Chapter Text
The first time they kissed was by plan on Jin-Woo's part. He exhausted his energy fighting Antares when they sparred, but he had one arsenal left up his sleeve. He didn't think much of the consequences when he was pinned down in a pile of rubble, as if he had pretended to lose the fight.
Jin-Woo wasn't planning on calling it quits. He learned that he hated the Dragon King's victory smirk above him, but the temptation to wipe it off his face was high.
"Admit defeat, and I might let you live."
Jin-Woo thought about it again. He'll probably lose his head for this either way. "You think I'll let you win that easily?"
"You're the one beneath me. Unless—"
One kiss on the lips was all it took to freeze Antares in his place.
Jin-Woo caught the red eyes widening, and the warmth of their lips increased by the seconds. The scent of smoke and a peculiar spice he couldn't determine crossed his nose with curiosity before Jin-Woo decided to kick Antares in the chest, putting forth a safe distance between them as he retreated and sat up on his feet.
"Okay, yeah." Jin-Woo breathed with relief. "Let's call this a draw, all right? That was a pretty good fight today anyway. We managed not to destroy the castle this time." His black shirt disappeared again through the battle damage, and flames singed the fabric completely.
With all the sweat across his face and muscles aching, Jin-Woo procured two bottles of water as a shadow soldier handed them to him before disappearing into the black portal.
"Here." He threw one at Antares' way. "Hydration is important."
Antares caught it. Silence. He kept staring at him. Maybe insulted? Disgusted? Gold turned to a red hue.
Red hair bellowed in the wind, his stance almost threatening to strike him again with a quick step if he wanted but didn't.
Twisting the plastic cap, Jin-Woo thought nothing of the kiss except knowing Antares' one weakness he could use against him. But he wondered why Antares was showing off such a hostile aura.
Did he do something wrong?
Did Antares want to fight again?
"What the fuck was that?" Antares threw the water to the side.
"Huh?"
"I demand a redo!"
"Eh? The kiss? Uh..."
"No, you idiot! The fight!" Antares stomped his foot down. "This insane plan of yours won't fool me. You think a distraction is acceptable? I won't allow it!" He withdrew his crimson-blood sword from his chest and pointed at him, the tip of the blade shining in the sunlight and ready. "We're not done until there's a winner. I won't accept a draw from you." Sharp teeth revealed with a snarl. "Come on, Shadow Monarch. Your move."
Jin-Woo's shoulders fell. He was tired and needed a shower.
"We can fight again tomorrow. I'm going to the bathroom. Later." A portal formed behind him. He took it without looking back, hearing Antares yelling before he entered his castle and into his bedroom for a quick R&R.