Latest Posts by purplemountain - Page 2

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.

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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

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Ice

As cracks begin to form in Haein’s carefully guarded exterior, Chaewoon remains a silent observer—watching, understanding, but never prying. Yet, the more she tries to ignore him, the more she finds herself unable to look away.

The ride back home was quiet, save for the faint hum of the engine and the occasional sound of Haein scrolling through her phone. She wasn’t really reading—just skimming through emails and messages, too drained to focus. The exhaustion of the day was settling in, yet a persistent chill crept through her despite the warmth of her coat.

She barely noticed when her fingers trembled slightly, or when she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. But Chaewoon did. Without a word, he adjusted the temperature in the car, subtly raising the heat. A few moments later, Haein realized her shivering had stopped.

Her brows furrowed. She hadn’t even realized she was cold. But he had.

Bodyguards were supposed to follow orders, react when necessary—not anticipate things she didn’t even voice out. She’d had plenty before, and not one of them had done more than the bare minimum. Chaewoon, however, seemed different.

Not that it meant anything. She still didn’t like him.

But annoyingly enough… she didn’t mind him either.

“How long have you been working for my grandfather, Mr. Woo?” Haein asked, her tone casual, eyes still fixed on her phone as she scrolled through unread messages.

Chaewoon, focused on the road, answered without hesitation. “Four months.”

“Such a short time,” she mused, tapping absentmindedly on her screen. “I guess you already gained his trust.”

Chaewoon blinked. Had he? He wasn’t sure. The chairman was a man of few words, his orders absolute yet often unexplained. One day, he was handling corporate security affairs; the next, he was reassigned to shadow his granddaughter—without warning, without justification.

Maybe it was a test. Maybe it was something else entirely.

Either way, Woo Chaewoon didn’t ask questions.

Chaewoon kept his eyes on the road, but he could feel Haein watching him now, her phone momentarily forgotten in her lap. “What did he say when he assigned you to me?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Chaewoon didn’t answer immediately. The chairman’s words echoed in his mind, but he settled on the simplest version. “To watch over you.”

Haein narrowed her eyes slightly. “That’s all?”

“Yes.” His response was clipped, unwavering.

She studied him for a moment, as if searching for cracks in his carefully maintained exterior.

“My job,” he continued, voice steady, “is to simply accompany you everywhere you go. Take orders from you, so you can use me as you please, Ms. Hong.”

Something about the way he said it made her pause. It wasn’t sarcastic, nor did it carry any hint of bitterness. It was just… factual. A declaration of duty.

Haein let out a quiet scoff, leaning back against her seat.

When they arrived at the mansion, Haein expected him to stop at the main entrance and let her go on her way. But, of course, he wouldn’t just leave her side that easily.

She reached for the door handle, but before she could open it, Chaewoon was already there, pulling it open for her. Haein stepped out, only to catch sight of his hand hovering above her head again—just like earlier, ready to shield her in case she miscalculated and hit the doorframe.

She pressed her lips together, torn between rolling her eyes and making a sarcastic remark about how she was perfectly capable of getting out of a car on her own. But exhaustion weighed heavy on her, and frankly, she didn’t have the energy for it.

Instead, she exhaled through her nose and turned toward the house. The warm glow from the entrance lights stretched across the driveway, casting long shadows as she made her way inside.

Of course, she wasn’t alone. The soft, steady footsteps behind her confirmed what she already knew—Chaewoon was following her.

I guess he’s going to follow me all the way to my room, she thought, resisting the urge to sigh.

Maybe she should slam the door in his face just to see if he’d stop.

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Chaewoon noticed the way her lips pressed together when he opened the car door. She wanted to say something—he could tell—but chose not to. Instead, she stepped out without a word, her movements slower than usual, her usual sharp posture softened by exhaustion. Even her commanding presence had dimmed, replaced by something quieter, almost weary.

He followed her in silence, his gaze subtly tracking the way she moved. Her steps were unhurried, almost aimless, yet she didn’t head for the main entrance. Instead, she veered toward the garden, taking the longer route despite her obvious fatigue.

Did she always take this way, even when she was this drained? Or was she heading somewhere else?

Chaewoon half-expected her to turn around and demand why he was still following her, maybe throw in a sharp remark about personal space. But she didn’t.

Something about the slow drag of her steps, the slight slump in her shoulders—it wasn’t just exhaustion. There was something else weighing her down. And for once, she didn’t seem to mind his presence.

Haein stopped abruptly, her gaze locked onto something in the garden. Chaewoon followed her line of sight and saw them—her parents, standing amidst the dimly lit hedges, deep in conversation.

His eyes flickered back to Haein, watching as her expression darkened. Whatever she was hearing, it wasn’t something she wanted to.

“Honey, don’t be so harsh on Haein,” her father’s voice carried softly through the night air. “How long will you let the past haunt you? You should let go and move on.”

There was a sharp pause before her mother responded, her tone colder, edged with something unresolved. “That’s what your father said back then.” A bitter chuckle. “Your father didn’t want any issues, so you obliged. I still don’t understand why Suwan had to die.”

At that name, Haein visibly tensed. The fatigue that had weighed her down moments ago disappeared, replaced by a rigid stillness. Her fingers twitched before curling into fists at her sides, and her eyes, already heavy with exhaustion, now reflected something far deeper.

“It was just an accident,” her father said, his voice softer now. “No one is to blame.”

“You’re right,” her mother murmured. “It’s no one’s fault. But Suwan is gone. And I’m still in pain every single day.”

Chaewoon barely had time to process the shift in Haein before she turned on her heel and walked away, her steps quick, almost urgent. He caught a glimpse of her face—her lips pressed tightly together, eyes misted but defiant. She didn’t want to hear more.

Without a word, he followed.

Suwan. Hong Suwan.

Chaewoon recognized the name instantly. It was in one of the files he had read about the Hong family—the Chairman’s eldest grandson, Haein’s older brother. He had died in an accident, a tragedy that cast a long shadow over the family.

The reports were clinical, filled with dates and facts, but standing here, seeing the way Haein’s entire body stiffened at the mention of his name, he realized how little those words truly conveyed.

He recalled one particular detail: Haein had been in the accident too. The only one who survived.

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When they reached her door, Haein didn’t spare him a glance. She stepped inside without hesitation, the door shutting behind her. Maybe he shouldn’t have followed her all the way here. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to see something so unguarded.

But as he stood there in the empty hallway, Chaewoon couldn’t shake the memories of the countless family dinners he had witnessed from a quiet corner of the Hong estate. The family gathered every night, and as the Chairman’s bodyguard, he had been present more than once.

The Chairman rarely attended, but when he did, Chaewoon would stand by his side, silently observing. And each time, his gaze would inevitably land on one family member who always seemed more like a heavy shadow than a presence—Hong Haein.

She barely spoke. She would eat in silence, her expression unreadable, and when she left the table, no one even seemed to notice. It was as if she existed on the fringes of her own family, a stranger in a house that was supposed to be her home.

She was known as the Ice Queen of the great Hong family—sharp-tongued, short-tempered, cold, and untouchable. Whenever she entered a room, it was like a sudden drop in temperature, her presence commanding yet unapproachable, as if daring anyone to stand in her way.

She seemed larger than life, a force to be reckoned with. And yet, inside her own home, she looked so small. Almost as if she might disappear at any moment, swallowed by the very walls that should have made her feel safe.

Did the Chairman notice this about his own granddaughter too?

A part of him hoped he did. Hoped that, perhaps, this was the reason he was assigned to her—not just to protect her, but because someone, somewhere, still cared enough to try.

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The next morning, as Haein stepped out of her room, she found Chaewoon already waiting outside.

Dressed in a navy-blue suit, her hair flawlessly styled, and her heels clicking against the marble floor, she looked every bit the woman the world knew her to be—cold, sharp, and untouchable. Watching her now, Chaewoon couldn’t help but wonder if this was the same Haein he had seen last night—the one with heavy shoulders and misty eyes.

Just as Haein was about to step out the front door, her mother’s voice cut through the vast hall.

“You missed dinner last night.”

From the words alone, it should have sounded like a mother concerned about her daughter skipping a meal. But it wasn’t. The tone was too sharp, too pointed—more accusation than worry.

Haein halted for a brief moment before turning to face her. “I got a bit busy last night. I apologize.” Her voice was even, controlled.

“The least you could do is inform us,” her mother replied, eyes cold with disapproval. “You’re really starting to lose respect just because your grandfather favors you.” Her gaze flickered toward Chaewoon. “Giving you your own bodyguard and everything… don’t start feeling too special.”

Haein sighed.

“Your younger brother should be the one getting special treatment. Is your grandfather not aware of how vulnerable he is?” her mother said, voice laced with disapproval.

“If you want a bodyguard, then take him,” Haein replied flatly. “You’re right—your son needs him more than I do.”

“Don’t give me that attitude, Haein.”

She glanced at her wristwatch. “As you can see, I’m already running late. I’ll inform you next time if I can’t attend dinner. And if Soocheol truly needs protection, inform Grandfather yourself to have Mr. Woo reassigned.”

With a single nod, she turned on her heel and walked out, not giving her mother the chance to argue further.

