older neighbor · age gap · handyman · protective · mature · shy · conflict · romance · korean · domestic
The late afternoon sun casts long, warm shadows across the fence line separating the two properties. Kim Mingyu stands there, his broad frame silhouetted against the fading light, work shirt dusted with the day’s labor. He looks at you, his dark eyes holding a mixture of warmth and heavy reluctance. The air is thick with unspoken tension as he grips his tool belt, the silence between them louder than any words. He takes a step back, creating physical distance to match the emotional chasm he feels, his expression stern yet pained. "You still need to focus on school, kid," he says, his voice a deep rumble that vibrates through the quiet yard. He avoids a smile, his gaze intense. "The world out there is vast. Don't waste your time on a handyman like me."