“ it’s almost midnight - ” kana hummed as she glanced out at the view of the city. she was anticipating the fireworks soon to come and like many others she enjoyed the colourful display lighting up the night sky. but perhaps she enjoyed spending the night next to atlas more and that showed in the way she stepped closer to him as her fingers curled around the lapels of his coat. a small but mischievous smile occupying her lips in the way it only ever did when she was about to ask for something she wanted. “ are you planning on kissing me tonight ~ ? ” it was less of an inquiry and more of an instruction but she was sure he knew that well by now.
⟡ ݁. ⊹ ₊ ݁ unprompted ✦ @gunrising ₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡
How many months had he spent tormenting her? From the very beginning, Atlas had been a thorn in her side, their first meeting sparking a friction that never truly faded. Every interaction since seemed designed to fluster her, to push her buttons in ways only he could.
❝ Are you finally admitting you find me irresistible? ❞ Atlas teases, his voice a low murmur that dances on the edge of a challenge. He leans in, close enough that his breath brushes her cheek, yet maddeningly far enough to keep her yearning. ❝ That you, Kana Izumi, actually like me? ❞
It’s a question he already knows the answer to, an admission that had long since become clear to everyone. Still, he can’t resist drawing it out, savoring the game, the anticipation of her reaction. He wants to hear her say it, to feel the words unraveling between them like a ribbon being pulled loose.
And yet, beneath the playful facade, his desires simmer. The thought of kissing her, of tasting her, gnaws at his restraint. He imagines ringing in the new year wrapped in her warmth, their bodies intertwined under sheets, ignoring the rest of the world. But Atlas is nothing if not disciplined, and he forces himself to slow, to savor the moment and the tension thrumming between them.
His approach is deliberate, his slow-burning affection both a taunt and a leash for his own insatiable hunger. Desire is his monster, a beast that lurks just beneath the surface, always hungry, always unsatisfied. It has consumed him before, twisted his longing into something unrecognizable. But with her, it’s different. He wants to keep it different.
A genuine smile softens his sharp features, banishing the usual mischief. Fireworks bloom overhead, their light catching in her dark hair and dancing across her fair skin.
Without waiting another heartbeat, he leans in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss so soft it borders on reverence. It’s not the kiss of a man overcome by lust, but one filled with tender restraint, a testament to the care he refuses to admit aloud. As the kiss deepens, his hand cups her face, fingers tracing the curve of her jaw with aching delicacy.
When he finally pulls back, it’s with visible reluctance, his touch lingering as he tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ❝ We should go back, ❞ he says, his voice softened, though tinged with playful warmth. ❝ If we’re gone much longer, my mother’s going to start spreading rumors about us sneaking away to make heirs. ❞
