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Antares stayed in his small dragon form rather than return to his world.
He was weary of commanding his armies, tired of the endless, repetitive fights that lasted for years, and traded victories and losses back and forth that wounded his pride.
Antares stationed himself on Jin-Woo's bed, his size encompassing a part of the frame with his tail swinging like a pendulum off the edge. It was a good distraction to have. His little hunter was supposed to return to him and attend to his needs, but his patience waned as the hour passed.
Boredom struck as he expected the door to open anytime soon.
Unfortunately, Jin-Woo kept him waiting.
Antares could open a gate and leave, but Jin-Woo's scent on the sheets and pillow added comfort every time he visited. With the additional clothes he took from Jin-Woo's closet and surrounded himself with them, he was more than just content with his nest temporarily. He just lacked Jin-Woo's company to complete it.
Jin-Woo was still downstairs, but he was taking too long.
Antares never fussed about anything like this before. Every beast wouldn't dare waste his time. If he demanded their presence immediately, they would come crawling, lowering their heads and trembling in fear like rats about to lose their heads. They wouldn't risk the Monarch of Destruction's temper and meet his flames as their end.
That was how it should be.
Antares could easily drag Jin-Woo back to the bedroom and watch him thrashing in his hold in an attempt to escape. It wasn't considered a challenge against him but provided enough entertainment to see him struggle.
He was too fond of the human.
The voice below erupted into a melody. A young girl sang a song Antares never heard of, but her vocal range indicated she was having fun.
This person must be his sister, Jin-Ah, whom Jin-Woo cared for while his mother was at the hospital. Antares recalled how Jin-Woo was proud to see her excel in her studies and live an everyday life while he fought his hardest in dungeons to make money. His determination soared.
In Jin-Woo's eyes, his family was important to him. He braved many dangers and faced his battles head-on without hesitation, bleeding out with holes in his body, while Antares was benevolent and healed his injuries when necessary.
Seeing Jin-Woo surpass Antares' expectations and obtain victory at every turn was quite an exhilarating sight. No human had strummed a chord in his heart like this man except for one he wished he had forgotten.
These passing days have been most pleasant.
Happy Birthday, Oppa!
A round of clapping followed afterward.
I waited hours in line to get their specialty, so you better eat it all or else!
I won't let your efforts go to waste. Jin-Woo's soft-spoken voice held a gentle amity. It looks delicious. Here, I'll cut you a—
Oppa, you're really forgetful... All that hunting really knocked your brain around!
Interesting.
Explained why Jin-Woo specifically told him to stay put.
Antares wasn't the type to yield (just this once), but Jin-Woo demanded (promised) that he would return with a treat if he were good. Jin-Woo's words weren't enough to sway Antares, but a kiss on his head was acceptable. Antares enjoyed a good surprise, not because of the tug in his chest that made him amicable.
He tousled the blankets and clothing around him before shutting his eyes.
Sometime later, Jin-Woo returned. Antares lifted his head and stared at the door. His sleepy mood vanished as his favorite human entered the room and switched the light on the wall.
"You have returned."
"Hey there," Jin-Woo greeted before taking a second, studying his clothes littered on his bed. He sighed in defeat. "You went through my stuff again? I hope you didn't leave holes in them like last time."
"You do not need to worry." Antares crooned. "Come."
"I like my clothes without holes, you know?"
"An easy fix."
Jin-Woo gave up with a roll of his eyes and joined him. Antares coiled his tail around the supple waist and wasted no time resting his head on Jin-Woo's lap. His wings stretched outwardly, giving his human permission if Jin-Woo chose to.
"Oh, did you miss me that much?" Jin-Woo stroked Antares between the horns and down the stretch of his neck, scales smooth and glossy under his fingertips.
"You were gone for too long."
"Mm." Jin-Woo continued petting him, adding lightly, "I'm sorry. It must've been lonely up here, huh?"
Antares snorted.
"Nonsense. I will allow this transgression to pass since you are here. Do not test me again, or you will face the consequences."
"I wouldn't dare." Jin-Woo rubbed Antares' back. "You're very kind. I'm always in awe of your generosity."
"I don't extend my kindness to anyone else. Remember it well," Antares pointed out with a regal tone. The show of razor-sharp teeth also proved a minor threat if Jin-Woo tried to make him wait again.
"I can't be the only one..." Jin-Woo wondered.
"Silence." Antares then turned his attention to the food in Jin-Woo's hand. "What is this meal you have brought?"
He sniffed at the rectangular shape closer and detected a light, sweet aroma. The sponge interior with white layering in between interested him, but the tiny bits of juicy red flesh presented a novelty of looks.
Jin-Woo smiled. "It's a dessert called a strawberry shortcake." He took the fork and poked the slice for Antares to try. "Jin-Ah brought one to celebrate my birthday. I thought you would like to try it. You don't have to if it's not—"
Antares slid his long tongue out, swiping the entirety before he engulfed it with one bite, leaving Jin-Woo in shock by the quick display of the dragon's appetite before he ate the remaining portion for himself.
"Do you like it?" Jin-Woo wiped a smear of cream off the side of Antares' mouth.
