The silence between us didn't last long.
But it didn't feel normal either.
Sihoon glanced toward the street—
then back at me.
Like he was thinking about something.
"…You shouldn't stay alone tonight."
I blinked.
"What?"
"There was a warning," he said quietly.
"Someone dangerous is nearby. The police haven't caught him yet."
His voice stayed calm—
but I could hear the seriousness in it.
I felt a small chill run through me.
"…Really?"
He nodded slightly.
Then after a short pause—
"…I'll stay."
I looked at him, surprised.
"You don't have to—"
"I know," he said.
"I just… want to make sure you're safe."
hesitated for a moment.
Then quietly—
"…Okay."
I looked away slightly.
"If you want."
He didn't reply immediately.
But I noticed it—
the way his shoulders relaxed just a little.
"…Alright," he said.
His voice was calmer now.
I stepped aside.
"You can come in."
He nodded once and walked in quietly.
The moment he entered—
everything felt… different.
My house suddenly didn't feel like just mine anymore.
I didn't know what to do.
Where should he sit?
What should I say?
Even the silence felt louder than before.
"You can sit there," I said, pointing toward the sofa.
He nodded again and sat down.
I walked into the kitchen quietly.
Trying to calm myself down.
Why does everything feel so strange…?
I poured a glass of water.
My hands were slightly unsteady.
Even something simple felt difficult now.
When I came back—
he was sitting on the sofa.
Looking around the room.
Quiet.
I held the glass out to him.
"…Here."
He looked at me for a second—
then took it.
"Thanks."
That was it.
Just one word.
And then—
silence again.
I sat down on the other side of the sofa.
Not too close.
Not too far.
But I could still feel his presence clearly.
The sound of the clock on the wall suddenly felt louder.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
I didn't look at him.
But I knew—
he wasn't looking at me either.
The silence stretched again.
Then suddenly—
"…Do you mind if I use your bathroom?"
I looked at him, a little surprised.
He rubbed the back of his neck slightly.
"I ran all the way here," he added quietly.
"I probably look a mess."
I blinked for a second—
then quickly nodded.
"No, it's fine."
"You can use it."
I stood up.
"I'll get you a towel."
My voice sounded strangely careful.
Why am I this nervous…?
"It's down the hallway," I said, pointing quickly.
I waited in the living room.
Trying not to think too much.
But that didn't really work.
After a while,
the bathroom door opened.
I looked up—
and froze for a second.
He was wearing my clothes.
But they were clearly too small for him.
The sleeves were shorter—
and the fit was… a little tight.
I quickly looked away.
Pressing my lips together.
Trying not to smile.
"…They don't fit," he said, glancing down at himself.
I couldn't hold it anymore.
"…You look kind of cute," I said quietly.
He paused.
Then looked at me.
Really looked.
"…Cute?" he repeated.
I immediately looked away again.
"…I didn't mean it like that."
"…Cute?" he repeated.
I immediately looked away.
"…I didn't mean it like that."
There was a small pause.
Then—
"You're just too short," he said casually.
I blinked.
"…What?"
I turned to look at him again.
"That's why they don't fit," he added.
A faint hint of a smile on his face.
"That's not true," I said quickly.
My face was getting warm again.
He didn't argue.
Just looked at me for a second longer than usual.
I was about to say something—
when suddenly—
click.
The lights went out.
Everything turned dark.
I froze.
"…What just happened?"
My voice came out quieter than I expected.
The room felt different instantly.
Too quiet.
Too still.
"It's probably just a power cut,"
Sihoon said calmly.
I couldn't see him clearly.
Only his silhouette in the dark.
And somehow—
that made my heart beat faster.
Then—
a faint sound came from outside.
I held my breath.
"…Did you hear that?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead—
I heard him stand up.
"Stay here," he said quietly.
"Stay here," he said quietly.
He took a step forward—
but before he could move any further…
I reached out—
and held onto him.
My fingers tightened around his arm.
I didn't even think about it.
It just… happened.
For a second,
everything went completely still.
He stopped.
Not moving at all.
My heart was beating so fast
I was sure he could hear it.
"…Don't go," I whispered.
The words came out quietly.
Almost without meaning to.
He turned slightly toward me.
Close enough that I could feel it—
even in the dark.
"…I'm right here," he said softly.
Then slowly…
his hand closed around mine.
Warm.
Steady.
Like he was telling me—
without words—
that he wasn't going anywhere.
And in the dark…
I didn't feel afraid anymore.