Chaewoon, who had been standing a few steps behind her, followed without a word. He had no place in their argument, but he had observed everything—the tension in Haein’s shoulders, the way her mother’s words cut deeper than she let on. He saw the flicker of emotion in her eyes before she masked it again, slipping seamlessly back into the persona of Hong Haein, the untouchable executive.

As they reached the car, he opened the door for her. She slid inside without so much as a glance. The drive to the office was quiet, just like the night before. But unlike then, when she had been drained, today she carried a different kind of exhaustion. One that settled deeper, heavier.

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The day unfolded like every other—structured, demanding, and relentless. Haein moved through it with practiced ease, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors.

Meetings filled her schedule, each one blending into the next discussions with high-profile clients, department evaluations, strategy briefings. She skimmed through reports with sharp eyes, making swift decisions, approving proposals, and dissecting financial forecasts with an air of unwavering confidence.

To everyone around her, she was the same Hong Haein—cold, calculating, and in complete control. But beneath the surface, she could still hear the echo of her mother’s voice from that morning, still feel the weight of an unspoken history pressing against her chest.

Chaewoon remained in the background, silent but ever-present. He noticed the way her fingers curled slightly tighter around her pen during certain conversations, the way she rolled her shoulders in between meetings, as if trying to shake off an invisible weight. He followed her through the day, standing just close enough to protect, just far enough not to intrude.

And yet, for someone who claimed she didn’t need him, she never once told him to leave.

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Haein should be bothered by how much Chaewoon was seeing—the cracks beneath her carefully crafted exterior. He had overheard her parents the night before, witnessed the sharp exchange with her mother this morning. These were the moments she despised the most—when the perfect image she upheld slipped, revealing something raw and unguarded. She hated being seen like that. She hated the idea of someone perceiving her as helpless. More than anything, she hated pitiful eyes.

But Chaewoon didn’t look at her like that.

She had been observing him, too. He was frustratingly good at his job, always a step ahead, always more alert than necessary. But what stood out more was his reaction—last night, this morning. No sympathy. No awkward attempts to comfort her. No hushed, careful tone people used when they thought she was too fragile to handle the truth.

He was simply… there.

Silent. Watchful. Unshaken.

It should have irritated her. Maybe it still did. But strangely, his presence wasn’t as suffocating as it should have been. It no longer set her on edge the way it did when he first arrived. And that was what unsettled her the most.

She was used to reading people. She was used to knowing exactly what their motives were. But with Woo Chaewoon, she wasn’t sure. She was wondering maybe he was just too unreadable.

But she could feel it. And most of the time, her gut feeling never betrayed her.

She glanced up from her paperwork, barely registering the voices of the executives droning on around her. Outside the glass walls of the meeting room, he stood—silent, watchful, unwavering.

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary, trying to decipher him.

Just who are you really, Woo Chaewoon?

Just as she was about to look away, his gaze met hers. Neither of them looked away.

Chaewoon tilted his head slightly, a silent question in his eyes: Do you need something?

Haein blinked, then casually averted her gaze, shifting her attention back to the meeting as if nothing happened.

But Chaewoon caught it—the slight hesitation, the flicker of something unreadable in her expression.

For the first time, Hong Haein was flustered.

< Chapter 2

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a little progress between our leads >< I apologize early if it's too slow or boring asdhjdsldejf next chapters will be more heart fluttering I promise I'm planning on uploading chapter 4 and 5 by today or tomorrow

that said, to the few readers from my twitter account and here on tumblr, I really appreciate you so much!! thank you for leaving a like, reblogging/retweeting, and leaving comments! it motivates me more to not procrastinate and leave this story hanging just like what I did from my past works🥲

also!! please let me know if anyone else wants to be included in the taglist ><

thank you again for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts too ><

taglist: @lvnat1c <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Ice

As cracks begin to form in Haein’s carefully guarded exterior, Chaewoon remains a silent observer—watching, understanding, but never prying. Yet, the more she tries to ignore him, the more she finds herself unable to look away.

The ride back home was quiet, save for the faint hum of the engine and the occasional sound of Haein scrolling through her phone. She wasn’t really reading—just skimming through emails and messages, too drained to focus. The exhaustion of the day was settling in, yet a persistent chill crept through her despite the warmth of her coat.

She barely noticed when her fingers trembled slightly, or when she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. But Chaewoon did. Without a word, he adjusted the temperature in the car, subtly raising the heat. A few moments later, Haein realized her shivering had stopped.

Her brows furrowed. She hadn’t even realized she was cold. But he had.

Bodyguards were supposed to follow orders, react when necessary—not anticipate things she didn’t even voice out. She’d had plenty before, and not one of them had done more than the bare minimum. Chaewoon, however, seemed different.

Not that it meant anything. She still didn’t like him.

But annoyingly enough… she didn’t mind him either.

“How long have you been working for my grandfather, Mr. Woo?” Haein asked, her tone casual, eyes still fixed on her phone as she scrolled through unread messages.

Chaewoon, focused on the road, answered without hesitation. “Four months.”

“Such a short time,” she mused, tapping absentmindedly on her screen. “I guess you already gained his trust.”

Chaewoon blinked. Had he? He wasn’t sure. The chairman was a man of few words, his orders absolute yet often unexplained. One day, he was handling corporate security affairs; the next, he was reassigned to shadow his granddaughter—without warning, without justification.

Maybe it was a test. Maybe it was something else entirely.

Either way, Woo Chaewoon didn’t ask questions.

Chaewoon kept his eyes on the road, but he could feel Haein watching him now, her phone momentarily forgotten in her lap. “What did he say when he assigned you to me?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Chaewoon didn’t answer immediately. The chairman’s words echoed in his mind, but he settled on the simplest version. “To watch over you.”

Haein narrowed her eyes slightly. “That’s all?”

“Yes.” His response was clipped, unwavering.

She studied him for a moment, as if searching for cracks in his carefully maintained exterior.

“My job,” he continued, voice steady, “is to simply accompany you everywhere you go. Take orders from you, so you can use me as you please, Ms. Hong.”

Something about the way he said it made her pause. It wasn’t sarcastic, nor did it carry any hint of bitterness. It was just… factual. A declaration of duty.

Haein let out a quiet scoff, leaning back against her seat.

When they arrived at the mansion, Haein expected him to stop at the main entrance and let her go on her way. But, of course, he wouldn’t just leave her side that easily.

She reached for the door handle, but before she could open it, Chaewoon was already there, pulling it open for her. Haein stepped out, only to catch sight of his hand hovering above her head again—just like earlier, ready to shield her in case she miscalculated and hit the doorframe.

She pressed her lips together, torn between rolling her eyes and making a sarcastic remark about how she was perfectly capable of getting out of a car on her own. But exhaustion weighed heavy on her, and frankly, she didn’t have the energy for it.

Instead, she exhaled through her nose and turned toward the house. The warm glow from the entrance lights stretched across the driveway, casting long shadows as she made her way inside.

Of course, she wasn’t alone. The soft, steady footsteps behind her confirmed what she already knew—Chaewoon was following her.

I guess he’s going to follow me all the way to my room, she thought, resisting the urge to sigh.

Maybe she should slam the door in his face just to see if he’d stop.

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Chaewoon noticed the way her lips pressed together when he opened the car door. She wanted to say something—he could tell—but chose not to. Instead, she stepped out without a word, her movements slower than usual, her usual sharp posture softened by exhaustion. Even her commanding presence had dimmed, replaced by something quieter, almost weary.

He followed her in silence, his gaze subtly tracking the way she moved. Her steps were unhurried, almost aimless, yet she didn’t head for the main entrance. Instead, she veered toward the garden, taking the longer route despite her obvious fatigue.

Did she always take this way, even when she was this drained? Or was she heading somewhere else?

Chaewoon half-expected her to turn around and demand why he was still following her, maybe throw in a sharp remark about personal space. But she didn’t.

Something about the slow drag of her steps, the slight slump in her shoulders—it wasn’t just exhaustion. There was something else weighing her down. And for once, she didn’t seem to mind his presence.

Haein stopped abruptly, her gaze locked onto something in the garden. Chaewoon followed her line of sight and saw them—her parents, standing amidst the dimly lit hedges, deep in conversation.

His eyes flickered back to Haein, watching as her expression darkened. Whatever she was hearing, it wasn’t something she wanted to.

“Honey, don’t be so harsh on Haein,” her father’s voice carried softly through the night air. “How long will you let the past haunt you? You should let go and move on.”

There was a sharp pause before her mother responded, her tone colder, edged with something unresolved. “That’s what your father said back then.” A bitter chuckle. “Your father didn’t want any issues, so you obliged. I still don’t understand why Suwan had to die.”

At that name, Haein visibly tensed. The fatigue that had weighed her down moments ago disappeared, replaced by a rigid stillness. Her fingers twitched before curling into fists at her sides, and her eyes, already heavy with exhaustion, now reflected something far deeper.

“It was just an accident,” her father said, his voice softer now. “No one is to blame.”

“You’re right,” her mother murmured. “It’s no one’s fault. But Suwan is gone. And I’m still in pain every single day.”

