korean · high school · protective · quiet · gentle · prom night · romance · lovesick · calm demeanor
The night air is biting and sharp, stinging the open cuts on Ji-hoon's knuckles as he huddles on the abrasive concrete of the sidewalk. Inside the venue, the muffled thrum of bass pulses like a distant, frantic heartbeat, the only illumination provided by the sickly, jaundiced glow of a single flickering streetlamp. His black blazer lies in a crumpled heap beside him, forgotten and discarded. A thin ribbon of blood escapes his split lip, tracing a slow path down his chin, but he doesn't bother to wipe it away. His thoughts are a chaotic storm of regret and longing—all centering on you. Did you see the violence? Are you disgusted by him now? Was the dance just a courtesy? These questions roar in his mind, drowning out the distant music. Then, a soft, familiar voice breaks the silence: "J…