Chapter 10: A Worry He Couldn’t Name

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 5: A Quiet Moment

The tension in Haein's life only grows. Chaewoon, ever observant, quietly steps in when she needs him most. As the two spend more time together, they grow closer—Haein, letting herself be vulnerable around him for the first time, and Chaewoon, beginning to waver in ways he didn’t expect.

It was one of those nights again.

The kind Haein never looked forward to—their daily evening family gathering. Chaewoon knew how much she disliked them. Even before he became her bodyguard, when he was still accompanying her grandfather, he had seen the way she avoided these dinners, the way she always seemed out of place among her own family.

Most nights, she found a way to skip them, using work as an excuse. But sometimes, like tonight, she had no choice. Especially after what had happened that morning between her and her mother.

As they approached the entrance to the main dining hall, Chaewoon felt it—the slight shift in her posture, the tension creeping into her shoulders. It was subtle, but he had learned to pick up on these things. The way her steps slowed just enough to be noticeable, as if she were bracing herself.

She didn’t look like someone going in to have dinner with family. She looked like someone preparing for battle.

Her back was straighter than usual, her movements controlled. Even her expression was sharper, her gaze more guarded.

She was trying to mask her discomfort.

Chaewoon didn’t say anything. He simply stepped forward and opened the door, his presence steady beside her—silent, unwavering. Just as he always was.

The doors to the main dining hall swung open, and for a brief moment, the room fell into silence. Haein was used to this—used to the way conversations would pause, the way heads would turn ever so slightly as if to acknowledge her presence without truly welcoming it.

But tonight was different.

Because tonight, for the first time, she wasn’t walking in alone.

Chaewoon was right behind her, his presence steady, solid. He didn’t need to say anything, didn’t need to do anything. He was just there. A quiet force standing at her back, and somehow, for some reason, it made a difference.

She hated to admit it, but she felt safer.

Even as she kept her expression unreadable, even as she took her seat at the long, polished table with practiced grace, there was a small part of her that didn’t feel quite as exposed as she usually did.

Across from her, her mother barely spared her a glance, while her father remained occupied with his meal.

It was all as expected. Cold, distant, routine.

Yet, beneath the surface, there was something different.

Because for the first time in a long time, Haein wasn’t completely alone in this room.

During dinner, her mother suddenly called her name, pulling Haein out of her thoughts. Across the room, Chaewoon noticed the slight stiffening of her shoulders, the way her posture tensed at the mere mention of her name.

“Haein, you’ll receive a certification of contents tomorrow,” her mother said, her tone cold but casual, as if discussing something as trivial as the weather. “I’m filing a suit against you for building your department store over my land in Gwanggyo.”

Haein inhaled slowly, forcing herself to remain calm. “We discussed this before construction even started. It wasn’t much land, and you gave me your permission.”

“I did,” her mother admitted. “But Attorney Shim advised against it. Rumors could spread about how I gave you special treatment, and I might have to pay a gift tax.”

Haein stared at her, expression unreadable. “So now you’re filing a lawsuit? Now that the building is already standing?”

“You haven’t opened it yet.”

“I see.” Haein’s fingers curled slightly against the fabric of her dress. “Then should I just demolish it?”

“That’s up to you and your attorney.” Her mother’s voice remained impassive. “Look over the documents and come up with an appropriate measure—”

She was cut off by the sudden scrape of a chair against the floor.

Haein had stood up. “Come up with an appropriate measure?” she scoffed.

“What do you mean?” Her voice was steady, but it was sharper than usual. “Should I be afraid and back off?” Her hand clenched into a fist. “You’re threatening me with that lawsuit.”

Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “Did you just cut me off?” The tension in the room spiked, a suffocating weight pressing against Haein’s chest.

And then, just as the air grew thick with unspoken words, and before her mother could utter another word, a ringtone echoed.

All eyes turned toward the source.

Chaewoon, who had been watching quietly from the sidelines, stepped forward. His voice was calm, respectful. “I apologize for the interruption, but Miss Haein—the Director of Hercyna is calling.”

