💧

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 7: Rain, Candy, and Curiosity

Caught in her own curiosity, Haein fumbles through embarrassment while Chaewoon remains calm and amused. But as the rain pours, so do the quiet revelations that bring them closer.

First, she let herself fall asleep in his arms and even tugged on his sleeve to stay. Second, she got caught staring at his face this morning. And now, third—she was literally caught digging up his background.

Back-to-back humiliations.

At this point, she might as well order him to shoot her on the spot.

Haein tried to compose herself, but her flushed cheeks and red ears were traitors, exposing her embarrassment completely.

And Chaewoon? He had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from chuckling.

“I was just curious,” she said, straightening her posture, trying to regain control of the situation. “You’re my bodyguard, after all. And I know nothing about you. It’s a simple background check.”

“I see,” he replied, his tone unreadable.

Silence.

The only sound was the soft clink of the coffee cup and plate as he placed them on the table.

Then—

“You could just ask me yourself, you know.”

Haein froze.

Her pride told her to just shut up and drop it. But her embarrassment had already hit rock bottom, so at this point—why not just go all in?

She took a deep breath and asked, bluntly—

“Then… is this your wife and daughter?”

Chaewoon raised a brow. Instead of answering, he tilted his head slightly and asked back, “Is the information relevant to my job?”

His tone wasn’t cold. If anything, it sounded mildly amused.

And she hated that—because damn it, he was right. Whether he had a family or not had nothing to do with his work.

“…It’s not,” she admitted, her voice barely above a mumble.

And then—to her horror—her mouth pursed slightly in defeat. She quickly looked down, embarrassment taking over her.

“I apologize for looking into your personal information,” she added, her fingers subtly curling into her palm. “You can go now.” She said in the most nonchalant tone she can muster.

For a moment, she thought he’d just leave. But instead—

He smiled.

Then, to her surprise, he kneeled down to meet her gaze.

Haein’s breath hitched.

“Yes, the woman and the little girl in the photo are my family,” he said calmly. “But they’re not my wife and daughter. That’s my older sister and my niece. They live abroad. I was tagged in that photo because I took it. If you had looked at the caption, you would’ve seen it says—”

He took out his phone and turned the screen to her.

“‘Thank you, Uncle Chaewoon.’”

Haein wanted to die on the spot.

She had been so shocked when she saw the photo that she completely missed the caption. And now? Now she was even more embarrassed that she had boldly assumed—right in front of him—that it was his wife and child.

Chaewoon, still crouched before her, continued smoothly—

“And to answer some of your other unspoken questions…”

Haein swallowed.

Oh god. He knew.

“No,” he said, “I don’t have a wife or a child of my own.”

Haein internally screamed.

“I’m also not in a romantic relationship with anyone, nor am I seeing someone.”

Her ears burned hotter.

“I’m guarding you 24/7, so I wouldn’t have time for that anyway.”

WHY WAS HE SAYING THIS SO CASUALLY?!

“As for my background,” he went on, “I was a soldier before. I quit for personal reasons and decided to use my skills elsewhere.”

Haein could barely process anything anymore.

“If you’re wondering why I can cook—”

She was wondering, but he didn’t need to say it out loud!

“—my mother taught me from a young age.”

Haein clenched her hands. Please stop talking.

“And lastly,” he said, tilting his head slightly, “don’t hesitate to ask me directly from now on.”

She inhaled sharply.

“I don’t mind it.” He gave her a knowing look.

Then—

“Did I answer most of your curiosity about me, Miss Haein?”

Haein could only stare.

Her pride was shattered. Her mind was blank.

And she could only think—

She was never living this down.

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Chaewoon had to actively stop himself from smiling.

He had seen many versions of Haein since becoming her bodyguard.

The cold Haein, sharp-tongued and dismissive. The composed Haein, perfectly put together in public. The frustrated Haein, sighing at her family during dinner. The exhausted Haein, asleep in her office.

But this Haein?

The one sitting before him, too embarrassed to look him in the eye after getting caught digging up his background?

This one was new. And he was thoroughly entertained.

