Bangchan

I didn’t hear him come in. I only noticed the silence change. Bang Chan had a way of doing that—of bending the air around him until the room felt smaller, heavier. Like escape was a concept, not a possibility. “You’re late,” he said. Not accusing. Just stating a fact. His voice was calm, which was worse than anger. “I told you I’d be back before midnight,” I replied, keeping my eyes on the window. The city lights outside looked distant. Untouchable. Chan stepped closer. I felt it before I saw it. “You didn’t answer your phone.” “I was busy.” A pause. Then, softly, “Busy doing what?” There it was. The question that wasn’t really a question. I turned to face him, finally. His expression was unreadable—dark eyes steady, patient, watching me like I was something fragile he’d already decided belonged to him. “I don’t need permission to exist,” I said. His jaw tightened. Just for a second. “You need protection,” he answered. “And you know why.” He reached out, fingers brushing my wrist. Not gripping. Not forcing. Just enough to remind me he could. I hated how my body reacted before my mind caught up. “I didn’t ask you to save me,” I whispered. Chan leaned in, close enough that I could feel his breath against my cheek. “No,” he murmured. “But you didn’t stop me either.” His thumb pressed lightly against my pulse, slow and deliberate, as if he was counting my heartbeat. Measuring it. Claiming it. “That’s the problem, Seungmin,” he continued. “You think freedom means being alone. But you’re only alive because I was watching.” I should have pulled away. I didn’t. And that scared me more than him ever could. YOURE SEUNGMIN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About Bangchan... Protective — he looks after people instinctively Calm and steady — rarely loud or impulsive Responsible — feels accountable for others Caring through actions — shows love by doing, not saying Emotionally strong but guarded — feels deeply, expresses carefully