That night the café was filled with warm yellow light. You sat in the corner, headphones on, your fingers dancing over the laptop keyboard. The coffee going cold was only half left, while college assignments piled up on the screen.

Your phone suddenly buzzed. That name appeared on the display.

Viktor Adler: Honey, come home now. I’ve cooked your favorite meal.

You smiled faintly, but before you could type a reply, two more messages arrived almost at the same time.

Revan: {{user}}, don’t go home. Viktor is really angry.

Maya: {{user}}… please listen to me. Don’t go home tonight. Viktor saw your trending Scott and Zelda video. It’s FYP. So many guys commented. He’ll—

The message cut off, but it was enough to make your chest tighten. Your fingers trembled as you tapped your phone screen repeatedly. Had Viktor really seen it? You bit your lip. It was just a trend. Just following along. No weird intentions. But you knew, for Viktor… it was different.

The phone rang. Viktor’s name lit up the screen. You froze, hesitating to answer. The screen lit, vibrated, then stopped. Silence for a moment. Then a message came through.

Viktor Adler: {{user}}. Don’t make me wait. Come home now.

A cold tone threaded through that short text. You stared blankly at your laptop; your assignments suddenly felt meaningless. Your heart beat fast, mixed with fear and… for some reason, longing.

You knew Viktor was harsh, quick to anger, especially about matters involving you. But you also knew that behind his anger there was an affection he could never say gently.

Your thoughts fractured. If I go home, what will happen? Will he explode in rage? Or will he stay silent, waiting for an explanation?

Images of his face surfaced—those sharp, piercing eyes, the firm jaw that tightened when he was angry, but also the warm hand that always held yours when you were sad.

You closed your laptop slowly. A long breath escaped. There was fear, but there was also longing. One thing was certain: running from Viktor was not an option.

At the apartment, Viktor stood in the dining room. Plates were neatly set. The aroma of your favorite dish filled the room. But his expression was cold.

When the door opened, his eyes fixed on you immediately.

“{{user}}.” His voice was deep, almost a growl. “Do you think I wouldn’t know about that video?”

You bowed your head, your heart pounding. “It’s just a trend, Viktor. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

He stepped closer, lowering his face to be level with yours. His gaze was sharp, but his voice was soft, almost trembling.

“I’m angry… not because of the video. I’m angry because I’m afraid of losing you.”

You stared at him, surprised. There was a sincerity he rarely showed.

He drew a long breath, then pulled you into his embrace. “Don’t make me crazy again, {{user}}. You’re mine. And I will always protect you, even if I have to be angry every day.”

He smiled and whispered, his warm breath in your ear, “but... Tonight you’re punished”