HAN HYO-JOO As Yun Ja-yu JU JI-HOON As Woo Chae-woon BLOOD FREE 지배종 (dir. Park Chul-hwan)

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

1.2 Side Effects May Include...

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk was nothing if not a professional. He prided himself on his ability to stay focused, composed, and entirely unaffected by trivial matters.

But trivial matters apparently included Dr. Song Hye Joo.

And certain people were starting to notice.

“Dr. Baek,” Nurse Jang Mi called out sweetly, leaning against the nurse’s station with a knowing smile. “You seem awfully interested in Dr. Song’s patient chart. Should I be concerned?”

Kanghyuk, who had not been interested in the chart but rather in the way Hye Joo was speaking to a patient across the room, turned to her with a blank expression. “What are you talking about?”

“She’s talking about how you’ve been watching Dr. Song like she’s a rare specimen under observation,” Dr. Yang Jae Won chimed in, sliding into the conversation with a teasing grin.

Kanghyuk exhaled sharply. “I was simply making sure everything was running smoothly.”

“Uh-huh.” Jae Won crossed his arms. “So what about last night? When you—for the first time in history—decided to personally restock the supply closet while Dr. Song was in there doing inventory?”

Jang Mi gasped dramatically. “Wait, you did that? I thought we had a ghost helper or something!”

Kanghyuk pressed his lips into a firm line. “You two clearly have too much free time.”

“Oh, don’t worry. We make time for important discoveries,” Jang Mi said, smirking. “Like uncovering the fact that our very own Dr. Baek has a soft spot for a certain new doctor~.”

Jae Won leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. “It’s kind of cute, actually. Seeing you all… human for once.”

Kanghyuk shot them both a flat look. “You’re both mistaken.”

Jang Mi feigned disappointment. “Oh, that’s a shame. We were going to be supportive of your little crush, but if you insist—”

“—Then I insist you both take double shifts tomorrow.”

Silence.

Jang Mi’s jaw dropped. “Wait—what?”

Jae Won let out an exaggerated sigh. “Come on, doc. No need to be so defensive.”

Kanghyuk gave them both a slow, satisfied nod. “Consider it an opportunity to focus on actual work instead of pointless gossip.”

Jang Mi groaned, throwing her head back. “This is so unfair. Dr. Song gets a free pass just for existing while we get double shifts?”

Jae Won patted her shoulder solemnly. “It’s the price we pay for seeking the truth.”

Before either of them could argue further, Kanghyuk turned on his heel and walked off, heading toward his next patient. But not before catching a glimpse of Dr. Song Hye Joo in his peripheral vision—focused, determined, a soft furrow in her brow as she reviewed a case file.

He looked away quickly.

Not because he was flustered. Definitely not.

But because the last thing he needed was more ammunition for those two troublemakers.

Unfortunately, Jang Mi still called after him with a singsong voice as Jae Won giggled beside her. “Goodnight, Dr. Baek~! Don’t dream about Dr. Song too much!”

Kanghyuk sighed. He was going to make sure their double shifts were extra exhausting.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Hi everyone! Will start uploading chapters this week! Does anyone want to be included in the taglist? ><

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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

1.1 Early Symptoms of Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

That excuse held up.

For about three days.

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

It wasn’t just curiosity anymore.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He blinked.

The silence lasted a beat too long.

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

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

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

They laughed harder.

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

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

But nothing came.

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

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

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

And yet… the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

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

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

Trauma Code: A Hero in Love

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

1.3 Cardiac Complications

Dr. Baek Kanghyuk had faced countless medical emergencies. Gunshot wounds, collapsed lungs, cardiac arrests—he had handled them all with precision and composure.

But nothing, nothing, had prepared him for Dr. Song Hye Joo standing a little too close to him.

It wasn’t intentional. She was just trying to get a better look at the patient’s chart he was holding. But when she leaned in, her shoulder lightly brushing against his arm, Kanghyuk felt his entire body lock up.

It was ridiculous. He wasn’t some inexperienced intern. He was a seasoned doctor. This was normal human interaction. And yet—

“Dr. Baek?” Hye Joo’s voice was soft, her breath faintly hitting the side of his neck.

Kanghyuk cleared his throat, hyper-aware of how close she was. “…Yes?”

She pointed at the chart, completely unaware of his internal crisis. “I think the dosage here should be adjusted slightly. The patient’s vitals indicate they might not tolerate the standard amount.”