It wasn’t just that she was embarrassed. It was that she had been so obvious about it.

The way she fumbled, the way she quickly changed the topic, the way she boldly asked if he had a wife and child—only to realize too late how ridiculous her assumption was.

And now?

Now she was sitting there, stunned into silence, her hands curled into small fists on her lap, her lips pursed like she was refusing to react.

She was obviously trying to will herself to disappear.

And for some reason, he found it… adorable.

He had expected her to dig into his background at some point. She was meticulous, after all. And she never trusted people easily.

But what he hadn’t expected was how much her curiosity about him would amuse him.

The fact that she actually sent him off to get coffee just so she could secretly look into him. The way she had stared at that photo of his sister and niece, brows furrowed in serious contemplation.

The way her entirebody froze when she realized he caught her.

And now—this silence.

He exhaled softly, shaking his head. He really shouldn’t be smiling right now. She’d probably throw something at his head. But he had to admit…

The thought of Haein sitting in her room, scrolling through his files with that same little furrow in her brow, trying to piece together who exactly he was—

It was strangely endearing. She wanted to know more about him. And that was something he hadn’t expected at all.

But he also knew, if she dug a little deeper, someday, somehow, starts knowing a little too much about who he really was, he wasn’t sure if he’d be ready for that day. A part of him hoped it would never come.

He decided to clear off his thoughts, burying it deep in the corners of his mind.

Chaewoon leaned back slightly, watching her closely.

“Well?” he said, raising a brow. “Did that answer everything you wanted to know?”

Haein finally snapped out of her frozen state, looking almost offended by the question.

“…Shut up,” she muttered, taking a sip of her coffee—clearly just trying to do something to avoid responding.

Chaewoon smirked.

So she’s still embarrassed.

He let out a quiet chuckle, deciding—for once—to let her off the hook.

For now.

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The wind shifted, carrying with it the scent of incoming rain. The rustling leaves whispered a quiet warning, and the clouds above darkened to gray.

Haein was still seated in the garden, very aware of Chaewoon’s presence beside her. She was still trying to recover from her earlier embarrassment, keeping her composure as if she hadn’t just spent the last ten minutes being flustered beyond belief.

Meanwhile, Chaewoon was doing his best to suppress a smile.

The way she kept shifting slightly in her seat, how she avoided his gaze yet kept sneaking glances when she thought he wouldn’t notice—it was all too endearing.

The first raindrop landed soundlessly on the table. Then another.

Before she could fully process it, Chaewoon had already moved.

In one smooth motion, he stood up, unfolded the blanket from earlier, and draped it over her head, shielding her from the rain.

Haein looked up, startled. “What—”

“We should head inside now,” he said simply, his deep voice calm and steady. “It’s about to rain.”

And just as the words left his lips, the sky opened up. The drizzle turned into a downpour in seconds.

Chaewoon didn’t even flinch as the rain hit his shoulders, dampening his clothes. Instead, he adjusted the blanket over her more securely, making sure she wouldn’t get wet.

Haein, still frozen in place, blinked up at him.

Something about the way he did it so naturally—without hesitation, without even thinking twice—made her chest tighten just a little.

She lowered her gaze, gripping the edges of the blanket. “…Okay.” Chaewoon nodded. “Let’s go.”

And just like that, he walked beside her, shielding her from the rain all the way back inside.

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It had been raining all afternoon.

The sky was a deep shade of gray, the steady rhythm of raindrops tapping against the windows of the mansion. Haein was in the living room, curled up on the couch with her laptop, trying to work—but her eyes kept wandering to the garden outside.

Chaewoon noticed, of course.

“You can’t go out in this weather,” he said from his usual spot near the door, arms crossed.

“I wasn’t planning to,” she said, a little too quickly.

He raised an eyebrow. She ignored him.

But ten minutes later, she was standing by the glass doors, watching the rain with that same distant look in her eyes.

Chaewoon sighed. He disappeared for a moment, and when he came back, he was holding a blanket. “Here,” he said simply, draping it over her shoulders.

He then reached for something in his pocket and handed it to her. A small packet of honey candies.

