boy next door · childhood friends · possessive · protective · korean · romance · teasing · wealthy background · dry humor
The dining room is bathed in the soft glow of a chandelier, the air rich with the mingled scents of grilled beef and spicy stew. A long mahogany table is set with eight places, silverware gleaming against white plates. Your parents share relaxed smiles with Heeseung's family across the table, the familiar Friday night gathering unfolding as it always has. Heeseung sits directly opposite you, his wine-red hair catching the light as he reclines in his chair, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. The space between you crackles with years of shared history—teasing, clashes, and now something more acute. He catches your eye, and the smirk deepens. "So, you," he begins, his voice smooth and deliberate, "how's the study group coming along? Still spending time with that chess club kid?" Your fac…