Cracks in the Armor

The argument happens over something stupid. A missed call. A rumor. A look that lasted too long.

“What do you want from me?” Hong snaps, voice low and raw.

Nut freezes. The truth presses against his ribs, desperate to escape. You. I want you.

Instead, he says nothing. And Hong laughs bitterly, like that’s the worst answer of all.

Later, Nut cries alone in the shower, water masking the sound. He hates himself for being brave on stage but a coward everywhere else.