She frowned, confused. “What’s this for?”

“You always take one when you’re stressed,” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Haein stared at the candies in her palm. She had never once told him that.

Yet, somehow… he knew.

Her fingers curled around them slowly.

Chaewoon was already stepping back to his usual place, acting like this—this warmth, this quiet attentiveness—was just part of his job.

But Haein knew better.

She didn’t say thank you.

She just unwrapped a candy and popped it into her mouth, letting the subtle sweetness melt on her tongue. Then, ever so slightly, she pulled the blanket tighter around herself.

Chaewoon glanced at her.

And in that moment, she knew he understood.

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“Oh, by the way, you don’t have to accompany me all day when I’m on a day off. I’ll just be here in the house anyway.”

“It’s all right. When I found out you’re having a day off, I was already here in your living room. And I figured I’d just stay in case you needed me for anything.”

Haein bit her lip. She kind of felt bad. Because of her hasty decision, Chaewoon had to spend a boring day with her in this house—wait, did she just feel bad?? Haein?? Feeling bad?? Haein could honestly care less about the people around her. And he was her bodyguard, for god’s sake. He was just doing his job.

But then again, she could’ve just dismissed him earlier, told him he could take the day off.

But then again, why didn’t she?

Perhaps, something inside her wanted him to stay. Maybe she had gotten too used to his presence that she no longer minded him being around.

And it was getting ridiculous.

“I think I’ll just be resting inside my room for the rest of the day. You can go home now… if you’d like.”

Haein wanted to smack her forehead. Why did I say it like that?

She could’ve just told him he was dismissed. But no. She left the decision up to him. As if she wasn’t the one with authority here. As if… she was hoping he wouldn’t actually leave.

And the worst part? She was waiting for his answer.

Chaewoon, of course, knew exactly what was going on.

“If you’re leaving the decision to me,” he said, voice steady, “then I would like to stay.”

Ridiculous.

Her fingers twitched. She quickly busied herself by reaching for her coffee, masking whatever was going on inside her. Fine. If he wanted to stay, that was his choice.

“Don’t you have any hobbies?” she blurted out.

Chaewoon raised an eyebrow.

Haein internally cringed. Why did that sound so weird?

She quickly tried to fix it. “Sorry, what I meant was—”

But before she could even finish, Chaewoon let out a low chuckle.

Haein swore her ears were heating up again.

Why was he chuckling?

“Yes, I do have some hobbies,” he answered, still amused. “One of them is cycling. But I can’t really do that right now because of the weather.”

“Oh.”

There was a brief pause.

Haein wanted to say something else—maybe something that would end this ridiculous conversation—but before she could, she caught the way Chaewoon glanced at her.

Like he knew.

And the truth was—he did.

Chaewoon could’ve used this time to report back to his boss. Or gather more information about the chairman. He had plenty of things to do.

But instead, he chose to stay.

Even if it meant just standing outside her room all day.

< Chapter 6 Chapter 8 >

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hi!! thank you to those who are still reading this >< this chapter feels a little shorter than how I normally do chapters but I think this is better so it's less boring for the readers?? idk honestly afsghdjgfgdhs

might also be a little slow on updates starting tomorrow since I'm going to get a little busy right now irl :')

I also have upcoming stories I want to upload! ju jihoon is still the male lead of course😂

see you next chapter!!

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 11: An Unwelcomed Familiar Face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That landed heavier than anything else.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The night stretched on, and the event slowly unfolded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chaewoon then met her gaze, “Alright?”

Haein nodded slowly, a quiet promise in her eyes.

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

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

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

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

Chaewoon’s jaw clenched.

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

He finally sent a message: How are you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They both laughed softly.

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

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

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

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

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

Wait. Is she drunk?

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

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

Then, quieter: “Take me with you.”

