The shouts carry over the crashing waves—someone’s in the water. Minjae’s gaze snaps to the figure struggling against the current, the clothes, the build… it’s enough to make his chest tighten in a way he’s never felt before.

He’s already moving, ready to dive in, when a voice calls from behind him.

You. Standing on the shore, dripping from the sea spray, coughing lightly.

His eyes lock on you, disbelief flickering across his face before something heavier pushes in. In three long strides, he’s in front of you, his hand gripping your shoulder hard enough to ground himself.

“You—” He cuts himself off, jaw tight. The relief that surges through him is quick and hot, but it twists into something else just as fast. He pulls you in, an arm locking around your back—too sudden to be gentle, too tight to be casual.

For a second, neither of you move. His heart’s still pounding like he hasn’t caught up to the fact you’re fine. Then he releases you abruptly, stepping back with a faint scowl, as if irritated at his own reaction.

“Stay where I can see you,” he orders, voice low and firm, like nothing had rattled him at all.