Chapter 4: In His Care
UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)
genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining
Chapter 4: In His Care
Chaewoon’s protective instincts toward Haein become more apparent as he observes her every move with quiet care. His subtle gestures and watchful presence reveal a side of him that Haein begins to notice—one that goes beyond his role as a bodyguard.
It had been a week since Chaewoon became Haein’s bodyguard, and in that time, he’d already learned to read her like an open book. Watching her through the glass walls of her office, he could tell just by the way she furrowed her brows and gripped the paper tighter—something was bothering her.
Five, four, three, two, one... he counted in his head.
As expected, Haein’s sharp voice rang out, “What happened to decorating the personal shopper room like a gallery? The artist’s reputation and colors don’t suit the interior design.”
Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. Yelling and glaring like that, she looks so mean.
But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted, a satisfied smile curling on her lips as she flipped to the next page. “Yes, this is what I was talking about.”
She looks excited, Chaewoon thought, still watching her every move.
The annoyed Haein from moments ago was gone, replaced by a woman pleased with what she saw. And just as Haein’s lips slightly curled up, Chaewoon’s own little smile started to falter. For a moment, time slowed down, and for some reason, he could not look away at her smiling face.
He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away and stare blankly at the opposite wall, as if that would shake the strange, unsettling feeling that had taken hold of him.
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HAEIN'S POV
Hong Haein wasn’t used to people caring about her—not in the way Woo Chaewoon did.
Not that she would ever admit it.
But for a while now, she had stopped trying to shake him off. That didn’t mean she liked his presence, but she had accepted, begrudgingly, that he was annoyingly efficient at his job.
She just hadn’t expected him to be so… considerate.
1. The Elevator Incident
It started in the company lobby. Haein was walking ahead, clicking through emails on her phone, when the elevator doors opened. She stepped in without thinking.
Then, in a single swift motion, Chaewoon reached out, placed a firm hand on the small of her back, and pulled her back just as a man rushed out, nearly knocking into her.
She barely had time to react before she found herself standing inches from him, her back against his chest.
“Watch your step,” he murmured, his hand falling away the second the man passed.
Haein straightened, clearing her throat. “I had it under control.”
Chaewoon didn’t argue, simply stepping inside after her. “Of course, ma’am.”
She turned to glare at him, only to find the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.
Infuriating.
2. The Heels Problem
Later that day, she had back-to-back meetings, which meant strutting around the office in heels that looked good but felt like a medieval torture device.
By the time she stepped outside, her feet were killing her.
As they reached the car, Chaewoon—without a word—opened the door for her, then subtly adjusted the car mat so she could rest her feet more comfortably.
It was such a small gesture, so smooth, that she almost missed it.
She slid into the seat, watching as he walked around to the front. Inside the car was also a pair of soft comfy slippers that was not originally there.
Her jaw tightened. He wasn’t supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be just another disposable bodyguard, a shadow she could ignore.
Then why was he making it so difficult?
3. The Rain
By the time they arrived at a charity gala that evening, it had started raining. Hard.
As usual, Chaewoon was the first to step out of the car. He retrieved an umbrella, opened her door, and held it above her.
Haein, exhausted and mildly annoyed at the world, reached for the umbrella.
“I can hold it myself.”
Chaewoon, as always, was unmoved. “That’s my job.”
She stepped out, expecting him to keep a respectable distance. Instead, he adjusted the umbrella so that she was completely covered—even if it meant part of his shoulder got drenched.
She noticed. And she hated that she noticed.
By the time they entered the building, she found herself stealing glances at his wet sleeve.
Chaewoon brought her a towel, his expression as calm as ever. She expected him to use it to dry himself off, but instead, he held it out to her.
She raised an eyebrow, about to refuse, when he paused for a brief moment. Then, with surprising grace, he knelt down in front of her, positioning the towel to wipe her shoes.
Oh, my shoes are wet.
The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. Haein instinctively stepped back just as his hand was about to touch the leather.
“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant,” she said, her tone sharper than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure. “Wipe yourself instead. You’re drenched.”
She huffed, a bit embarrassed by the sudden awkwardness, and turned on her heel, walking briskly into the gala without looking back.
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CHAEWOON'S POV
The Elevator
Woo Chaewoon was always quick on his feet. So, when Haein, her attention absorbed by her phone, failed to notice the man about to collide with her as the elevator doors opened, he reacted instinctively.
Chaewoon's reflexes kicked in without thinking. His hand moved swiftly to the small of her back, steadying her just as a man rushed out, too close for comfort.
For a brief moment, he felt her back tense against his chest as he pulled her away. The contact surprisingly electric, but he didn’t let it show. He barely heard her breath catch in her throat, but he noticed.
"Watch your step," he murmured quietly, making sure the man passed safely before letting his hand fall away from her back.
She straightened up quickly, her back stiff. He could feel the subtle shift in her posture as she composed herself.
“I had it under control,” she said, voice a little sharp, but he didn’t respond to the challenge in her tone.
Instead, he stepped into the elevator after her, keeping his face unreadable. “Of course, ma’am.”
She turned to glare at him, her eyes narrowing in irritation. But for just a moment, he caught the faintest flicker of something else there—amusement, maybe. It was gone too quickly for him to dwell on, but it made him smile to himself, just the slightest curve of his lips.
Infuriating. But somehow, she made it worth it.
2. The Heels
Chaewoon had learned to notice the small signs that Haein never acknowledged. He could see it in the way she walked—stiff, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as if she were fighting the discomfort that no one else seemed to notice. Her back straightened, her pace measured, but there was always that subtle shift in her posture after each long meeting. The heels, he knew, were not made for comfort. He also knew she would never be the type to wear flats outside.
So, when they reached the car after a long day, Chaewoon opened the door for her without a word, then quickly adjusted the car mat under her feet. It wasn’t much, just enough to give her a bit of relief, and he did it so smoothly that she almost didn’t catch it.
But she did.
As she slid into the car, he caught the slight wince in her face, then the subtle relief as she settled into the seat. Chaewoon walked around to the front, but when he opened the door to slide in, he saw her eyes lingering on the pair of slippers he had neatly placed inside for her.
Her gaze was confused, almost questioning.
It was an ordinary thing, a small act of care, but it was enough for him to see the slight stiffening in her jaw. He couldn’t help but wonder why she was so resistant to the simplest gestures. After all, he was only doing his job. But still, the thought lingered. She wasn’t supposed to be this difficult to ignore.
Yet, here she was, making it harder than it should be.
