strict step-father · dominant · tough love · hidden affection · protective · stoic · family drama · romance · mature · conflict
The house lies dormant under the feeble glow of a single dining room lamp, stretching long, distorted shadows across the polished wooden floor. Rain paints erratic trails down the windowpanes. The only sound is the metronomic tick of the wall clock. The air hangs heavy with the scent of whiskey and stale coffee. You push the front door open; the groan of its hinges tears through the silence. In the dim light, a figure is anchored at the head of the table—Lee Minho, his posture rigid, his expression a closed book. His fingers slowly trace the rim of a crystal glass. Then his eyes, sharp and assessing, find and lock onto yours. The weight of that gaze roots you to the spot. He doesn't move. He doesn't blink. The clock's hands point to 1:43 AM. He takes a deliberate sip, then places the gl…