purplemountain

Latest Posts by purplemountain

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

Chapter 11: An Unwelcomed Familiar Face

Haein prepares to meet the Director of Hycerna but is caught off guard by the return of Yoon Eunsung—now a powerful figure with ties to the man she needs. Tensions rise as old wounds resurface, and Chaewoon’s quiet protectiveness deepens when he senses that Eunsung may be more dangerous than he appears.

It was finally the night of the 20th Investors Gala—the event where the Director of Hycerna would be attending. Haein was determined to speak with him about business, no matter what.

As she placed an earring on, her eyes lingered on her reflection in the mirror. That sinking feeling in her stomach refused to go away. A wave of dizziness passed over her, and she could feel cold sweat starting to form along her head.

And then a soft knock pulled her out of her thoughts.

“Miss Haein? Are you ready?” Chaewoon’s voice called gently from outside her door.

She turned toward the clock on the wall and froze. 8:32 pm…. Thirty minutes has passed already?

She could’ve sworn it had only been seconds since she began getting ready. The clock had read 8:00 when she picked up her earring. What had she even done in that time? Nothing came to mind—just a blur.

It was happening again, time slipping by so fast. As if her memory was skipping parts of her life. She sighed and grabbed her purse. She had no time to think about these things, she was about to be late at the Gala.

Grabbing her purse, she opened the door. Chaewoon was there, standing as always, his posture straight, eyes scanning her carefully. But she caught it—a flicker of concern in his gaze before he quickly masked it.

“Let’s go.” She said as she walked pass him.

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At the gala, the dazzling lights and hum of conversation did nothing to ease the pounding in her head. She ignored the ringing in her ears, pressing forward with practiced poise.

“Just stay beside me.” She murmured to Chaewoon who was just about to fade from the sidelines. Normally at events like this, especially one where Haein had to socialize and meet with different people, he doesn’t accompany her and follow her around like usual. He simply stays around the corners, watching her from afar, being alert incase she needed him. So when Haein asked him to stay beside her, Chaewoon did not question it. He knew, she needed him now more than ever.

“I’ll be right here,” he said reassuringly, and she gave him a small nod.

As they entered the grand ballroom, Haein felt her headache growing more when someone approached her.

“Well, look who finally showed up.” A woman with sleek short hair, crimson lips, and a dress that screamed for attention stepped into view. She was smiling—but it was not at all friendly, Chaewoon could tell, and he became more alert.

“Good evening, Han Jiwoo,” Haein replied, not bothering with a smile.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you at one of these. First time getting invited again?”

“I always get invited, I just hate attending.” Haein replied as she crossed her arms, Chaewoon could already feel the impatience in her voice.

“Oh? And who’s this?” Han Jiwoo’s voice cut through the chatter, eyes landing on Chaewoon, who stood just a step behind Haein. “Oh my, did you finally get yourself a boyfriend?” she gasped dramatically, swirling the wine in her glass.

“Well, I must say, Haein, you’ve got good taste.” Her gaze swept over him slowly. “So what’s your name? You look a bit familiar. Which family did you come from?” She continued.

Haein’s composure was momentarily thrown off at the word boyfriend. But she brushed it off and scoffed, already irritated. “Can you stop bothering us Han Jiwoo, you’re clearly already drunk and the event only just started. Stop embarrassing yourself.” She said as she moved away Jiwoo’s hand when she was about to approach him.

“Oh so you’re still single then Haein? You really should start seeing someone. How old are you anyway?” Jiwoo said, clearly testing Haein’s patience. “Look at me, I’m happily married for years now to one of the most successful businessmen in the country that my parents had arranged for me. I’m living such a good life. I don’t even have to work myself like a dog. But look at yourself, still a slave to your family who doesn’t even appreciate you.” Jiwoo added sweetly, the fake concern laced with venom.

Chaewoon could feel himself also getting impatient. All he wanted to do now was take Haein away from this woman as soon as possible.

Just as he was about to step forward and gesture to Haein for them to walk away, Jiwoo had more to say.

“You know,” she said with a smug tilt of her head, “you should’ve never broken up with Yoon Eunsung.”

The name hit like a slap. Haein visibly annoyed. “Why would you bring him up?” she said sharply. Chaewoon caught the shift in her tone. He watched her carefully.

Jiwoo smiled, savoring the reaction. “You don’t know anything do you? He’s Mr. Hermann’s right-hand man. He’s the key to reaching Mr. Hermann.”

“What?”

“Hey, he became really successful. He’s not the same guy from university. He’s in charge of managing Sheikh’s finances now.” Jiwoo added, gesturing subtly to their right. Haein followed her gaze. Across the room, a sharply dressed man stood among foreign delegates, laughing with practiced ease. Her eyes narrowed, her body going still and Chaewoon noticed how she shifted uncomfortably.

Never should’ve broken up? Did she have a relationship with him in the past? Chaewoon wondered. He glanced at the way Haein’s face hardened, as she let out a sigh. Whatever happened between them—it didn’t end well.

Chaewoon’s jaw ticked. He didn’t like the way Jiwoo was needling her.

And more than that, he didn’t like the way Haein looked like she’d rather be anywhere else than here the moment her eyes landed on him.

Yoon Eunsung’s gaze swept across the crowd—until it landed on Haein. Without hesitation, he began walking towards her.

Haein tensed the moment she saw him. She didn’t flinch or look startled, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her eyes, like someone bracing for a conversation they never wanted to have.

Chaewoon instinctively stepped closer, his presence solid at her side—a quiet but firm show of support.

“It’s been a while,” Eunsung said, flashing her a knowing smile.

Haein’s expression smoothed over in an instant, shifting into the polished, diplomatic smile she wore in business meetings. “You should’ve let me know if you were back in Korea.” She replied casually.

Eunsung tilted his head slightly, then said, “Don’t you remember the last thing you said to me? To not contact you.” 

Chaewoon’s eyes flicked toward Haein, his brows lifting ever so slightly.

Her smile wavered—just a little—before she let out a quiet scoff. “You’re right. I told you not to reach out to me ever again, because you kept crossing the line.”

That landed heavier than anything else.

Chaewoon’s jaw tightened. His gaze sharpened as he looked at Eunsung now, no longer neutral, no longer curious—just guarded. Protective.

“Right, but now, it seems that you have something to say.” Eunsung said with a smug smile. Woo Chaewoon was not a violent man, but for some reason, he felt a strong urge to wipe that smirk off his face right now with his fist.

Haein dropped the pleasantries. “I’m sure you’ve already figured it out, so I’ll get to the point. You’re close with Mr. Hermann, and I want Hercyna in our mall. Will you help me or not?”

Eunsung chuckled, leaning back. “Still the same cold-hearted Hong Haein. You’ve always been like this—keeping people around only when they’re useful. Tossing them aside when they’re not.”

Haein scoffed. “If you’re not interested, spare me the lecture. I have other ways.”

Eunsung smiled, “But I do want to help you. And I also want to apologize for my behaviour the last time we saw each other. It’s been years and I’m a different man now. I hope you can give me a chance.” He said as he offered his hand to her.

Haein eyed it with suspicion before meeting his gaze. “Let’s be clear. You’re right—I use people. Right now, you’re just a means to secure a deal with Mr. Hermann. So I hope you don’t expect anything more from me.” Haein said coldly. Not batting an eye.

Eunsung smiled, “Of course, I know that. And I don’t mind. Use me however you want.” He then stepped closer to Haein, to which she instinctively stepped back, prompting Chaewoon to swiftly move in front of her. 

Chaewoon towered over Yoon Eunsung, his stance firm and protective, eyes locked with unwavering intensity. He stood like a shield, a silent wall between Haein and whatever threat Eunsung posed.

“And who are you exactly?” Eunsung asked, his lips curved in a polite smile, but the irritation in his voice was unmistakable. “You have a bodyguard now?”

“He’s my most trusted aide,” Haein replied coolly, arms crossing over her chest. “So you better respect him.” Her tone was sharp, final—like a blade sheathed in ice.

Chaewoon blinked, caught off guard. Most trusted aide—he hadn’t expected that. The words hit him in a place he didn’t realize was vulnerable. A flicker of warmth fluttered in his chest, but it was quickly replaced by a pang of guilt. She trusted him—deeply, clearly—and yet, he was hiding the truth from her. He wasn’t just her bodyguard. He was a spy sent to monitor her family.

Eunsung’s smile faltered ever so slightly, his eyes narrowing. He hadn’t pegged Hong Haein as the type to keep anyone that close. Cold, calculated, unreachable—that was the Haein he knew. So who was this man standing so protectively in front of her?

“I see,” Eunsung said, extending a hand. “Yoon Eunsung. I’ve known Haein since we were kids. Nice to meet you… Mr.?”

Chaewoon met his eyes briefly before taking the hand. His grip was firm but short. “Woo Chaewoon.” A beat passed. Then Eunsung tilted his head. “So… are you going to step aside, or?”

Chaewoon did not budge, instead, he looked behind him and waited for Haein.

When Haein gave him a subtle nod, only then did Chaewoon step back, wordless and composed. But the tension in the air crackled—thick, heavy, unspoken.

Eunsung’s jaw clenched as he walked past, eyes still on Chaewoon.

He had questions. And he was going to find the answers. Sooner or later.

“I can set up a meeting with Mr. Hermann as soon as possible, Haein,” Eunsung offered. “I can even help make the deal happen.”

“For what reason exactly are you going this far to help me? I only intended to ask if you could introduce me to Mr. Hermann, I can handle the rest myself.” Haein replied.

Eunsung gave a faint, almost wistful smile. “Call it… old times’ sake? Maybe you hated me back then—maybe you still do. But I never did. I’ve always been here, Haein. Ready to help, nothing in return. I mean that.”

He extended his hand again, open and steady. After a beat, Haein took it, her grip firm. “Good to know.

Behind her, Chaewoon said nothing—but his gaze stayed locked on Eunsung. Calculating. Cold.

Because in that moment, he knew: this man wasn’t just from Haein’s past. He could be someone harmful. Someone dangerous. And he will make sure no harm will come in Haein’s way.

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The night stretched on, and the event slowly unfolded.

After a while, Eunsung took Haein to go and meet Mr. Hermann. Chaewoon was asked to stay behind—Mr. Hermann preferred privacy when discussing business, especially around unfamiliar faces.

Chaewoon understood, of course. But that didn’t mean he was comfortable leaving Haein alone with Yoon Eunsung.

Before she followed, Haein turned to him and gently held onto his arm. “Don’t worry,” she said softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “I’ll be back shortly. So stay put—because I’ll be looking for you the moment I’m done.” Haein said, almost jokingly, as if to ease Chaewoon, because like him, she can also somehow read him now. And she was aware that he did not like the idea of leaving her side tonight.

“Mr. Woo?” she called out, noticing his silence.

Chaewoon sighed and then reached out, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. He slowly leaned down, close to her ear—close enough for her breath to hitch in surprise.

Then, quietly, without anyone noticing, she felt him slip something into her right hand—the one still holding his arm. She looked down and unfolded her fingers. A small object rested in her palm. A button.

“If anything happens, just call me.” Chaewoon whispered in her ear. “Press the button if you need me, I will come inside immediately.” His voice was low, quiet—yet it sent a shiver down her spine. Her fingers tightened around the object as she lifted her head.

Chaewoon then met her gaze, “Alright?”

Haein nodded slowly, a quiet promise in her eyes.

And then, without another word, she turned and walked away with Eunsung. But even as the distance between them grew, she could still feel the weight of Chaewoon’s hand on her shoulder—and the quiet vow that came with it.

When Haein was no longer in his line of sight, Chaewoon felt restless. Uneasy. Something about that Yoon Eunsung guy didn’t sit right with him.

He couldn’t shake it—the instinct that told him he wouldn’t like what he might uncover.

Based on Haein’s reaction earlier, Eunsung was clearly someone who didn’t respect boundaries. Chaewoon had seen it in her eyes: the way she tensed when Eunsung got too close, how her smile faltered. She was uncomfortable, and yet the man kept inching closer, like he either didn’t notice—or didn’t care.

Chaewoon’s jaw clenched.

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It’s almost an hour now. 45 minutes, he noted. And still no sign of Hong Haein. His concern deepened, the silence pressing against his chest.

He finally sent a message: How are you?

A reply came moments later: It’s almost over.

Only four words, but enough to let him breathe again—just a little.

“Woo Chaewoon?” A familiar voice then called out from behind. Chaewoon turned, and he immediately recognized the man.

“Mr. Jo Hangyu,” he greeted politely with a respectful bow. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”

“You rascal, who are you calling so formally like that? You used to call me Uncle just a few years ago,” the old man said with a hearty chuckle, giving Chaewoon a friendly pat on the back. “You’ve grown into a fine young man. I still remember you running around the yard while your parents chased after you.”

Chaewoon smiled warmly at the memory. “Time flies, doesn’t it?”

Hangyu tilted his head. “What brings you here? You’re not usually the type to show up at events like this.”

“I’m just accompanying someone,” Chaewoon replied, his tone easy. “It’s work-related.”

“Ah, right. I heard you left the military. Haven’t heard from you since. What have you been up to? And who are you accompanying, huh? A girlfriend, maybe?” Hangyu teased, nudging his arm.

Chaewoon chuckled, but before he could answer, Hangyu added, “And how’s your mother doing?”

The question made Chaewoon pause. His voice softened. “She’s recovering well, Uncle. Would you like to see her again sometime?”

“Of course. Just let me know when. I’d be happy to visit.”

“I’ll let her know. She’d like that,” Chaewoon said with a small, grateful nod.

Hangyu studied him for a moment, a nostalgic look settling in his eyes. “You really do look like your old man. I’m sure he would’ve been proud of the man you’ve become.”

Chaewoon offered a faint smile. “And I’m sure I’d still be getting a good scolding from him now and then.”

They both laughed softly.

“Well,” Hangyu said, patting his shoulder, “it’s good to see you again, kid. Don’t be a stranger. You know you’re like a son to me. If you ever need anything—advice, help, or just a drinking buddy—you know where to find me. I may be getting old, but I have high alcohol tolerance.”

Chaewoon grinned. “And I will make sure to be the judge of that, Uncle.”

When Hangyu finally left, Chaewoon felt a tap on his shoulder.

He turned to see Hong Haein standing there, eyes wide and expectant. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion—and was that a pout on her lips?

“Hey Mr. Woo, where have you been?” She said, a bit slower than how she normally talks. “I immediately looked for you as soon as I got out of there. But you were nowhere to be found. I told you to stay put didn’t I?” To anyone else, she might’ve seemed perfectly fine. But Chaewoon knew better. The way she swayed slightly on her feet, the warmth rising from her face, the unusually soft lilt in her voice—

Wait. Is she drunk?

But before he could ask, Haein stepped forward and stumbled, and he caught her just in time—hands gripping her shoulders to steady her.

“Take me home,” she mumbled, leaning into him. “I’m sick of everyone here.”

Then, quieter: “Take me with you.”

Chaewoon froze for a moment, the weight of her words settling somewhere deeper than he expected.

And as she rested her head against his chest, Chaewoon realized—this wasn’t something he could just walk away from anymore.

< Chapter 10 Chapter 11 >

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taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

Chapter 10: A Worry He Couldn’t Name

As Haein pushes through her busy days quiet symptoms begin to surface—headaches, dizziness, and fatigue she brushes off. But Chaewoon notices it all, his silent concern growing. But as the days pass, it becomes harder for either of them to pretend nothing’s wrong.

Haein leaned back in her chair, brows furrowed, as she stared at Chaewoon through the glass walls of her office. She had been noticing it lately—how he was being extra attentive toward her.

Chaewoon had always been different from other bodyguards. He wasn’t just the silent, stoic type standing at a distance. He went above and beyond, a quiet presence who handled everything before she even thought to ask.

And she didn’t mind it.

In fact, she had gotten used to it—the way he was always there, the silent acts of service, the gentleness laced into his actions and words. She had grown so accustomed to him that sometimes, she forgot to notice how much she relied on his presence.

But lately… something was different.

It started one afternoon.

She had been getting headaches for days—nothing serious, she thought. Just the usual stress. She would pop a pill, drink some water, and move on with her day.

But Chaewoon had begun hovering more than necessary.

When her throat went dry during a meeting and she coughed lightly, he was at her side almost instantly, a glass of water in hand.

“Are you alright? Should I call someone to check on you?” he whispered, concern etched into his face. Haein waved him off. “…My throat was just dry. Calm down.”

Another time, during rounds at Queen’s Department Store, she misstepped slightly on the escalator. Chaewoon immediately caught her arm, steadying her before she could fall.

“The whole point of an escalator is so you don’t have to walk,” he muttered with a tsk, examining her feet briefly. “Everyone walks on escalators,” Haein scoffed.

“But you’re wearing high heels,” he said, exasperated. “Please be more careful.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re getting annoying, you know that?”

And just yesterday, as she sat reviewing documents, her fingers absentmindedly pressing against her forehead, she hadn’t even noticed him approach until he was standing beside her table—with food in hand.

“You haven’t eaten yet,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m not hungry,” she replied without looking up.

“Your head’s going to hurt again if you keep starving yourself,” he said softly, lowering the paper she was reading and placing the neatly packed food in front of her. “Please eat.”

But, there was a reason why Chaewoon had been acting this way lately.

Chaewoon had always been observant. He was quick to notice the smallest changes—the slight shifts in a person’s behavior, the quiet signals that something was wrong. And he didn’t fail to notice the changes happening to Hong Haein.

It started one afternoon.

Chaewoon stood just right outside the door, his eyes scanning the quiet office as Haein worked, her sharp focus on the documents before her. But as he watched her, a subtle unease began to creep into him. The usual quick movements of her hands were slower now. The focus in her eyes, once unshakeable, had become distant at times.

She reached for a pen to sign a document, but it slipped from her fingers, landing on the floor with a soft clatter. Haein frowned, blinking as if trying to shake off a sudden dizziness.

“Miss Haein?” Chaewoon’s voice was soft but laced with concern. She looked up, her expression briefly vacant before it cleared.

“I’m fine,” she muttered, her tone clipped as usual, but there was a hint of something off in the way she said it. A sharpness that had once been there now seemed worn, frayed around the edges.

Chaewoon stood, walking over to her desk. “You’re not fine.” He picked up the pen she’d dropped and handed it to her, his fingers brushing against hers for a brief moment. Haein didn’t seem to notice, her hand shaky as she grasped the pen.

“It’s just the headaches.” She replied, he wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him, or herself.

But it wasn’t just this one moment.

Chaewoon had seen it before—the slight hesitation in her steps, the way her confident stride would falter for half a second, as if her body momentarily forgot how to move. At first, he brushed it off, thinking she was merely lost in thought. But it kept happening. Again and again.

And so, he couldn’t help it—he found himself watching her more closely, worrying about her with every step she took.

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One night, as Chaewoon escorted her back to the mansion, he noticed it again. Her hand, clutching her bag, trembled ever so slightly. Her steps were slower than usual, and her forehead had been pressed lightly all day, as if she were trying to soothe a growing ache.

Without a word, Chaewoon swiftly took the bag from her hands and gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, grounding her.

“Are you alright?” His voice was laced with quiet concern.

Haein sighed, “Can you stop doing that?”

Chaewoon blinked in surprise. “Doing what?”

“Being dramatic,” she muttered, though there was no real anger in her tone, just a tired edge to it.

“I’m really fine, Mr. Woo. I’ve just been tired lately. You can stop worrying now.” She snatched the bag from him and walked off without looking back.

“I understand,” Chaewoon said softly, though the words didn’t quite settle in her chest.

When Haein reached her room, she immediately regretted her harsh response. She hadn’t meant to push him away like that, but she hated feeling vulnerable in front of him.

She sank down on the edge of her bed, her head heavy with more than just fatigue.

If she was honest with herself, something didn’t feel right. Her headaches had become constant, her memory slipping more often than not, and sometimes, her vision blurred as if she were seeing through a fog.

It only added to her growing frustration, and she didn’t want to take it out on Chaewoon—especially when she knew he was just trying to help. But the truth was, his concern was starting to wear on her.

Why is he so concerned anyway? What am I to him?

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It was a busy morning for Hong Haein. News had arrived that the Director of Hycerna would be visiting Korea and attending the 20th Investors Gala the following week. Haein had long been working to secure a deal to bring Hycerna to Queen’s Department Store—and she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.

Determined, she spent the morning clearing her schedule and strategizing how best to convince Mr. Hermann to sign with Queen’s.

Meanwhile, Chaewoon stood outside her closet room, mildly concerned as he listened to the thuds of shoes and the rustling of clothes being thrown onto the floor.

A moment later, Haein emerged from the chaos, two dresses held up on hangers.

“Choose. Both are limited edition from Hycerna. Which one will make a better impression?” she asked, slightly breathless.

“You’re asking for my opinion?” Chaewoon blinked.

“I’m in a dilemma, obviously. I need a second opinion,” she said, thrusting the dresses forward.

Chaewoon narrowed his eyes. To him, the two dresses looked almost identical—but he wisely kept that thought to himself, he knew Haein would glare at him if he said that.

“I think both dresses would look beautiful on you,” he said, making Haein blink in surprise.

“But,” he continued thoughtfully, “if you want to make a strong first impression as a serious businesswoman, I’d go with the one on the left. The one on the right feels more like you’re hosting a party.”

Haein stared at him, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn’t expected him to actually take the question seriously, much less give such a thoughtful answer.

And to her own surprise, she found herself appreciating it.

“Thanks. Are you usually this good with women’s clothes?” Haein asked, disappearing into the closet with the dress in hand.

Chaewoon chuckled, leaning back against the doorframe. “Let’s just say having an older sister gave me plenty of training. You wouldn’t believe how many outfit decisions I had to make for her growing up.” He smiled at the memory of him when he was young, held hostage by his older sister as she shoved different clothes in front him.

Haein smiled at the thought, sliding into the dress. “Sounds like you two are close.”

“Yeah, we are,” he said, a fond look passing over his face. “Our parents were always working, so she basically played the role of a second mom. She nagged the hell out of me, we bickered constantly—but she always had my back. I’ll always be grateful for her.”

Inside the closet, Haein paused, touched by how warmly he spoke about his sister. “Where is she now? Does she live overseas?” She asked, recalling the picture she saw on his account before. It looked like it was taken at another country.

Chaewoon nodded. “Yeah. They moved Germany for her daughter’s medical treatment.”

Chaewoon’s voice softened slightly, the usual playfulness giving way to something quieter. “My niece was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition. Treatment options here were limited, but there’s a specialist in Berlin. They’ve been there for almost two years now.”

Haein, still behind the door, stilled at the weight of his words. “That must’ve been hard… for all of you.”

“It was,” he admitted. “But they’re doing okay now. My niece is responding well to the treatment. She’s a tough little kid.”

There was a small pause, only the sound of fabric shifting as Haein adjusted the dress. Then, her voice came, gentler than before. “You really care about your family.”

Chaewoon huffed a short laugh. “Of course. I owe a lot to them.” Then, trying to lighten the mood, he added, “Though I’m still salty about being her fashion guinea pig for all those years.”

The door creaked slightly as Haein peeked out, one hand gripping the frame. “Well, all that trauma paid off. This dress fits perfectly.”

