Chapter 11: An Unwelcomed Familiar Face

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

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

2.2 Late Night Consultations - Catching Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was looking out for her.

Like always.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kanghyuk’s brows furrowed slightly.

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

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

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

That made her pause.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

1.1 Early Symptoms of Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

That excuse held up.

For about three days.

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

It wasn’t just curiosity anymore.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He blinked.

The silence lasted a beat too long.

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

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

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

They laughed harder.

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

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

But nothing came.

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

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

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

And yet… the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Inception & Deja Vu (parallels🖤)

I know you get deja vu 🥀

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chapter List:

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

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

2.1 Diagnosis - Obvious 2.2 Late Night Consultations - Catching Up

3.1 A Prescription for Lunch 3.2 White Coats & Warm Blankets

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

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

Flashback 1: Brief Encounters at Med School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 6: Curiosities

After a quiet moment of care, Haein and Chaewoon start to see each other differently. What began as simple concern turns into something more, leaving them both with questions they didn’t expect to ask.

The car’s engine hummed as he drove through the quiet city streets. His fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel.

He should’ve left right after. That was the plan. That had always been the plan.

He kept reminding himself—You were only doing your job.

Get her home. Make sure she’s safe. Report back. That was it. That’s all this was.

But it wasn’t, was it?

His mind drifted back to the moment, just minutes earlier. The soft weight of her in his arms as he carried her to her bed. The way her hair fell over her face, the warmth of her breath brushing against his collar. He remembered kneeling down, tucking her in with practiced, detached care. And then—

That tug.

So faint. So subtle. Yet it hit him like a bullet.

Her fingers, curled into his sleeve. Her voice, soft and sleepy. “…Stay.”

Chaewoon’s jaw clenched at the memory.

She hadn’t even been fully conscious. Didn’t know what she was asking. It wasn’t intentional. But it didn’t matter. Because something in him had responded anyway. Something dangerous.

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

He wasn’t supposed to do that. He wasn’t just a bodyguard. He wasn’t just a driver. He was a spy. A watcher in the dark. And now, not only was he reporting the Chairman’s words and movements—but hers too.

Every time she spoke, every time she looked too tired, too sad, too human—he was supposed to observe it, and file it away like evidence. Every word, every glance, every crack in her voice—he was expected to report all of it. But lately, he found himself leaving most of it out. Especially the parts where she was vulnerable. The parts that made her feel real. The parts that made him feel something.

That half-asleep voice calling him back. Those fingers clutching his jacket like he was her last lifeline.

That instinct inside him that wanted to sit by her side a little longer.

He told himself again, This is just a job. But it didn’t land like it used to.

Because for the first time, he didn’t want to detach.

He hadn’t wanted to let go. And that terrified him more than anything else.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened as the streetlights passed overhead. He was in too deep.

And if he wasn’t careful, Haein wouldn’t be the only one left vulnerable.

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Hong Haein woke up feeling unusually well-rested. Which was strange, considering the last thing she remembered was reviewing reports in her office, fighting off sleep.

She sat up, blinking groggily. The familiar walls of her bedroom came into focus.

Wait.

Her room?

How—?

Her gaze shifted to the bedside table, where a neatly arranged breakfast tray sat next to a small packet of medicine.

And then she saw it.

A folded note.

She already knew who it was from before she even picked it up.

“Eat your breakfast. Drink your medicine.”

No greeting. No signature. Just straightforward and to the point—exactly how Woo Chaewoon always spoke to her.

Haein exhaled, a small, involuntary smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Typical.

But just as she reached for the cup of warm tea, a memory from the night before suddenly hit her.

—The feeling of strong arms lifting her.

—A quiet, steady presence beside her bed.

—The warmth of a jacket in her grasp.

—Her own voice, half-asleep, murmuring, “…Stay.”

Haein froze.

Oh. No.

Her stomach dropped as the realization sank in.

She slapped a hand over her face.

Please tell me that didn’t actually happen.

But it did.

And now she had to face him.

…Or, maybe she could just avoid him for the rest of the day. Possibly forever.

Yes. That sounded like a solid plan. Absolutely.

Haein had barely wrapped her mind around the idea of avoiding Chaewoon for the entire day when her phone buzzed.

Chaewoon: Are you awake?

She stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She could ignore him. Pretend she was still asleep. But knowing him, he’d just find a way to confirm it himself.

With a sigh, she typed back.

Haein: Yes.

His reply was instant.

Chaewoon: May I come in for a second?

