forum I Hate You, Yet. . . I Still Feel the Attraction. . . (Closed with knightinadream) (1/1) (MxM)

Started September 13, 2023 by @Rhys group

tune

Acting was something Adonis was good at. He could act like he was enjoying this social event. He could act like he was very much invested in the conversation his mom was having with other people. Yet he was unable to. His mind drifted back to Roazin no matter how many times he tried to pretend like everything was fine.

When his gaze met Roa's, the calm nonchalant facade dropped. That grin. That damned grin. His lips felt numb while he watched. Those lips would be better on his. That hand would be in a much better place on his chest or waist. All that rang in his ears were those little moans coming out of that pretty little mouth. At this point he could care less about the auction for he already won something far more precious to him.

By the time he snapped back into reality, his watch softly vibrated as a notification popped up on its little screen. Adonis knew that his mom was going to snatch his wrist for checking his smart watch. Although now, she seemed more preoccupied with this conversation she was having with someone whom he already forgotten the name of. Half of the people she introduced him to he didn't care for. She could introduce him to one of his favorite actors right now and he still would not care.

The small screen lit up, reveling the message from Roa. His lips mouthed word for word while his eyes squinted. What Roa said made no sense to him. He muttered the message a few times before looking up. By chance, his eyes caught Roa's dad. Sure his mind was slow to add things together, but he eventually was able to understand what was being said.

Sneaking around was something he was always good at. Even months after the whole scandal, he went back to sneaking around with some boy toy or anyone he was interested in. Honestly, it was very easy to hide things from his parents. Rarely were they ever home to begin with. Adonis hides a lot from them. Not just relationships, but everything. Even what him and Serafina were up to, he hid it all. They didn't really care. As long as neither of them was up to trouble or dead, the Maeng siblings could sneak away to Paris and their parents wouldn't know.

Then again, his parents rarely noticed anything. Roa's parents on the other hand were different. He only knew so much, particularly about Mr. Demcrius. The man is a hawk. Literally. Adonis wouldn't be surprised if the guy was watching everyone's single step. How tiring. How exhausting, but it doesn't have to always be this way.

Taking a step away from his mom and the little circle of people they were in, he decided to send a text to Roazin. Maybe it's time the prey sneak out and go somewhere where they can get away from the hawk. Just the two of them alone together. Before his mom could look over, he sent the text then rolled down his sleeve.

Roa turns back to Moore, checking back into the conversation the boys were all holding but not really into it. He sighs softly, chewing on his lower lip and tapping the back of his phone. His gaze lands on his father, who was still talking to an older man, though Roa had a feeling his father knew exactly what Roa was doing. He swallows and turns his back to the older man and looks at Moore, "Hey, I'm going to get some fresh air out front. See you later, yeah?"

Moore looked up in shock, blinking, "But you just got over here to us. Stay, gossip with us."

Roa shrugs smoothly, "You know me. I'll be right back, okay?" He smiles, lacing on the charm before turning and walking toward the garden doors, pushing through them and starting to walk around the large mansion towards the front. He looked up, stopping as he looked up for a moment. Moore;s sister, Adelle, was standing and he smiles slightly. He walks up to her side, "Addie. Wonderful evening and party. Getting some air and leaving that stuffy ballroom?"

Adelle turns, looking at him and smiling, "Roazin." She greets. She was pretty, Roa would admit, soft blond hair that cascaded down her back, a slim waist and nice curves. They often used each other as a cover when they needed escape, making sure they were seen together before both of them parted and slipped away. His phone buzzed yet again and he looks at the screen after kissing Adelle's cheek once and asking.

"How are you?" He blinks at Adonis's words and fights back a smile. That sounds perfect. Alibies are necessary to skew the sights away from the prey. He hums and sends the message before sliding his phone into his pocket. Most people thought him and Adelle were. . . not dating, but good friends. They used to actually sneak off together to get food at burger joints or go shopping together, they had always been close. Closer than Roa was to Moore.

"I'm good, I was actually waiting for you to eventually come out here because I knew you would. I need to go out away from here. I thought you might want the same?" She looks at him, her green eyes peering at him as he grinned.