Chaewoon barely had time to process the shift in Haein before she turned on her heel and walked away, her steps quick, almost urgent. He caught a glimpse of her face—her lips pressed tightly together, eyes misted but defiant. She didn’t want to hear more.

Without a word, he followed.

Suwan. Hong Suwan.

Chaewoon recognized the name instantly. It was in one of the files he had read about the Hong family—the Chairman’s eldest grandson, Haein’s older brother. He had died in an accident, a tragedy that cast a long shadow over the family.

The reports were clinical, filled with dates and facts, but standing here, seeing the way Haein’s entire body stiffened at the mention of his name, he realized how little those words truly conveyed.

He recalled one particular detail: Haein had been in the accident too. The only one who survived.

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When they reached her door, Haein didn’t spare him a glance. She stepped inside without hesitation, the door shutting behind her. Maybe he shouldn’t have followed her all the way here. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to see something so unguarded.

But as he stood there in the empty hallway, Chaewoon couldn’t shake the memories of the countless family dinners he had witnessed from a quiet corner of the Hong estate. The family gathered every night, and as the Chairman’s bodyguard, he had been present more than once.

The Chairman rarely attended, but when he did, Chaewoon would stand by his side, silently observing. And each time, his gaze would inevitably land on one family member who always seemed more like a heavy shadow than a presence—Hong Haein.

She barely spoke. She would eat in silence, her expression unreadable, and when she left the table, no one even seemed to notice. It was as if she existed on the fringes of her own family, a stranger in a house that was supposed to be her home.

She was known as the Ice Queen of the great Hong family—sharp-tongued, short-tempered, cold, and untouchable. Whenever she entered a room, it was like a sudden drop in temperature, her presence commanding yet unapproachable, as if daring anyone to stand in her way.

She seemed larger than life, a force to be reckoned with. And yet, inside her own home, she looked so small. Almost as if she might disappear at any moment, swallowed by the very walls that should have made her feel safe.

Did the Chairman notice this about his own granddaughter too?

A part of him hoped he did. Hoped that, perhaps, this was the reason he was assigned to her—not just to protect her, but because someone, somewhere, still cared enough to try.

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The next morning, as Haein stepped out of her room, she found Chaewoon already waiting outside.

Dressed in a navy-blue suit, her hair flawlessly styled, and her heels clicking against the marble floor, she looked every bit the woman the world knew her to be—cold, sharp, and untouchable. Watching her now, Chaewoon couldn’t help but wonder if this was the same Haein he had seen last night—the one with heavy shoulders and misty eyes.

Just as Haein was about to step out the front door, her mother’s voice cut through the vast hall.

“You missed dinner last night.”

From the words alone, it should have sounded like a mother concerned about her daughter skipping a meal. But it wasn’t. The tone was too sharp, too pointed—more accusation than worry.

Haein halted for a brief moment before turning to face her. “I got a bit busy last night. I apologize.” Her voice was even, controlled.

“The least you could do is inform us,” her mother replied, eyes cold with disapproval. “You’re really starting to lose respect just because your grandfather favors you.” Her gaze flickered toward Chaewoon. “Giving you your own bodyguard and everything… don’t start feeling too special.”

Haein sighed.

“Your younger brother should be the one getting special treatment. Is your grandfather not aware of how vulnerable he is?” her mother said, voice laced with disapproval.

“If you want a bodyguard, then take him,” Haein replied flatly. “You’re right—your son needs him more than I do.”

“Don’t give me that attitude, Haein.”

She glanced at her wristwatch. “As you can see, I’m already running late. I’ll inform you next time if I can’t attend dinner. And if Soocheol truly needs protection, inform Grandfather yourself to have Mr. Woo reassigned.”

With a single nod, she turned on her heel and walked out, not giving her mother the chance to argue further.

Chaewoon, who had been standing a few steps behind her, followed without a word. He had no place in their argument, but he had observed everything—the tension in Haein’s shoulders, the way her mother’s words cut deeper than she let on. He saw the flicker of emotion in her eyes before she masked it again, slipping seamlessly back into the persona of Hong Haein, the untouchable executive.

As they reached the car, he opened the door for her. She slid inside without so much as a glance. The drive to the office was quiet, just like the night before. But unlike then, when she had been drained, today she carried a different kind of exhaustion. One that settled deeper, heavier.

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The day unfolded like every other—structured, demanding, and relentless. Haein moved through it with practiced ease, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors.

Meetings filled her schedule, each one blending into the next discussions with high-profile clients, department evaluations, strategy briefings. She skimmed through reports with sharp eyes, making swift decisions, approving proposals, and dissecting financial forecasts with an air of unwavering confidence.

To everyone around her, she was the same Hong Haein—cold, calculating, and in complete control. But beneath the surface, she could still hear the echo of her mother’s voice from that morning, still feel the weight of an unspoken history pressing against her chest.

Chaewoon remained in the background, silent but ever-present. He noticed the way her fingers curled slightly tighter around her pen during certain conversations, the way she rolled her shoulders in between meetings, as if trying to shake off an invisible weight. He followed her through the day, standing just close enough to protect, just far enough not to intrude.

And yet, for someone who claimed she didn’t need him, she never once told him to leave.

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Haein should be bothered by how much Chaewoon was seeing—the cracks beneath her carefully crafted exterior. He had overheard her parents the night before, witnessed the sharp exchange with her mother this morning. These were the moments she despised the most—when the perfect image she upheld slipped, revealing something raw and unguarded. She hated being seen like that. She hated the idea of someone perceiving her as helpless. More than anything, she hated pitiful eyes.

But Chaewoon didn’t look at her like that.

She had been observing him, too. He was frustratingly good at his job, always a step ahead, always more alert than necessary. But what stood out more was his reaction—last night, this morning. No sympathy. No awkward attempts to comfort her. No hushed, careful tone people used when they thought she was too fragile to handle the truth.

He was simply… there.

Silent. Watchful. Unshaken.

It should have irritated her. Maybe it still did. But strangely, his presence wasn’t as suffocating as it should have been. It no longer set her on edge the way it did when he first arrived. And that was what unsettled her the most.

She was used to reading people. She was used to knowing exactly what their motives were. But with Woo Chaewoon, she wasn’t sure. She was wondering maybe he was just too unreadable.

But she could feel it. And most of the time, her gut feeling never betrayed her.

She glanced up from her paperwork, barely registering the voices of the executives droning on around her. Outside the glass walls of the meeting room, he stood—silent, watchful, unwavering.

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary, trying to decipher him.

Just who are you really, Woo Chaewoon?

Just as she was about to look away, his gaze met hers. Neither of them looked away.

Chaewoon tilted his head slightly, a silent question in his eyes: Do you need something?

Haein blinked, then casually averted her gaze, shifting her attention back to the meeting as if nothing happened.

But Chaewoon caught it—the slight hesitation, the flicker of something unreadable in her expression.

For the first time, Hong Haein was flustered.

< Chapter 2 Chapter 4 >

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

a little progress between our leads >< I apologize early if it's too slow or boring asdhjdsldejf next chapters will be more heart fluttering I promise I'm planning on uploading chapter 4 and 5 by today or tomorrow

that said, to the few readers from my twitter account and here on tumblr, I really appreciate you so much!! thank you for leaving a like, reblogging/retweeting, and leaving comments! it motivates me more to not procrastinate and leave this story hanging just like what I did from my past works🥲

also!! please let me know if anyone else wants to be included in the taglist ><

thank you again for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts too ><

taglist: @lvnat1c <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은) Chapter List

A cross-over story between Woo Chaewoon (Ju Jihoon) from Blood Free and Hong Haein (Kim Jiwon) from Queen of Tears.

The undercover bodyguard and the chaebol heiress.

Synopsis

CH1: A Thorn in Her Side

CH2: Day One - Unwelcome Presence

CH3: Cracks in the Ice

CH4: In His Care

CH5: A Quiet Moment

CH6: Curiosities

CH7: Rain, Candy, and Curiosity

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 2: Day One - Unwelcome Presence

Hong Haein goes out of her way to test Woo Chaewoon’s patience, but he meets every challenge with quiet persistence. By the end of the night, she realizes he’s not as easy to shake off as she thought.

Woo Chaewoon had been through high-risk missions, undercover operations, and dangerous encounters. Babysitting a chaebol heiress, however, was proving to be one of the most exhausting assignments he’s ever had.

Hong Haein made it clear from the moment she stepped out of her house that she had no intention of making his job easy.

Dressed in an ivory pantsuit, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, she carried herself with effortless elegance—an air of authority that came naturally. Even without speaking, she commanded attention. She barely spared him a glance before walking ahead, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. Chaewoon followed, his steps soundless in contrast.

“This isn’t a war zone,” she muttered as they approached her car. “You don’t need to hover.”

Chaewoon remained silent, stepping forward to open the car door for her. She didn’t get in right away. Instead, she turned, her gaze sweeping over him—assessing, calculating. Her arms folded across her chest. “You’re seriously going to follow me around all day?”

“Yes.”

“Even in meetings?”

“Yes.”

“Even if I say no?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line before she let out a quiet scoff. “Suit yourself.”

She slid into the car without another word.

