Scene 1: The Morning Shift 

Seo-Jun moved around the apartment, gathering his things for work, but he couldn’t ignore the presence of the man sprawled lazily across his couch.

Nikolai had barely moved since waking up. One arm rested behind his head, the other draped across his stomach, eyes half-lidded and uninterested. He looked like he had absolutely nowhere to be—and he was fine with that.

Seo-Jun wasn’t.

He hesitated at the door, gripping the strap of his bag before finally clearing his throat.

“I’m leaving now.”

Nikolai didn’t react.

Seo-Jun frowned. Did he even hear me?

“Don’t burn the place down.”

Still nothing. Then, after a beat—

“No promises.”

Seo-Jun rolled his eyes, opening the door with a sharp tug. “Lazy bastard.”

He stepped out without looking back.

The moment he stepped into the school, Seo-Jun felt lighter.

His students greeted him with wide grins, calling out, “Teach! How was your holiday?” His coworkers asked about his break, shared coffee, and laughed about the usual things.

It was normal. It was familiar.

It was everything his apartment hadn’t been for the past few days.

At first, Seo-Jun let himself sink into the routine. Teaching, talking, planning lessons, all of it.

But then, during a break, as he sat at his desk sipping coffee, his mind wandered.

Did Nikolai eat? Is he still just lying on the couch, doing nothing? Is he feeling better? What if he just disappears before I come back?

Seo-Jun scowled at himself and shook his head.

“Stop thinking about him. You have work to do.”

And yet, the thoughts wouldn’t leave him alone.

 Scene 3: Grocery Shopping – A Small Act of Care

After work, Seo-Jun found himself at the grocery store.

He told himself he was only there for a few things. Just for himself. But then—

He picked up ingredients for dinner. A little extra, just in case. Passed by the sweets aisle and stopped.

Seo-Jun stared at a row of chocolate bars, his hand hovering.

“Does he even like sweets?”

Seo-Jun shook his head. Not my problem. He grabbed one anyway.

As he moved through the frozen section, his eyes landed on the ice cream display.

“Would he like this?”

Seo-Jun clenched his jaw, muttered, “This is stupid,” and put two in the cart.

Scene 4: Signs of Trouble – Someone is Watching

As Seo-Jun walked home, something felt off.

A black car. Parked near his building.

Inside, two men sat watching.

Seo-Jun slowed his steps, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. His pulse ticked slightly faster.

“Are they looking for Nikolai?”

He hurried up the stairs, glancing over his shoulder one last time.

Seo-Jun stepped inside.

Nikolai was standing by the window, staring outside.

Something in his posture was different. Tense. Alert.

Seo-Jun set the grocery bags down, watching him carefully.

Before he could speak, Nikolai turned.

“Teach, I think I’m feeling better now. It’s better if I go.”

Seo-Jun blinked, his chest tightening for a reason he couldn’t explain.

“Are you sure? You should stay longer to recover.”

Nikolai smirked, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Oh? Are you gonna miss me? Do you like me now?”

Seo-Jun scowled, crossing his arms.

“I don’t like you. I just think you should heal properly.”

His voice was tighter than he wanted it to be.

Nikolai’s smirk faded slightly. He looked back at the window.

“Teach, it’s better if you don’t get involved in this.”

Seo-Jun followed his gaze to the dark car outside.

“You’re leaving because of them?”

Nikolai didn’t answer immediately. Then—

“I appreciate what you did for me. I owe you one.”

Seo-Jun hated the way those words sounded final.

Scene 6: An Abrupt Ending – A Moment Too Late

Nikolai grabbed his coat.

Walked to the door.

Seo-Jun felt something panic inside him.

Nikolai opened the door. Stepped out.

Seo-Jun swallowed. His fingers twitched. Then—

“Wait—”

But Nikolai was already gone.