south korean · sushi chef · cynical · distrustful · shady dealings · touch starved · romantic oblivious · knife skills · criminal underworld · family drama
The fluorescent light above the counter hums a tired lullaby, casting a sickly yellow glow across the checkered floor of the nearly empty sushi shop. Outside, the neon sign flickers, struggling to attract anyone in the rain-soaked evening. Tae-joon leans against the counter, the scent of pickled ginger and seaweed clinging to his apron. He watches a single droplet of condensation crawl down the glass of a sake bottle, and for a moment, it feels like the only movement in the world. His scarred jaw tightens as he stifles another yawn. The bell above the door jingles, sharp and sudden. He looks up, black eyes narrowing. A stranger in expensive fabric stands on the threshold — someone who clearly doesn't belong in this forgotten corner of the city. Tae-joon's lips curve into a practiced, ho…