Chaewoon took the passenger seat without hesitation. He noted the way she stiffened slightly at his presence but quickly masked it with disinterest, turning to stare out the window.

At the Queens Group headquarters, she moved fast, weaving through hallways, taking sudden turns, and stopping abruptly—clearly testing if he could keep up. He did. Every single time.

When she entered the executive lounge for coffee, she deliberately took her time, scrolling through her phone as if daring him to tell her to move along. He said nothing, merely standing at a respectful distance.

During lunch, she purposely chose a private restaurant with an exclusive policy against bodyguards. Chaewoon didn’t argue. He simply waited outside, unbothered, scanning the street for any signs of a threat. Forty-five minutes later, when she stepped out, she found him exactly where she had left him—leaning against the car, arms crossed, watching her with that unreadable expression.

“How predictable,” she muttered, adjusting her sunglasses.

Later, at a board meeting, she pretended to forget he existed—until she caught him subtly watching every person in the room, analyzing each movement, every flicker of expression. His gaze wasn’t just on her; it scanned the entire space, searching for threats she wasn’t even aware of.

For a second, something in her wavered. But she wouldn’t let him win.

By late afternoon, after a relentless schedule of meetings, site visits, and strategic discussions, Haein thought she had finally earned a moment of peace. She stepped into her office, exhaling as she shut the door behind her—only to find Woo Chaewoon already inside, standing by the window, scanning the skyline.

She stared at him. “Do you have a key to my office now?”

“No. Your secretary let me in.”

Of course she did. Haein made a mental note to fire her later.

She tossed her bag onto the couch and strode toward him. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere like a ghost.”

“Understood. It won’t happen again.”

That was… fast. Was he losing patience already? Or was she the only one feeling frustrated here? She couldn’t tell, and that only annoyed her more.

She folded her arms. “I’ll be working late until midnight. You can leave now. It’s past working hours.”

Chaewoon remained unfazed. “My working hours are your working hours, Miss Hong. If you’re uncomfortable with me being inside your office, I’ll wait right outside the door. Call me if you need anything.”

Haein narrowed her eyes, irritated by how effortlessly he adapted to every situation. “It’s fine. I won’t be needing you for anything.”

She turned away, dismissing him.

“Suit yourself waiting all night.”

And he did wait, probably will keep waiting all night as she said. Chaewoon was a pro, no doubt about that. Haein exhaled sharply, muttering a quiet, “Whatever.” She’d just pretend he didn’t exist.

Easier said than done.

By 8:00 PM, a soft knock echoed against her office door. Still focused on her paperwork, she barely looked up. “Come in,” she said absently, expecting her secretary.

She didn’t notice anything unusual—until a large hand entered her field of vision, setting down a teacup beside her.

Her pen stilled. Slowly, she lifted her gaze.

It’s Chaewoon….bringing her a cup of tea??

Haein blinked, momentarily thrown off.

Woo Chaewoon—deadpan, unreadable, infuriating Woo Chaewoon—was standing beside her desk, placing a cup of tea down with the same precision as if he were handling classified documents.

She stared at the cup, then at him. “What… is this?”

“Tea,” he replied simply.

“I can see that.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“You skipped dinner.”

Haein scoffed, leaning back in her chair. “Are you my bodyguard or my babysitter?”

“Your bodyguard.” He met her gaze, unfazed.

“Bodyguards don’t do this.”

“But I’d rather not deal with you collapsing from exhaustion.”

She rolled her eyes, ignoring the tiny flicker of warmth in her chest. “You’re being dramatic.” Chaewoon said nothing, just gave her a look—steady, unreadable, but somehow expectant. Like he already knew she’d drink it.

Annoyed but oddly curious, she picked up the cup and took a slow sip. The warmth seeped through her, easing the tension in her shoulders.

She set it down with a quiet sigh. “It’s not poisoned, at least.”

“Not yet.”

Her head snapped up, but to her surprise, there was the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes before he turned and walked toward the door.

Did he just… crack a joke?

Haein watched him leave, more confused than before.

She was supposed to be making his life difficult. So why did it feel like she was the one losing ground?

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Chaewoon had been trained for patience, for stillness. Surveillance required it. So did protection. He didn’t mind standing outside her office for hours, but at exactly 8:00 PM, he noticed a pattern.

She hadn’t eaten.

Her secretary had left for the day. No meal deliveries. No break. Just the constant shuffle of papers, the muted glow of her monitor, and the occasional sigh that slipped through the cracks of her composure.

He knocked once. A quiet, polite warning. “Come in,” she said, not bothering to look up.

Chaewoon stepped inside, moving without hesitation. He placed the teacup on her desk with the same precision he would use when setting a weapon down for inspection.

Only then did she notice him.

Her pen stilled. Her gaze lifted, locking onto the cup first, then onto him. “…What is this?”

“Tea,” he said simply.

A beat of silence. Then, suspicion. “Why?”

“You skipped dinner.”

Haein scoffed, leaning back in her chair. “Are you my bodyguard or my babysitter?”

“Your bodyguard.” His voice remained steady. “But I’d rather not deal with you collapsing from exhaustion.”

She rolled her eyes, but he caught the briefest flicker of something in her expression—surprise, maybe. She was testing him. Again.

He let her.

With an exaggerated sigh, she lifted the cup and took a slow sip. The tension in her shoulders visibly eased, though she’d never admit it. She set the cup down. “At least it’s not poisoned.”

“Not yet.”

Haein’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing.

For the first time that day, Chaewoon allowed himself a fraction of amusement—so subtle it could have been imagined—before he turned and left.

Behind him, she sat in stunned silence.

Haein was stubborn, of course. She decided to stay for an hour. Or two. Or three. However long it took for him to leave first.

By 9:00 PM, she was still at her desk, pretending she wasn’t exhausted. The numbers on the screen blurred slightly, her temples ached, and she found herself rubbing her eyes more often than she’d like to admit. But she wouldn’t leave first. Not before he did.

Then, the overhead lights flickered off.

She blinked, momentarily disoriented. The only illumination left was the soft glow of her desk lamp, casting warm shadows across the room. Her hands stilled over the keyboard. For a second, she thought it was a power outage—until she noticed the glow of the hallway lights still shining through the glass walls of her office.

She glanced up, her eyes landing on him. Woo Chaewoon stood just outside, his figure half-lit by the corridor. One hand rested casually on the light switch.

She stared.

He didn’t move. Didn’t explain. Didn’t even look in her direction.

But he had noticed. The way she kept squinting, shifting uncomfortably under the harsh office lighting, rubbing her forehead between paragraphs. She hadn’t even realized it was bothering her. But he did.

Haein sat there for a long moment, unmoving, as she continued what she was doing. She didn’t turn the lights back on.

And Chaewoon, without a word, stepped back into the shadows and continued his silent watch.

10:00 PM, and Haein finally admitted to herself—she was getting sleepy. With a sigh, she pushed back her chair and stepped out of her office, expecting to find the hallway empty.

Instead, there he was.

Chaewoon stood exactly where she had last seen him, posture straight, hands clasped behind his back, completely unbothered by the passing hours. He wasn’t leaning against the wall, wasn’t on his phone, not even shifting his weight. Just standing.

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you not tired? Sleepy? Bored?”

He turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze with the same unreadable expression he always had. “No.” Haein folded her arms. “Not even a little?”

“No.”

She clicked her tongue in frustration. “Unbelievable. You’re not human.”

At that, the corner of his lip twitched—so fast she almost missed it. Almost.

Haein stared at him, then exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. She was losing this battle.

“I’m done here, so you can leave now,” she said, hoping—foolishly—that he’d take the hint.

“I’ll drive you home,” Chaewoon replied, completely unfazed. She frowned. “I have a driver.”

“He already left. Had to pick up his kid from cram school.”

Her irritation deepened. “And he didn’t think to inform me?”

“I told him I’d cover for him.”

Haein blinked, momentarily thrown off. Since when was he making decisions for her?

As if reading her thoughts, Chaewoon continued, his tone even. “Mr. Kim expected you to leave around five or six, but when you got busy, he was hesitant to ask if he could go. He needed to pick up his daughter, and I didn’t want to disturb you while you were working. I figured it was easier to inform you afterward.” He paused. “I apologize if my decision was hasty or if I overstepped. If you’re uncomfortable with me driving, it won’t happen again. But right now, my job is to get you home safe.”

For once, Haein had nothing to say.

Chaewoon moved with his usual quiet precision, opening the car door for her without a word. She didn’t spare him a glance as she slid into the seat, her expression unreadable. Just as she was settling in, she caught a small yet deliberate motion—his hand hovering just below the car door, a silent precaution to keep her from hitting her head.

A detail so small, yet so telling.

He’s doing too much, she thought, annoyance flickering in her chest.

Before he could close the door, she spoke. “I don’t really care who’s driving me—whether it’s you or Mr. Kim—as long as I get to where I need to be.”

Then, just as he was about to step back, she turned her head, meeting his gaze with a smirk. “But I’ll wear you down eventually, Mr. Woo.”

Chaewoon didn’t react. No shift in expression, no retort. He simply shut the door behind her with the same quiet efficiency.

And yet, as he slid into the driver’s seat, a flicker of amusement danced at the corner of his lips.