Antares didn't require sustenance. He didn't have a reason to eat if there wasn't a need to replenish mana. The taste of this strawberry shortcake was unlike the meat he ate in other worlds. It wasn't naga flesh he always enjoyed tearing apart, nor the arachnid legs that held a satisfying crunch. This type of dessert was more stimulating, mainly because of this unfamiliar flavor. The mixture in his mouth was tingling with a soft creamy essence that reminded him of the innards he swallowed, and he didn't need to deal with bones.
"This is what you humans participate in? By eating this cake?"
Jin-Woo pondered, placing the empty plate and utensil to the side. "How to explain it… We partake in different activities, so having a meal with your loved ones before blowing the candles and cutting the cake is one way to go about it."
Antares tilted his head.
"Oh, let me show you." Jin-Woo took out his cell phone and tapped the screen. He revealed the images he found and showed them to Antares.
"Such a lavish decor." Antares understood. These different cakes had many colors and sizes with candles on top, yet the piece he ate was enough to satiate his curiosity. "Yours was simplistic."
"It is. Some celebrate one's birthday with a party with a big cake, while others don't bother with any of that. They might want a nice drink and call it a night."
"How dull."
"Everyone is different," Jin-Woo replied kindly. "Jin-Ah and I prefer a cake every year, and I'll cook our favorite dishes we can enjoy together. If we're lazy, we'll order takeout and maybe binge on some movies."
That was it?
Antares expected a spectacular event out of this, but it seemed he was wrong after Jin-Woo made him wait for so long. Jin-Woo deserved much grandeur and attention. A show of appreciation and food wasn't enough.
Where was the flair? The excitement? Demons would party with drinks and dance, and he once recalled Baran taking part (he never wanted to relive that again), but it was not a birthday. It was celebrating a bloodbath, a night of cheer and howls.
This night was different. Antares felt it was only right that Jin-Woo should receive a Monarch's blessing. After all, Jin-Woo belonged to him.
Antares viewed Jin-Woo as a worthy human who caught his interest through his sheer will to escape death at every turn. The double dungeon was just the beginning. Such bravado and self-sacrifice had Antares watching from afar, captivated by the fire in those innocent eyes. Jin-Woo was the weakest, but his enemy could never break him.
"This won't do." Antares' eyes glowed a hint of crimson.
"What do you mean?" Jin-Woo looked uneasy.
"You will enjoy this." Steam rose from his body. Antares was no longer a cute, cuddly dragon with scales and wings.
"What?!" Jin-Woo fell back against the bed in shock like a cornered prey. "Antares...?"
"You are mine to do as I please. It is only fair to grant you a worthy celebration for the night."
"Huh? Hold on a second..." Jin-Woo's eyes widened like saucers at the sight of a half-naked middle-aged man with striking red hair waterfalling down his sides. Antares caged him in a prison-like manner with an arm above Jin-Woo's head while a hand gripped his chin. Their bodies pressed against each other, and Jin-Woo's cheeks flushed instantly. "You're... You're heavy...!"
"Is that all you have to say on your birthday?" Antares grinned at Jin-Woo's sudden inability to speak. He curled a finger in his black hair and leaned in, merely a short breadth apart from his lips.
"Close... Uh..." Jin-Woo gulped. "If you want more cake—" He stilled as Antares' thumb drew attention over his bottom lip.
"You will accept my gift." Antares interrupted Jin-Woo's surprised cry, closing the distance between them with a swoop, stealing Jin-Woo's mouth and silencing him with a kiss.
His dessert was an indulgence. Warm and delectable, having Jin-Woo like this was a rare feast he hadn't had in a long time, and he wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste. Only Jin-Woo held the highest honor of receiving the Dragon King's affection.
Deepening the kiss, Antares watched Jin-Woo's pathetic struggles.
Jin-Woo tried pushing Antares back against his chest to free himself, but those subtle moans grew, weakening his resolve. Antares knew how to keep spoiling him. A sharp gasp came out as Antares dipped his tongue inside Jin-Woo's mouth, letting him enjoy it while he explored his wet cavern.
Jin-Woo wrapped his arms around Antares' neck, pulling him down enough, whispering his name with surrender before Antares decided to part, discovering Jin-Woo's face was glowing with embarrassment. Chest heaving as lips glistened with a temptation. He was panting, breathless, and indeed lost for words. Antares smiled at his victory, leaning in and pressing their foreheads together.
"You do not disappoint, my little rabbit." Antares inhaled. His nails ran down Jin-Woo's cheek carefully.
"You… You… You kissed me." Jin-Woo uttered, face still a rosy color. "Why?"
"You would question my action? It seems you prefer punishment instead." Antares lowered his head, seeing Jin-Woo's open neck as an invitation and sucking the small area where his pulse was. He could hear the blood rushing through Jin-Woo's body, signaling with a shudder without disgust.
"N-No. I don't mind... I haven't been kissed..." Jin-Woo was shy about being on the receiving end, distracted by the lips, which prevented him from forming a complete sentence. His mouth parted with a small 'o' as Antares lifted his shirt.
"It seems I have much to share with you, then." Antares dragged his teeth along Jin-Woo's stomach, body sensitive as it trembled with every pointed edge that teased him carefully. Then, Antares licked a line over his belly button, earning a slight jump with a yelp.
"Hey!" Jin-Woo was about to move back, but Antares held Jin-Woo's waist, sending a breath of warm air along his skin, and a whimper slipped out.
"Close your eyes." Antares smiled, rich with intention. "And enjoy yourself on this blessed day."