"Ahh, me? Going somewhere? Pfft, I could never." He nods, "Yeah, going to meet up with a friend." He hugs her once, holding on for a long moment before taking her arm and walking towards the front, slow enough that if people looked outside the windows, they would see the two of them together. He pulls his phone out again and sends another text to Adonis, Hope you came in your own car, because I came with my father. Meet me in the fron under the old oak tree. It's dark and shaded there. He walks with Adelle to the front and smiles at her when she pulls away.

"See you later, maybe we can get lunch next weekend? Been a while since we actually hung out." He offers, lifting a shoulder in a half shrug.

She smiles and nods, "Yeah. If nothing comes up. I'll text you."

Roa nods and walks away, going to wait under the oak and leaning back against the far side of the trunk, out of sighs and hidden in the darkness.

With one glance at his smart watch, he grinned. A sigh left his lips. Easily tension rose from his shoulders. Finally, he can get out of this useless gathering. Not to mention, Roa's going to be outside waiting for him. What a win. Luckily he already had a plan.

One more time, he looked at the text messages. It was unbelievable how eager he is. He felt the energy surge through him as he swiftly texted back, See you soon, Roa.

Ryu Hyejin was off in her own little world. She was in another social circle, probably bragging about her career or how fair and sweet her children are. Part of Adonis wondered how sincere any of her words were, especially pertaining to him. And it's surprising she would have anything to say about Serfafina at all since he does most of the parenting.

After clearing his throat, he tapped her on the shoulder. "Hm?" She swiftly turned around to face him before asking in Korean, "Is something wrong, my son?"

Adonis pretended to hesitate. He lowered his chin while keeping eye contact with the floor. With his right hand, he rubbed his shoulder and in Korean responded, "Mom, my symptoms are acting up again…."

Her eyes widened. "But you took your medication, did you?" She watched as he slowly nodded then gave a shrug. His mother exhaled before rubbing the side of his arm, "You really should go home, but I don't want to drive…Do you want me to take you home? Or your father can get someone and we'll take your car home…"

He shook his head, "I will be fine. I just need to go home. Plus the babysitter had been looking after Sera for long enough." Adonis waited while the wheels in his mother's head turned. The back and forth was apparent in her eyes.

She rubbed his arm again, "Okay, be safe though. Take your time while driving. Your father and I are a call away."

A faint grin swept across his face as he gave a little nod. After telling her to enjoy the rest of the evening, he was out of the venue in less than five minutes. Adonis strolled over to the rendezvous point with his hands in his pockets. "I hope you hadn't waited too long for me," He said as he approached Roa, "But I can guarantee you that your wait will be worth while."

Roa was quiet, leaning against the tree and tipping his head back against it. He bites down on his lower lip, uncertainty finally starting to take root. What if his father found out that he wasn't with Adelle? He'd be screwed. And if–

His gaze snaps up when he hears footsteps and he turns, finding Adonis approaching the tree. He'd been standing here for maybe a minute or two, but it had felt like longer.

A faint grin graced Roa's lips as he looked up at Adonis, "Oh, you kept me waiting for a minute. You're just as bad as father says you are, keeping your company waiting for a single minute." He teased, amber eyes glittering with mirth.

He lingered to launch himself at Adonis, to kiss him, whisper his name, feel his skin again. But he would wait. He would follow Adonis's lead in this.

"Oh, you can? Are you sure?" Roa backed away a few steps, laughing softly. He felt heavy with glee and anticipation. He was getting away from the sharp gaze of his father, and the pressures to smile and be nice.

Roa could t tease people at these damn parties, he couldn't say the things he really wanted to. He had a feels Adonis had only heard Roa's real laugh once. But even then, the sound was like it was pulled from his chest.

"Where are we going? Lover's Peak? A diner? Real food sounds amazing."

Adonis chuckled while lowering his gaze to the ground. He rubbed the back of his neck before looking at Roa. God, he could not get enough of this guy. He could let Roazin tease him anytime. "I'm sorry, my love," He sighed, "I did a terrible thing. How can I ever make it up to you?" After loosening his tie, he took it off, folded it, then shoved it into his pocket. "I don't think Father knows how bad I can be.

As much as he loved being teased, he enjoyed playing around too. Oh was it one of his new favorite things. However, he was tempted to just make out with Roazin at this tree.

Once Roa began to step away, he pouted. Why was he stepping away from him? He wanted to be as close to Roa as possible. He needed to be. Adonis moved closer. "Of course," He nodded, "I am very sure of myself." With his right hand, he reached out to cup Roa's cheek. "And I am sure that I will. I did back in there," He motioned back to the venue.

