Lost

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 5: A Quiet Moment

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

It was one of those nights again.

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

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

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

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

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

She was trying to mask her discomfort.

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

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

But tonight was different.

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

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

She hated to admit it, but she felt safer.

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

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

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

Yet, beneath the surface, there was something different.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You haven’t opened it yet.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All eyes turned toward the source.

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

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

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

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

He had faked it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Goodnight.”

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

“…Goodnight.”

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

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

A Goodnight before it ended.

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

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

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

It was the way he treated her.

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

Haein had noticed, too.

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

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

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

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

Chaewoon blinked. Once. Twice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was an innocent question.

But Haein’s face heated almost instantly.

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

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

Chaewoon blinked. Like what, exactly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outside, the trees blurred past.

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

“That’d be nice.”

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

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

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

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

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

“I know. And my mother’s waiting.”

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

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

And for a moment, Haein could let herself relax.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With one last glare, she turned and stormed out.

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

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

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

Too tightly.

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

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

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

Then, warmth.

A firm but careful pressure covered her fingers.

Haein snapped back to reality, her breath hitching.

Chaewoon.

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

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

Her eyes flickered up to meet his.

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

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

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Neither of them spoke.

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

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

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

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

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

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

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

She didn’t want to.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for some reason, that was enough.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No answer.

He knocked again. Still nothing.

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

And there she was.

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

She had pushed herself too hard again.

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

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

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

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

The drive back to the estate was silent.

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

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

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

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

A small tug at his jacket.

He looked down.

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

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

Chaewoon froze.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

< Chapter 4 Chapter 6 >

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

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

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 8: The Sound of Rain and Heartbeat

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

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

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

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

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

And he smiled.

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

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

Oh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her head was now resting against him. He stiffened.

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

This was a problem.

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

This was definitely a problem.

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

She really lets her guard down around me now.

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

And now, she had fallen asleep.

So defenseless.

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

Haein stirred, shifting closer.

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

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

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

Maybe it was a problem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or maybe, it was just her.

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Haein stirred first.

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

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

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

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

Oh.

Haein stilled.

She had never seen him asleep before. Not once.

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

She found herself staring.

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

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

And yet, there was something endearing about this.

Something that made her chest feel tight.

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

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

He trusts me.

The thought struck her unexpectedly.

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

She made him feel at ease, too.

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

His lashes fluttered.

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

They met hers immediately.

Silence.

Haein’s breath caught in her throat.

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

For a moment, neither of them moved.

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

She should look away. She should.

But she didn’t.

And neither did he.

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

But not this time.

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

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

And so, he opened his eyes.

Slowly.

And the first thing he saw was her.

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

He froze.

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

Beautiful.

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

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

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

And he didn’t move either.

He should have. He knew that.

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

And somehow, it felt right.

< Chapter 7 Chapter 9 >

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

romance, comedy, lots of teasings, slow-burn

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

💧

d r o p

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

an actor on stage🔥

💧

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

3.2: White Coats & Warm Blankets

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk was used to exhaustion. Long shifts, grueling surgeries, running on nothing but caffeine and willpower—it was all part of the job.

But that didn’t mean he liked seeing it on someone else.

When he entered the doctors’ lounge, planning to review some files, he stopped in his tracks.

Tucked in the farthest corner of the room, curled up in one of the chairs, was Dr. Song Hye Joo. Asleep.

Her white coat was draped over her like a makeshift blanket, her head tilted slightly to the side, lips parted just a little. She must’ve crashed the moment she sat down.

Kanghyuk frowned slightly. The last time he saw her, she had just finished assisting in a grueling surgery that lasted nearly ten hours. And knowing her, she probably hadn’t taken a real break since.

He sighed, stepping closer.

She looked… small like this. Vulnerable. Completely different from her usual composed self.

He remembered how she used to be in med school—stubborn as ever, always pushing herself past her limits. She’d skip meals, stay up all night studying, and brush off any concern like it was nothing. And somehow, he’d always end up playing the role of her unofficial personal doctor—annoyingly persistent, always reminding her to eat on time or refusing to tutor her when he sees her tired sleepy eyes.

Watching her now, he couldn’t help but think, She hasn’t changed one bit.

And then another thought crept in—quieter, heavier. So who’s been looking after her all these years?

Kanghyuk hesitated for a moment, then carefully picked up a proper blanket from the supply cabinet. Without a word, he draped it over her, making sure it covered her properly.

She stirred slightly, her brows furrowing, but she didn’t wake up. Instead, she shifted, settling deeper into the chair.

Kanghyuk stared for a moment longer, then shook his head at himself. This isn’t a big deal. It’s basic consideration. Anyone would do the same.

Still, as he turned to leave, he found himself moving a little more quietly than usual.

What he didn’t notice, however, was the small, drowsy smile that appeared on Hye Joo’s lips.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List