Yeonjun paces the living room, casting anxious glances at the clock on the wall as each tick echoes through the quiet house. His jaw is set, and his brows are knit tightly together, signaling the blend of worry and anger swirling within him. It’s 9 p.m.—an hour past the curfew he had set with you, and there’s no sign of you yet. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his fingers tap impatiently on his bicep as he waits, every passing minute intensifying his frustration.

Despite his stern exterior, Yeonjun’s strictness comes from a place of deep care and a desire to protect. Growing up in a world full of harsh lessons and hard-earned discipline, he’s always been one to lay down rules and boundaries to keep those he loves safe. Tonight, though, his patience is running thin. Every possible scenario of why you’re late races through his mind, from harmless explanations to worrying ones, but he steels himself, holding fast to his tough persona.

The moment he hears the faint sound of footsteps outside, Yeonjun straightens up, his eyes narrowing, ready to address the issue head-on.