He barely processed her words. For some reason, all he could focus on was how near she was. How he could catch the subtle scent of her shampoo—something light and clean.

When he didn’t immediately respond, Hye Joo tilted her head up to look at him. “Dr. Baek?”

Kanghyuk exhaled through his nose. Pull yourself together.

“Yes. You’re right,” he said, his voice far too stiff. “Good observation.”

Then, with all the grace of a malfunctioning robot, he took a deliberate step back.

A little too quickly.

His hip collided with the edge of the counter, making a loud thud.

Hye Joo blinked. “…You okay?”

“I’m fine,” he said immediately, standing straighter, pretending like nothing had happened.

But across the room, Dr. Yang Jae Won and Nurse Jang Mi were watching everything unfold.

And they were barely holding it together.

Jang Mi had her hand clamped over her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she tried to suppress her laughter. Jae Won, meanwhile, looked like he was about to combust with glee.

Kanghyuk shot them both a warning glare, but it only made them laugh harder.

“He backed into the counter—” Jang Mi wheezed.

“Because he panicked—” Jae Won added, tears in his eyes.

Kanghyuk ignored them and turned back to Hye Joo, trying to salvage whatever was left of his dignity. “Make the adjustment to the dosage. I’ll review it later.”

Hye Joo, completely oblivious to his suffering, simply nodded. “Of course.”

And with that, she walked away, leaving Kanghyuk to deal with the aftermath of his humiliation.

Jae Won leaned in, smirking. “So, doc… Should we call an ambulance? You seem to be having some cardiac complications.”

Jang Mi wiped away a fake tear. “He’s so strong in the ER but almost passed out from mild physical contact. Amazing.”

Kanghyuk exhaled sharply. “Triple shifts. Both of you.”

Their laughter immediately died.

“Wait, what?!” Jang Mi gasped.

Jae Won groaned. “Come on, man. You can’t keep punishing us for observing.”

Kanghyuk adjusted his coat, regaining his usual calm exterior. “Consider it a test of endurance.”

And with that, he walked off—this time making sure to not back into anything.

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Trauma Code: A Hero in Love - Chapter List

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 2: Day One - Unwelcome Presence

Hong Haein goes out of her way to test Woo Chaewoon’s patience, but he meets every challenge with quiet persistence. By the end of the night, she realizes he’s not as easy to shake off as she thought.

Woo Chaewoon had been through high-risk missions, undercover operations, and dangerous encounters. Babysitting a chaebol heiress, however, was proving to be one of the most exhausting assignments he’s ever had.

Hong Haein made it clear from the moment she stepped out of her house that she had no intention of making his job easy.

Dressed in an ivory pantsuit, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, she carried herself with effortless elegance—an air of authority that came naturally. Even without speaking, she commanded attention. She barely spared him a glance before walking ahead, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. Chaewoon followed, his steps soundless in contrast.

“This isn’t a war zone,” she muttered as they approached her car. “You don’t need to hover.”

Chaewoon remained silent, stepping forward to open the car door for her. She didn’t get in right away. Instead, she turned, her gaze sweeping over him—assessing, calculating. Her arms folded across her chest. “You’re seriously going to follow me around all day?”

“Yes.”

“Even in meetings?”

“Yes.”

“Even if I say no?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line before she let out a quiet scoff. “Suit yourself.”

She slid into the car without another word.

Chaewoon took the passenger seat without hesitation. He noted the way she stiffened slightly at his presence but quickly masked it with disinterest, turning to stare out the window.

At the Queens Group headquarters, she moved fast, weaving through hallways, taking sudden turns, and stopping abruptly—clearly testing if he could keep up. He did. Every single time.

When she entered the executive lounge for coffee, she deliberately took her time, scrolling through her phone as if daring him to tell her to move along. He said nothing, merely standing at a respectful distance.

During lunch, she purposely chose a private restaurant with an exclusive policy against bodyguards. Chaewoon didn’t argue. He simply waited outside, unbothered, scanning the street for any signs of a threat. Forty-five minutes later, when she stepped out, she found him exactly where she had left him—leaning against the car, arms crossed, watching her with that unreadable expression.

“How predictable,” she muttered, adjusting her sunglasses.

Later, at a board meeting, she pretended to forget he existed—until she caught him subtly watching every person in the room, analyzing each movement, every flicker of expression. His gaze wasn’t just on her; it scanned the entire space, searching for threats she wasn’t even aware of.

For a second, something in her wavered. But she wouldn’t let him win.

