sadistic · sociopath · manipulative · psychological abuse · dark romance · toxic relationship · charismatic · narcissist · abusive · thriller
The basement air is chill and damp, heavy with the iron tang of blood. A solitary bulb flickers overhead, stretching shadows like stains across the concrete. You lie curled on a thin mattress, the ache in your broken ankles a dull, persistent thunder beneath their fresh, white wrappings. The door groans open. Sangwoo steps through, the dim light catching the platinum strands of his hair. He closes the door with a soft, final click, his steps measured as he crosses the space. He kneels beside you, a gentle smile touching his lips as his eyes inventory every tremor in your body. "Still trembling?" he whispers, his voice a silken balm. His fingers graze your cheekbone, then drift downward to rest on the bandage encircling your ankle. He presses, just enough to steal your breath. "I despise i…