We’ll see about that.

< Chapter 1 Chapter 3 >

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wahhhh second chapter is done! I'm writing chapter 3 and 4 right now and planning on uploading them this week >< I'll be busy starting Saturday so I won't be able to upload by then. Thank you again for reading this little cross-over story of mine it means a lot seeing your comments and support!

this story will be veryyy slow burn by the way, I hope you guys won't get too bored by it🥲 for my tumblr moots, I'm @/dalilmountain in twitter/x! if you have an account let's be mutuals there as well >< also let me know if you guys want to be included in the taglist!

well then, see you next chapter!

Hi everyone! Will start uploading chapters this week! Does anyone want to be included in the taglist? ><

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 1: A Thorn in Her Side

When Chairman Hong assigns Woo Chaewoon to his granddaughter, Hong Haein, she resents the intrusion. Cold, stubborn, and fiercely independent, she refuses to make his job easy—but Chaewoon isn’t the type to back down.

Woo Chaewoon had been many things—a soldier, a strategist, a ghost in the field. Before stepping into the polished halls of Queens Group, he had served in the 707th Special Mission Group, one of South Korea’s most elite special forces. His skills in infiltration, combat, and intelligence had caught the attention of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), who had recruited him for black ops and undercover missions.

His missions had taken him across borders, through warzones, and deep into enemy lines where failure meant death. He had extracted high-value targets, dismantled covert operations, and played the part of both ally and enemy. Every mission had been precise, every target a calculated move.

Now, he was here. Playing the role of a bodyguard.

His real mission? Gain Chairman Hong’s trust and uncover the secrets buried beneath Queens Group.

But then, without warning, the chairman had reassigned him. “You’ll be watching over Haein now,” the old man had said with an air of finality. “Be her shadow.”

Chaewoon had not questioned it, but he understood what it meant.

And that made her his problem to solve.

Hong Haein was the granddaughter of Chairman Hong and the woman currently managing Queens Department, one of the company’s most profitable divisions. She had built a reputation for being ruthless in business—uncompromising, meticulous, and cold. Every decision she made was calculated, every word spoken with precision.

People whispered about her, called her the ‘Ice Queen’ of Queens Group. But Chaewoon knew better than to take surface impressions at face value.

Chairman Hong was watching her closely, too. Not just as a granddaughter, but as a successor. And if he thought she needed a bodyguard, it meant only one thing—she was in danger.

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

The moment Hong Haein walked into the room, Woo Chaewoon knew exactly what kind of person she was.

Cold. Composed. Untouchable.

She was dressed in an elegant white suit, her heels clicking against the marble floor with a practiced grace. She barely acknowledged anyone in the room—until her grandfather gestured toward him.

“This is Woo Chaewoon,” Chairman Hong announced. “Your new bodyguard.”

Haein stopped mid-step. Slowly, she turned to face him, her gaze sharp, assessing.

“I don’t need a bodyguard,” she said flatly.

Chaewoon didn’t react, keeping his posture straight, expression unreadable. He had expected this.

Her grandfather sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He knew this was going to be difficult. “Haein, this isn’t up for discussion.”

And he did. Better than anyone. Haein despised having people constantly around her. She kept only one secretary, ensured the house staff entered her space only when she was away, and already considered having a personal driver an unnecessary imposition. She had tolerated bodyguards before, but the suffocating presence of someone monitoring her every move, reporting back to her grandfather and parents, shadowing her day and night—it exhausted her. She hated it.

Haein scoffed; arms crossed. “Why? Do you think I can’t handle myself?”

Her grandfather sighed, rubbing his temple. “This isn’t about capability. It’s about precaution.”

“I don’t need a watchdog,” she said, frustration edging her voice. “I’ve been running the department without anyone breathing down my neck. Why change things now?”

Chairman Hong’s gaze sharpened. “Because the higher you climb, the more enemies you make.” He leaned forward, voice quieter but heavier. “And you, Haein, are being watched.” She stilled, her jaw tightening. “By who?”

“If I knew that, I wouldn’t need him shadowing you,” he said simply, gesturing to Woo Chaewoon, who stood silently in the background. “You may not see the threats, but I do. And I won’t wait until it’s too late.”

Haein exhaled sharply, glancing away. She hated this. Hated the feeling of being controlled. “This is unnecessary.”

Her grandfather shook his head. “No. It’s inevitable.” Then, after a pause, he softened. “Just let him do his job, Haein. That’s all I ask.”

Haein realized there was no way to argue her way out of this. Her grandfather was unwavering, his usual air of patience replaced by something far more resolute. She knew that look—it meant the decision was final. She exhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain composed. “Fine then,” she said, her voice laced with quiet defiance. “Let’s see how long he lasts.”

With one last glance at Chaewoon—sharp, assessing, unimpressed—she turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

Chaewoon inclined his head in a respectful bow to Chairman Hong before following after her. The moment he stepped outside, he was met with Haein’s cold, piercing stare. She had stopped just a few steps ahead, arms crossed, waiting for him.

“Report to my grandfather if you want,” she said, voice cool and clipped. “But don’t expect me to make your job easy.”

Chaewoon remained unshaken. “I will be just right behind you, Miss Haein.”

Her jaw tightened at his unwavering response. Her eyes narrowed, irritation flickering beneath the surface. “Fine. If you insist on following me around, at least make yourself invisible.”

Chaewoon met her gaze, calm and detached. “Noted.”

She turned away, unwilling to waste another breath on him. But as he fell into step behind her, silent and unyielding, a thought crossed her mind—he was different. And that, somehow, made him even more infuriating.

She hated him already. Not because he was assigned to watch over her, but because he was unreadable, unfazed. Most men either cowered under her glare or tried too hard to impress her. Woo Chaewoon did neither.

And that annoyed her.

Chaewoon, on the other hand, was already analyzing her—the sharpness in her movements, the subtle tension in her shoulders, the careful way she controlled every aspect of her presence. She was difficult, yes, but not unpredictable. She was used to command, used to distance, used to ensuring no one got too close.

He wasn’t here to befriend her. He wasn’t here to earn her approval. He wasn’t here to be liked. And that made his job easier.

But as she turned on her heel and walked off without another glance, he had a sinking feeling—Hong Haein would be more than just a job. She was going to be a problem.

A beautiful, dangerous problem. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know I said I'll upload on Monday and now it's Tuesday night I'm so sorry adfaghjfdsg I already had 4 chapters written but I had a hard time trying to refine the first chapter before I upload it. And also life has been trying to kill me lately so expect some inconsistent uploads :') This first chapter is also kinda boring Im so sorry for that but I promise the next chapters will be better (I hope) aaaaghjdffn Also! I tried my best to provide more background info because I'm setting it up in QOT's world, and I was rewatching it recently to see if I can use any scenes or characters for this story. For Chaewoon's character, I'm keeping it the same as from the show, a former soldier who became an undercover spy bodyguard BUT!! I'm trying to write more about his motive for accepting this mission, and also the "villains" in this story.

But then again, for some reason, I just want to scratch the "lore" and just focus on chaewoon and haein lmaooaghjf I'm so lazy for world and plot building As you can see from this "author's note" alone my mind is a mess please pray I'm able to finish this story in peace. Thank you so much for waiting🥹 Please let me know your thoughts!

Oh my godddddddd Ju Jihoon. Imagine existing with a face like that. Yes even his little eye, it is so charming, fuck me uppppppppppp

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 1: A Thorn in Her Side

When Chairman Hong assigns Woo Chaewoon to his granddaughter, Hong Haein, she resents the intrusion. Cold, stubborn, and fiercely independent, she refuses to make his job easy—but Chaewoon isn’t the type to back down.

Woo Chaewoon had been many things—a soldier, a strategist, a ghost in the field. Before stepping into the polished halls of Queens Group, he had served in the 707th Special Mission Group, one of South Korea’s most elite special forces. His skills in infiltration, combat, and intelligence had caught the attention of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), who had recruited him for black ops and undercover missions.

His missions had taken him across borders, through warzones, and deep into enemy lines where failure meant death. He had extracted high-value targets, dismantled covert operations, and played the part of both ally and enemy. Every mission had been precise, every target a calculated move.

Now, he was here. Playing the role of a bodyguard.

His real mission? Gain Chairman Hong’s trust and uncover the secrets buried beneath Queens Group.

But then, without warning, the chairman had reassigned him. “You’ll be watching over Haein now,” the old man had said with an air of finality. “Be her shadow.”

Chaewoon had not questioned it, but he understood what it meant.

And that made her his problem to solve.

Hong Haein was the granddaughter of Chairman Hong and the woman currently managing Queens Department, one of the company’s most profitable divisions. She had built a reputation for being ruthless in business—uncompromising, meticulous, and cold. Every decision she made was calculated, every word spoken with precision.

People whispered about her, called her the ‘Ice Queen’ of Queens Group. But Chaewoon knew better than to take surface impressions at face value.

Chairman Hong was watching her closely, too. Not just as a granddaughter, but as a successor. And if he thought she needed a bodyguard, it meant only one thing—she was in danger.

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

The moment Hong Haein walked into the room, Woo Chaewoon knew exactly what kind of person she was.

