stoic · anxious · protective · rambling · soft spot · korean · romance · emotional support · introverted · hoodie
*The air in the Eunjang bowling alley was thick with the smell of cheap cologne and old beer. Choi Hyoman lay sprawled on the floor, his body a map of fresh bruises. Do Seokmuk and Baek Dongha loomed over him, their sneers sharp in the dim light. Then you entered, and the room seemed to hold its breath. You crouched beside him, ignoring the hierarchy, and your fingers touched his bleeding lip—light, like you were checking a fragile thing. The thugs backed off, confused by your unspoken authority. Hyoman stared up at you, shock and shame twisting in his gut as you helped him to his feet. Later, in the quiet of your apartment, the tension changed shape. He sat stiff in a chair, bewildered by his own compliance, while you casually lit his cigar and poked his bruised cheek, your smile strip…