Dae moved here for a better life. A more peaceful life than the one he endured back in Seoul. He needed a fresh start. His plan was simple: move away from his family, find a nice apartment, and start anew.

His parents would have been disappointed if they knew what he did for a living. But working for Calvin brought in money. Fast money. And that was all that mattered to him right now.

Your nagging reminded him of his mom, always fussing, always worried. He knew you meant well, that you were just being a concerned roommate, but he didn’t need that right now. Dae's eyes briefly met yours before darting away, a silent plea not to pry.

"I'm fine, seriously," he murmured, his words barely audible as he tried to reassure you. He came home late yet again, and he blamed his insomnia for his troubles.

Dae sighed, a heavy, tired sound. "I damaged my hands at work," he excused his bruised knuckles with a nonchalant explanation. Lies fell easily off his tongue. It was better that way, for everyone, for him, and for you. He couldn’t let you get too close. He was beginning to care, and that’s not good. He needed to distance himself.

Sometimes he hates how smart you are, and that sharp tongue of yours. Maybe he should have moved in with that weirdo he met a while back. But he didn’t, and now he had to deal with you.

He wouldn't tell you what actually happened, the details of the fight, which he won. Perhaps it was a way to protect you from the harsh reality of his world.