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A party at Alberu's house.
Cale hated parties, but there was one detail impossible to ignore: the drinks were free, and the Crossmans undoubtedly had the best wine selection he had ever seen.
So, naturally, he couldn't resist showing up.
It definitely wasn't because his brother, Roksu, had made the most adorable face in the world while begging them to come along.
Definitely not.
Grabbing a forgotten bottle from one of the tables, Cale brought it to his lips while observing the host from across the room.
Alberu stood beside Roksu, surrounded by the rest of the group. The laughter was loud, the conversation flowed effortlessly, and the crown prince smiled with a naturalness Cale had never had the privilege of witnessing.
That smile... it was completely different from the polite and impeccably rehearsed ones Alberu reserved for him.
Rosalyn wasn't much different. Whenever Cale approached, the redhead's gentle smile took on a hint of discomfort, as if she never quite knew how to act in his presence.
And it wasn't even worth thinking about Lock.
The young wolf couldn't even hide the caution etched on his face whenever their eyes met.
His brother seemed to be having fun, always attentive to what the others were saying.
Cale raised an eyebrow.
Wasn't someone missing from that little group?
Choi Han.
A playful smile appeared on his lips. If the dark-haired man was really around, maybe he could find some fun at that party.
Without drawing attention, Cale left the room where everyone was gathered and began walking through the mansion's corridors, searching for any sign of life from the Korean.
After searching practically every room, only one place remained.
The roof.
As he climbed up, he found Choi Han leaning against the small guardrail, a cigarette held between his fingers as he slowly released the smoke into the night air.
...Oh.
That cigarette must have some magical property.
It was the only explanation for making Choi Han seem strangely attractive.
Cale's smile took on a mischievous tone as he closed the distance between them.
— Oh? Do the student council members know you've been secretly smoking around here?
Choi Han just shrugged.
— They let you drink. Why wouldn't they let me smoke?
Cale chuckled and leaned against the guardrail next to Choi Han.
— I'm sure your owner wouldn't like to know about this.
— Feel free to tell him. I'm sure Alberu will believe you.
Cale grimaced.
Choi Han didn't seem at all inclined to engage with his provocations that night.
Letting out a discreet sigh, Cale looked at him again.
Choi Han slowly brought the cigarette to his lips, holding it between his fingers as he inhaled deeply. The orange tip glowed for a brief moment, illuminating the contours of his face before going out again.
He held the smoke for a few seconds, his eyes half-closed and his expression serene, as if that brief silence was enough to organize his thoughts. Then he released it slowly, letting the white mist escape his lips in a lazy stream, dissolving in the night breeze.
With an almost automatic movement, he lightly tapped the cigarette to dislodge the ashes and brought it back to his mouth, without any hurry.
Cale swallowed hard.
Damn...
That really shouldn't be that appealing.
— You seem to be enjoying this. Is it good?
Choi Han nodded slightly.
— Want to try some?
— Yes.
Choi Han brought the cigarette to his lips once more and took a slow drag.
Cale stepped forward, extending his hand, expecting him to simply hand him the cigarette.
Instead, Choi Han leaned forward until their faces were only inches apart.
Before Cale could ask what he was doing, their lips were captured in a quick kiss.
It was just a brush.
Enough to make him hold his breath.
Choi Han lightly slid his thumb across the redhead's chin, and Cale parted his lips reflexively.
At that instant, Choi Han slowly exhaled the smoke.
It passed between them before invading Cale's mouth.
The next second, the redhead recoiled abruptly, pushing Choi Han away by the chest as he began to cough uncontrollably.
— Cough! Cough! Cough! Have you gone mad?!
Choi Han simply watched him, clearly pleased with himself. The corner of his lips curled into a discreet smile as he shrugged.
— You said you wanted to try it.
Cale snorted, annoyed.
— Idiot.
He stepped forward and grabbed Choi Han by the collar of his shirt, pulling him into an impulsive kiss.
It was a quick, awkward kiss, tinged with irritation.
Choi Han let out a low laugh as their lips parted.
— Was that all?
Cale frowned even more.
While he tried to find a sharp reply, Choi Han stubbed out his cigarette on the railing and discarded it before turning his full attention to the redhead.
For a moment, the two just stared at each other.
The distant music of the party seemed to fade, replaced by the comfortable silence of the night.
— You look funny when you lose your temper. — Choi Han commented.
— Shut up.
The reply came automatically, but without the usual conviction.
Choi Han's discreet smile only widened.
He closed the distance between them again, brushing his forehead against Cale's for a brief moment before stealing another kiss, this time slower. As they pulled away, Cale took a deep breath, still keeping his hand gripping Choi Han's shirt collar.
— He's still an idiot.
— But you're here, kissing this idiot.
Cale looked away, unable to hide the small smile that threatened to appear.