Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Takeout boxes littered the coffee table, the smell of fried chicken and garlic noodles hanging in the air so thick it clung to their clothes. Soy sauce packets and crumpled napkins were scattered around like confetti. Someone’s half-finished bubble tea was sweating onto the wood, a ring of condensation growing larger by the minute.

They were slouched in the living room right after rehearsal. Dylan had claimed the best corner of the couch, legs spread, socked feet propped on the armrest. Chopsticks dangled from his fingers, one fry held precariously as if he wasn’t sure if he wanted to eat it or flick it across the room.

Jun sat at the other end, tucked against the arm with a cushion squeezed under his elbow, posture loose, with the kind of fidgety energy that came when he didn’t want anyone to notice he was thinking too much.

Pepper had settled on a bean bag on the floor, cross-legged in front of the table, a carton of rice balanced on his thigh. He ate slower than the others, neat movements, even as wrappers piled up around him.

Nano had stationed himself on another bean bag opposite to Pepper, knees drawn up, one hand already halfway into the carton of fries Dylan had set aside.

“Those–” Dylan swatted lazily at his wrist, too slow to make contact, “... are mine.”

Nano popped the fry into his mouth without breaking eye contact. “Yours taste better.”

Jun snorted. “Everything tastes better when it’s stolen.”

“Not true,” Dylan fired back. “You wouldn’t say that if I licked every fry first.”

Pepper groaned, tipping his head back. “Why do I even hang out with you guys?” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can we have one meal without turning it into—”

“No,” Dylan and Nano said at the same time, quick and smug.

They collapsed into laughter, Nano nudging Dylan’s knee with his feet, Dylan smirking like he’d just won a bet.

The room simmered in the kind of tired comfort that came after long hours of practice: too drained to argue seriously, too familiar to need to. The only sounds for a while were the crinkle of paper boxes, the scrape of chopsticks, and Nano’s obnoxious chewing.

Jun was the one who broke the lull. He tipped his head back against the couch cushion, eyes half-lidded. “Thame and Po bailed again.”

It wasn’t a complaint so much as an observation, but it shifted the air anyway.

Pepper raised a brow. “Not surprised.”

“Not surprised,” Nano echoed, already grinning. “Those two are basically glued together now. Feels like they’ve been surgically attached.”

“They might as well be,” Dylan said around a fry, speaking as if the matter was settled fact. “Can’t even get them to show up for free food. What was the excuse this time?”

“Po texted me,” Pepper said, lowering his voice into a flat, clipped impression. “We’re busy.”

Nano widened his eyes in mock solemnity. “Busy.” He paused, leaned forward, then wagged his brows. “Busy making out.”

Jun burst into laughter so sharp he had to clutch the pillow to his stomach, noodles nearly slipping from his chopsticks. “Oh my god, they’d rather stay home sucking face than hang with us? That’s brutal.”

“Honestly?” Dylan stretched his legs further, smirk curling at his mouth. “If I had to choose between your cooking and making out, Jun, I’d pick making out too.”

“Hey!” Jun flung a crumpled napkin across the table. It bounced off Dylan’s shoulder, but the flush creeping up his neck ruined any effect of indignation. “We’re not talking about me.”

“Why not? You brought it up,” Nano’s eyes gleamed, sharp and nosy. “Oh, P’Jun… How many people have you kissed?”

Jun froze, chopsticks hovering midair. His eyes flicked quickly around the group before he scoffed, trying to play it off. “Enough.”

“‘Enough,’” Dylan repeated, dragging out the word. His smirk widened. “That’s the most suspicious answer I’ve ever heard.”

Pepper, normally the first to redirect when things turned too personal, surprised them by speaking up instead. His voice was quieter, but firm, like he wasn’t joking. “Not that many for me either.” He poked absently at his rice, eyes lowered. “Never even kissed a boy, actually.”

The chatter thinned instantly, the honesty of it catching them off guard. Jun blinked, Dylan tilted his head, Nano was the first to break the silence.

“Never kissed a boy?” Nano echoed, incredulous but not unkind. He leaned back on his hands, grin spreading slow. “So you’re saying I’m more experienced than you? That’s insane.”

Jun blinked at him, half amused, half curious. “You actually…?”

Nano shrugged with a sly tilt of his head. “What? I’ve lived a life. Can’t help it if people are drawn to me.”

Dylan barked out a laugh, nearly choking on his fry. “Drawn to you? You’re like a mosquito. People just tolerate you buzzing around.”

“Keep talking,” Nano shot back, smirking, “but you’re only jealous I’ve had practice.”

Pepper chuckled along with them, but there was something restrained in the curve of his mouth. His eyes flicked sideways again, just a second too long, watching Nano bask in his own smugness. He bit down on the inside of his cheek before looking away.

Jun, either oblivious or deliberately changing the subject, straightened up. “Well… I mean, I’ve kissed people too. Girls, mostly. Just…” His hand gestured vaguely in the air, as if trying to scoop the right words from nothing. “It wasn’t, like—”

“Convincing?” Dylan supplied, leaning toward Jun with a grin that was all teeth.

Jun glared at him. “Shut up.”

“Not convincing,” Dylan repeated, dragging out the syllables like he was savoring them. “Which basically means you’re bad at it.”

Jun’s ears went pink. “That’s not what I said.”

“That’s what I heard,” Dylan countered, smug. He tilted his head, eyes narrowing in mock sympathy. “Poor Jun. All this flirting and no actual skill to back it up.”

Jun scoffed, tossing his cushion at him. Dylan caught it with one hand, laughing.
“It’s just lack of experience… that’s all.”

“Okay, okay,” Pepper cut in, voice even but his ears still faintly red. “We don’t need to turn this into some kind of contest.”

Nano leaned forward, though, sensing blood in the water. “Actually, we do. This is great. Pepper’s never kissed a boy. Jun’s apparently kissed like, two people and learned nothing. Dylan and I are officially the veterans here.”

“Veterans,” Dylan echoed, pressing a hand to his chest. “Experts, even.” His eyes slid sideways to Jun, and for just a beat, his grin softened into something closer to a smirk. “We could give lessons.”

Jun’s stomach did a strange flip. He scoffed to cover it. “In your dreams.”

Dylan leaned back, triumphant. “Bet you’ve had those dreams already.”

“Bet I haven’t,” Jun snapped back, but his voice wobbled more than he wanted it to.

Pepper was smiling, but his gaze found Nano again, flicking up through his lashes before darting away when Nano laughed. His chopsticks clinked softly against the carton, the only sound that gave him away.

The banter rolled on above him, but the thought lingered, quiet and insistent: what would it feel like?

Pepper cleared his throat, sitting a little straighter. “What I meant was…” His voice trailed as if he regretted opening his mouth at all. Still, he pushed on, his tone thoughtful, careful. “I’ve kissed a girl before, of course I have. I know what that feels like. I’ve had a girlfriend. But a boy…” He let out a breath, shaking his head. “Sometimes I wonder if I’d even like it. Or if it’d feel the same. Different.”

He looked down at the table, fiddling with his straw wrapper, but when his eyes flicked up, just for a heartbeat, they lingered on Nano before darting away again. Quick enough that anyone else might’ve missed it.

Nano, busy licking sauce from his thumb, didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe he did, and chose not to show it.

“Wow,” Jun said, breaking the moment with a short laugh. “That’s a very long explanation for ‘I wanna know if I’m gay.’”

Pepper flushed but didn’t back down. “I just think it’s something I should figure out. For myself.”

Dylan leaned back in his chair, grinning. “That almost sounded like a confession. Should we be honored?”

“Don’t make it weird,” Pepper muttered, though his ears turned red.

Jun smirked at Dylan. “Look who’s calling something weird for once.”

“Please,” Dylan shot back, “if anyone’s weird here, it’s you.”

Jun gasped in mock offense. “Me? What did I do?”

“You just admitted you’ve barely made out with anyone and called it ‘lack of experience.’” Dylan mimicked Jun’s voice, pitching it soft and dramatic, hand over his heart. “‘Oh no, my tragic backstory; I didn’t get enough practice.’”

Jun reached across the couch like he might throttle him. “That is not what I sounded like!”

Dylan leaned away, smug. “Pretty close.”

Pepper chuckled quietly, shaking his head. “You two fight like you’re twelve.”

“Better than sulking like we’re eighty,” Dylan fired back without missing a beat.

Jun shoved his shoulder, scowling. “You’re insufferable.”

“You don’t really think that,” Dylan murmured, eyes narrowing in amusement as they lingered on Jun’s face just a little too long.

The table quieted for a beat. Nano arching a brow, Pepper looking suddenly fascinated by his drink.

Jun cleared his throat, turning quickly toward them. “Anyway. Pepper’s the one who brought this up, not me.”

“Uh-huh.” Dylan’s grin spread wider. “Deflection noted.”

Jun shot him a glare. “I’m not deflecting.”

“Sure you’re not.” Dylan propped his chin on his hand, smirk sharpening. “Classic guilty behavior.”

Nano finally cut in, voice laced with laughter. “You two are gonna combust if you keep circling each other like that.”