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

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

< Chapter 10 Chapter 11 >

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taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

Haewonmak & Deokchun doing high fives

w/ Haewonmak being a protective uncle

CHOI SAN: the story of the madman 🥀

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

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

he looked lost as if he's in dazed

he was in pain

he trembled as he grazed his hand across his neck

"save me, please believe me"

desperately trying to hold onto whatever sanity he can reach to

but the grip on him is far too strong

slowly taking over his body

the sadness and desperation in his eyes as he looked up

a man trying to keep himself intact

trying to not give in to the darkness

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

UNSPOKEN: Special Chapter 1

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

Special Chapter: Her Dress & His Necktie

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

Quick Author's note:

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

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

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

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

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

Still, there was someone outside who could help her.

Haein paused, cheeks warming at the thought.

There’s no way, she told herself.

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

With a resigned huff, she cracked open the door.

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

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

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

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

Chaewoon blinked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a moment, neither of them moved.

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

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

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

His gaze fell to her lips.

And hers to his.

Their noses were nearly touching. A breath away.

And then—

Knock.

The sound at the door shattered the moment.

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

Just like that, the tension dissolved—almost.

But not forgotten.

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

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

She raised an eyebrow, one hand on her hip.

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

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

As if on cue, Chaewoon appeared behind her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was going to be a long night.

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----> Unspoken Chapter List

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

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

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

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

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

𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙮 — 𝑠𝑎𝑛

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

word count: 2.3k

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

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

𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

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

Choi San, you hated that name.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-

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

-

Congratulations! You did it, you actually did it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"San-"

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

"But I already did."

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

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

"Perfect, a kiss it is then."

"What-"

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

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

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

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

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

UNSPOKEN Special Chapter 2

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

Special Chapter: An Intimate Moment (Sneak Peek)

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a heartbeat, the air shifted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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----> Unspoken Chapter List

behold the ✨ abs trilogy ✨

also known as the fever series😂

💧

d r o p

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 4: In His Care

Chaewoon’s protective instincts toward Haein become more apparent as he observes her every move with quiet care. His subtle gestures and watchful presence reveal a side of him that Haein begins to notice—one that goes beyond his role as a bodyguard.

It had been a week since Chaewoon became Haein’s bodyguard, and in that time, he’d already learned to read her like an open book. Watching her through the glass walls of her office, he could tell just by the way she furrowed her brows and gripped the paper tighter—something was bothering her.

Five, four, three, two, one... he counted in his head.

As expected, Haein’s sharp voice rang out, “What happened to decorating the personal shopper room like a gallery? The artist’s reputation and colors don’t suit the interior design.”

Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. Yelling and glaring like that, she looks so mean.

But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted, a satisfied smile curling on her lips as she flipped to the next page. “Yes, this is what I was talking about.”

She looks excited, Chaewoon thought, still watching her every move.

The annoyed Haein from moments ago was gone, replaced by a woman pleased with what she saw. And just as Haein’s lips slightly curled up, Chaewoon’s own little smile started to falter. For a moment, time slowed down, and for some reason, he could not look away at her smiling face.

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away and stare blankly at the opposite wall, as if that would shake the strange, unsettling feeling that had taken hold of him.

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

HAEIN'S POV

Hong Haein wasn’t used to people caring about her—not in the way Woo Chaewoon did.

Not that she would ever admit it.

But for a while now, she had stopped trying to shake him off. That didn’t mean she liked his presence, but she had accepted, begrudgingly, that he was annoyingly efficient at his job.

She just hadn’t expected him to be so… considerate.

1. The Elevator Incident

It started in the company lobby. Haein was walking ahead, clicking through emails on her phone, when the elevator doors opened. She stepped in without thinking.

Then, in a single swift motion, Chaewoon reached out, placed a firm hand on the small of her back, and pulled her back just as a man rushed out, nearly knocking into her.

She barely had time to react before she found herself standing inches from him, her back against his chest.

“Watch your step,” he murmured, his hand falling away the second the man passed.

Haein straightened, clearing her throat. “I had it under control.”

Chaewoon didn’t argue, simply stepping inside after her. “Of course, ma’am.”

She turned to glare at him, only to find the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

Infuriating.

2. The Heels Problem

Later that day, she had back-to-back meetings, which meant strutting around the office in heels that looked good but felt like a medieval torture device.

By the time she stepped outside, her feet were killing her.

