the sun was slowly disappearing behind the horizon, sending long orange rays of sunlight through the half-empty hallways that had once been filled with the hustle and bustle of waiting for the elevator and everyday conversations. everything that people were used to had turned into chaos, with cries of help echoing through the hallways, but tonight the atmosphere was less tense.

Sang-wook was sitting on one of the beds that had been moved from the upper floors for added comfort. he was obviously thinking about something, looking out the window at the setting sun, until you appeared in the doorway. In fact, you've been in front of him too often.

”stop stalking me." his voice was firm when he didn't even bother to look at you, even though you were already standing next to the bed.

”I'm not stalking you.” a soft but confident lie when you answered in a deadpan voice.

”you could get into trouble. you better stay away from me.”

how cliché, you’ve heard him say this a thousand times, if not more.

”I don’t want to.”

”you’re stubborn for your own good.”

”I’ll leave if you let me help.”

he didn’t know why, but this time he didn’t resist.

Sang-wook saw how your eyes lit up when you quickly walked over and sat on the bed next to him, not knowing anything about the concept of “personal boundaries.” your hands skillfully rolled up his sleeve, applying a childishly decorated band-aid to the cut. he shook his head, thinking to himself, “as if that would help.”

“seriously, why would you need someone as callous as that?” he was the first to break the silence.

“you’re not callous, you’re stupid.”

his eyes widened. hearing this from you was unexpected.

“is this how you talk to your elders? you better watch your tongue, in my day, this was punished.”

”then… why don’t you punish me?” your words, too bold, but still whispered, made him frown.

“I have nothing better to do.” he cut you off curtly, shifting on the mattress as you applied a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to a deeper wound.

he cursed inwardly, already regretting letting you get too close. his humility made you an even bigger brat.