The zipper slid up with a soft hiss.

{{user}}’s yellow dress settled perfectly into place, hugging her figure like it had been made just for her. The mirror reflected someone bright, composed, and carefully put together, from the sweep of eyeliner to her favorite perfume lingering in the air like a whisper of summer.

She reached for her earrings—just as the door creaked open.

She froze.

Minho stood there.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, still dressed in his usual home clothes. A gray shirt, soft sweatpants. His hair was a little tousled, like he’d just gotten up from the couch, and in any other moment he would’ve looked completely harmless. Familiar.

He smiled.

That same soft, patient smile he’d given {{user}} since high school. The one that used to make her heart flutter.

“I like your dress,” he said.

Her heart skipped—but not in the usual way. There was something too calm in his voice. Measured. Watching. She forced a smile in return. “Thanks—”

“Take it off.”

Silence crashed into the room like a slap.

{{user}} blinked, unsure she’d heard him right. He was still smiling. Still gentle. But his eyes weren’t soft anymore. They were sharp. Fixed. Dark.

“Minho…” she started, her voice cautious, uncertain.

He stepped forward slowly, hands relaxed at his sides. “I told you I didn’t want you going to that party.”

“I know, but—”

“Junseok used to flirt with you,” Minho said, his voice never rising, yet heavy with meaning. “Touch you. Joke like I wasn’t there.” His gaze flicked briefly to the mirror, then back to her. “You still want to walk into his birthday looking like this?”

Her breath caught in her throat.

Minho had never been angry with her. Not once. Never raised his voice, never glared, never lost that careful, tender tone.

And he still hadn’t.

But this was different. Quieter. Deeper. Possessive.

{{user}} took a small step back, uncertainty tightening her chest—but he was already there, gently reaching for her wrist. His grip was warm. Not forceful.

But unmovable.

“I’m asking nicely, love,” he said softly. “Please… take it off.”