Her breath hitched.

What? Here? Now?

She sat frozen for a few seconds, completely flustered. She could shut him down coldly, tell him she didn’t need anything. That would be the logical thing to do. The easy thing.

And yet, she hesitated.

Before she could decide, there was a soft knock on the door.

“Ma’am?” His voice was calm but firm. “Are you alright?”

She pressed her lips together, gripping the blanket on her lap. If I don’t answer, maybe he’ll just leave—

“I’m coming in.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait—”

The door opened.

Chaewoon stepped inside, scanning the room, and when his eyes landed on her—very much unharmed, sitting in bed still wearing her office clothes from yesterday—his tense shoulders relaxed.

Haein narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Instead of answering, he took a few steps forward, holding up a small container.

She blinked. “What is that?”

“Ointment.”

“For?”

He nodded toward her feet. She followed his gaze—only then noticing the faint scratches along the sides.

Haein frowned. She must’ve gotten them from walking around in heels all day yesterday inside and outside the company. She remembered him insisting she rest her feet for a while, but she stubbornly refused. No wonder her feet now looked like that. She hadn’t even realized.

“You didn’t notice,” Chaewoon observed, setting the container on the bedside table.

“It’s nothing,” she muttered. “I don’t need that.”

He looked at her for a second, then knelt beside the bed, opening the container.

“I can apply it myself,” she said quickly.

“Please let me.”

The words were simple, quiet. But something in the way he said them made her pause.

She could argue, tell him it was unnecessary. But instead, she found herself sighing as she stretched out one foot, just slightly.

Chaewoon took it as permission.

His hands were steady, his touch careful as he smoothed the ointment over her skin. It was efficient—clinical, almost. But the warmth of his fingers lingered, and for some reason, it made her stomach feel strangely unsettled.

She stared down at him, at the way he focused on his task with quiet precision.

“…Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice softer than she intended.

“Because you don’t take care of yourself,” he said simply, not looking up.

Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the blunt honesty.

For once, she didn’t have a sharp retort.

She just watched him, heart beating a little too loudly in her chest.

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Haein hadn’t meant to stare.

She really hadn’t.

But as Chaewoon carefully applied the ointment, she found herself noticing things she had never paid attention to before.

The way his brows furrowed ever so slightly, a flicker of disapproval at the sight of her scratched-up feet. The way his long fingers worked with precision, careful yet firm. The way his eyes blinked, just a bit slower, every time she flinched at the cool sting of the ointment.

She knew he was handsome. Of course, she did. A little too handsome, honestly. But she had never really looked at him before. Not like this.

And now, for some reason, she was seeing his face as if for the first time.

The sharp angles softened by the warm glow of the morning light. The contrast of his dark lashes against his skin. The way his lips pressed together in quiet concentration.

It was… distracting.

Too distracting.

Haein caught herself before she could stare any longer. But it was already too late.

Because just as she snapped out of it, Chaewoon glanced up—

And caught her staring.

Their eyes met.

A brief, fleeting second stretched into something much longer, something heavier.

Her throat went dry.

Immediately, she looked away, clearing her throat as if that could erase the moment. “Thank you,” she said quickly, voice a little too firm. “You can go now.”

Chaewoon, as always, didn’t react much. He simply nodded, closing the container and standing up.

But as he walked toward the door, Haein was very aware of the fact that her heart was beating just a little too fast.

And that was the most annoying part of all.

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Chaewoon was a spy. A professional. He had been trained to detect the subtlest of changes, the smallest of shifts in energy.

So of course, he noticed.

He noticed the way Haein’s gaze lingered on him a little too long. The way her breathing changed ever so slightly when his fingers brushed against her skin. The way she was staring—really staring—as if she was seeing him for the first time.

And the most frustrating part?

He felt it.

A warmth creeping up the back of his neck. The sudden self-awareness of his own hands, his posture. A flicker of something unfamiliar curling in his stomach.

He had faced interrogation, surveillance, and the world’s most dangerous criminals without so much as blinking. He had never been intimidated by anyone.

But under her gaze, for the first time—

He felt… shy.

It was ridiculous.

He willed himself to focus, to keep his hands steady as he finished applying the ointment. But when he finally looked up and met her eyes, something in his chest dropped.

And then—just as quickly—she snapped her head to the side, clearing her throat, hastily dismissing him.

Chaewoon almost—almost—smiled.

She had lost her composure first. That was something, at least.

He stood, giving a brief nod before stepping out of her room.

