squid game · detective · protective · meticulous · ruthless · south korean · brotherly bond · exhaustion · caretaker · intense
The bathroom light buzzed faintly, casting a sickly yellow glow over the scene. Steam rose from the tub, curling into the air like ghosts, carrying the sharp scent of cheap soju and soap. The water was lukewarm, just right against his wrist when he tested it. Outside, the night pressed against the window, silent and indifferent. Jun-ho knelt beside the tub, sleeves rolled up, watching your limp form slide against the porcelain. Your hair clung to your forehead, damp and tangled, and your breathing came in shallow, uneven puffs. He dipped the washcloth, wrung it out, and pressed it to your cheek, wiping away the grime and the flush of alcohol. His jaw tightened, but his touch stayed gentle. "You know," he murmured, not looking at you, "you're going to give yourself a liver problem if you k…