( honestly, hao immediately regrets this whole fucking date thing and/or wants to die the moment he rounds the corner and finds hyunsu looking like a goddamn magazine cover in his fitted t-shirt with his muscled arms lovingly cradling a bunch of shitty, amazing junk food. logically, hao's really not dressed all that differently save for his oversized hoodie over his own t-shirt and jeans, but also. like.
hao hasn't had what he'd consider a crush in a long time — not anything that goes past his usual infatuations, anyway, his obsessions burning hot and fast until he gets what he wants and immediately loses interest, anyway. he's gotten what he's wanted out of hyunsu already (see: otherworld, hao's bruised knees and sore jaw, the taste of hyunsu in his mouth), but he's ... actually kept his attention past that. it's embarrassing, almost, how often hao thinks about hyunsu's hand around his throat, obstructing his airways, fantasizing and imagining what it would be like for that hand to transform into a wing that pierces sloppily through his neck, his chest, blood pouring, maybe his lips against hao's. the whole thing makes hao kind of want to squirm out of his own skin as he approaches his upsettingly handsome date with a broad smile that doesn't dare betray the mess of thoughts racing in his mind. )
Hi. ( his teeth catch at his lower lip, trying to contain the giddy grin that threatens to overwhelm. ) I can't believe you beat me here. You must really be excited about losing.
[He glances up as Hao rounds the corner. The pink hair and the green hoodie are strangely complimentary, Hyunsu thinks. He looks a little like an especially annoying sakura blossom.]
Hey. [He starts, attempting a normal, friendly greeting, but Hao keeps talking (because of course he does) and Hyunsu pauses, giving him a Look. Not that the goading is that surprising, really, but it never stops being exasperating. He supposes this is just one of Hao's talents.
He tosses him one of the bags of chips. He's here now, so he can help carry things.] I haven't been here long. Would you rather I kept you waiting?
Nah, ( he says to a question that's probably rhetorical, catching the flaming hot cheetos with ease — thank you, baseball skills. and, perhaps embarrassingly earnest: ) I'm just glad you came.
( but there's no time for hao to dwell on that because he thinks he'll spontaneously combust if he does, so he sliiides his way past hyunsu and into the arcade, eyes adjusting to the dim lighting or lack thereof, taking in all the neon glowing from the blacklight overhead, eyes scanning over the game cabinets. street fighter. house of the dead. the simpsons. teenage mutant ninja turtles. rollercoaster tycoon pinball.
holy shit. he feels like a kid on christmas morning.
[Hyunsu blinks, surprised by the apparent honesty. He realizes, not for the first time, he knows what to do with Hao when he's annoying, but he's less sure what to do when he's earnest. Especially in person, actually, because there's less room for doubt than there is over text. It's...cute. He wasn't wrong when he told him that before.
But before Hyunsu can respond, Hao is already moving on, stepping past him and into the arcade. Hyunsu moves to follow and then pauses at Hao's reaction.
It's strange to think, but he can't remember the last time he saw that kind of delight in someone. Apocalypses have a way of stealing everyone's joy.]
Yeah, ( hao grins, turning to look at hyunsu, practically bouncing in his converse. his enthusiasm doesn't wane even as he reaches to grab for one of hyunsu's wrists, tugging him towards the lounge area full of bean bag chairs, coffee tables, and pleather couches so he can drop his bag of cheetos down, putting dibs on their spot for later because there will be a later. ) There's this place downtown by my school and it's, like — a Barcade? A bar slash arcade with a shit ton of retro games. They are super fucking strict about checking IDs though, so I only successfully snuck in once.
( he laughs, and it's weird, reminiscing about his old life — his old life that he doesn't really miss that much. ) I think that was the last time I was at an arcade.
( smile a little sheepish when he realizes he's still holding onto hyunsu's wrist, he gives him a little squeeze before letting go. ) What do you wanna hit first?