When Haein finally stepped out of her closet, Chaewoon looked up—and froze for just a moment.

Haein stood there, the soft lighting catching the subtle shimmer of the fabric. The color complimented her skin tone, the cut elegant but simple. She looked both graceful and strong.

“Well?” she asked, casually adjusting the cuffs of her sleeves. “How do I look?”

Chaewoon stood there, his eyes glued to her. “You… look nice.”

Haein raised an eyebrow. “That all you got, Mr. Former Fashion Consultant?”

Chaewoon stepped forward without a word and smoothed the cuffs for her, his touch careful.

“You look beautiful, Miss Haein,” he said softly.

She stilled.

He had said that word before—beautiful. A compliment she’d heard countless times, from countless people. It never meant much. But somehow, when he said it, it landed differently. Quiet. Sincere. Almost reverent.

She cleared her throat, composing herself. “I always do.”

Chaewoon smiled faintly, as if he’d been waiting for that exact answer. He let her go, but not without one last glance.

Haein turned toward the full-length mirror in her room, adjusting the hem of her blouse. But just as she took a step, her vision blurred, and her legs wavered slightly beneath her.

Chaewoon instinctively moved forward, his hand twitching at his side, ready to steady her. But he stopped himself—just in time. He remembered her words from the other day, Can you stop doing that? Being dramatic.

So, he stayed rooted where he was, jaw tightening, his eyes following her every movement. He didn’t want to upset her again. Didn’t want to make her feel like she was being treated like glass.

But to him, it wasn’t a small thing. Not anymore. Not when it had been happening more often lately—those brief moments when she’d falter, sway, or lose her breath just a beat too long.

Haein caught it—the way his body had tensed the moment she stumbled, the way his concern almost leapt forward again. He didn’t say anything. But he didn’t have to. She could feel it.

She didn’t actually mind Chaewoon’s quiet protectiveness. In truth, it warmed her more than she ever admitted. But today, she didn’t want to be the cause of that look on his face again. The one that hovered between worry and restraint.

Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was fear. Or maybe it was something softer, harder to name.

Because the truth was, she liked the way he made her feel—safe, seen. Around him, she could let her guard down. She could look tired, be tired, and not feel ashamed. He never asked her to be anything more than herself.

But the more time they spent together, the more she felt it—that ache in her chest every time she caught him quietly watching her like she might disappear.

And that…

That was the part that scared her.

< Chapter 9 Chapter 11 >

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taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

Chapter 9: Almost on the Line

A line was almost crossed, feelings starting to grow, but both Haein and Chaewoon choose to stay on their own sides, avoiding the tension that’s quietly building between them.

They stayed like that for a moment—neither of them moving, neither of them speaking. The only sound between them was the soft rhythm of the rain tapping against the windows, steady and unrelenting, like the silence that wrapped around them.

Chaewoon’s gaze was soft, gentle—just like it always was when it came to Haein. But tonight, there was something different in his eyes. Something unspoken. Something heavier. And she felt it too—the shift in the air, the quiet catch in his breath, the way his eyes lingered like he was searching for something… something he wasn’t sure he had the right to want.

Then his gaze dropped—to her lips.

Haein’s heart fluttered in response, unsteady and sudden. Her breath hitched, caught in her throat, and when his eyes flicked back up to meet hers, the moment stretched impossibly thin—on the edge of something neither of them dared to name.

And then—

RING.

The sudden sound of a phone call cut through the quiet like a splash of cold water. Haein startled, fumbling for her phone, yanking it free and accidentally dislodging her headset in the process.

“I—I need to take this call,” she stammered, avoiding his eyes. “You can take the rest of the day off. Goodbye.”

Before he could say anything, she was already halfway to her room, pressing the still-ringing phone to her ear, her footsteps quick and uneven.

Chaewoon sat there still in the moment, his mind still wandering on what had almost happened. One minute, he was waking up to find her beside him—closer than they’d ever been—and the next, she was running off like the walls had suddenly caved in.

His eyes dropped to his lap. Her headset.

It must’ve slipped when she grabbed her phone. He picked it up slowly, fingers curling around the tangled cord.

With a quiet sigh, he leaned back against the couch and ran a hand across his forehead.

“That was close,” he murmured to himself.

Too close.

The way he’d looked at her lips. The way he’d almost leaned in. It wasn’t just a moment— it was a line he'd never crossed, until now.

He knew he was losing his grip. And he didn’t know how much longer he could keep pretending.

Pretending that he didn’t want more. Pretending that the feelings blooming quietly inside him weren’t real. Pretending that looking at her didn’t already feel like falling.

And it was dangerous. Too dangerous.

Because the moment he let himself feel this way—let himself want more—he knew it could only end badly.

He kept reminding himself: he was betraying her even now. He was someone she should never trust.

And if the moment comes when Haein finds out the truth—that he was a spy planted inside her family—he didn’t know if she would ever be able to look at him the same way again.

And that thought terrified him more than anything else.

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Haein closed the door behind her and leaned against it, eyes shut, chest rising and falling as if she’d just run a marathon. The rain outside hadn’t let up—it kept drumming softly against the windows like a heartbeat she couldn’t ignore.

She finally opened her eyes and let out a shaky breath, walking over to her desk. The phone call had ended quickly—nothing urgent, just her secretary checking in. But it might as well have been fate yanking her away from a moment she wasn’t ready for.

She sank into her chair, elbows resting on the table, fingers threading through her hair. Her mind was still in the living room—with him. With Chaewoon.

The way he looked at her. The warmth in his eyes. The stillness in the space between them.

And the way his gaze dropped—just for a second—to her lips.

Her heart thundered at the memory, that tiny, unspoken flicker that almost turned into something more. She’d seen it. Felt it.

And she’d run.

Haein let out a soft, humorless laugh and tilted her head back against the chair.

“Idiot,” she whispered—to herself, to him, to the whole moment.

Why did he look at me that way? Was he about to lean in? Was he about to….

She halted her thoughts. It was starting to scare her. She was scared how easily she got lost in the moment. She was scared at how she wanted it. How easy it was to lean in. How natural it was starting to feel to be near him.

Her eyes drifted to the empty pouch sitting on her desk. It was where she kept her headset. The one Chaewoon was still holding onto in the living room.

She pressed her palms to her face.

“This is getting out of hand,” she muttered.

And yet…

Her hands dropped slowly to her lap as her lips curled, soft and bittersweet.

She wasn’t sure what scared her more—that he almost kissed her… or that she almost let him.

And if the phone hadn’t rung…

She wasn’t sure she would’ve stopped him.

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Chaewoon hadn’t slept well that night. His mind had been too busy, too occupied. And when morning came and he picked up Haein for work, he noticed—she hadn’t slept well either.

The air between them was awkward, heavier than usual.

The drive to the company was uncomfortably quiet. Chaewoon kept glancing at the rear-view mirror to check on her. Haein sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the window, but he noticed the little things—the way she blinked a little faster whenever she caught him looking, the way her fingers absentmindedly played with her pen.

And when their eyes met in the mirror, he quickly looked away.

He hated that.

Hated that he was the one making her feel this uncomfortable.

When they arrived, he moved to open the door for her, hesitating for a second before calling out, “Miss Haein.”

She paused on her tracks. Chaewoon took a breath, his voice steady and careful.

“I’d like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. It was inappropriate, and I made you uncomfortable. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”

Haein didn’t respond right away. She stayed still for a moment, letting his words sink in.

Then, with a small sigh, she spoke.

“What do you mean, Mr. Woo?” she said softly. “I think I should be the one apologizing. I fell asleep on your shoulder the entire afternoon. It must have been uncomfortable for you, and yet… you stayed. I don’t blame you for falling asleep too. You’re not a robot. And…”

She finally turned to face him fully, and for a moment, she almost smiled.

Chaewoon looked so much like a guilty puppy, apologizing even when he didn’t have to.

“I’m not mad or upset with you,” she said gently. “So please, don’t feel uncomfortable with me either.”

Chaewoon returned her smile.

Both of them knew it wasn’t just about her falling asleep on his shoulder, or him dozing off beside her. It was what happened after. The way their lips had almost…

But they chose not to mention it.

Two guarded souls, after all—two people who had built walls too high and too thick around themselves. So, they did what they always did: ignore the moment, pretend it didn’t happen, and let it quietly slip away.

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When they arrived at the office, Haein noticed it again—the lingering stares from the employees, especially the women. Or rather, the stares directed not at her, but at her bodyguard, Chaewoon.

Haein scoffed under her breath. Her pace quickened, the sharp sound of her heels echoing down the hallway.

Chaewoon blinked, momentarily thrown off, before quietly matching her hurried steps.

Is she upset again? he wondered, noting the slight stiffness in her stride.

When they reached her office, Haein spun around, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

“I think you should wear a mask next time,” she said flatly. Chaewoon blinked. “…Excuse me?” he asked, genuinely confused.

“You’re too distracting,” she said, almost accusingly.

“Distracting to… whom exactly?” he asked, his brows furrowing.

“To the people working here. You’re too tall, and too han—” she stopped herself mid-sentence, clearing her throat awkwardly. “—frankly, too above average in looks. You draw too much attention. A mask would… solve that.”

She was rambling now, and Chaewoon, much like yesterday, found himself struggling not to smile. She was flustered—and he was thoroughly entertained.

Chaewoon tilted his head, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

“So… let me get this straight,” he said slowly. “You want me to cover my face because I’m too distracting?”

Haein stiffened. “Don’t make it sound so ridiculous.”

“But it is ridiculous,” he said, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Should I wear sunglasses too? Maybe a hat? Full disguise?”

“Maybe,” she muttered, turning away and busying herself with the papers on her desk, pretending to look disinterested. “It’s called being considerate to the workplace environment.”

Chaewoon stepped closer, just enough that she could feel his presence behind her.

Haein froze for half a second—barely noticeable, but enough for him to catch it.

“Or should I just wear a scary face like this?” Chaewoon said as he furrowed his brows together and pressed his lips together.

She cleared her throat again, shuffling a stack of papers that didn’t actually need organizing. “You’re here to do your job, not to be… aesthetically disruptive.”

Chaewoon laughed, low and amused.

“Understood, Ma’am,” his voice held that teasing lilt that made her ears burn. “I’ll try my best to be less… distracting.”

Haein slammed the stack of papers down a little harder than necessary.

“Good,” she said shortly, refusing to meet his gaze.

But as Chaewoon leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching her try so hard to maintain her cool, he couldn’t help but think:

I’m really in trouble now.

< Chapter 8 Chapter 10 >

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Hi everyone! It's been 2 weeks since the last update (aside from the 2 special chapters) I hope you guys are still here :')

Been busy (and lowkey stressed) with work and life lately. So my mind has been so distracted. And this chapter was supposed to be longer, but I figured I should just cut it and continue it for next chapter. I also kinda had a hard time finishing this chapter because my mind is already on the later parts of the story (yoon eunsung, chaewoon background, haein's illness, family hong drama) and yet I'm still not done with the current chapters. I want to pull my hair out.

Thank you again if you guys are still tuning in! I'm more active in Twitter/X esp with updates. If you want to be friends/moots, it's @dalilmountain. Ily and thank you for the patience and support ;-;

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN Special Chapter 2

genre: romance, slow-burn, sexual tension, mutual pining, suggestive

Special Chapter: An Intimate Moment (Sneak Peek)

In the quiet aftermath of a company party, Chaewoon and Haein find themselves wrapped in an intimate moment that turns from tender to charged with unspoken desire.

Unspoken will take a little longer to update again, so here's a little sneak peek of a future chapter I'm currently working on (this is when they've already established their relationship, maybe around chapter 18). Decided to use a scene where it's a little bit sensual hihi I hope you guys like it. (By the way it's actually my first time writing something this....idk sexy?? HAHAHA anyway pls forgive me if it's a bit cringe(?) tried my best to make it feel romantic ><)

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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It was late at night, the moonlight casting a soft silver glow through the windows of Chaewoon’s cozy home. The warm amber hue of the living room lamp bathed the space in gentle light. On the sofa, Chaewoon sat comfortably, Haein curled up on his lap, her head resting against the crook of his neck, arms loosely draped around his shoulders. His right hand moved in slow, soothing circles along her back, while his left hand rested securely at her waist.

He was still in his suit from earlier, the tie slightly loosened; she wore a sleek black dress from the company party, the fabric hugging her like a second skin. They stayed like that for a long, unspoken moment—wrapped in quiet, in warmth, in the kind of silence that didn’t need to be filled. They just… fit.

Haein moved slightly and looked up. “Am I not heavy?” she asked with a faint smile.

Chaewoon chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You weigh like a feather.”

She grinned. “Good. Because I’m planning to stay like this for a while.”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “I’m not planning to let you go anyway.”

Chaewoon’s lips brushed gently against Haein’s cheek, then lingered a little longer on her forehead. A soft kiss followed on the tip of her nose, then her chin, her jawline… and finally, the curve of her neck. Each kiss was slow, deliberate, reverent—like he was memorizing her with his mouth.

He moved lower, his lips grazing the bare skin of her shoulder, trailing down to her arm, and finally, her hand. He kissed the back of it softly, lingering there before looking up at her—eyes warm, dark, and filled with something tender and unspoken.

“I always get surprised when I see this side of you,” Haein whispered, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Chaewoon chuckled softly, his voice low and rich. “I always try to control myself when I’m with you.”

“Oh really?” she teased, sliding her arms around his broad shoulders and gently running her fingers through his hair.

“You don’t have to, you know,” she murmured, her voice barely above a breath. “You don’t have to control yourself around me… or with me.”

His gaze sharpened, a flicker of heat dancing in his eyes. “I don’t think you know what you’re saying, Haein.”

She tilted her head, raising a brow. “Try me.”

In a heartbeat, the air shifted.

One second, she was playing with his hair. The next, she was gasping—his soft kisses deepening into slow, heated ones against the sensitive skin of her neck. His hands roamed gently, reverently, as if discovering her all over again. Every movement was careful but intense, driven by the quiet fire between them neither of them dared name.

Haein’s long black dress had ridden up her thighs, Chaewoon’s hand resting beneath the fabric, fingers grazing her skin as his lips traveled from her neck down to her chest, leaving a trail of marks on her skin.

Her grip tightened on his shoulders, the rising pleasure making her lightheaded.

Chaewoon paused, kissing her jawline as he whispered, voice low and rough, “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

Haein barely managed a breath, her lips brushing against his ear. “What if I don’t want you to?”

“Haein….” He let out a soft growl at her words, his hands tightening slightly around her thighs, the tension between them dangerously rising.

Slowly, Haein met his gaze. Her hands slid up to his loosened necktie, tugging it free with deliberate ease before letting it fall to the floor.

“Do whatever you want with me tonight,” she whispered.

Something shifted in Chaewoon’s eyes—his gaze darkened, a silent promise sparking behind it. In one fluid motion, he lifted her into his arms and started toward the bedroom.

“Don’t worry,” he murmured, lips brushing her temple. “I’ll take care of you tonight.”

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----> Unspoken Chapter List

First Love - Ju Jihoon x Song Jihyo

genre: second-chance romance, angst, fluff, slow-burn, mutual pinning

Introduction Chapter

The first time Ju Jihoon met Song Jihyo, she was standing by the director’s chair, flipping through her script with a focused gaze. It was 2005, and they were about to begin filming Princess Hours. He had never acted before, and she had only been in a few projects, but something about her made him want to do his best.

They were just co-stars at first—running lines, sharing meals on set, laughing at their own mistakes. But as weeks turned into months, and the love story of their characters unfolded on screen, something real sparked between them. Jihoon found himself drawn to Jihyo’s warmth, her easy laughter, the way she never let the long hours get to her. Jihyo, in turn, admired Jihoon’s quiet determination, his playful but protective nature, the way he made even the most tiring days feel fun.

By the time Princess Hours wrapped, they weren’t just acting anymore. They were in love.

For three years, they were inseparable. They went on late-night drives, whispered secrets in quiet cafes, and stole moments together away from the public eye. It was a love that felt endless—until it wasn’t.

Their careers skyrocketed. The pressure mounted. The scandals, the misunderstandings, the weight of their growing responsibilities—it all became too much. And so, one evening, after a long and painful conversation, they let go.

And they never spoke again.

Years passed, but some memories refused to fade.

Jihyo, surrounded by friends over drinks, would smile softly as she recalled her first love. “We were hanging out, and I fell asleep. He then woke me up and took me to the room next door, which was completely filled with balloons. He had planned it all beforehand to surprise me. I was really moved.”

One time, in an interview, when she met a young idol born in 2009, she jokingly blurted, "If my first love did not fail, I might've had a daughter your age by now."

Jihoon, in turn, would catch glimpses of her everywhere. One night when drinking with friends, he suddenly muttered, “Maybe it’s because I’m drunk, but I have been thinking about it for a while, my heart aches, because you look like my ex-girlfriend.” He’d laugh it off and push the thoughts away, but they lingered, like a song he couldn’t forget.

One time, in an interview, he was given a choice: “Memories are just memories” or “Meet your first love again”?

He hesitated. Then, with a small smile, he answered, “If the opportunity arises and the situation allows, I will meet her.”

Years later, the opportunity came.

It was at an industry event, a quiet gathering of actors, directors, and old friends. Jihoon had just stepped outside for air when he saw her.

Jihyo.

She was older now, but still beautiful, still radiant. Her eyes widened when she noticed him, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

“…It’s been a long time,” Jihoon finally said, his voice quieter than he expected.

Jihyo nodded. “It has.”

A silence stretched between them—not uncomfortable, just full. Full of everything they had been, everything they had lost.

Then, she smiled. “Still standing awkwardly at parties, I see.”

Jihoon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “And you still talk first when I don’t know what to say.”

She laughed. And just like that, the years between them blurred.

Neither of them said it out loud, but they felt it. That pull. That warmth.

Some loves never truly leave.

And maybe, just maybe, some are meant to find their way back.

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Hi everyone! I’m super excited to finally share this story with you. I’ve been drafting it for a while now, and honestly… I might be a little too delusional about these two ;—;

Most of the story will be inspired by real interviews, and I’ll be linking them directly in the text (like some of the underlined/linked dialogues in this chapter), so feel free to check them out if you’re curious! Now, we’ll probably never know if they were actually referring to each other in those interviews—but hey, we’re allowed to assume, right? :')

Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading! I’ll try my best to upload new chapters every weekend. (Although I might be inconsistent since I'm also trying to update my other stories; Unspoken and Trauma Code: A Hero in Love).

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Chapter List: (still in my drafts)

Chapter 1: An Old Memory of You Chapter 2: A Quiet Confession Chapter 3: Behind The Scenes Chapter 4: The Cherries Chapter 5: Just A Glimpse Chapter 6: The Apology That Never Came Chapter 7: The Question of Us

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

4.4: When Dr. Mom Noticed

It was a quiet afternoon in the trauma ward—well, as quiet as it could get. Hyejoo had just finished reviewing a patient chart and stepped into the nurses’ station to grab a cup of coffee when she noticed something curious on the whiteboard.

There it was again. The doodle.

Stick-figure Dr. Baek: perpetually scowling, arms crossed. Stick-figure Dr. Song: beaming, a stethoscope drawn around her neck. Above them, in bold, slightly messy handwriting:

“TRAUMA MOM & DAD”

She blinked.

Jangmi, standing nearby, tried to cover it quickly with her clipboard—but it was too late.

Hyejoo tilted her head, suppressing a smirk. “Trauma… mom and dad?”

Jaewon, unfortunately passing by with coffee, nearly choked on his drink.

“Ah. That… might be a thing,” he admitted.

Hyejoo turned toward Jangmi with a raised brow. “A thing?”

Jangmi sighed, already grinning. “You and Dr. Baek. You’re like the parental figures of the trauma team. He’s all tough love and intimidation. You’re the calm and comforting balance.”

Hyejoo stared for a beat. Then, unexpectedly, she let out a soft laugh.

“I kind of like that,” she said, leaning forward to get a better look at the doodle. “Though I should be offended. My hair is way better than this.”

Jangmi looked relieved. “So you’re not mad?”

“Mad? Jangmi, I’ve been called worse,” Hyejoo said, picking up a marker. With a few quick strokes, she added earrings to her stick figure and a little heart between her and Kanghyuk’s doodles.

Jaewon blinked. “Wait, is that… a heart?”

Hyejoo just winked.

Later that day, Kanghyuk walked past the whiteboard again. His eyes narrowed at the heart. “Who drew this?”

Jangmi looked entirely too pleased with herself. “Ask your wife.”

Kanghyuk opened his mouth to protest—but then Hyejoo stepped into the hallway, coffee in hand, casually brushing past him.

“What? It’s accurate,” she said over her shoulder. “I even gave you hair this time.”

Kanghyuk stood there, bewildered.

And maybe just a little flustered.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

4.3: When Dr. Dad Noticed

It started with strange looks.

Not bad ones—just the kind that lingered a little too long. A few smirks exchanged between residents when he walked by. Some whispering that would immediately halt the moment he turned around.

Kanghyuk had brushed it off at first. Probably gossip about some intern or the new protocol changes. The usual hospital noise.

Until one afternoon, as he was reviewing post-op notes, he overheard Jangmi and Jaewon chatting outside the staff lounge.

“Mom and Dad are fighting again,” Jaewon whispered dramatically.

“No, this is more like playful bickering. If they were actually fighting, Dr. Song would’ve snatched his chart and told him to sit in a corner,” Jangmi replied, stifling a laugh.

Kanghyuk’s eyes narrowed.

He stepped out casually, voice calm. “Who’s mom and dad?”

The two of them froze. Jaewon straightened like he’d been caught stealing supplies.

Jangmi cleared her throat. “Uh… just… like a trauma department nickname. You know. Uh… it’s just a thing.”

Kanghyuk raised a brow. “Right. And I’m assuming I’m ‘dad’?”

Jangmi nodded slowly, biting her lip to keep from laughing. “And Dr. Song’s mom. It’s a… vibe.”

Kanghyuk blinked. “A vibe.”

“Yeah. You’re the scary, protective one who yells a lot, and she’s the calm, sweet one who fixes everything. Balance.”

Jaewon jumped in, trying to soften the blow. “But in, like, a power couple way.”

“I’m going back to work,” Kanghyuk muttered, turning away, but not fast enough to hide the faintest hint of red creeping up his neck.

Later that day, he passed by the nurses’ station and caught sight of a doodle someone had left on the whiteboard: a stick figure version of him with angry scribbles for eyebrows, standing beside a smiling one labeled “Dr. Song.” Above them? “TRUAMA MOM & DAD.”

He stared at it for a beat.

Then, with a deadpan expression, he erased it with the back of his hand.

“Grow up,” he muttered under his breath—but the corner of his lips betrayed the tiniest twitch.

Back in the hallway, Jangmi whispered to Jaewon, “He didn’t deny it.”

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

4.2: Code Blue – Parental Unit

Later that week, the trauma department was in chaos. A sudden multi-vehicle collision had brought in a wave of patients, and the team was moving like clockwork under pressure. Shouts echoed across the ER, machines beeped in warning tones, and gurneys rolled in one after another.

In the middle of it all, Dr. Baek Kanghyuk barked orders like a general on the battlefield.