As they reached the car, Chaewoon—without a word—opened the door for her, then subtly adjusted the car mat so she could rest her feet more comfortably.

It was such a small gesture, so smooth, that she almost missed it.

She slid into the seat, watching as he walked around to the front. Inside the car was also a pair of soft comfy slippers that was not originally there.

Her jaw tightened. He wasn’t supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be just another disposable bodyguard, a shadow she could ignore.

Then why was he making it so difficult?

3. The Rain

By the time they arrived at a charity gala that evening, it had started raining. Hard.

As usual, Chaewoon was the first to step out of the car. He retrieved an umbrella, opened her door, and held it above her.

Haein, exhausted and mildly annoyed at the world, reached for the umbrella.

“I can hold it myself.”

Chaewoon, as always, was unmoved. “That’s my job.”

She stepped out, expecting him to keep a respectable distance. Instead, he adjusted the umbrella so that she was completely covered—even if it meant part of his shoulder got drenched.

She noticed. And she hated that she noticed.

By the time they entered the building, she found herself stealing glances at his wet sleeve.

Chaewoon brought her a towel, his expression as calm as ever. She expected him to use it to dry himself off, but instead, he held it out to her.

She raised an eyebrow, about to refuse, when he paused for a brief moment. Then, with surprising grace, he knelt down in front of her, positioning the towel to wipe her shoes.

Oh, my shoes are wet.

The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. Haein instinctively stepped back just as his hand was about to touch the leather.

“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant,” she said, her tone sharper than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure. “Wipe yourself instead. You’re drenched.”

She huffed, a bit embarrassed by the sudden awkwardness, and turned on her heel, walking briskly into the gala without looking back.

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CHAEWOON'S POV

The Elevator

Woo Chaewoon was always quick on his feet. So, when Haein, her attention absorbed by her phone, failed to notice the man about to collide with her as the elevator doors opened, he reacted instinctively.

Chaewoon's reflexes kicked in without thinking. His hand moved swiftly to the small of her back, steadying her just as a man rushed out, too close for comfort.

For a brief moment, he felt her back tense against his chest as he pulled her away. The contact surprisingly electric, but he didn’t let it show. He barely heard her breath catch in her throat, but he noticed.

"Watch your step," he murmured quietly, making sure the man passed safely before letting his hand fall away from her back.

She straightened up quickly, her back stiff. He could feel the subtle shift in her posture as she composed herself.

“I had it under control,” she said, voice a little sharp, but he didn’t respond to the challenge in her tone.

Instead, he stepped into the elevator after her, keeping his face unreadable. “Of course, ma’am.”

She turned to glare at him, her eyes narrowing in irritation. But for just a moment, he caught the faintest flicker of something else there—amusement, maybe. It was gone too quickly for him to dwell on, but it made him smile to himself, just the slightest curve of his lips.

Infuriating. But somehow, she made it worth it.

2. The Heels

Chaewoon had learned to notice the small signs that Haein never acknowledged. He could see it in the way she walked—stiff, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as if she were fighting the discomfort that no one else seemed to notice. Her back straightened, her pace measured, but there was always that subtle shift in her posture after each long meeting. The heels, he knew, were not made for comfort. He also knew she would never be the type to wear flats outside.

So, when they reached the car after a long day, Chaewoon opened the door for her without a word, then quickly adjusted the car mat under her feet. It wasn’t much, just enough to give her a bit of relief, and he did it so smoothly that she almost didn’t catch it.

But she did.

As she slid into the car, he caught the slight wince in her face, then the subtle relief as she settled into the seat. Chaewoon walked around to the front, but when he opened the door to slide in, he saw her eyes lingering on the pair of slippers he had neatly placed inside for her.

Her gaze was confused, almost questioning.

It was an ordinary thing, a small act of care, but it was enough for him to see the slight stiffening in her jaw. He couldn’t help but wonder why she was so resistant to the simplest gestures. After all, he was only doing his job. But still, the thought lingered. She wasn’t supposed to be this difficult to ignore.

Yet, here she was, making it harder than it should be.