[When Hao grabs his wrist, Hyunsu is suddenly acutely aware of the scars on his arm. He doesn't usually worry about them that much anymore, so he didn't think to cover them when he was getting dressed. But now he's in an arcade for the first time in years and for just a moment he feels vulnerable and human again.
But Hao is only taking his wrist to lead him to the lounge area. He's not asking questions, just talking excitedly about his own experiences. Hyunsu is happy to listen and focus on his enthusiasm. His yapping doesn't seem so bad when he's like this.
He puts the soda and doritos down next to the cheetos as Hao talks.]
That still seems pretty recent.
[More recent than Hyunsu, certainly. Though maybe he shouldn't rush to admit that to Hao.
He glances around at the machines closest to them, considering.]
Maybe Street Fighter?
[It's competitive and action based but doesn't involve killing zombies. Funny how zombie shooters lose their appeal after dealing with similar things in real life.]
( hao doesn't notice anything when he grabs hyunsu's wrist — maybe only that if hyunsu does flinch a little, it's probably warranted, what with all of hao's ... everything, when it comes to him. his provoking and antagonizing. his touchiness, his disregard of personal space back in otherworld (though he'll blame the drinks for that one, okay). it's all why hao's making a concentrated effort to actually, like, behave today.
he shrugs, because yeah, it was last semester, but also — time feels fake in this house. last semester feels like twenty five years ago, and hao isn't even twenty. his gaze follows hyunsu's and lands on street fighter, nodding solemnly. )
Yeah, ( he says, a grin sneaking its way across his face. ) Hell yeah. ( and there's a beat or two before hao goes into menace mode and makes a break for it towards the machine, immediately smashing the two-player button while declaring: ) Dibs on Chun-Li!
Edited (if i use the same icon 2 tags in a row i will be taken out by a sniper) Date: 2024-12-08 02:51 am (UTC)
[A smile pulls gently at the corners of Hyunsu's mouth at Hao's enthusiasm. He is realizing that it can be nice to do something sort of normal with someone who is honestly invested in having fun.]
Okay. [Hao might be a menace but Hyunsu doesn't really mind letting him take Chun-Li, if that's what he wants. He catches up to him in a few strides and settles in next to him.] I'll take Ryu.
( it's funny, the effect that the simplest little smile has on hao as he grins at him from over his shoulder. a smile from hyunsu feels like a rare thing, something to cherish and bask in, which hao definitely thinks he's doing right now, glad for the dayglo lights masking the pink warmth of his cheeks.
at hyunsu's character choice, hao laughs, ) You would pick Ryu. ( and he elbows him affectionately, using his joystick to hover over his beloved chun-li. ) You have total main character energy.
( and no, hao will not be elaborating any further. just before he commits to pushing the button to choose his character and start the game, he turns his head towards hyunsu, hyperaware of how close they are, shoulder to shoulder. ) So what are the stakes?
[Hyunsu looks a little perplexed by that assessment, but before he can make a comment or ask about it, Hao is already moving on to a different topic. Hyunsu is realizing Hao has a talent for that.
He turns his head to look at him and blinks, surprised by the realization of how close they are, even though he definitely already knew they were standing right next to each other.]
( it's a stupid fucking question, hao thinks. he tried to be nice and fair and polite and give hyunsu the illusion of free will, but if hyunsu wants to put his life in hao's hands like this ...
how can he say no?
there's one of hao's trademark grins as he pretends to think long and hard about his answer, as though he hasn't been daydreaming about this exact scenario from the moment he asked hyunsu out. finally, an imaginary lightbulb moment. ) If I win, you have to kiss me. If you win... ( he pauses for dramatic effect, and may as well be batting his eyelashes at hyunsu, pure cartoonish innocence. ) I have to kiss you.
[So, literally no matter who wins, the result is the same. Part of him wants to be exasperated, but another part of him (the human part, which is dominate at the moment), is mostly just amused at how pleased with himself he seems to be. Practically glowing with pride at his own cleverness.