“Get vitals on Bed 6 now!” “Where’s the portable X-ray? I asked five minutes ago!” “Who let this patient sit without oxygen? Are we running a hospital or a convenience store?”

The atmosphere was tense. A young intern flinched at his tone and nearly dropped the chart in her hands.

Then, like clockwork, Dr. Song Hyejoo appeared at his side.

Without saying a word, she walked up behind him and handed him a fresh cup of coffee, still hot. Her other hand gently reached up to adjust the collar of his scrub top, which had been askew from the rush. Kanghyuk barely paused, taking the coffee with a short grunt of thanks, his eyes still scanning the incoming stretchers.

But the effect was instant.

His next order came out just a bit more calmly. His shoulders relaxed—just barely, but noticeably. And when he turned to check on the intern he’d startled, his voice was lower, softer. “You okay?” he asked.

The intern nodded quickly, almost too stunned to speak. Hyejoo gave her a reassuring pat on the arm before turning back to join another triage.

In the breakroom, a few of the nurses and residents peeked through the glass window, having witnessed the whole interaction.

“Did… she just fix his collar and give him coffee mid-chaos?” “She really said: chill, honey, you’re scaring the children.” “I swear she’s the only one who can calm him down without getting yelled at.” “Yeah, well, when mom’s in the room, dad behaves.”

Jangmi, sipping from her water bottle, raised an eyebrow. “Give it a few more weeks. They’ll be holding hands over a shared chart.”

Jaewon grinned. “Not if Dr. Baek combusts first trying to flirt without looking like he’s flirting.”

Gyeongwon, not even looking up from his tablet, muttered dryly, “Too late. Man’s already down bad.”

The group erupted into hushed giggles before scattering back to work—each secretly hoping for the next “mom and dad” moment to unfold.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

4.1: The Mom & Dad of the Trauma Center

It had become a running joke among the hospital staff: Dr. Baek was the intimidating, no-nonsense father of the trauma department—stern, sharp, and always two seconds away from biting someone’s head off. Meanwhile, Dr. Song had quickly gained a reputation as the gentle but firm mother—soothing patients with a calm smile and handling chaos with grace.

“They’re like the parents of this place,” a nurse whispered to a colleague in the staff lounge, sipping her coffee. “He terrifies everyone. She makes them feel safe. It’s weirdly balanced.”

“Right? It’s like good cop, bad cop—but with scalpels.”

That day, the theory was confirmed.

In the middle of a hectic shift, the department witnessed one of Dr. Baek’s infamous storms brewing. He was by the nurse’s station, phone pressed to his ear, voice clipped and furious.

“What do you mean you didn’t receive the CT report? We sent it over thirty minutes ago—this delay could’ve killed the patient!” Dr. Baek Kanghyuk’s voice echoed through the hallway. Staff passing by winced instinctively, ducking their heads as if trying to avoid the incoming storm.

“Are you messing with me right now, you little—” he growled into the phone, his hand tightening around it like he might crush the device altogether.

Before anyone could intervene, a familiar figure stepped into the scene. Dr. Song Hyejoo, ever calm, ever composed, walked straight to him without hesitation.

With one smooth motion, she reached up and gently snatched the phone from his hand. Her other hand landed lightly on his shoulder, grounding him. The entire corridor seemed to hold its breath.

“Hello,” she said into the phone, her voice warm but edged with steel. “This is Dr. Song. I just want to clarify that we did, in fact, send the report. It’s been confirmed on our end.”

A short pause. Then, still smiling, she added, “I hope this doesn’t happen again. Someone’s life could’ve been in danger. Do we have an understanding here?”

Another beat passed before she finished, voice even and final:

“Next time, we won’t let it slide anymore.”

Her tone didn’t rise once—but somehow, it sent a chill down every spine in the room.

Even Kanghyuk blinked, caught off guard by the smooth takeover. Hyejoo handed the phone back to the nurse and turned to him with a sigh and a teasing glint in her eyes.

“Aigoo… you and your temper.”

Kanghyuk huffed, arms crossed. “You were too nice to them. Should’ve thrown in a curse or two.”

She laughed, “Come on, let’s get you a cold drink before you yell the ceiling off.”

From a distance, a pair of young interns peeked around the corner.

“Did… did she just tame Dr. Baek mid-tantrum?” one whispered.

“Dude, she mom-voiced him. That was wild.”

“I’m telling you,” a nurse muttered nearby with a knowing smirk, “they’re like our trauma department parents.”

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

3.2: White Coats & Warm Blankets

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk was used to exhaustion. Long shifts, grueling surgeries, running on nothing but caffeine and willpower—it was all part of the job.

But that didn’t mean he liked seeing it on someone else.

When he entered the doctors’ lounge, planning to review some files, he stopped in his tracks.

Tucked in the farthest corner of the room, curled up in one of the chairs, was Dr. Song Hye Joo. Asleep.

Her white coat was draped over her like a makeshift blanket, her head tilted slightly to the side, lips parted just a little. She must’ve crashed the moment she sat down.

Kanghyuk frowned slightly. The last time he saw her, she had just finished assisting in a grueling surgery that lasted nearly ten hours. And knowing her, she probably hadn’t taken a real break since.

He sighed, stepping closer.

She looked… small like this. Vulnerable. Completely different from her usual composed self.

He remembered how she used to be in med school—stubborn as ever, always pushing herself past her limits. She’d skip meals, stay up all night studying, and brush off any concern like it was nothing. And somehow, he’d always end up playing the role of her unofficial personal doctor—annoyingly persistent, always reminding her to eat on time or refusing to tutor her when he sees her tired sleepy eyes.

Watching her now, he couldn’t help but think, She hasn’t changed one bit.

And then another thought crept in—quieter, heavier. So who’s been looking after her all these years?

Kanghyuk hesitated for a moment, then carefully picked up a proper blanket from the supply cabinet. Without a word, he draped it over her, making sure it covered her properly.

She stirred slightly, her brows furrowing, but she didn’t wake up. Instead, she shifted, settling deeper into the chair.

Kanghyuk stared for a moment longer, then shook his head at himself. This isn’t a big deal. It’s basic consideration. Anyone would do the same.

Still, as he turned to leave, he found himself moving a little more quietly than usual.

What he didn’t notice, however, was the small, drowsy smile that appeared on Hye Joo’s lips.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

3.1: A Prescription for Lunch

The trauma department had finally settled into a lull after the storm of back-to-back emergencies. Dr. Song Hyejoo sat at her desk, flipping through patient charts, her brows knitted in quiet concentration. Her coffee had gone cold. Her stomach had long since forgotten what lunch tasted like.

Without a word, Dr. Baek Kanghyuk appeared beside her and placed a lunch box on her desk with a soft thud. Not the cafeteria kind—this was from the nicer spot two blocks away, the one with actual flavor.

She blinked up at him, surprised. “What’s this?”

Kanghyuk didn’t look at her, busying himself with straightening a nearby chart. “Lunch,” he said flatly. “Obviously.”

She chuckled, then opened it slowly, eyes lighting up at the sight. “You even got my favorite side dishes?”

He finally turned to face her, arms crossed. “Who’s gonna take care of the patients if you don’t take care of yourself?”

Hyejoo looked at him for a long moment, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “Well… I have you around bringing me food like this.”

Kanghyuk scoffed and rolled his eyes, clearly flustered. “Don’t expect I’ll do this every day.”

Behind them, Jangmi and Jaewon stood at the nurses’ station, watching the exchange like it was their favorite drama.

“He says that,” Jangmi whispered, “but he always worries about Dr. Song.”

“Seriously,” Jaewon added with a knowing smirk. “Last week he lectured me for five minutes when I forgot to remind her to take a break.”

Gyeongwon, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, didn’t even look up from his tablet. “He’s a hopeless case.”

Jangmi smirked. “A hopeless case in love.”

At that moment, Kanghyuk glanced over and saw the three of them watching. Jaewon quickly looked away, pretending to read something. Jangmi gave him a sly wave. Gyeongwon raised his coffee like a toast, not missing a beat.

Kanghyuk sighed. “Get back to work, all of you.”

But even as he turned away, there was the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

2.2 Late Night Consultations - Catching Up

It was late—well past the usual shift hours—and the trauma department had finally gone quiet. Most of the lights were dimmed, the hum of machines replaced by the occasional rustle of paper and the distant beep of a monitor down the hall.

In one of the doctor’s offices, Dr. Song Hyejoo was crouched beneath her desk, sleeves rolled up as she tried to organize a pile of tangled files and storage boxes. A pen was tucked behind her ear, and a small sigh escaped her lips.

Leaning lazily against her desk, arms crossed and expression far too amused, stood Dr. Baek Kanghyuk, watching the scene unfold like it was prime-time entertainment.

“Are you just gonna stand there or are you gonna help me?” Hyejoo asked without looking up, her voice tinged with faux annoyance.

“Hmm…” Kanghyuk tilted his head thoughtfully, a small smirk playing on his lips. “I think I prefer watching you struggle.”

Hyejoo rolled her eyes with an exaggerated groan. “You’re useless.”

He didn’t answer—but when she reached further back under the desk, Kanghyuk subtly shifted. One hand moved to cover the sharp corner of the desk, shielding her head from bumping into it. With his other hand, he quietly slid her half-full coffee mug away from the edge, placing it on a nearby counter to avoid any potential disaster.

Hyejoo didn’t notice immediately, too focused on straightening a stack of folders—but when she sat up slightly and felt his hand lightly press against the desk’s edge, keeping her from hitting it, she paused.

She glanced up at him, upside down from her position, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you said you were just watching.”

“I am,” he said casually, not moving. “Just… supervising safely.”

Hyejoo snorted, shaking her head as she returned to her task. “Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that.”

Kanghyuk stayed put, still shielding the desk edge like it was nothing. But from the way he lingered, his eyes quietly watching over her, it was clear—he wasn’t just watching.

He was looking out for her.

Like always.

Hyejoo finally sat back in her chair, legs stretched slightly as she sorted through the stack of patient files on her desk. She didn’t look up when Kanghyuk spoke, but the sound of his voice still made her pause for just a second.

“So… what have you been up to these past few years?” he asked, casually, but there was something quieter underneath—curiosity laced with something unsaid.

Hyejoo glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Finally asking, huh?”

Kanghyuk shrugged, leaning more comfortably against the desk, arms crossed. “Just catching up with my old student.”

That made her laugh, low and amused. “Wow, pulling the tutor card already?”

“Well, technically, you asked me for help.”

“And technically, I improved your handwriting,” she quipped, raising an eyebrow as she flipped a page.

He rolled his eyes. “You scribbled hearts on my notes.”

“They were diagrams of the human heart,” she grinned, clearly enjoying herself.

He gave a soft scoff, but the corner of his mouth lifted into a smile. “Sure, Song. Keep telling yourself that.”

There was a short pause between them—comfortable, familiar.

Then Hyejoo, still looking down at the papers in her hand, asked softly, “Did you ever think we’d run into each other again?”

Kanghyuk didn’t answer immediately. He looked at her, really looked this time—how she had changed and yet somehow stayed the same.

“…Sometimes,” he said finally. “Didn’t think it’d be like this, though.”

She smiled to herself, then gently pushed a stack of folders aside. Hyejoo leaned back in her chair, arms folded loosely as she stared at the ceiling, her expression unreadable.

“Hm… my life,” she started, voice quiet. “Hasn’t really been interesting.”

Kanghyuk tilted his head, then leaned in slightly, resting one hand on the edge of her desk. He didn’t say anything—just looked at her with that patient, steady gaze of his. The kind that said go on, I’m listening.

She caught it and gave him a soft sigh, lips curling upward faintly. “Let’s see… after transferring to Seoul, as much as my parents were against it, I was able to finish my degree.”

Kanghyuk nodded slowly. He remembered her mentioning her parents back in med school—just bits and pieces, enough to know their expectations weighed heavy on her shoulders.

“I also opened a small clinic in Namhae,” she continued. “It did not last long though, but the time I spent there, the quiet, the mountains, the sea breeze, and especially the townspeople who treated me like family— those were some of the happiest moments in my life.”

Kang-hyuk smiled softly, already imagining what her life had been like.

“Then I got married,” she added, almost casually.

“Oh.” The word slipped out of Kanghyuk before he could catch it. It wasn’t loud. But it sounded sharp in the quiet of the office. Like he’d been slapped by a wave he didn’t see coming.

Then, with a light shrug, she said, “And then we got a divorce.”

“…Oh?” Kanghyuk blinked, his voice a little higher this time, unsure if he should feel relieved or more concerned.

“That was my parents’ condition,” she said, her tone turning more matter-of-fact. “I finish my degree, and then I marry the family they chose.”

Kanghyuk’s brows furrowed slightly.

“It didn’t work out though,” she continued. “My ex-husband’s parents didn’t like the idea of me working—especially not as a doctor, always on call, barely home. They probably expected me to eventually quit my job. They wanted someone who’d support him.”

She gave a dry laugh. “And well… I was always busy.”

Kanghyuk finally spoke, his voice quieter but warm. “Busy saving lives.”

That made her pause.

She glanced at him, and for a split second, the corners of her mouth twitched. It wasn’t a full smile, not yet—but there was something soft in her eyes.

“Yeah,” she said, almost a whisper. “I guess I was.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments. The kind that didn’t feel heavy, just… familiar.

Then, Hyejoo leaned forward, resting her arms on the desk. “Well? How about you? Aside from being an internet sensation—as the Holy Spirit of this hospital, of course.” she teased, grinning playfully.

Kanghyuk scoffed. “What Holy Spirit? What kind of articles have you been reading, Song?”

She shrugged, her smile not fading. “Hey, I shared my story. Your turn.”

He sighed, and after a moment, leaned forward too, just slightly. “University got boring without someone breathing down my neck, demanding tutoring sessions every other day.”

Under the desk, she kicked his leg lightly with her foot. He chuckled.

“After I graduated… I guess I’ve been everywhere,” he said.

Hyejoo blinked slowly, keeping her gaze on him, encouraging him to go on.

“I did a lot of volunteer work. Mostly in rural areas—places where there weren’t enough doctors. Eventually, I became a combat medic, joined medical teams overseas. After a while, I got contacted to head the Trauma Team here. It was rough in the beginning, but now the Trauma Center’s back on its feet. I’m planning to rebuild it properly. Staff it with people who actually care about their patients. Who know what it means to treat emergencies like they matter.”

As she listened, a small smile began forming on Hyejoo’s lips. He hasn’t changed one bit, she thought.

She had known this version of Baek Kanghyuk from the start—ever since med school. The one people called cold, sharp-tongued, a little rude, and always too serious. The one who worked part-time jobs in between classes, who never seemed to sleep, and who still managed to top every exam.

She remembered how he challenged professors in class, especially when they were wrong—or worse, when they treated patient charts like paperwork instead of lives.

And she knew, even back then, that Baek Kanghyuk wasn’t just the arrogant jerk people claimed he was.

He had a goal. A mission. Saving lives was always at the center of it all.

When she heard his name again after all those years, she hadn’t been surprised. She was proud. Because he became exactly the kind of doctor she always believed he would be.

And now, hearing him talk about his journey… something in her felt unexpectedly calm. Settled.

She had wondered about him too, after all this time.

And sitting here now, she realized—she was genuinely happy for him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

2.1 Diagnosis - Obvious

It was only her first day, yet Dr. Song Hyejoo was already making waves in the trauma department. She had settled into her role quickly, impressing the staff with her calm demeanor and expert decision-making. But for some reason, Dr. Baek Kanghyuk—who, normally, wouldn’t spare much attention to anyone new—found himself keeping an eye on her. Maybe it was the way she commanded the room, or maybe it was that smile of hers. He couldn’t decide.

For whatever reason, it felt like it had been ages since he’d worked alongside someone he hadn’t completely sized up within a day. But there was something about Hyejoo—something that kept him on edge. So, when the opportunity arose to give her a tour of the department, Kanghyuk took it, despite it being someone else’s job. He told himself it was simply to familiarize her with the layout and the team. But deep down, he knew it was more than that.

Jangmi, however, wasn’t buying it.

The moment Kanghyuk insisted on tagging along for the tour, her suspicion kicked in. He never did that. In fact, he usually avoided those kinds of things—said he was too busy, or that orientation was “someone else’s problem.” But that morning, when she mentioned giving the new trauma doctor a quick walkthrough of the facilities, he’d said, “I’ll come too,” in a tone too casual to be casual.

She remembered blinking at him in surprise. “You sure? You hate tours.”

He just grunted, “It’s fine,” and grabbed his tablet.

That was when it clicked. Jangmi had noticed something off the moment Dr. Song Hyejoo stepped into the department and locked eyes with Kanghyuk. There’d been a pause—brief, but telling. She also recalled how, later that day, Jaewon had asked Kanghyuk if he knew her, and Kanghyuk replied with a simple, “We’ve crossed paths before. Now get back to work.” before promptly shutting down the conversation.

Crossed paths. Yeah, right.

As they walked through the bustling trauma ward, Jangmi led the way, briefing Hyejoo on the various rooms, patient conditions, and the names of the doctors they’d be working with. Kanghyuk walked a few steps behind them, his gaze occasionally drifting to Hyejoo.

She was speaking with Jangmi, listening attentively, nodding in all the right places. But her posture, that confident way she moved, reminded him so much of their time in university. The way she’d always been so certain of herself. The way she’d argue with him over every little thing, convinced that her opinions were always better—and well, most of the time, they were.

He couldn’t help but stare. The memories flooded back like a tidal wave: late-night study sessions in the library, competitive glances across exam papers, bantering over dinner, her fiery passion to save lives, her constant push to be better, to prove herself.

He snapped back to the present when Hyejoo suddenly turned toward him with that signature smile—half teasing, half knowing.

“You know, you’re pretty famous for having a nasty temper,” she said, her voice light with amusement, clearly enjoying the rare chance to poke at him.

Kanghyuk blinked, his thoughts still lingering on the past. For a moment, his mind went blank, as if she had thrown him off guard, just like she always used to. He had his fair share of colorful reactions, but he didn’t expect her to bring it up so easily.

He quickly recovered, clearing his throat. “Looked me up already?” he asked, voice dry but with a subtle edge of humor.

Hyejoo raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Still full of yourself, I see.”

Kanghyuk flashed her a teasing smile. “Just admit that you’re curious about me.”

She shrugged casually. “As someone transferring to a new hospital, I just did my research.”

Then she leaned in slightly, eyes gleaming. “Why? Were you hoping I was curious about you?”

Kanghyuk scoffed, trying to mask the way he almost faltered. “Nonsense,” was all he could manage.

Hyejoo smiled in triumph. “Cat got your tongue?”

It was maddening, the way she could still get under his skin so effortlessly. Kanghyuk was suddenly reminded of those late nights in university—their back-and-forths across study tables, her relentless teasing, the way she never let him win an argument without a fight.

Back then, he could keep up. Back then, he always had a retort ready.

Now? Now she had the upper hand, and she clearly knew it.

“I can already tell you’re gonna be a pain in the neck,” he muttered, shaking his head.

Hyejoo smirked. “Try to watch your blood pressure then.”

Kanghyuk let out a short laugh, low and grudging. He turned his face away, but he couldn’t hide the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

From a few steps ahead, Jangmi pretended to be preoccupied with her tablet, but her eyes flicked back to them briefly—just in time to catch the moment.

Maybe he should be watching his heart pressure instead, she thought, fighting back a grin.

Jangmi slowed her pace, clearly eavesdropping. She narrowed her eyes, not at the words—but the tone.

Something was different.

Kanghyuk didn’t sound sharp. He wasn’t barking orders or offering curt replies like he usually did. No, his voice was softer—just a little—but enough for someone like Jangmi to notice.

There was a gentleness in the way he spoke to Hyejoo, like he was trying not to scare her off. Or maybe, like he didn’t want the conversation to end.

Her lips slowly curled into a mischievous grin.

“Oh, this is good,” she murmured under her breath. “Wait till I tell Jaewon and Gyeong-Won. They’re gonna lose it.”

And with that, she turned back down the hallway, already crafting the perfect group chat message in her head.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

Flashback 3: Check His Vitals— She's Back

The trauma center was unusually quiet for a Monday morning. The soft hum of monitors and the distant echo of footsteps filled the air as Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk reviewed the incoming roster on his tablet, a steaming cup of coffee in hand.

“New attending starts today,” A nurse said, walking past him with a clipboard. “Transferred from different hospitals. Impressive credentials. Dr. Hong? Or Song?… something.”

“Doctor what?” Kang Hyuk asked absently, eyes still glued to the screen.

“Didn’t catch the full name. But apparently, a bit of a hotshot.”

Kang Hyuk barely reacted. “We’ll see.”

He wasn’t one to be easily impressed—especially by doctors who arrived with reputations louder than their resumes. Trauma work, after all, didn’t care much for flair. It was about instincts, grit, and the ability to make life-or-death decisions in seconds. He sipped his coffee, unconcerned.

Until she walked in.

The doors swung open and in came a woman dressed in a tailored white coat, hair swept effortlessly into a low ponytail, stride confident and poised. Her presence turned heads—not because she was flashy, but because she exuded the kind of charisma you didn’t see often in hospital hallways. There was a self-assured glint in her eyes and a knowing curve to her smile.

Kang Hyuk looked up instinctively.

And then froze.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

“Dr. Song Hyejoo,” the chief nurse announced with a bright smile. “Welcome to the trauma center.”

Song Hyejoo.

Med school rival. Debate partner. Library nemesis. The one who always raised her hand a second faster, who smirked every time she beat him by half a point on an exam. They’d spent years neck-and-neck at the top of their class, turning academic pressure into a personal game neither of them would ever admit they enjoyed.

But it wasn’t just rivalry. There were late-night study sessions that blurred into dawn, with half-empty coffee cups between them and scribbled notes exchanged without a word. Arguments that started over case studies but turned into laughter. Quiet moments in the library when they’d both reach for the same textbook and pretend not to notice their hands brushing. And that one rainy afternoon when she dozed off mid-study and he let her, watching the rise and fall of her breath like it was the most natural thing in the world.

And then—she was gone.

Transferred to another university in Seoul almost overnight. No warning, no explanation. Just a brief goodbye and a final glance that said everything they couldn’t.

Now, years later, she appeared out of nowhere.

It happened just a few weeks ago. The trauma bay had been chaos—sirens blaring, stretchers rolling in, staff scrambling to keep up with the influx. And in the middle of it all, was her.

Confident. Unshaken. Sharp.

He remembered waiting that day—telling himself it wasn’t a big deal. She said she’d drop by to check on her patient. Just a quick follow-up, nothing more. But she never came.

Days passed. Then weeks. And he had almost convinced himself to forget. To let it go. Maybe their meeting was only meant to be brief—two former classmates, intersecting for a moment before moving on again, just like before.

Bu then she came back.

And now, here she was.

She hadn’t changed much—still infuriatingly composed, still walking like she owned every hallway she stepped into. That same air of quiet brilliance wrapped around her like armor. And that smile—it was the same one that had always made their rivalry feel less like a battle, and more like a game he secretly enjoyed playing.

Hyejoo turned toward him with that same teasing glint in her eyes.