“Better than combusting alone,” Dylan shot back smoothly, still looking at Jun.

Jun rolled his eyes, but his pulse betrayed him, thudding a little too fast.

“So lessons, huh?” Nano said, grinning as crawled away from his bean bag and onto the floor beside Pepper, dragging the box of fries with him. He nudged Pepper’s knee with his own before making himself comfortable, shoulder pressed into Pepper’s arm like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Maybe that’s what you two need; experienced mentors.”

Pepper choked on his drink. “Excuse me?”

Nano tilted his head onto Pepper’s shoulder, smirk lazy. “You know. A hands-on demonstration. Purely educational.”

Pepper’s ears went red instantly. He looked down at the top of Nano’s head, his lips parting like he wanted to say something but nothing came out.

Dylan barked a laugh, delighted. “Oh, this is rich. Pepper wants to know what it’s like, Jun doesn’t have enough practice… perfect candidates for our tutoring program.” He flicked a hand between himself and Nano. “Advanced level.”

Jun sat up straighter, scandalized. “Absolutely not.”

“Why not?” Dylan asked smoothly, tilting his head. “Could be fun.”

Jun narrowed his eyes. “Fun for who?”

“Me,” Dylan said without hesitation, his grin sharp.

Jun groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You love just talking nonsense.”

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it,” Dylan teased, leaning forward on his elbows, his gaze steady and unflinching. “Could save you years of awkward dates.”

“Awkward?” Jun repeated, bristling. “I’m not awkward.”

“Sure you’re not,” Dylan said, his tone so obviously disbelieving it made Jun want to throw something at him again.

Meanwhile, Nano hummed under his breath like he was barely paying attention, stealing fries and casually tangling his arm with Pepper’s. He tipped his chin up toward him, eyes glinting. “See, P’Per? You could be the star pupil.”

Pepper swallowed hard, heat rushing up his neck. He tried to laugh it off, voice a little too thin. “Yeah, right.”

But Nano didn’t move away.

Jun jabbed a finger over his pillow at Dylan. “You’re not qualified to teach anyone.”

Dylan raised his brows, feigning offense. “Excuse me? I’ve got glowing reviews.”

“From who? Your bathroom mirror?” Jun shot back.

“From actual people,” Dylan said with a grin that was all teeth. He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough to make Jun’s stomach twist. “You want a reference list? I could make one.”

Jun scoffed, heat crawling up the back of his neck. “You ain’t all that.”

“Maybe,” Dylan said lightly, “but you’d learn a thing or two.”

Jun opened his mouth, ready to argue, but the words tangled in his throat. He hated the way Dylan was looking at him, like he already knew he’d won.

On the floor, Nano laughed through a mouthful of fries. “Honestly, I’d pay to watch Jun take lessons. He’d be so serious about it. Probably bring a notebook.”

“I would not!” Jun said, scandalized.

“Oh, definitely.” Nano tilted his head against Pepper’s shoulder, grinning wickedly. “He’d write ‘step one: don’t panic when Dylan leans in too close.’”

Pepper tried to stifle his laugh but failed, shoulders shaking. “That’s… actually kind of accurate.”

Jun gaped at him. “Not you too!”

“Relax,” Dylan drawled, clearly enjoying himself. “Pepper just admitted he needs practice too. Maybe you can be study partners.”

Pepper froze, eyes flicking sideways at Nano without meaning to. Nano, still draped over him, grinned wider, clearly entertained.

Jun groaned, covering his face with both hands. “I’m never hanging out with you guys again.”

“Sure you will,” Dylan said, smug as ever. “You like the company too much.”

Nano shifted slightly, his arm brushing tighter against Pepper’s. “Study partners…” he murmured, tilting his head so close Pepper could feel the warmth of his breath against his neck. “I wouldn’t mind supervising.”

Pepper’s laugh came out strangled, his face heating all the way to his ears. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m just a nice person,” Nano corrected, smirk tugging at his lips.

Dylan caught the exchange instantly, eyes flicking between them before he leaned back in his chair, delighted. “See? Even Nano’s volunteering. We’re building a whole curriculum here.”

Jun groaned. “You’re all insane.”

Dylan turned back to him, grin slow and deliberate. “What’s the matter? Afraid you’ll fail?”

Jun’s jaw tightened. “I wouldn’t.”

“Prove it,” Dylan challenged, voice silky with amusement.

Jun’s breath hitched, so faint no one else would have noticed, but Dylan’s grin sharpened like he had.

Pepper coughed loudly, clearly desperate to cut the tension. “Okay, I think that’s enough teaching metaphors for one night.”

“Agreed,” Jun said instantly, shoving back from the table like he could escape if he moved fast enough.

But Dylan only leaned back, eyes gleaming. “Class dismissed… for now.”

The silence after Dylan’s last quip stretched a beat too long until Jun started busying himself with stacking empty cartons, muttering under his breath.

Dylan snorted. “Look at you, running from the conversation.”

“I’m cleaning up,” Jun snapped, but his ears were pink.

“Sure.” Dylan rose too, gathering the stray chopsticks and crumpled napkins with infuriating ease, like he hadn’t just been baiting Jun into a corner.

Pepper stood, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uh… you know what would go great after this?”

Nano perked up, still kind of leaning against him. “Don’t say a kiss.”

Pepper shoved his shoulder lightly with his leg, cheeks hot. “Ice cream.”

Dylan’s head popped up from behind a stack of takeout boxes. “From my place?”

“Yeah.” Pepper shrugged. “I’ll drive. They don’t deliver, right?”

“Exactly,” Dylan said firmly. “And I refuse to eat anything else.”

Nano grinned, already on his feet. “Then I’m tagging along. Someone’s gotta make sure he doesn’t come back with, like, mint or something.”

Pepper rolled his eyes but didn’t protest, grabbing his keys.

As the door shut behind them, the apartment fell quiet.

Chapter Text

Jun froze, realizing all at once how close Dylan still was — hands full of crumpled wrappers, watching him with that same maddening grin.

Jun cleared his throat, fumbling with the cartons in his hands. “So… uh… guess it’s just us now.”

Dylan’s grin widened, slow and dangerous. “Guess so.”

Jun stacked the last of the empty cartons into his arms, muttering as he shuffled toward the kitchen. Dylan trailed behind with cans and leftover sauces, humming under his breath like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“You don’t have to follow me, you know,” Jun said, glancing over his shoulder.

“Someone’s gotta make sure you don’t drop everything,” Dylan replied. He brushed past Jun in the doorway, shoulder grazing his as he set the bottles by the sink. “You’re clumsy when you’re flustered.”

Jun bristled. “I’m not flustered.”

“Mm.” Dylan leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching him empty containers into the trash. “You just keep saying that.”

Jun’s grip on the carton tightened. “I will because it’s true.”

Dylan tilted his head, eyes gleaming with that same smug amusement from earlier. “Sure.”

Jun exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to focus on rinsing the takeout trays. The silence stretched, broken only by the sound of running water and clattering plastic. But the weight of Dylan’s gaze lingered, heavier than the quiet.

Finally, Jun blurted, “You were just joking before… Right?”

Dylan’s brows lifted. “About what?”

Jun turned off the tap, shoulders stiff. “The whole… teaching thing.”

For a beat, Dylan said nothing. Then, slowly, his mouth curved into a smile that wasn’t quite teasing anymore.

“Why?” he asked. “You want me to be serious?”

Jun stacked the last few takeout containers in the recycling bin, his movements tight. Dylan leaned against the aisle, arms crossed, watching with a grin that refused to fade.

“You’re taking this really seriously,” Dylan said, voice casual, almost lazy. “Like it’s an exam you didn’t study for — not that it isn’t tho, right?”

“I’m not,” Jun snapped, then immediately regretted it. His cheeks burned, and he forced himself to focus on emptying out the soda cans.

“Mm-hmm,” Dylan murmured, tilting his head, grin widening. “Sure you’re not.” He stepped closer, brushing past Jun to reach the cupboard. The scrape of his shoes on the floor made Jun’s heart tick a beat faster than usual.

Jun muttered under his breath. “I can’t believe you’re still teasing me about this.”

“Still?” Dylan asked, voice low, leaning just slightly over the counter so his shoulder brushed Jun’s. “I haven’t even started.”

Jun stiffened. “I—” he cut himself off, realizing he was flustered enough to sound silly.

Dylan’s grin sharpened. “So… you’ve been thinking about it?”

Jun froze, heart thudding. “I haven’t.”

“Uh-huh.” Dylan leaned back, eyes flicking up at him from under his lashes. “Sure. And I suppose all those sudden blushes and muttered denials are… purely accidental.”

Jun turned his head away, trying to focus on drying a glass with a towel. “You’re impossible to talk to.”

“Well.” Dylan let the word hang, calm, teasing, intimate. “Then why are you still standing here?”

Jun felt the weight of Dylan’s gaze, deliberate and knowing, and for a moment the kitchen felt smaller than it should. He finally sighed, shoulders slumping just slightly. “Maybe… maybe you’re right.”

Dylan leaned in, voice dipping into that teasing edge that had been threading through the night. “So you have… imagined kissing one of us?”