3. The Rain
Chaewoon didn’t expect her to notice. The rain had soaked through part of his sleeve, but it wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. He held the umbrella steady over her, making sure not a single drop touched her, while the cold slowly seeped into his own shoulder. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It was his job.
But then, she looked.
It was quick, just a glance at his wet sleeve, but he caught it. The slight pause in her step, the way her gaze lingered a fraction too long before she looked away. She noticed. He wasn’t sure why that detail mattered, but for some reason, it did.
By the time they reached the entrance, she was back to her usual self—sharp, composed, untouchable. But Chaewoon had seen the flicker of something else. He returned with a towel, expecting her to take it without a second thought. Instead, she hesitated.
So he did what came naturally—knelt down in front of her.
Her shoes were wet. He had noticed, of course, just as he noticed the slight shift in her stance, the way she tensed the second she realized what he was about to do. Then, before he could even move, she stepped back.
“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant.” Her voice was clipped, but it wasn’t anger. It was something else—something that made her avert her gaze a second too late.
Chaewoon didn’t argue. He simply stood, towel still in hand, watching as she walked away quicker than usual, like she was trying to escape something.
As she walked further ahead, Chaewoon’s eyes followed her. His gaze lingered just a moment longer, catching the flush of her ears—redder than usual.
He wondered if it was the cold, or if it was something else entirely.
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It was another busy day for Hong Haein, this time at Queen’s Department Store. She was making her way through the floors when a commotion near the cosmetics section caught her attention. A small crowd had gathered, murmuring among themselves as an angry man raised his voice at one of the employees.
At first, Haein didn’t interfere, simply observing from a distance.
The customer was demanding a refund for a product that was nearly used up. The employee, a young woman, remained professional, explaining that refunds weren’t possible once the product was almost empty. But the man wasn’t listening. Instead, he insisted—loudly—that his girlfriend’s skin had worsened because of it. A blatant lie. It was a common trick—buy, use, complain, and demand a refund.
But then, the situation escalated.
Frustrated by the refusal, the man swiped an arm across the counter, knocking over bottles and compacts. The sharp sound of breaking glass made the employee flinch.
“Do you think I’m some kind of joke?” His voice rose, and so did his hand.
Chaewoon, standing silently nearby, was already prepared to intervene. But before he could move, Haein was already stepping in.
She caught the man’s wrist mid-air, stopping his hand before it could strike the employee.
“And who the hell are you?!” he snapped, yanking his arm back. His face twisted in outrage, as if personally offended that a woman had dared to stop him.
Haein’s expression remained calm, her voice unwavering. “This is not a place for such behavior.”
The man scoffed. “Then bring me your CEO. I don’t have time for people like you.”
“You’re looking for me?”
His face faltered for a second before he recovered. “So you’re the CEO?” He sneered, folding his arms. “Figures. No wonder your employees are incompetent. Why did you not train your employee properly then!?”
“You’re right,” she said coolly. “Maybe I haven’t trained them properly.” She turned to the employee, glancing at the nametag. “Ms. Kim Minji?”
The young woman tensed, clearly expecting a reprimand.
Haein sighed and crossed her arms. “Your job is to deal with customers only. As for criminals, report them to the police immediately.”
The man’s face reddened. “Wow. A criminal? So now you’re insulting customers? The CEO of this mall looks down on people. We will sue you.”
Haein simply smiled. Behind her, Chaewoon observed the scene with quiet amusement.
“Please do,” she said lightly. “I’ll be suing as well.”
The man sputtered. “What did you just say?!”
His temper snapped. His hand moved again, this time toward Haein.
But before he could get close, a shadow loomed over him.
Chaewoon was already there.
His tall frame blocked the man completely, cutting off his path like an immovable wall. His movements were smooth, effortless, but his presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier. In one swift motion, his hand wrapped around the man’s wrist—not rough, not violent, but firm. A controlled grip, precise and unyielding.
The shift in atmosphere was instant.
The man’s anger wavered, his bravado shrinking under the weight of Chaewoon’s presence. Up close, he could see the way Chaewoon carried himself—not just as an employee, not just as security, but as someone who was dangerous in all the ways that mattered. There was no unnecessary aggression in his stance, no tension in his shoulders, no wild anger in his eyes. Just cold, calculated control. The kind that made people second-guess their next move.
For the first time since the commotion started, the man hesitated.
Chaewoon’s grip didn’t tighten, but the unspoken message was clear: Don’t try it.
The man swallowed. His wrist, though not in pain, felt like it was caught in something unshakable. He looked around, as if realizing how quiet the crowd had gone, how the eyes that once watched in amusement were now filled with anticipation—waiting to see if he would be foolish enough to push further.
He wasn’t.
“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon said evenly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be. It carried the kind of weight that made people listen.
Haein tilted her head, unfazed. “And I’ll add another lawsuit for the sales loss you caused.” She turned to the crowd. “Did you all get that on camera?”
A chorus of affirmations rose from the spectators, many holding up their phones, their screens still recording. A few even cheered.
The man looked around, suddenly realizing how outnumbered he was.
“Take them to the police,” Haein ordered as security finally arrived, stepping forward to apprehend him.
As the man was dragged away, Haein turned back to Chaewoon, a satisfied smile on her face. He met her gaze, his own expression unreadable.
She gave him a small nod. “Let’s go.”
Without another word, Chaewoon followed.
On their way back to the company, Haein found herself replaying the moment in her head.
It had happened so fast. One second, she was handling the situation as she always did—calm, composed, in control. The next, a hand had been raised in her direction, and before she could even react, a shadow had stepped in front of her.
Chaewoon.
Haein had barely registered the movement before he was there, his tall frame blocking her completely. The space that had once felt open was suddenly filled—broad shoulders, solid stance, the subtle shift of muscle beneath his suit.
She hadn’t been expecting it.
She had seen him be cautious before, seen the way he silently observed her surroundings. But this was different.
His hand had wrapped around the man’s wrist—not roughly, not aggressively, but with a kind of controlled force that left no room for argument.
She hadn’t seen his face at first, only the sharp line of his jaw from the side, the way his fingers flexed slightly as if calculating the exact amount of strength needed to hold back without breaking.
Then she had seen the change in the man’s expression. The way his anger faltered, the realization creeping in. He had thought he could intimidate her, but now he was faced with someone he couldn’t push, someone who didn’t even need to raise his voice to make his presence known.
“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon had said, his voice low, even. It wasn’t loud, but it carried the kind of weight that made people listen.
Chaewoon didn’t move, his stance unwavering, his hand still gripping the man’s wrist as he watched him with cool detachment. And for the first time, Haein realized something.
For all the quiet patience she had seen in Woo Chaewoon, there was another side to him. A side that wouldn’t hesitate to shield her the moment someone dared to lay a hand on her.
