#soft spice

"Life-changing? That’s a bold claim for candy," Keeho said, reaching in and grabbing one. He popped it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "Wait. These are actually fire. It’s like... spicy cocoa?"

You tried one yourself. The flavor was rich, earthy, and surprisingly delicious. "Okay, she wasn't lying. I could eat the whole tin."

As you both reached for a second piece, Keeho picked up the discarded packaging to see what was actually in them. You hummed happily, enjoying the sweet aftertaste, while Keeho’s eyes scanned the fine print on the back. Suddenly, his chewing slowed. He stopped entirely, his expression freezing into a mask of pure confusion.

"Uh, Y/n?"

"Yeah?" You were already reaching for a third, but he pulled the tin away, his phone already out as he tapped frantically at the screen.

"I just googled the brand," he said, his voice dropping an octave. He cleared his throat, reading directly from the website. "'Formulated with Maca root, Horny Goat Weed, and Zinc... designed to naturally and rapidly increase libido and blood flow in both partners.'"

He looked up at you, the silence in the kitchen suddenly feeling much heavier than it had ten seconds ago.

You let out a startled snort, leaning back against the counter. "Shut up. No way."

"I am dead serious," Keeho said, a grin slowly spreading across his face as he set the tin down. "It says 'expect results within fifteen to thirty minutes.' We just had two."

"It’s just a gimmick, Keeho," you laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "It’s fancy marketing for expensive candy. I feel exactly the same."

He chuckled, the tension breaking as he shook his head. "You’re probably right. People will buy anything these days if you tell them it’ll make them better in bed."

You rolled your eyes playfully and turned to head toward the living room to grab the rest of the mail. As you moved to brush past him in the narrow space between the island and the wall, your hip caught his, and your ass firmly grazed against his groin.

It was a total accident, a product of the cramped kitchen, but the contact lingered for a fraction of a second too long. You felt him go still. You took a step away, but when you turned back, Keeho wasn't laughing anymore. He was leaning back against the counter, his dark eyes fixed on you with an intensity that made the air in the room feel thin.

"Hey," he said softly. "Are those new pants?"

You blinked, looking down at your leggings. "No? I've had these for months. Why?"

Keeho’s gaze traveled slowly down your frame before snapping back up to your eyes. A crooked, dangerous little smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I don't know. They just... they look good on you today. Like, really good."

The "gimmick" candy suddenly felt very real. A wave of heat flushed across your skin, and you realized your heart was suddenly hammering against your ribs. You didn't move away; instead, you took a half-step back toward him. "Thanks," you whispered, your voice trailing off.

For a heartbeat, neither of you breathed. Then, Keeho reached out, his hand sliding firmly around the back of your neck. He pulled you in, and you didn't need any more encouragement. You lunged at him, your mouths colliding in a messy, hungry kiss that tasted like honey, cocoa, and a sudden, desperate need. He hoisted you up onto the counter, the tin of candy forgotten as his hands moved urgently over your waist, the kitchen suddenly much hotter than it had been five minutes ago.

Theo

The studio apartment was quiet, save for the low hum of the refrigerator and the crinkle of silver foil. Theo sat on the edge of the kitchen table, turning a dark, unmarked chocolate bar over in his hands.

"One of the producers gave this to me," Theo said, breaking off a square and handing it to you. "He said it was a 'premium blend' from a boutique shop in Gangnam. Very exclusive, apparently."

You took the piece, sniffing it. It had a sharp, medicinal scent that didn't exactly scream "gourmet." You both popped the chocolate into your mouths at the same time. Almost instantly, Theo’s face contorted into a grimace. He swallowed hard, reaching for a glass of water.

"That is... definitely a special taste," he choked out, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "It tastes like dirt and over-roasted coffee."

"It’s so bitter," you agreed, shivers running down your spine from the aftertaste. "I don’t think I want any more."

Curious about what could possibly justify such a terrible flavor, you picked up the discarded wrapper. You smoothed out the foil, scanning the tiny gold lettering at the bottom. As you reached the description, your eyes widened, and a bubbling laugh escaped your throat.

Theo arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow, leaning in. "What? Is it made of gold flakes? Because it tasted like copper pipes."

"Theo," you wheezed, pointing at the fine print. "It’s not premium chocolate. It’s an 'arousal stimulant.' It literally says here it's meant to... well, increase desire."

Theo froze for a second, then let out a loud, incredulous snort. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest with a smirk that was equal parts amused and arrogant. "Arousal chocolate? Seriously? What a waste of calories." He leaned closer, his voice dropping into that smooth, velvety tone he used when he wanted your full attention. "I don't need a candy bar for that. I’m always horny for you anyway."

