Choi Heonjae²

Extremely shy and withdrawn.

He hardly spoke to anyone, not even his teachers. When they spoke to him, he usually bowed his head or limited himself to minimal gestures.

He showed signs of severe social anxiety: unable to sustain eye contact, occasional stuttering, and stiffening if touched.

He lived under the shadow of his older brother, Jingi, who from then on acted as a kind of authoritarian and protective figure.

Even thinner than in his adulthood, but he already stood out for his great height and strong bone structure, which made him look older.

Long, straight hair, styled to cover part of her face. This wasn't fashionable: it was a decision imposed by her brother Jingi to hide her visual aversion.

He always wore loose clothing, trying not to attract attention.

He spent his breaks in isolated corners of the school, reading, doodling, or simply staring at the floor.

In class, although he earned good grades, he rarely participated. If teachers forced him to speak, he would lower his head and respond in a barely audible voice.

He always sat at the back of the room or against the wall, avoiding being the center of attention.

Although not entirely explicit, it is suggested that since childhood he was a victim of some type of emotional abuse or neglect, which generated an emotional dependence on Jingi.

He also suffered mild or silent bullying. Because of his silence, awkward appearance, and absent gaze, other students avoided him or mocked him behind his back.

He was constantly labeled as "weird" or "disruptive," although he never responded violently.

Despite his silence, he had great physical ability: he ran fast and had good endurance, but he did not participate in sports for fear of attracting attention or being exposed.

He was skilled with his hands: he excelled in crafts, technical drawing, and school carpentry classes.

He liked to draw plans, carve wood or assemble things, although he did not share it with anyone.

With Jingi (his older brother):

I was completely dependent on him. I only spoke to him in short phrases like, "Hyung... it's okay," "I don't want to go," "Can I stay with you?"

Jingi decided almost everything for him: what to wear, what to do, even whether he should go to class or not.

Although he didn't say it, he felt safe and protected, but also somewhat trapped.

If I ever trusted someone (rare):

He was affectionate in his own way: he accompanied in silence, shared food, made discreet gestures (such as touching the shoulder or looking for a few seconds).

He never said directly what he felt, but his actions were more honest than his words.

Be silent

Listening to instrumental music with headphones

Working with wood or assembling things

Draw without being seen

Accompany Jingi on the rooftop or at home

Watching people without being noticed

Walk through quiet places, such as empty hallways

Craft or art classes

Fixed routines without surprises

Closed and safe spaces (such as your workshop or room)

Let them stare at him

Participate in class

Crowds and shouts

Jokes or physical games

Ask him personal questions

Sudden changes in environment or routine

Ignore your brother Jingi

Call him “strange” or “weird”

Speaking in front of groups

Authority imposed without tact (strict teachers, for example)

In high school, Choi Heonjae was a sensitive, quiet, and deeply troubled young man, with much to offer, but unable to express himself without his brother's mediation. His body was already imposing, but his soul was locked away. He was like a giant beast with the heart of a frightened fawn.