Hyunsu isn't sure it's that clever, but can't really be surprised, either, because Hao told him he wanted to kiss in the arcade.
He stares at Hao for a moment and then huffs something that is dangerously close to a chuckle as he turns back to the screen to choose Ryu.]
( oh, hao is absolutely beaming, uncontainable, gaze lingering on the amused curve of hyunsu's smile for probably a hair too long, but oh fucking well. finally, he turns to look back at the screen, officially selecting chun-li, but not before warning as the game starts to count down: ) I'm not gonna go easy on you just because you're distracting me, you know.
( because it is gonna be super fucking hard to think about anything other than kissing hyunsu, but the end goal is very clearly in his sights. one stupid game of street fighter, and cha hyunsu's lips are on his. time to lock the fuck in.
his muscle memory immediately kicks in, eyes finally glued to the screen as the game starts, finger mashing the jump button experimentally before just — going right for the attack, just as aggressive as hao is in real life, chun-li's spinning kicks flung in ryu's direction. he's focused, brow furrowed, lip caught between his teeth as he focuses less on defending himself than hitting ryu with, like, an epic attack combo, determined to kick his ass. )
[He's not the one coming up with silly kissing strategies and grinning about it, he's literally just existing! But before he can even finish his thought the game is starting and Hyunsu has to remember how to do this.
It's been a long time since he played Street Fighter, especially in an arcade. He has more experience fighting in real life now than he does in video games. It takes longer for him to find his muscle memory than it does for Hao and Hyunsu is put on the defensive almost immediately by Hao's aggressive play style. It takes a little bit of time for him to remember how to block and counter properly, though by about half way through the first match he's managing to do it semi-consistently so it's not a total wipe out.
Still, in the end Hyunsu can't quite catch up, and Hao prevails. This time.]
( at first, hao thinks that he's gonna absolutely wipe the floor with this boy, end this first match of theirs in thirty seconds or less. which is fun and all, and theoretically should excite hao because it means kissing even sooner, but — it's when hyunsu starts catching up with him, blocking his attacks and hitting him with few of his own, that hao really gets into it. he mashes his buttons a little harder, utterly impassioned, and then — !
hp at zero, bright letters flashing WINNER: P2. it takes all of hao's willpower not to loudly celebrate, yell yes!!, pump his fists up in the air. he's behaving. he's not antagonizing. he's super fucking happy to have beaten hyunsu. he thinks his face is gonna hurt later from how hard he's absolutely cheesing right now. )
What can I say? I like to win.
( an understatement, perhaps, considering the prize that hao's waiting for oh-so-patiently. with all the subtlety in the world, he turns to lean back against the machine, happy that he can look at hyunsu's upsettingly pretty face like this without having to turn his head. )
[Hyunsu has sort of braced himself for Hao to be deeply annoying about his first win...but that doesn't happen. While Hao appears to be absolutely glowing with pride, no real gloating actually happens.
He just grins up at Hyunsu exuding a joyful sort of energy that, again, Hyunsu hasn't really experienced in a long time. He even offers a sort of concession that Hyunsu is forced to disagree with.]
I did, though. [He definitely sucked, especially in the first part of the match.] It's been awhile.
[It seems silly not to acknowledge it now that it's obvious that he's out of practice. And anyway, Hyunsu is finding himself a little distracted as he lets his gaze linger of Hao's mouth, hazy memories of their encounter during the resurrection party playing in his mind.]
( hao's been ready to collect his prize since before he even asked hyunsu on this date — kissing in an arcade is romantic, like he said. making out in an arcade is possibly even more romantic, fingers scrabbling against the controls until he can wrap his fingers around a joystick, like that might steady him. fucking in an arcade is possibly the most romantic thing hao can think of, bent over a pinball machine, cheek smushed against the glass, flashes of the colored lights within blurring in his field of vision —
yeah, he's definitely thought about this before.
his smile is coy and demure and everything hao thinks might be enticing to hyunsu, head giving a little tilt. ) I've been ready.
