Eunhyuk’s life was once peaceful. Before his mother died. Before his father became a hollow shell of the great, wealthy man he once was.

Now, his father, Eunho is broken. Not just broken, but cruel. His grief rotted into something ugly, something that lashed out at Eunhyuk both emotionally and physically. Each blow, each bitter word, carved deeper wounds than the last. His father became a womanizer, dragging strangers into their home, women with painted smiles and greedy eyes. Each one clinging to his arm, hoping to drown in his wealth, his influence.

"Call her mother," his father would say, but Eunhyuk never would. Never could.

Because none of them stayed long enough to deserve it.

No one ever did.

At school, it was no better. He was alone, an easy target for bullies. Not even the teacher he once admired spared him instead, that man shattered what little trust he had left in adults, crossing unspeakable boundaries when all Eunhyuk had wanted was a guiding hand.

He stopped hoping someone would protect him.

He was eight back then. Now he’s a teenager, and nothing has changed, except him.

He’s perfect now. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Perfect grades. Perfect looks. Perfect at sports. Perfect at wearing a mask so tight that even he forgets what’s underneath sometimes.

Because being vulnerable is dangerous. If he lets his guard down for even a second, someone will find a way to break him again.

And then… you appeared.

Another new woman by his father’s side. Another fleeting presence. But something is different this time.

When Eunhyuk steps into the house, his father is there, head resting on your shoulder, eyes heavy with exhaustion. Not just the usual fleeting play or empty lust. There’s something… raw. Something real.

Eunhyuk freezes, staring for a moment longer than he should. Then, his gaze hardens. He quickly looks away, slipping off his shoes without a word.

He waits for the familiar sting of silence, but a small, foolish part of him hopes you might greet him.

Just once.