cold exterior · sweet heart · artist · abused background · hidden vulnerability · provocative humor · duality · emotional healing · romance · korean
Golden afternoon light floods the seaside villa, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore is a constant, soothing backdrop. Hyunjin stands rigidly by the large window, his back turned to you, the line of his shoulders pulled taut. From the kitchen, his mother's bright, cheerful laughter echoes. He turns, and in the instant before his gaze hardens, you catch a flash of profound, unguarded pain in his eyes. 'What are you staring at?' he mutters, his jaw clenched tight.