And for reasons she couldn’t quite place, she found herself staring at him just a moment longer than necessary.
Gentle, quiet, patient Woo Chaewoon. You had this side to you, huh?
The thought followed her into the car. As they drove in silence, she caught a glimpse of him through the rearview mirror. He looked the same as always—calm, focused, completely unbothered.
She clicked her tongue and turned to the window, blinking more times than necessary.
As if that would make her stop thinking about it.
From the front seat, Chaewoon felt Haein’s gaze linger on him. He kept his eyes on the road, but he noticed everything—the slight shift in her seat, the way she suddenly blinked faster before turning to the window.
For a brief moment, he felt… aware of himself. Just a little.
But why?
Why did her gaze make him falter, even for a second?
He didn’t know.
< Chapter 3 Chapter 5 >
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incorporated some QOT scenes in the story >< will also incorporate BF scenes next chapters!
I feel like maybe the story's pacing is a little slow I noticed that it has fewer readers each chapter🥲 maybe the slow-burn is burning too slow?🥲
but it's fine! I was momentarily discouraged to continue it but honestly, I think I'm also writing this story mostly for myself hihi it's been a loonnggg while since I started writing something again, like actually writing and not just daydreaming about it throughout the day
thank you again who's still tuning in! <3
taglist: @lvnat1c <3
More Posts from Purplemountain and Others
UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)
genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining
Chapter 11: An Unwelcomed Familiar Face
Haein prepares to meet the Director of Hycerna but is caught off guard by the return of Yoon Eunsung—now a powerful figure with ties to the man she needs. Tensions rise as old wounds resurface, and Chaewoon’s quiet protectiveness deepens when he senses that Eunsung may be more dangerous than he appears.
It was finally the night of the 20th Investors Gala—the event where the Director of Hycerna would be attending. Haein was determined to speak with him about business, no matter what.
As she placed an earring on, her eyes lingered on her reflection in the mirror. That sinking feeling in her stomach refused to go away. A wave of dizziness passed over her, and she could feel cold sweat starting to form along her head.
And then a soft knock pulled her out of her thoughts.
“Miss Haein? Are you ready?” Chaewoon’s voice called gently from outside her door.
She turned toward the clock on the wall and froze. 8:32 pm…. Thirty minutes has passed already?
She could’ve sworn it had only been seconds since she began getting ready. The clock had read 8:00 when she picked up her earring. What had she even done in that time? Nothing came to mind—just a blur.
It was happening again, time slipping by so fast. As if her memory was skipping parts of her life. She sighed and grabbed her purse. She had no time to think about these things, she was about to be late at the Gala.
Grabbing her purse, she opened the door. Chaewoon was there, standing as always, his posture straight, eyes scanning her carefully. But she caught it—a flicker of concern in his gaze before he quickly masked it.
“Let’s go.” She said as she walked pass him.
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At the gala, the dazzling lights and hum of conversation did nothing to ease the pounding in her head. She ignored the ringing in her ears, pressing forward with practiced poise.
“Just stay beside me.” She murmured to Chaewoon who was just about to fade from the sidelines. Normally at events like this, especially one where Haein had to socialize and meet with different people, he doesn’t accompany her and follow her around like usual. He simply stays around the corners, watching her from afar, being alert incase she needed him. So when Haein asked him to stay beside her, Chaewoon did not question it. He knew, she needed him now more than ever.
“I’ll be right here,” he said reassuringly, and she gave him a small nod.
As they entered the grand ballroom, Haein felt her headache growing more when someone approached her.
“Well, look who finally showed up.” A woman with sleek short hair, crimson lips, and a dress that screamed for attention stepped into view. She was smiling—but it was not at all friendly, Chaewoon could tell, and he became more alert.
“Good evening, Han Jiwoo,” Haein replied, not bothering with a smile.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you at one of these. First time getting invited again?”
“I always get invited, I just hate attending.” Haein replied as she crossed her arms, Chaewoon could already feel the impatience in her voice.
“Oh? And who’s this?” Han Jiwoo’s voice cut through the chatter, eyes landing on Chaewoon, who stood just a step behind Haein. “Oh my, did you finally get yourself a boyfriend?” she gasped dramatically, swirling the wine in her glass.
“Well, I must say, Haein, you’ve got good taste.” Her gaze swept over him slowly. “So what’s your name? You look a bit familiar. Which family did you come from?” She continued.
Haein’s composure was momentarily thrown off at the word boyfriend. But she brushed it off and scoffed, already irritated. “Can you stop bothering us Han Jiwoo, you’re clearly already drunk and the event only just started. Stop embarrassing yourself.” She said as she moved away Jiwoo’s hand when she was about to approach him.
“Oh so you’re still single then Haein? You really should start seeing someone. How old are you anyway?” Jiwoo said, clearly testing Haein’s patience. “Look at me, I’m happily married for years now to one of the most successful businessmen in the country that my parents had arranged for me. I’m living such a good life. I don’t even have to work myself like a dog. But look at yourself, still a slave to your family who doesn’t even appreciate you.” Jiwoo added sweetly, the fake concern laced with venom.
Chaewoon could feel himself also getting impatient. All he wanted to do now was take Haein away from this woman as soon as possible.
Just as he was about to step forward and gesture to Haein for them to walk away, Jiwoo had more to say.
“You know,” she said with a smug tilt of her head, “you should’ve never broken up with Yoon Eunsung.”
The name hit like a slap. Haein visibly annoyed. “Why would you bring him up?” she said sharply. Chaewoon caught the shift in her tone. He watched her carefully.
Jiwoo smiled, savoring the reaction. “You don’t know anything do you? He’s Mr. Hermann’s right-hand man. He’s the key to reaching Mr. Hermann.”
“What?”
“Hey, he became really successful. He’s not the same guy from university. He’s in charge of managing Sheikh’s finances now.” Jiwoo added, gesturing subtly to their right. Haein followed her gaze. Across the room, a sharply dressed man stood among foreign delegates, laughing with practiced ease. Her eyes narrowed, her body going still and Chaewoon noticed how she shifted uncomfortably.
Never should’ve broken up? Did she have a relationship with him in the past? Chaewoon wondered. He glanced at the way Haein’s face hardened, as she let out a sigh. Whatever happened between them—it didn’t end well.
Chaewoon’s jaw ticked. He didn’t like the way Jiwoo was needling her.
And more than that, he didn’t like the way Haein looked like she’d rather be anywhere else than here the moment her eyes landed on him.
Yoon Eunsung’s gaze swept across the crowd—until it landed on Haein. Without hesitation, he began walking towards her.