The moment the door shut behind him, he exhaled sharply. His pulse was annoyingly unsteady. His ears felt oddly warm.

He headed straight for the kitchen, grabbed a glass of water, and downed it in one go. Then, setting the glass down, he wiped a hand over his forehead.

What the hell was that?

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Haein wanted to bury herself alive.

She had barely survived that embarrassing encounter with Chaewoon, and now, all she wanted to do was crawl back under the covers and pretend it never happened.

But then—

A familiar scent drifted toward her.

She blinked, glancing at the bedside table. Oh. Right. Breakfast.

Fine. She’d eat first. Then continue moping.

She picked up her spoon and took a bite.

…And immediately paused.

Something was different.

She took another bite, slower this time.

The taste was—better than usual. Which was strange, because their family chef was already excellent. But this? This had a warmth to it. A personal touch.

Had Chaewoon ordered it from somewhere?

She needed to know.

Still half-lost in her hunger thoughts, she grabbed her phone and sent a text.

Haein: Where did you get this breakfast?

It didn’t take long for him to reply.

Chaewoon: I made it.

Haein froze mid-chew.

He… cooked it?

She stared at the screen, then back at her food. Then back at the screen.

Woo Chaewoon—the man who barely spoke, who always had that unreadable expression, who moved like a human shadow—could cook?

Her curiosity flared, completely uninvited.

Since when? Where did he learn? Why is he good?

And then, a far more dangerous thought entered her mind.

Does he have a family?

She had never even considered it before. When he was first assigned to her, she had been too annoyed, too disinterested to care about his personal life. But now…

He was older than her. Ten years older.

Does he have a wife?

A girlfriend?

The idea of Chaewoon coming home to someone—someone waiting for him, cooking for him the way he cooked for her—made something twist uncomfortably in her chest.

Haein immediately shut the thought down.

She was being ridiculous.

She stabbed at her food, scowling.

She didn’t care.

…But somehow, she had to know.

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Chaewoon knew Haein had taken the day off. It was a sudden decision early that morning when she sent a quick text to her assistant, her personal driver, and him.

And he was already outside her room when he received the text, ointment in hand. He had to give it to her or atleast make sure she uses it. It was the only reason he had asked to come into her room earlier.

She was a workaholic—someone who rarely, if ever, took a break—so it had crossed his mind to wonder why. But at the same time, he was relieved. At least she knew how to rest.

Now, his job was simple. Stay close. Be there if she needed anything.

It was a quiet morning, until his phone buzzed. A text from Haein.

Haein: Where did you get this breakfast?

He blinked. His first thought: Is something wrong with it?

Chaewoon: I made it.

No reply.

A small crease formed between his brows.

Did she not like it? Did it taste bad?

He had made it without much thought, just going about his usual routine. And yet, now that she was actually eating it, he found himself oddly self-conscious.

Maybe he should have just let the family chef cook for her. Maybe—

His phone buzzed again. His eyes immediately darting to her text.

Haein: Thanks. I like it.

Chaewoon exhaled, a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

And before he could stop himself—

He smiled.

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

Haein couldn’t stop thinking about it.

It was annoying.

How come she knew next to nothing about her own bodyguard?

Other than the obvious—tall, quiet, handsome, surprisingly good at cooking, and annoyingly considerate—she knew nothing.

She considered asking her grandfather, but immediately scrapped the idea. Knowing him, he’d probably bring it up to Chaewoon directly, and there was no way she was dealing with that level of embarrassment.

So instead, she pulled out her phone and messaged her secretary.

Haein: Give me anything you can find on Woo Chaewoon.

Secretary: Your bodyguard?

Haein: Yes.

Secretary: Shouldn’t you already know about him since he’s, you know… your bodyguard?

Haein: I wouldn’t be asking you if I did.

Her secretary, to their credit, didn’t ask any more questions.

Now all she had to do was wait. But sitting still wasn’t an option.

Maybe—just maybe—she could get some information out of him herself.

Casually. Subtly. Completely normal conversation.

She grabbed her laptop (so it looked like she was working) and stepped out into the garden. Where, as expected, Chaewoon was already positioned a few steps away, arms crossed, watching the surroundings.

She took a deep breath, calming the ridiculous nervous energy in her chest.

Alright, Woo Chaewoon. Let’s see what I can find out about you.

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

Haein had a plan. Casually strike up a conversation with Chaewoon. You know, just to get a little information out of him. She was just a little curious after all. Just a little.

But it was easier said than done.

