GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

xxxiii. ✓

𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒊𝒊𝒊.

After enduring a long day of classes, I returned to the dorms, hoping to find Joohyun and perhaps share a meal together at the dining hall. However, she was nowhere to be seen, leaving me to wonder if she was preoccupied with whatever she had been doing. 

Contemplating whether I should call her, my thoughts were interrupted by a sound coming from the door.

I found myself in the common space, towel-drying my hair after a refreshing shower, clad in a pair of shorts and a maroon camisole top. As my gaze fixated on the door, confusion etched across my face. Could it be Joohyun? I hadn't locked the door, after all.

Curiosity propelled me toward the entrance, and as I swung it open, I was met with a figure donning a black hoodie with the hood pulled over their head, paired with black sweatpants. However, the vibrant red sneakers triggered a sudden realization, causing me to gasp audibly.

"Seungcheol?!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my surprise.

Seungcheol swiftly moved to cover my mouth, his urgency evident as he hurriedly ushered me back into the dorm. Removing his hood, he revealed his face, his eyes brimming with a mixture of concern and determination.

"What are you doing here?!" I whispered, my voice muffled by his hand.

"Shh! Stop shouting, you'll draw attention," he hushed me, his voice laced with a hint of urgency.

I complied, sealing my lips and scanning his form in disbelief. It was truly surreal to find myself face to face with the High King. However, his next remark caught me off guard.

"Can you, uh, wear something more appropriate?" Seungcheol averted his gaze, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson as our eyes briefly met.

I glanced down at my attire, suddenly self-conscious. This must have been an unusual sight for Seungcheol. But why was he so surprised? It's not like he hadn't seen a woman's body before...

A mischievous impulse surged within me. "What do you mean 'appropriate'? It's hot in here," I retorted shamelessly, flipping my hair with a hint of sass. In truth, the chill of Soyeon Hill's night air sent shivers down my spine.

I was practically asking for trouble.

Seungcheol grumbled softly, clearly flustered by my response. "I came here to tell you something."

Raising an eyebrow, I arched a curious gaze at him. "Oh, really? Couldn't you have just texted me? It would have been easier."

He shot me a knowing look, and I met his gaze with equal intensity.

"Actually, I—"

"Dani?"

Joohyun's voice emanated from the other side of the door, causing Seungcheol and me to panic. Acting swiftly, I grabbed his hand, pulling him into my bedroom before Joohyun could catch us in the act.

Thank goodness my dorm room was a suite with separate bedrooms. Otherwise, we would never see daylight again.

"Dani—" Joohyun's voice trailed off, interrupted by the click of the door closing. I strained to listen, my ear pressed against the door. The sound of keys rattling and the subsequent closure of the door suggested that Joohyun must have assumed I was not around.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I turned to locate Seungcheol, only to find him already hovering above me, his hands pressed against the door. The dimly lit room allowed me to discern his features—the contours of his face, the arch of his eyebrows, and the lines of his lips.

I felt an overwhelming desire to reach out and cradle his face in my hands, basking in the beauty that lay before me.

"Dani?" Seungcheol whispered, jolting me out of my reverie. I blinked, returning to the present, suddenly aware of the mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"What were you thinking?" he inquired softly, his fingers grazing the side of my head. I longed to lean into his touch and surrender to the warmth enveloping me.

"What were you thinking?" I countered, my eyes locked with his, a flicker of anticipation dancing between us.

"Somehow, your eyes are glinting. What have you so excited?" he teased, his hand inching closer to mine as it rested on the door. Leaning against it, I could feel the cool surface pressing against my back.

"Cheol, don't tempt me," I whispered, a playful edge to my voice, as I ran my hands along his arms, sensing the strength beneath my touch.

I gently pushed him away. "Get off, I haven't had dinner yet."

I flicked on the lights, turning to face Seungcheol, who was now seated on my bed, his mouth forming a pout.

A snort escaped my lips. "Were you expecting something?"

He crossed his arms, feigning nonchalance. "I wasn't."

"You were!"

"I wasn't—"

Smiling, I crossed the room to stand before him, cradling his face in my hands. With a playful squeeze to his cheeks, I couldn't help but declare, "Such a baby."

His eyes widened in surprise. "You—"

Before he could utter another word, I leaned in, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss before pulling away, a blossoming smile upon my face.

"Y-Yah..." Seungcheol stammered, his cheeks aflame.

I chuckled, playfully swatting his arm with the towel draped around my neck. "Stop acting like a pre-pubescent boy. Now, get to the point. Why are you here? How did you even get inside? Did you bring Seungkwan or Seokmin along? Ah!"

Before I could finish my words, I felt Seungcheol's firm grip on my wrist, pulling me toward him. My back met the softness of the bed as he hovered above me, his eyes hooded and filled with unmistakable desire.

"Uhm, Cheol?" I managed to utter, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Don't call me that unless you plan to take it further," he murmured huskily, sending shivers cascading down my spine.

Take it further? Oh, dear.

"Wait, Cheol! We have two clans to save," I hastily interjected, causing him to erupt into laughter.

"Alright, fine. Saving two messed-up clans takes precedence," he retorted, finally sitting up straight, his expression turning serious.

"So, is there something I should know? Why did you sneak in here and risk your life?" I inquired, watching him intently.

"I've stumbled upon some crucial information. It's best to inform you immediately without delay," he replied, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he let out a sigh. "It appears that we're facing imminent danger. The two of us."

My eyes widened at his revelation.

Why was I not surprised?

"Tell me everything," I urged, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Seungcheol adjusted himself on the bed, preparing to divulge his findings. "Let's hope you're not too hungry just yet."

***

Just a little tease for you guys ;)