Cold. Composed. Untouchable.

She was dressed in an elegant white suit, her heels clicking against the marble floor with a practiced grace. She barely acknowledged anyone in the room—until her grandfather gestured toward him.

“This is Woo Chaewoon,” Chairman Hong announced. “Your new bodyguard.”

Haein stopped mid-step. Slowly, she turned to face him, her gaze sharp, assessing.

“I don’t need a bodyguard,” she said flatly.

Chaewoon didn’t react, keeping his posture straight, expression unreadable. He had expected this.

Her grandfather sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He knew this was going to be difficult. “Haein, this isn’t up for discussion.”

And he did. Better than anyone. Haein despised having people constantly around her. She kept only one secretary, ensured the house staff entered her space only when she was away, and already considered having a personal driver an unnecessary imposition. She had tolerated bodyguards before, but the suffocating presence of someone monitoring her every move, reporting back to her grandfather and parents, shadowing her day and night—it exhausted her. She hated it.

Haein scoffed; arms crossed. “Why? Do you think I can’t handle myself?”

Her grandfather sighed, rubbing his temple. “This isn’t about capability. It’s about precaution.”

“I don’t need a watchdog,” she said, frustration edging her voice. “I’ve been running the department without anyone breathing down my neck. Why change things now?”

Chairman Hong’s gaze sharpened. “Because the higher you climb, the more enemies you make.” He leaned forward, voice quieter but heavier. “And you, Haein, are being watched.” She stilled, her jaw tightening. “By who?”

“If I knew that, I wouldn’t need him shadowing you,” he said simply, gesturing to Woo Chaewoon, who stood silently in the background. “You may not see the threats, but I do. And I won’t wait until it’s too late.”

Haein exhaled sharply, glancing away. She hated this. Hated the feeling of being controlled. “This is unnecessary.”

Her grandfather shook his head. “No. It’s inevitable.” Then, after a pause, he softened. “Just let him do his job, Haein. That’s all I ask.”

Haein realized there was no way to argue her way out of this. Her grandfather was unwavering, his usual air of patience replaced by something far more resolute. She knew that look—it meant the decision was final. She exhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain composed. “Fine then,” she said, her voice laced with quiet defiance. “Let’s see how long he lasts.”

With one last glance at Chaewoon—sharp, assessing, unimpressed—she turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

Chaewoon inclined his head in a respectful bow to Chairman Hong before following after her. The moment he stepped outside, he was met with Haein’s cold, piercing stare. She had stopped just a few steps ahead, arms crossed, waiting for him.

“Report to my grandfather if you want,” she said, voice cool and clipped. “But don’t expect me to make your job easy.”

Chaewoon remained unshaken. “I will be just right behind you, Miss Haein.”

Her jaw tightened at his unwavering response. Her eyes narrowed, irritation flickering beneath the surface. “Fine. If you insist on following me around, at least make yourself invisible.”

Chaewoon met her gaze, calm and detached. “Noted.”

She turned away, unwilling to waste another breath on him. But as he fell into step behind her, silent and unyielding, a thought crossed her mind—he was different. And that, somehow, made him even more infuriating.

She hated him already. Not because he was assigned to watch over her, but because he was unreadable, unfazed. Most men either cowered under her glare or tried too hard to impress her. Woo Chaewoon did neither.

And that annoyed her.

Chaewoon, on the other hand, was already analyzing her—the sharpness in her movements, the subtle tension in her shoulders, the careful way she controlled every aspect of her presence. She was difficult, yes, but not unpredictable. She was used to command, used to distance, used to ensuring no one got too close.

He wasn’t here to befriend her. He wasn’t here to earn her approval. He wasn’t here to be liked. And that made his job easier.

But as she turned on her heel and walked off without another glance, he had a sinking feeling—Hong Haein would be more than just a job. She was going to be a problem.

A beautiful, dangerous problem.

Chapter 2 > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know I said I'll upload on Monday and now it's Tuesday night I'm so sorry adfaghjfdsg I already had 4 chapters written but I had a hard time trying to refine the first chapter before I upload it. And also life has been trying to kill me lately so expect some inconsistent uploads :') This first chapter is also kinda boring Im so sorry for that but I promise the next chapters will be better (I hope) aaaaghjdffn Also! I tried my best to provide more background info because I'm setting it up in QOT's world, and I was rewatching it recently to see if I can use any scenes or characters for this story. For Chaewoon's character, I'm keeping it the same as from the show, a former soldier who became an undercover spy bodyguard BUT!! I'm trying to write more about his motive for accepting this mission, and also the "villains" in this story.

But then again, for some reason, I just want to scratch the "lore" and just focus on chaewoon and haein lmaooaghjf I'm so lazy for world and plot building As you can see from this "author's note" alone my mind is a mess please pray I'm able to finish this story in peace. Thank you so much for waiting🥹 Please let me know your thoughts!

Will be busy this weekend! Might drop the first chapter on Monday :)

UNSPOKEN - Synopsis

This is a story between Woo Chaewoon (Ju Jihoon) from Blood Free and Hong Haein (Kim Jiwon) from Queen of Tears

The undercover bodyguard and the chaebol heiress.

Woo Chaewoon was sent with one mission—get close to Chairman Hong, gain his trust, and uncover the secrets buried beneath Queens Group. But everything went off-script when the chairman, without warning, reassigned him as Hong Haein’s personal bodyguard.

Haein wasn’t just cold—she was ice itself. Sharp words, dismissive glances, and an iron-clad wall that no one dared to cross. “I don’t need a watchdog,” she told him on the first day, barely sparing him a glance. “Just stay out of my sight.” Her voice was clipped, her tone indifferent.

Chaewoon didn’t flinch. He met her gaze with the same level of calm he always carried. “Understood.” He said simply.

But he didn’t. He was always there—silently opening car doors, intercepting aggressive reporters, shielding her from prying eyes. She hated it at first. The way he was always watching, always within reach. But then came the moments she couldn’t ignore. The way he handed her warm tea on late, exhausting nights. How he stood in the pouring rain, waiting for her car to arrive, not moving an inch despite being drenched. The steady, unshaken presence that never demanded anything from her—just stayed.

She started to notice things. The way his eyes softened when she was exhausted. How his voice, always neutral, carried a quiet sincerity whenever he spoke to her. The way his hands, calloused yet careful, always seemed to steady her before she event realized she was faltering.

Chaewoon noticed things too. The way she laughed—real laughter—when she thought no one was watching. The tired loneliness in her eyes when the world wasn’t looking. The way her coldness wasn’t indifference, but armor.

He shouldn’t care. He was a spy, an outsider. But every time he called her name, every time she let her guard down just a little, he knew—his mission was no longer as simple as it once was. It was in the way his pulse slowed when he knew she was safe. The way he memorized his habits without meaning to—the slight furrow of her brows when she was deep in thought, the way she stirred her tea exactly three time before drinking it, and the way he started noticing the way her gaze softens when their eyes meet.

And when Haein, without thinking, grabbed his wrist one night, stopping him from leaving—her grip hesitant but firm—he realized she was beginning to see him too.

And that? That was more dangerous than any mission he had ever taken.

______________________________________________________________

Might actually make this into a full-length fanfiction with 10 chapters at most. I already have drafts but I still need to polish them. But idk we'll see :')

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

This is a story between Woo Chaewoon (Ju Jihoon) from Blood Free and Hong Haein (Kim Jiwon) from Queen of Tears

The undercover bodyguard and the chaebol heiress.

Woo Chaewoon was sent with one mission—get close to Chairman Hong, gain his trust, and uncover the secrets buried beneath Queens Group. But everything went off-script when the chairman, without warning, reassigned him as Hong Haein’s personal bodyguard.

Haein wasn’t just cold—she was ice itself. Sharp words, dismissive glances, and an iron-clad wall that no one dared to cross. “I don’t need a watchdog,” she told him on the first day, barely sparing him a glance. “Just stay out of my sight.” Her voice was clipped, her tone indifferent.

Chaewoon didn’t flinch. He met her gaze with the same level of calm he always carried. “Understood.” He said simply.

But he didn’t. He was always there—silently opening car doors, intercepting aggressive reporters, shielding her from prying eyes. She hated it at first. The way he was always watching, always within reach. But then came the moments she couldn’t ignore. The way he handed her warm tea on late, exhausting nights. How he stood in the pouring rain, waiting for her car to arrive, not moving an inch despite being drenched. The steady, unshaken presence that never demanded anything from her—just stayed.

She started to notice things. The way his eyes softened when she was exhausted. How his voice, always neutral, carried a quiet sincerity whenever he spoke to her. The way his hands, calloused yet careful, always seemed to steady her before she event realized she was faltering.

Chaewoon noticed things too. The way she laughed—real laughter—when she thought no one was watching. The tired loneliness in her eyes when the world wasn’t looking. The way her coldness wasn’t indifference, but armor.

He shouldn’t care. He was a spy, an outsider. But every time he called her name, every time she let her guard down just a little, he knew—his mission was no longer as simple as it once was. It was in the way his pulse slowed when he knew she was safe. The way he memorized his habits without meaning to—the slight furrow of her brows when she was deep in thought, the way she stirred her tea exactly three time before drinking it, and the way he started noticing the way her gaze softens when their eyes meet.

