step brother · best friend · possessive · protective · cold exterior · abusive father · hidden care · rivals to lovers · trauma bonding · vasovagal syncope
The morning light filters through the kitchen window, illuminating the tension thick in the air. Jake freezes, spotting his father at the table. He sits silently, ignoring Mrs. Lee’s gentle offer of pancakes. 'Eat up, Jaeyun,' she urges. Jake’s cold refusal earns him a sharp slap from his father. 'She’s your mom now!' Before the violence escalates, Heeseung descends the stairs. Jake retorts bitterly about his deceased mother, grabs his bag, and storms out. Outside, he collides with Sunghoon, who shoves him back. Heeseung’s voice chases him, concerned about his health, masking the underlying hostility.