LOVE BITES -Jeongcheol

8

1 year later~

It had been a year since the dust settled after the Viper's curse was lifted, but the tension between vampires and hunters was still palpable. While some sought common ground, many remained entrenched in old rivalries. Jeonghan had spent the past twelve months transforming. Finding new confidence.

Tonight was special—Seokmin's idea to celebrate his and Joshua's fourth anniversary with friends, finally free to share their love out in the open. No more sneaking around or keeping secrets. As they entered the club, laughter and music filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension that often lingered outside these walls.

Jeonghan felt electric as he surveyed the room. He had always loved the nightlife, but tonight he felt extra alive. With a playful smirk, he sauntered over to the bar, feeling the eyes of several guests drawn to him. He reveled in it, letting the thrill of being the center of attention wash over him. He wore a black leather jacket that hugged his frame and accentuated his features, an air of confidence radiating off him.

The moment he spotted Seungcheol across the room, standing with a group of hunters, his heart raced—not from affection, but from the thrill of what he planned to do.

Seungcheol leaned against the bar, feeling the bass of the music thrumming through his chest. The club was alive with energy, laughter, and vibrant lights, but all he could focus on was the knot of unease in his stomach. He hadn't seen Jeonghan in a year, and he'd managed to avoid running into him, or maybe he'd just gotten lucky. Tonight, however, luck had run out.

His gaze drifted across the room, and then he spotted him. Jeonghan stood out like a beacon, electric and captivating, wearing a black leather jacket that hugged his frame just right. Seungcheol felt a rush of conflicting emotions wash over him. Memories of their last encounter loomed large, a stark reminder of the unresolved tension between them.

He braced himself for the familiar chaos that usually followed Jeonghan's arrival: the teasing remarks, the way he would invade Seungcheol's personal space, the provocation that always set his heart racing. But to Seungcheol's surprise, Jeonghan didn't make his way over. Instead, he sauntered past him, headed for the dance floor, laughter trailing behind him like a comet's tail.

Jeonghan didn't even glance his way.

Seungcheol felt a flicker of confusion mixed with disappointment. Wasn't this the same Jeonghan who thrived on getting under his skin? He watched as Jeonghan lost himself in the crowd, dancing with a group of people, a dazzling smile on his face. The sight tugged at Seungcheol's heart, but the deeper he looked, the more he realized: Jeonghan wasn't just enjoying the night; he was actively avoiding him.

As if sensing his gaze, Jeonghan moved to a secluded corner of the club, a section shrouded in dim light. Seungcheol's breath hitched when he saw Jeonghan settle in with a mix of boys and girls, chatting and laughing, hands playfully brushing against each other. They were clearly enthralled by him, leaning in closer, and Seungcheol felt something tighten in his chest when he saw Jeonghan kissing a boy and a girl at the same time.

It hit him like a punch. He wasn't the one avoiding Jeonghan all year; it had been the other way around. Jeonghan had chosen to keep his distance, to immerse himself in this new life while Seungcheol had clung to the that one day a year ago.

Watching the scene unfold, Seungcheol felt an ache settle deep within him. Jeonghan was thriving, clearly having fun, and here he was, still mired in guilt and regret.

★★★

The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and music, a blend of vibrant colours and sounds that wrapped around the group. Seokmin raised his glass, grinning widely. "To four years of love and chaos!" He glanced at Joshua, whose cheeks flushed with happiness. The crowd echoed his sentiment, raising their shots in unison.