Taking out his keys, he swirled them around while whistling. "I was thinking maybe we could go to a diner then head back to my place," He shrugged before glancing back at Roa, "My parents will be out all night, my sister's asleep, and it'll just be you and me. How does that sound?"

Roa snickers, watching Adonis. He lifts his hand, the knuckle of his index finger covering his own mouth. A glimmer of amusement lit up his amber eyes, "What kind of bad are we talking?"

Roa grinned, noting the look on Adonis's face. He blows out a soft breath, running his fingers through his hair. He swallows once, glancing back towards the building, sparkling with lights. Anyone could see them, anyone could start spreading rumors and gossip. Anxiety started up, a strange feeling in his stomach.

He peers at Adonis again, and laugh escapes his lips as he sees the other pout. "You look like a child like that-" He snickers, shoving his hands into his pockets. He was tempted to take another step away, tease Adonis more, but the other touched his face.

Roa blinked and his gaze slowly moves up Adonis's face before meeting the other's gaze. They shouldn't be this close right now. Not right in front of the home. But Roa didn't want to move away, instead, his face tilted slightly, leaning into the touch. "Of course you are. . ." He mumbles, staring at Adonis.

He blinks once, his face flushing deeply, "That-" He huffs, grumbling, "That. . . Is a good point."

Roa nods, "I'll need to go home first and change. Not going to wear this to a diner, the grease in a place like that would ruin it."

"The kind that drives our families insane," He laughed. "Could be the kind that will make come back for more. The kind that you'll never forget." Adonis wishes he could just let go of all of the concerns and anxieties floating around in his head. At this moment, all he wants to do is kiss every single inch of Roa's body, feeling his breath against his. If it weren't for the fact that they were out in public, he would be doing more than holding the other's cheek.

They are walking on a thin tight rope being out here like this. He is walking on a thin tight rope. This is not going to do neither of them any good. He can't tell if being out here is out of impulse or spite. Sure, he does love doing impulsive things. He loves the thrill of possible danger. And yet, it is the kind of love for danger that got him into trouble the last time. The kind that made him a mess. The one where he spent months locked in his room alone. The one that leaves him in a panic.

Is he still a mess now? Is being out here with Roazin worth anything? Both of them are risking so much just by standing outside together. Him with hand touching Roa's face. That sweet delicate face. Those tender rosie lips.

He scoffed, "Really? I think you can afford another suit. It's not like you'll be needing that one later anyways." Adonis swirled his keys around his finger again then began to walk off. "Come on, Roa. We really shouldn't be standing out here like this."

"Drive our families insane?" He snorts, covering his mouth with his whole hand this time. "I wouldn't want to get into trouble though, my father and insane would not make a good combination."

Roa would probably be grounded or something. Definitely locked in the house for a few weeks. While his father barely laid a hand on him, it happened. Most of the punishments were more passive aggressive. He wondered for a moment what would happen if he just ran away; ran and never looked back.

"I don't think you have to try much harder to get me coming back for more, Adonis. I'm already addicted." He rolls his eyes, his statement and exaggeration. He wasn't addicted, not yet, but he craved more of Adonis in a way that definitely should not be possible.

He follows after Adonis, his hands going back into his pockets. He watches the line of the other's body, the way the fabric cut neat lines that shift with each step. He blinks once and then looks away, feeling his face heat again.

"Well. . . No, actually. . . I can't. . ." He whispers. Roa had exactly four suits that fit him. He cycled through them for each even and party he went too and he had the same four for almost two years now. His father refused to get him more until they stopped fitting. "Besides, Father would notice if I got grease all over the suit anyways. Grease doesn't wash out very easily."

Driving his family insane was always the name of Adonis's game. Gaining any reaction from his parents was a win. Usually, that is. He wasn't sure if he enjoyed it or not. It's so taxing. "You won't get in trouble, Roa. I'll make sure of it."

Frankly, Adonis was unsure if him and his father had a relationship at all. Even Sera calls him "Appa" not their actual father. Anytime he is with him, they only engage in small talk and that's it for the next God knows how long. He had only heard rumors about Roa and Mr. Demcrius and what their relationship was like.

Part of him didn't really care about it. He was only ever really concerned about himself, and Sera sometimes. (And there was Roazin, but that was his secret.) But he had to wonder if Demcrius was as stern and wound up as his parents and others have told him. Roazin's words seemed to give these words some merit to them. Jesus, how can someone with so much be so uptight?

