4 Answers
For a shorter but intense take, 'Fault Lines' explores Jeno as a firefighter rescuing his ex from a collapsed building. His protectiveness here is raw—ignoring orders, digging through rubble barehanded. The flashbacks of their past relationship contrast beautifully with the life-or-death present. Another quick hit is 'Holding Pattern,' where he’s a pilot diverting a flight to save his sick partner. The way he prioritizes her over protocol screams 'Jeno core.' Both fics pack emotional punches in under 50k words.
I’d recommend 'Neon Loyalty' for Jeno’s layered protectiveness. The setting’s a cyberpunk AU where he plays a hacker shielding his childhood friend from corporate espionage. It’s not just about throwing punches; his protectiveness shows in coded messages and sabotaged surveillance systems. The romance burns slow, with Jeno constantly recalculating risks to keep her safe without smothering her. The high-stakes climax involves a rooftop chase where he takes a bullet for her—cliché, yes, but the emotional fallout afterward (guilt, vulnerability) is where the fic shines. Another gem is 'Guardian’s Gambit,' where he’s a spy torn between missions and protecting his partner. The way he memorizes her habits to predict danger feels obsessive in the best way.
If you want Jeno’s protective instincts dialed to eleven, 'Blackout' is a must-read. It’s a survival AU where a power outage traps the city in chaos, and Jeno’s love interest is targeted by looters. The fic thrives on his hyper-awareness—counting exits, rationing supplies, and always positioning himself between her and threats. What I loved was how his protectiveness borders on desperation, especially when he barters his own safety for hers. There’s a scene where he stitches her wound under flashlight glow, hands steady but voice shaking, that wrecked me. The romance is gritty, not sweet, which fits the stakes perfectly. Also, check out 'Silent Protocol' for a mafia AU where Jeno’s loyalty is tested. His quiet 'I’ll always find you' promise mid-gunfight lives in my head rent-free.
I recently stumbled upon this NCT fanfiction titled 'Shadows and Light' that absolutely nails Jeno's protective side in a high-stakes romance. The story pits him against a rival gang, with his love interest caught in the crossfire. What stood out was how the author didn’t just rely on physical protectiveness—Jeno’s emotional guard is just as fierce. The way he silently watches over her, anticipating threats before they even happen, gave me chills.
The pacing is relentless, but the quiet moments between them—like Jeno fixing her scarf before a snowstorm or memorizing her coffee order—are what make it feel real. There’s another fic, 'Crossfire Hearts,' where he’s a bodyguard torn between duty and love. The tension is chef’s kiss, especially when he disobeys orders to shield her during an assassination attempt. Both fics weave his protectiveness into the plot so naturally, it’s hard to imagine Jeno any other way.