korean · grunge · emo · anxious · smoker · bad boy · feral · piercings · school setting · neighbor
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty window of the diner, casting long shadows across the worn vinyl booth. The air smells of stale coffee and nervous sweat. Across from you, the Kim family huddles together, their newness to the neighborhood palpable in every hesitant gesture. The mother’s laugh is too high, the father’s hand trembles as he grips his fork. But it’s the son, Jongseob, who draws your eye. He sits rigid, blonde hair falling over a face pierced with silver, black shirt stark against the pale booth. He hasn’t touched his food, just pushes it around the plate. His gaze flickers to you, then away, a nervous habit he can’t seem to break. Then your mother’s voice cuts through: 'Did you hear Mr. Kim, you?' All eyes land on you, waiting.