Adonis looked over his shoulder at Roa. "Are you your father's son or one of his luxurious sport cars?" He laughed. "Or are you a bird in a cage? 'Father' sounds like an ass to be honest with you." Gazing down at his keys, he pressed open for the car. He pulled the door opened then swung into the driver's seat.

Without taking his eyes off of Roa, he pressed a button on the monitor to open the passenger door. Between the plan and Roa's concern over the suit, Adonis's mind went back and forth, back and forth. Jumping up in his seat, he grinned widely and turned to face Roa. "How about this?" He asked, "Why don't we go back to my place instead? You can borrow some of my clothes and maybe we could just order delivery. What do you think, Roa?"

Roa’s steps slowed as Adonis's words reached him. Are you your father's son or one of his luxurious sports cars? Or are you a bird in a cage?

His breath caught somewhere behind his teeth.

He tried to smirk, to let the easy laugh come—bird in a cage, what a ridiculous image—but it didn’t arrive. Not really. Instead, Roa stood at the edge of the sidewalk, the amber glow of a nearby lamp catching the shimmer in his eyes, gold made molten in the dark. He shifted his weight, fingers curling inside his pockets.

A bird in a cage.

He could feel it. Wings tucked too tightly to his sides. His father's voice, always harsh and impatient, tightening around him like the click of a lock. Expectations like golden bars, glinting, pretty from far away but biting cold when touched. Roa had always known how to look good in a cage. He had learned the art of singing inside it. The perfect smiles, the poised posture, the graceful lies. He was good at that.

But sometimes he wondered—if he truly screamed, would anyone even notice? Or would they just admire the acoustics?

He looked up then, eyes locking with Adonis’s across the top of the car. The other boy was watching him like he mattered. Like he wasn’t a caged bird or a polished car or a prized thing on a shelf. Just Roa.

“Birds get grounded when they fly too high,” he said finally, voice low, teasing at the edge but too thoughtful to really be playful. “And I think I’m more likely to burst into flames than land softly.” His lips quirked up into a crooked smile, even if it didn’t reach his eyes right away. “But hey—at least I’d go out pretty, yeah?”

The door popped open with a mechanical click, and Roa let out a soft exhale before stepping forward, sliding into the passenger seat like the answer had always been yes. The soft interior hugged him, and something inside him relaxed just a little, enough for his smile to come back a little more real.

“Fine. I’ll wear your clothes,” he said with a mock sigh, glancing sideways at Adonis. “But only if you promise they won’t be ugly. I have a reputation, you know.”

But underneath the joke, something else stirred—quiet and uncertain. Maybe, just maybe, if he stayed with Adonis a little longer, the cage wouldn’t feel so suffocating.

Frankly, he could not tell where this was going. All of it, really. Him, Roa, whatever this thing is between them… Never has he really had such a conversation with someone he has made out and/or slept with; the kissing and sex was all that really mattered with him. Most of the time he could care less what the other is saying yet here he is in his car, leaning towards the window with his eyes on Roa and listening to every word coming out of that godforsaken guy's mouth.

Adonis shrugged before saying, "At least you ever flew in the first place." He tried giving a comforting smile but the crooked smile on Roa's face made him pause. His brows pushed together as he tilted his head. He lifted one hand from the steering wheel, only to have his index finger resting on his lip.

Suppose Roa was a caged bird; whether or not it was true, Adonis only knew so much about Demcrius and most of it was whatever his parents said. On the other hand, he had a hunch that the man was the cage, doing whatever to keep his son in at all costs. Maybe that is what it is. Guess that he has to spend some time with the family rival's boy and see.

Just as Roa was getting into the car, Adonis sighed again while looking at himself in the rear view mirror. Quickly, he shook his hand while brushing some hair strands away from his face. He glanced over at Roa, giving him a side eye before laughing to himself. Adonis Maeng's clothes. Ugly. Even though it was a joke, it is just foolish to him.

"My mother is one of the top actresses and models in Korea and the rest of the world. Why would I have anything ugly in my cloest," He jokingly asked. Adonis smirked as he leaned in towards Roa, "Besides…do you really have to uphold some kind of reputation in my bedroom? Are the clothes really going to be that important?"