“Hey there, bet you weren’t expecting me,” she said, offering her hand.

He stood a beat too long before shaking it, the ghost of their last encounter flickering in the air between them. “You still have that dramatic entrance thing going on, huh?”

She grinned. “And you’re still terrible at hiding when you’re flustered.”

“I’m not flustered,” he said, voice betraying the slight stammer of surprise. “Just… surprised they let you in here without a personality screening.”

She laughed. “Please. I passed with flying colors. Charm gets you far in this world, Baek.”

“Too bad charm doesn’t stop bleeding.”

“No, but skill does. And lucky for you, I’ve got both.”

Jaewon and Jangmi exchanged wide-eyed glances behind them.

“Old rivals?” Jaewon whispered.

“Or exes,” Jangmi whispered back.

Kang Hyuk cleared his throat and straightened his coat. “Let’s see if you can still keep up in the trauma bay, Dr. Song.”

She stepped closer, close enough that he caught the faint scent of her perfume—same as before. “Try not to fall behind, Dr. Baek. I wouldn’t want to have to save your patient and your pride.”

He arched a brow. “Confidence bordering on arrogance. Some things never change.”

“And yet, here you are, still trying to impress me.”

That made him pause—just a fraction—before covering it with a low chuckle. “You wish.”

“Maybe I do,” she said with a wink, breezing past him and heading toward the board.

He blinked, watching her retreat. Okay. She still had the upper hand.

“Okay what was that?” Jangmi asked.

“History,” Jaewon said. “Definitely history.”

Kang Hyuk exhaled slowly and turned back to his chart. It was going to be a long shift.

But for the first time in a while, he didn’t mind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

Flashback 2: Reunion in the Trauma Bay

The trauma center was buzzing, as usual. Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk stood at the head of the ER, glancing through scans on the monitor while rattling off orders to the nurses. It was just another hectic day—or so he thought.

“Dr. Baek!” Jaewon called out, a phone in hand and urgency written all over his face. “We’ve got a call from Amsan Medical. They’re transferring a trauma patient here. Multiple internal injuries—urgent case.”

Kang Hyuk nodded, already preparing. “Why transfer it here?”

“They said all their ORs are occupied,” Jaewon replied. “But a trauma surgeon is already with the patient and will be performing the surgery here.”

Kang Hyuk frowned slightly. It was rare, but not unheard of. “Fine. Prep Operating Room 2. I’ll assist if needed.”

Before he could even finish the sentence, the ER doors burst open.

A stretcher came barreling through, flanked by a medical team in Amsan uniforms. Atop the gurney, a woman in a surgical gown was straddling the patient, performing CPR with practiced precision. Her eyes were laser-focused, her movements sharp and unhesitating.

Kang Hyuk froze.

There was something oddly familiar about her—even beneath the mask, even in this chaos. That gaze. That intensity. That fire he remembered so vividly.

The woman dismounted as the stretcher came to a stop. Breathing heavily, she pulled down her mask.

“I’m Dr. Song Hye Joo from Amsan Medical Hospital,” she said clearly. “We called earlier to request immediate use of your operating room. We ask for your cooperation.”

Song Hye Joo.

Of course, he knew that name.

That face.

That voice.

She turned—and her eyes met his.

A pause.

Recognition flickered in both their eyes. A beat of stillness amid the rush.

Hyejoo blinked once, her breath still catching from the ride in. Kang Hyuk straightened instinctively, something twisting in his chest.

But there was no time.

“The patient has a ruptured spleen, probable pelvic fracture, and signs of hypovolemic shock,” Hyejoo said briskly, eyes not leaving Kang Hyuk’s as if daring him to challenge her.

Instead, he nodded once. “OR 2 is prepped. Call anesthesia. Let’s move.”

They walked side by side as the gurney was pushed down the hall—two surgeons, old rivals, moving in sync once again.

Whatever history they shared, whatever words had been left unsaid years ago—would have to wait.

For now, there was a life to save.

The surgery was a success—but exhausting. Hours of high-pressure precision had passed in a blur, and now the operating room was quiet, save for the soft hum of machines and the occasional clatter of instruments being cleared away.

Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk peeled off his gloves and scrubbed his hands in silence. Beside him, Dr. Song Hyejoo did the same. Neither spoke. The air between them was thick with something unspoken—fatigue, yes, but also familiarity.

Finally, Hyejoo broke the silence, her voice low but steady.

“Would it be alright if the patient stayed here until things settle at Amsan? We’re still reorganizing post-incident.”

Kang Hyuk nodded without hesitation. “There’s space in Seoul Medical University Hospital’s trauma wing. He can stay. I’ll keep you updated on his progress… if you’re not able to visit right away.”

She looked at him—surprised, maybe even a little relieved. “Thank you.”

Another pause.

And then, softly, she said, “It’s been a long time.”

“It has,” he replied, eyes meeting hers at last.

The weight of everything they didn’t say hung between them. All the nights spent arguing over case studies, the silent hours of tutoring, the glances stolen in quiet corners of the library.

But before either could speak again, Hyejoo’s phone rang. She glanced at it, her expression tightening.

“Sorry,” she murmured. “I have to go. It’s urgent.”

She picked up her coat and surgical tablet, already halfway out the door when she turned back for one last look.

“I’m leaving my patient in your care. I’ll drop by again later to check on him.” A small smile curved her lips—tired, but sincere. “Thank you again… and… see you.”

The door swung shut behind her.

“…See you,” Kang Hyuk said softly, even though she was already gone.

He stood there for a moment, alone in the sterile silence, staring at the door she’d disappeared through.

The last time he’d seen her was on campus, years ago, when she had suddenly told him she was transferring schools. No explanation. No time for goodbyes.

He had always wondered if their paths would cross again.

Who would’ve thought it would happen here, under the bright lights of the trauma bay, with lives hanging in the balance?

And yet, it felt just like her—to show up in the middle of chaos and leave just as quickly.

But this time, she said she’d come back.

This time, maybe things would be different.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day arrived quietly, but Kang Hyuk found himself unusually restless.

He had told himself it was nothing. Just professional curiosity, nothing more. After all, the patient was still under his care—it made sense to expect a follow-up from the referring doctor. A check-in. A call. A return.

From her.

But all morning passed in a blur of rounds, paperwork, and silence. No messages. No signs. No Hyejoo.

By early afternoon, he’d resigned himself to the fact that maybe she wasn’t coming.

Then—

“Dr. Baek,” the head nurse called from the hallway, clipboard in hand. “Someone from Amsan Hospital is here to check on the trauma patient from yesterday.”

Kang Hyuk straightened slightly. His heart didn’t race, not exactly, but something in his chest did shift—an expectation that felt suspiciously like hope.

She came back.

But as he stepped out into the hall, the figure who greeted him wasn’t familiar at all.

It was a younger man, maybe a resident, wearing Amsan’s teal uniform. He bowed politely. “Good afternoon, Dr. Baek. I’m Dr. Han, sent by Dr. Song to monitor the patient’s condition and update the records.”

Kang Hyuk’s brows knit together. “Where’s Dr. Song?”

The resident adjusted his glasses. “Ah, she was scheduled to come herself, but she got called into an urgent meeting with our hospital director. She apologizes for not being able to stop by.”

Kang Hyuk didn’t respond immediately.

Just a slight nod.

Professional. Measured.

But the frown tugging at the edge of his mouth betrayed the flicker of disappointment he refused to show.

“I see,” he said simply.

The resident went on briefing him about Hyejoo’s requested post-op protocol, but Kang Hyuk’s thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

So that was it?

Another brief encounter, another goodbye without warning. Just like last time.

Only this time, he knew where she worked. That she was still the same confident, capable woman from university. Still the one who caught him off guard.

He wasn’t sure if she would come back—but this time, he didn’t want to let it end without trying.

Not again.

Right behind him, Dr. Jaewon and Nurse Jangmi exchanged looks as they observed the surprisingly calm figure of Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk.

“…Okay, not to be that person,” Jangmi whispered, “but why was I half-expecting him to blow up just now?”

Jaewon tilted his head. “Right? A trauma surgeon from another hospital comes in, performs surgery, then bounces and sends updates through a resident? The old Dr. Baek would’ve lost it.”

“Exactly!” Jangmi crossed her arms, still eyeing Kang Hyuk suspiciously. “But here he is. Calm. Civilized. Not even a raised voice.”

Jaewon squinted at their boss. “You think he finally fixed his temper?”

“I don’t know…” Jangmi murmured, narrowing her eyes. “I think it has less to do with his temper and more to do with the surgeon.”

“Dr. Song?” Jaewon asked.

Jangmi nodded slowly. “He’s been… off since she showed up. Don’t you think? Distracted. Zoned out. Soft-spoken, even.”

Jaewon raised his brows. “Wow. You think he’s—?”

“Caught a different kind of fever, maybe,” Jangmi smirked. “Symptoms are all there.”

“I can hear you two,” Kang Hyuk called out, his voice low but unmistakably dry.

Jaewon and Jangmi both stiffened. Jaewon panicked first. “W-We were just talking about post-op fever symptoms! Very common this time of year!”

Jangmi elbowed him.

Kang Hyuk didn’t slow down. “Mm-hmm.”

He disappeared around the corner, white coat trailing behind him like nothing happened.

But the corners of his mouth?

They twitched. Just slightly.

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Their encounter still lingered in Hyejoo’s mind like a heartbeat she couldn’t quiet.

One moment she was fighting to save a young patient’s life, arguing with Amsan’s board for turning him away. The next, she was in an unfamiliar hospital hallway—face to face with someone she never thought she’d see again.

Baek Kang Hyuk.

The name hadn’t crossed her mind at all during the chaos of the transfer. She’d been too occupied, too furious, too focused on getting the boy the urgent care he needed. But the moment she saw his face, something in her shifted. Time bent.

A wave of memory, of familiarity, of something that had once burned quietly beneath late-night study sessions and rivalry-soaked glances.

She was relieved, she realized. Relieved to see him again after all these years.

And not just see him—see him there. Standing tall in his white coat, calm under pressure, taking control of the situation like the surgeon she always knew he’d become.

Of course he’d become someone great. She never doubted it. He was Baek Kang Hyuk—he didn’t just rise to challenges, he met them head-on and left everyone else trying to catch up.

She wanted to talk. To laugh. To ask him how life had been, what kind of doctor he’d become, if he ever thought of her the way she’d occasionally found herself thinking of him.

But life, as always, got in the way.

The Amsan Medical Director had been furious when he found out she transferred a patient to a rival hospital and performed emergency surgery there without clearance.

His voice thundered in the conference room, demanding answers. “Do you think you’re above protocol, Dr. Song?”

No, she thought. I just refuse to stand by and watch a child die because your system favors power over people.

The anger she’d swallowed for months rose to the surface—every time she watched priority given to patients with prestige, while those who couldn’t afford connections were told to wait. Told to suffer. Told to die quietly.

This boy had been her last straw.

She didn’t flinch. She didn’t raise her voice. She simply reached up, unfastened the Amsan coat she wore like a weight, and laid it neatly across the table.

Then she met the director’s furious gaze with unwavering calm.

“I resign.”

The room went silent.

And just like that, she was free.

She had plans—clearer now than ever. To join a hospital that actually prioritized patients. One where she could be a doctor, not a puppet.

And maybe, just maybe, she’d end up at a place where a certain rival-turned-ally wore his coat with pride.

A place where Baek Kang Hyuk still carried that same focused fire in his eyes—the one that once pushed her to be better, and now pulled her in again, without warning.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

Flashback 1: Brief Encounters at Med School

It was their second year at Muan University College of Medicine. Kang Hyuk and Hyejoo were both at the top of their class—undeniably the best, with no one in between. Their rivalry was well-known, with each trying to outdo the other at every turn.

Rumors swirled that Hyejoo came from a wealthy family with high expectations, fueling her relentless drive to always be the best. Kang Hyuk, on the other hand, was a scholarship student working part-time jobs in his free time to make ends meet. Yet, despite his busy schedule, he always managed to outperform Hyejoo.

This, of course, only made Hyejoo more competitive, pushing her to work even harder. But Kang Hyuk never took it personally. Sure, he enjoyed the challenge, but he didn’t view her as a true rival. In fact, he admired her in secret. Her intelligence, wit, and strength—he could see that she wasn’t just obsessed with grades. She genuinely cared about becoming a great doctor, and that sincerity resonated with him.

Their competition never really turned into anything more than sly remarks, competitive glances, and debates in class. They never really spoke outside of that. Until one afternoon, when Hyejoo surprised him.

“You tutor, right? Part-time?” she asked.

Kang Hyuk tilted his head, surprised. He hadn’t had time for tutoring recently, especially when his students were hopeless cases. But for some reason, he found himself intrigued by the idea of tutoring her—or maybe just spending time with her.

“Can you tutor me?” she asked, and Kang Hyuk blinked, unsure why she was asking. Up until now, he thought she couldn’t stand him.

But Hyejoo had always admired Kang Hyuk’s consistency and intelligence, despite his busy life. She understood how much his studies meant to him. And secretly, she admired his dedication. She knew she needed help, and Kang Hyuk was the best person to ask. Her pride was set aside.

That was the beginning of it all—the late-night study sessions, the coffee breaks, the sharing of small, personal secrets. Hyejoo learned that Kang Hyuk’s father had passed away recently, and it was a doctor from Seoul University Hospital who had inspired him to save lives. Kang Hyuk, in turn, learned that Hyejoo’s parents had opposed her decision to pursue medicine. They had other plans for her, but she was determined to prove herself. She never explained why, but he understood there was a sense of urgency. If she didn’t succeed, her parents would stop her from finishing her degree.

As semesters passed, their bond grew, and feelings they hadn’t expected began to surface. But then, just as quickly as it began, it ended. Hyejoo had to transfer to a university in Seoul. Their goodbye was brief, with no words exchanged beyond the essentials.

But in that moment, they both knew they didn’t want to say goodbye. And in that moment, both of them wondered: Would they ever see each other again?

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Will write more flashbacks stories during their university years one of these days don't worry >< this is just like a short preview or summary of their past <3

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

1.3 Cardiac Complications

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk had faced countless medical emergencies. Gunshot wounds, collapsed lungs, cardiac arrests—he had handled them all with precision and composure.

But nothing, nothing, had prepared him for Dr. Song Hye Joo standing a little too close to him.

It wasn’t intentional. She was just trying to get a better look at the patient’s chart he was holding. But when she leaned in, her shoulder lightly brushing against his arm, Kanghyuk felt his entire body lock up.

It was ridiculous. He wasn’t some inexperienced intern. He was a seasoned doctor. This was normal human interaction. And yet—

“Dr. Baek?” Hye Joo’s voice was soft, her breath faintly hitting the side of his neck.

Kanghyuk cleared his throat, hyper-aware of how close she was. “…Yes?”

She pointed at the chart, completely unaware of his internal crisis. “I think the dosage here should be adjusted slightly. The patient’s vitals indicate they might not tolerate the standard amount.”

He barely processed her words. For some reason, all he could focus on was how near she was. How he could catch the subtle scent of her shampoo—something light and clean.

When he didn’t immediately respond, Hye Joo tilted her head up to look at him. “Dr. Baek?”

Kanghyuk exhaled through his nose. Pull yourself together.

“Yes. You’re right,” he said, his voice far too stiff. “Good observation.”

Then, with all the grace of a malfunctioning robot, he took a deliberate step back.

A little too quickly.

His hip collided with the edge of the counter, making a loud thud.

Hye Joo blinked. “…You okay?”

“I’m fine,” he said immediately, standing straighter, pretending like nothing had happened.

But across the room, Dr. Yang Jae Won and Nurse Jang Mi were watching everything unfold.

And they were barely holding it together.

Jang Mi had her hand clamped over her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she tried to suppress her laughter. Jae Won, meanwhile, looked like he was about to combust with glee.

Kanghyuk shot them both a warning glare, but it only made them laugh harder.

“He backed into the counter—” Jang Mi wheezed.

“Because he panicked—” Jae Won added, tears in his eyes.

Kanghyuk ignored them and turned back to Hye Joo, trying to salvage whatever was left of his dignity. “Make the adjustment to the dosage. I’ll review it later.”

Hye Joo, completely oblivious to his suffering, simply nodded. “Of course.”

And with that, she walked away, leaving Kanghyuk to deal with the aftermath of his humiliation.

Jae Won leaned in, smirking. “So, doc… Should we call an ambulance? You seem to be having some cardiac complications.”

Jang Mi wiped away a fake tear. “He’s so strong in the ER but almost passed out from mild physical contact. Amazing.”

Kanghyuk exhaled sharply. “Triple shifts. Both of you.”

Their laughter immediately died.

“Wait, what?!” Jang Mi gasped.

Jae Won groaned. “Come on, man. You can’t keep punishing us for observing.”

Kanghyuk adjusted his coat, regaining his usual calm exterior. “Consider it a test of endurance.”

And with that, he walked off—this time making sure to not back into anything.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

1.2 Side Effects May Include...

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk was nothing if not a professional. He prided himself on his ability to stay focused, composed, and entirely unaffected by trivial matters.

But trivial matters apparently included Dr. Song Hye Joo.

And certain people were starting to notice.

“Dr. Baek,” Nurse Jang Mi called out sweetly, leaning against the nurse’s station with a knowing smile. “You seem awfully interested in Dr. Song’s patient chart. Should I be concerned?”

Kanghyuk, who had not been interested in the chart but rather in the way Hye Joo was speaking to a patient across the room, turned to her with a blank expression. “What are you talking about?”

“She’s talking about how you’ve been watching Dr. Song like she’s a rare specimen under observation,” Dr. Yang Jae Won chimed in, sliding into the conversation with a teasing grin.

Kanghyuk exhaled sharply. “I was simply making sure everything was running smoothly.”

“Uh-huh.” Jae Won crossed his arms. “So what about last night? When you—for the first time in history—decided to personally restock the supply closet while Dr. Song was in there doing inventory?”

Jang Mi gasped dramatically. “Wait, you did that? I thought we had a ghost helper or something!”

Kanghyuk pressed his lips into a firm line. “You two clearly have too much free time.”

“Oh, don’t worry. We make time for important discoveries,” Jang Mi said, smirking. “Like uncovering the fact that our very own Dr. Baek has a soft spot for a certain new doctor~.”

Jae Won leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. “It’s kind of cute, actually. Seeing you all… human for once.”

Kanghyuk shot them both a flat look. “You’re both mistaken.”

Jang Mi feigned disappointment. “Oh, that’s a shame. We were going to be supportive of your little crush, but if you insist—”

“—Then I insist you both take double shifts tomorrow.”

Silence.

Jang Mi’s jaw dropped. “Wait—what?”

Jae Won let out an exaggerated sigh. “Come on, doc. No need to be so defensive.”

Kanghyuk gave them both a slow, satisfied nod. “Consider it an opportunity to focus on actual work instead of pointless gossip.”

Jang Mi groaned, throwing her head back. “This is so unfair. Dr. Song gets a free pass just for existing while we get double shifts?”

Jae Won patted her shoulder solemnly. “It’s the price we pay for seeking the truth.”

Before either of them could argue further, Kanghyuk turned on his heel and walked off, heading toward his next patient. But not before catching a glimpse of Dr. Song Hye Joo in his peripheral vision—focused, determined, a soft furrow in her brow as she reviewed a case file.

He looked away quickly.

Not because he was flustered. Definitely not.

But because the last thing he needed was more ammunition for those two troublemakers.

Unfortunately, Jang Mi still called after him with a singsong voice as Jae Won giggled beside her. “Goodnight, Dr. Baek~! Don’t dream about Dr. Song too much!”

Kanghyuk sighed. He was going to make sure their double shifts were extra exhausting.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

1.1 Early Symptoms of Trouble

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk wasn’t the type to get flustered. He had seen too much—disaster zones, war-torn areas, people on the brink of death. He was composed in chaos, unshaken in the face of catastrophe.

But apparently, he was not immune to Dr. Song Hye Joo.

He already knew who she was the moment she stepped into the trauma center. His old med school rival—sharp, passionate, relentless. It hadn’t even been that long since he saw her again, crouched on top of a patient’s stretcher, trying desperately to keep them conscious. That image stuck with him, etched in the same part of his brain that used to compete with her over test scores and case presentations.

He’d heard the rumors too—how she left her previous hospital because she refused to play politics, how she couldn’t stay in a system that valued power and money over saving lives. It didn’t surprise him. That fire in her had always burned bright. If anything, it had only grown fiercer.

And now, working beside her again, it wasn’t just the history that stirred something in him. There was no hesitation in her actions, no uncertainty in her voice. It was the way she moved, the way she commanded a room without raising her voice. The way she focused, with a quiet intensity that Kanghyuk found himself watching more often than he’d like to admit.

At first, he told himself it was professional curiosity. She was new to the team, after all. He had to evaluate her skills—make sure she could handle the pressure of trauma work, where every second counted.

That excuse held up.

For about three days.

Then it started to crack. Every time he caught himself watching her, every time their banter left a strange warmth in his chest, every time he found himself wondering what she was like now.

It wasn’t just curiosity anymore.

And that realization unnerved him far more than any battlefield ever had.

Which was why, on a Tuesday afternoon in the trauma center, Dr. Baek Kanghyuk found himself more distracted than usual.

“Careful, Dr. Song,” he said as he glanced over from the trauma board, catching her scribbling notes with her pen half-capped. “You’re going to stain your lab coat with ink again. That’s the third one this week.”

Hyejoo didn’t even look up. “You keeping track of my lab coats now, Dr. Baek? That’s oddly domestic of you.”

He scoffed. “Just observant. Unlike some people who are too busy scribbling like a med student cramming before finals.”

She finally turned to him with a playful smile and a glint in her eyes. “Aw, are you reminiscing about our old study nights? Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about the way you kept sneaking glances at me over your notes—trying so hard to pretend you weren’t impressed.”

Kanghyuk raised a brow, lips parting for a rebuttal. “Now hold on—”

But for once, nothing came out. His brain stalled. The mental comeback he was crafting simply… vanished, replaced by the memory of her across a library table, head tilted, the edge of her mouth curled in exactly that same way.

He blinked.

The silence lasted a beat too long.

Jaewon let out a wheeze from behind them. “Did… Did Dr. Baek just short-circuit?”

Jangmi was already clutching her chest, barely containing her laughter. “Looks like we finally have someone who can handle Dr. Baek.”

Kanghyuk exhaled slowly, shooting them both a flat look. “Don’t you two have charts to update?”

They laughed harder.

Hyejoo turned away, smug and unbothered, brushing past Kanghyuk with a chuckle. “I’ll be in trauma bay two if you want to keep score, Doctor.”

He watched her go, still trying to formulate a response. Something sharp. Something clever. Anything.

But nothing came.

Jaewon clapped him on the back. “You’ve finally met your match huh?”

“I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.” Jangmi said with a wide grin on her face.

Kanghyuk groaned, rubbing his temples. “You two talk too much.”

And yet… the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

Because maybe—just maybe—he didn’t mind losing this round.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive

A series of one-shot stories between Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk (Ju Jihoon) and Dr. Song Hye Joo (Song Hyekyo)

When Dr. Baek’s former med school rival, Dr. Song Hyejoo, joins the trauma center team, his usual composure is shaken—just a little competitive, and maybe a little shy. As they face emergencies together, they learn to work in sync, and they rediscover something they never dared explore before.