( understatement of the century, but god forbid hao seems too eager. )
[Hao doesn't really have to try that hard to be enticing at this point, he's already managed to charm Hyunsu with his exuberance and Hyunsu is suddenly very aware that this will be the first normal kiss they share. The monster is dormant. There's no mind altering drinks involved. They're just two boys in an arcade.
The human part of Hyunsu is a little more shy and awkward about these things, more aware of his general lack of experience, but he tries not to let it show. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he doesn't want Hao to be disappointed.
He cups Hao's cheek in one hand, his gaze roaming his face for a moment before leaning in to press their lips together.]
( there's a moment of relative stillness when hyunsu's hand reaches to cup hao's cheek — a moment where hao feels a little vulnerable beneath his gaze despite the blinking lights and the bright blacklit neon everywhere. hyunsu leans in and —
it immediately feels different this time, hyunsu's lips soft as they press against hao's. it's a curious, sweet kind of kiss, a whole god damn world away from the darkness of the otherworld, hard, feverish, frantic things, teeth splitting his lip, the hand around his throat leaving finger-shaped bruises that actually managed to linger for a few hours after before finally fading away. you're not going to break me, hao half wants to remind him. the other half, though, finds the dichotomy of it all oh so addictive, wondering what it would be like to have those strong hands rendered shy and curious as they explore hao's skin.
he realizes he's smiling when he cants his head to sneak an extra little kiss, the sort of giddy feeling that only a first kiss can bring bubbling up in his chest. there were no rules and stipulations in their bet about what their prize should or shouldn't entail, and the greedy part of hao wants to lick into his mouth, slip his fingers under that stupidly hot t-shirt he's wearing, but —
his competitive nature wins out, cheeks warm beneath hyunsu's palm as he tips his head back, his turn to survey hyunsu's face. ) Round 2, or do you think you'll have better luck at a different game?
[Hyunsu has no objection to Hao sneaking in an extra kiss and, in fact, probably would have been willing to keep going himself, but Hao is the one that breaks the kiss. Hyunsu finds that he feels vaguely disappointed when it ends, and his eyes linger a little on Hao's lips before Hao distracts him by speaking.
Hyunsu huffs softly at the challenge. Exasperation mixed with something like fondness.]
It wasn't about luck. I'm just rusty. Round 2.
[He at least has warmed up at Street Fighter. He'd be back to square one with a different game.]
( hao definitely catches the way that hyunsu looks at him when he pulls back, just the teeeeeniest little smidge of kicked puppy — needy kicked puppy, actually, and it sends a wave of tingly warmth through him. it's one thing to want someone and get them to cave, but — getting them to genuinely want you back, leaving them wanting more? indescribable.
he huffs out a laugh. ) Yeah, okay. ( and he reaches a hand up to cup hyunsu's jaw before placing a silly little kiss against his cheek because ugh, he's fucking cute. ) Sure. We can do round two.
( and it feels physically painful to turn away from him so he can face the screen again, clearing his throat, rolling his neck, wiggling his fingers to get back into the zone before he presses the 2P button again. )
[He huffs a soft laugh himself at Hao's reaction. He can't say he completely understands where Hao's affection is coming from, but it seems genuine and as a result he can't help but be charmed by it.
He turns back to the screen and chooses Ryu again, then waits for Hao to make his choice so they can start. This time when they play more of Hyunsu's muscle memory returns and he's able to keep up better. It's possible that his monster reflexes help a little, too, once he has a feel for the character and the controls and Hao's play style, though he's not using them consciously. He knows Hao likes to attack and is just trying to focus on blocking and countering effectively.
It's a close match, though, and goes down to the wire but eventually Hyunsu manages to knock out Hao's Chun-Li while his Ryu has like 5 HP left.]