He kissed the side of Roa's cheek then put the car in drive. It was not before he sped out of the venue and was heading towards out of the city. Adonis could not resist speeding a little bit; it was just another vice of his. One of many really.

Roa’s lips twitched, the beginnings of a smirk tugging at them, though it felt heavier than usual, like it was carrying something unsaid. “None of your clothes would ever be ugly?” he repeated, voice teasing but sharp enough to carry his disbelief. His amber eyes darted to Adonis, flicking over the other boy’s expression, trying to read the mischief behind the words. “Oh, really? Not even that pink monstrosity you wore to the breast cancer—” He cut himself off, realizing the words might escape his usual playful filter. His cheeks warmed slightly at the thought of laughing it off, but he held it back, teeth gritting behind the corner of his lips.

Then, Adonis leaned in, close enough that his shoulder brushed Roa’s, and that kiss—just the side of his cheek—sent a ripple through Roa’s chest that had nothing to do with the public, the parties, or even his father. It had to do with proximity, the brush of skin, the undeniable intimacy in the smallest, simplest gesture. And then, that line that carried the weight of my bedroom, your clothes don’t matter here hit him square in the chest.

Roa’s heart did a violent, hiccupping little dance in his ribcage. Bedroom. . . Adonis’s room. . . my clothes don’t matter. . . The image hit like a wave: the space was private, theirs, and somehow that made every tiny detail about him feel exposed and meaningless all at once. He was supposed to be in charge of appearances, of control, of hiding his little flutters of anxiety, but in Adonis’s space, none of it mattered.

“Uh… w-what do you mean, ‘clothes don’t matter’?” Roa stammered, trying to muster his usual playful tone, but it came out breathless, fractured. His fingers curled tightly into his jacket pockets, nails pressing against the fabric like they could ground him. His mind was spinning—he could imagine the room, Adonis leaning back on the bed or desk, that smirk that could make a mountain melt, and suddenly the thought of wearing anything of Adonis’s made his stomach twist.

He shifted in his seat, cheeks blazing hotter than the city lights streaking past the car window. “I… I mean… I guess it’s fine… but—wait, you mean… in your room? My clothes—don’t matter?” His voice was a mix of curiosity and panic, teasing now buried under a thick layer of fluster. He wanted to cover his face, to laugh it off, to make a joke, but instead he could only look sideways at Adonis, blinking rapidly, amber eyes wide, trying to ground himself in the absurdity of this is happening, this is real, this is him, in his room.

And somewhere beneath it all, he knew the truth: he was already imagining himself in those clothes, in that space, with Adonis close enough that nothing else could sneak between them. The realization both thrilled and terrified him, and a little bratty part of him—that Roa who always teased to hide fear—snapped back up.

“Ugh! You make it sound so easy, you know that?” he muttered, voice tight but playful, hands fumbling with the zipper of his jacket. “Like it’s nothing to just… wander into your bedroom and ruin all my carefully curated looks!” He was trying to sound annoyed, but the tremor in his tone betrayed him. His pulse thumped against his temples, ears warming, and he realized with a sinking, dizzying thrill that none of his teasing defenses were going to last long with Adonis like this.

Roa leaned back slightly, trying to pretend he was collected—but every fiber of him screamed too close, too intimate, too much. And God, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. The room, the clothes, Adonis’s smirk… this is dangerous, isn’t it?

But even in the panic, even in the fluster, there was a sharp, thrilling thread of anticipation. And somehow, just imagining it made the world outside—the parties, the expectations, his father—fade to black. "And slow the hell down before you kill one of us." Roa mutters, trying to deflect and distract.

The further they got away from the charity and their parents, the more relaxed Adonis was or as relaxed as he could be at the moment. Between everything that happened within the last hour to the uncertainty of what was going to happen next, his mind was jumping all over the place. His left index finger tapped the wheel as he kept his eyes on the road. The car roared as it zipped through the streets.

"Hm? What?" He said in Korean, glimpsing over at Roa. Adonis was serious when he said that none of his clothes were ugly. The idea of it was preposterous! When Roa mentioned what he wore to the breast cancer research charity event, his jaw dropped as he gasped. "Ya! Are you serious?", He asked while looking over again, "You know I sold that and gave all the money to that charity too, right? I can't believe it…I didn't know how much of a tease you were."

