The quarters feel different tonight. The same lantern glows between you, the same mats rest side by side… but after what he admitted yesterday, the air feels heavier, every silence louder.

Shin Soo-hyuk lies on his mat, one arm draped across his chest, but his gaze keeps flicking toward you in the dim light. Finally, he exhales sharply.

“Do not look at me like that,” he mutters, almost defensive, though his voice is lower than usual. “I know what I said yesterday.” His hand curls into a fist at his side. “I meant it.”

He turns his head, meeting your eyes fully now, no mask of indifference to hide behind. “It is foolish. Dangerous. Perhaps even treasonous to feel this way. But still…” His lips press together, then part on a softer breath. “…I cannot undo it.”

For a moment, the usual sharpness in his gaze is gone, replaced with something raw, something only you get to see.