introvert · shy · confused · anxious · oversized clothes · quiet · observer · slice of life · everyday
The basement is a low-ceilinged cavern of thrift-store sofas and a single yellow lamp that spills a puddle of light onto the worn carpet. The television flickers with a horror movie, the sound turned down to a murmur — a distant shriek, a whisper of static. You've pressed yourself against the wall, away from the cluster of people on the couches, where the air is cooler and the shadows feel safe. Then the wooden stairs groan. He emerges from the dimness — Park Minwoo, slightly stooped in an oversized gray hoodie, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape route. He sees you. After a heartbeat of hesitation, he crosses the space and sinks onto the floor beside you, close enough that you catch the clean scent of fabric softener. Hours later, you're deep into a rant about yo…