By late afternoon, after a relentless schedule of meetings, site visits, and strategic discussions, Haein thought she had finally earned a moment of peace. She stepped into her office, exhaling as she shut the door behind her—only to find Woo Chaewoon already inside, standing by the window, scanning the skyline.

She stared at him. “Do you have a key to my office now?”

“No. Your secretary let me in.”

Of course she did. Haein made a mental note to fire her later.

She tossed her bag onto the couch and strode toward him. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere like a ghost.”

“Understood. It won’t happen again.”

That was… fast. Was he losing patience already? Or was she the only one feeling frustrated here? She couldn’t tell, and that only annoyed her more.

She folded her arms. “I’ll be working late until midnight. You can leave now. It’s past working hours.”

Chaewoon remained unfazed. “My working hours are your working hours, Miss Hong. If you’re uncomfortable with me being inside your office, I’ll wait right outside the door. Call me if you need anything.”

Haein narrowed her eyes, irritated by how effortlessly he adapted to every situation. “It’s fine. I won’t be needing you for anything.”

She turned away, dismissing him.

“Suit yourself waiting all night.”

And he did wait, probably will keep waiting all night as she said. Chaewoon was a pro, no doubt about that. Haein exhaled sharply, muttering a quiet, “Whatever.” She’d just pretend he didn’t exist.

Easier said than done.

By 8:00 PM, a soft knock echoed against her office door. Still focused on her paperwork, she barely looked up. “Come in,” she said absently, expecting her secretary.

She didn’t notice anything unusual—until a large hand entered her field of vision, setting down a teacup beside her.

Her pen stilled. Slowly, she lifted her gaze.

It’s Chaewoon….bringing her a cup of tea??

Haein blinked, momentarily thrown off.

Woo Chaewoon—deadpan, unreadable, infuriating Woo Chaewoon—was standing beside her desk, placing a cup of tea down with the same precision as if he were handling classified documents.

She stared at the cup, then at him. “What… is this?”

“Tea,” he replied simply.

“I can see that.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“You skipped dinner.”

Haein scoffed, leaning back in her chair. “Are you my bodyguard or my babysitter?”

“Your bodyguard.” He met her gaze, unfazed.

“Bodyguards don’t do this.”

“But I’d rather not deal with you collapsing from exhaustion.”

She rolled her eyes, ignoring the tiny flicker of warmth in her chest. “You’re being dramatic.” Chaewoon said nothing, just gave her a look—steady, unreadable, but somehow expectant. Like he already knew she’d drink it.

Annoyed but oddly curious, she picked up the cup and took a slow sip. The warmth seeped through her, easing the tension in her shoulders.

She set it down with a quiet sigh. “It’s not poisoned, at least.”

“Not yet.”

Her head snapped up, but to her surprise, there was the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes before he turned and walked toward the door.

Did he just… crack a joke?

Haein watched him leave, more confused than before.

She was supposed to be making his life difficult. So why did it feel like she was the one losing ground?

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Chaewoon had been trained for patience, for stillness. Surveillance required it. So did protection. He didn’t mind standing outside her office for hours, but at exactly 8:00 PM, he noticed a pattern.

She hadn’t eaten.

Her secretary had left for the day. No meal deliveries. No break. Just the constant shuffle of papers, the muted glow of her monitor, and the occasional sigh that slipped through the cracks of her composure.

He knocked once. A quiet, polite warning. “Come in,” she said, not bothering to look up.

Chaewoon stepped inside, moving without hesitation. He placed the teacup on her desk with the same precision he would use when setting a weapon down for inspection.

Only then did she notice him.

Her pen stilled. Her gaze lifted, locking onto the cup first, then onto him. “…What is this?”

“Tea,” he said simply.

A beat of silence. Then, suspicion. “Why?”

“You skipped dinner.”

Haein scoffed, leaning back in her chair. “Are you my bodyguard or my babysitter?”

“Your bodyguard.” His voice remained steady. “But I’d rather not deal with you collapsing from exhaustion.”

She rolled her eyes, but he caught the briefest flicker of something in her expression—surprise, maybe. She was testing him. Again.

He let her.

With an exaggerated sigh, she lifted the cup and took a slow sip. The tension in her shoulders visibly eased, though she’d never admit it. She set the cup down. “At least it’s not poisoned.”

“Not yet.”

Haein’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing.

For the first time that day, Chaewoon allowed himself a fraction of amusement—so subtle it could have been imagined—before he turned and left.

Behind him, she sat in stunned silence.

