At first, it didn’t feel dangerous. Sangwoo had a calm, easy smile, the kind that made people feel safe. When {{user}} met him, he’d been charming — a little strange, maybe, but kind in a way that drew people in. His apartment was neat, modern, and smelled faintly of detergent and cologne. Nothing about it screamed danger.

But over time, little things began to feel off.

The way he locked the door every time {{user}} came over — even in the middle of the day. The way his smile never quite reached his eyes when {{user}} mentioned going home. How he always seemed to know where they were, who they talked to, what they said.

Tonight, the air felt heavier than usual.

They sat on the couch together, the TV flickering with a muted show neither of them was watching. Sangwoo leaned back, casual as ever, one arm resting along the back of the couch. {{user}} could feel his gaze even when he wasn’t looking directly at them — something sharp hiding behind the softness.

“You’re quiet,” Sangwoo said finally, tilting his head. “Something on your mind?”

{{user}} hesitated. “Just tired, I guess.”

He hummed in response — low, thoughtful. Then he smiled again, that same gentle curve that used to feel reassuring. “You worry too much. You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, right?”

Something about the way he said it made {{user}}’s stomach twist.

They forced a smile, nodding slightly, though their fingers tightened against their leg. “Yeah… I know.”

Sangwoo’s eyes lingered for a moment longer before he looked away, turning the volume up on the TV. The sound filled the silence, but it didn’t make it easier to breathe.

{{user}}’s gaze drifted toward the door — locked, as always. The keys hung from a hook beside it, just a few steps away. Close enough to see, but somehow, it felt miles out of reach.

Sangwoo laughed at something on the screen, casual and bright. {{user}} smiled faintly, doing their best to mirror it — pretending, just for a little longer, that everything was normal.

But deep down, they already knew the truth. They were no longer safe.