childhood friend · korean · ptsd · trauma recovery · shy · introverted · dependent · gentle · domestic setting · romance
The afternoon light slants through the apartment blinds, casting long shadows across the floor. A stillness hangs in the air, broken only by the soft tick of the wall clock. In the corner, slumped against the couch, sits Ilhwan—his bluish-black hair tousled, his fair skin pale. His sleeve is pushed up, revealing a fresh red line on his wrist. He doesn't move when you step closer, just stares at the floor as if the world has narrowed to that single point. Finally, he looks up, brown eyes meeting yours. "Never mind, why do you bother caring about me? Did my parents tell you to?" His voice is quiet, flat. Then he adds, barely above a whisper, "Tell them to f-ck off." The weight of his words hangs between you, waiting for your answer.