You felt the heat rise to your cheeks as you chuckled, tossing the remaining chocolate into the trash can with a decisive thud. "Good to know. Let's stick to regular snacks from now on."

A few hours later, the kitchen incident had faded into the background. The sun had set, and the only light in the living room came from the flickering glow of the television. You were curled up on the couch, leaning against Theo’s side as a random movie played out its second act.

Theo’s arm was draped casually around your shoulders, his other hand resting idly on your thigh. It started as a grounded, comforting weight, but as the minutes passed, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt thicker, charged with a sudden, lingering tension.

Slowly, almost subconsciously, Theo’s fingers began to move. He gave your thigh a firm, rhythmic squeeze that made your breath hitch. His touch didn't stay still; his fingers began to creep upward, trailing over the soft fabric of your lounge shorts until they found the hem. Without breaking his gaze from the TV, his hand slid beneath the fabric, his warm palm pressing against the sensitive skin of your upper thigh.

You turned your head, meeting his eyes. His pupils were blown wide, dark and focused, the flickering blue light of the screen reflecting in them. Your gaze grew heated, a bold challenge rising in your chest. You didn't pull away. Instead, you shifted closer, sliding your hand down until your palm rested firmly against the growing bulge at his crotch.

Theo’s breath hitched. He swallowed heavily, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat, and a low, guttural groan escaped him. The movie was forgotten. He didn't say another word as he reached for the remote, blindly clicking the power button to plunge the room into darkness.

In the sudden silence, he lunged, his body pinning yours against the cushions of the couch as his lips crashed onto yours with a desperate, crushing intensity.

Jiung

The delivery arrived while Jiung was in the other room, a discreet black box containing the lace lingerie you’d been eyeing for weeks. Tucked inside the silk paper, however, was a small, gold-wrapped square of chocolate with a note: A little something to set the mood.

You didn't think twice. You unwrapped it and popped it into your mouth, humming at the rich, velvety texture. It was surprisingly good—dark, with a hint of sea salt and something spicy that lingered on your tongue.

"What are you snacking on?" Jiung asked, strolling into the room with a curious tilt of his head. He leaned against the doorframe, watching you lick a stray crumb from your lip.

"Just some chocolate," you said with a shrug, tossing the gold wrapper onto the bed. "It came as a free sample with my order."

Jiung’s eyebrows shot up. He walked over and picked up the discarded foil, turning it over in his hands. "You just eat random candy without checking what it is? You’re lucky I’m here to keep an eye on you," he teased, though his tone turned more focused as he pulled out his phone to scan the brand name.

After a few seconds of scrolling, his playful smirk transformed into a look of genuine shock. He let out a sharp laugh, holding the screen up so you could see the product description.

"’The Aphrodite Square,’" he read aloud, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "’A potent blend of cacao and herbal extracts designed to induce intense physical desire and heightened sensitivity.’ Y/n, you just ate 'horny' chocolate."

You burst out laughing, leaning back against the pillows. "Whatever. It’s a marketing gimmick, Jiung. I feel absolutely normal." You pointed a playful finger at him, a mock warning in your eyes. "But just in case it’s real, you better watch your back tonight."

He snorted, tossing the wrapper into the bin. "I think I can handle you, chocolate or no chocolate."

Two hours later, the "gimmick" was starting to feel a lot less like a joke. A low, persistent thrum of heat had settled deep in your lower stomach, and every time you moved, the friction of your clothes against your skin felt electric.

You walked into the bedroom to find Jiung standing in front of the full-length mirror. He had showered and changed, and he was currently preoccupied with fixing his hair, running his fingers through the dark strands to get the perfect, effortless messy look.

The sight of him—the line of his jaw, the way his shirt pulled slightly across his shoulders—hit you like a physical weight.

"I really like your hair like that," you murmured, your voice coming out deeper than usual.

Jiung caught your eye in the reflection and smirked. "Yeah? I thought it looked a little—"

He didn't get to finish. You stepped into his space, your body molding against his back as you wrapped your arms around his waist. You leaned in, pressing your face into the crook of his neck and inhaling deeply.

"And you smell so good," you whispered against his skin. You started to plant kisses along the cord of his neck, but they weren't the gentle, sweet kisses you usually gave him. They were heavy, wet, and increasingly filthy, your teeth occasionally grazing his pulse point.

Jiung’s hands froze on his head. A shaky breath escaped him, his eyes fluttering shut as he leaned his head back against your shoulder. "Whoa...y/n, what has gotten into you?" he managed to choke out, his voice straining.