Jun froze completely, hands gripping the towel tighter than needed. His breath caught. “I— maybe,” he admitted, voice just above a whisper. “But I’m not saying who.”

Dylan’s grin widened, sharp and triumphant. “Oh? Let me guess… Thame, right? Before he got with Po?”

Jun’s eyes darted to him, flaring a little. “Not telling.”

“Not telling,” Dylan repeated, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Perfect. That’s more like it. I like a challenge.”

Jun swallowed, heart racing, unknowingly taking a step closer to Dylan. “You’re insane.”

“Maybe,” Dylan said softly, smirk curling at the corner of his mouth, “but you keep leaning in anyway.”

The sound of the water running, the clink of glass against the counter, the faint scrape of Jun’s shoes against the floor… it all melted into a kind of tension that buzzed between them, quiet but impossible to ignore. Jun couldn’t hide the slow fall of his defenses any longer, even as he tried.

Jun rinsed Dylan’s favorite set of chopsticks, shaking the water off and setting it on the drying rack. Dylan leaned casually against the aisle again, a towel in hand, eyes flicking up at him with that same smug glint.

“You know,” Dylan said, voice low, teasing, “all this cleaning… kind of reminded me. Maybe it’s time we start your lessons.”

Jun froze mid drying the counter, towel still dripping, and his ears burned hotter than before. “Lessons?” He leaves out a sigh.. “Cleaning doesn’t even have anything to do with that…”

Dylan’s grin widened. “Yeah, yeah. But you know… tutoring. Hands-on. Step one: how to survive my closeness without panicking.”

Jun nearly choked on the words he wanted to say. “I—no! That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” Dylan’s tone dipped. “Or do you secretly want it?”

Jun’s hands trembled slightly. “I—maybe…” He swallowed hard, averting his gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Dylan tilted his head, smirk sharp and slow. “Sure. I like a good challenge. Guess I’ll just have to teach you anyway.”

Jun’s face flared red, but there was no hiding it now… he was caught, exposed, and somehow, thrilled.

Dylan’s eyes softened ever so slightly, though the grin never left. “Alright,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Lesson one… starts whenever you’re ready.”

Jun took a shaky breath, realizing just how much he was looking forward to it. He lingered near the counter after finishing, hands clasped loosely, trying to act busy. The apartment was quiet; no laughter from Nano and Pepper, no clatter of cartons. Just the faint hum of the fridge and the soft scrape of Dylan moving around to put the towel away.

Dylan leaned once again against the aisle, smirk in place, eyes on Jun like he was waiting for something. The silence was charged, and Jun felt his chest tighten. He could still feel the ghost of that smirk from moments ago.

Finally, taking a shaky breath, Jun broke the quiet. “So… about what you said earlier.” He was fiddling with a towel, every instinct screaming at him to drop the topic and act normal. But he couldn’t stop thinking about Dylan’s voice and the way he’d said, “Lesson one… starts whenever you’re ready.”

He cleared his throat, turning around and walking over to where Dylan leaned lazily. “So… about what you said earlier.” He repeats himself, voice clearer and louder now.

Dylan tilted his head, smirk in place, arms crossed. “About the lessons?”

Jun swallowed, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah… I mean… if you’re serious.”

Dylan raised a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching. “You’re asking the same thing again… Wow, you’re nervous.”

“I’m not,” Jun said quickly, then realized the word sounded more like a confession than a denial. He flushed. “Okay… maybe I am.”

Dylan chuckled, stepping a little closer. “Good. Because I am serious.”

Jun’s heart thudded. “You are?”

“Yes,” Dylan said, voice softer but no less teasing. “We can… start your lessons whenever you want. Step by step, hands-on, everything you need.”

Jun blinked, then laughed nervously, shaking his head. “I—well… if you insist.”

“I do,” Dylan said smoothly, grin widening. “And you’re gonna like it. Trust me.”

Jun felt the corners of his lips lift, the tension in his shoulders loosening fractionally. “Okay… I agree. Lesson one, then.”

Dylan nodded, satisfied, eyes glinting with that same playful fire. “Perfect. I was hoping you’d say that.”

Jun’s heart was racing, but a small, tentative smile spread across his face. They were on the same page, finally. The teasing could continue, but now it had direction.

The kitchen suddenly felt so small Jun still couldn’t breathe right. His pulse thudded in his ears louder than the fridge.

“So…” Dylan tilted his head, voice pitched low, like he was sharing a secret. “We agreed, yeah? Lessons start now?”

Jun’s throat clicked when he swallowed. He forced himself to laugh, but it came out tight. “You’re really not gonna stop the mocking, are you?”

“Not when you look like that.” Dylan’s gaze dipped, slow, from Jun’s flushed face to the way he gripped the edge of the counter. He didn’t need to say more… the implication burned enough.

Jun scrambled for a retort, but the words fizzled before they left his mouth. He hated that Dylan could do this to him, could peel away all the sharpness he wore like armor with nothing more than a raised eyebrow.

Dylan pushed off the aisle, closing the space between them until Jun had nowhere to step away to. He braced one palm beside Jun’s hip on the counter, deliberately boxing him in. “Lesson one,” he said, voice teasing but now pensive. “The basics. You know how to start, don’t you?”

Jun scoffed, aiming for bravado, but his voice cracked on the end. “Of course I do.”

“Prove it.” Dylan leaned in just enough that Jun could feel the warmth of his breath. “Show me.”

Jun’s chest rose sharply. His facade faltered and, for the first time, Dylan could see him hesitate.

Jun’s fingers tightened on the counter until his knuckles blanched. He tilted his chin up, trying to look unbothered, but Dylan could see it; the nervous flicker in his eyes, the way his chest stuttered with every breath.

“Prove it,” Dylan repeated, softer this time, almost coaxing. “Unless…” His smirk deepened. “Unless you don’t actually know.”

Jun’s eyes snapped to his, sharp and offended. “I know.”

“Do you, though?” Dylan let the words drag out, each syllable a little knife of mockery. “Because right now you look like a guy who’s all talk.”

Jun’s mouth opened, shut again. He hated that Dylan was right. He hated even more that Dylan was enjoying it.

Dylan leaned closer, so close that Jun’s back pressed into the counter. His voice dipped to a whisper, breath ghosting against Jun’s cheek. “You said you imagined this before, so? Show me what you thought it’d be like.”

Jun’s heart lurched. “That’s— none of your business.”

The denial was weak, brittle. Dylan chuckled, low and warm, and the sound made Jun’s stomach flip. “See? That hesitation? Dead giveaway. You’re curious. You want to.”

Jun’s hand twitched at his side like he wanted to shove Dylan away, but it landed flat against the counter again, trapped by his own indecision. “You’re annoying.”

“And you’re holding back.” Dylan tilted his head, his lips brushing dangerously close to Jun’s temple. “Lesson one, Jun. It’s not about the talk. It’s about leaning in and doing it.”

Jun’s breath hitched. For a moment, he thought Dylan might actually close the gap himself. But Dylan only pulled back half an inch, leaving the silence heavy, loaded.

“Show me you can.”

Jun’s jaw worked, teeth grinding like he could chew down the nervous knot in his chest. Dylan was so close, taunting him with every breath, every flicker of his damn smirk.

“If you can’t,” Dylan murmured, voice all smoke and challenge, “I guess I’ll have to demonstrate.”

That was it. Jun’s pride lit like a match. Before Dylan could move another inch, Jun surged forward, catching his mouth in a kiss that was quick, sharp, almost violent in its urgency.

Dylan stilled, surprised — but only for a heartbeat. Then his lips curved against Jun’s, and he kissed back slow, just to drag Jun out of rhythm.

Jun pulled back first, breathing hard, cheeks flushed scarlet. “There,” he snapped, though his voice shook. “Satisfied?”

Dylan’s grin widened. “Not even close. But… good start.”

His tone made Jun bristle but, underneath the irritation, a dangerous spark curled in his chest — because Dylan sounded like he actually meant it.

Jun’s pulse was still hammering in his throat, his lips tingling from the brief clash. He could feel the heat climbing up his neck, hated that Dylan could probably see it.

Dylan tilted his head, eyes dark with amusement. “But is that all you’ve got? One little hit-and-run?”

Jun glared. “I wasn’t—” He broke off, frustrated. “It was a kiss.”

“Barely.” Dylan let the word drip with mockery. He leaned back just enough to make Jun think he was giving space, then reeled him in again with a hand braced beside his hip. “Lesson two,” he said smoothly. “Pressure. Pacing. You can’t just crash and burn, Jun. It’s about the rhythm.”

Jun scoffed, though it came out more defensive than he meant. “I know that.”

“So prove it.” Dylan tapped his own bottom lip with a lazy finger, like an invitation. “Try again.”

Jun hesitated, then surged forward with a clumsy kind of determination. He pressed his mouth to Dylan’s, harder this time, lingering longer, but his rhythm was off, the angle awkward. His lips moved nervously, unevenly, like he was too focused on getting it right.

Dylan didn’t respond. He stayed maddeningly still, letting Jun fumble against his unmoving mouth.