Haein tensed the moment she saw him. She didn’t flinch or look startled, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her eyes, like someone bracing for a conversation they never wanted to have.
Chaewoon instinctively stepped closer, his presence solid at her side—a quiet but firm show of support.
“It’s been a while,” Eunsung said, flashing her a knowing smile.
Haein’s expression smoothed over in an instant, shifting into the polished, diplomatic smile she wore in business meetings. “You should’ve let me know if you were back in Korea.” She replied casually.
Eunsung tilted his head slightly, then said, “Don’t you remember the last thing you said to me? To not contact you.”
Chaewoon’s eyes flicked toward Haein, his brows lifting ever so slightly.
Her smile wavered—just a little—before she let out a quiet scoff. “You’re right. I told you not to reach out to me ever again, because you kept crossing the line.”
That landed heavier than anything else.
Chaewoon’s jaw tightened. His gaze sharpened as he looked at Eunsung now, no longer neutral, no longer curious—just guarded. Protective.
“Right, but now, it seems that you have something to say.” Eunsung said with a smug smile. Woo Chaewoon was not a violent man, but for some reason, he felt a strong urge to wipe that smirk off his face right now with his fist.
Haein dropped the pleasantries. “I’m sure you’ve already figured it out, so I’ll get to the point. You’re close with Mr. Hermann, and I want Hercyna in our mall. Will you help me or not?”
Eunsung chuckled, leaning back. “Still the same cold-hearted Hong Haein. You’ve always been like this—keeping people around only when they’re useful. Tossing them aside when they’re not.”
Haein scoffed. “If you’re not interested, spare me the lecture. I have other ways.”
Eunsung smiled, “But I do want to help you. And I also want to apologize for my behaviour the last time we saw each other. It’s been years and I’m a different man now. I hope you can give me a chance.” He said as he offered his hand to her.
Haein eyed it with suspicion before meeting his gaze. “Let’s be clear. You’re right—I use people. Right now, you’re just a means to secure a deal with Mr. Hermann. So I hope you don’t expect anything more from me.” Haein said coldly. Not batting an eye.
Eunsung smiled, “Of course, I know that. And I don’t mind. Use me however you want.” He then stepped closer to Haein, to which she instinctively stepped back, prompting Chaewoon to swiftly move in front of her.
Chaewoon towered over Yoon Eunsung, his stance firm and protective, eyes locked with unwavering intensity. He stood like a shield, a silent wall between Haein and whatever threat Eunsung posed.
“And who are you exactly?” Eunsung asked, his lips curved in a polite smile, but the irritation in his voice was unmistakable. “You have a bodyguard now?”
“He’s my most trusted aide,” Haein replied coolly, arms crossing over her chest. “So you better respect him.” Her tone was sharp, final—like a blade sheathed in ice.
Chaewoon blinked, caught off guard. Most trusted aide—he hadn’t expected that. The words hit him in a place he didn’t realize was vulnerable. A flicker of warmth fluttered in his chest, but it was quickly replaced by a pang of guilt. She trusted him—deeply, clearly—and yet, he was hiding the truth from her. He wasn’t just her bodyguard. He was a spy sent to monitor her family.
Eunsung’s smile faltered ever so slightly, his eyes narrowing. He hadn’t pegged Hong Haein as the type to keep anyone that close. Cold, calculated, unreachable—that was the Haein he knew. So who was this man standing so protectively in front of her?
“I see,” Eunsung said, extending a hand. “Yoon Eunsung. I’ve known Haein since we were kids. Nice to meet you… Mr.?”
Chaewoon met his eyes briefly before taking the hand. His grip was firm but short. “Woo Chaewoon.” A beat passed. Then Eunsung tilted his head. “So… are you going to step aside, or?”
Chaewoon did not budge, instead, he looked behind him and waited for Haein.
When Haein gave him a subtle nod, only then did Chaewoon step back, wordless and composed. But the tension in the air crackled—thick, heavy, unspoken.
Eunsung’s jaw clenched as he walked past, eyes still on Chaewoon.
He had questions. And he was going to find the answers. Sooner or later.
“I can set up a meeting with Mr. Hermann as soon as possible, Haein,” Eunsung offered. “I can even help make the deal happen.”
“For what reason exactly are you going this far to help me? I only intended to ask if you could introduce me to Mr. Hermann, I can handle the rest myself.” Haein replied.
Eunsung gave a faint, almost wistful smile. “Call it… old times’ sake? Maybe you hated me back then—maybe you still do. But I never did. I’ve always been here, Haein. Ready to help, nothing in return. I mean that.”
He extended his hand again, open and steady. After a beat, Haein took it, her grip firm. “Good to know.
Behind her, Chaewoon said nothing—but his gaze stayed locked on Eunsung. Calculating. Cold.
Because in that moment, he knew: this man wasn’t just from Haein’s past. He could be someone harmful. Someone dangerous. And he will make sure no harm will come in Haein’s way.
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The night stretched on, and the event slowly unfolded.
After a while, Eunsung took Haein to go and meet Mr. Hermann. Chaewoon was asked to stay behind—Mr. Hermann preferred privacy when discussing business, especially around unfamiliar faces.
Chaewoon understood, of course. But that didn’t mean he was comfortable leaving Haein alone with Yoon Eunsung.
Before she followed, Haein turned to him and gently held onto his arm. “Don’t worry,” she said softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “I’ll be back shortly. So stay put—because I’ll be looking for you the moment I’m done.” Haein said, almost jokingly, as if to ease Chaewoon, because like him, she can also somehow read him now. And she was aware that he did not like the idea of leaving her side tonight.
“Mr. Woo?” she called out, noticing his silence.
Chaewoon sighed and then reached out, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. He slowly leaned down, close to her ear—close enough for her breath to hitch in surprise.
Then, quietly, without anyone noticing, she felt him slip something into her right hand—the one still holding his arm. She looked down and unfolded her fingers. A small object rested in her palm. A button.
“If anything happens, just call me.” Chaewoon whispered in her ear. “Press the button if you need me, I will come inside immediately.” His voice was low, quiet—yet it sent a shiver down her spine. Her fingers tightened around the object as she lifted her head.
Chaewoon then met her gaze, “Alright?”
Haein nodded slowly, a quiet promise in her eyes.
And then, without another word, she turned and walked away with Eunsung. But even as the distance between them grew, she could still feel the weight of Chaewoon’s hand on her shoulder—and the quiet vow that came with it.
When Haein was no longer in his line of sight, Chaewoon felt restless. Uneasy. Something about that Yoon Eunsung guy didn’t sit right with him.