This will be a series of one-shot stories between Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk and Dr. Song Hye-joo (my OC; played by Song Hyekyo, because why not. Also I badly need the casting directors to pair them for a romcom or melo drama together 👉🏻👈🏻).

It’s not a story where everything is in chronological order or a continuation of what happened to the previous chapters. It’s like a series of moments.

Might include a chapter with their backstory in university and when they met again after many years when Dr. Song is introduced as the new addition to the trauma center team before I upload a series of chapter moments between them ><

I tried to keep Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk’s character as similar and accurate as I can, but you know what, 🎀 I’m just a girl 🎀 who wants to see him be a little clumsy and shy around his (secret) crush. So if it’s a little inaccurate or if you think it’s out of character, then I’m so sorry asdfsghjkg ;—; but isn’t it fun to imagine the cool (sexy) hot-tempered doctor become a fool in love for someone? Like a total loser. Frankly it’s my favorite character trope. He’s all mean and scowly with other people, and then he absolutely melts and malfunctions when a beautiful, strong, and intelligent woman (a.k.a his long-time crush) comes near him.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy it!!🥹 I’ve already written A LOT of random chapters. And I might also include a little bit of nsfw, or maybe just suggestive, IDK I have no experience in writing sensual scenes, I feel like it’s gonna sound cringey when I do it wish me luck🥲👍🏻

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Chapter List:

1.1 Early Symptoms of Trouble 1.2 Side Effects May Include... 1.3 Cardiac Complications

Flashback 1: Brief Encounters at Med School Flashback 2: Reunion in the Trauma Bay Flashback 3: Check His Vitals— She's Back

2.1 Diagnosis - Obvious 2.2 Late Night Consultations - Catching Up

3.1 A Prescription for Lunch 3.2 White Coats & Warm Blankets

4.1 The Mom & Dad of the Trauma Center 4.2 Code Blue - Parental Unit 4.3 When Dr. Dad Noticed 4.4 When Dr. Mom Noticed

UNSPOKEN: Special Chapter 1

genre: romance, slow-burn, sexual tension, mutual pining

Special Chapter: Her Dress & His Necktie

As Chaewoon helps Haein button up her dress and Haein returns the favor by tying his necktie, what starts as a simple moment of assistance quickly turns into something a little intimate.

Quick Author's note:

Unspoken will be taking a little break for the time being. I wanted to upload a special chapter, this scene will be included in one of Unspoken’s future chapters. So, I hope no one is confused and thinks there was a time jump or anything haha as you read this chapter, you will see Eunsung’s name. And yes, I will also include his character in this story as one of the main antagonists (and for jealousy arch of course!)

Well, I hope you guys enjoy it! My hands are honestly itching to upload the rest of the chapters I have in store ;-:

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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Inside her room, Haein had been struggling to button her dress for the past ten minutes.

“Come on,” she grunted, arms twisting awkwardly as she tried to reach the buttons running down her back.

Out of all the dresses in my closet… she thought with a sigh of frustration.

She hadn’t given it much thought when she picked it out. It was just another evening party, and her walk-in closet was practically overflowing with gowns. She had glanced at the elegant, navy-blue dress hanging near the door and decided, That one. Simple choice.

What she didn’t account for was the string of tiny pearl buttons that ran from the waist all the way up to the nape of her neck. It was the kind of dress that required help to wear—something Haein rarely asked for. She had staff, sure, but she was used to doing things on her own.

Still, there was someone outside who could help her.

Haein paused, cheeks warming at the thought.

There’s no way, she told herself.

But the clock was ticking, and no amount of twisting, turning, or silent pleading was going to get those buttons fastened.

With a resigned huff, she cracked open the door.

Standing in the hallway, ever composed and patiently waiting, was Chaewoon.

“…Mr. Woo?” she said, her voice quieter than usual. “I need to ask you a favor.”

“Yes?” His voice was gentle as he stepped toward her, brows lifting slightly in curiosity. When she didn’t continue, he tilted his head. “What can I help you with?”

Still standing half-hidden behind the door, Haein let out a small sigh, then slowly turned around—revealing the unfastened buttons trailing down her back.

Chaewoon blinked.

Haein looked beautiful as always. The deep navy dress hugged her figure with effortless grace, it’s color mirroring the evening sky. Soft curls framed her shoulders, and then— her bare back.

He wasn’t someone who gets easily flustered, but for a split second, something in his brain short-circuited.

Haein laughed awkwardly. “Looks like I picked the wrong dress. I didn’t realize I’d need a second pair of hands… If you could—um…”

Her words trailed off, her embarrassment palpable. Chaewoon stepped forward carefully, his fingers brushing the first button.

I’m her bodyguard. A professional, he reminded himself silently. But with each button he fastened, his composure slipped just a little more. Her skin was warm beneath his fingertips. The silence between them was thick, but not uncomfortable—just… charged.

He noticed the subtle way her shoulders rose and fell with each breath, the soft scent of her perfume lingering in the air. His fingers grazed her skin again, unintentionally, and he nearly forgot to breathe.

Across from him, Haein stood still, trying her best to appear composed. But she could feel everything—his touch, his breath near her neck, the closeness, the strange intimacy of it all. And what surprised her most was… she didn’t mind it.

Finally, with the last pearl button in place, Chaewoon let out a breath he did not realize he was holding.

“All done,” he said, his voice slightly lower than usual.

Haein turned to face him. “Thank you,” she said, a little too fast. “I’ll… make sure to return the favor.”

“There’s no need,” Chaewoon replied smoothly. “It was my pleasure to help.”

He was just about to step away when Haein reached into her room. “Oh, Mr. Woo—wait.”

She returned holding a small box. Opening it, she pulled out a necktie with a color that matches her dress.

“I thought… since you’ll be accompanying me tonight, we could…”

She didn’t finish the sentence, because Chaewoon was already smiling.

“If you still want to return the favor,” he said, his tone teasing now, “why don’t you tie it for me?”

Haein blinked, unsure whether to be relieved by his relaxed tone—or more nervous because of what he’d just asked.

Chaewoon on the other hand, had no idea why he suddenly blurted that out. For a moment, he wanted to slap himself, he expected her to scoff at him, maybe throw the necktie to him and say, “Tie it yourself.” He almost froze when Haein stepped closer.

She approached him slowly, tiptoeing as she looped the tie around his collar. “You’re annoyingly tall,” she muttered.

Chaewoon chuckled, he then adjusted his level, lowering his head a little. “Better?”

Haein blinked, her lips pursed. “I hope that’s not your way of teasing me for being short.” she said with a small glare, which he only responded to with another soft laugh. “I would never.”

As she focused on the tie, Haein found herself fumbling a little—his face was too close. Too steady.

His eyes flicked from her hands to her lips to her eyes again. And when she finally pulled the knot tight, their gazes locked.

“…Did I do it right?” she asked quietly.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Her hands were still lightly resting against his chest, his tie gripped loosely between her fingers. He was close. Too close. And neither of them seemed eager to step back.

Chaewoon’s thoughts were a blur. He was a highly trained soldier and spy. Self-control was easy for him. And yet in this moment, he felt his self-control slowly slipping away. He had been trained to remain calm in the tensest of situations. But this—this felt more dangerous than anything he’d faced before.

His mind was telling him to snap out of it, but he felt his own body betraying him, as he slowly moved closer, and closer to her.

His gaze fell to her lips.

And hers to his.

Their noses were nearly touching. A breath away.

And then—

Knock.

The sound at the door shattered the moment.

Chaewoon cleared his throat and straightened. Haein took a step back, smoothing down the front of her dress.

Just like that, the tension dissolved—almost.

But not forgotten.

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When Haein stepped into the living room, she found Eunsung already waiting, dressed sharply and oozing confidence.

“Good evening, Haein. Ready to go?” he said, extending his arm with a charming smile.

She raised an eyebrow, one hand on her hip.

Eunsung chuckled, taking her expression as a question. “Didn’t your parents tell you? I’ll be your date for tonight’s party.”

Haein smirked. “Oh? Then I suppose they forgot to tell you something too—I already have a date.”

As if on cue, Chaewoon appeared behind her.

He looked nothing like the bodyguard everyone knew. Gone were his crisp white shirt and standard black coat. Tonight, he wore a tailored tuxedo and a sleek long coat, his navy-blue tie matching perfectly with Haein’s gown. His hair, usually neat and professional, was now styled just enough to give him that effortless bachelor charm.

Woo Chaewoon was always handsome—but tonight, he looked devastatingly dashing.

Haein’s smile widened, proud of the man beside her. She had styled him herself, and she made sure he would turn heads the moment they stepped into the venue.

She turned back to Eunsung, voice polite but edged with satisfaction. “We’ll be going now. See you at the party, Mr. Yoon.”

Without waiting for a reply, she slipped her arm through Chaewoon’s, pulling him along effortlessly. Completely unaware of the effect she had on him.

Chaewoon’s heartbeat quickened as she leaned slightly into him. Her perfume lingered between them. This was no ordinary assignment anymore.

He swallowed discreetly, as he lets himself be dragged away by Haein.

This was going to be a long night.

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----> Unspoken Chapter List

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

Chapter 8: The Sound of Rain and Heartbeat

As music plays and rain falls outside, Haein and Chaewoon find themselves letting their guards down, just enough to feel a sense of peace. In each other's presence, they begin to realize trust can be found in the smallest, quietest moments.

“Then I’m just going to stay here as well, so you’re not, you know… bored.” Haein cleared her throat, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

She opened her phone and plugged in an earphone to listen to some music. Chaewoon noticed Haein still preferred using her wired earphones when everyone else had moved to wireless ones. That piqued his curiosity. Was it simply preference? Or did those earphones hold sentimental value to her? For some reason, he wanted to know. He didn’t know why, but somehow, even the tiniest quirks about her made him pause and wonder. Tt’s the little things like that made him want to know her more.

Haein noticed him looking at them and pulled one out, offering it to him. “Would you like to listen as well?”

Haein was sure she must be drunk. She’d been doing and saying things she’d normally never do. Before she could retract her offer, Chaewoon had already taken the other earphone from her hand and placed it in his ear.

And he smiled.

Haein blinked. She had seen him smile before, of course. But this one was a bit different.

“I think we listen to the same music,” he said. “I have a CD of this album back at home.”

Oh.

A CD? In this day and age? But then again, she was also the one still using wired earphones.

That was a new piece of information about Chaewoon. A simple one, but she felt a strange sense of satisfaction in knowing something new about him.

Minutes passed, and before she knew it, Haein had already fallen asleep beside Chaewoon.

She was not normally so at ease like this. She was always on guard. Tense. Suspicious of everyone around her.

But why was it that when she was with him, she felt relaxed? She became more clumsy. She blurted out whatever came to mind. And she was able to fall asleep so soundly like this next to him?

Chaewoon, on the other hand, swiftly moved to catch her head with his shoulder when she dozed off.

Her head was now resting against him. He stiffened.

He could feel her slow, even breathing. How she shifted closer to him because of his warmth.

This was a problem.

Chaewoon let out a quiet sigh, staring straight ahead, careful not to move too much.

This was definitely a problem.

He was supposed to be her bodyguard—her shadow, her protector. Someone who stayed at a careful distance, unseen until necessary. And yet, here he was, sitting next to her, sharing an earphone, with her head resting on his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world.

She really lets her guard down around me now.

It was subtle, but he noticed. The way she talked more freely, the way she wasn’t as cold or distant. How she embarrassed herself around him yet didn’t push him away.

And now, she had fallen asleep.

So defenseless.

Chaewoon swallowed, shifting ever so slightly so that she’d be more comfortable. He could hear the faint sound of the music playing through their shared earphones. A song he knew well. One he had played on repeat when he was younger, back when he still collected CDs.

Haein stirred, shifting closer.

His body went rigid for a moment before he forced himself to relax.

This is fine. It’s just a small thing.

The rain continued to pour outside, tapping lightly against the windows. The warmth between them was unmistakable.

Maybe it was a problem.

But for now, just for now—he decided he wouldn’t think too much about it.

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The rain continued to fall outside, a steady rhythm against the windows. The warmth between them was undeniable, quiet and unspoken.

And before Chaewoon knew it—he, too, had fallen asleep.

It was rare for him to lower his guard. Years of training had made it nearly impossible for him to rest fully, always attuned to every sound, every movement, every potential threat. Even when he slept, it was light, almost restless, ready to wake at the slightest disturbance.

But now, with the soft hum of music in his ear and the steady warmth of Haein against him, his body relaxed before he could even realize it. His breathing evened out, the tension in his shoulders loosening.

Maybe it was the rain. Maybe it was the exhaustion he refused to acknowledge.

Or maybe, it was just her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haein stirred first.

Her lashes fluttered as she blinked herself awake, her mind still hazy with sleep.

And that’s when she realized—her head was still resting against him.

Her brain took a few seconds to catch up. She was warm. Too warm. There was a steady rise and fall beneath her, the familiar scent of his cologne lingering in the air.

She turned her head slightly—only to be met with the sight of Chaewoon’s sleeping face.

Oh.

Haein stilled.

She had never seen him asleep before. Not once.

Chaewoon was always so alert, so sharp—always standing, always watching. It was almost unsettling to see him like this, completely at ease. His features were softer in sleep, his usual unreadable expression gone.

She found herself staring.

His lashes were long, his jaw sharp, his lips slightly parted as he breathed steadily. The dim light from outside cast gentle shadows on his face, making him look even more peaceful.

This is unfair, she thought. He’s supposed to be intimidating.

And yet, there was something endearing about this.

Something that made her chest feel tight.

Her gaze lowered slightly, taking in how his hands were still loosely resting on his lap, how his body had leaned ever so slightly toward hers as he slept.

For someone so disciplined, so constantly aware, it was strange to see him this relaxed.

He trusts me.

The thought struck her unexpectedly.

He wasn’t the only one making her feel at ease.

She made him feel at ease, too.

Her fingers twitched slightly, an unconscious urge to reach out. To touch, to confirm that he was really here like this, unguarded. But before she could even think to move—

His lashes fluttered.

And then, his eyes opened, slow and drowsy, adjusting to his surroundings.

They met hers immediately.

Silence.

Haein’s breath caught in her throat.

Chaewoon blinked, his gaze heavy with sleep, his mind still catching up with reality.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The music still played faintly in the background, the rain still fell outside, but all Haein could hear was the quiet pounding of her own heart. Or maybe it was his. She couldn’t tell.

She should look away. She should.

But she didn’t.

And neither did he.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chaewoon felt it first—the subtle shift beside him, the soft stir of movement as Haein lifted her head. He was still half-asleep, his mind floating somewhere between dreams and waking. Normally, he’d be alert at the slightest change in his surroundings. Years of discipline had trained him to be that way.

But not this time.

Even as his senses registered the movement, his body didn’t react. It was as if something within him told him to stay still. To rest. To just be—there, next to her.

He could feel her gaze then, even with his eyes still closed. A quiet presence. Familiar. Warm.

And so, he opened his eyes.

Slowly.

And the first thing he saw was her.

Haein’s face, close to his. Her eyes locked with his, wide and unblinking. Time didn’t just slow—it completely stopped.

He froze.

He blinked once, trying to gather his thoughts, but they scattered just as quickly.

Beautiful.

That was the only word his sleepy mind could offer. No strategies. No logic. Just that one, simple truth.

The sound of rain and music faded quietly in the background, drowned out by the sudden pounding of a heartbeat. He couldn’t tell if it was his or hers.

He watched her breath catch, the way her eyes slightly widened. There was surprise there. Maybe uncertainty. But she didn’t pull away.

And he didn’t move either.

He should have. He knew that.

But for once, Chaewoon let the moment stay. Still. Quiet. Suspended.

And somehow, it felt right.

< Chapter 7 Chapter 9 >

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hi everyone! this chapter is a little short and it ended with a cliffhanger Im so sorry afsghjdkfdsa

I have so much in store for this story, I want to include a moment where Haein has to stay in Chaewoon's place for the time being and she meets his cat, Mansik. They also grow even closer together.

But I think I'm really going to be busy with work for the upcoming weeks. Hopefully, I find the time and energy over the weekends to update at least one chapter each week.

For the meantime, I'm thinking of uploading some of my drafts ><

First Love - my delusional story between Ju Jihoon and Song Jihyo

angst, heart-break, memories, little moments, slow-burn, reunion

What began as young love on the set of their first drama was lost to missed chances, early heartbreaks, and painful regrets. Years passed, but old memories still resurfaced—and they’re left wondering if some first loves are meant to return.

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - a series of one-shot stories between Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk and Dr. Song Hye Joo (my OC played by Song Hye Kyo)

romance, comedy, lots of teasings, slow-burn

When Dr. Baek’s former med school rival, Dr. Song Hyejoo, joins the trauma team, his usual composure is shaken—just a little competitive, and maybe a little shy. As they face emergencies together, they rediscover something they never dared explore before.

I already have a few chapters written with both of this, so I guess for the mean time, while the Unspoken Series takes a little hiatus, I hope you will enjoy these two stories I have prepared ><

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

CHAPTER 7: Rain, Candy, and Curiosity

Caught in her own curiosity, Haein fumbles through embarrassment while Chaewoon remains calm and amused. But as the rain pours, so do the quiet revelations that bring them closer.

First, she let herself fall asleep in his arms and even tugged on his sleeve to stay. Second, she got caught staring at his face this morning. And now, third—she was literally caught digging up his background.

Back-to-back humiliations.

At this point, she might as well order him to shoot her on the spot.

Haein tried to compose herself, but her flushed cheeks and red ears were traitors, exposing her embarrassment completely.

And Chaewoon? He had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from chuckling.

“I was just curious,” she said, straightening her posture, trying to regain control of the situation. “You’re my bodyguard, after all. And I know nothing about you. It’s a simple background check.”

“I see,” he replied, his tone unreadable.

Silence.

The only sound was the soft clink of the coffee cup and plate as he placed them on the table.

Then—

“You could just ask me yourself, you know.”

Haein froze.

Her pride told her to just shut up and drop it. But her embarrassment had already hit rock bottom, so at this point—why not just go all in?

She took a deep breath and asked, bluntly—

“Then… is this your wife and daughter?”

Chaewoon raised a brow. Instead of answering, he tilted his head slightly and asked back, “Is the information relevant to my job?”

His tone wasn’t cold. If anything, it sounded mildly amused.

And she hated that—because damn it, he was right. Whether he had a family or not had nothing to do with his work.

“…It’s not,” she admitted, her voice barely above a mumble.

And then—to her horror—her mouth pursed slightly in defeat. She quickly looked down, embarrassment taking over her.

“I apologize for looking into your personal information,” she added, her fingers subtly curling into her palm. “You can go now.” She said in the most nonchalant tone she can muster.

For a moment, she thought he’d just leave. But instead—

He smiled.

Then, to her surprise, he kneeled down to meet her gaze.

Haein’s breath hitched.

“Yes, the woman and the little girl in the photo are my family,” he said calmly. “But they’re not my wife and daughter. That’s my older sister and my niece. They live abroad. I was tagged in that photo because I took it. If you had looked at the caption, you would’ve seen it says—”

He took out his phone and turned the screen to her.

“‘Thank you, Uncle Chaewoon.’”

Haein wanted to die on the spot.

She had been so shocked when she saw the photo that she completely missed the caption. And now? Now she was even more embarrassed that she had boldly assumed—right in front of him—that it was his wife and child.

Chaewoon, still crouched before her, continued smoothly—

“And to answer some of your other unspoken questions…”

Haein swallowed.

Oh god. He knew.

“No,” he said, “I don’t have a wife or a child of my own.”

Haein internally screamed.

“I’m also not in a romantic relationship with anyone, nor am I seeing someone.”

Her ears burned hotter.

“I’m guarding you 24/7, so I wouldn’t have time for that anyway.”

WHY WAS HE SAYING THIS SO CASUALLY?!

“As for my background,” he went on, “I was a soldier before. I quit for personal reasons and decided to use my skills elsewhere.”

Haein could barely process anything anymore.

“If you’re wondering why I can cook—”

She was wondering, but he didn’t need to say it out loud!

“—my mother taught me from a young age.”

Haein clenched her hands. Please stop talking.

“And lastly,” he said, tilting his head slightly, “don’t hesitate to ask me directly from now on.”

She inhaled sharply.

“I don’t mind it.” He gave her a knowing look.

Then—

“Did I answer most of your curiosity about me, Miss Haein?”

Haein could only stare.

Her pride was shattered. Her mind was blank.

And she could only think—

She was never living this down.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chaewoon had to actively stop himself from smiling.

He had seen many versions of Haein since becoming her bodyguard.

The cold Haein, sharp-tongued and dismissive. The composed Haein, perfectly put together in public. The frustrated Haein, sighing at her family during dinner. The exhausted Haein, asleep in her office.

But this Haein?

The one sitting before him, too embarrassed to look him in the eye after getting caught digging up his background?

This one was new. And he was thoroughly entertained.

It wasn’t just that she was embarrassed. It was that she had been so obvious about it.

The way she fumbled, the way she quickly changed the topic, the way she boldly asked if he had a wife and child—only to realize too late how ridiculous her assumption was.

And now?

Now she was sitting there, stunned into silence, her hands curled into small fists on her lap, her lips pursed like she was refusing to react.

She was obviously trying to will herself to disappear.

And for some reason, he found it… adorable.

He had expected her to dig into his background at some point. She was meticulous, after all. And she never trusted people easily.

But what he hadn’t expected was how much her curiosity about him would amuse him.

The fact that she actually sent him off to get coffee just so she could secretly look into him. The way she had stared at that photo of his sister and niece, brows furrowed in serious contemplation.

The way her entirebody froze when she realized he caught her.

And now—this silence.

He exhaled softly, shaking his head. He really shouldn’t be smiling right now. She’d probably throw something at his head. But he had to admit…

The thought of Haein sitting in her room, scrolling through his files with that same little furrow in her brow, trying to piece together who exactly he was—

It was strangely endearing. She wanted to know more about him. And that was something he hadn’t expected at all.

But he also knew, if she dug a little deeper, someday, somehow, starts knowing a little too much about who he really was, he wasn’t sure if he’d be ready for that day. A part of him hoped it would never come.

He decided to clear off his thoughts, burying it deep in the corners of his mind.

Chaewoon leaned back slightly, watching her closely.

“Well?” he said, raising a brow. “Did that answer everything you wanted to know?”

Haein finally snapped out of her frozen state, looking almost offended by the question.

“…Shut up,” she muttered, taking a sip of her coffee—clearly just trying to do something to avoid responding.

Chaewoon smirked.

So she’s still embarrassed.

He let out a quiet chuckle, deciding—for once—to let her off the hook.

For now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wind shifted, carrying with it the scent of incoming rain. The rustling leaves whispered a quiet warning, and the clouds above darkened to gray.

Haein was still seated in the garden, very aware of Chaewoon’s presence beside her. She was still trying to recover from her earlier embarrassment, keeping her composure as if she hadn’t just spent the last ten minutes being flustered beyond belief.

Meanwhile, Chaewoon was doing his best to suppress a smile.