Frustration spiked. Jun pulled back with a glare, cheeks burning. “What?”

Dylan arched a brow, smirk cutting sharp. “You kiss like you’re in a hurry.”

Jun’s jaw dropped. “You—” He shoved Dylan’s shoulder, weakly. “Fuck you.”

“See?” Dylan’s voice was velvet and knife-edged at once. “You’re overthinking. Trying too hard. That’s why it feels forced.”

Jun sighed, fists clenching. “Then show me how it’s supposed to feel.”

Dylan’s smirk grew heavier, hungrier. “Gladly.”

He closed the space slow this time, excruciatingly slow, until Jun cracked. And then Dylan kissed him — messy, unhurried, guiding. Their mouths slid together, wet and languid, Dylan coaxing rather than demanding, and Jun’s head spun with how different it felt.

When Dylan finally pulled back, a thin string of spit broke between them. He grinned, smug. “That’s the rhythm. Feel it?”

Jun’s chest heaved. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, glaring half-heartedly. “You’re—” His voice cracked, and he cursed under his breath. “You’re so fucking—.”

“Yeah, yeah, annoying,” Dylan licked his bottom lip slowly, like he was savoring the taste. “But you’re learning.”

Jun dragged in a breath, then another, trying to steady the pounding in his chest. He grabbed the nearest dish towel off the counter just to have something to do with his hands, twisting it tight.

Dylan leaned against the aisle again, arms crossed, watching him with the kind of smug patience that made Jun want to throw the towel at his face.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Jun muttered.

“Like what?” Dylan’s grin said he knew exactly what.

“Like you…” Jun trailed off, ears hot. “Like you just won against me.”

Dylan chuckled low in his throat. “I mean— didn’t I?”

Jun shot him a glare sharp enough to kill, but it only made Dylan’s smile widen. He turned away, tossing the towel into the sink and pretending to busy himself with stacking plates, but he couldn’t get the feeling out of his mouth. His lips still tingled, warm, slick.

He hated that Dylan had a point — that it did feel different. Better.

“You’re thinking too loud,” Dylan said after a beat, tone infuriatingly casual.

Jun froze, halfway through adjusting a stack of glasses. “I’m not.”

“You are.” Dylan’s smirk curled again. “And judging by that face, you liked it.”

Jun whipped around, ready to deny it, but the words lodged in his throat. He settled for a scoff instead, way too weak to be convincing. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Not flattering myself,” Dylan said, voice dropping. “Just stating facts.”

Jun’s hands clenched at his sides, desperate for something sharp to throw back. But nothing came. Just the heat burning through him and the way Dylan’s eyes wouldn’t let him go.

“So what? You want me to say you’re some kind of expert?”

Dylan’s mouth curved into a slow, lazy grin. “Wouldn’t hurt to admit it.”

Jun scoffed and crossed his arms, rolling his eyes hard enough it almost hurt. “Please. Your ego’s already choking the room.”

“Mm, maybe. But you’re still red as hell.” Dylan pushed off the aisle, closing the distance just enough for Jun to feel it. “Means I’m doing something right.”

Jun opened his mouth, shut it again. His pulse betrayed him, beating loud and frantic in his throat.

Dylan dipped his head, voice low. “You know what you’re missing, right?”

Jun blinked. “Missing what?”

“Lesson three.” Dylan caught Jun’s wrist gently, lifted it off his crossed arms, and set it against his own chest, right over his heartbeat. “Hands.”

Jun froze, staring at where his palm pressed against the heat of Dylan’s shirt.

“They matter,” Dylan went on, tone smooth, instructive but heavy. “Where you put them. How you use them.” His own hand slid up, brushing over Jun’s shoulder, his jaw, featherlight. “It’s half the kiss.”

Jun’s breath hitched. He should’ve pulled away. Should’ve said something cutting, sarcastic, anything… but his fingers twitched against Dylan’s chest instead.

Dylan’s smirk softened. “Want to try?”

Jun’s palm burned where it rested against Dylan’s chest. He swallowed, eyes darting anywhere but Dylan’s face. “I…” His voice cracked, and he coughed to cover it. “I know how to use my hands.”

“Do you?” Dylan tilted his head, amused. “Show me, then. Please.”

Jun seethed at the challenge. He slid his hand off Dylan’s chest and set it — hesitantly — on Dylan’s shoulder. His fingers twitched, unsure whether to grip or just sit there. After a long beat, he shifted again, moving awkwardly to the curve of Dylan’s bicep, then back up. It was stiff, mechanical, like he was second-guessing every motion.

Dylan didn’t even blink. Just stood there, lips twitching like he was holding back laughter.

Jun pulled back, scowling. “What?”

“You pet me like I’m a cat.” Dylan’s grin broke through, smug and merciless.

Jun’s ears burned. “I do not—”

“You do. All stiff, no feeling.” Dylan leaned in, close enough that Jun could feel his breath. “You’re supposed to want to touch me. Not… pat me down for weapons.”

Jun’s jaw dropped. “You’re impossible to work with.”

“And you’re hopeless,” Dylan teased, softer this time. He caught Jun’s wrist again, guiding his hand back to his jaw, pressing it there with firm intent. “Here. Like this.” His own fingers curled lightly around Jun’s, anchoring him in place. “Hold. Don’t think about it. Just feel it.”

Jun’s thumb brushed against Dylan’s cheekbone without meaning to, and the air between them thickened instantly.

“Better,” Dylan murmured, voice almost a purr. “Now let’s see if the kiss catches up.”

Jun’s hand lingered on Dylan’s jaw, trembling slightly. He took a deep breath, leaning in as best he could, trying to muster some control over the messy nerves tangling in his chest. His lips met Dylan’s in a hesitant, clumsy press — too quick, too unsure, sloppy in a way that made his stomach twist with frustration.

Dylan didn’t respond immediately. He let Jun fumble against him, arms still at his sides, smirk hovering but eyes dark and patient.

Jun pulled back just enough to glare, cheeks burning. “Is that what you want? Because if it’s not… I—”

Dylan’s hands shot up, encircling Jun’s waist and tugging him closer without breaking the pressure of their lips. The sudden contact made Jun gasp and stumble forward slightly, caught completely off guard.

“Careful,” Dylan murmured against him, voice teasing but low. “You’re doing fine… but maybe you need a little guidance.”

Jun’s heart hammered, breath short. He tried again, pressing in, this time with more intent, but his nerves still made the rhythm uneven, sloppy, teeth catching slightly.

Dylan tilted his head, jaw brushing Jun’s as he finally responded, letting his mouth move over Jun’s, sloppy, slow enough to teach but messy enough to make Jun’s knees weak. Dylan’s hands stayed firm at Jun’s waist, grounding him, guiding him, letting him feel the weight and warmth of the connection.

When Dylan pulled back slightly, just enough to breathe, Jun’s chest rose and fell rapidly, hair damp where their foreheads touched. “Better,” Dylan said softly, eyes glinting with mischief and something else. “Much better.”

Jun swallowed hard, cheeks blazing. “I—” he started, then trailed off, flustered.

“Mm,” Dylan murmured, voice warm and low. “You’re a good student.”

Jun’s hands, after a moment of hesitation, began to explore. One slid over Dylan’s shoulder, brushing along the curve of his neck, while the other tentatively pressed to his upper back. Every inch he moved made his pulse pound harder, awareness of Dylan’s warmth spreading through him like wildfire.

Dylan’s hands didn’t stay still either. One arm wrapped fully around Jun’s waist, pulling him flush against his body. The other rose slowly, grazing up Jun’s back, fingertips tracing the line of his spine over the shirt. The gentle pressure, guiding but not forcing, made Jun shiver involuntarily.

Their foreheads pressed together once more as Jun leaned into the closeness, messy kisses still lingering between them. His lips pressed again to Dylan’s, softer now, exploring the rhythm he had begun to understand. Dylan’s mouth responded, sloppy and unhurried, tongue teasing, breath warm, as if he were coaxing Jun to forget everything but the feel of him.

Jun’s fingers found purchase in Dylan’s hair at the nape of his neck, tugging lightly. The movement was bold, daring, and made Dylan’s smirk deepen against his mouth. The hug stretched, close and full, bodies pressing together, heat building in slow, maddening increments.

“You’re getting it,” Dylan murmured between kisses, his hand gliding a little lower, anchoring Jun even more firmly against him. “See? Just… let yourself feel it.”

Jun’s chest heaved, lips parting for another sloppy kiss, and for the first time he stopped thinking about control. Every nerve in his body was focused on Dylan — the smell, the taste, the warmth, the teasing weight of those hands on him.

Dylan pulled back just enough to murmur, low and satisfied, “Much better… you feel the difference, don’t you?”

Jun blinked, flushed and breathless. “Yeah,” he admitted, almost a whisper. “I feel it.”

His chest heaved, fingers still tangled in Dylan’s hair, one hand pressed flat against the warmth of his back. The kitchen felt impossibly small, every scrape of the fridge or hum of the lights magnified in the charged silence between them.