( hao definitely has to, like, try this time around. not that he didn't during their first round, but it required a hell of a lot less effort to ease into the game, remember the controls. now, he's laser-focused, tongue peeking past his lips, fingers agile as they rapidly mash his jump and attack buttons to try getting in as many combos as he can.
there's a delayed reaction when hao realizes that his hp bar's at zero, finally turning his head to look incredulously at hyunsu, huffing out a laugh. )
I threw, ( hao lies, and before hyunsu even has the chance to respond, he's reaching up to slide his fingers through the hair at the back of his neck, rising up onto his tippy toes so that hao can kiss him this time. with his seemingly boundless enthusiasm, would it really be that surprising if hao lost on purpose? )
[He starts to argue but before he can even get a word out Hao is kissing him and it's...well, it's suitably distracting. Which isn't to say Hyunsu isn't kind of irritated, because he is, but the thing is at this point his irritation with Hao is almost always mingled with attraction and arousal. He's realizing he likes Hao's attention and the fact that Hao seems to want him so bad. Even if he doesn't fully understand it or trust it, it's exciting and it makes it easy for him to meet Hao's hungry, enthusiastic energy with his own frustrated kind of yearning.
He doesn't try to take control of the kiss from Hao, he's more than willing to let him lead, but he does push him back against the arcade machine as he kisses him. He also lets his hands start to wonder a little, almost with out realizing it, trying to push Hao's hoodie up a little so he can touch him.]
( hao could get used to this — having hyunsu's pressing him back against the arcade cabinet, lips sliding again each other's, his hand slipping beneath the hem of his hoodie, his fingertips molten hot against hao's skin. he can't help it — the corners of his mouth turn up into a smile as they kiss, practically basking in the warmth that pulses through him, so stupid obsessed with every move hyunsu makes, somehow still amazed by the fact that despite all odds, despite the fact that he shouldn't, hyunsu wants him.
he's happy to let this kiss linger, deepen, fingers dragging up through hyunsu's hair at the nape of his neck, tongue tracing teasingly over his lower lip, wanting to make him chase it. so, he leans his weight back against the screen, free hand reaching behind him for something to hold onto to steady himself.
instead — hao's fingers wrap around the joystick, which feels silly, so his palm ends up against the buttons, inadvertently pressing a bunch of them at once while they kiss which maybe scares the shit out of him when an accidental game of street fighter starts, music blaring, and he jolts a little, giggling against hyunsu's lips in spite of himself. )
Oops, ( he laughs between silly little pecks of his lips. ) You wanna go make out on the couches over there? I'll hand feed you flamin' hot Cheetos in between.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2024-12-07 02:15 am (UTC)hao hasn't had what he'd consider a crush in a long time — not anything that goes past his usual infatuations, anyway, his obsessions burning hot and fast until he gets what he wants and immediately loses interest, anyway. he's gotten what he's wanted out of hyunsu already (see: otherworld, hao's bruised knees and sore jaw, the taste of hyunsu in his mouth), but he's ... actually kept his attention past that. it's embarrassing, almost, how often hao thinks about hyunsu's hand around his throat, obstructing his airways, fantasizing and imagining what it would be like for that hand to transform into a wing that pierces sloppily through his neck, his chest, blood pouring, maybe his lips against hao's. the whole thing makes hao kind of want to squirm out of his own skin as he approaches his upsettingly handsome date with a broad smile that doesn't dare betray the mess of thoughts racing in his mind. )
Hi. ( his teeth catch at his lower lip, trying to contain the giddy grin that threatens to overwhelm. ) I can't believe you beat me here. You must really be excited about losing.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-07 03:03 am (UTC)Hey. [He starts, attempting a normal, friendly greeting, but Hao keeps talking (because of course he does) and Hyunsu pauses, giving him a Look. Not that the goading is that surprising, really, but it never stops being exasperating. He supposes this is just one of Hao's talents.