Haein was stubborn, of course. She decided to stay for an hour. Or two. Or three. However long it took for him to leave first.

By 9:00 PM, she was still at her desk, pretending she wasn’t exhausted. The numbers on the screen blurred slightly, her temples ached, and she found herself rubbing her eyes more often than she’d like to admit. But she wouldn’t leave first. Not before he did.

Then, the overhead lights flickered off.

She blinked, momentarily disoriented. The only illumination left was the soft glow of her desk lamp, casting warm shadows across the room. Her hands stilled over the keyboard. For a second, she thought it was a power outage—until she noticed the glow of the hallway lights still shining through the glass walls of her office.

She glanced up, her eyes landing on him. Woo Chaewoon stood just outside, his figure half-lit by the corridor. One hand rested casually on the light switch.

She stared.

He didn’t move. Didn’t explain. Didn’t even look in her direction.

But he had noticed. The way she kept squinting, shifting uncomfortably under the harsh office lighting, rubbing her forehead between paragraphs. She hadn’t even realized it was bothering her. But he did.

Haein sat there for a long moment, unmoving, as she continued what she was doing. She didn’t turn the lights back on.

And Chaewoon, without a word, stepped back into the shadows and continued his silent watch.

10:00 PM, and Haein finally admitted to herself—she was getting sleepy. With a sigh, she pushed back her chair and stepped out of her office, expecting to find the hallway empty.

Instead, there he was.

Chaewoon stood exactly where she had last seen him, posture straight, hands clasped behind his back, completely unbothered by the passing hours. He wasn’t leaning against the wall, wasn’t on his phone, not even shifting his weight. Just standing.

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you not tired? Sleepy? Bored?”

He turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze with the same unreadable expression he always had. “No.” Haein folded her arms. “Not even a little?”

“No.”

She clicked her tongue in frustration. “Unbelievable. You’re not human.”

At that, the corner of his lip twitched—so fast she almost missed it. Almost.

Haein stared at him, then exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. She was losing this battle.

“I’m done here, so you can leave now,” she said, hoping—foolishly—that he’d take the hint.

“I’ll drive you home,” Chaewoon replied, completely unfazed. She frowned. “I have a driver.”

“He already left. Had to pick up his kid from cram school.”

Her irritation deepened. “And he didn’t think to inform me?”

“I told him I’d cover for him.”

Haein blinked, momentarily thrown off. Since when was he making decisions for her?

As if reading her thoughts, Chaewoon continued, his tone even. “Mr. Kim expected you to leave around five or six, but when you got busy, he was hesitant to ask if he could go. He needed to pick up his daughter, and I didn’t want to disturb you while you were working. I figured it was easier to inform you afterward.” He paused. “I apologize if my decision was hasty or if I overstepped. If you’re uncomfortable with me driving, it won’t happen again. But right now, my job is to get you home safe.”

For once, Haein had nothing to say.

Chaewoon moved with his usual quiet precision, opening the car door for her without a word. She didn’t spare him a glance as she slid into the seat, her expression unreadable. Just as she was settling in, she caught a small yet deliberate motion—his hand hovering just below the car door, a silent precaution to keep her from hitting her head.

A detail so small, yet so telling.

He’s doing too much, she thought, annoyance flickering in her chest.

Before he could close the door, she spoke. “I don’t really care who’s driving me—whether it’s you or Mr. Kim—as long as I get to where I need to be.”

Then, just as he was about to step back, she turned her head, meeting his gaze with a smirk. “But I’ll wear you down eventually, Mr. Woo.”

Chaewoon didn’t react. No shift in expression, no retort. He simply shut the door behind her with the same quiet efficiency.

And yet, as he slid into the driver’s seat, a flicker of amusement danced at the corner of his lips.

We’ll see about that.

< Chapter 1 Chapter 3 >

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wahhhh second chapter is done! I'm writing chapter 3 and 4 right now and planning on uploading them this week >< I'll be busy starting Saturday so I won't be able to upload by then. Thank you again for reading this little cross-over story of mine it means a lot seeing your comments and support!

this story will be veryyy slow burn by the way, I hope you guys won't get too bored by it🥲 for my tumblr moots, I'm @/dalilmountain in twitter/x! if you have an account let's be mutuals there as well >< also let me know if you guys want to be included in the taglist!

well then, see you next chapter!

JU JI-HOON as WOO CHAE-WOON Blood Free | 지배종 (2024)

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

bro

"F*CK!!"