You didn't answer with words. Instead, you firmly gripped his hips and spun him around to face you. The intensity in your gaze made his breath hitch. Before he could say another word, you dropped to your knees in front of him.

Jiung let out a low, ragged groan, his fingers tangling in your hair as you reached for the button of his pants. "I guess the chocolate worked," he rasped, his head hitting the mirror behind him with a dull thud.

Intak

The air in the bedroom was thick and stifling, the only sound being the frantic, jagged rhythm of two pairs of lungs trying to reclaim their rhythm. Intak lay sprawled across the tangled sheets, his chest heaving, his skin slick with a sheen of sweat that caught the dim light of the bedside lamp. You were collapsed beside him, your limbs feeling like lead, your heart still drumming a frantic tattoo against your ribs.

For a long minute, neither of you could speak. The silence was only broken when Intak let out a long, shaky exhale and rolled onto his side to look at you. His dark hair was matted to his forehead, and his eyes were still hazy with lingering adrenaline.

"Okay," he rasped, his voice sounding like gravel. "That… that was definitely the best sex we’ve ever had. Easily." He paused for a heartbeat, a small, sheepish smirk tugging at his lips as he added, "I mean, it’s always incredible, obviously. Our sex life is top-tier. But that? That was different."

You let out a weak, breathless chuckle, reaching out to give his hand a tired squeeze. "I’m not arguing about that. My legs do feel like jelly." You shifted slightly, propping yourself up on one elbow to look at him properly. "Seriously though, Intak, what happened to you? You walked through the door and practically jumped me. I didn't even get to say hello."

Intak feigned an offended gasp, though the twinkle in his eye gave him away. "Me? You’re blaming me? You were the one who started it! You gave me that look—the one that usually means I’m in trouble—and then you grabbed my collar."

"Maybe," you admitted, a playful smile spreading across your face. "But you didn't exactly put up a fight. You were… intense."

"I was just motivated," he countered with a grin. He shook his head, dismissing the debate. "Whatever. It doesn't matter who started it. It was worth it."

He stayed still for another moment before his stomach let out a loud, traitorous growl. He groaned, rubbing his hand over his face. "I'm starving. I feel like I just ran a marathon."

He forced himself out of the comfort of the bed, stumbling slightly as he navigated the pile of discarded clothes on the floor. You watched him disappear into the kitchen, listening to the distant sound of a cupboard opening and closing. When he returned a minute later, he was holding a small, elegant cardboard box.

He hopped back onto the bed, sliding a dark, square chocolate into his mouth before offering the box to you. "Found these on the counter earlier. They’re actually really good. Want one?"

You looked at the box, and your heart nearly skipped a beat. You recognized the sleek, deep-red packaging and the cursive gold script immediately. Your eyes darted from the box to Intak’s face, which was currently full of half-chewed chocolate.

"Wait," you said, your voice rising in pitch. "Did you eat those before we started?"

He shrugged casually, reaching for a second piece. "Yeah, I had like three when I first got home while you were in the shower. Why? Are they expensive?"

A laugh bubbled up in your chest, part disbelief and part amusement. "Intak, those are the chocolates from my sister’s bachelorette party gift bag. The ones I told you were 'specialty' treats."

He blinked, his chewing slowing down. "Yeah? And?"

"They’re libido boosters," you explained, your cheeks flushing. "They’re literally designed to make you crave… well, exactly what we just did. They're packed with stimulants."

Intak’s eyes went wide for a split second, the realization finally sinking in. He looked down at the box in his hand, then back at you, and finally, a loud, booming laugh erupted from him. He collapsed back onto the pillows, clutching the box to his chest.

"Well," he wheezed, flashing you a wicked, energized grin. "I guess they weren't lying about the 'results' on the back of the box. Do you think there’s enough left for round two?"

Soul

The living room was bathed in the soft, flickering glow of the television as the opening credits of a long-awaited sci-fi epic began to roll. You were curled up in the corner of the couch, tucked under a weighted blanket, while Soul sat beside you, scanning the coffee table with a look of mild distress.

"Wait," he murmured, his voice trailing off as he realized the tragic truth. "We don't have any snacks."

You groaned, leaning your head back against the cushion. "I thought we had a bag of chips left from Tuesday?"

"Gone," Soul sighed, already pushing himself up. "Don't worry, I’ll find something. The snack box never fails."

He padded over to the kitchen, the soft thud of his footsteps echoing in the quiet apartment. You heard the familiar rustle of plastic and the clatter of various boxes being shifted around. After a minute of focused silence, Soul let out a small, triumphant "Aha!"

