inspired by XO kitty.
Anton had heard it all before. Wonbin's mocking voice rang in his ears during every passing period at school. "What a waste," Wonbin would sneer, flicking Anton's collar or pretending to sigh dramatically. "All that handsome for nothing. Shame you like boys."
It stung every time, but Anton learned to brush it off. He wasn't going to give Wonbin the satisfaction of seeing him crack.
Tonight, though, wasn't about high school dramas. It was about escaping.
The neon lights of the queer bar washed over Anton and Sungchan as they stepped inside. The bass of the music thrummed in his chest, and the vibrant crowd danced freely under the pulsing strobes. It was a world away from the rigid pressure of school or the impending swimming competition he had tomorrow. Sungchan, ever the loyal friend, clapped Anton on the back.
"Relax, man! You've got this," Sungchan said, grinning as he gestured toward the bar. "One drink, one dance, and you'll crush that contest tomorrow. Trust me."
Anton chuckled, allowing himself to unwind for the first time in days. As they weaved through the crowd, a party anthem erupted from the speakers, sending the crowd into an electrified frenzy. Sungchan pulled Anton closer to the dance floor, shouting over the music, "See? Good vibes only!"
That's when Anton saw him.
The familiar figure danced in the center of the floor, a wolf-cut bob swaying with every sharp move. Wonbin. The same Wonbin who never missed an opportunity to ridicule him. But here he was, bathed in neon light, utterly unbothered as he moved to the beat. His signature smirk was replaced by something softer, freer.
Anton froze, his heart pounding for reasons far beyond the music. What the hell was he doing here?
"I'll be back," Anton said to Sungchan, who was too busy grooving to notice. Anton pushed through the crowd, his eyes locked on the boy who had tormented him for years. As he got closer, Wonbin turned, their eyes meeting. And just like that, the smirk returned.
"What the actual fuck are you doing here?" Anton demanded, crossing his arms as he stopped in front of him. He expected Wonbin to stutter, to fumble for an excuse, maybe even run out in embarrassment. But none of that happened.
Wonbin tilted his head, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Why else would I be here?" he asked, his voice smooth and unshaken.
Before Anton could react, Wonbin stepped forward, wrapping his arms loosely around Anton's neck. The sudden proximity left Anton stunned, his cheeks flushing under the swirling lights.
"Dance with me," Wonbin said, his voice low but audible over the music.
Anton blinked, his mind scrambling for a response. "You're joking, right?" he finally managed, his voice sharper than he intended.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Wonbin countered, his smirk deepening.
Anton hesitated, his body stiff as Wonbin swayed gently to the rhythm, pulling him along. This had to be some kind of game, another one of Wonbin's cruel jokes. But as Anton looked into his eyes, he couldn't find any malice there.
For the first time, Wonbin's gaze wasn't mocking. It was something else entirely-something Anton wasn't sure how to handle.
The crowd pressed around them, the music drowning out everything but the pounding of Anton's heart. Against all logic, he found himself relaxing, his feet following Wonbin's lead.
The corners of Wonbin's lips curved upward as he leaned closer, their foreheads nearly touching. "See?" he murmured. "Not so bad, is it?"
Anton couldn't decide if he wanted to push Wonbin away or pull him closer. But one thing was certain: this night was not going at all how he had expected.
Anton wasn't sure what was more disorienting: the thumping bass vibrating through the floor or the way Wonbin's lips hovered near his ear. The music seemed to fade into the background as the warmth of Wonbin's breath sent shivers down his spine.