He tosses him one of the bags of chips. He's here now, so he can help carry things.] I haven't been here long. Would you rather I kept you waiting?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-07 03:21 am (UTC)( but there's no time for hao to dwell on that because he thinks he'll spontaneously combust if he does, so he sliiides his way past hyunsu and into the arcade, eyes adjusting to the dim lighting or lack thereof, taking in all the neon glowing from the blacklight overhead, eyes scanning over the game cabinets. street fighter. house of the dead. the simpsons. teenage mutant ninja turtles. rollercoaster tycoon pinball.
holy shit. he feels like a kid on christmas morning.
starry-eyed: ) Whoa.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-07 03:34 am (UTC)But before Hyunsu can respond, Hao is already moving on, stepping past him and into the arcade. Hyunsu moves to follow and then pauses at Hao's reaction.
It's strange to think, but he can't remember the last time he saw that kind of delight in someone. Apocalypses have a way of stealing everyone's joy.]
This is your first time here?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-07 12:14 pm (UTC)( he laughs, and it's weird, reminiscing about his old life — his old life that he doesn't really miss that much. ) I think that was the last time I was at an arcade.
( smile a little sheepish when he realizes he's still holding onto hyunsu's wrist, he gives him a little squeeze before letting go. ) What do you wanna hit first?
CW: vague reference to past self-harm
Date: 2024-12-07 01:03 pm (UTC)But Hao is only taking his wrist to lead him to the lounge area. He's not asking questions, just talking excitedly about his own experiences. Hyunsu is happy to listen and focus on his enthusiasm. His yapping doesn't seem so bad when he's like this.
He puts the soda and doritos down next to the cheetos as Hao talks.]
That still seems pretty recent.
[More recent than Hyunsu, certainly. Though maybe he shouldn't rush to admit that to Hao.
He glances around at the machines closest to them, considering.]
Maybe Street Fighter?
[It's competitive and action based but doesn't involve killing zombies. Funny how zombie shooters lose their appeal after dealing with similar things in real life.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-08 02:51 am (UTC)he shrugs, because yeah, it was last semester, but also — time feels fake in this house. last semester feels like twenty five years ago, and hao isn't even twenty. his gaze follows hyunsu's and lands on street fighter, nodding solemnly. )
Yeah, ( he says, a grin sneaking its way across his face. ) Hell yeah. ( and there's a beat or two before hao goes into menace mode and makes a break for it towards the machine, immediately smashing the two-player button while declaring: ) Dibs on Chun-Li!
no subject
Date: 2024-12-08 03:45 am (UTC)Okay. [Hao might be a menace but Hyunsu doesn't really mind letting him take Chun-Li, if that's what he wants. He catches up to him in a few strides and settles in next to him.] I'll take Ryu.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-09 01:57 am (UTC)at hyunsu's character choice, hao laughs, ) You would pick Ryu. ( and he elbows him affectionately, using his joystick to hover over his beloved chun-li. ) You have total main character energy.
( and no, hao will not be elaborating any further. just before he commits to pushing the button to choose his character and start the game, he turns his head towards hyunsu, hyperaware of how close they are, shoulder to shoulder. ) So what are the stakes?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-09 02:58 am (UTC)He turns his head to look at him and blinks, surprised by the realization of how close they are, even though he definitely already knew they were standing right next to each other.]
What do you want?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-09 03:24 am (UTC)how can he say no?
there's one of hao's trademark grins as he pretends to think long and hard about his answer, as though he hasn't been daydreaming about this exact scenario from the moment he asked hyunsu out. finally, an imaginary lightbulb moment. ) If I win, you have to kiss me. If you win... ( he pauses for dramatic effect, and may as well be batting his eyelashes at hyunsu, pure cartoonish innocence. ) I have to kiss you.