He couldn’t shake it—the instinct that told him he wouldn’t like what he might uncover.
Based on Haein’s reaction earlier, Eunsung was clearly someone who didn’t respect boundaries. Chaewoon had seen it in her eyes: the way she tensed when Eunsung got too close, how her smile faltered. She was uncomfortable, and yet the man kept inching closer, like he either didn’t notice—or didn’t care.
Chaewoon’s jaw clenched.
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It’s almost an hour now. 45 minutes, he noted. And still no sign of Hong Haein. His concern deepened, the silence pressing against his chest.
He finally sent a message: How are you?
A reply came moments later: It’s almost over.
Only four words, but enough to let him breathe again—just a little.
“Woo Chaewoon?” A familiar voice then called out from behind. Chaewoon turned, and he immediately recognized the man.
“Mr. Jo Hangyu,” he greeted politely with a respectful bow. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”
“You rascal, who are you calling so formally like that? You used to call me Uncle just a few years ago,” the old man said with a hearty chuckle, giving Chaewoon a friendly pat on the back. “You’ve grown into a fine young man. I still remember you running around the yard while your parents chased after you.”
Chaewoon smiled warmly at the memory. “Time flies, doesn’t it?”
Hangyu tilted his head. “What brings you here? You’re not usually the type to show up at events like this.”
“I’m just accompanying someone,” Chaewoon replied, his tone easy. “It’s work-related.”
“Ah, right. I heard you left the military. Haven’t heard from you since. What have you been up to? And who are you accompanying, huh? A girlfriend, maybe?” Hangyu teased, nudging his arm.
Chaewoon chuckled, but before he could answer, Hangyu added, “And how’s your mother doing?”
The question made Chaewoon pause. His voice softened. “She’s recovering well, Uncle. Would you like to see her again sometime?”
“Of course. Just let me know when. I’d be happy to visit.”
“I’ll let her know. She’d like that,” Chaewoon said with a small, grateful nod.
Hangyu studied him for a moment, a nostalgic look settling in his eyes. “You really do look like your old man. I’m sure he would’ve been proud of the man you’ve become.”
Chaewoon offered a faint smile. “And I’m sure I’d still be getting a good scolding from him now and then.”
They both laughed softly.
“Well,” Hangyu said, patting his shoulder, “it’s good to see you again, kid. Don’t be a stranger. You know you’re like a son to me. If you ever need anything—advice, help, or just a drinking buddy—you know where to find me. I may be getting old, but I have high alcohol tolerance.”
Chaewoon grinned. “And I will make sure to be the judge of that, Uncle.”
When Hangyu finally left, Chaewoon felt a tap on his shoulder.
He turned to see Hong Haein standing there, eyes wide and expectant. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion—and was that a pout on her lips?
“Hey Mr. Woo, where have you been?” She said, a bit slower than how she normally talks. “I immediately looked for you as soon as I got out of there. But you were nowhere to be found. I told you to stay put didn’t I?” To anyone else, she might’ve seemed perfectly fine. But Chaewoon knew better. The way she swayed slightly on her feet, the warmth rising from her face, the unusually soft lilt in her voice—
Wait. Is she drunk?
But before he could ask, Haein stepped forward and stumbled, and he caught her just in time—hands gripping her shoulders to steady her.
“Take me home,” she mumbled, leaning into him. “I’m sick of everyone here.”
Then, quieter: “Take me with you.”
Chaewoon froze for a moment, the weight of her words settling somewhere deeper than he expected.
And as she rested her head against his chest, Chaewoon realized—this wasn’t something he could just walk away from anymore.
< Chapter 10 Chapter 11 >
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taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3
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
THIS IS NOT A STUDY POST
Your honor, I'm officially in love with Ju Ji Hoon and his characters TT
I mean, how can you not fall for the man T-T
The Trouble with Admitting Things
Baek Kang-hyuk x Reader
Genre: Fluff, Humor, Light Slow Burn
Warnings: Mild teasing, secondhand embarrassment
Word Count: ~6,500
Synopsis: After a grueling shift, you accidentally admit to admiring Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk—big mistake. He seizes every chance to tease you, turning your embarrassment into daily entertainment. But when the teasing gives way to unexpected sincerity, you realize admiration might not be so one-sided after all.
You should have known better than to let your guard down around Baek Kang-hyuk.
Especially not when you were running on fumes, too exhausted to keep up your usual defenses.
It had been a brutal shift at the trauma center—back-to-back emergencies, rushed procedures, and a never-ending stream of critical cases. The air had been thick with tension, every second spent making life-or-death decisions. But despite the chaos, the team had worked together like a well-oiled machine, with Kang-hyuk at the helm, cool-headed and sharp as ever.
And now? Now you were all slumped in the break room, desperately clinging to the last ounces of energy in your bodies.
The scent of instant coffee mixed with antiseptic filled the air, and you nursed your mug as if it held the key to your survival. Across from you, Dr. Park Gyeong-won sighed dramatically, rubbing his temples.
“I think I lost about five years of my life in that last hour.”
Jang-mi, one of the trauma nurses, groaned. “Forget years, I think my soul left my body when that last code was called.”
There was a chorus of agreement.
And that was when your sleep-deprived brain betrayed you.
“Honestly,” you muttered, stretching your sore neck, “if it weren’t for Dr. Baek, half of us wouldn’t have made it through that shift.”
The moment the words left your mouth, the room fell eerily silent.
You blinked, sluggishly registering the amused looks being exchanged.
Gyeong-won raised an eyebrow, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Oh? Is that admiration I hear?”
Jang-mi, who had just taken a sip of tea, nearly choked. She slammed her cup down, eyes wide with exaggerated shock. “Wait, wait—our Dr. Baek?” Her gaze snapped to Kang-hyuk, who was leaning against the counter, watching the scene unfold with an infuriatingly smug expression.
“Did you hear that?” she gasped.
Dr. Yang Jae-won, who had been lazily sprawled in his chair, perked up. “Wow, (Y/N). That’s high praise coming from you.” He smirked. “You usually just call him an insufferable ass.”
Your stomach dropped. Oh, no.
“I meant professionally,” you blurted, suddenly very aware of how hot your face felt.
Kang-hyuk chuckled, arms crossed, his smirk widening. “Professionally, huh?”
You shot him a glare, but he was enjoying this way too much.
Unfortunately, so was everyone else.
“Oh, don’t backtrack now,” Jang-mi teased, practically vibrating with excitement. “We all heard it.”
Gyeong-won leaned forward, chin resting on his hand. “So, tell us, (Y/N). What exactly do you admire about Dr. Baek?”