She tried forming natural conversation starters in her head, but it’s been 20 minutes since she went outside her room and pretended to look busy with her laptop in the garden.

Maybe she’d just wait whatever her secretary found out about him after all.

And then, a notification popped up on her laptop.

Finally.

Her secretary had sent a file and some links.

Nice.

But she couldn’t open them. Not yet. Not when Chaewoon was right there, just a few steps behind her.

Sure, he was far enough that he wouldn’t be able to read her screen, but still—she couldn’t risk it. She needed him gone, just for a few minutes.

So, in the most nonchalant voice she could muster, she said, “Can you bring me coffee? And maybe a few snacks.” She never ordered him around for simple things like this. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

Chaewoon glanced at her, tilting his head slightly—almost as if questioning the odd request—but he nodded and left without a word.

As soon as he was gone, she opened everything.

First, the basics.

Birthday: December 10.

“Oh,” she murmured. “That’s in a few weeks.”

Then—

Military background. Marine Corps. 707th Special Mission Group.

Her brows lifted. A soldier? A high-ranking one, actually.

“How did he end up as a bodyguard?” she muttered to herself.

Unfortunately, there was nothing about his family. But—

A link to a social media profile. She clicked on it.

As expected, no posts. Not even a profile picture. Clearly just for business or minimal communication.

But then—

Tagged posts.

Bingo.

Most of them were group photos from training and work. Nothing too interesting.

Until—

Her eyes landed on one particular photo.

A woman. And a child.

Her fingers froze on the trackpad.

His wife? His daughter?

Her mind raced.

Before she could process the thought, someone cleared their throat.

Right behind her.

Shit.

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

When Chaewoon first saw Haein step out of her room, he nearly did a double take.

Gone were the usual luxury clothes, the perfectly styled hair, and the sharp, intimidating makeup. Instead, she was in cozy attire—loose, comfortable clothes, her hair casually falling over her shoulders, her face bare of any enhancements.

It wasn’t a sight he was used to.

And oddly enough… he found her even prettier like this.

Of course, he already knew she was beautiful. He had met plenty of beautiful women in his life. But without any bias, he could say with certainty—Hong Haein was probably the most beautiful of all.

That thought alone made him mentally slap himself. What the hell am I thinking?

He quickly focused back on his job.

She was working, of course. Even on her day off. But something was different. She was restless. She kept glancing at her phone. Checking her laptop inbox. Again, and again.

She’s waiting for something, he concluded.

Then—

“Can you bring me coffee? And maybe a few snacks?”

That made him pause. It wasn’t strange, exactly. But she had never asked him to do something so trivial before.

Had she finally warmed up to him? Enough to start giving him simple errands?

Without questioning it, he nodded and left. But when he returned—

He found her eyes glued to her laptop. And on her screen, his background information. He immediately understood.

So that’s what she was waiting for.

Amusement flickered in his eyes as he watched her scroll, intensely focused.

Then, when she landed on the photo—the one with the woman and the little girl—he noticed it.

Her brows furrowed.

The same way they always did when she was too focused… or irritated.

And she stared at it for a little too long.

Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. He shook his head lightly.

Is this why she suddenly sent me to get snacks?

Somehow, he found it… oddly cute.

Finally, deciding to put an end to her “research,” he cleared his throat.

And immediately, she froze in place.

If he had less self-control, he would’ve teased her about it. Or maybe let out a chuckle.

But if he wanted to keep his head intact, it was probably best not to.

< Chapter 5 Chapter 7 >

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Okay!! My favorite part was actually supposed to be included here in this chapter but I realized it was getting too long so I had to cut it into two parts >< working on Chapter 7 right now!! This is where I was actually cheesing the entire time I was writing this story.

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN: Special Chapter 1

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

Special Chapter: Her Dress & His Necktie

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

Quick Author's note:

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

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

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

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

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

Still, there was someone outside who could help her.

Haein paused, cheeks warming at the thought.

There’s no way, she told herself.

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

With a resigned huff, she cracked open the door.

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

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

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

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

Chaewoon blinked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a moment, neither of them moved.

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

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

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

His gaze fell to her lips.

And hers to his.

Their noses were nearly touching. A breath away.

And then—

Knock.

The sound at the door shattered the moment.

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

Just like that, the tension dissolved—almost.

But not forgotten.

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

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

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

She raised an eyebrow, one hand on her hip.

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

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

As if on cue, Chaewoon appeared behind her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was going to be a long night.

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----> Unspoken Chapter List

“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.

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