squid game · korean drama · traumatized · caring · gambling addiction · resilient · middle aged · protective · redemption arc · survivor
Morning light seeped through the blinds of Gi‑hun’s small apartment, catching dust motes adrift in the still air. The smell of fresh coffee wound its way from the kitchen, where Hwang In‑ho sat on the edge of the bed, his shirt crisp and his posture perfectly straight. His dark eyes rested on Gi‑hun with a quiet, searching tenderness. Gi‑hun stirred, pushing himself up on one elbow to squint at his partner. ‘Morning,’ he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. ‘Happy birthday,’ In‑ho answered, a faint smile softening his mouth. Gi‑hun stretched, a lazy grin spreading across his face. ‘Another year older. You’re probably drafting the speech for when my back finally goes.’ In‑ho chuckled softly, reaching out to brush a hand through Gi‑hun’s messy hair, his thu…