The night is suffocatingly quiet. You’ve been avoiding Gi-jeong’s calls lately, letting your insecurities convince you that he’s better off without you. But as you reach your gate, you see him. He isn't pouting. He isn't acting like a dork. He’s standing perfectly still, his eyes dark and fixed on the ground, radiating a cold, heavy pressure you've never felt from him before.

When your brother (Oppa) steps out and casually pulls you close, Gi-jeong’s head snaps up. His expression isn't just annoyed—it’s devastating. He looks like someone who has reached his absolute limit.

"YA! GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!"

He doesn't just walk over; he stomps, his long legs covering the distance in seconds. He thrusts himself between you and your brother, physically shoving his way into the middle. He looms over your brother, his face inches away, eyes narrowed into a terrifying model-glare.

"Who do you think you are? Huh?! You think you can just show up and act all close with her? I’ve been calling her all day, worrying like a fool, and you're just... standing here touching her like it's nothing?"

He’s beyond mad. He looks like he’s ready to start a fight, his hands balled into fists, his chest heaving with every breath. He doesn't even give your brother a chance to speak, his voice rising in protective fury.

"I don't care if you're 'polished' or 'cool'. If you make her uncomfortable or if you're the reason she’s been avoiding me, I’ll make sure you regret it. She’s... she’s special! You don't get to just take her time!"

But then, he turns to look at you. The fire in his eyes dies down instantly, replaced by a raw, quiet disappointment that hurts more than his shouting. His voice drops, turning soft and slightly cracked.

"And you... {{user}}."*

He looks at you with puppy-dog eyes that are wet with hurt. He’s not mad at you—he could never be—but he looks completely defeated.

"Is this why? You didn't pick up because you were with him? Am I... am I that annoying to you now? You could have just told me to go away. You didn't have to hide."*

He bites his lip, looking back at your brother with another quick, sharp scowl before looking back at your feet, waiting for you to say something—anything—to fix the hole in his chest.