You swore you felt your soul leave your body. “Can we not—”
Jae-won smirked. “Is it his surgical skills? His confidence? His broad shoulders?”
Jang-mi gasped. “His hands, maybe?”
“Oh my God, stop—”
“Or is it,” Kang-hyuk drawled, tilting his head, “my charming personality?”
Your entire face went up in flames.
Kang-hyuk took a slow step closer, voice rich with amusement. “Why are you blushing?”
“I am not—”
“Are you embarrassed?”
“No—”
“You are.”
“I swear to—”
Jang-mi gasped again, dramatic as ever. “Oh no. What if it’s actually his hands?”
Gyeong-won feigned deep thought. “It’s the hands, isn’t it?”
“I HATE ALL OF YOU.”
Kang-hyuk grinned, full-on thriving in your misery. “So, (Y/N),” he mused, “do you admire my hands?”
You considered throwing your coffee at him.
The problem with Baek Kang-hyuk was that he never let things go.
Ever.
For the next week, he found every opportunity to remind you of your unfortunate slip-up.
During morning rounds: “(Y/N), you seem distracted. Thinking about my hands again?”
During surgery: “You’re staring. I get it. My technique is admirable.”
Even in the middle of a high-stakes procedure: “Focus, (Y/N). Just pretend it’s me guiding you with my admirable skills.”
It was relentless. And the worst part? Everyone else was in on it.
Jang-mi started taking exaggerated notes whenever Kang-hyuk spoke, dramatically whispering, “Such admiration,” under her breath.
Jae-won? He would randomly sigh in the middle of conversations and lament, “If only someone admired me the way (Y/N) admires Dr. Baek.”
Even Park Gyeong-won, who was usually the most mature of the bunch, just smirked whenever you shot him a pleading look.
You were never going to live this down.
The tipping point came when Kang-hyuk—absolute menace that he was—walked into the break room while you were alone, arms crossed, looking far too amused.
“You know,” he started conversationally, “I’ve been thinking.”
“Oh no.”
He ignored you. “Since you admire me so much, maybe I should return the favor.”
You groaned. “Please don’t.”
“But there’s just so much to admire,” he continued dramatically. “Your sharp tongue, your ability to withstand my teasing—”
You threw a napkin at him. He dodged easily.
“See?” he grinned. “That resilience. Very admirable.”
You contemplated homicide.
It all came to a head late one night.
You were in the on-call room, exhausted, head resting against the back of the couch. The door creaked open, but you didn’t bother looking up.
“If this is about my admiration comment,” you grumbled, “I am going to scream.”
A chuckle. “Relax. It’s just me.”
You cracked one eye open to see Kang-hyuk standing by the door, hands in his pockets. He looked… different. Less teasing. More thoughtful.
You frowned. “What?”
He hesitated before stepping inside, closing the door behind him.
“Listen,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “I know I’ve been messing with you a lot, but…” He exhaled, looking almost—shy? “It actually meant something.”
Your breath caught. “What?”
“What you said.” His voice was quieter now. “That you admired me.”
You swallowed, suddenly unsure where this was going.
He let out a small, self-deprecating chuckle. “I don’t really hear that a lot. Not from people who—” He trailed off before shaking his head. “Anyway. It was nice. Coming from you.”
Your heart did something funny in your chest.
“You admire me?” you repeated dumbly.
His lips quirked. “Someone who keeps me on my toes? Someone I—” He paused before smirking, voice dropping to something softer. “—also admire.”
Your brain short-circuited.
“I—what—”
He chuckled, stepping closer. “Relax, (Y/N). It’s just admiration.”
Your face burned. “You’re the worst.”
“I know.” His grin widened. “But at least now we’re even.”
You groaned, burying your face in your hands.
Baek Kang-hyuk just laughed.
I’ve got a Yang Jae-won fic cooking in my drafts… should I??? 👀👀👀
taglist: perm @missroro @study-with-reine234
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!
smiling like a fool under my blanket right now :’D
I don’t think you understand how happy I am to find a sfw ateez blog oml
Can I request a San e2l? where reader has a grudge against him because he’s an overachiever like the reader, yet he doesn’t actually have anything against them. Reader thinks his life is so perfect and their own is just empty that they don’t realise they’ve started to become envious of San, and it goes on from there.
(This is very much self indulgent because I can’t live without knowing I’m the best in all the people I know and it’s killing me)
If you could do it that would be great, dw if you can’t tho<3
𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙮 — 𝑠𝑎𝑛
genre: enemies-to-lovers au, angst, fluff at the end, gn!reader
word count: 2.3k
summary: Pride, reputation, and a one-sided rivalry; all these are because of your fear of losing the top spot in the class. Even when you finally got what you wanted, why did you still feel unsatisfied?
a/n: I kind of relate to this and I tried to express my thoughts based from personal experiences. I also learned to accept the fact that we can have our lowest times, so let's stay humble and I hope you enjoy it!
𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
You didn't hate him, you didn't like him either. He's more like a rival than a friend. You had your pride and reputation as the class's top student, that's all you ever cared for. You were contented with yourself, not until someone challenged your position and managed to drop your rank to top 2.
Choi San, you hated that name.
Both of you get high grades all the time, one gets higher than the other and vice versa, a push and pull type of game. It wasn't just your grades that were put to the test, your reputation as well. San's confidence during oral recitations and discussions was undeniably admirable, and that's the problem. It pissed you off because your social anxiety was hindering you from defending your reputation, but you couldn't deny that he was more or less smarter than you, just a tiny bit.
You didn't like San, but San liked you.
He admired your intelligence, your leadership skills, your hard work, and he acknowledged your efforts every time. How could he not when you two were in the same group for the whole semester? Being known as the two smartest students in the group was alright with San, but it pressured you a lot.
Your classmates usually depended on you two but when they ask him for help instead of you, it hurts your pride. This fueled your motivation to try your best in contributing most of the work during group projects to prove your classmates wrong. Even during quizzes and exams, you'd secretly compare your scores with San's as if it was normal. Of course, you had your share of low times.
It was very selfish of you to think that way, you were aware of that. You knew he was trying his best as well and he even helps you with some lessons you're struggling with. You had no idea when or how this rivalry started, but you were obstinate.
Why do you not like him? For being smart? For challenging your position as the top student? Who were you to hate him for that? These were the questions that run through your head whenever you see him in class, but that wasn't the case for San, he was just there to learn and graduate.
At this point, you're just envious of him for the most unnecessary things. Seeing him hanging out with his friends, having a good relationship with his parents, his life was almost perfect and that made you bitter.
