''~°.HIDE AND SEEK.°~'' | YEONGYU

THE FIGURE #2

But when his gaze finally landed on Beomgyu, something shifted.

The edge softened...just slightly.

"Back up," he said gently, though there was no mistaking the authority in his tone.

Beomgyu stumbled backward as Yeonjun stepped inside in one fluid motion.

The door clicked shut behind him.

"Lock it."

Beomgyu's fingers fumbled with the latch, his breathing shallow, until the deadbolt slid into place.

Yeonjun stayed still for a moment, his sharp gaze sweeping across the apartment. His attention lingered on the faint smear of blood at the bedroom window, but no shadow waited beyond it.

Finally, his posture loosened...slightly.

His eyes returned to Beomgyu, softening in a way that felt achingly familiar.

"You're shaking."

He reached out, his hand warm and steady as it brushed Beomgyu's arm.

"It's okay. You're safe with me."

He spoke again...calm, measured.

Yeonjun's sharp gaze landed on the bedroom window again.

In three quick strides, he was there.

His hand shot out, gripping the curtain. One hard yank sent it flying aside.

The cold night air pressed against the glass. Nothing stared back. No figure. No movement.

But the evidence remained.

A dark smear of blood, streaked where the hand had dragged downward.

And carved crudely into the fogged surface, letters cut with enough force to gouge the glass...

복수

(Revenge.)

Yeonjun's expression didn't change. His jaw tightened slightly, but his eyes stayed cold, calculating.

He let the curtain fall back into place with a quiet rustle.

Right now, there was someone else who needed him more.

Behind him, a sound broke the silence.

A choked sob.

Beomgyu was curled up against the wall, knees pulled to his chest. His hands clutched fistfuls of his hair, knuckles white as his breath came in fast, shallow gasps.

Panic.

Yeonjun's sharpness melted as he turned.

"Gyu."

The single word was calm, warm, as if nothing outside mattered anymore.

Beomgyu didn't react. His wide, glassy eyes were fixed on nothing, his whole body trembling.

"Hey. Look at me."

Yeonjun crouched in front of him, lowering himself into Beomgyu's line of sight. One hand reached out slowly, resting gently on Beomgyu's arm.

"Breathe. Right here with me."

Yeonjun drew in a deep breath himself.

"In." His voice was soft but firm.

"Out."

He repeated it, waiting until Beomgyu's chest stuttered on an inhale.

"That's it. Again. You're safe."