3. The Rain

Chaewoon didn’t expect her to notice. The rain had soaked through part of his sleeve, but it wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. He held the umbrella steady over her, making sure not a single drop touched her, while the cold slowly seeped into his own shoulder. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It was his job.

But then, she looked.

It was quick, just a glance at his wet sleeve, but he caught it. The slight pause in her step, the way her gaze lingered a fraction too long before she looked away. She noticed. He wasn’t sure why that detail mattered, but for some reason, it did.

By the time they reached the entrance, she was back to her usual self—sharp, composed, untouchable. But Chaewoon had seen the flicker of something else. He returned with a towel, expecting her to take it without a second thought. Instead, she hesitated.

So he did what came naturally—knelt down in front of her.

Her shoes were wet. He had noticed, of course, just as he noticed the slight shift in her stance, the way she tensed the second she realized what he was about to do. Then, before he could even move, she stepped back.

“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant.” Her voice was clipped, but it wasn’t anger. It was something else—something that made her avert her gaze a second too late.

Chaewoon didn’t argue. He simply stood, towel still in hand, watching as she walked away quicker than usual, like she was trying to escape something.

As she walked further ahead, Chaewoon’s eyes followed her. His gaze lingered just a moment longer, catching the flush of her ears—redder than usual.

He wondered if it was the cold, or if it was something else entirely.

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It was another busy day for Hong Haein, this time at Queen’s Department Store. She was making her way through the floors when a commotion near the cosmetics section caught her attention. A small crowd had gathered, murmuring among themselves as an angry man raised his voice at one of the employees.

At first, Haein didn’t interfere, simply observing from a distance.

The customer was demanding a refund for a product that was nearly used up. The employee, a young woman, remained professional, explaining that refunds weren’t possible once the product was almost empty. But the man wasn’t listening. Instead, he insisted—loudly—that his girlfriend’s skin had worsened because of it. A blatant lie. It was a common trick—buy, use, complain, and demand a refund.

But then, the situation escalated.

Frustrated by the refusal, the man swiped an arm across the counter, knocking over bottles and compacts. The sharp sound of breaking glass made the employee flinch.

“Do you think I’m some kind of joke?” His voice rose, and so did his hand.

Chaewoon, standing silently nearby, was already prepared to intervene. But before he could move, Haein was already stepping in.

She caught the man’s wrist mid-air, stopping his hand before it could strike the employee.

“And who the hell are you?!” he snapped, yanking his arm back. His face twisted in outrage, as if personally offended that a woman had dared to stop him.

Haein’s expression remained calm, her voice unwavering. “This is not a place for such behavior.”

The man scoffed. “Then bring me your CEO. I don’t have time for people like you.”

“You’re looking for me?”

His face faltered for a second before he recovered. “So you’re the CEO?” He sneered, folding his arms. “Figures. No wonder your employees are incompetent. Why did you not train your employee properly then!?”

“You’re right,” she said coolly. “Maybe I haven’t trained them properly.” She turned to the employee, glancing at the nametag. “Ms. Kim Minji?”

The young woman tensed, clearly expecting a reprimand.

Haein sighed and crossed her arms. “Your job is to deal with customers only. As for criminals, report them to the police immediately.”

The man’s face reddened. “Wow. A criminal? So now you’re insulting customers? The CEO of this mall looks down on people. We will sue you.”

Haein simply smiled. Behind her, Chaewoon observed the scene with quiet amusement.

“Please do,” she said lightly. “I’ll be suing as well.”

The man sputtered. “What did you just say?!”

His temper snapped. His hand moved again, this time toward Haein.

But before he could get close, a shadow loomed over him.

Chaewoon was already there.

His tall frame blocked the man completely, cutting off his path like an immovable wall. His movements were smooth, effortless, but his presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier. In one swift motion, his hand wrapped around the man’s wrist—not rough, not violent, but firm. A controlled grip, precise and unyielding.

The shift in atmosphere was instant.