( it's innovative. it's foolproof. it's genius. )
no subject
Date: 2024-12-09 01:02 pm (UTC)Hyunsu isn't sure it's that clever, but can't really be surprised, either, because Hao told him he wanted to kiss in the arcade.
He stares at Hao for a moment and then huffs something that is dangerously close to a chuckle as he turns back to the screen to choose Ryu.]
Fine, we can do it your way.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-10 02:45 am (UTC)( because it is gonna be super fucking hard to think about anything other than kissing hyunsu, but the end goal is very clearly in his sights. one stupid game of street fighter, and cha hyunsu's lips are on his. time to lock the fuck in.
his muscle memory immediately kicks in, eyes finally glued to the screen as the game starts, finger mashing the jump button experimentally before just — going right for the attack, just as aggressive as hao is in real life, chun-li's spinning kicks flung in ryu's direction. he's focused, brow furrowed, lip caught between his teeth as he focuses less on defending himself than hitting ryu with, like, an epic attack combo, determined to kick his ass. )
no subject
Date: 2024-12-10 05:22 am (UTC)I'm not doing anything...
[He's not the one coming up with silly kissing strategies and grinning about it, he's literally just existing! But before he can even finish his thought the game is starting and Hyunsu has to remember how to do this.
It's been a long time since he played Street Fighter, especially in an arcade. He has more experience fighting in real life now than he does in video games. It takes longer for him to find his muscle memory than it does for Hao and Hyunsu is put on the defensive almost immediately by Hao's aggressive play style. It takes a little bit of time for him to remember how to block and counter properly, though by about half way through the first match he's managing to do it semi-consistently so it's not a total wipe out.
Still, in the end Hyunsu can't quite catch up, and Hao prevails. This time.]
You didn't seem that distracted. [Dryly.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-11 03:24 am (UTC)hp at zero, bright letters flashing WINNER: P2. it takes all of hao's willpower not to loudly celebrate, yell yes!!, pump his fists up in the air. he's behaving. he's not antagonizing. he's super fucking happy to have beaten hyunsu. he thinks his face is gonna hurt later from how hard he's absolutely cheesing right now. )
What can I say? I like to win.
( an understatement, perhaps, considering the prize that hao's waiting for oh-so-patiently. with all the subtlety in the world, he turns to lean back against the machine, happy that he can look at hyunsu's upsettingly pretty face like this without having to turn his head. )
You didn't suck.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-11 07:15 am (UTC)He just grins up at Hyunsu exuding a joyful sort of energy that, again, Hyunsu hasn't really experienced in a long time. He even offers a sort of concession that Hyunsu is forced to disagree with.]
I did, though. [He definitely sucked, especially in the first part of the match.] It's been awhile.
[It seems silly not to acknowledge it now that it's obvious that he's out of practice. And anyway, Hyunsu is finding himself a little distracted as he lets his gaze linger of Hao's mouth, hazy memories of their encounter during the resurrection party playing in his mind.]
Are you ready to collect?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-14 01:27 pm (UTC)yeah, he's definitely thought about this before.
his smile is coy and demure and everything hao thinks might be enticing to hyunsu, head giving a little tilt. ) I've been ready.
( understatement of the century, but god forbid hao seems too eager. )
no subject
Date: 2024-12-14 03:10 pm (UTC)The human part of Hyunsu is a little more shy and awkward about these things, more aware of his general lack of experience, but he tries not to let it show. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he doesn't want Hao to be disappointed.