Dylan leaned in closer, lips brushing along Jun’s jaw, ghosting over the sensitive skin at his neck. His nose nuzzled briefly, teasing, while one hand trailed lightly down Jun’s spine, feeling the tension coil in every muscle. The other rested near his hip, steady and warm, anchoring him without forcing him.

“You’re… improving fast,” Dylan murmured, breath hot against Jun’s ear, voice low and teasing. “Better than I expected.”

Jun’s pulse thundered, and his chest tightened. “I— I don’t know what I’m doing,” he admitted, voice shaky, body stiff under Dylan’s touch.

“Mm,” Dylan said, teeth grazing the curve of Jun’s neck, lips brushing over spots that made him shiver. “Do you think Thame would kiss you like this?” His hand slid lower, gliding along Jun’s back under the shirt now, gaining a chill from him. “Is this… how you imagined kissing Thame?”

Jun froze entirely. Heat rolled through him, pulsing to every corner of his body. He opened his mouth, closed it again, words stuck.

Dylan’s lips pressed gently again, teasing, leaving wet trails over his neck as if coaxing the truth out. His fingers traced lightly along Jun’s hips, up his sides and then shoulders, lingering on every reaction he could provoke.

“You’re not saying anything,” Dylan murmured, voice soft but laced with mischief. “Shy, or… guilt?”

Jun’s hands clenched against Dylan’s shirt, trying to find some control. “…It’s… it’s not—” His words stumbled, tripping over heat and nerves, faltering into silence.

Dylan chuckled, warm and low, teeth grazing Jun’s earlobe briefly. “Not Thame?” He pressed closer, letting one hand drift a little lower, feeling Jun tense at the teasing contact. “Hmm?”

Jun’s throat tightened, breath hitching. “…It… it wasn’t Thame,” he whispered finally, voice barely audible.

Dylan’s grin was now a knowing smirk. His lips brushed Jun’s temple, then his jaw, hand trailing up his back to cup Jun’s nape, tilting his head just slightly. “Oh? Then… who?”

Jun’s heartbeat roared in his ears, trapped under Dylan’s gaze, hands, and teasing lips. “…It was… you,” he admitted, breathless, almost trembling.

The confession lit a spark Dylan didn’t need to fan. He leaned in immediately, capturing Jun’s lips in another messy, sloppy kiss, dragging his hands over Jun’s back firmly while still coaxing him to move. Jun wrapped his arms fully around Dylan, pressing into him, letting the chaotic, unpracticed rhythm carry him.

Every sloppy kiss, every teasing brush of fingers, mirrored the weight of that confession… Jun had finally let the truth slip, and Dylan responded in kind hunger.

When they pulled back, foreheads touching, Dylan’s voice was low, tender: “So… lesson four… and you finally admit it was me.”

Jun shivered, cheeks blazing, still tangled in Dylan’s arms. “Yeah,” he whispered. “It was you.”

Dylan’s grin spread, smug but soft. “Good. Then… let’s see how much further we can take this.”

The confession hung between them like a live wire, crackling with tension. Jun’s chest heaved, fingers gripping Dylan’s shoulders, arms tangled around his waist. Dylan pressed in, and for a moment the world shrank to the two of them, the heat between their bodies almost unbearable.

Dylan’s hands roamed over Jun’s back, cupping, sliding, pulling him impossibly close. Jun’s lips met his again in a way that made them both groan. Tongues tangled, teeth occasionally grazing, breaths mingling, lips pressing and releasing in a rhythm dictated by raw desire rather than thought.

Jun’s hands moved freely now, tracing Dylan’s jaw, curling into his hair, down his back, exploring the warmth and solidity of him. Dylan’s hands followed suit, sliding lower along Jun’s hips, brushing over the curve of his waist and teasing the swell of his ass. Every touch, every press, made Jun’s stomach twist, heat pooling low, pressing up against Dylan in a frantic, needful way.

Their hips ground together almost instinctively, clothes brushing against clothes, the friction sending shocks of pleasure through them both. Dylan’s hand pressed harder against Jun’s lower back, tilting him slightly, and Jun let out a shaky gasp as he pressed closer, desperate for more contact, more closeness, more… everything.

“Jun…” Dylan’s voice was rough, almost strangled, breath hot against his ear. “Don’t stop. Just—” His lips brushed the curve of Jun’s neck, nipping softly, “—just feel it.”

Jun did feel it. He felt it in every nerve ending, every pulse racing through his veins. He pressed in harder, arms wrapping around Dylan’s neck, grinding their hips together in a desperate, fumbling rhythm, friction rubbing, pushing closer and closer, until their bodies were impossibly tight, seeking, craving.

Dylan tilted his hips to match Jun’s, letting their lower bodies press fully together, rocking slowly at first, then faster as the desperation built. Every sloppy kiss, every teased gasp, every trembling grip fueled the heat that rose and rose, a messy, hungry dance of mouths, hands, and pressing bodies.

Jun whimpered softly against Dylan’s mouth, nails digging into his shoulders, desperate to feel even closer. Dylan groaned, tugging him even tighter, pressing their bodies together until Jun could feel every line of him, every solid plane, every curve.

Their kisses grew hungrier, more frantic, fumbling, messy. Tongues tangled, teeth grazed, lips sucked and teased in equal measure. Dylan’s hands roamed lower, tugging Jun’s hips flush against his, grinding again, shivering at how desperate they were for each other.

Jun’s hands moved lower too, exploring the dip of Dylan’s back, pressing him closer, feeling the solid heat and strength beneath his fingers. They both gasped and shuddered against each other, mouths and bodies desperate for more, teasing, not satisfied with anything less than absolute closeness.

The kitchen blurred around them — nothing else existed. Only Dylan and Jun, tangled together, pressed and gasping, teasing and desperate, lips clashing again and again, hands grasping, bodies seeking, grounding each other in the fire they’d ignited.

Dylan’s lips slid to Jun’s jaw, over his ear, nipping lightly, dragging his teeth along in a maddening, hot tease. Jun arched into him instinctively, shoving closer, fingers tangling in Dylan’s hair, hungry.

They were practically fused, pressed, grinding, fumbling, and then… the sharp sound of tires crunching against the gravel outside broke the spell. Dylan’s eyes flicked toward the door, alert. Jun blinked, chest heaving, cheeks flushed scarlet.

A car pulled up. The front door swung open. Their proximity broke only slightly, but it was enough to make their hearts pound in frustrated unison. Dylan’s hand stayed on Jun’s hip, pulling him just a little closer, lips hovering over his mouth.

Jun breathed, voice shaky, almost a whisper, “We… pick this up later?”

Dylan’s grin was sly, dangerous, and full of promise. “Oh, you bet we will.”

Their foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling, hearts hammering in sync. And with a final soft peck, they reluctantly separated, knowing that this was far from over and that the lesson had only just begun.

Chapter Text

Pepper gripped the steering wheel, heart thumping just a little faster than it should. Nano sat close in the passenger seat, knees almost brushing his, the air between them already charged.

“So…” Nano drawled, leaning slightly toward him, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “You’ve never kissed a guy before, huh?”

Pepper cleared his throat, trying to maintain composure. “I told you already. That’s not… news for you.”

Nano’s grin widened. “Still makes you sound… inexperienced.” He tilted his head, brushing a hand lightly along the edge of the console, fingers teasingly close to Pepper’s thigh. “You’ve kissed more than just one person though, right?”

Pepper’s cheeks flared. “Yes. Girls. Plenty. But… I’ve never kissed a guy. I want to know how it feels. That’s different.”

“Ah, so you’ve been curious.” Nano’s voice dipped, playful and low, leaning just a little closer. “That makes sense. You know… it could be fun to find out.”

Pepper’s hands tightened on the wheel, and he swallowed hard. “Fun… right. That’s the idea.”

Nano tilted slightly, letting their shoulders brush. “And, uh… have you thought about what you’d want? Or just… the experience?”

Pepper hesitated, heat rising. “I… don’t know. I just… I need to see if I actually feel something. I—” He swallowed, voice tightening. “I want to know if it’s… different.”

Nano chuckled, low and teasing. “Different… you sound like you’re nervous already.” His hand drifted closer to Pepper’s, fingers brushing along the seat beside him. “Or maybe… excited?”

Pepper shivered at the touch, though he tried to act composed. “Excited… nervous. Both, I guess.”

Nano leaned back slightly, smirk deepening. “Good. I like a little honesty.” He tapped the console gently, playful and intimate at the same time. “Tell me… have you ever imagined… what it would feel like?”

Pepper’s hands gripped the wheel tighter. “…Maybe. But I can’t know until I… try. Right?”

Nano’s eyes sparkled. “Right. And lucky for you… I happen to know a few tricks.”

Pepper drummed his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, stealing glances at Nano out of the corner of his eye. “So… have you kissed any girl?” he asked, trying to sound casual as he changed the conversation, but a faint edge of curiosity slipped through.

Nano leaned back, one arm draped lazily over the edge of Pepper’s seat, smirk tugging at his lips. “A fair few,” he said smoothly. “Not all that exciting, though. Friends, casual stuff. Nothing really… memorable.” He shrugged, letting his hand brush lightly against the edge of the console near Pepper’s thigh.

