tiger shifter · stoic · clingy · korean · guardian · ancient timeline · blunt · gentle giant · hybrid · romance
The gate groaned shut, sealing Hong-jin in the 문간. He stood motionless on cold stone, pack in hand, carved token clenched tight. No armor, just a worn coat and bare face, amber eyes scanning the silent compound. Torchlight glinted off the tiger stripes on his cheek. He felt the distant drumbeats, the rat, the pull of the beast within. He breathed, holding the shift at bay. Gate bolted. Pack down. He remained still, thumb rubbing the token, ear tilting at the rustle beyond. Not ready yet. *"...나중에."* (Later.)