Haein turned to him, her heart still racing from the confrontation. She let out a quiet breath, grasping onto the escape he had given her. “I’ll discuss everything with my attorney,” she said, her voice regaining its composure. “May I be excused? I have an important call waiting.”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Without another glance at the table, she turned on her heel and took the phone from Chaewoon’s hand.

As expected, the screen was blank. No call. No Director of Hercyna.

He had faked it.

She didn’t know why he had stepped in, why he had given her an out when no one else would.

But for now, she was grateful. Because the room had felt suffocating, and she needed to breathe.

As Haein walked out of the dining hall, phone pressed to her ear as if she were truly answering a call, her steps were quick, purposeful. But Chaewoon, who followed closely behind, didn’t miss the way her grip on the phone tightened or the way her shoulders slightly trembled.

The hallways were silent except for the echo of their footsteps. It wasn’t until they turned a corner, out of sight from everyone’s eyes, that Haein finally exhaled.

She lowered the phone, staring at the blank screen before glancing up at him.

She swallowed, struggling against the lump in her throat. She wanted to say something—anything. At the very least, a thank you. But the words caught in her chest, tangled with the emotions she refused to let spill over.

Chaewoon, who had already read the unspoken words in her eyes, simply gave her a small nod. No pressure, no expectation. Just understanding.

Haein turned away, hating that he keeps seeing her like this. “I’m going to rest early. You’re dismissed. See you tomorrow.”

Chaewoon gave a slight bow, stepping back. But just before she disappeared down the hall, his voice, quiet yet certain, reached her.

“Goodnight.”

She paused, her fingers curling slightly at her sides. For a brief second, she hesitated—then, barely above a whisper, she responded.

“…Goodnight.”

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Maybe they had grown closer over the past few weeks, but ever since the night Chaewoon first muttered Goodnight to her—and she unexpectedly returned it—it had become a habit.

A Good morning when they met at the start of the day.

A Goodnight before it ended.

Neither of them had noticed how natural it had become, how effortlessly the words passed between them now. Compared to before, when they barely exchanged words to each other.

The people around them noticed it, too. How the Ice Queen’s once-distant bodyguard—who used to follow at a respectful distance because she despised him hovering—was now walking beside her. Not trailing behind, but right next to her, as if they were a pair.

But more than that, it was Chaewoon himself who drew attention. A tall man with a sharp jawline, a straight nose, and piercing eyes. The kind of presence that made people look twice. And then there was his voice—calm, authoritative, carrying an air of quiet command. But what made the women in the office truly linger was something else entirely.

It was the way he treated her.

They saw it—the subtle but undeniable gentleness in how he spoke to their boss, how he looked at her, how his presence around her never felt intrusive, only steady.

Haein had noticed, too.

The way her female employees lit up when Chaewoon entered the room, the way their smiles grew a little wider, their voices a little softer. It had been happening for a while, but the first time she really took note of it, she found herself raising an eyebrow.

“You’re quite popular, Mr. Woo,” she remarked, her tone sharper than she intended.

Chaewoon looked at her, genuinely confused—something she rarely saw on his face.

Haein, already turning back to her paperwork, muttered under her breath, “It’s kind of annoying.”

Chaewoon blinked. Once. Twice.

Trying to figure out what, exactly, had annoyed her this time.

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Figuring out Hong Haein’s moods was becoming second nature to Chaewoon.

But not when she muttered that she was annoyed earlier at the office.

The thought lingered in his mind, nagging at him even as he accompanied her to a meeting in the city. He noticed it then—how she was colder than usual. Her gaze was sharper, her tone clipped. Of course she had always been like this, but something about the way she’s acting now did not feel intimidating at all. If anything, it was almost—dare he say—amusing.

Not that he’d ever admit it infront of her. He valued his life, after all.

Before they reached the car, Chaewoon subtly stepped in front of her, blocking her path just enough to make her stop. His voice was calm, but there was a trace of curiosity in his tone.