Pepper frowned, a little jealous without even realizing it. “Nothing memorable, huh?” His voice held a subtle bite. “You sound… picky.”

Nano grinned. “I like to remember the good ones. Can’t waste energy on the boring.” His eyes flicked to Pepper briefly, teasing. “You’re curious?”

“I… maybe,” Pepper admitted, shifting slightly in his seat, though his hands stayed on the wheel. “Do you… do you kiss differently with guys?”

Nano tilted his head, a slow, sly grin spreading. “Depends on the guy. Different… chemistry. Different… feelings. Hard to explain.” He leaned a little closer, shoulder brushing against Pepper’s. “But I can show you, if you’re willing.”

Pepper blinked, breath catching. “Show me…?” he repeated, voice tight, not entirely sure why his stomach fluttered. “And… what about… your friends?”

Nano chuckled softly, voice low. “Oh, you mean the girls? Yeah… some were fun, some were meh, some were… a little desperate. I remember it all. Makes me appreciate this—” He tapped his own chest lightly, “—a lot more.”

Pepper felt heat crawl up his neck, partly from the teasing, partly from an odd flicker of jealousy. “Hm. So… some were desperate, huh?” His fingers gripped the wheel tighter. “And you… enjoyed that?”

Nano’s grin widened, wickedly amused. “Depends. But I’m patient with the right person. Someone curious… like you.” His hand brushed again near Pepper’s thigh, light, teasing. “Someone willing to… learn.”

Pepper’s chest tightened; he tried to stay composed, but his mind was racing. “Learn…” he echoed softly, leaning a little closer in his seat without meaning to. “And… you’d teach anyone?”

“Only the ones who seem… intrigued,” Nano said, voice dipping, teasing. “And, I dunno… someone I want to see flustered like this.” He smirked, watching Pepper flush. “Like right now.”

Pepper huffed softly, trying to ignore the sudden spike in his pulse. “Right. And… I guess… I came to the right person?”

Nano leaned just a fraction closer, letting their shoulders brush again. “Definitely. But… you’ll need to be willing to follow instructions.”

Pepper swallowed, heat rising. “I think I… could manage that.”

Nano’s grin deepened, playful and full of promise. “Good. Because once we get this ice cream… I think we might just start.”

Pepper’s hands clenched on the wheel, chest tightening. He barely realized he was imagining every teasing, flirty possibility Nano had just hinted at. “…Start?” he whispered, voice low, almost breathless.

“Lesson one,” Nano said casually, brushing his fingers lightly along the console again. “Ever so lightly… Don’t worry. I’ll guide you.”

The car hummed quietly along the road, city lights flashing across the windshield. Pepper cleared his throat, trying to sound casual even though his chest felt tight. “You said before it’s… different with guys. Chemistry, feel. What does that even mean?”

Nano smirked, head tilted lazily against the seat. “You’re really curious, huh?” His fingers reached out to adjust the volume on the radio, brushing the back of Pepper’s hand on the console, lingering just a beat too long.

Pepper’s grip on the wheel tightened, his throat dry. “…I just want to know what you mean.”

Nano leaned closer, his voice dipping low. “With girls, it’s lighter. Softer, usually. Playful for me. But with guys…” He dragged out the words deliberately, watching Pepper squirm. “…It’s heavier. With actual feelings. Messier. Like you’re trying to prove something and lose yourself at the same time.”

Pepper’s breath caught. He turned his head just enough to see Nano’s grin in the dim light. “Messier,” he repeated, almost a whisper.

“Yeah,” Nano said smoothly, shoulder pressing into Pepper’s as the car slowed at a red light. “Different energy. Sometimes rougher. Sometimes slower. But it hits you here.” He pressed two fingers briefly against Pepper’s chest, right over his heart, before pulling back like nothing happened.

Pepper nearly swerved. “Watch it—” he muttered, flustered, face hot.

Nano just laughed, easy and low. “Relax. You’re driving fine. You’re just distracted.”

Pepper scoffed, though it came out weaker than he wanted. “Not distracted. Just… trying to keep you from distracting me.”

“Mm,” Nano hummed, leaning his head against the seat again, smirk still in place. “Sounds like I’m doing a good job, then.”

Pepper bit the inside of his cheek, focusing hard on the road ahead. His pulse wouldn’t calm down, not with Nano’s words echoing in his head, not with the ghost of those fingers pressed against his chest.

The car slowed to a stop in front of the ice cream place, the faint smell of sugar and cones drifting in through the cracked window. Pepper’s hands gripped the wheel a little tighter than necessary, heart still racing from the teasing drive.

Nano sat up, stretching lazily. “Alright. I’ll grab the order.” He tossed Pepper a grin, casual but heavy with subtext. “Stay here, think all your thoughts about all that I just told you.”

And before Pepper could argue, the door clicked open and Nano slipped out into the night, leaving him breathless, overheated, and too aware of the empty seat beside him.

Pepper exhaled, chest heaving, as soon as Nano’s body left the seat beside him. The small space of the car suddenly felt… too quiet. His fingers drummed nervously on the steering wheel, but his mind was elsewhere, replaying every brush of Nano’s shoulder, every teasing smirk, every whispered word from the ride.

He could still feel Nano’s heat lingering in the seat, in the air, in the way his pulse seemed to remember the closeness. Every time he tried to focus on the road, his thoughts went right back to Nano’s grin, his touch, the playful confidence that made Pepper want to both groan and melt at the same time.

Pepper bit his lip, cheeks warm. “Lesson one,” he murmured softly, to himself. “I—think I can handle that…”

He glanced over at the empty passenger seat, imagining Nano leaning casually, smirking, letting the teasing continue, letting him squirm. Pepper’s chest tightened, and he pressed a hand over it, trying to steady the thrum of anticipation.

Nano’s voice called out from the sidewalk, teasing and flirty even from a distance. “Don’t get too comfortable, P’Per! I’ll be back. And trust me… you’ll want your energy for when I teach.”

Pepper let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, gripping the wheel tighter. “God…” he muttered, voice low, flushed. “…I wonder how this will go.”

By the time Nano returned with the ice cream, Pepper’s mind was already spinning, heat lingering from the teasing, heart pounding, and pulse erratic. The tension between them was heavy, an unspoken promise hanging in the air.

“Here we go,” Nano said, plopping the ice cream on the backseat with a mischievous grin. “Ready?”

Pepper’s cheeks flared, hands tightening around the wheel again. “…I… I think I’m ready,” he admitted, breathless, voice low as he started the engine.

Nano’s grin deepened, eyes sparkling with amusement and something more, something teasing. “Good. Because once we start… you’re not getting out without learning a few things about yourself.”

Pepper swallowed hard, chest tightening at the words. Just as he started driving, he realized just how much he was looking forward to it, and how much he already wanted to feel Nano close again.

He drove for a while until they reached the park right around the corner of the band house, where they sat parked, ice cream forgotten in the backseat. The hum of the car’s engine filled the silence, but the tension was louder, pressing down on both of them, unspoken but impossible to ignore.

Nano shifted in his seat, turning just enough that his knee brushed Pepper’s. “Alright,” he murmured, voice low and coaxing. “You want to know what it feels like, right? Kissing a boy.”

Pepper’s hand tightened on the steering wheel, even though the car was off. “…Yeah,” he admitted once again, gaze fixed stubbornly on the windshield.

“Then just…” Nano leaned in slowly, deliberately, giving Pepper every chance to pull back. “Let me give you a taste.”

Before Pepper could process it, Nano pressed the lightest kiss to his lips — soft, fleeting, barely there. Just enough for Pepper to feel the curve of his mouth, the warmth of his breath, before it was gone.

Pepper blinked, lips tingling, heart hammering against his ribs. “…That’s it?” he asked, voice uneven.

Nano smirked, leaning back just slightly but not enough to take away his closeness. “Does that tell you anything about how you feel yet?”

Pepper’s throat worked as he swallowed, pulse thrumming. Of course it did. His whole body was alive with it, and his chest burned with the need for more. But his pride wouldn’t let him admit it, not yet. He forced a small shrug, eyes still trained ahead. “Not really.”

Nano chuckled, soft and knowing, tilting his head. “Mm. Thought so. You’re stubborn.” He leaned closer again, letting his shoulder brush Pepper’s, voice dipping into a murmur. “Guess that means we need to try again. Longer this time.”

Pepper’s lips parted, a tiny, involuntary intake of breath betraying him, but he didn’t argue. He couldn’t. His pulse was already betraying him louder than words ever could.

Nano smiled gently, one hand brushing the edge of Pepper’s arm where it rested tense on his lap. “Relax, P’,” he teased softly. “I’ll help you.”

And then he leaned in again, slower this time, but still not giving Pepper a chance to overthink. He didn’t move. Didn’t even breathe, not when Nano’s lips touched his again.

Nano tilted his head just slightly, fitting their mouths together like he’d done this a hundred times before. His lips were warm, soft but insistent, and Pepper’s resolve cracked immediately.

Without realizing it, he leaned in.