He laughed a bit before falling slient for a moment. Of all the things he knew about Roa (which was not much at the current moment), he tended to forget how much Roa would tease him. Most times he knew it, but he always fell for it. It was not till a while ago he realized that he actually enjoyed it. The way Roa spoke, garnering a reaction out of him, it just made him crazy.

At least now whenever Roa was teasing him, he knew exactly what to do. Flirtatious teasing, getting up close and personal, a simple peck on the cheek…Adonis felt like he could do anything and make Roa get all flustered. It is one of his favorite things, but he might actually like it when Roa tried to get back at him. That moment in the bathroom where the guy bit and sucked on his thumb played in his mind over and over again. He nearly missed what was being said to him.

Roa's question made him smirk. The best he could do with a response was just laugh a little. Adonis knew exactly what Roa knew what meant. Whatever was going to happen when they are in his bedroom, clothes really do not matter. He could careless whatever his special guest would pick out of his wardrobe. Whether it is one of his vintage shirts and a pair of pajama pants or one of his university swim team shirts and some shorts, it all might end all crumbled up on the floor. It was obvious, wasn't it?

When they got to a stop light, he did his best to not slam on the brakes. The car stopped just at the white line. "Roa," He cooed, "You and I are adults now. I think you know exactly what I mean." He smirked as he rested his right hand on Roa's thigh then immediately asked, "Is it okay if I do this? Do you like it?" His thumb brushed Roa's inner thigh.

The light turned green. Adonis turned his head to face forward again. He tried to push back his imagination. All the thoughts of him and Roa on his bed and feeling their breath on each other. It felt too hot in the car for him all of the sudden.

His brows rose. Not only could he see Roa fidgeting with the zipper, but he faintly heard it. Adonis smiled while shaking his head. "It's not just nothing…" Removing his hand from Roa's thigh, he used it to comb through the guy's hair a couple of times. "We can ruin them all and make some new looks, together. I think it will be fun." Adonis gently took Roa's hand, lacing their fingers together.

Part of him had no idea where this was going to go. The other just wanted to throw caution to the wind. All he really wanted to do was to be with Roa. He wanted to do was kiss every square inch of him, hearing those moans and whimpers ring in his ears. Whatever they do, he just knew that their hair was going to be messy and they'd be on his bed, panting.

Listening to Roa, he sighed and began to slow the car down. He squeezed his hand, saying, "Anything you want." They were almost to his family's house anyways. All it would take is ten minutes or so and then they would be there. They could do whatever they want.

Roa's whole body went still in a way that betrayed him far more than panic ever could. The warmth of Adonis’s hand on his thigh registered a split second later than it should have, like his brain had short-circuited trying to decide whether to bolt or melt.

He swallowed, throat suddenly dry, eyes flicking down to where Adonis’s thumb brushed just a little too close to a place Roa very much did not want to think about while sitting in a moving car. The question—Is it okay? Do you like it?—echoed louder than the engine.

Roa nodded once, a small, quick motion, before realizing that probably wasn’t enough. “Y—yeah,” he said, voice coming out softer than he intended, breath catching on the word. “I mean—yes. That’s… fine.”
Fine.
He internally scoffed at himself. You liar. Because everything was not just simply fine. It was amazing, and practically too perfect to even be real.

His fingers curled tighter around the zipper of his jacket, like it might save him from combusting on the spot. Gods, it was too much—Adonis’s voice dropping like that, the casual confidence, the consideration wrapped up in something that made Roa’s pulse race. He hated how much he liked being asked. Hated how safe it made him feel. Hated that Adonis of all people was the first person (besides his dead mom) to ever make him feel actually seen.

When the light turned green and Adonis’s hand withdrew, Roa let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Relief and disappointment tangled together in his chest in a way that made him scowl faintly at the windshield.

Then Adonis’s fingers slid through his hair. Roa sucked in a sharp breath despite himself, head tipping just slightly into the touch before he caught it—too late. His cheeks were burning. He could feel it, heat creeping up his neck, ears probably bright red. Mortifying.

“Y-you’re impossible,” he muttered, trying for bratty annoyance and landing somewhere closer to flustered indignation. He shot Adonis a sideways glare that would’ve been much more effective if his eyes weren’t glassy with too many feelings. “You say things like that like you’re talking about… redecorating a room or something.”

When Adonis laced their fingers together, Roa hesitated—just a heartbeat—before squeezing back. His thumb rubbed nervously against Adonis’s knuckle, grounding himself in the contact.