In contrast to his, your life felt empty. Talking to your parents casually was a once-a-day thing because you always lock yourself inside your room and you don't even have that many friends compared to San's, much more talk to them every day.
You were envious, there's no better word to describe how you felt about the guy. Your pride, your ego; you wanted to be the 'best' and you wanted to be in the limelight of the class in regards to academics. But no, someone had to be on your level to humble you down. You, a selfish overachiever, holding a grudge against the boy with an angelic smile, attractive dimples, and cute eye smile.
You thought surviving this semester by avoiding him, while silently boring deep glares towards his direction were going to be a piece-of-cake. That was until you realized that the heavens weren't on your side, it was like a punishment for you.
Out of all people, all the possibilities that could happen, you just had to be paired up with the one and only, Choi San, for your General Maths subject. Honestly speaking, you didn't need a partner and neither does he. You could do it on your own, but your teacher insisted on working in pairs to develop social relationships and to help each other.
If it wasn't for those reasons, you wouldn't be sitting here in the library after your last class ended. ‘Home’ was the only thing on your mind, going home and avoiding his presence that makes your blood boil. If only he didn't insist on finishing the assignment the right way, together, you would've been taking a nap on your bed right now.
You were answering the assignment silently, yet you couldn't focus well with him beside you. You weren't in your right mind and San caught on to that, as he looked over your paper and easily found small mistakes on your solutions.
"It's not supposed to be distributed, just remove the parentheses."
His voice made you groan in annoyance, knowing that he was right and he corrected your mistakes. Okay, Mr. Know-it-all. You rolled your eyes away from him and redid your solutions correctly.
San was aware of your grudge towards him, it's not his fault you were quite obvious with it. He found you cute, though. When your mad or when you glare at him, that doesn't get to him, he's too distracted by your kissable and welcoming cheeks when you pout.
"Are you done? Let's compare answers." San spoke over the silence of the room.
There it was again, the usual glare you give to him. "Give me time, this isn't a race."
"I didn't say...but, take your time."
See, despite your harsh treatment towards him, he couldn't bring himself to fight you back. He had no reason to, so why try to engage in something he's not going to enjoy anyway? After about 3 minutes, you passed him your paper and he did the same to his own. The way San scanned over your paper made you nervous as if he was the teacher checking your mistakes and right answers. His paper, on the other hand, was clean and readable. Confidence in getting every question right the first time written on it.
"Hmm, you lack a negative sign here...and here...and here as well." He pointed each mistake with the tip of his pen and you swore, you wanted to curse at him.
"Okay, Choi San. You're the smart one, you know best. Sorry for being dumb." You retorted with bitterness in your voice.
"What are you talking about? I was just trying to help."
"Well, I don't need your help."
"Well, good luck with your grades then. You got all the answers correct with only a few mistakes, but okay."
Not wanting to fight anymore, you corrected your mistakes as fast as you could. He smirked at you as you closed the cap of your pen and sighed deeply, "There we go, y/n. It wasn't so difficult now, was it?"
"Get a life." If I could just remove that smirk off your face, I would.
How could San even get a life when the missing piece of his life hates his guts? His day wouldn't be complete without you glaring at him at least once, though he still hoped that one day, you would change your false opinions about him. He wouldn't purposely fail his academics for your benefit, but he's going to find a way to win your heart and stop your childish jealousy towards him once and for all.
-
You didn't talk to him for a whole week, you spent most of your time preparing for the upcoming finals exams that would start tomorrow until Friday. You had no time to waste, this was your last chance to prove everyone wrong. The desperation to keep the top spot of the class for yourself motivated you a lot. So when finals finally started, you made sure to put your all in every exam and hoping for the best.
-
Congratulations! You did it, you actually did it!
You kept the top 1 spot, it was yours and you were beyond happy with the positive news. It boosted your pride, but that's besides the point. Once you pulled away from your friend's embrace, you accidentally caught sight of San standing alone from afar. He had a sad yet satisfied smile on his face, while he looked over the bulletin board again where the ranks were displayed.
You felt bad, that was true because yes, you worked extra hard for this and as much as you hate to admit it, he assisted you when you didn't understand some concepts of a certain topic and those concepts were essential parts of the exam. You never, not even once, thanked him for his help and that's enough reason for you to feel guilty. Now that you got what you wanted, why do you still feel unsatisfied?
San caught you gazing in his direction, so you immediately looked away in embarrassment. He only chuckled at your reaction, knowing too well what's going on inside your head at the moment. Your eyes traveled back to his figure once again and you couldn't hold it in anymore, his smile was too bright for your satisfaction. You needed to apologize to him as soon as possible before the semestral break starts, at least.
When the last bell rang indicating the end of classes, you decided to look for him. Ditching your friends with the excuse of stopping by the convenience store before going back home, you searched everywhere for him. Thankfully, he wasn't anywhere far from the school premises. There he stood outside the school gate with his AirPods on, most probably waiting for his friends to hang out later. Carefully, you tapped on his shoulder and he turned to you with a confused look as he removed an AirPod from his ear. He didn't expect you to talk to him personally, especially not you approaching him first.
"What's up?" San's voice was cheerful and no sign of bitterness at all.
"You're n-not busy right now, are you?" You stuttered out of nervousness.
San looked around for any sight of your friends and his but there's no one around he knew of. "I don't think I am, why'd you ask? Oh, congrats by the way for taking the top spot. You deserve it, y/n." The smile on his face was genuine, he was very happy for your success. He wasn't disappointed because he believed you deserve that spot, you worked extra hard to beat him earn it.
On the other hand, you were nervous as hell, fiddling with the hem of your uniform. "Thank you, San."
"It's no problem." How was it so easy for him to say that? You don't know.
You tried to form the right words to say to him, not wanting to waste this opportunity and bringing the guilt with you. "I just wanted to apologize for treating you, you know, in a not-so-good way. I'm sorry for always pushing you away, taking your help for granted, and for holding a grudge against you just because I was afraid of losing the position of being the top student in the class. It's very childish of me, I know."
You scoffed ridiculously at yourself, "Now that I got what I wanted, I'm happy but I feel guilty whenever I see you. You helped me so much, but I didn't even thank you once. No matter how embarrassing I probably sound right now, I'm taking this opportunity to apologize for everything I've done wrong and to thank you for all your help. I don't deserve your forgiveness and-"
"Yo, San. Let's- oh, sorry. I didn't see your friend there." Yeosang, one of his friends, interrupted your rambling.
You were more than embarrassed at this point, you wanted to scream, to run away and hide from everyone, but San noticed the panic in your eyes. The idea of confessing and not being able to finish your words was suffocating you, so you tried to make a turn. Unfortunate events really couldn't wait as a random rock made you trip your foot, but a strong arm held your waist so quick, you didn't even have time to process what had just happened.