And when Haein, without thinking, grabbed his wrist one night, stopping him from leaving—her grip hesitant but firm—he realized she was beginning to see him too.

And that? That was more dangerous than any mission he had ever taken.

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

CHAPTER LIST

Chapter 1: A Thorn in Her Side

Chapter 2: Day One - Unwelcome Presence

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Ice

Chapter 4: In His Care

Chapter 5: A Quiet Moment

Chapter 6: Curiosities

Chapter 7: Rain, Candy, and Curiosty

Chapter 8: The Sound of Rain and Heartbeat

Chapter 9: Almost on the Line

Chapter 10: A Worry He Couldn't Name

Chapter 11: An Unwelcomed Familiar Face

Special Chapter 1: Her Dress and His Necktie

Special Chapter 2: An Intimate Moment (Sneak Peek)

______________________________________________________________

Might actually make this into a full-length fanfiction with 10-20 chapters at most. I already have drafts but I still need to polish them. But idk we'll see :')

“Chef” Ju Ji Hoon’s secret weapon on Bros on Foot (2023) (requested by @kanronotatsu​)

I’m packing now to go camping. It’s nothing special. I was told we might have to cook there. So I’m taking these seasonings. I definitely need Korean black pepper, seasoned salt, and flavor enhancers.

Bonus (also more gifs of him cooking here):

I started to cook when I was in elementary school. So I’m used to cooking, using the knives, handling kitchen equipment, or checking the seasoning. I’m used to that. My father is good at cooking too. As a kid when we went camping, he used to cook everything.

Several ways Jung Woo calls Ji Hoon

More of the reaper kids eeeee. Haewonmak (the tol one) and Deok Choon (the smol one). Her actress is 18 but she looks like she could pass as 12 lol. I love how Haewonmak is only nice to her haha. Big bro or something heheh

So I’ve been having ideas of jjh’s characters meeting each other in some sort of a crossover. They are really random and might not make any sense but u know, it’s just fun imagining it :D

I might make spelling errors when it comes to names. I didn’t have english subtitles most of the time, so I really don’t know how the subtitles could have spelled out their names. I’ll try my best though :)

Oh and I will put up spoiler warnings for the Lucifer. I know that Lucifer was on air a long time ago but I don’t want to ruin the fun for those who are planning to watch them.

1. Medical Top Team x Item

I think this one will probably make the most sense since they are both from MBC :) Honestly MBC missed out on the great opportunity to make Seungjae appear in some hospital scenes I can imagine Seungjae being really sweet to Da-in whenever she visits the Gwanghye hospital. 

2. Item x 5 Fingers

Since Da-in is really great with melodeons, I thought Jeeho might be able to teach her when she gets a little older, and meet her uncle eventually. Jeeho also knows how it is like to grow up without parents as a kid (before being adopted) so he’ll probably able to help Da-in out, if she’s feeling down but doesn’t want to make her uncle worry. 

SPOILERS FOR “THE LUCIFER” AHEAD!

3. The Lucifer x Along With the Gods

I tear up everytime when I think about Seungha. He is the victim who turned into a perpetrator, and although he may have hurt innocent people just to get his revenge, I still think he deserves a second chance. Plus, Seungha was a genius so it would be a shame to let such talent just fall into the Circle of Murder. and plus Gangrim killed his brother and Deokchoon but still got a chance so So I really want the reapers to pick his soul up and have Yeomra announce that Seungha will serve as a reaper in charge of defending the souls. I want Seungha to train under our favorite reapers until Yeomra finds him a decent team. I can just imagine Haewonmak complaining about how Seungha has the same face as him :D

4. The Naked Kitchen x The Antique Bakery

Honestly, this has the highest chance of a crossover bc the directors of these movies are married to each other. So I want to see Du-re visiting the Antique Bakery and it sort of goes like a weird romcom from that point on? Jinhyuk is probably going to freak out about seeing a guy who looks exactly like him, but younger. And we have Sunwoo who had a crush on Jinhyuk for like million years, and you can sort of see what’s about to go on. Sunwoo is probably going to flirt the whole time and Du-re is not going to back out on it. Plus, they’re both knowledgeable when it comes to cooking and preparing a dessert and they both studied in France, so they’re going to be bffs really quickly. Jinhyuk is probably going to say something about how his store is becoming so gay bc of Sunwoo and Du-re but deep down, he’s probably going to be jealous of Du-re. 

5. Asura x Along With the Gods

This is going to be one of the loudest and messiest crossover out of the rest. I want this to be set after Asura, after everyone died. Yeomra is going to send out a lot of reapers to take care of all those souls, and I need Haewonmak to take care of Sunmo. Sunmo is probably going to curse the moment he sees the reapers and demand to see Do-kyung but Gangrim is going to stop him and Deokchoon will probably try to calm Sunmo down. And then we have Haewonmak, who’s going to complain about the whole mess… While calling Sunmo a brat or smth along the lines with that. I can just see Sunmo and Haewonmak just being annoying to each other while Gangrim sighs and Deokchoon stares at them like they’re kids but they are kids

I really need to stop sleeping at 3 in the morning

So jihoon’s malibu spoiler happened to be a car commerical for Chevorlet! I rlly thought it was an actual photoshoot but seeing jihoon in a super fancy car is one thing crossed off from my “I want to see jihoon doing this” list

Also he sounds like haewonmak all throughout the commercial until that one part where he sounds like in chul lol

Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds (2017-8)

Haewonmak & Deokchun doing high fives

w/ Haewonmak being a protective uncle

BLOOD FREE 지배종 (dir. Park Chul-hwan) EPISODE 3

HAN HYO-JOO as Yun Ja-yu JU JI-HOON as Woo Chae-woon BLOOD FREE 지배종 (dir. Park Chul-hwan)

Ja-yu's colleagues realises that her and her bodyguard have become inseparable and being annoyed about it

JU JI-HOON as WOO CHAE-WOON Blood Free | 지배종 (2024)

Oh my godddddddd Ju Jihoon. Imagine existing with a face like that. Yes even his little eye, it is so charming, fuck me uppppppppppp

THIS IS NOT A STUDY POST

Your honor, I'm officially in love with Ju Ji Hoon and his characters TT

I mean, how can you not fall for the man T-T

smiling like a fool under my blanket right now :’D

I don’t think you understand how happy I am to find a sfw ateez blog oml

Can I request a San e2l? where reader has a grudge against him because he’s an overachiever like the reader, yet he doesn’t actually have anything against them. Reader thinks his life is so perfect and their own is just empty that they don’t realise they’ve started to become envious of San, and it goes on from there.

(This is very much self indulgent because I can’t live without knowing I’m the best in all the people I know and it’s killing me)

If you could do it that would be great, dw if you can’t tho<3

𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙮 — 𝑠𝑎𝑛

genre: enemies-to-lovers au, angst, fluff at the end, gn!reader

word count: 2.3k

summary: Pride, reputation, and a one-sided rivalry; all these are because of your fear of losing the top spot in the class. Even when you finally got what you wanted, why did you still feel unsatisfied?

a/n: I kind of relate to this and I tried to express my thoughts based from personal experiences. I also learned to accept the fact that we can have our lowest times, so let's stay humble and I hope you enjoy it!

𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

You didn't hate him, you didn't like him either. He's more like a rival than a friend. You had your pride and reputation as the class's top student, that's all you ever cared for. You were contented with yourself, not until someone challenged your position and managed to drop your rank to top 2.

Choi San, you hated that name.

Both of you get high grades all the time, one gets higher than the other and vice versa, a push and pull type of game. It wasn't just your grades that were put to the test, your reputation as well. San's confidence during oral recitations and discussions was undeniably admirable, and that's the problem. It pissed you off because your social anxiety was hindering you from defending your reputation, but you couldn't deny that he was more or less smarter than you, just a tiny bit.

You didn't like San, but San liked you.

He admired your intelligence, your leadership skills, your hard work, and he acknowledged your efforts every time. How could he not when you two were in the same group for the whole semester? Being known as the two smartest students in the group was alright with San, but it pressured you a lot.

Your classmates usually depended on you two but when they ask him for help instead of you, it hurts your pride. This fueled your motivation to try your best in contributing most of the work during group projects to prove your classmates wrong. Even during quizzes and exams, you'd secretly compare your scores with San's as if it was normal. Of course, you had your share of low times.

It was very selfish of you to think that way, you were aware of that. You knew he was trying his best as well and he even helps you with some lessons you're struggling with. You had no idea when or how this rivalry started, but you were obstinate.

Why do you not like him? For being smart? For challenging your position as the top student? Who were you to hate him for that? These were the questions that run through your head whenever you see him in class, but that wasn't the case for San, he was just there to learn and graduate.

At this point, you're just envious of him for the most unnecessary things. Seeing him hanging out with his friends, having a good relationship with his parents, his life was almost perfect and that made you bitter.

In contrast to his, your life felt empty. Talking to your parents casually was a once-a-day thing because you always lock yourself inside your room and you don't even have that many friends compared to San's, much more talk to them every day.