The way she kept shifting slightly in her seat, how she avoided his gaze yet kept sneaking glances when she thought he wouldn’t notice—it was all too endearing.

The first raindrop landed soundlessly on the table. Then another.

Before she could fully process it, Chaewoon had already moved.

In one smooth motion, he stood up, unfolded the blanket from earlier, and draped it over her head, shielding her from the rain.

Haein looked up, startled. “What—”

“We should head inside now,” he said simply, his deep voice calm and steady. “It’s about to rain.”

And just as the words left his lips, the sky opened up. The drizzle turned into a downpour in seconds.

Chaewoon didn’t even flinch as the rain hit his shoulders, dampening his clothes. Instead, he adjusted the blanket over her more securely, making sure she wouldn’t get wet.

Haein, still frozen in place, blinked up at him.

Something about the way he did it so naturally—without hesitation, without even thinking twice—made her chest tighten just a little.

She lowered her gaze, gripping the edges of the blanket. “…Okay.” Chaewoon nodded. “Let’s go.”

And just like that, he walked beside her, shielding her from the rain all the way back inside.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been raining all afternoon.

The sky was a deep shade of gray, the steady rhythm of raindrops tapping against the windows of the mansion. Haein was in the living room, curled up on the couch with her laptop, trying to work—but her eyes kept wandering to the garden outside.

Chaewoon noticed, of course.

“You can’t go out in this weather,” he said from his usual spot near the door, arms crossed.

“I wasn’t planning to,” she said, a little too quickly.

He raised an eyebrow. She ignored him.

But ten minutes later, she was standing by the glass doors, watching the rain with that same distant look in her eyes.

Chaewoon sighed. He disappeared for a moment, and when he came back, he was holding a blanket. “Here,” he said simply, draping it over her shoulders.

He then reached for something in his pocket and handed it to her. A small packet of honey candies.

She frowned, confused. “What’s this for?”

“You always take one when you’re stressed,” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Haein stared at the candies in her palm. She had never once told him that.

Yet, somehow… he knew.

Her fingers curled around them slowly.

Chaewoon was already stepping back to his usual place, acting like this—this warmth, this quiet attentiveness—was just part of his job.

But Haein knew better.

She didn’t say thank you.

She just unwrapped a candy and popped it into her mouth, letting the subtle sweetness melt on her tongue. Then, ever so slightly, she pulled the blanket tighter around herself.

Chaewoon glanced at her.

And in that moment, she knew he understood.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Oh, by the way, you don’t have to accompany me all day when I’m on a day off. I’ll just be here in the house anyway.”

“It’s all right. When I found out you’re having a day off, I was already here in your living room. And I figured I’d just stay in case you needed me for anything.”

Haein bit her lip. She kind of felt bad. Because of her hasty decision, Chaewoon had to spend a boring day with her in this house—wait, did she just feel bad?? Haein?? Feeling bad?? Haein could honestly care less about the people around her. And he was her bodyguard, for god’s sake. He was just doing his job.

But then again, she could’ve just dismissed him earlier, told him he could take the day off.

But then again, why didn’t she?

Perhaps, something inside her wanted him to stay. Maybe she had gotten too used to his presence that she no longer minded him being around.

And it was getting ridiculous.

“I think I’ll just be resting inside my room for the rest of the day. You can go home now… if you’d like.”

Haein wanted to smack her forehead. Why did I say it like that?

She could’ve just told him he was dismissed. But no. She left the decision up to him. As if she wasn’t the one with authority here. As if… she was hoping he wouldn’t actually leave.

And the worst part? She was waiting for his answer.

Chaewoon, of course, knew exactly what was going on.

“If you’re leaving the decision to me,” he said, voice steady, “then I would like to stay.”

Ridiculous.

Her fingers twitched. She quickly busied herself by reaching for her coffee, masking whatever was going on inside her. Fine. If he wanted to stay, that was his choice.

“Don’t you have any hobbies?” she blurted out.

Chaewoon raised an eyebrow.

Haein internally cringed. Why did that sound so weird?

She quickly tried to fix it. “Sorry, what I meant was—”

But before she could even finish, Chaewoon let out a low chuckle.

Haein swore her ears were heating up again.

Why was he chuckling?

“Yes, I do have some hobbies,” he answered, still amused. “One of them is cycling. But I can’t really do that right now because of the weather.”

“Oh.”

There was a brief pause.

Haein wanted to say something else—maybe something that would end this ridiculous conversation—but before she could, she caught the way Chaewoon glanced at her.

Like he knew.

And the truth was—he did.

Chaewoon could’ve used this time to report back to his boss. Or gather more information about the chairman. He had plenty of things to do.

But instead, he chose to stay.

Even if it meant just standing outside her room all day.

< Chapter 6 Chapter 8 >

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hi!! thank you to those who are still reading this >< this chapter feels a little shorter than how I normally do chapters but I think this is better so it's less boring for the readers?? idk honestly afsghdjgfgdhs

might also be a little slow on updates starting tomorrow since I'm going to get a little busy right now irl :')

I also have upcoming stories I want to upload! ju jihoon is still the male lead of course😂

see you next chapter!!

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

CHAPTER 6: Curiosities

After a quiet moment of care, Haein and Chaewoon start to see each other differently. What began as simple concern turns into something more, leaving them both with questions they didn’t expect to ask.

The car’s engine hummed as he drove through the quiet city streets. His fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel.

He should’ve left right after. That was the plan. That had always been the plan.

He kept reminding himself—You were only doing your job.

Get her home. Make sure she’s safe. Report back. That was it. That’s all this was.

But it wasn’t, was it?

His mind drifted back to the moment, just minutes earlier. The soft weight of her in his arms as he carried her to her bed. The way her hair fell over her face, the warmth of her breath brushing against his collar. He remembered kneeling down, tucking her in with practiced, detached care. And then—

That tug.

So faint. So subtle. Yet it hit him like a bullet.

Her fingers, curled into his sleeve. Her voice, soft and sleepy. “…Stay.”

Chaewoon’s jaw clenched at the memory.

She hadn’t even been fully conscious. Didn’t know what she was asking. It wasn’t intentional. But it didn’t matter. Because something in him had responded anyway. Something dangerous.

He had hesitated. For the first time in a long time, he had hesitated.

He wasn’t supposed to do that. He wasn’t just a bodyguard. He wasn’t just a driver. He was a spy. A watcher in the dark. And now, not only was he reporting the Chairman’s words and movements—but hers too.

Every time she spoke, every time she looked too tired, too sad, too human—he was supposed to observe it, and file it away like evidence. Every word, every glance, every crack in her voice—he was expected to report all of it. But lately, he found himself leaving most of it out. Especially the parts where she was vulnerable. The parts that made her feel real. The parts that made him feel something.

That half-asleep voice calling him back. Those fingers clutching his jacket like he was her last lifeline.

That instinct inside him that wanted to sit by her side a little longer.

He told himself again, This is just a job. But it didn’t land like it used to.

Because for the first time, he didn’t want to detach.

He hadn’t wanted to let go. And that terrified him more than anything else.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened as the streetlights passed overhead. He was in too deep.

And if he wasn’t careful, Haein wouldn’t be the only one left vulnerable.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hong Haein woke up feeling unusually well-rested. Which was strange, considering the last thing she remembered was reviewing reports in her office, fighting off sleep.

She sat up, blinking groggily. The familiar walls of her bedroom came into focus.

Wait.

Her room?

How—?

Her gaze shifted to the bedside table, where a neatly arranged breakfast tray sat next to a small packet of medicine.

And then she saw it.

A folded note.

She already knew who it was from before she even picked it up.

“Eat your breakfast. Drink your medicine.”

No greeting. No signature. Just straightforward and to the point—exactly how Woo Chaewoon always spoke to her.

Haein exhaled, a small, involuntary smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Typical.

But just as she reached for the cup of warm tea, a memory from the night before suddenly hit her.

—The feeling of strong arms lifting her.

—A quiet, steady presence beside her bed.

—The warmth of a jacket in her grasp.

—Her own voice, half-asleep, murmuring, “…Stay.”

Haein froze.

Oh. No.

Her stomach dropped as the realization sank in.

She slapped a hand over her face.

Please tell me that didn’t actually happen.

But it did.

And now she had to face him.

…Or, maybe she could just avoid him for the rest of the day. Possibly forever.

Yes. That sounded like a solid plan. Absolutely.

Haein had barely wrapped her mind around the idea of avoiding Chaewoon for the entire day when her phone buzzed.

Chaewoon: Are you awake?

She stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She could ignore him. Pretend she was still asleep. But knowing him, he’d just find a way to confirm it himself.

With a sigh, she typed back.

Haein: Yes.

His reply was instant.

Chaewoon: May I come in for a second?

Her breath hitched.

What? Here? Now?

She sat frozen for a few seconds, completely flustered. She could shut him down coldly, tell him she didn’t need anything. That would be the logical thing to do. The easy thing.

And yet, she hesitated.

Before she could decide, there was a soft knock on the door.

“Ma’am?” His voice was calm but firm. “Are you alright?”

She pressed her lips together, gripping the blanket on her lap. If I don’t answer, maybe he’ll just leave—

“I’m coming in.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait—”

The door opened.

Chaewoon stepped inside, scanning the room, and when his eyes landed on her—very much unharmed, sitting in bed still wearing her office clothes from yesterday—his tense shoulders relaxed.

Haein narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Instead of answering, he took a few steps forward, holding up a small container.

She blinked. “What is that?”

“Ointment.”

“For?”

He nodded toward her feet. She followed his gaze—only then noticing the faint scratches along the sides.

Haein frowned. She must’ve gotten them from walking around in heels all day yesterday inside and outside the company. She remembered him insisting she rest her feet for a while, but she stubbornly refused. No wonder her feet now looked like that. She hadn’t even realized.

“You didn’t notice,” Chaewoon observed, setting the container on the bedside table.

“It’s nothing,” she muttered. “I don’t need that.”

He looked at her for a second, then knelt beside the bed, opening the container.

“I can apply it myself,” she said quickly.

“Please let me.”

The words were simple, quiet. But something in the way he said them made her pause.

She could argue, tell him it was unnecessary. But instead, she found herself sighing as she stretched out one foot, just slightly.

Chaewoon took it as permission.

His hands were steady, his touch careful as he smoothed the ointment over her skin. It was efficient—clinical, almost. But the warmth of his fingers lingered, and for some reason, it made her stomach feel strangely unsettled.

She stared down at him, at the way he focused on his task with quiet precision.

“…Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice softer than she intended.

“Because you don’t take care of yourself,” he said simply, not looking up.

Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the blunt honesty.

For once, she didn’t have a sharp retort.

She just watched him, heart beating a little too loudly in her chest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haein hadn’t meant to stare.

She really hadn’t.

But as Chaewoon carefully applied the ointment, she found herself noticing things she had never paid attention to before.

The way his brows furrowed ever so slightly, a flicker of disapproval at the sight of her scratched-up feet. The way his long fingers worked with precision, careful yet firm. The way his eyes blinked, just a bit slower, every time she flinched at the cool sting of the ointment.

She knew he was handsome. Of course, she did. A little too handsome, honestly. But she had never really looked at him before. Not like this.

And now, for some reason, she was seeing his face as if for the first time.

The sharp angles softened by the warm glow of the morning light. The contrast of his dark lashes against his skin. The way his lips pressed together in quiet concentration.

It was… distracting.

Too distracting.

Haein caught herself before she could stare any longer. But it was already too late.

Because just as she snapped out of it, Chaewoon glanced up—

And caught her staring.

Their eyes met.

A brief, fleeting second stretched into something much longer, something heavier.

Her throat went dry.

Immediately, she looked away, clearing her throat as if that could erase the moment. “Thank you,” she said quickly, voice a little too firm. “You can go now.”

Chaewoon, as always, didn’t react much. He simply nodded, closing the container and standing up.

But as he walked toward the door, Haein was very aware of the fact that her heart was beating just a little too fast.

And that was the most annoying part of all.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chaewoon was a spy. A professional. He had been trained to detect the subtlest of changes, the smallest of shifts in energy.

So of course, he noticed.

He noticed the way Haein’s gaze lingered on him a little too long. The way her breathing changed ever so slightly when his fingers brushed against her skin. The way she was staring—really staring—as if she was seeing him for the first time.

And the most frustrating part?

He felt it.

A warmth creeping up the back of his neck. The sudden self-awareness of his own hands, his posture. A flicker of something unfamiliar curling in his stomach.

He had faced interrogation, surveillance, and the world’s most dangerous criminals without so much as blinking. He had never been intimidated by anyone.

But under her gaze, for the first time—

He felt… shy.

It was ridiculous.

He willed himself to focus, to keep his hands steady as he finished applying the ointment. But when he finally looked up and met her eyes, something in his chest dropped.

And then—just as quickly—she snapped her head to the side, clearing her throat, hastily dismissing him.

Chaewoon almost—almost—smiled.

She had lost her composure first. That was something, at least.

He stood, giving a brief nod before stepping out of her room.

The moment the door shut behind him, he exhaled sharply. His pulse was annoyingly unsteady. His ears felt oddly warm.

He headed straight for the kitchen, grabbed a glass of water, and downed it in one go. Then, setting the glass down, he wiped a hand over his forehead.

What the hell was that?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haein wanted to bury herself alive.

She had barely survived that embarrassing encounter with Chaewoon, and now, all she wanted to do was crawl back under the covers and pretend it never happened.

But then—

A familiar scent drifted toward her.

She blinked, glancing at the bedside table. Oh. Right. Breakfast.

Fine. She’d eat first. Then continue moping.

She picked up her spoon and took a bite.

…And immediately paused.

Something was different.

She took another bite, slower this time.

The taste was—better than usual. Which was strange, because their family chef was already excellent. But this? This had a warmth to it. A personal touch.

Had Chaewoon ordered it from somewhere?

She needed to know.

Still half-lost in her hunger thoughts, she grabbed her phone and sent a text.

Haein: Where did you get this breakfast?

It didn’t take long for him to reply.

Chaewoon: I made it.

Haein froze mid-chew.

He… cooked it?

She stared at the screen, then back at her food. Then back at the screen.

Woo Chaewoon—the man who barely spoke, who always had that unreadable expression, who moved like a human shadow—could cook?

Her curiosity flared, completely uninvited.

Since when? Where did he learn? Why is he good?

And then, a far more dangerous thought entered her mind.

Does he have a family?

She had never even considered it before. When he was first assigned to her, she had been too annoyed, too disinterested to care about his personal life. But now…

He was older than her. Ten years older.

Does he have a wife?

A girlfriend?

The idea of Chaewoon coming home to someone—someone waiting for him, cooking for him the way he cooked for her—made something twist uncomfortably in her chest.

Haein immediately shut the thought down.

She was being ridiculous.

She stabbed at her food, scowling.

She didn’t care.

…But somehow, she had to know.

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Chaewoon knew Haein had taken the day off. It was a sudden decision early that morning when she sent a quick text to her assistant, her personal driver, and him.

And he was already outside her room when he received the text, ointment in hand. He had to give it to her or atleast make sure she uses it. It was the only reason he had asked to come into her room earlier.

She was a workaholic—someone who rarely, if ever, took a break—so it had crossed his mind to wonder why. But at the same time, he was relieved. At least she knew how to rest.

Now, his job was simple. Stay close. Be there if she needed anything.

It was a quiet morning, until his phone buzzed. A text from Haein.

Haein: Where did you get this breakfast?

He blinked. His first thought: Is something wrong with it?

Chaewoon: I made it.

No reply.

A small crease formed between his brows.

Did she not like it? Did it taste bad?

He had made it without much thought, just going about his usual routine. And yet, now that she was actually eating it, he found himself oddly self-conscious.

Maybe he should have just let the family chef cook for her. Maybe—

His phone buzzed again. His eyes immediately darting to her text.

Haein: Thanks. I like it.

Chaewoon exhaled, a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

And before he could stop himself—

He smiled.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haein couldn’t stop thinking about it.

It was annoying.

How come she knew next to nothing about her own bodyguard?

Other than the obvious—tall, quiet, handsome, surprisingly good at cooking, and annoyingly considerate—she knew nothing.

She considered asking her grandfather, but immediately scrapped the idea. Knowing him, he’d probably bring it up to Chaewoon directly, and there was no way she was dealing with that level of embarrassment.

So instead, she pulled out her phone and messaged her secretary.

Haein: Give me anything you can find on Woo Chaewoon.

Secretary: Your bodyguard?

Haein: Yes.

Secretary: Shouldn’t you already know about him since he’s, you know… your bodyguard?

Haein: I wouldn’t be asking you if I did.

Her secretary, to their credit, didn’t ask any more questions.

Now all she had to do was wait. But sitting still wasn’t an option.

Maybe—just maybe—she could get some information out of him herself.

Casually. Subtly. Completely normal conversation.

She grabbed her laptop (so it looked like she was working) and stepped out into the garden. Where, as expected, Chaewoon was already positioned a few steps away, arms crossed, watching the surroundings.

She took a deep breath, calming the ridiculous nervous energy in her chest.

Alright, Woo Chaewoon. Let’s see what I can find out about you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haein had a plan. Casually strike up a conversation with Chaewoon. You know, just to get a little information out of him. She was just a little curious after all. Just a little.

But it was easier said than done.

She tried forming natural conversation starters in her head, but it’s been 20 minutes since she went outside her room and pretended to look busy with her laptop in the garden.

Maybe she’d just wait whatever her secretary found out about him after all.

And then, a notification popped up on her laptop.

Finally.

Her secretary had sent a file and some links.

Nice.

But she couldn’t open them. Not yet. Not when Chaewoon was right there, just a few steps behind her.

Sure, he was far enough that he wouldn’t be able to read her screen, but still—she couldn’t risk it. She needed him gone, just for a few minutes.

So, in the most nonchalant voice she could muster, she said, “Can you bring me coffee? And maybe a few snacks.” She never ordered him around for simple things like this. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

Chaewoon glanced at her, tilting his head slightly—almost as if questioning the odd request—but he nodded and left without a word.

As soon as he was gone, she opened everything.

First, the basics.

Birthday: December 10.

“Oh,” she murmured. “That’s in a few weeks.”

Then—

Military background. Marine Corps. 707th Special Mission Group.

Her brows lifted. A soldier? A high-ranking one, actually.

“How did he end up as a bodyguard?” she muttered to herself.

Unfortunately, there was nothing about his family. But—

A link to a social media profile. She clicked on it.

As expected, no posts. Not even a profile picture. Clearly just for business or minimal communication.

But then—

Tagged posts.

Bingo.

Most of them were group photos from training and work. Nothing too interesting.

Until—

Her eyes landed on one particular photo.

A woman. And a child.

Her fingers froze on the trackpad.

His wife? His daughter?

Her mind raced.

Before she could process the thought, someone cleared their throat.

Right behind her.

Shit.

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When Chaewoon first saw Haein step out of her room, he nearly did a double take.

Gone were the usual luxury clothes, the perfectly styled hair, and the sharp, intimidating makeup. Instead, she was in cozy attire—loose, comfortable clothes, her hair casually falling over her shoulders, her face bare of any enhancements.

It wasn’t a sight he was used to.

And oddly enough… he found her even prettier like this.

Of course, he already knew she was beautiful. He had met plenty of beautiful women in his life. But without any bias, he could say with certainty—Hong Haein was probably the most beautiful of all.

That thought alone made him mentally slap himself. What the hell am I thinking?

He quickly focused back on his job.

She was working, of course. Even on her day off. But something was different. She was restless. She kept glancing at her phone. Checking her laptop inbox. Again, and again.

She’s waiting for something, he concluded.

Then—

“Can you bring me coffee? And maybe a few snacks?”

That made him pause. It wasn’t strange, exactly. But she had never asked him to do something so trivial before.

Had she finally warmed up to him? Enough to start giving him simple errands?

Without questioning it, he nodded and left. But when he returned—

He found her eyes glued to her laptop. And on her screen, his background information. He immediately understood.

So that’s what she was waiting for.

Amusement flickered in his eyes as he watched her scroll, intensely focused.

Then, when she landed on the photo—the one with the woman and the little girl—he noticed it.

Her brows furrowed.

The same way they always did when she was too focused… or irritated.

And she stared at it for a little too long.

Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. He shook his head lightly.

Is this why she suddenly sent me to get snacks?

Somehow, he found it… oddly cute.

Finally, deciding to put an end to her “research,” he cleared his throat.

And immediately, she froze in place.

If he had less self-control, he would’ve teased her about it. Or maybe let out a chuckle.

But if he wanted to keep his head intact, it was probably best not to.

< Chapter 5 Chapter 7 >

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Okay!! My favorite part was actually supposed to be included here in this chapter but I realized it was getting too long so I had to cut it into two parts >< working on Chapter 7 right now!! This is where I was actually cheesing the entire time I was writing this story.

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

Chapter 5: A Quiet Moment

The tension in Haein's life only grows. Chaewoon, ever observant, quietly steps in when she needs him most. As the two spend more time together, they grow closer—Haein, letting herself be vulnerable around him for the first time, and Chaewoon, beginning to waver in ways he didn’t expect.

It was one of those nights again.

The kind Haein never looked forward to—their daily evening family gathering. Chaewoon knew how much she disliked them. Even before he became her bodyguard, when he was still accompanying her grandfather, he had seen the way she avoided these dinners, the way she always seemed out of place among her own family.

Most nights, she found a way to skip them, using work as an excuse. But sometimes, like tonight, she had no choice. Especially after what had happened that morning between her and her mother.

As they approached the entrance to the main dining hall, Chaewoon felt it—the slight shift in her posture, the tension creeping into her shoulders. It was subtle, but he had learned to pick up on these things. The way her steps slowed just enough to be noticeable, as if she were bracing herself.

She didn’t look like someone going in to have dinner with family. She looked like someone preparing for battle.

Her back was straighter than usual, her movements controlled. Even her expression was sharper, her gaze more guarded.

She was trying to mask her discomfort.

Chaewoon didn’t say anything. He simply stepped forward and opened the door, his presence steady beside her—silent, unwavering. Just as he always was.

The doors to the main dining hall swung open, and for a brief moment, the room fell into silence. Haein was used to this—used to the way conversations would pause, the way heads would turn ever so slightly as if to acknowledge her presence without truly welcoming it.

But tonight was different.

Because tonight, for the first time, she wasn’t walking in alone.

Chaewoon was right behind her, his presence steady, solid. He didn’t need to say anything, didn’t need to do anything. He was just there. A quiet force standing at her back, and somehow, for some reason, it made a difference.

She hated to admit it, but she felt safer.

Even as she kept her expression unreadable, even as she took her seat at the long, polished table with practiced grace, there was a small part of her that didn’t feel quite as exposed as she usually did.

Across from her, her mother barely spared her a glance, while her father remained occupied with his meal.

It was all as expected. Cold, distant, routine.

Yet, beneath the surface, there was something different.

Because for the first time in a long time, Haein wasn’t completely alone in this room.

During dinner, her mother suddenly called her name, pulling Haein out of her thoughts. Across the room, Chaewoon noticed the slight stiffening of her shoulders, the way her posture tensed at the mere mention of her name.

