LOVE BITES -Jeongcheol

3

Seungcheol had been out for hours, hunting down rogue vampires wreaking havoc among humans. He was focused—until he spotted him.

As he turned a corner, he found Jeonghan lounging on the edge of a rusty fire escape, looking relaxed and annoyingly captivating. The vampire prince always seemed to have a knack for showing up when he least wanted to see him, especially tonight.

The moonlight caught his hair just right, making him look almost otherworldly. Great, Seungcheol thought, irritation and an unwanted tug of attraction clashing inside him.

"Well, well, if it isn't the mighty hunter himself," Jeonghan called out, his voice light and teasing. He swung his legs back and forth, looking every bit the brat he always was. "Out for a stroll, are we?"

Seungcheol couldn't help but roll his eyes. "What are you doing here, Jeonghan? Shouldn't you be hiding somewhere, plotting your next chaos?"

With a graceful leap, Jeonghan landed in front of him. "Oh, but where's the fun in that?" He took a couple of steps closer, flashing a smile that was infuriatingly charming. "I just wanted to see what my favourite hunter was up to. Surely you're not scared of a little danger?"

"Can't you act like a normal vampire?" Seungcheol shot back, crossing his arms.

Jeonghan huffed, folding his arms over his chest, and rolled his eyes. "No. I'm a Royal after all."

"Yeah, a Royal pain in the ass," Seungcheol muttered, unable to hide a scoff.

Jeonghan stepped in even closer, his gaze daring. "You know, I could teach you how to treat royalty properly." He reached out, his fingers brushing against Seungcheol's cheek in a way that sent an unwelcome shiver down his spine.

Seungcheol's breath caught, his heart racing as Jeonghan's touch lingered. "Are you in vampire heat or something? Cut it out!" he snapped, grabbing Jeonghan's wrist and twisting it away from his face, his grip firm but not painful.

Jeonghan pouted, feigning hurt. "Oh, come on. I'm just trying to be affectionate! You'd think a big, tough hunter could handle a little flirting."

"Flirting? Is that what you call it?" Seungcheol scoffed, still holding Jeonghan's wrist, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. "You're acting like a spoiled brat. It's annoying."

"Annoying or irresistible?" Jeonghan countered, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Because I'd say you're enjoying this more than you let on."

Seungcheol released Jeonghan's wrist, his patience wearing thin. "You really need to learn when to stop. I'm not here to indulge your whims."

"Indulge me just a little, Seungcheol," Jeonghan said, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "I promise you'll love it."

"Love it? With you? I doubt that," Seungcheol shot back, but the heat in his cheeks betrayed him.

Jeonghan closed the distance again, his expression teasing yet earnest. "Oh, but I think you secretly do."

Seungcheol took a step back, shaking his head to clear the haze of desire clouding his judgment. "You're infuriating," he muttered, unable to suppress a reluctant smile. "And I'm supposed to be the one in charge here."

"Charge away, then," Jeonghan said, his playful tone undeterred. "But you know I'll always be the one in control of this little game."

And with that, Jeonghan turned on his heel, glancing over his shoulder with a wink that left Seungcheol standing there, torn between irritation and undeniable attraction.

★★★

The alley was still and dim, a familiar refuge for Jihoon as he leaned against the wall, letting the shadows wrap around him. He had hoped for some silent, peaceful alone time, but luck had other plans. When he spotted the man he met a week ago, waiting for him, he couldn't help but roll his eyes.