You were envious, there's no better word to describe how you felt about the guy. Your pride, your ego; you wanted to be the 'best' and you wanted to be in the limelight of the class in regards to academics. But no, someone had to be on your level to humble you down. You, a selfish overachiever, holding a grudge against the boy with an angelic smile, attractive dimples, and cute eye smile.

You thought surviving this semester by avoiding him, while silently boring deep glares towards his direction were going to be a piece-of-cake. That was until you realized that the heavens weren't on your side, it was like a punishment for you.

Out of all people, all the possibilities that could happen, you just had to be paired up with the one and only, Choi San, for your General Maths subject. Honestly speaking, you didn't need a partner and neither does he. You could do it on your own, but your teacher insisted on working in pairs to develop social relationships and to help each other.

If it wasn't for those reasons, you wouldn't be sitting here in the library after your last class ended. ‘Home’ was the only thing on your mind, going home and avoiding his presence that makes your blood boil. If only he didn't insist on finishing the assignment the right way, together, you would've been taking a nap on your bed right now.

You were answering the assignment silently, yet you couldn't focus well with him beside you. You weren't in your right mind and San caught on to that, as he looked over your paper and easily found small mistakes on your solutions.

"It's not supposed to be distributed, just remove the parentheses."

His voice made you groan in annoyance, knowing that he was right and he corrected your mistakes. Okay, Mr. Know-it-all. You rolled your eyes away from him and redid your solutions correctly.

San was aware of your grudge towards him, it's not his fault you were quite obvious with it. He found you cute, though. When your mad or when you glare at him, that doesn't get to him, he's too distracted by your kissable and welcoming cheeks when you pout.

"Are you done? Let's compare answers." San spoke over the silence of the room.

There it was again, the usual glare you give to him. "Give me time, this isn't a race."

"I didn't say...but, take your time."

See, despite your harsh treatment towards him, he couldn't bring himself to fight you back. He had no reason to, so why try to engage in something he's not going to enjoy anyway? After about 3 minutes, you passed him your paper and he did the same to his own. The way San scanned over your paper made you nervous as if he was the teacher checking your mistakes and right answers. His paper, on the other hand, was clean and readable. Confidence in getting every question right the first time written on it.

"Hmm, you lack a negative sign here...and here...and here as well." He pointed each mistake with the tip of his pen and you swore, you wanted to curse at him.

"Okay, Choi San. You're the smart one, you know best. Sorry for being dumb." You retorted with bitterness in your voice.

"What are you talking about? I was just trying to help."

"Well, I don't need your help."

"Well, good luck with your grades then. You got all the answers correct with only a few mistakes, but okay."

Not wanting to fight anymore, you corrected your mistakes as fast as you could. He smirked at you as you closed the cap of your pen and sighed deeply, "There we go, y/n. It wasn't so difficult now, was it?"

"Get a life." If I could just remove that smirk off your face, I would.

How could San even get a life when the missing piece of his life hates his guts? His day wouldn't be complete without you glaring at him at least once, though he still hoped that one day, you would change your false opinions about him. He wouldn't purposely fail his academics for your benefit, but he's going to find a way to win your heart and stop your childish jealousy towards him once and for all.

-

You didn't talk to him for a whole week, you spent most of your time preparing for the upcoming finals exams that would start tomorrow until Friday. You had no time to waste, this was your last chance to prove everyone wrong. The desperation to keep the top spot of the class for yourself motivated you a lot. So when finals finally started, you made sure to put your all in every exam and hoping for the best.

-

Congratulations! You did it, you actually did it!

You kept the top 1 spot, it was yours and you were beyond happy with the positive news. It boosted your pride, but that's besides the point. Once you pulled away from your friend's embrace, you accidentally caught sight of San standing alone from afar. He had a sad yet satisfied smile on his face, while he looked over the bulletin board again where the ranks were displayed.

You felt bad, that was true because yes, you worked extra hard for this and as much as you hate to admit it, he assisted you when you didn't understand some concepts of a certain topic and those concepts were essential parts of the exam. You never, not even once, thanked him for his help and that's enough reason for you to feel guilty. Now that you got what you wanted, why do you still feel unsatisfied?

San caught you gazing in his direction, so you immediately looked away in embarrassment. He only chuckled at your reaction, knowing too well what's going on inside your head at the moment. Your eyes traveled back to his figure once again and you couldn't hold it in anymore, his smile was too bright for your satisfaction. You needed to apologize to him as soon as possible before the semestral break starts, at least.

When the last bell rang indicating the end of classes, you decided to look for him. Ditching your friends with the excuse of stopping by the convenience store before going back home, you searched everywhere for him. Thankfully, he wasn't anywhere far from the school premises. There he stood outside the school gate with his AirPods on, most probably waiting for his friends to hang out later. Carefully, you tapped on his shoulder and he turned to you with a confused look as he removed an AirPod from his ear. He didn't expect you to talk to him personally, especially not you approaching him first.

"What's up?" San's voice was cheerful and no sign of bitterness at all.

"You're n-not busy right now, are you?" You stuttered out of nervousness.

San looked around for any sight of your friends and his but there's no one around he knew of. "I don't think I am, why'd you ask? Oh, congrats by the way for taking the top spot. You deserve it, y/n." The smile on his face was genuine, he was very happy for your success. He wasn't disappointed because he believed you deserve that spot, you worked extra hard to beat him earn it.

On the other hand, you were nervous as hell, fiddling with the hem of your uniform. "Thank you, San."

"It's no problem." How was it so easy for him to say that? You don't know.

You tried to form the right words to say to him, not wanting to waste this opportunity and bringing the guilt with you. "I just wanted to apologize for treating you, you know, in a not-so-good way. I'm sorry for always pushing you away, taking your help for granted, and for holding a grudge against you just because I was afraid of losing the position of being the top student in the class. It's very childish of me, I know."

You scoffed ridiculously at yourself, "Now that I got what I wanted, I'm happy but I feel guilty whenever I see you. You helped me so much, but I didn't even thank you once. No matter how embarrassing I probably sound right now, I'm taking this opportunity to apologize for everything I've done wrong and to thank you for all your help. I don't deserve your forgiveness and-"

"Yo, San. Let's- oh, sorry. I didn't see your friend there." Yeosang, one of his friends, interrupted your rambling.

You were more than embarrassed at this point, you wanted to scream, to run away and hide from everyone, but San noticed the panic in your eyes. The idea of confessing and not being able to finish your words was suffocating you, so you tried to make a turn. Unfortunate events really couldn't wait as a random rock made you trip your foot, but a strong arm held your waist so quick, you didn't even have time to process what had just happened.

San clicked his tongue teasingly, "y/n, still clumsy as ever."

Can the world just take you whole? His friends were watching the current situation, this is very bad.

"I think I'll pass today, guys. I have some important business to talk to with them, so just leave without me and don't forget to buy me that thing I talked about, I'll pay later." San called to his friends, who nodded at his request.

"San-"

"Don't worry, y/n. I know you hate me, but I think you got some explaining to do." A smirk was plastered again on that attractive face of his.

"But I already did."

"You didn't get to finish your words because of my friend and I want to hear more of it. Maybe if you treat me out for dinner, I might just forgive you."

"My money's not enough for the both of us." You haven't realized that you just indirectly considered his suggestion, he's got you in his trap.

"Perfect, a kiss it is then."

"What-"

He didn't let you finish as he interrupted you with his soft lips on yours and when he pulled away, he laughed at your flustered reaction.

"Cutie, let's go to that BBQ place nearby to celebrate your success." My success?

"What about you? Are you not mad at me for being the first in rank?" This was the question that had you worried about this whole time. What does he think of you now after everything?

"What's wrong with being 2nd? As long as we succeed together, that's enough for me. Now that you're here with me and I finally got a kiss from you, what more could I ask for?”

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

CHOI SAN WTF ASDFGHGJJGKDKJ

CHOI SAN: the story of the madman (II) 🥀

Part I - https://purplemountain.tumblr.com/post/662965494345809920/choi-san-the-story-of-the-madman

he will never get rid of the voice in his head

and with one last attempt

he screamed with all his might

but in the end, he lost the fight

he embraced the darkness

and it took over his entire being

because no matter how hard he tries to fight it

the devil always wins

I know it sounds cheesy but sannie is feeding my obsession with psychotic villain characters with this comeback. During the MCountdown Stage he acted like a damn predator, a beast. And now in Inkigayo he's a madman- what's next choi san?

CHOI SAN: the story of the madman 🥀

PART II - https://purplemountain.tumblr.com/post/662966423069523968/choi-san-the-story-of-the-madman-part2

the way he started the performance as if he had no control over his mind or body

he looked lost as if he's in dazed

he was in pain

he trembled as he grazed his hand across his neck

"save me, please believe me"

desperately trying to hold onto whatever sanity he can reach to

but the grip on him is far too strong

slowly taking over his body

the sadness and desperation in his eyes as he looked up

a man trying to keep himself intact

trying to not give in to the darkness

second part - https://purplemountain.tumblr.com/post/662966423069523968/choi-san-the-story-of-the-madman-part2

lost

choi san: an actor on stage

CHOI SAN: Predator