He cups Hao's cheek in one hand, his gaze roaming his face for a moment before leaning in to press their lips together.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-15 01:16 pm (UTC)it immediately feels different this time, hyunsu's lips soft as they press against hao's. it's a curious, sweet kind of kiss, a whole god damn world away from the darkness of the otherworld, hard, feverish, frantic things, teeth splitting his lip, the hand around his throat leaving finger-shaped bruises that actually managed to linger for a few hours after before finally fading away. you're not going to break me, hao half wants to remind him. the other half, though, finds the dichotomy of it all oh so addictive, wondering what it would be like to have those strong hands rendered shy and curious as they explore hao's skin.
he realizes he's smiling when he cants his head to sneak an extra little kiss, the sort of giddy feeling that only a first kiss can bring bubbling up in his chest. there were no rules and stipulations in their bet about what their prize should or shouldn't entail, and the greedy part of hao wants to lick into his mouth, slip his fingers under that stupidly hot t-shirt he's wearing, but —
his competitive nature wins out, cheeks warm beneath hyunsu's palm as he tips his head back, his turn to survey hyunsu's face. ) Round 2, or do you think you'll have better luck at a different game?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 02:46 am (UTC)Hyunsu huffs softly at the challenge. Exasperation mixed with something like fondness.]
It wasn't about luck. I'm just rusty. Round 2.
[He at least has warmed up at Street Fighter. He'd be back to square one with a different game.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 02:08 pm (UTC)he huffs out a laugh. ) Yeah, okay. ( and he reaches a hand up to cup hyunsu's jaw before placing a silly little kiss against his cheek because ugh, he's fucking cute. ) Sure. We can do round two.
( and it feels physically painful to turn away from him so he can face the screen again, clearing his throat, rolling his neck, wiggling his fingers to get back into the zone before he presses the 2P button again. )
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 03:55 pm (UTC)He turns back to the screen and chooses Ryu again, then waits for Hao to make his choice so they can start. This time when they play more of Hyunsu's muscle memory returns and he's able to keep up better. It's possible that his monster reflexes help a little, too, once he has a feel for the character and the controls and Hao's play style, though he's not using them consciously. He knows Hao likes to attack and is just trying to focus on blocking and countering effectively.
It's a close match, though, and goes down to the wire but eventually Hyunsu manages to knock out Hao's Chun-Li while his Ryu has like 5 HP left.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-18 03:35 am (UTC)there's a delayed reaction when hao realizes that his hp bar's at zero, finally turning his head to look incredulously at hyunsu, huffing out a laugh. )
I threw, ( hao lies, and before hyunsu even has the chance to respond, he's reaching up to slide his fingers through the hair at the back of his neck, rising up onto his tippy toes so that hao can kiss him this time. with his seemingly boundless enthusiasm, would it really be that surprising if hao lost on purpose? )
no subject
Date: 2024-12-18 08:58 pm (UTC)[He starts to argue but before he can even get a word out Hao is kissing him and it's...well, it's suitably distracting. Which isn't to say Hyunsu isn't kind of irritated, because he is, but the thing is at this point his irritation with Hao is almost always mingled with attraction and arousal. He's realizing he likes Hao's attention and the fact that Hao seems to want him so bad. Even if he doesn't fully understand it or trust it, it's exciting and it makes it easy for him to meet Hao's hungry, enthusiastic energy with his own frustrated kind of yearning.
He doesn't try to take control of the kiss from Hao, he's more than willing to let him lead, but he does push him back against the arcade machine as he kisses him. He also lets his hands start to wonder a little, almost with out realizing it, trying to push Hao's hoodie up a little so he can touch him.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-28 04:22 am (UTC)he's happy to let this kiss linger, deepen, fingers dragging up through hyunsu's hair at the nape of his neck, tongue tracing teasingly over his lower lip, wanting to make him chase it. so, he leans his weight back against the screen, free hand reaching behind him for something to hold onto to steady himself.
instead — hao's fingers wrap around the joystick, which feels silly, so his palm ends up against the buttons, inadvertently pressing a bunch of them at once while they kiss which maybe scares the shit out of him when an accidental game of street fighter starts, music blaring, and he jolts a little, giggling against hyunsu's lips in spite of himself. )
Oops, ( he laughs between silly little pecks of his lips. ) You wanna go make out on the couches over there? I'll hand feed you flamin' hot Cheetos in between.
(no subject)
From: