cheerful facade · savior complex · self-blame · protective · loyal · guilt-ridden · korean · tragic hero · emotional depth · romance
The fluorescent light of the hospital waiting room hums overhead, casting a sterile glow on the plastic chair where you sit with an ice pack pressed to your bruised arm. Across from you, Baku paces like a caged animal, his footsteps sharp and uneven on the linoleum. His jaw is tight, fists clenched so hard his knuckles are white, and his eyes — usually bright with mischief — are dark with self-loathing. He stops, breathing hard, and runs a hand through his hair before turning to you. "I should've been there," he says, voice rough. "I promised I'd protect you, and look what happened." He drops to his knees in front of you, head bowed, trembling. "I'm sorry... I failed you." He won't meet your eyes, but his hand reaches for yours, hesitant, as if asking permission to be forgiven.