“Haein, you’ll receive a certification of contents tomorrow,” her mother said, her tone cold but casual, as if discussing something as trivial as the weather. “I’m filing a suit against you for building your department store over my land in Gwanggyo.”

Haein inhaled slowly, forcing herself to remain calm. “We discussed this before construction even started. It wasn’t much land, and you gave me your permission.”

“I did,” her mother admitted. “But Attorney Shim advised against it. Rumors could spread about how I gave you special treatment, and I might have to pay a gift tax.”

Haein stared at her, expression unreadable. “So now you’re filing a lawsuit? Now that the building is already standing?”

“You haven’t opened it yet.”

“I see.” Haein’s fingers curled slightly against the fabric of her dress. “Then should I just demolish it?”

“That’s up to you and your attorney.” Her mother’s voice remained impassive. “Look over the documents and come up with an appropriate measure—”

She was cut off by the sudden scrape of a chair against the floor.

Haein had stood up. “Come up with an appropriate measure?” she scoffed.

“What do you mean?” Her voice was steady, but it was sharper than usual. “Should I be afraid and back off?” Her hand clenched into a fist. “You’re threatening me with that lawsuit.”

Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “Did you just cut me off?” The tension in the room spiked, a suffocating weight pressing against Haein’s chest.

And then, just as the air grew thick with unspoken words, and before her mother could utter another word, a ringtone echoed.

All eyes turned toward the source.

Chaewoon, who had been watching quietly from the sidelines, stepped forward. His voice was calm, respectful. “I apologize for the interruption, but Miss Haein—the Director of Hercyna is calling.”

Haein turned to him, her heart still racing from the confrontation. She let out a quiet breath, grasping onto the escape he had given her. “I’ll discuss everything with my attorney,” she said, her voice regaining its composure. “May I be excused? I have an important call waiting.”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Without another glance at the table, she turned on her heel and took the phone from Chaewoon’s hand.

As expected, the screen was blank. No call. No Director of Hercyna.

He had faked it.

She didn’t know why he had stepped in, why he had given her an out when no one else would.

But for now, she was grateful. Because the room had felt suffocating, and she needed to breathe.

As Haein walked out of the dining hall, phone pressed to her ear as if she were truly answering a call, her steps were quick, purposeful. But Chaewoon, who followed closely behind, didn’t miss the way her grip on the phone tightened or the way her shoulders slightly trembled.

The hallways were silent except for the echo of their footsteps. It wasn’t until they turned a corner, out of sight from everyone’s eyes, that Haein finally exhaled.

She lowered the phone, staring at the blank screen before glancing up at him.

She swallowed, struggling against the lump in her throat. She wanted to say something—anything. At the very least, a thank you. But the words caught in her chest, tangled with the emotions she refused to let spill over.

Chaewoon, who had already read the unspoken words in her eyes, simply gave her a small nod. No pressure, no expectation. Just understanding.

Haein turned away, hating that he keeps seeing her like this. “I’m going to rest early. You’re dismissed. See you tomorrow.”

Chaewoon gave a slight bow, stepping back. But just before she disappeared down the hall, his voice, quiet yet certain, reached her.

“Goodnight.”

She paused, her fingers curling slightly at her sides. For a brief second, she hesitated—then, barely above a whisper, she responded.

“…Goodnight.”

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Maybe they had grown closer over the past few weeks, but ever since the night Chaewoon first muttered Goodnight to her—and she unexpectedly returned it—it had become a habit.

A Good morning when they met at the start of the day.

A Goodnight before it ended.

Neither of them had noticed how natural it had become, how effortlessly the words passed between them now. Compared to before, when they barely exchanged words to each other.

The people around them noticed it, too. How the Ice Queen’s once-distant bodyguard—who used to follow at a respectful distance because she despised him hovering—was now walking beside her. Not trailing behind, but right next to her, as if they were a pair.

But more than that, it was Chaewoon himself who drew attention. A tall man with a sharp jawline, a straight nose, and piercing eyes. The kind of presence that made people look twice. And then there was his voice—calm, authoritative, carrying an air of quiet command. But what made the women in the office truly linger was something else entirely.

It was the way he treated her.

They saw it—the subtle but undeniable gentleness in how he spoke to their boss, how he looked at her, how his presence around her never felt intrusive, only steady.

Haein had noticed, too.

The way her female employees lit up when Chaewoon entered the room, the way their smiles grew a little wider, their voices a little softer. It had been happening for a while, but the first time she really took note of it, she found herself raising an eyebrow.

“You’re quite popular, Mr. Woo,” she remarked, her tone sharper than she intended.

Chaewoon looked at her, genuinely confused—something she rarely saw on his face.

Haein, already turning back to her paperwork, muttered under her breath, “It’s kind of annoying.”

Chaewoon blinked. Once. Twice.

Trying to figure out what, exactly, had annoyed her this time.

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Figuring out Hong Haein’s moods was becoming second nature to Chaewoon.

But not when she muttered that she was annoyed earlier at the office.

The thought lingered in his mind, nagging at him even as he accompanied her to a meeting in the city. He noticed it then—how she was colder than usual. Her gaze was sharper, her tone clipped. Of course she had always been like this, but something about the way she’s acting now did not feel intimidating at all. If anything, it was almost—dare he say—amusing.

Not that he’d ever admit it infront of her. He valued his life, after all.

Before they reached the car, Chaewoon subtly stepped in front of her, blocking her path just enough to make her stop. His voice was calm, but there was a trace of curiosity in his tone.

“Did I do something wrong? Are you upset with me?”

It was an innocent question.

But Haein’s face heated almost instantly.

She scoffed, flustered. “What are you asking? You sound like—”

She stopped herself, biting down the rest of her sentence before it could escape.

Chaewoon blinked. Like what, exactly?

“I’m not upset with you, if that’s what you’re curious about.”

And with that, she walked past him, sliding into the car without another word.

Haein wanted to hide her face before Chaewoon could get into the car.

She wasn’t even sure why she’s feeling this way. If she was upset or why was she even upset in the first place. All she knew was that she hoped he wouldn’t ask again.

Then, her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts.

As soon as Chaewoon got in the driver’s seat, he immediately noticed how Haein’s expression darkened. From the faint voice on the other end, he could tell it was her secretary.

“Miss Haein, your mother is here, and she’s furious. I told her you’re in a meeting, but she’s demanding you return as soon as possible.”

Haein sighed, already exhausted. “Tell her I’m on my way.”

The moment the call ended, another one came in—this time, from her attorney.

“Miss Haein, the investors are concerned. They found out Mrs. Hong filed a suit against the land, and they’re worried about the project’s stability. They want assurance that the mall will still open as planned.”

Haein pressed a hand to her temple, exhaling slowly. “Arrange a meeting with the investors on Wednesday. I’ll explain everything to them. And I’ll speak with my mother again about the lawsuit.”

Chaewoon glanced at her through the rearview mirror. She had closed her eyes, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose as frustration weighed on her shoulders.

Without a word, he rolled down the window slightly, letting the night air in.

Haein opened her eyes at the unexpected breeze. She blinked as it brushed against her skin. Closing her eyes again, she inhaled deeply, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little.

Outside, the trees blurred past.

“Do you want me to pull over?” Chaewoon asked.

“That’d be nice.”

He eased the car to a stop, and Haein stepped out, making her way toward the frozen river. November’s air was cold and biting, but she welcomed it, standing still as she took in another deep breath.

Chaewoon watched her for a moment, then quietly retrieved a blanket from the car. His footsteps were silent as he approached her.

Haein didn’t turn, but she felt the slight shift in the air when he got closer. And then, warmth.

The blanket settled over her shoulders with gentleness. The weight of it was light, but the gesture itself felt heavier. For a brief second, she almost turned to look at him, almost said something. But she didn’t trust her voice, didn’t trust the way her chest felt strangely tight.

“It’s cold,” Chaewoon said, his voice steady but quieter than usual. “We shouldn’t stay too long.”

“I know. And my mother’s waiting.”

“Let me know when you’re ready to go.”

They stood there in silence, the only sounds coming from the rustling trees and the distant sound of the busy city.

And for a moment, Haein could let herself relax.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When they returned to the office, Haein was immediately greeted by her mother’s stern gaze. “What did you tell your grandfather?” She said in an accusing tone.

Haein dropped her bag on the couch and sighed, “What do you mean?” Haein had expected maybe her grandfather found out about the ridiculous lawsuit, she had hoped he did. But it was something different.

“You grandfather was furious with Soocheol. Were you the one who told him about his debt with one of the investors?” Her mother was asking, but it did not feel like a question, more like an accusation.

Haein exhaled slowly. “He must’ve found out on his own. I haven’t spoken to him in weeks.” The last time she had was when he assigned Woo Chaewoon as her bodyguard.

Her mother scoffed. “Don’t lie to me. I know you were behind this.”

“I don’t have time for that,” Haein replied, her voice level. “I couldn’t care less what happens to Soocheol.”

“That’s right. You don’t care. You never have.” Her mother’s voice was sharp now, cutting. “As his older sister, you’ve never once treated him like family. You’ve been selfish for as long as I can remember. Do you even know? Soocheol had a panic attack today.”

Haein’s fingers curled into her palm. But she didn’t let her face waver. “If you’re done with your accusations, you can leave. As you can see, I’m busy.”

Her mother let out a bitter scoff. “Unbelievable. I won’t let you get away with this.”

With one last glare, she turned and stormed out.

The moment the door clicked shut behind her mother, Haein gripped the edge of the table beside her, her fingers digging into the polished wood as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.

She exhaled slowly, but the tightness in her chest didn’t ease.

With a shake of her head, she reached for the coffee pot and poured herself a cup, the dark hot liquid swirling as it settled. She held the paper cup between her fingers tightly.

Too tightly.

Chaewoon’s sharp eyes flicked downward, noticing the way her fingers were gripping the paper cup—too firm, too tense. The lid wobbled slightly, the liquid inside dangerously close to spilling.

Without hesitation, he reached out, his touch light but firm as he carefully took the cup from her hands.

She didn’t even notice how the flimsy material was starting to give in. If she held on any longer, the coffee would spill, burning her hand.

Then, warmth.

A firm but careful pressure covered her fingers.

Haein snapped back to reality, her breath hitching.

Chaewoon.

She hadn’t even realized he was standing so close.

Her gaze lifted in startled silence, and suddenly, she was aware of everything—the warmth of his hand over hers, the slight roughness of his fingertips against her skin, the steadiness in his grip that contrasted with her own trembling one.

Her eyes flickered up to meet his.

She looked at him, at the way he held the cup so steadily—like it was the most natural thing in the world to quietly take care of things she didn’t even realize needed taking care of.

Chaewoon was watching her, his expression unreadable, but his touch was steady, grounding.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Neither of them spoke.

The only sound in the room was the distant hum of the city outside, the ticking of the clock on her desk, and the faint, steady rhythm of her own heartbeat—louder than it should be.

Then, with deliberate slowness, Chaewoon took the cup from her hands. His fingers lingered for just a second longer than necessary before he pulled away.

Haein let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Haein just looked at him, her vision blurring slightly as tears threatened to spill. But she refused to let them fall. She had held herself together for so long—she wouldn’t break now.

Chaewoon didn’t say anything either. He only held her gaze, steady and unwavering. There was something in his expression, something soft and reassuring, as if he was silently telling her, It’s okay. You don’t have to hold it all in. Not with me.

The coffee cup was already placed on the table, forgotten, but his other hand still hovered over hers. Close enough to feel, close enough that if she moved even slightly, they’d touch again. But she didn’t pull away.

She didn’t want to.

The warmth of his skin grounded her in a way she couldn’t explain. The steady presence of him beside her, the quiet patience in his eyes, it all made her feel… safe.

“Are you okay?” Chaewoon finally asked, his voice careful, low.

Haein swallowed. She nodded, but it wasn’t entirely convincing.

Still, she managed to whisper, “Yes, I am.”

Then, after a small pause—so quiet it was almost lost in the space between them—she added, “…Thank you.”

Her voice barely made a sound, but Chaewoon heard it.

And for some reason, that was enough.

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Haein threw herself into work after that, keeping her hands busy, her mind even busier.

Chaewoon stayed. He didn’t press, didn’t speak—just waited.

He could feel it, the weight of her mother’s words still lingering in the air. The way they cut into her. Haein never let it show, never let anyone see the cracks, but Chaewoon could.

Haein may seem cold, but inside, she was hurting the most.

And maybe work was her escape. A way to outrun the thoughts she didn’t want to face.

Chaewoon glanced at the clock. 9:45 PM. She should have left hours ago.

Frowning, he walked over to her office door and knocked softly. “Miss Haein?”

No answer.

He knocked again. Still nothing.

A quiet sigh left his lips before he carefully pushed the door open.

And there she was.

Slumped over her desk, her head resting on her folded arms. The soft glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the room, illuminating the untouched cup of coffee beside her—now cold.

She had pushed herself too hard again.

Chaewoon sighed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

The papers scattered across the desk told him she had probably fallen asleep mid-review, too stubborn to call it a night.

Without a word, he slipped his arms under her, lifting her carefully. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, only sighing against his shoulder as he adjusted his hold.

She was lighter than he expected. Or maybe she just carried too much weight during the day for anyone to notice how exhausted she really was.

The drive back to the estate was silent.

Haein barely moved in the passenger seat, her breathing slow and steady. Every now and then, she shifted slightly, her body naturally leaning toward the warmth beside her.

Chaewoon kept his eyes on the road. Kept his thoughts steady. This was nothing. Just doing his job.

When they arrived, he carried her inside, moving with the same careful precision. He placed her gently onto her bed, adjusting the covers over her.

Just as he was about to straighten up, he felt it—

A small tug at his jacket.

He looked down.

Haein, still half-asleep, her fingers curled weakly into the fabric of his sleeve.

“…Stay.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, her words slurred with drowsiness.

Chaewoon froze.

She didn’t know what she was saying. Didn’t realize what she was doing. But still, she was holding onto him—like some part of her, even in sleep, didn’t want to be left alone.

For the first time in a long time, he hesitated.

Then, slowly, he lowered himself onto the edge of the bed. He didn’t move her hand away.

Minutes passed. Her breathing evened out again, her fingers loosening their grip.

Only when he was sure she was deeply asleep did he finally rise.

He lingered for a second, gaze drifting over her face. She looked different like this—without the sharpness, without the armor. Just… at peace.

On his way out, he found himself replaying the moment in his head.

The sound of her voice. The way she reached for him without thinking.

And the fact that, for some reason, he hadn’t wanted to let go.

< Chapter 4 Chapter 6 >

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Thank you for waiting!! It has been a very busy week for me. This chapter was already in my drafts when I uploaded chapter 4, but I couldn't find the time to polish it.

Life has been so hectic lately and I will try to make time to upload regularly.

Will also try to maybe make it less wordy? I tried reading each chapter over and over again and I noticed maybe it can come off as boring because it's too much description?? ;-; idk pls let me know your thoughts I'm open to suggestions and improvements ><

By the way, next chapter is my favorite!! >< hehe

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

The Trouble with Admitting Things

Baek Kang-hyuk x Reader

Genre: Fluff, Humor, Light Slow Burn

Warnings: Mild teasing, secondhand embarrassment

Word Count: ~6,500

Synopsis: After a grueling shift, you accidentally admit to admiring Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk—big mistake. He seizes every chance to tease you, turning your embarrassment into daily entertainment. But when the teasing gives way to unexpected sincerity, you realize admiration might not be so one-sided after all.

You should have known better than to let your guard down around Baek Kang-hyuk.

Especially not when you were running on fumes, too exhausted to keep up your usual defenses.

It had been a brutal shift at the trauma center—back-to-back emergencies, rushed procedures, and a never-ending stream of critical cases. The air had been thick with tension, every second spent making life-or-death decisions. But despite the chaos, the team had worked together like a well-oiled machine, with Kang-hyuk at the helm, cool-headed and sharp as ever.

And now? Now you were all slumped in the break room, desperately clinging to the last ounces of energy in your bodies.

The scent of instant coffee mixed with antiseptic filled the air, and you nursed your mug as if it held the key to your survival. Across from you, Dr. Park Gyeong-won sighed dramatically, rubbing his temples.

“I think I lost about five years of my life in that last hour.”

Jang-mi, one of the trauma nurses, groaned. “Forget years, I think my soul left my body when that last code was called.”

There was a chorus of agreement.

And that was when your sleep-deprived brain betrayed you.

“Honestly,” you muttered, stretching your sore neck, “if it weren’t for Dr. Baek, half of us wouldn’t have made it through that shift.”

The moment the words left your mouth, the room fell eerily silent.

You blinked, sluggishly registering the amused looks being exchanged.

Gyeong-won raised an eyebrow, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Oh? Is that admiration I hear?”

Jang-mi, who had just taken a sip of tea, nearly choked. She slammed her cup down, eyes wide with exaggerated shock. “Wait, wait—our Dr. Baek?” Her gaze snapped to Kang-hyuk, who was leaning against the counter, watching the scene unfold with an infuriatingly smug expression.

“Did you hear that?” she gasped.

Dr. Yang Jae-won, who had been lazily sprawled in his chair, perked up. “Wow, (Y/N). That’s high praise coming from you.” He smirked. “You usually just call him an insufferable ass.”

Your stomach dropped. Oh, no.

“I meant professionally,” you blurted, suddenly very aware of how hot your face felt.

Kang-hyuk chuckled, arms crossed, his smirk widening. “Professionally, huh?”

You shot him a glare, but he was enjoying this way too much.

Unfortunately, so was everyone else.

“Oh, don’t backtrack now,” Jang-mi teased, practically vibrating with excitement. “We all heard it.”

Gyeong-won leaned forward, chin resting on his hand. “So, tell us, (Y/N). What exactly do you admire about Dr. Baek?”

You swore you felt your soul leave your body. “Can we not—”

Jae-won smirked. “Is it his surgical skills? His confidence? His broad shoulders?”

Jang-mi gasped. “His hands, maybe?”

“Oh my God, stop—”

“Or is it,” Kang-hyuk drawled, tilting his head, “my charming personality?”

Your entire face went up in flames.

Kang-hyuk took a slow step closer, voice rich with amusement. “Why are you blushing?”

“I am not—”

“Are you embarrassed?”

“No—”

“You are.”

“I swear to—”

Jang-mi gasped again, dramatic as ever. “Oh no. What if it’s actually his hands?”

Gyeong-won feigned deep thought. “It’s the hands, isn’t it?”

“I HATE ALL OF YOU.”

Kang-hyuk grinned, full-on thriving in your misery. “So, (Y/N),” he mused, “do you admire my hands?”

You considered throwing your coffee at him.

The problem with Baek Kang-hyuk was that he never let things go.

Ever.

For the next week, he found every opportunity to remind you of your unfortunate slip-up.

During morning rounds: “(Y/N), you seem distracted. Thinking about my hands again?”

During surgery: “You’re staring. I get it. My technique is admirable.”

Even in the middle of a high-stakes procedure: “Focus, (Y/N). Just pretend it’s me guiding you with my admirable skills.”

It was relentless. And the worst part? Everyone else was in on it.

Jang-mi started taking exaggerated notes whenever Kang-hyuk spoke, dramatically whispering, “Such admiration,” under her breath.

Jae-won? He would randomly sigh in the middle of conversations and lament, “If only someone admired me the way (Y/N) admires Dr. Baek.”

Even Park Gyeong-won, who was usually the most mature of the bunch, just smirked whenever you shot him a pleading look.

You were never going to live this down.

The tipping point came when Kang-hyuk—absolute menace that he was—walked into the break room while you were alone, arms crossed, looking far too amused.

“You know,” he started conversationally, “I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh no.”

He ignored you. “Since you admire me so much, maybe I should return the favor.”

You groaned. “Please don’t.”

“But there’s just so much to admire,” he continued dramatically. “Your sharp tongue, your ability to withstand my teasing—”

You threw a napkin at him. He dodged easily.

“See?” he grinned. “That resilience. Very admirable.”

You contemplated homicide.

It all came to a head late one night.

You were in the on-call room, exhausted, head resting against the back of the couch. The door creaked open, but you didn’t bother looking up.

“If this is about my admiration comment,” you grumbled, “I am going to scream.”

A chuckle. “Relax. It’s just me.”

You cracked one eye open to see Kang-hyuk standing by the door, hands in his pockets. He looked… different. Less teasing. More thoughtful.

You frowned. “What?”

He hesitated before stepping inside, closing the door behind him.

“Listen,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “I know I’ve been messing with you a lot, but…” He exhaled, looking almost—shy? “It actually meant something.”

Your breath caught. “What?”

“What you said.” His voice was quieter now. “That you admired me.”

You swallowed, suddenly unsure where this was going.

He let out a small, self-deprecating chuckle. “I don’t really hear that a lot. Not from people who—” He trailed off before shaking his head. “Anyway. It was nice. Coming from you.”

Your heart did something funny in your chest.

“You admire me?” you repeated dumbly.

His lips quirked. “Someone who keeps me on my toes? Someone I—” He paused before smirking, voice dropping to something softer. “—also admire.”

Your brain short-circuited.

“I—what—”

He chuckled, stepping closer. “Relax, (Y/N). It’s just admiration.”

Your face burned. “You’re the worst.”

“I know.” His grin widened. “But at least now we’re even.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands.

Baek Kang-hyuk just laughed.

I’ve got a Yang Jae-won fic cooking in my drafts… should I??? 👀👀👀

taglist: perm @missroro @study-with-reine234

JU JI-HOON as WOO CHAE-WOON Blood Free | 지배종 (2024)

Ruin Me, Ruin You

Baek Kang-hyuk X Song Hae-rin (OC/fem!reader)

Genre: smut, little to no plot (plot what plot? never heard of her lol)

Word Count: 2,015 words

Summary: A bet between Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk and Dr Song Hae-rin escalates into something much more than just office banter. WARNINGS/CONTAINS: 18+ NSFW CONTENT (MDNI), dom!kang-hyuk, sub!reader, edging, orgasm denial, little overstimulation, cream pie(let's assume she has an IUD and pack it up), unprotected vaginal penetration (wrap it before you tap it, folks).

A/N: I am nothing if not a slut for men double my age :D. also, the serious lack of content about this man on this site, sfw and nsfw alike, is hurting my soul on a cosmic level. so here I come to the rescue <3 (apologies for any errors, English isn't my first language.)

P.S.: I know in about two months (or less) I will come back to this and have an astronomical cringeout over the fact that my first EVER fic is literal PORN, but we are not on that bridge just yet. we'll cross it when we get there :"D

stupid fucking bet.

The words swirled around Hae-rin's clouded head as Kang-hyuk drove into her abused cunt at a slow and antagonizing pace.

bastard. scheming son of a bitch.

how did she end up here?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dumb bet was about "the first to lose their temper in the next 48 hours.", classic office shenanigans. Less than 24 hours in, her coffee machine in her office was gone, later found in her wall cabinet. She didn't react. Not even when her meticulously organized case reports and case studies happened to grow a pair of legs and get mixed up, 'all by themselves'.

But she wasn't above those petty antics either. She swapped his black coffee with Nurse Seo-hwa's Nurse Seo-hwa's syrupy sweet latte— watching from afar as his face fell on the very first chug. Her kimchi-jjigae 'accidentally' got dumped on his pristine white shirt, right before a conference.

