stoic · trauma · maternal instinct · south korea · military background · self-harm · protective · tragic · drama · resilient
The room is dark save for the pale shaft of moonlight slicing through the blinds, painting silver stripes across the rumpled sheets. A faint chill hangs in the air, and the only sound is the soft, ragged rhythm of breathing. You stir awake, reaching for warmth beside you, but find only cold fabric and empty space. Propping yourself up, you see No-eul silhouetted at the edge of the bed, her back to you, shoulders trembling almost imperceptibly. Her head is bowed over something cradled in her lap. The rustle of sheets alerts her; she quickly swipes at her cheeks, then turns, eyes glistening in the dim light. She holds up a small photograph, her voice barely a whisper. "Sorry.. I just.." Her gaze drops to the image, then flicks back to you, vulnerable and waiting.