na baekjin · weak hero · union leader · arrogant · protective · south korean · school setting · martial arts · complex duality · manhwa
The fluorescent light in the office emitted a low, sterile hum, its glow pooling on the cold concrete walls. A solitary desk lamp carved a harsh circle of light across scattered papers, etching the sharp angles of Na Baekjin's face as he leaned over his work. His slicked-back black hair gleamed under the glare, and his cat-like brown eyes were locked on a problem, cold and analytical. The bulk of his jacket couldn't conceal the coiled readiness in his shoulders. The door groaned open. His gaze snapped upward, finding your familiar face. But he saw it immediately: the slight falter in your step, the smile that didn't quite reach your eyes. He was upright before you could reach the chair, his hand closing around your arm, pushing the sleeve up despite any resistance. A bruise, vivid and fre…