“…Anything I want?” he echoed quietly, testing the words like they might shatter if he pressed too hard.

He glanced out the window, city lights blurring past, then back at Adonis. There was something vulnerable in his expression now, stripped of most of its teasing armor. “You say that,” he added, softer, “but you don’t actually know what that means for someone like me.” Still—he didn’t pull his hand away. Instead, after a moment, he huffed out a breath and tilted his head back against the seat, a crooked, deflecting smile returning like a well-worn shield. “But just so you know,” he added, tone edging back toward bratty, “if any of your clothes are ugly, I reserve the right to complain and make fun of you the entire night.”

The only thing that he hated about driving home was some of the roads you had to take once you got out of the city. His family (or just him and Sera, really) lived in a Victorian mansion based on the Lis na Carrig in Dublin; his mom loves it and his father panicked when realizing how much money he had to spend on getting it made. The thought of his father freaking out was funny. Panic is one of the only emotions Jonathan Maeng does not fake.

Once they got off the highway, he started to sped up again. Not as much as he was doing before yet it definitely was more risky than the speed he was going a minute before. Some of the roads were a but curvy, and he did not mind swerving a bit here and there. He just wanted to get home and get out of this suit he was wearing.

Adonis looked up and down at Roa then asked, "Someone like you?" Perhaps he did not know. It took him eons to understand himself so he could only imagine what Roa was trying to say. He did not want to ask him, but he wondered. At another stop, he glimpsed at the other guy then down at their hands. He could hear the way the zipper jangled as Roa was messing with it.

The way Roa's eyes gleamed stopped him in his mental tracks. So tender and vulnerable. He just knew that there was more to be said, but not now in this moment. Either that or Roa did not want to say it at all. If Adonis had to bet, he was hesitant to say which for he did not know. On the other hand, it made him think back to their texts before leaving for a moment. The hawk and prey.

Keeping silent, he used driving as an excuse, a shield, for not saying anything. Not that he does not want to talk about it; he already made a mental note for later, but he did not want to force anything on Roa. If there was one thing Adonis wanted, it was to prevent what happened to him to happen to Roa, especially at his own hands. What they are doing is risky, but he believed that if they were okay and on the same level, then their families would not find out and they could screw around (in a metaphorical and literal sense).

Going back to the whole clothes thing, all he could do was throw his head back against the headrest and laugh. He gave Roa's hand a gentle squeeze. "Okay, sure," He breathed, "I do not think you'll find anything, but I'd love to see you try and get under my skin."

His eyes widened as a smirked appeared on his face. Biting down on his lip, he tried to cover it. "Wait, are you trying to say that you're going to keep me up all night," He asked while gazing over at Roa, "It sounds like that's what you're planning to do, right?" Adonis looked over at him again and gave him a wink.

As they drove up a steep hill, he could see the white Victorian mansion in his peripherals. Adonis smiled, "We're almost there. It's on the left over here…Nice, isn't it?" He let his foot push down on the gas pedal before easing off to turn left. In order to get in, you had to get through the black automated gates. They made a creak sound as they opened up.

Off to the side was the garage. Of course, it was spacious than your average garage, but it was nice and the garage door was also automatic. Adonis parked the car in his usual spot, on the left side and removed the keys. Falling back into the seat, he let out a big sigh. "Finally," He said, "I hope my driving was not too bad. I usually drive faster than this."

Roa watched the road twist ahead of them, the way the headlights cut through the dark like something being peeled open. He noticed the speed—of course he did—but it didn’t scare him the way it probably should have. Not when Adonis was relaxed like this, one hand steady on the wheel, the other still loosely laced with his.

“Someone like me,” Roa echoed quietly when Adonis asked, the words tasting strange in his mouth.

For a moment, he didn’t look at him.

Someone who’s always being watched.
Someone who’s learned how to behave.
Someone who knows exactly how far he’s allowed to go before the door slams shut.

His thumb rubbed absentmindedly against Adonis’s knuckle again, grounding, repetitive. “Someone who doesn’t usually get told ‘anything you want’ and actually mean it,” he said at last, tone lightened just enough to pass as casual. “Usually there’s… fine print.”

He finally glanced over, amber eyes catching the dash lights, softer now. “I’m just not used to people meaning what they say when it comes to me.”