“Did I do something wrong? Are you upset with me?”

It was an innocent question.

But Haein’s face heated almost instantly.

She scoffed, flustered. “What are you asking? You sound like—”

She stopped herself, biting down the rest of her sentence before it could escape.

Chaewoon blinked. Like what, exactly?

“I’m not upset with you, if that’s what you’re curious about.”

And with that, she walked past him, sliding into the car without another word.

Haein wanted to hide her face before Chaewoon could get into the car.

She wasn’t even sure why she’s feeling this way. If she was upset or why was she even upset in the first place. All she knew was that she hoped he wouldn’t ask again.

Then, her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts.

As soon as Chaewoon got in the driver’s seat, he immediately noticed how Haein’s expression darkened. From the faint voice on the other end, he could tell it was her secretary.

“Miss Haein, your mother is here, and she’s furious. I told her you’re in a meeting, but she’s demanding you return as soon as possible.”

Haein sighed, already exhausted. “Tell her I’m on my way.”

The moment the call ended, another one came in—this time, from her attorney.

“Miss Haein, the investors are concerned. They found out Mrs. Hong filed a suit against the land, and they’re worried about the project’s stability. They want assurance that the mall will still open as planned.”

Haein pressed a hand to her temple, exhaling slowly. “Arrange a meeting with the investors on Wednesday. I’ll explain everything to them. And I’ll speak with my mother again about the lawsuit.”

Chaewoon glanced at her through the rearview mirror. She had closed her eyes, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose as frustration weighed on her shoulders.

Without a word, he rolled down the window slightly, letting the night air in.

Haein opened her eyes at the unexpected breeze. She blinked as it brushed against her skin. Closing her eyes again, she inhaled deeply, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little.

Outside, the trees blurred past.

“Do you want me to pull over?” Chaewoon asked.

“That’d be nice.”

He eased the car to a stop, and Haein stepped out, making her way toward the frozen river. November’s air was cold and biting, but she welcomed it, standing still as she took in another deep breath.

Chaewoon watched her for a moment, then quietly retrieved a blanket from the car. His footsteps were silent as he approached her.

Haein didn’t turn, but she felt the slight shift in the air when he got closer. And then, warmth.

The blanket settled over her shoulders with gentleness. The weight of it was light, but the gesture itself felt heavier. For a brief second, she almost turned to look at him, almost said something. But she didn’t trust her voice, didn’t trust the way her chest felt strangely tight.

“It’s cold,” Chaewoon said, his voice steady but quieter than usual. “We shouldn’t stay too long.”

“I know. And my mother’s waiting.”

“Let me know when you’re ready to go.”

They stood there in silence, the only sounds coming from the rustling trees and the distant sound of the busy city.

And for a moment, Haein could let herself relax.

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When they returned to the office, Haein was immediately greeted by her mother’s stern gaze. “What did you tell your grandfather?” She said in an accusing tone.

Haein dropped her bag on the couch and sighed, “What do you mean?” Haein had expected maybe her grandfather found out about the ridiculous lawsuit, she had hoped he did. But it was something different.

“You grandfather was furious with Soocheol. Were you the one who told him about his debt with one of the investors?” Her mother was asking, but it did not feel like a question, more like an accusation.

Haein exhaled slowly. “He must’ve found out on his own. I haven’t spoken to him in weeks.” The last time she had was when he assigned Woo Chaewoon as her bodyguard.

Her mother scoffed. “Don’t lie to me. I know you were behind this.”

“I don’t have time for that,” Haein replied, her voice level. “I couldn’t care less what happens to Soocheol.”

“That’s right. You don’t care. You never have.” Her mother’s voice was sharp now, cutting. “As his older sister, you’ve never once treated him like family. You’ve been selfish for as long as I can remember. Do you even know? Soocheol had a panic attack today.”

Haein’s fingers curled into her palm. But she didn’t let her face waver. “If you’re done with your accusations, you can leave. As you can see, I’m busy.”

