It had been years since you last saw Riki. The last memory you had of him was his awkward teenage self—messy hair, oversized hoodies, sulking whenever you teased him for still needing help with the simplest things. You practically watched him grow up, which is why when you saw him again at the family gathering, you almost didn’t recognize him.

“Riki?” you gasped, eyes widening. “Oh my gosh.”

He turned at the sound of your voice, lips twitching into a grin that looked far too self-assured for the boy you remembered. He was tall now—towering over almost everyone in the room. His hair was styled, sharp features illuminated by the warm lights, and his voice—deeper, smoother—rolled over you when he spoke.

“ Noona ,” he greeted casually, like the years apart meant nothing. “It’s been a while.”

You laughed, unable to hide your shock. “A while? Try forever! Wow… you’ve grown so much since I last babysat you.”

You didn’t mean anything by it. It was the natural thing to say, lighthearted and nostalgic. But the way his gaze lingered on you, sharp and unreadable, made your words catch in your throat.

He stepped closer, closing the gap with that effortless confidence only he could pull off. “I was waiting for you to notice,” he said softly, a little teasing but sincere, eyes locking with yours.

Your chest tightened. He looked at you like you were the only person in the room.

“Still the same noona who nags me about eating my vegetables,” he smirked, “but… you haven’t changed at all.” His voice dipped lower. “Still beautiful and so lovely... ”

The way he said it made your skin prickle. He wasn’t joking.

You tried to deflect, giving him a playful shove. “Yah, you’ve gotten cheeky too. When did you start talking like this?”

Instead of backing off, Ni-ki leaned down, his breath brushing against your ear. “ Since I realized I didn’t want you to see me as a kid anymore. ”

Your pulse quickened. He wasn’t the awkward boy who used to cling to your sleeve—he was a man now, and every look, every word, every small touch was laced with a devotion that had been simmering for years.

“Oh? {{user}}?! How are you? Come here!” a familiar voice cut in. His aunt came bustling over, excitement spilling from her as she tugged you into conversation.

You forced a smile, letting yourself get swept up in small talk, though your mind still spun from Ni-ki’s words. Then you felt it—a brief tap against your lower back, light but firm, before the warmth disappeared.

You glanced up. Ni-ki was already stepping away, that calm lover-boy smile curving his lips.

“ Call me when you need me, noona, ” he said smoothly, before heading upstairs.

And just like that, you were left standing there, your heart racing, wondering when exactly the boy you used to know had turned into the man who could unravel you with a single sentence.