The rest of the team? Unfazed. They’d witnessed their ridiculous antics far too many times to be surprised by any of it.

But then came the email.

Kang-hyuk had authority that she didn't— and he wasn’t above using it to win this ridiculous bet. The email informed the team about the delegation of a complex orthopedic case to Choi Min-jun, instead of her. She stormed into his office with a furry of a hundred suns to rip him a new one.

And rip him a new one, she did. Only to discover the truth—the email had been sent to her alone. Nobody else.

Thirty-four hours. That’s all it took. Bet thoroughly lost.

After he reassured her that the email had only been sent to her and not the whole team, she huffed and asked, "What do you want?"

But to her great dismay, the smug bastard didn’t want anything… yet. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, that infuriating smirk firmly in place, and said, "Patience is a virtue. I’ll cash in when the time is right."

That was two weeks ago.

Now, at 2 a.m., Hae-rin found herself standing in front of his apartment door, knocking.

He had just returned from an international case, as a favor for the health minister, and his official joining was still three days away. But she needed to read that case study he had mentioned, or else her brain would absolutely kill her with all the overthinking.

Good thing they were next-door neighbors.

The next thing she knew, they were fighting—arguing over the case, over medical theories, over every damned thing they always fought about. Words sharpened into knives, logic be dammed, and somewhere in between, they lost track of whether they were debating or challenging each other in ways that had nothing to do with medicine.

Then something snapped. In seconds they were on each other—lips clashing, hands grabbing; later a tangled mess of limbs on his king-sized bed. Chest flush against the other, sweat covering their bodies.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hae-rin‘s body shook under the pressure of Kang-hyuk’s larger frame, fingers and nails digging into his back and shoulders, her hair sticking to her face with a mix of sweat and tears. She was sure she looked a total mess. God, if someone saw her like this, that too under him, of all men on planet Earth—career down the fuckin’ drain.

It all felt too hot, too tight—too much. Her thighs trembled under the sluggish assault of his hips, every movement winding the tension in her stomach tighter and tighter, like a coil ready to snap. The lines between pain and pleasure blurred so completely that nothing made sense anymore.

His thrusts became harder, pushing her to the edge of insanity, every movement measured and deliberate. “You lost the bet, and you know I’m a man of my word,” he muttered against her ear, his voice low and thick with satisfaction. “This—” he punctuated his words with a slow, deep thrust, “—is my prize.”

“You are absolutely insufferable,” she choked out between uneven breaths.

“I swear to God, Baek, you have to be the most maddening, egotistical—” Her words fractured into a sharp gasp as he thrust particularly deep and then stilled, silencing whatever insult she was about to hurl his way.

“Want me to stop, then?” he murmured, halting completely. This instantly elicited a flurry of curses from her beautiful mouth.

“Look at that face,” he taunted after a sudden, sharp thrust, amusement laced in his voice. “Where’d all that attitude go?”

Her eyes rolled back, a choked gasp escaping her lips as her nails raked harder against his skin. Kang-hyuk hissed in her ear at the sharp sting, but his movements didn’t soften.

Her body was betraying her in the worst way possible, and she hated it. Hated that she could barely keep her eyes open, hated the way she couldn’t stop shaking, the way her legs had long since lost their strength.

She whined under him, begging for release. But Baek Kang-hyuk was never an easy man. He was cruel, with a big dick and an even bigger ego. His favorite pastime was toying with people and watching them crumble.

And her? She was his favorite plaything.

He had always thought about how he’d make her pay for all the times they fought tooth and nail, and what greater opportunity than this?

Her. Vulnerable and bare beneath him, body snug against his.

The bet was just a front. He wanted to torment her just as much as she had.

But control was a losing battle in this game for two. It slipped away like sand between his fingers.

Feeling her soft, all-too-warm body press against his own turned his mind into hot mush, every twitch and tug setting his nerves on fire. His eyes drank in every expression of her reddened face, and his ears memorized every broken gasp and moan from her lips.

But the real torment was his own—his cock, painfully swollen, trapped in the vice of her throbbing heat. Fucking hell. Every time he pushed in, he wanted to stay buried inside that tight, scorching heat. Her body clung to him like she needed him, like she was made just for him.

“Baek please—“ she attempted to lift her hips for more, but his sturdy hands on her hips pinned her down. 

“Please what?” he mushed, as his mouth sucked on the soft skin under her ear. “Use your words, Song.”

An almost unfamiliar whine escaped her lips, tears already forming from the denied pleasure.

He pressed his forehead to hers, breathing in her moans. Her lips looked swollen from the way she bit onto them to suppress the humiliating sounds leaving them.

He hadn’t kissed her once since he entered her.

And that pissed her off beyond belief.

“Fuck you…” she groaned. Mapping out his back with her nails.  

“You’re doing just that.” A lazy smirk spread across his face as he thrust into her—slow and hard—forcing a strangled cry from her throat. She arched more into his chest, her frustration palpable. His grip on her sides only grew stronger.

By now, her body should have been accustomed to his slow torture. But like most things unattained in this world by Song Hae-rin, her body didn’t cooperate with her logical brain.

Every time he thrust into her a little harder than before, her breath hitched, her brain went static, and her fingers scrambled against his skin.

Fuck him and his stupid stamina.

How long had it been going on? Too long.

His hips moved in methodical ways—calculated and cruel. He started slow, building her until she was hanging over the edge, only to drag her back down. It was painful, so agonizing. Unfortunately for her, he knew the tells of her body within the first few minutes of this endeavor.

Whenever she tugged at him—desperate to pull him closer, to bite into his neck, shoulder, arm—he knew she was near.

And that’s when he slowed down noticeably. It drove her absolutely mad. It drove her to tears.

She bit his shoulder hard, dragging her nails across his back in revenge—sure to leave marks. She called him every nasty name under the sun in her delirium, voice hoarse from overuse.

Hae-rin’s whines and moans were like narcotics shot straight into Kang-hyuk’s bloodstream. Her desperate pleas tightened every muscle of his body so painfully that his restraint ran low.

“Kang-hyuk, let me…please...” her words trailed off into thin air as her gasps and moans rang around the room. He froze.

Fuck.

Hae-rin never used his given name. Not outside the hospital. Not in the OR. Not in emergencies. Not even when they were in Iran a year ago, treating patients in a war zone. Not even when they shared their first kiss that started this whole mess a week ago.

Never.

The sound of his name on her lips, wrecked and breathless, hit him harder than a bullet ever could.

He groaned, deep and primal, as his grip on her tightened, his nails digging into her skin, surely leaving marks. His restraint snapped like a frayed wire.

His hand snaked around her throat, tilting her face up to meet his gaze, his chest rising and falling with ragged breaths.

“Say it again,” he rasped, voice low and dark.

Her brain was on autopilot with only one goal. She needed to come, or else she’d lose her mind.

“Kang-hyuk…please, let me come.” any sense of shame and pride that was hanging on had left her system completely by that very moment.   

Baek Kang-hyuk had spent his entire life mastering control.

On the battlefield? Control meant survival.

In the operating room? Control meant lives saved.

But here?

With her?

Control was just a goddamn game, and he had lost.

A guttural growl tore from his throat as he slammed into her, hard and mercilessly. Finally giving in to everything he’d been holding back. Her cry was a plea, and he answered it with every ounce of pent-up frustration and want he had for her.

His pace was relentless. His body caged her in, his hips snapping against hers with a force that made the bed shake. He buried himself inside her over and over, as if he could carve his name into her very bones.

“That’s it, baby,” he coaxed, his voice dark and breathless, his forehead pressing against hers as he took in every shudder, every gasp, every twitch of her body. “Give it to me.”

And she did.

Hae-rin shattered, her body seizing beneath him as waves of pleasure wracked through her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and buried her hands into his hair to ground herself even a bit. Her lips chanted his name over and over without ever making any sense of what she was saying.

But he wasn’t done with her.

Her walls clenched around him, a tight vice that had him seeing white. Instead of slowing, his pace barely faltered. He chased his own high, dragging her through the aftermath. Her body jerked and arched into his with overstimulation as he continued his merciless rhythm.

“Kang-hyuk—too much...” she sobbed, but her body betrayed her, still quivering and responding to every movement.

“Just a little more, baby,” he husked, his command over himself slipping entirely. His fingers tangled in her hair as he let himself drown in her. “You’re being so good for me.” 

His release hit him hard, groans ripping from his throat as he buried himself deep, his body trembling against hers.

For a long moment, there was nothing but their tattered breathing, stars and white swimming behind their closed eyelids. His forehead pressed against hers as he tried to steady himself, trying to piece back the fragments of his shattered control.

“I hate you...” she mumbled against his lips as they plastered against hers.

He let out a breathless chuckle. “Hmm, sure didn’t sound like it.”

Her half-lidded eyes came to full close, cheeks flushed, and her body still twitching with overstimulation. “Go to hell, Baek.”

He grinned, pressing a lingering kiss before murmuring against her lips, “Already there, sweetheart.”

Fuck him and his stupid bet. 

JU JI HOON / 주지훈 Marie Claire Korea, Dec. 2024

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining

Chapter 4: In His Care

Chaewoon’s protective instincts toward Haein become more apparent as he observes her every move with quiet care. His subtle gestures and watchful presence reveal a side of him that Haein begins to notice—one that goes beyond his role as a bodyguard.

It had been a week since Chaewoon became Haein’s bodyguard, and in that time, he’d already learned to read her like an open book. Watching her through the glass walls of her office, he could tell just by the way she furrowed her brows and gripped the paper tighter—something was bothering her.

Five, four, three, two, one... he counted in his head.

As expected, Haein’s sharp voice rang out, “What happened to decorating the personal shopper room like a gallery? The artist’s reputation and colors don’t suit the interior design.”

Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. Yelling and glaring like that, she looks so mean.

But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted, a satisfied smile curling on her lips as she flipped to the next page. “Yes, this is what I was talking about.”

She looks excited, Chaewoon thought, still watching her every move.

The annoyed Haein from moments ago was gone, replaced by a woman pleased with what she saw. And just as Haein’s lips slightly curled up, Chaewoon’s own little smile started to falter. For a moment, time slowed down, and for some reason, he could not look away at her smiling face.

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away and stare blankly at the opposite wall, as if that would shake the strange, unsettling feeling that had taken hold of him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAEIN'S POV

Hong Haein wasn’t used to people caring about her—not in the way Woo Chaewoon did.

Not that she would ever admit it.

But for a while now, she had stopped trying to shake him off. That didn’t mean she liked his presence, but she had accepted, begrudgingly, that he was annoyingly efficient at his job.

She just hadn’t expected him to be so… considerate.

1. The Elevator Incident

It started in the company lobby. Haein was walking ahead, clicking through emails on her phone, when the elevator doors opened. She stepped in without thinking.

Then, in a single swift motion, Chaewoon reached out, placed a firm hand on the small of her back, and pulled her back just as a man rushed out, nearly knocking into her.

She barely had time to react before she found herself standing inches from him, her back against his chest.

“Watch your step,” he murmured, his hand falling away the second the man passed.

Haein straightened, clearing her throat. “I had it under control.”

Chaewoon didn’t argue, simply stepping inside after her. “Of course, ma’am.”

She turned to glare at him, only to find the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

Infuriating.

2. The Heels Problem

Later that day, she had back-to-back meetings, which meant strutting around the office in heels that looked good but felt like a medieval torture device.

By the time she stepped outside, her feet were killing her.

As they reached the car, Chaewoon—without a word—opened the door for her, then subtly adjusted the car mat so she could rest her feet more comfortably.

It was such a small gesture, so smooth, that she almost missed it.

She slid into the seat, watching as he walked around to the front. Inside the car was also a pair of soft comfy slippers that was not originally there.

Her jaw tightened. He wasn’t supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be just another disposable bodyguard, a shadow she could ignore.

Then why was he making it so difficult?

3. The Rain

By the time they arrived at a charity gala that evening, it had started raining. Hard.

As usual, Chaewoon was the first to step out of the car. He retrieved an umbrella, opened her door, and held it above her.

Haein, exhausted and mildly annoyed at the world, reached for the umbrella.

“I can hold it myself.”

Chaewoon, as always, was unmoved. “That’s my job.”

She stepped out, expecting him to keep a respectable distance. Instead, he adjusted the umbrella so that she was completely covered—even if it meant part of his shoulder got drenched.

She noticed. And she hated that she noticed.

By the time they entered the building, she found herself stealing glances at his wet sleeve.

Chaewoon brought her a towel, his expression as calm as ever. She expected him to use it to dry himself off, but instead, he held it out to her.

She raised an eyebrow, about to refuse, when he paused for a brief moment. Then, with surprising grace, he knelt down in front of her, positioning the towel to wipe her shoes.

Oh, my shoes are wet.

The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. Haein instinctively stepped back just as his hand was about to touch the leather.

“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant,” she said, her tone sharper than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure. “Wipe yourself instead. You’re drenched.”

She huffed, a bit embarrassed by the sudden awkwardness, and turned on her heel, walking briskly into the gala without looking back.

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CHAEWOON'S POV

The Elevator

Woo Chaewoon was always quick on his feet. So, when Haein, her attention absorbed by her phone, failed to notice the man about to collide with her as the elevator doors opened, he reacted instinctively.

Chaewoon's reflexes kicked in without thinking. His hand moved swiftly to the small of her back, steadying her just as a man rushed out, too close for comfort.

For a brief moment, he felt her back tense against his chest as he pulled her away. The contact surprisingly electric, but he didn’t let it show. He barely heard her breath catch in her throat, but he noticed.

"Watch your step," he murmured quietly, making sure the man passed safely before letting his hand fall away from her back.

She straightened up quickly, her back stiff. He could feel the subtle shift in her posture as she composed herself.

“I had it under control,” she said, voice a little sharp, but he didn’t respond to the challenge in her tone.

Instead, he stepped into the elevator after her, keeping his face unreadable. “Of course, ma’am.”

She turned to glare at him, her eyes narrowing in irritation. But for just a moment, he caught the faintest flicker of something else there—amusement, maybe. It was gone too quickly for him to dwell on, but it made him smile to himself, just the slightest curve of his lips.

Infuriating. But somehow, she made it worth it.

2. The Heels

Chaewoon had learned to notice the small signs that Haein never acknowledged. He could see it in the way she walked—stiff, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as if she were fighting the discomfort that no one else seemed to notice. Her back straightened, her pace measured, but there was always that subtle shift in her posture after each long meeting. The heels, he knew, were not made for comfort. He also knew she would never be the type to wear flats outside.

So, when they reached the car after a long day, Chaewoon opened the door for her without a word, then quickly adjusted the car mat under her feet. It wasn’t much, just enough to give her a bit of relief, and he did it so smoothly that she almost didn’t catch it.

But she did.

As she slid into the car, he caught the slight wince in her face, then the subtle relief as she settled into the seat. Chaewoon walked around to the front, but when he opened the door to slide in, he saw her eyes lingering on the pair of slippers he had neatly placed inside for her.

Her gaze was confused, almost questioning.

It was an ordinary thing, a small act of care, but it was enough for him to see the slight stiffening in her jaw. He couldn’t help but wonder why she was so resistant to the simplest gestures. After all, he was only doing his job. But still, the thought lingered. She wasn’t supposed to be this difficult to ignore.

Yet, here she was, making it harder than it should be.

3. The Rain

Chaewoon didn’t expect her to notice. The rain had soaked through part of his sleeve, but it wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. He held the umbrella steady over her, making sure not a single drop touched her, while the cold slowly seeped into his own shoulder. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It was his job.

But then, she looked.

It was quick, just a glance at his wet sleeve, but he caught it. The slight pause in her step, the way her gaze lingered a fraction too long before she looked away. She noticed. He wasn’t sure why that detail mattered, but for some reason, it did.

By the time they reached the entrance, she was back to her usual self—sharp, composed, untouchable. But Chaewoon had seen the flicker of something else. He returned with a towel, expecting her to take it without a second thought. Instead, she hesitated.

So he did what came naturally—knelt down in front of her.

Her shoes were wet. He had noticed, of course, just as he noticed the slight shift in her stance, the way she tensed the second she realized what he was about to do. Then, before he could even move, she stepped back.

“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant.” Her voice was clipped, but it wasn’t anger. It was something else—something that made her avert her gaze a second too late.

Chaewoon didn’t argue. He simply stood, towel still in hand, watching as she walked away quicker than usual, like she was trying to escape something.

As she walked further ahead, Chaewoon’s eyes followed her. His gaze lingered just a moment longer, catching the flush of her ears—redder than usual.

He wondered if it was the cold, or if it was something else entirely.

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It was another busy day for Hong Haein, this time at Queen’s Department Store. She was making her way through the floors when a commotion near the cosmetics section caught her attention. A small crowd had gathered, murmuring among themselves as an angry man raised his voice at one of the employees.

At first, Haein didn’t interfere, simply observing from a distance.

The customer was demanding a refund for a product that was nearly used up. The employee, a young woman, remained professional, explaining that refunds weren’t possible once the product was almost empty. But the man wasn’t listening. Instead, he insisted—loudly—that his girlfriend’s skin had worsened because of it. A blatant lie. It was a common trick—buy, use, complain, and demand a refund.

But then, the situation escalated.

Frustrated by the refusal, the man swiped an arm across the counter, knocking over bottles and compacts. The sharp sound of breaking glass made the employee flinch.

“Do you think I’m some kind of joke?” His voice rose, and so did his hand.

Chaewoon, standing silently nearby, was already prepared to intervene. But before he could move, Haein was already stepping in.

She caught the man’s wrist mid-air, stopping his hand before it could strike the employee.

“And who the hell are you?!” he snapped, yanking his arm back. His face twisted in outrage, as if personally offended that a woman had dared to stop him.

Haein’s expression remained calm, her voice unwavering. “This is not a place for such behavior.”

The man scoffed. “Then bring me your CEO. I don’t have time for people like you.”

“You’re looking for me?”

His face faltered for a second before he recovered. “So you’re the CEO?” He sneered, folding his arms. “Figures. No wonder your employees are incompetent. Why did you not train your employee properly then!?”

“You’re right,” she said coolly. “Maybe I haven’t trained them properly.” She turned to the employee, glancing at the nametag. “Ms. Kim Minji?”

The young woman tensed, clearly expecting a reprimand.

Haein sighed and crossed her arms. “Your job is to deal with customers only. As for criminals, report them to the police immediately.”

The man’s face reddened. “Wow. A criminal? So now you’re insulting customers? The CEO of this mall looks down on people. We will sue you.”

Haein simply smiled. Behind her, Chaewoon observed the scene with quiet amusement.

“Please do,” she said lightly. “I’ll be suing as well.”

The man sputtered. “What did you just say?!”

His temper snapped. His hand moved again, this time toward Haein.

But before he could get close, a shadow loomed over him.

Chaewoon was already there.

His tall frame blocked the man completely, cutting off his path like an immovable wall. His movements were smooth, effortless, but his presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier. In one swift motion, his hand wrapped around the man’s wrist—not rough, not violent, but firm. A controlled grip, precise and unyielding.

The shift in atmosphere was instant.

The man’s anger wavered, his bravado shrinking under the weight of Chaewoon’s presence. Up close, he could see the way Chaewoon carried himself—not just as an employee, not just as security, but as someone who was dangerous in all the ways that mattered. There was no unnecessary aggression in his stance, no tension in his shoulders, no wild anger in his eyes. Just cold, calculated control. The kind that made people second-guess their next move.

For the first time since the commotion started, the man hesitated.

Chaewoon’s grip didn’t tighten, but the unspoken message was clear: Don’t try it.

The man swallowed. His wrist, though not in pain, felt like it was caught in something unshakable. He looked around, as if realizing how quiet the crowd had gone, how the eyes that once watched in amusement were now filled with anticipation—waiting to see if he would be foolish enough to push further.

He wasn’t.

“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon said evenly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be. It carried the kind of weight that made people listen.

Haein tilted her head, unfazed. “And I’ll add another lawsuit for the sales loss you caused.” She turned to the crowd. “Did you all get that on camera?”

A chorus of affirmations rose from the spectators, many holding up their phones, their screens still recording. A few even cheered.

The man looked around, suddenly realizing how outnumbered he was.

“Take them to the police,” Haein ordered as security finally arrived, stepping forward to apprehend him.

As the man was dragged away, Haein turned back to Chaewoon, a satisfied smile on her face. He met her gaze, his own expression unreadable.

She gave him a small nod. “Let’s go.”

Without another word, Chaewoon followed.

On their way back to the company, Haein found herself replaying the moment in her head.

It had happened so fast. One second, she was handling the situation as she always did—calm, composed, in control. The next, a hand had been raised in her direction, and before she could even react, a shadow had stepped in front of her.

Chaewoon.

Haein had barely registered the movement before he was there, his tall frame blocking her completely. The space that had once felt open was suddenly filled—broad shoulders, solid stance, the subtle shift of muscle beneath his suit.

She hadn’t been expecting it.

She had seen him be cautious before, seen the way he silently observed her surroundings. But this was different.

His hand had wrapped around the man’s wrist—not roughly, not aggressively, but with a kind of controlled force that left no room for argument.

She hadn’t seen his face at first, only the sharp line of his jaw from the side, the way his fingers flexed slightly as if calculating the exact amount of strength needed to hold back without breaking.

Then she had seen the change in the man’s expression. The way his anger faltered, the realization creeping in. He had thought he could intimidate her, but now he was faced with someone he couldn’t push, someone who didn’t even need to raise his voice to make his presence known.

“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon had said, his voice low, even. It wasn’t loud, but it carried the kind of weight that made people listen.

Chaewoon didn’t move, his stance unwavering, his hand still gripping the man’s wrist as he watched him with cool detachment. And for the first time, Haein realized something.

For all the quiet patience she had seen in Woo Chaewoon, there was another side to him. A side that wouldn’t hesitate to shield her the moment someone dared to lay a hand on her.

And for reasons she couldn’t quite place, she found herself staring at him just a moment longer than necessary.

Gentle, quiet, patient Woo Chaewoon. You had this side to you, huh?

The thought followed her into the car. As they drove in silence, she caught a glimpse of him through the rearview mirror. He looked the same as always—calm, focused, completely unbothered.

She clicked her tongue and turned to the window, blinking more times than necessary.

As if that would make her stop thinking about it.

From the front seat, Chaewoon felt Haein’s gaze linger on him. He kept his eyes on the road, but he noticed everything—the slight shift in her seat, the way she suddenly blinked faster before turning to the window.

For a brief moment, he felt… aware of himself. Just a little.

But why?

Why did her gaze make him falter, even for a second?

He didn’t know.

< Chapter 3 Chapter 5 >

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incorporated some QOT scenes in the story >< will also incorporate BF scenes next chapters!

I feel like maybe the story's pacing is a little slow I noticed that it has fewer readers each chapter🥲 maybe the slow-burn is burning too slow?🥲

but it's fine! I was momentarily discouraged to continue it but honestly, I think I'm also writing this story mostly for myself hihi it's been a loonnggg while since I started writing something again, like actually writing and not just daydreaming about it throughout the day

thank you again who's still tuning in! <3

taglist: @lvnat1c <3