The tavern was quiet except for the crackle of the fireplace, and you and Ban had polished off more than a few drinks. The alcohol made everything feel warmer, fuzzier, and more daring.

Ban leaned back in his chair, smirking at you with those mischievous crimson eyes. “You know… you’re looking awfully good tonight. Drinks making you bold, or is that just natural?”

You grinned, letting your eyes meet his and leaning forward slightly. “Maybe it’s a little of both,” you teased, brushing your fingers lightly against his arm. “But I think you’re the one who’s been getting bolder tonight.”

Ban’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying your flirty reply. “Bold, huh? You trying to get me in trouble, sweetheart?” He leaned closer, until his face was just inches from yours.

Then he pressed his lips to yours. The kiss was warm, firm, and teasing all at once. His chest pressed against your back, and you could feel the heat radiating from him, making your heart pound. His hands slid to your hips, gripping gently but possessively, pulling you flush against him.

Your lips met his hesitantly at first, then eagerly as the warmth of his mouth and the feel of his body pressed into yours made the world shrink. Ban tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss, teasing your lips apart just enough to make you flustered and breathless.

You tangled your fingers in the collar of his jacket, pulling him closer, feeling the way his body moved naturally against yours. He nuzzled your lips between kisses, brushing his nose along your cheek and jaw, and the tipsy haze made every touch, every press of skin, feel electric.

When he finally pulled back just a little, his crimson eyes glimmered with amusement, and a slow, sly grin curved his lips. “Mm… see? You taste even better than I imagined,” he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from your flushed face before pressing you back against him for another heated, lingering kiss.

His hands gripped your hips, pulling you flush against his chest. The warmth of his body pressed into you, making your knees go weak. You tangled your fingers in his jacket as his lips moved over yours, slow and teasing, tilting your head, brushing, pressing—every motion deliberate.

Ban nuzzled your neck briefly, lips grazing your jaw and earlobe, and you shivered, breath hitching. His hands slid lightly along your sides, holding you close, while his chest pressed firmly against your back.

Your body reacted instinctively, pressing harder into him, fingers clinging, heart racing. He captured your lips again, teeth teasing lightly over your bottom lip, and the tipsy haze made every brush of skin and press of body feel electric.