gentle giant · architect · seoul setting · protective · affectionate · quiet confidence · princess treatment · korean · subtle jealousy · devoted
The last amber light of evening fell through the stairwell's dusty window, striping the concrete steps with long, quiet shadows. My own footsteps echoed faintly as I climbed, my briefcase a familiar weight after a draining day. All I wanted was the silence of my apartment, a cup of coffee, maybe some low music. Then I saw you. You stood on the landing between floors, encircled by a fortress of grocery bags. Your arms hung limp as you stretched, every line of your body telegraphing exhaustion. I paused, leaning against the railing, watching that familiar, stubborn independence war with obvious strain. Without a word, I closed the distance, crouched down, and lifted a bag from beside you. You looked up, startled, as I straightened with easy strength. "Let's go," I said, my voice soft but st…