Nicholas just wanted one kiss—EJ just wanted to make him suffer for it.

*****
"You know... I think I like having you beg"
*****

Nicholas was on a mission.

He had been trying to steal a kiss from EJ all day, but his boyfriend was making it impossible. Every time Nicholas leaned in, EJ conveniently found something else to do—checking his phone, turning his head, suddenly needing to tie his shoelaces. It was starting to drive Nicholas crazy.

Nicholas was persistent. Annoyingly, stubbornly, adorably persistent.

"EJ," he whined, leaning in with a pout, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Just one kiss?"

EJ barely looked up from his phone. "Mm. No."

Nicholas gasped dramatically. "What? Why not?"

EJ shrugged, scrolling casually. "I just don't feel like it."

Nicholas narrowed his eyes. He wasn't giving up that easily.

"EJ," Nicholas whined, flopping dramatically onto the couch next to him. "Why do you hate me?"

"I don't hate you," EJ replied, barely looking up from his book. "I'm just busy."

"Busy dodging me," Nicholas huffed, shifting closer. "Just one kiss."

EJ turned the page. "No."

Nicholas let out a groan, burying his face in EJ's shoulder. "Why?"

EJ smirked. "Because it's fun to watch you struggle."

Nicholas pulled back, scandalized. "You're evil."

"I prefer 'strategic.'"

Nicholas pouted and crossed his arms, staring at EJ with narrowed eyes. "You're enjoying this way too much."

EJ hummed in agreement, completely unbothered.

Nicholas, however, was determined. He scooted even closer, resting his chin on EJ's shoulder. "What if I beg?"

"Hmm. Tempting, but no."

Nicholas let out a soft whine, wrapping his arms around EJ's waist. "You're so mean."

EJ chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "You'll live."

EJ was sitting on the couch, comfortably nestled under a blanket when Nicholas plopped down next to him, draping himself over EJ's shoulder like a sleepy cat.

"Niiiicholas," EJ groaned, trying to shake him off.

"Juju," Nicholas whispered sweetly, making EJ freeze. He only used that nickname when he really wanted something.

EJ sighed. "What now?"

Nicholas tilted his head up, flashing a small, almost innocent smile. "Kiss?"

EJ looked him straight in the eye. Then, without a word, he picked up a pillow and shoved it right in Nicholas's face.

Nicholas yelped, dramatically falling backward. "You're so mean to me!"

Nicholas tried sneak attacks. He tried cute pouting. He tried clinging onto EJ's hoodie and batting his eyelashes like a lovesick puppy. Nothing worked.

"Why do you hate me?" Nicholas fake sobbed, burying his face in EJ's shoulder.

EJ snorted. "I don't hate you."

"Then prove it!" Nicholas shot up, hopeful.

EJ hummed in thought, then smirked. "You know... I think I like having you beg."

Nicholas's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?!"

EJ stretched, looking completely unbothered. "It's kinda cute."

Nicholas groaned. "You—! I hate you."

"Mm, no, you don't."

But Nicholas wasn't giving up that easily.

The next attempt came in the kitchen. EJ was pouring himself a glass of water when Nicholas cornered him against the counter, hands on either side. "You can't run now," Nicholas declared smugly.

EJ raised an eyebrow. "Nicholas."

Nicholas leaned in, eyes locked onto EJ's lips. Just when he thought he had him, EJ tilted his head back and—

"Wow, look at the time! I should check my messages."

He slipped right out of Nicholas's trap, walking away like nothing had happened.

Nicholas groaned loudly, throwing his head back. "You're killing me!"

"You'll survive," EJ called over his shoulder, smug as ever.

Nicholas was at his limit. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

Later that evening, as EJ stood by the window scrolling through his phone, Nicholas made his final move. He approached slowly, casually, before suddenly wrapping his arms around EJ from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder.

EJ let out a small laugh. "Giving up?"

Nicholas sighed dramatically. "I guess so."

"See? Was that so hard?"

Nicholas stayed quiet, pretending to sulk.

EJ relaxed, assuming he had won.

Big mistake.

Before he could react, Nicholas turned his head and kissed him—quick, firm, and victorious.

EJ froze. "Wait—"

Nicholas pulled back just enough to grin smugly. "Gotcha."

EJ blinked, caught completely off guard.

Nicholas leaned in again, this time slower, placing a softer kiss on his cheek. "You really thought you could outplay me?"

EJ was speechless. His ears turned pink. "I—"

Nicholas smirked, brushing his lips against EJ's once more. "Next time, don't tease me so much."

EJ swallowed, suddenly feeling very much on the losing end of this game.

But then, in an instant, he yanked Nicholas forward and kissed him again—longer, deeper.

When they finally parted, Nicholas was the one looking stunned.

EJ smirked. "Who won now?"

Nicholas just smiled, finally satisfied.