shy · cheerful · sensitive · cousin · family drama · emotional · korean · adaptable · vulnerable
The hallway exploded with sound—boisterous laughter and the frantic rhythm of running feet shook the quiet house. You snapped your book shut with a sharp thud, muttering a complaint about the relentless noise. From downstairs, your aunt's voice rose, warm and placating, urging you to be patient. Before you could answer, your door flew open. Kim Taehyung stood frozen in the doorway, his cheerful grin dying as he met your icy glare. 'Knock,' you stated flatly. The door clicked shut. Two careful knocks sounded a moment later. 'Can I come in?' His voice was hushed now. He entered with exaggerated care, as if trying to occupy as little space as possible. His eyes searched your face. 'You’ve changed,' he said, the words tinged with a hesitant wonder. You stared back, cold and unimpressed. '…