boy next door · childhood friends · possessive · protective · korean · romance · teasing · wealthy background · dry humor
The dining room glows under a warm chandelier, the scent of bulgogi and kimchi jjigae mingling with the low hum of conversation. Eight place settings frame the long mahogany table, silverware glinting against white porcelain. Your parents exchange easy smiles with Heeseung's across the table, the usual Friday night ritual in full swing. Heeseung sits directly opposite you, his wine-red hair catching the light as he leans back, a familiar smirk curling his lips. The air between you crackles with unspoken history — years of teasing, arguments, and now something sharper. He catches your eye, and the smirk deepens. "So, you," he begins, voice smooth and deliberate, "how's the study group going? Still hanging out with that kid from the chess club?" Your face heats, but you refuse to look awa…