He returned to the couch with a bright, crinkly bag in his hand. "No chips, but I found these gummy bears at the very bottom. They look fancy."

He tore the bag open and popped a handful into his mouth, his eyes lighting up. "They’re actually really good. Strawberry? Or maybe cherry?" He held one out to you, and you took it, enjoying the surprisingly rich, herbal sweetness as the movie finally started. For the next twenty minutes, the only sound was the dialogue from the TV and the occasional crinkle of the bag as you both mindlessly snacked.

As the plot thickened, you felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of warmth radiating through your body. The movie was interesting, but your focus began to drift toward the boy sitting next to you. You leaned your head against Soul’s shoulder, scooting closer until there wasn't a single inch of space between you.

Soul didn't pull away; instead, he tilted his head, resting it atop yours. You felt a bold spark of daring and shifted, pressing your lips softly against the sensitive skin of his neck.

Soul let out a low, shaky breath, immediately melting into your touch. He dropped the bag of candy onto the cushion, his hand coming up to cup the back of your head, pulling you even closer. The movie was forgotten as you moved, climbing into his lap to straddle him. Your hands found their way into his soft hair, and you pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss that made the room feel ten degrees hotter.

He hummed into the kiss, his grip on your waist tightening as he began to trail his lips down your jawline, eventually burying his face in the crook of your neck. As your head fell back, your eyes caught sight of the discarded gummy bear bag lying on the seat beside his hip.

You froze, your eyes widening as you recognized the minimalist black-and-gold branding. "Wait," you gasped, gently pushing against his shoulders to create a bit of space.

Soul looked up, his lips swollen and his eyes hazy with confusion. "What? Did I do something wrong?"

You pointed a trembling finger at the bag. "Soul... those gummy bears. I just remembered where they came from. My best friend gave them to me as a gag gift last month. She said they were 'performance enhancers' from some boutique shop in LA."

Soul blinked, his brain slowly catching up. He looked at the bag, then back at your flushed face and the way you were currently sitting on him. A slow, playful chuckle vibrated in his chest, and he leaned forward until his forehead rested against yours.

"Well," he whispered, his voice dropping into a raspy, teasing tone. "I think your friend's joke was a lot more effective than she thought. Because they definitely work."

He didn't give you a chance to respond, his mouth catching yours again in a kiss that was even more urgent than the last, his hands sliding down to pull you flush against him as the movie played on, completely ignored.

Jongseob

The apartment was quiet when you stepped through the door, the scent of expensive perfume and birthday cake still clinging to your clothes. Jongseob was sprawled on the sofa, a notebook in his lap, but he immediately looked up when he saw the small, decorative gift bag dangling from your wrist.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice warm and sleepy. "Did you bring back any cool stuff?"

You laughed, dropping onto the edge of the sofa and tipping the contents of the bag onto the coffee table. Among the miniature candles and luxury skincare samples was a small, sleek box of dark chocolates. The packaging was matte black with gold filigree, looking far more sophisticated than your average convenience store snack.

"Ooh, fancy," Jongseob murmured, leaning forward. He reached out, his long fingers plucking the box from the pile. "Share?"

You nodded, and he carefully unwrapped two squares. The chocolate was rich, melting instantly on your tongue with a strange, floral afterburn that made your skin tingle. "That’s actually... really good," you noted, picking up the box to investigate.

As you scanned the fine print on the back, your eyes widened. A slow, mischievous grin spread across your face. "Well, look at the ingredients. Damiana leaf, Muira Puama, and 'sensory enhancers.'" You nudged him with your elbow. "This isn't just dessert. It’s 'Special' chocolate. You know... for the special mood."

Jongseob took the box, squinting at the tiny text. He let out a low, melodic chuckle, shaking his head as he tossed the packaging back onto the table. He leaned over and pressed a sweet, lingering kiss to your cheek, his breath warm against your ear.

"It’s just a marketing trick, y/n," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I don’t believe in that stuff. It’s probably a placebo effect for people who need an excuse to fuck."

You giggled, swatting his shoulder. "Probably. But hey, it tastes good regardless."

A while later, the humid heat of the bathroom began to fog up the mirrors as you stepped into the shower. The spray was hot, easing the tension in your shoulders from the long night of socializing. You were lost in the rhythmic sound of the water until you heard the bathroom door click open.

Jongseob walked in, seemingly just to wash his hands at the sink. However, as he dried them, his movements slowed. Through the translucent glass of the shower door, you could see his silhouette standing perfectly still. He stayed there for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the blurred shape of your body under the cascading water.

