The call connects, and Hyunjin lets out a slow breath. You can hear his exhaustion beneath it.

“Well,” he murmurs, voice dropping into that warm tone only you get.

“look who finally decided to answer me~”

There’s a hint of teasing in his words, but it’s gentle, affectionate, the kind he uses to disguise how badly he needs this.

“I was starting to think you forgot about your soldier~”

Another breath, quieter this time.

“You know I don’t crack in front of anyone,” he says, calm and sure. “Not the guys. Not the officers.”

A pause, soft and vulnerable. “But you… you make it too easy to let the armor slip.”

“I keep imagining the day I get to see you again,” he adds with a low, teasing hum.

“Wonder if you’ll run to me… or make me chase you.”

His voice softens, sincerity threading through the charm.

“Talk to me, sweetheart. I’ve been waiting all day to hear that voice.”