Drenched in Desire

Jaeho wasn't sure what had possessed him to text Eunsu that night. Maybe it was the whiskey dulling his usually impeccable judgment, or maybe it was the memory of Eunsu's flushed cheeks and the way his fingers lingered just a second too long when handing back his phone.

All he knew was that he had sent the message before he could overthink it.

Jaeho: Tomorrow. 8 PM. There's a gallery opening. Be ready.

Eunsu's reply came almost immediately.

Eunsu: Wow. Not even a "please"?

Jaeho smirked at the screen.

Jaeho: You're coming either way.

Eunsu: Cocky, aren't you?

Jaeho: I'll send a car.

The ellipses blinked on the screen for longer than expected, and when Eunsu finally replied, Jaeho could almost hear the smirk in his voice.

Eunsu: Fine. But only because I'm curious how a guy like you survives in the wild.

The next evening, Jaeho waited in front of the gallery, his black suit sharp enough to cut. The faint buzz of conversation surrounded him as Brunei's elite streamed inside, but his focus was on the sleek black car that pulled up moments later.

When Eunsu stepped out, Jaeho's breath caught.

Eunsu had traded his paint-stained clothes for something more refined—still simple, but the fitted black shirt and dark jeans emphasized the lean lines of his body. His sleeves were rolled up just enough to reveal his wrists, delicate but strong, and his hair was styled back, giving him a rakish, effortless charm.

"Well?" Eunsu asked, raising a brow as he approached. "Do I pass the test?"

Jaeho's lips curled into a rare smile. "Barely."

Eunsu chuckled, the sound low and warm, and Jaeho felt the heat of it settle somewhere deep in his chest.

Inside the gallery, the air was cool, but the tension between them burned like fire. They wandered through the space, surrounded by abstract paintings and murmured conversations, yet all Jaeho could focus on was the way Eunsu moved—confident, unbothered, like he belonged there despite the judgmental stares from the crowd.

"You're awfully quiet," Eunsu said, glancing at him over his shoulder. "Is this how you impress people? By brooding in the corner?"

Jaeho's gaze darkened. "I don't need to impress you."

Eunsu stopped walking, turning to face him fully. They were standing in front of a large painting, but neither of them noticed the swirls of color behind them.

"No?" Eunsu asked, his voice dropping slightly. "Then why am I here?"

Jaeho stepped closer, his height forcing Eunsu to tilt his head back slightly. The space between them was electric, charged with something neither of them wanted to name.

"Maybe," Jaeho murmured, his voice low, "I wanted to see if you'd survive in my world."

Eunsu smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "And? What's the verdict?"

Jaeho's gaze dropped, lingering for a moment on Eunsu's lips. They were slightly parted, their fullness almost too inviting. He could feel the warmth radiating off Eunsu's skin, the faint scent of paint and something uniquely him making Jaeho's pulse quicken.

"I think you're dangerous," Jaeho said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eunsu's smirk faded, his expression shifting to something more vulnerable, more real. "And I think you're not as untouchable as you want people to believe."

The words hung between them, heavy and loaded. Jaeho's hand twitched at his side, every instinct telling him to close the distance, to take what he wanted for once in his life. But before he could act, someone cleared their throat behind them.

"Jaeho," a smooth, familiar voice interrupted.

Jaeho turned sharply, his mask of control snapping back into place. It was Minji, his fiancée, her polished smile betraying no hint of the strain their relationship held.

"Minji," Jaeho said evenly, stepping back from Eunsu.

Her eyes flicked to Eunsu, curiosity flashing briefly before she dismissed him entirely. "You disappeared earlier. Your father's been asking for you."

Jaeho nodded, his expression unreadable. "I'll be there in a minute."

Minji hesitated, her gaze lingering on Eunsu once more before she turned and walked away.

Eunsu let out a low whistle, crossing his arms. "Fiancée, huh? Guess that explains a lot."

Jaeho didn't reply, his jaw tightening.

"You don't have to explain yourself to me," Eunsu continued, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "But if you're going to play games, you should know—I don't do second place."

Jaeho's hand shot out, grabbing Eunsu's wrist before he could walk away. The touch was firm, possessive, and sent a jolt through both of them.

"Don't make assumptions," Jaeho said, his voice low and dangerous.

Eunsu stared at him, his breath hitching as Jaeho's grip tightened slightly. For a moment, the tension between them threatened to snap, raw and undeniable.

"Then don't waste my time," Eunsu whispered, his voice trembling slightly but his gaze steady.

Jaeho released him reluctantly, his fingers tingling from the contact.

As Eunsu turned and walked away, Jaeho knew one thing for certain—this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.