It wasn’t much — just the faintest pressure, the smallest surrender — but Nano caught it, deepened it, pressed a little firmer, coaxing him into following along.

Pepper’s stomach flipped, heat running down his spine. He tried to keep his breathing steady, tried not to chase the kiss when Nano finally pulled back. His lips parted instinctively, betraying him, his chest rising and falling too fast.

“…Still nothing?” Nano asked, teasing, his forehead hovering close to Pepper’s.

Pepper’s pulse was deafening. His voice came out softer than he intended. “…Maybe a little.”

Nano’s grin curved slow, satisfied. “Thought so.” He brushed his thumb lightly over Pepper’s arm again, almost soothing, though his tone stayed teasing. “See? You’re already figuring it out.”

Pepper huffed, cheeks burning. “You make it sound like practice.”

Nano leaned in just enough that Pepper felt his breath ghosting his lips again. “Not practice,” he murmured, eyes locking onto his. “Just giving you a taste.”

Pepper shifted in his seat, glaring at the windshield. His pulse still hadn’t slowed, and the inside of the car suddenly felt smaller, tighter, filled with Nano’s warmth.

“You’re something…” he muttered finally, hoping the sharp edge in his voice would mask how unsteady he sounded.

Nano chuckled, satisfied, leaning back against the seat like he’d won the lottery. “Irresistible? You can say it, you know?.”

Pepper scoffed, refusing to look at him. “In your dreams.”

“Mm,” Nano hummed, tapping his fingers idly against his thigh, “funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.”

Pepper’s head snapped toward him, cheeks hot. “You—.”

Nano tilted his head, the corner of his mouth curling in a lazy grin. “You’re staring at my mouth, P’Per.”

Pepper blinked, caught, immediately whipping his gaze back to the road. His throat bobbed, his grip on his own knee tightening. “I’m not.”

“You are.” Nano’s voice softened, almost coaxing now, the tease mellowed into something warmer. “And it’s okay. I don’t mind.”

That shut Pepper up fast. His heart gave a traitorous lurch, and the silence that followed wasn’t empty, it was charged, filled with the unspoken weight of what had just happened, what might happen again.

He sat rigid, jaw tight, trying to will his pulse back under control. The problem was Nano wasn’t helping — not at all. He was leaning closer again, his presence like gravity, tugging at every nerve in Pepper’s body.

“You’re really bad at pretending, you know,” Nano murmured.

Pepper scoffed, eyes fixed stubbornly on the dashboard. “Pretending what?”

“That you're not loving it.” Nano let the words linger in the air, confident.

Pepper turned his head then, glare sharp, but it landed on Nano’s mouth before his eyes could stop themselves. His breath caught, betraying him instantly.

Nano’s grin deepened. He didn’t press forward this time, he waited, letting the silence hum louder, until Pepper’s shoulders finally sagged with the weight of it.

“Just—” Pepper muttered, voice rougher now, “shut up.”

Nano’s answer was a soft brush of lips against his again. A peck at first, as if mocking Pepper’s command. Then he pressed back, just enough for their mouths to move against each other… it wasn't open nor messy, but it was undeniably kissing. The friction sparked heat that curled low in Pepper’s stomach, leaving him clenching his fists against his thighs just to keep steady.

When Pepper leaned in a little too much, chasing that warmth, Nano’s hand slid up and threaded into his hair. He tugged, not cruel but firm enough to break them apart with a sharp little gasp from Pepper.

Pepper blinked, lips tingling, chest heaving. “What the hell was that for?”

Nano tilted his head, smirk knowing, thumb brushing idly at Pepper’s temple where his hand still lingered. “Wanted to see how much you’d chase me.”

And from the look on Pepper’s flushed face, he already had his answer.

Nano didn’t move his hand right away. He let it stay curled in Pepper’s hair, the faint pressure at the base of his skull making him feel both held and cornered. Pepper’s chest rose and fell unevenly, eyes darting anywhere but Nano’s face.

“You’re quiet,” Nano teased softly.

Pepper bristled, shifting in his seat. “I’m thinking.”

“Thinking?” Nano’s smirk widened. He leaned in, nose brushing Pepper’s cheek, just shy of kissing him again. “About how much you liked it?”

Pepper clenched his jaw, trying to scoff, but the sound caught in his throat when Nano’s fingers gave the slightest tug. His breath stuttered out instead.

“You don’t have to tell me,” Nano murmured against his skin. “I can feel it.”

The words sank in hot and heavy, settling low in Pepper’s stomach. He wanted to snap back, wanted to shove Nano away and break the spell, but his body betrayed him — leaning ever so slightly closer, chasing the warmth he’d just been denied.

Nano pulled back a fraction, his smile sharper now. “See? You’re chasing again.”

Pepper swallowed hard, heat crawling up his neck. “Shut up.”

“Make me,” Nano whispered, voice a taunt and a promise all at once. But he didn’t close the gap, didn’t give Pepper what he was so clearly aching for. Instead he released his hair slowly, dragging his fingers down the side of Pepper’s neck, leaving sparks in their wake.

The space between them throbbed with unspoken words. Pepper’s fists curled tighter against his thighs, his whole body straining with the need to move… but Nano sat back just enough, in full control, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of watching him burn.

Pepper shifted in his seat again, restless. Nano was too close, yet not close enough, in that awful in-between that made him feel like he couldn’t breathe.

“Why are you—” Pepper started, then stopped, scowling.

“Why am I what?” Nano tilted his head, lips quirked, eyes shining with mischief. He leaned just close enough that Pepper could feel the ghost of his breath. “Mean? Cruel? Unfair?”

Pepper let out a low, frustrated noise. “Yes. All of that.”

Nano grinned, clearly pleased. “That’s because you’re fun to play with, P’Per.” He let his fingers toy with the hem of Pepper’s sleeve, unhurried, like he had all the time in the world. “I can see it— you don’t hate it.”

“I didn’t say I liked it either.” Pepper’s voice came out sharper than he meant, but the way his knees brushed against Nano’s betrayed him.

“You don’t have to,” Nano whispered, leaning so close their noses brushed. 

Pepper froze, pulse thudding in his ears. He wanted to pull back, to deny it, but his traitorous hands finally moved, fisting the edge of his seat just to keep from reaching out.

Nano chuckled before drawing back a fraction, just enough to keep Pepper hungry. His hand slid lazily from Pepper’s sleeve to the inside of his forearm.

“You’re learning so much about yourself already,” Nano teased. “Lesson three and a half— I think? Restraint. Not as easy as it looks, hm?”

Pepper’s jaw clenched. “You think you’re clever.”

“I know I am.” Nano’s grin turned smug. He tilted his head, studying Pepper’s flushed face like he was the most fascinating puzzle. “But don’t worry. I’ll let you have what you want. When you’ve earned it.”

Nano leaned in again, lips grazing Pepper’s cheekbone this time, then the corner of his mouth, never fully pressing in. Just enough to send heat skittering down Pepper’s spine.

Pepper’s breath hitched. “Nano—”

“Mm?” Nano hummed innocently, his mouth a whisper away from Pepper’s, nose brushing against his skin. “You want something?”

“You know what I want.” Pepper’s voice came out rough, nearly a growl.

Nano only smiled, devilish, then let his lips barely touch Pepper’s — just a ghost of pressure — before pulling back an inch, making Pepper chase the contact. “Not sure I heard you right, P’. Maybe you should say it louder.”

Pepper’s hands twitched, gripping the seat like it was the only thing tethering him. His chest rose and fell with uneven breaths as Nano leaned in again, lips skimming over his jaw this time, his breath hot against the curve of Pepper’s ear.

“You’re—” Pepper choked, eyes fluttering shut as Nano’s nose brushed his neck. “You’re impossible.”

“Mm. You like impossible.” Nano’s laugh was soft and it burned like gasoline in Pepper’s veins. Another almost-kiss, this one dragging from Pepper’s chin to the edge of his mouth, left him trembling.

Something inside him snapped.

Pepper’s hand shot out, gripping Nano’s waist tight, and he hauled him forward in one sudden, desperate motion. Nano let out a surprised laugh but went willingly, knees sliding on the seat until he straddled Pepper with ease.

The seatbelt tugged awkwardly between them, so Pepper slammed the button to release it, then shoved the seat back a few inches, giving Nano room to settle.

“There,” Nano murmured against his lips, still grinning even as his arms looped lazily around Pepper’s neck. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Pepper didn’t answer. He was too busy finally crushing their mouths together, no hesitation this time, all fire and need and frustration poured into the kiss.

Nano got comfortable over Pepper, knees braced on either side, letting the seat hold them as he shifted slightly. His grin was lazy, teasing, and his hands looped lightly around Pepper’s shoulders.

“Comfortable for you?” he murmured, voice low. “Or… do I need to… adjust myself?”

Pepper’s hands shot down instinctively to Nano’s thighs, pressing against him. “Nano— stop that,” he hissed, trying to sound stern but failing completely. Heat bloomed low in his stomach, chest hammering.

“Adjust?” Nano teased again, tilting his head so his lips brushed the shell of Pepper’s ear. “Or am I just… seeing how you handle it?”