Her mother let out a bitter scoff. “Unbelievable. I won’t let you get away with this.”

With one last glare, she turned and stormed out.

The moment the door clicked shut behind her mother, Haein gripped the edge of the table beside her, her fingers digging into the polished wood as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.

She exhaled slowly, but the tightness in her chest didn’t ease.

With a shake of her head, she reached for the coffee pot and poured herself a cup, the dark hot liquid swirling as it settled. She held the paper cup between her fingers tightly.

Too tightly.

Chaewoon’s sharp eyes flicked downward, noticing the way her fingers were gripping the paper cup—too firm, too tense. The lid wobbled slightly, the liquid inside dangerously close to spilling.

Without hesitation, he reached out, his touch light but firm as he carefully took the cup from her hands.

She didn’t even notice how the flimsy material was starting to give in. If she held on any longer, the coffee would spill, burning her hand.

Then, warmth.

A firm but careful pressure covered her fingers.

Haein snapped back to reality, her breath hitching.

Chaewoon.

She hadn’t even realized he was standing so close.

Her gaze lifted in startled silence, and suddenly, she was aware of everything—the warmth of his hand over hers, the slight roughness of his fingertips against her skin, the steadiness in his grip that contrasted with her own trembling one.

Her eyes flickered up to meet his.

She looked at him, at the way he held the cup so steadily—like it was the most natural thing in the world to quietly take care of things she didn’t even realize needed taking care of.

Chaewoon was watching her, his expression unreadable, but his touch was steady, grounding.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Neither of them spoke.

The only sound in the room was the distant hum of the city outside, the ticking of the clock on her desk, and the faint, steady rhythm of her own heartbeat—louder than it should be.

Then, with deliberate slowness, Chaewoon took the cup from her hands. His fingers lingered for just a second longer than necessary before he pulled away.

Haein let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Haein just looked at him, her vision blurring slightly as tears threatened to spill. But she refused to let them fall. She had held herself together for so long—she wouldn’t break now.

Chaewoon didn’t say anything either. He only held her gaze, steady and unwavering. There was something in his expression, something soft and reassuring, as if he was silently telling her, It’s okay. You don’t have to hold it all in. Not with me.

The coffee cup was already placed on the table, forgotten, but his other hand still hovered over hers. Close enough to feel, close enough that if she moved even slightly, they’d touch again. But she didn’t pull away.

She didn’t want to.

The warmth of his skin grounded her in a way she couldn’t explain. The steady presence of him beside her, the quiet patience in his eyes, it all made her feel… safe.

“Are you okay?” Chaewoon finally asked, his voice careful, low.

Haein swallowed. She nodded, but it wasn’t entirely convincing.

Still, she managed to whisper, “Yes, I am.”

Then, after a small pause—so quiet it was almost lost in the space between them—she added, “…Thank you.”

Her voice barely made a sound, but Chaewoon heard it.

And for some reason, that was enough.

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Haein threw herself into work after that, keeping her hands busy, her mind even busier.

Chaewoon stayed. He didn’t press, didn’t speak—just waited.

He could feel it, the weight of her mother’s words still lingering in the air. The way they cut into her. Haein never let it show, never let anyone see the cracks, but Chaewoon could.

Haein may seem cold, but inside, she was hurting the most.

And maybe work was her escape. A way to outrun the thoughts she didn’t want to face.

Chaewoon glanced at the clock. 9:45 PM. She should have left hours ago.

Frowning, he walked over to her office door and knocked softly. “Miss Haein?”

No answer.

He knocked again. Still nothing.

A quiet sigh left his lips before he carefully pushed the door open.

And there she was.

Slumped over her desk, her head resting on her folded arms. The soft glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the room, illuminating the untouched cup of coffee beside her—now cold.

She had pushed herself too hard again.

Chaewoon sighed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

The papers scattered across the desk told him she had probably fallen asleep mid-review, too stubborn to call it a night.

