The Enemy's kiss

Shaun sat at the far end of the crowded living room, his body angled away from the noise even though his attention was fixed firmly on one place. Across the room, Nathan stood with Cassie tucked comfortably against his chest, his arms wrapped around her in a way that was far too intimate to be accidental. Cassie laughed at something he said, her fingers resting lightly on his arm, and the sight made Shaun’s chest tighten painfully.

Cassie was his girlfriend.

The party itself was loud and chaotic, exactly what one would expect from an after party thrown for the university basketball team after winning a major competition. Music blasted from speakers, vibrating through the walls and drowning out most conversations. Alcohol flowed freely, laughter echoed from every corner, and bodies pressed together as students danced and celebrated without restraint.

Yet none of it mattered to Shaun, because his focus never strayed far from Nathan and the way he was holding Cassie as though she belonged to him.

Nathan was the most feared senior in the university, not because he was physically imposing or constantly looking for trouble, but because he carried himself with a quiet confidence that unsettled people. He never needed to raise his voice to assert dominance. When someone crossed him, he made them suffer slowly and deliberately, ensuring they never forgot the lesson. Nathan was not the kind of person who acted on impulse, and he never forgot a slight.

Shaun and Nathan had been enemies since Shaun’s first year on campus. There had never been a clear reason for it, no single argument that explained why the hostility between them had grown so intense. It had started subtly, with sharp looks and unspoken rivalry, but over time it became personal, especially when women were involved.

Nathan had a habit of taking what belonged to other people, and Shaun had learned that the hard way.

Emma had been the first.

It had been nothing more than a bet to Nathan and his friends. He had been dared to date a first year student and dump her after three days, and Emma had been unlucky enough to be the one he chose. The breakup had been public and cruel, leaving Emma humiliated and hurt.

Shaun had told himself that she deserved better anyway, that losing her was not as painful as it felt, but that did not change the bitterness that settled deep in his chest. Nathan had enjoyed playing with her feelings, and he had enjoyed doing it where Shaun could see.

And now it was happening again.

Someone from Nathan’s friend group noticed Shaun sitting alone at the far end of the room and leaned toward Cassie, pointing in his direction. The music was too loud for Shaun to hear what was said, but he saw Cassie follow the gesture and look straight at him. For a brief moment, her expression shifted, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

Then she laughed lightly and shook her head before turning back to Nathan.

Shaun did not hear a single word she said, but he did not need to. The look she gave him told him everything he needed to know. It was the same look Emma had given him back then the quiet dismissal, the subtle denial that reduced what they had shared to something insignificant. Cassie had denied him just as easily, just as casually, as if he had never mattered at all.

Nathan’s gaze followed hers and locked onto Shaun immediately. A slow, knowing smile curved his lips as his hands slid lower on Cassie’s waist, his touch deliberate and unmistakably possessive, meant to send a message that required no words.

Shaun felt a familiar weight settle in his chest. He turned his head away, pretending indifference even as bitterness tightened his jaw.

He told himself Cassie did not deserve it, but the realization that he had lost her the same way he had lost Emma made the hurt sharper and harder to ignore.

By the time Shaun finished his second bottle of alcohol, his head felt light and his thoughts were no longer as controlled as they should have been. His face flushed as the room began to spin slightly, and anger that he had been suppressing all night finally rose to the surface.

Needing the bathroom, he staggered down the hallway, barely managing to steady himself as he relieved himself.

When he stepped back out into the hallway, he stopped short.

Nathan stood near the sink, a cigarette resting between his fingers as smoke curled lazily around him. He leaned against the counter with an expression that was calm, almost bored, as though he had been expecting Shaun to show up.

He stormed toward him, his steps uneven but purposeful. “Why do you keep choosing my girlfriends?” he demanded, his voice slurred despite the anger behind it. “First Emma, now Cassie. What is wrong with you?”

Nathan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“You’re giving yourself too much credit,” he replied smoothly. “It’s just a coincidence. They happened to be your girlfriends.”

Shaun scoffed and staggered closer until there was barely any space between them. “You’re such a jerk,” he said bitterly. “At this point, it feels like you’re obsessed with me.”

Nathan’s lips curved into a playful smirk, and that expression was the final push Shaun needed.

Without thinking, Shaun grabbed the front of Nathan’s shirt and smashed his lips against his. The kiss was rough, violent, and fueled entirely by anger. Shaun kissed him deliberately, teeth scraping against Nathan’s lip as a harsh sound escaped his throat. He bit him before pulling away, laughter spilling from his mouth.

“How does that feel?” Shaun mocked. “Disgusting, right? You just kissed a guy. You probably feel like throwing up. That’s what you get for messing with me.”

Nathan did not respond immediately. His expression shifted, his gaze distant as though he was lost in his own thoughts.

Satisfied, Shaun staggered away, leaving him behind.

Later, after relieving himself again, Shaun stumbled back into the hallway and found Nathan still standing there, unusually quiet and unmoving.

“Hey,” Shaun muttered, swaying slightly. “Take me home, you damn senior.”

Nathan’s lips twitched before a slow smirk spread across his face.

Nathan didn’t know where he lived So he drove him to his own place.

Shaun barely remembered the ride. By the time they arrived, he was half asleep, the world outside the car blurring together.

Nathan guided him inside, helped him to the bedroom, and sat him down on the edge of the bed. He removed Shaun’s shoes and jacket while Shaun giggled weakly, clearly enjoying himself.

“You’re so easy to tease,” Shaun murmured. “Now you won’t be able to sleep. You’re going to dream about kissing a guy. That’s gross.”

Nathan stared at Shaun’s lips longer than he should have.

Then he leaned in and kissed him.

This time, the kiss was deeper and more controlled, filled with an intensity that made Nathan let out a low groan before he bit Shaun’s lip and pulled away.

Shaun was too drunk to react. He fell asleep almost instantly.

Nathan straightened, smirked to himself, and left the room.

The next morning, Shaun woke with a pounding headache and a dry mouth. Confusion set in as soon as he opened his eyes, because the room was unfamiliar. Just as he was about to stand, the door opened.

Nathan walked in, wearing only a pair of shorts, his hair damp from recent shower.

“Morning,” he said casually.

Shaun stared at him. “What am I doing in your house?”

“You asked me to take you home,” Nathan replied. “I didn’t know where you lived, so I brought you here.”

Embarrassment burned Shaun’s cheeks. “I can’t believe I asked my enemy for help.”

“You’ve got it wrong,” Nathan said, pointing to his lip. “You took advantage of me. You kissed me. You even bit me.”

Shaun frowned. “I would never kiss you.”

Nathan stepped closer, placed a hand at the back of Shaun’s neck, and kissed him again.

When he pulled away, he asked quietly, “Do you remember now?”

Shaun jumped up, furious, wiping his lips. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Go take a shower,” Nathan said calmly. “You smell like alcohol. There’s a new toothbrush there and you can use my stuff.”

Then, with a smirk, he added, “Cupcake.”

“Who are you calling cupcake?” Shaun snapped.

Nathan did not respond. He had already left for the kitchen, leaving Shaun standing there, angry, confused, and painfully aware that he had no choice but to use Nathan’s things.