The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable—just heavy. Roa didn’t push it. He was relieved Adonis didn’t either.

When Adonis laughed and squeezed his hand, Roa felt some of that tension unwind, replaced by something warmer and much more dangerous. His lips curved into a grin, the familiar bratty spark flaring back to life like it always did when things got too real.

“Oh, I absolutely will,” he said, mock-offended. “Don’t underestimate me. I’ve been annoying people with far more power than you my entire life.” He tilted his head, eyes glinting. “Getting under your skin might be a challenge, but I do love a good project.”

When Adonis winked, Roa short-circuited. His mouth opened, closed. Heat flooded his face so fast it was honestly rude. He turned sharply toward the window, pressing the back of his fingers against his lips like that might contain the damage.

“I—” He cleared his throat. “You—no. That’s not—” A laugh escaped him, breathy and helpless. “God, you’re insufferable.”

But he didn’t deny it.

The mansion appeared through the trees, pale and looming and nothing like his own home. It looked less like a cage and more like a storybook—iron gates groaning open as if inviting them in. Roa stared, openly now.

“…Wow,” he murmured. “Your parents really said ‘subtle’ and then ignored it completely, huh?”

When the car finally stopped and Adonis leaned back with that sigh, Roa exhaled too, like he’d been holding onto something the whole ride. He unbuckled slowly, fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary near Adonis’s hand.

“Your driving was reckless,” he said, glancing over with a crooked smile. “You should speed less often."

He hesitated before opening the door, pulse picking up again at the thought of stepping inside—of crossing another invisible line.

“…So,” he added, looking back at Adonis, eyes bright with nerves and anticipation tangled together, “do I get the grand tour? Or do we skip straight to me judging your wardrobe?”

"I mean it though. Anything you want," He assured, "Why else would I say it if there was some fine print? That's bullshit."

He hoped that Roa would get under his skin. Rarely does anyone do it. So far, Adonis had been able to it a couple of times to Roa, but it is like second nature for him. Seeing his reaction made it worth every attempt.

When hearing Roa and his review about the driving, Adonis's eyesbrows raised as he chuckled. "You know what?" He gave a small smile, "I think you have a point. I'll slow down next time." Next time, he will be careful. God forbid anything happened to him and the car. Guess he'll have to find the thrill somewhere else.

Glancing over at Roa, he snorted at what he said about his parents. "Yeah," He laughed, "You should see my mom's place outside of Seoul…It's very subtle." If there was one thing that annoyed him, it was how his parents were flasher than him. He knew they craved for others attention more than his or his sister's; that is probably why it pissed him off.

As awful as Adonis knows he is, they are worse. He is an asshole, but he had to get it from someone or some people. They are not going to get the attention they crave for anyways. At least, not from the right people.

The thought of his parents made him take a long exhale. They were the last things he wanted to think about now. Ever since he left with Roa, he had been nothing but happy, and the night is still young. Besides, this is one of the first times where he was excited to be home and to bring someone home.

His gaze averted away for a moment. Biting the inside of his cheek, he tried to think of what would be best and what would be the wisest choice for them. Just because his parents were not there does not mean that they were in the clear. There was more than just Sera for them to worry about.

Adonis's eyes lit up. Staring back at Roa, he grinned. "Well, you'll get both either way, but with all this talk about my wardrobe and this bet of ours…I think…we should just skip to that. Shall we?"

It took him a second or two to convince himself of letting go of Roa's hand. They have been holding each other's for so long that he knew he was going to miss the warmth, but Adonis did not let go until he gave the back of Roa's hand a quick kiss. He was sure that soon enough they would be holding hands again; he was already looking forward it.

He moved over to place his feet on the garage floor. Leaning down, he undid his laces and removed his shoes. It was not long till he felt the cold concrete underneath his socks. "I don't normally do this," He explained, looking over his left shoulder, "It's just…I know that Stefan, our butler, is probably around somewhere. He can hear anything from a mile away. Seriously. I know. We're so fucked if he catches a glimpse of you or even hears you."

Lowering his head, he swiftly got out of the car and gently closed the door. He carried his shoes in his left hand while walking over to open the door that led inside the house. Then he turned over to stand in front of Roa.

Holding his other hand out, he said, "Don't worry. We'll go to my room, you can judge my wardrobe, and after whatever happens next…I'll give you a grand tour of this place, okay?"