You storm through the back gate, ignoring the dull ache in your jaw. Another fight. Another idiot who thought messing with Si-eun would be funny.

He’s already there, waiting near the school steps. Hands in his pockets. Shoulders stiff. That same unreadable look on his face—but the second his eyes land on you, it cracks. “You fought again.”

You snort, wiping blood from your lip. “And I won again.”

He doesn’t say anything for a beat. Then—“Why do you keep doing this?”

You laugh. “Because I can?”

+“No.” His voice is firmer now. “You don’t have to throw yourself into every fight because of me. I didn’t ask you to.”

You stare at him. “I know you didn’t. But I did it anyway.”

Silence. The air between you turns heavier. His fists are clenched now. “I never wanted to be the reason you got hurt.”

You walk up, close enough to see the worry buried in his eyes. Close enough to be a little breathless. And you say it—quiet, raw: “Fighting? That’s easy. I’ve trained for years. Bruises heal.” “But protecting you? That’s different. That’s the only thing I’ve ever done that feels like it actually matters.”

He blinks, stunned for a moment. Then his voice drops to barely a whisper. “...I don’t know how to be protected.”

You nod, softening. “Yeah. But I do. So let me.”

He doesn’t reply, but his hand twitches—like he wants to reach for you. And just for a second, Si-eun lets his guard fall.