"F*CK!!"

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Ice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Either way, Woo Chaewoon didn’t ask questions.

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

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

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

“Yes.” His response was clipped, unwavering.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Without a word, he followed.

Suwan. Hong Suwan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did the Chairman notice this about his own granddaughter too?

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

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

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

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

“You missed dinner last night.”

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

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

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

Haein sighed.

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

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

“Don’t give me that attitude, Haein.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Chaewoon didn’t look at her like that.

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

He was simply… there.

Silent. Watchful. Unshaken.

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

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

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

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

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

Just who are you really, Woo Chaewoon?

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

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

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

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

For the first time, Hong Haein was flustered.

< Chapter 2 Chapter 4 >

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

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

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c <3

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

4.3: When Dr. Dad Noticed

It started with strange looks.

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

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

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

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

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

Kanghyuk’s eyes narrowed.

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

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

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

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

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

Kanghyuk blinked. “A vibe.”

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

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

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

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

He stared at it for a beat.

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

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

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

"I can't stop"

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 1: A Thorn in Her Side

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that made her his problem to solve.

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

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

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

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

Cold. Composed. Untouchable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that annoyed her.

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

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

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

A beautiful, dangerous problem.

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

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

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

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

Flashback 3: Check His Vitals— She's Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until she walked in.

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

Kang Hyuk looked up instinctively.

And then froze.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

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

Song Hyejoo.

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

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

And then—she was gone.

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

Now, years later, she appeared out of nowhere.

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

Confident. Unshaken. Sharp.

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

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

Bu then she came back.

And now, here she was.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Too bad charm doesn’t stop bleeding.”

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

Jaewon and Jangmi exchanged wide-eyed glances behind them.

“Old rivals?” Jaewon whispered.

“Or exes,” Jangmi whispered back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Okay what was that?” Jangmi asked.

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

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

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

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

최산 gifs💜

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

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

CHOI SAN: Predator