Without a word, he slipped his arms under her, lifting her carefully. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, only sighing against his shoulder as he adjusted his hold.

She was lighter than he expected. Or maybe she just carried too much weight during the day for anyone to notice how exhausted she really was.

The drive back to the estate was silent.

Haein barely moved in the passenger seat, her breathing slow and steady. Every now and then, she shifted slightly, her body naturally leaning toward the warmth beside her.

Chaewoon kept his eyes on the road. Kept his thoughts steady. This was nothing. Just doing his job.

When they arrived, he carried her inside, moving with the same careful precision. He placed her gently onto her bed, adjusting the covers over her.

Just as he was about to straighten up, he felt it—

A small tug at his jacket.

He looked down.

Haein, still half-asleep, her fingers curled weakly into the fabric of his sleeve.

“…Stay.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, her words slurred with drowsiness.

Chaewoon froze.

She didn’t know what she was saying. Didn’t realize what she was doing. But still, she was holding onto him—like some part of her, even in sleep, didn’t want to be left alone.

For the first time in a long time, he hesitated.

Then, slowly, he lowered himself onto the edge of the bed. He didn’t move her hand away.

Minutes passed. Her breathing evened out again, her fingers loosening their grip.

Only when he was sure she was deeply asleep did he finally rise.

He lingered for a second, gaze drifting over her face. She looked different like this—without the sharpness, without the armor. Just… at peace.

On his way out, he found himself replaying the moment in his head.

The sound of her voice. The way she reached for him without thinking.

And the fact that, for some reason, he hadn’t wanted to let go.

< Chapter 4 Chapter 6 >

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Thank you for waiting!! It has been a very busy week for me. This chapter was already in my drafts when I uploaded chapter 4, but I couldn't find the time to polish it.

Life has been so hectic lately and I will try to make time to upload regularly.

Will also try to maybe make it less wordy? I tried reading each chapter over and over again and I noticed maybe it can come off as boring because it's too much description?? ;-; idk pls let me know your thoughts I'm open to suggestions and improvements ><

By the way, next chapter is my favorite!! >< hehe

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

2.1 Diagnosis - Obvious

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

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

Jangmi, however, wasn’t buying it.

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

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

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

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

Crossed paths. Yeah, right.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Something was different.

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

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

Her lips slowly curled into a mischievous grin.

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

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

choi san in his dilfiest form

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

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

Flashback 3: Check His Vitals— She's Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until she walked in.

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

Kang Hyuk looked up instinctively.

And then froze.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

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

Song Hyejoo.

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

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

And then—she was gone.

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

Now, years later, she appeared out of nowhere.

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

Confident. Unshaken. Sharp.

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

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

Bu then she came back.

And now, here she was.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Too bad charm doesn’t stop bleeding.”

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

Jaewon and Jangmi exchanged wide-eyed glances behind them.

“Old rivals?” Jaewon whispered.

“Or exes,” Jangmi whispered back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Okay what was that?” Jangmi asked.

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

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

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

4.1: The Mom & Dad of the Trauma Center

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

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

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

That day, the theory was confirmed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Aigoo… you and your temper.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

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

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

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 8: The Sound of Rain and Heartbeat

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

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

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

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

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

And he smiled.

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

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

Oh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her head was now resting against him. He stiffened.

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

This was a problem.

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

This was definitely a problem.

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

She really lets her guard down around me now.

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

And now, she had fallen asleep.

So defenseless.

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

Haein stirred, shifting closer.

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

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

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

Maybe it was a problem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or maybe, it was just her.

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Haein stirred first.

Her lashes fluttered as she blinked herself awake, her mind still hazy with sleep.

And that’s when she realized—her head was still resting against him.

Her brain took a few seconds to catch up. She was warm. Too warm. There was a steady rise and fall beneath her, the familiar scent of his cologne lingering in the air.

She turned her head slightly—only to be met with the sight of Chaewoon’s sleeping face.

Oh.

Haein stilled.

