak tilted his head and placed a quick, featherlight kiss on his cheek—so soft it could've been mistaken for an accident.

Jiung froze, eyes wide. "What the—"

Before Jiung could even process the kiss, Intak grinned mischievously and followed it up with a playful nip at his shoulder, pretending to bite him like a mischievous puppy.

"Gotcha!" Intak giggled, his teeth barely grazing Jiung's hoodie. He pulled back with a triumphant grin, eyes sparkling with pure delight.

Jiung stared at him, stunned for a moment, his brain struggling to catch up with what just happened. His face flushed pink, but he tried desperately to play it cool. "You are so annoying," he muttered, pushing Intak's shoulder lightly.

"You love it," Intak said, his voice sing-songy, swaying a little side to side like he'd just won a game.

Jiung covered his face with both hands, trying to hide the grin that was spreading uncontrollably. "You're impossible," he groaned, though the warmth in his voice betrayed the affection underneath.

Intak's laughter filled the small kitchen, bright and easy, as if this moment—this playful kiss, this silly bite, and the warmth between them—was exactly where they were supposed to be.

Jiung peeked through his fingers, catching Intak still grinning at him like he was the funniest thing in the world. "Seriously," Jiung mumbled, "what am I going to do with you?"

Intak shrugged, eyes twinkling. "Just keep me, I guess."

Jiung huffed, dropping his hands and shaking his head, but the small, fond smile never left his face. "Yeah... I guess I will."

And as the pancakes sizzled, Jiung knew—chaotic, sleepless nights with Intak might just become his new favorite thing.

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