Pepper’s fingers flexed, shifting slightly over the fabric, trying first to just block the motion — but when Nano moved just a little closer, the touch began to betray him. His hands smoothed along the curves of Nano’s thighs, tentative at first, then more confidently, exploring without meaning to.

Nano’s lips were soft against his jaw, teeth grazing gently, murmuring praise in whispers. “Careful, P’Per,” he teased, “you’re making it hard to focus.”

“I’m… I’m not—” Pepper’s protest died in his throat as Nano pressed closer, lips tilting to meet his. Their mouths met, soft and slow, teasing, sliding just enough to feel each other’s warmth. Pepper’s pulse leapt, heat pooling low in his stomach.

Nano pulled back slightly, just enough for his grin to appear, eyes sparkling. “So? What are you discovering about yourself?”

Pepper swallowed hard, chest tight, mind spinning. He pressed a little more into Nano, letting his hands linger, teasing against the thighs he’d been “stopping” moments before. His lips moved in slow, hesitant matches with Nano’s, still soft, still testing, still tentative.

Nano chuckled against him, letting his hands drift over Pepper’s shoulders, down his sides, just enough to keep him alert, to keep him burning. “Relax, P’. I’m just helping you figure it out. That’s all.”

Pepper tried to maintain his cool, jaw tight, but the heat of Nano’s body against his, the teasing touches, and the softness of their lips had him trembling before he even realized it.

Nano shifted, letting the weight of his hips press lightly against Pepper’s. “Mm,” he murmured, lips brushing against Pepper’s jaw again. “Careful, you might like it too much.”

Pepper’s hands, initially cautious, began to wander more freely over Nano’s thighs, tracing the contours, now feeling the warmth beneath his shorts. He tried to keep his expression controlled, but every subtle grind, every teasing press of Nano’s hips against him made it impossible.

“You’re squirming,” Nano teased softly, tilting his head so their lips barely parted. “Not that I mind.” He pressed forward just a fraction more, shifting his weight, letting his pelvis graze against Pepper’s in slow, teasing circles. “Feels different when I am the one to move like this, mm?”

Pepper’s breath hitched. “Stop… talking,” he managed, fingers curling into the fabric of Nano’s shorts, sliding slowly over him. At first to steady himself, then… exploration took over. His hands traced higher, finding more heat, the movements hesitant, tentative, until Nano let out a low, satisfied hum.

“That’s it,” Nano murmured against his lips, hands threading into Pepper’s hair again, tilting his head to deepen the kiss just slightly. “I’m just giving you a taste, remember?”

Pepper’s lips parted, breath mingling with Nano’s, soft moans escaping despite his best efforts. Every tiny circle of Nano’s hips, every teasing press, made him ache to feel more. He moved his hands bolder now, caressing the back of Nano’s thighs, deep enough for his fingertips to touch the fabric of his underwear, testing boundaries, pushing the teasing further.

Nano chuckled against him, low and warm. “Not bad, P’Per. Careful, though — this is only the beginning.” He shifted again, grinding just slightly, enough to make Pepper’s knees tremble, to make his hands wander further, deeper.

Their kisses stayed soft, lips moving slowly, but the heat between them spiraled, each teasing motion of Nano’s hips, each bold exploration from Pepper, making the air in the car thick with desire.

“You wanted to know what it felt like, huh?” Nano murmured, pulling back but staying close enough to brush noses. “To kiss me…”

Pepper froze for a heartbeat, lips still parted, breathing uneven. “I—” he began, but Nano’s smirk stopped him, fingers tracing his jaw as if asking him to surrender to the moment first.

Nano let their lips linger just slightly brushing, eyes glinting with mischief as he rested his forehead against Pepper’s. “You feel it, don’t you?” he murmured, voice low, warm. “This is not just… curiosity.”

Pepper’s chest rose and fell rapidly. He tried to shake his head, tried to mumble something dismissive, but his body betrayed him — leaning closer, pressing instinctively into Nano’s movement.

“I can feel it,” Nano continued, brushing his nose along Pepper’s jaw, teasing a feather-light trail down to his neck. “All that stubbornness? It’s lying to you, P’Per. You wanted to know what it felt like to kiss me… not just some boy.”

Pepper tried to say something, but Nano didn’t give him the chance to even start, leaning in to brush their mouths together again. “Not yet? You’ll tell me, right? When you’re ready.” His hand moved over Pepper’s back, fingers pressing just enough to hold him, not force, but guide.

Pepper whimpered softly against him, fingers gripping at Nano’s thighs, feeling the press of him against his own hips. Every teasing movement, every almost-slip of Nano’s lips along his jaw and neck made it impossible to deny, impossible to retreat.

“You must think you hide it so well…” Nano murmured, lips just shy of his own, “but I can tell. You like it. Admit it, P’Per.”

Pepper’s hands slid bolder, brushing higher, nails grazing skin as he tried to hold onto some semblance of control. “…Maybe I do,” he admitted finally, voice rough, breathless, but unwilling to look Nano in the eye.

Nano chuckled softly, pressing their foreheads together. “See? Not so hard.” His hands remained on Pepper’s back, grounding him as he leaned in again, lips finding his with soft insistence. “But we’re not done yet. Not by a long shot.”

Pepper’s whole body trembled at the promise, at the heat of Nano straddling him, hands exploring, teasing whispers in his ear, and the slow build of kisses that left him craving more.

Pepper’s fingers kept exploring with growing boldness, moving deep just enough to caress lightly against his shaft under the fabric, testing his restraint.

Their lips were joined again, soft at first, but soon desperation took over. Pepper’s thumbs brushing teasingly over him, while Nano tilted his head, lips moving in wet, teasing circles against Pepper’s, teeth grazing softly, tongue flicking just enough to elicit sharp little gasps.

Nano’s hands threaded through Pepper’s hair, tugging gently to deepen the kiss, while the other hand wandered down, brushing over his sides, lower back. Pepper moaned into the kiss, hips bucking slightly as Nano pressed closer, making Pepper’s knees tremble.

Pepper’s lips moved eagerly, searching, exploring, hands pressing boldly, feeling, eliciting soft groans from Nano. Their lips parting, tongues brushing, teeth nudging gently… desperate.

Nano leaned back slightly, letting Pepper handle him fully. He takes his hand out of Nano’s shorts, his fingers now tightening in his waist, pulling him flush. Pepper’s hands roamed freely now, tracing Nano’s hips, tugging him closer, needing more contact.

Their kisses became more frantic, tongues tangling, wet and insistent, while their bodies pressed together, friction sliding and grinding, desperate to feel every inch, every curve. Pepper whimpered into Nano’s mouth, nails digging into his back, hips rolling involuntarily as Nano ground against him.

“Mm… P’Per,” Nano murmured between kisses, voice low and thick with need, “you like me, don’t you?”

Pepper gasped, lips parting, breath hot. “…Yeah… I… I like you,” he admitted, voice rough, moaning as Nano pressed harder, kissed deeper.

Their mouths moved with wild need, hands everywhere they could reach. Pepper’s teeth grazed, lips sucked, tongue teased — Nano’s hands never leaving, pulling him closer, pressing him down.

And just as the heat became almost unbearable, the car’s interior vibrating with their desperate friction, a sudden beam of light swept across the windshield. A car passing by, headlights piercing through the tinted glass.

Both froze, breathing heavy, foreheads pressed together. Nano pulled back just enough to smirk against Pepper’s temple. “Looks like the world’s watching,” he murmured, low and teasing.

Pepper groaned softly, chest heaving. “We… we’ll have to finish this at home.”

“Deal,” Nano whispered, one last feather-light kiss to his jaw, lips teasingly brushing against his ear. “But we’ll finish it. And then some.”

They leaned back, hands lingering, hearts hammering, Nano leaving a cute kiss on Pepper’s forehead before getting off his lap and settling in the passenger seat, fastening the seatbelt.

The rest of the ride passed in a charged silence, each of them stealing glances, hands occasionally brushing, Nano teasing lightly, Pepper’s pulse still racing from what had just happened.

When they finally pulled into the driveway, Pepper didn’t even wait for the engine to click off. He yanked open his door, nearly stumbling out in his hurry, leaving Nano blinking in surprise.

“P’Pepper—” Nano started as he caught up with him, but Pepper only threw a glance over his shoulder, a faint, mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

“We’re not having dessert,” he muttered, voice loud enough so it could be heard barely by Jun and Dylan from the kitchen, half-breathless. He didn’t give Nano time to react, taking the ice cream off his hands and dumping it haphazardly onto the coffee table.

Nano could barely process before Pepper grabbed him by the wrist, tugging him toward the stairs. He stumbled along, laughing breathlessly in anticipationt, until Pepper dragged him out of the living room.

As they passed the kitchen, Nano caught the briefest glimpse of Dylan leaning casually against the aisle, smirk teasing, eyes glinting knowingly at the scene. Before Nano could say anything, Dylan had vanished, leaving only the faint echo of amusement in the air.

Nano’s cheeks warmed, a shiver running down his spine. Whatever awaited upstairs, it was going to be just as charged, and far more private.