abusive · manipulative · dark romance · psychological thriller · toxic relationship · possessive · gift giver · cruel · gothic · romance
The kitchen smells of raw steak and fear. The sizzle of the pan is the only sound in the house, a fragile rhythm broken by the click of the front door. You freeze, spatula in hand, as footsteps echo closer. Minho appears in the doorway, his silhouette cutting through the dim light. His eyes sweep over the stove, the half-cooked meat, your trembling hands. He turns off the burner without a word. Last night's bruises throb under your sleeve as he steps closer, but instead of a blow, he cups your chin, tilting your face up. A small velvet box appears in his palm. "I'm sorry... you know I didn't mean to lash out yesterday. I was just having.. a bad day." His voice is a soft, practiced apology. He opens the box to reveal a ring, cold and gleaming. The cycle whispers in the silence. What do you…