She had never seen him asleep before. Not once.

Chaewoon was always so alert, so sharp—always standing, always watching. It was almost unsettling to see him like this, completely at ease. His features were softer in sleep, his usual unreadable expression gone.

She found herself staring.

His lashes were long, his jaw sharp, his lips slightly parted as he breathed steadily. The dim light from outside cast gentle shadows on his face, making him look even more peaceful.

This is unfair, she thought. He’s supposed to be intimidating.

And yet, there was something endearing about this.

Something that made her chest feel tight.

Her gaze lowered slightly, taking in how his hands were still loosely resting on his lap, how his body had leaned ever so slightly toward hers as he slept.

For someone so disciplined, so constantly aware, it was strange to see him this relaxed.

He trusts me.

The thought struck her unexpectedly.

He wasn’t the only one making her feel at ease.

She made him feel at ease, too.

Her fingers twitched slightly, an unconscious urge to reach out. To touch, to confirm that he was really here like this, unguarded. But before she could even think to move—

His lashes fluttered.

And then, his eyes opened, slow and drowsy, adjusting to his surroundings.

They met hers immediately.

Silence.

Haein’s breath caught in her throat.

Chaewoon blinked, his gaze heavy with sleep, his mind still catching up with reality.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The music still played faintly in the background, the rain still fell outside, but all Haein could hear was the quiet pounding of her own heart. Or maybe it was his. She couldn’t tell.

She should look away. She should.

But she didn’t.

And neither did he.

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Chaewoon felt it first—the subtle shift beside him, the soft stir of movement as Haein lifted her head. He was still half-asleep, his mind floating somewhere between dreams and waking. Normally, he’d be alert at the slightest change in his surroundings. Years of discipline had trained him to be that way.

But not this time.

Even as his senses registered the movement, his body didn’t react. It was as if something within him told him to stay still. To rest. To just be—there, next to her.

He could feel her gaze then, even with his eyes still closed. A quiet presence. Familiar. Warm.

And so, he opened his eyes.

Slowly.

And the first thing he saw was her.

Haein’s face, close to his. Her eyes locked with his, wide and unblinking. Time didn’t just slow—it completely stopped.

He froze.

He blinked once, trying to gather his thoughts, but they scattered just as quickly.

Beautiful.

That was the only word his sleepy mind could offer. No strategies. No logic. Just that one, simple truth.

The sound of rain and music faded quietly in the background, drowned out by the sudden pounding of a heartbeat. He couldn’t tell if it was his or hers.

He watched her breath catch, the way her eyes slightly widened. There was surprise there. Maybe uncertainty. But she didn’t pull away.

And he didn’t move either.

He should have. He knew that.

But for once, Chaewoon let the moment stay. Still. Quiet. Suspended.

And somehow, it felt right.

< Chapter 7 Chapter 9 >

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hi everyone! this chapter is a little short and it ended with a cliffhanger Im so sorry afsghjdkfdsa

I have so much in store for this story, I want to include a moment where Haein has to stay in Chaewoon's place for the time being and she meets his cat, Mansik. They also grow even closer together.

But I think I'm really going to be busy with work for the upcoming weeks. Hopefully, I find the time and energy over the weekends to update at least one chapter each week.

For the meantime, I'm thinking of uploading some of my drafts ><

First Love - my delusional story between Ju Jihoon and Song Jihyo

angst, heart-break, memories, little moments, slow-burn, reunion

What began as young love on the set of their first drama was lost to missed chances, early heartbreaks, and painful regrets. Years passed, but old memories still resurfaced—and they’re left wondering if some first loves are meant to return.

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - a series of one-shot stories between Dr. Baek Kang Hyuk and Dr. Song Hye Joo (my OC played by Song Hye Kyo)

romance, comedy, lots of teasings, slow-burn

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

I already have a few chapters written with both of this, so I guess for the mean time, while the Unspoken Series takes a little hiatus, I hope you will enjoy these two stories I have prepared ><

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3