The man’s anger wavered, his bravado shrinking under the weight of Chaewoon’s presence. Up close, he could see the way Chaewoon carried himself—not just as an employee, not just as security, but as someone who was dangerous in all the ways that mattered. There was no unnecessary aggression in his stance, no tension in his shoulders, no wild anger in his eyes. Just cold, calculated control. The kind that made people second-guess their next move.

For the first time since the commotion started, the man hesitated.

Chaewoon’s grip didn’t tighten, but the unspoken message was clear: Don’t try it.

The man swallowed. His wrist, though not in pain, felt like it was caught in something unshakable. He looked around, as if realizing how quiet the crowd had gone, how the eyes that once watched in amusement were now filled with anticipation—waiting to see if he would be foolish enough to push further.

He wasn’t.

“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon said evenly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be. It carried the kind of weight that made people listen.

Haein tilted her head, unfazed. “And I’ll add another lawsuit for the sales loss you caused.” She turned to the crowd. “Did you all get that on camera?”

A chorus of affirmations rose from the spectators, many holding up their phones, their screens still recording. A few even cheered.

The man looked around, suddenly realizing how outnumbered he was.

“Take them to the police,” Haein ordered as security finally arrived, stepping forward to apprehend him.

As the man was dragged away, Haein turned back to Chaewoon, a satisfied smile on her face. He met her gaze, his own expression unreadable.

She gave him a small nod. “Let’s go.”

Without another word, Chaewoon followed.

On their way back to the company, Haein found herself replaying the moment in her head.

It had happened so fast. One second, she was handling the situation as she always did—calm, composed, in control. The next, a hand had been raised in her direction, and before she could even react, a shadow had stepped in front of her.

Chaewoon.

Haein had barely registered the movement before he was there, his tall frame blocking her completely. The space that had once felt open was suddenly filled—broad shoulders, solid stance, the subtle shift of muscle beneath his suit.

She hadn’t been expecting it.

She had seen him be cautious before, seen the way he silently observed her surroundings. But this was different.

His hand had wrapped around the man’s wrist—not roughly, not aggressively, but with a kind of controlled force that left no room for argument.

She hadn’t seen his face at first, only the sharp line of his jaw from the side, the way his fingers flexed slightly as if calculating the exact amount of strength needed to hold back without breaking.

Then she had seen the change in the man’s expression. The way his anger faltered, the realization creeping in. He had thought he could intimidate her, but now he was faced with someone he couldn’t push, someone who didn’t even need to raise his voice to make his presence known.

“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon had said, his voice low, even. It wasn’t loud, but it carried the kind of weight that made people listen.

Chaewoon didn’t move, his stance unwavering, his hand still gripping the man’s wrist as he watched him with cool detachment. And for the first time, Haein realized something.

For all the quiet patience she had seen in Woo Chaewoon, there was another side to him. A side that wouldn’t hesitate to shield her the moment someone dared to lay a hand on her.

And for reasons she couldn’t quite place, she found herself staring at him just a moment longer than necessary.

Gentle, quiet, patient Woo Chaewoon. You had this side to you, huh?

The thought followed her into the car. As they drove in silence, she caught a glimpse of him through the rearview mirror. He looked the same as always—calm, focused, completely unbothered.

She clicked her tongue and turned to the window, blinking more times than necessary.

As if that would make her stop thinking about it.

From the front seat, Chaewoon felt Haein’s gaze linger on him. He kept his eyes on the road, but he noticed everything—the slight shift in her seat, the way she suddenly blinked faster before turning to the window.

For a brief moment, he felt… aware of himself. Just a little.

But why?

Why did her gaze make him falter, even for a second?

He didn’t know.

< Chapter 3 Chapter 5 >

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incorporated some QOT scenes in the story >< will also incorporate BF scenes next chapters!

I feel like maybe the story's pacing is a little slow I noticed that it has fewer readers each chapter🥲 maybe the slow-burn is burning too slow?🥲

but it's fine! I was momentarily discouraged to continue it but honestly, I think I'm also writing this story mostly for myself hihi it's been a loonnggg while since I started writing something again, like actually writing and not just daydreaming about it throughout the day

thank you again who's still tuning in! <3

taglist: @lvnat1c <3