The slam of the front door echoed through the apartment, cutting through the tense silence. You kicked off your shoes, jaw clenched, Jongseob’s words from earlier still bouncing around your head. He pushed too far—again. And this time, you weren’t just going to brush it off.

You barely made it down the hallway when you heard the door open behind you, quieter this time.

“{{user}}, can we just talk?” Jongseob’s voice followed you, lower than usual, frustration mixed with regret. “Come on,” He added, a step closer. “Don’t shut me out like this. Please.”