The air in the room suddenly felt heavier. Slowly, without a word, you watched as he began to pull his shirt over his head, followed by the rest of his clothes.

The shower door creaked open, admitting a rush of cool air before Jongseob stepped into the stall with you. You blinked in surprise, the water slicking his hair back and highlighting the sharp, handsome lines of his face.

"Jongseob? I thought you were tired," you whispered, though your hands instinctively reached out to rest on his damp chest.

He pulled you close, his arms wrapping firmly around your waist until there wasn't a breath of space between you. The heat from his skin was even more intense than the water.

"Just so we're clear," he murmured, his voice dropping into a low, velvet growl as he looked down at you with a hunger that definitely wasn't there an hour ago. "This has absolutely nothing to do with that chocolate. I still don't believe in that stuff."

***

The play that they attended was, as far as Ell was concerned, an utter delight. It was a restaging of a classic Zadithian comedy, full of sly humor and the translation to modern Venterran held up surprisingly well.

“I had it on good authority that it was a production worth attending,” Kama commented as they made their way from Goldgrave towards the Palace and the rest of their evening’s diversions. “I also have it on good authority that the gardens of the Palace this evening should be particularly lovely.”

Kama came from a Prahkan shipping family, but as a younger son, he found himself with little to say about the actual business and plenty of time to crew on a variety of ships for a variety of routes. This year, though, he had made sure to arrange things so that he might be able to at least spend Ell’s birthday with them, between voyages. He knew that it wasn’t always easy when one’s birthday fell on or around a significant holiday.

“I’m sure that they will be. The Countess has a reputation for extravagant entertainments… though they do tend to be a little more refined than the former Count’s…”

“Something to look forward to, then. Speaking of, Heron sent along a bottle for us to enjoy with our picnic. He assured me that it would be one you’d enjoy.”

“Heron also has very refined taste. I’m sure that we’ll both enjoy it.”

***

There was, Ell discovered, far more to enjoy in the private little glade that Kama had secured than the basket of treats or the fortified wine. Though there was no doubt that they were outdoors, the arch of the tree branches over the nest of rugs, blankets and pillows made for a decidedly secluded venue. There was a hum of magic in the air as well; a spell to keep noise (and possibly the uninvited) out.

“You approve?” Kama asked as he lounged, casually offering Ell a grape from the bunch he was picking at.

“Absolutely. Thank you,” the added, taking the offering delicately between their teeth.

“And you’ve had a nice birthday?”

“Yes, Kama. It’s been a lovely day.” And it had been-- Ell was spending time with one of the people most dear to their heart, which was really all they wanted.

“We have this place until morning, you know…”

“It would be a shame to not enjoy it, then,” they replied with a little smile, leaning forward to steal a kiss.

As they lingered close, Kama shifted, easing Ell onto their back amid the lush silks and cool linens that made up their nest, careful to keep his beloved’s long braid from getting uncomfortably pinned beneath them. Garments were removed languidly, kisses pressed to newly bared skin as Ell sighed into the attention.

Though their little hideaway was only faintly illuminated by some magical lanterns, Kama was delighted to see that Ell was growing more radiant as he continued to lavish them. He was sure that he could thank Heron’s ‘fortified’ wine for that-- not being magically inclined himself, it was only on very rare occasions-- when other magics were at work-- that he saw Ell’s particular quirk for glowing when aroused.

Pressing close, Kama whispered words of endearment as they began to move together, hands splaying over bare skin, clasping, stroking, anything to be close. To be closer. Kama prided himself on being an attentive lover, but with Ell he always took extra care, delighting in the changes and hitches of their breaths and how expressive and responsive they were to touch.

Ell returned the compliments as best as they could between soft gasps and moans until all that was left was Kama’s name on their lips and a blissful cry as they orgasmed, twilight luminescence radiating and, very slowly, fading as Kama scattered kisses over their skin, his own breaths shaky in the aftermath.

***

When the true dawn intruded upon their rest, Ell and Kama rose and stretched, gathering their belongings and dressing with the casualness of long-time friends who also happened to be lovers. While there was truly no need to rush, both felt that it would be a good idea to be gone before the sun well and truly rose… and more people might be staggering about the gardens as another day dawned on the Midsummer Masquerade festivities.

“Thank you,” Ell murmured, once they were back at the shop and settled at the breakfast table over fresh cups of tea and the remains of their picnic treats from the night before.

“You’re always welcome, jaan… but for what, in particular?”

“For giving me a lovely day yesterday.”