Demon and the Mage (Jeongcheol)

Jeonghan

"And you're really not going to tell me where we're going?"

"Nope," Seungcheol answered cheerfully. I was so used to his frown that his constant smiling was an adjustment. Not that I was complaining.

We were back in his beauty of a car. Having had the pleasure of driving her back from Scotland, I could appreciate it for the work of art it was. I hadn't known what to expect when Seungcheol had floated the idea of a date. He didn't strike me as the kind of guy who'd take me out for a fancy meal or to the theatre. Which was great because I'd never been that guy either.

His instructions on my clothing hadn't helped either. Casual, comfy clothing suited me fine. But it meant we could be doing literally anything.

"Can't believe you're keeping me in the dark," I groused. We were driving along the M27, but again, that provided little help.

Seungcheol gave me a fond look. "Wow. You really don't like surprises."

I grunted, making Seungcheol laugh.

"I can't decide if that makes me want to surprise you more or less," Seungcheol mused. "As your mate, I want to make you happy...but as your partner, I can't deny that I enjoy winding you up."

His casual use of the word mate made my insides feel all squiggly. Ever since Seungcheol had laid his cards on the table, it was like I was being torn in two. Half of me was wary, cautioning me to wait longer to be sure of his intentions. But the other half was getting louder with every moment spent in Seungcheol's company. That half wanted me to say fuck it and dive into the bond with both feet, trusting Seungcheol would be there to catch me.

I pushed the internal dilemma to one side, instead focusing on the latter half of his statement about winding me up. "Careful, big guy. That street goes two ways."

His gaze was heated as it slid over me. "Oh, don't I know it."

I bit my lip, wondering how much I could work Seungcheol up while he was still driving. That was yet another benefit to being a supe—our reaction times were much faster. So, in theory, if I decided now would be a good moment to unleash Seungcheol's cock from his jeans and take him into my mouth, we shouldn't crash.

In theory.

Sadly, before I could test it out, Seungcheol flicked on the indicator and took the next junction towards Southsea. A warm sense of home settled over me as hundreds of memories washed over me. It was one of my and Blaise's favourite places to visit. We'd spent countless hours in the arcades before grabbing a cone of chips and devouring them while walking along the seafront.

Was it the most glamorous place? No. Was it the most adult activity? Also no.

Did we enjoy the fuck out of it every time?

Absolutely yes.

Could I persuade Seungcheol to squeeze a quick arcade visit into whatever plans he had? I tapped my fingers on my knee before dismissing the idea with a sigh. No. No matter how I framed it, chilling at the 2p machines before hitting up the chippy wasn't romantic in anyone's book.

Seungcheol pulled into a car park by the seafront, piquing my interest. He still wasn't forthcoming, though, merely shooting me a grin before getting out of the car. Up ahead was a small complex of restaurants and a cinema. If I had to guess, that's where we were going.

His hand slipped into mine as we walked along the pavement. I jolted in surprise before tightening my grip around his.

"You know, I used to spend a lot of time here with Blaise," I commented as we passed one of several arcades. It wasn't my favourite. That was down the next street.