San clicked his tongue teasingly, "y/n, still clumsy as ever."
Can the world just take you whole? His friends were watching the current situation, this is very bad.
"I think I'll pass today, guys. I have some important business to talk to with them, so just leave without me and don't forget to buy me that thing I talked about, I'll pay later." San called to his friends, who nodded at his request.
"San-"
"Don't worry, y/n. I know you hate me, but I think you got some explaining to do." A smirk was plastered again on that attractive face of his.
"But I already did."
"You didn't get to finish your words because of my friend and I want to hear more of it. Maybe if you treat me out for dinner, I might just forgive you."
"My money's not enough for the both of us." You haven't realized that you just indirectly considered his suggestion, he's got you in his trap.
"Perfect, a kiss it is then."
"What-"
He didn't let you finish as he interrupted you with his soft lips on yours and when he pulled away, he laughed at your flustered reaction.
"Cutie, let's go to that BBQ place nearby to celebrate your success." My success?
"What about you? Are you not mad at me for being the first in rank?" This was the question that had you worried about this whole time. What does he think of you now after everything?
"What's wrong with being 2nd? As long as we succeed together, that's enough for me. Now that you're here with me and I finally got a kiss from you, what more could I ask for?”
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)
genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining
Chapter 9: Almost on the Line
A line was almost crossed, feelings starting to grow, but both Haein and Chaewoon choose to stay on their own sides, avoiding the tension that’s quietly building between them.
They stayed like that for a moment—neither of them moving, neither of them speaking. The only sound between them was the soft rhythm of the rain tapping against the windows, steady and unrelenting, like the silence that wrapped around them.
Chaewoon’s gaze was soft, gentle—just like it always was when it came to Haein. But tonight, there was something different in his eyes. Something unspoken. Something heavier. And she felt it too—the shift in the air, the quiet catch in his breath, the way his eyes lingered like he was searching for something… something he wasn’t sure he had the right to want.
Then his gaze dropped—to her lips.
Haein’s heart fluttered in response, unsteady and sudden. Her breath hitched, caught in her throat, and when his eyes flicked back up to meet hers, the moment stretched impossibly thin—on the edge of something neither of them dared to name.
And then—
RING.
The sudden sound of a phone call cut through the quiet like a splash of cold water. Haein startled, fumbling for her phone, yanking it free and accidentally dislodging her headset in the process.
“I—I need to take this call,” she stammered, avoiding his eyes. “You can take the rest of the day off. Goodbye.”
Before he could say anything, she was already halfway to her room, pressing the still-ringing phone to her ear, her footsteps quick and uneven.
Chaewoon sat there still in the moment, his mind still wandering on what had almost happened. One minute, he was waking up to find her beside him—closer than they’d ever been—and the next, she was running off like the walls had suddenly caved in.
His eyes dropped to his lap. Her headset.
It must’ve slipped when she grabbed her phone. He picked it up slowly, fingers curling around the tangled cord.
With a quiet sigh, he leaned back against the couch and ran a hand across his forehead.
“That was close,” he murmured to himself.
Too close.
The way he’d looked at her lips. The way he’d almost leaned in. It wasn’t just a moment— it was a line he'd never crossed, until now.
He knew he was losing his grip. And he didn’t know how much longer he could keep pretending.
Pretending that he didn’t want more. Pretending that the feelings blooming quietly inside him weren’t real. Pretending that looking at her didn’t already feel like falling.
And it was dangerous. Too dangerous.
Because the moment he let himself feel this way—let himself want more—he knew it could only end badly.
He kept reminding himself: he was betraying her even now. He was someone she should never trust.
And if the moment comes when Haein finds out the truth—that he was a spy planted inside her family—he didn’t know if she would ever be able to look at him the same way again.
And that thought terrified him more than anything else.
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Haein closed the door behind her and leaned against it, eyes shut, chest rising and falling as if she’d just run a marathon. The rain outside hadn’t let up—it kept drumming softly against the windows like a heartbeat she couldn’t ignore.
She finally opened her eyes and let out a shaky breath, walking over to her desk. The phone call had ended quickly—nothing urgent, just her secretary checking in. But it might as well have been fate yanking her away from a moment she wasn’t ready for.
She sank into her chair, elbows resting on the table, fingers threading through her hair. Her mind was still in the living room—with him. With Chaewoon.
The way he looked at her. The warmth in his eyes. The stillness in the space between them.
And the way his gaze dropped—just for a second—to her lips.
Her heart thundered at the memory, that tiny, unspoken flicker that almost turned into something more. She’d seen it. Felt it.
And she’d run.
Haein let out a soft, humorless laugh and tilted her head back against the chair.
“Idiot,” she whispered—to herself, to him, to the whole moment.
Why did he look at me that way? Was he about to lean in? Was he about to….
She halted her thoughts. It was starting to scare her. She was scared how easily she got lost in the moment. She was scared at how she wanted it. How easy it was to lean in. How natural it was starting to feel to be near him.
Her eyes drifted to the empty pouch sitting on her desk. It was where she kept her headset. The one Chaewoon was still holding onto in the living room.
She pressed her palms to her face.
“This is getting out of hand,” she muttered.
And yet…
Her hands dropped slowly to her lap as her lips curled, soft and bittersweet.
She wasn’t sure what scared her more—that he almost kissed her… or that she almost let him.
And if the phone hadn’t rung…
She wasn’t sure she would’ve stopped him.
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Chaewoon hadn’t slept well that night. His mind had been too busy, too occupied. And when morning came and he picked up Haein for work, he noticed—she hadn’t slept well either.
The air between them was awkward, heavier than usual.
The drive to the company was uncomfortably quiet. Chaewoon kept glancing at the rear-view mirror to check on her. Haein sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the window, but he noticed the little things—the way she blinked a little faster whenever she caught him looking, the way her fingers absentmindedly played with her pen.
And when their eyes met in the mirror, he quickly looked away.
He hated that.
Hated that he was the one making her feel this uncomfortable.
When they arrived, he moved to open the door for her, hesitating for a second before calling out, “Miss Haein.”
She paused on her tracks. Chaewoon took a breath, his voice steady and careful.
“I’d like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. It was inappropriate, and I made you uncomfortable. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”
Haein didn’t respond right away. She stayed still for a moment, letting his words sink in.
Then, with a small sigh, she spoke.
“What do you mean, Mr. Woo?” she said softly. “I think I should be the one apologizing. I fell asleep on your shoulder the entire afternoon. It must have been uncomfortable for you, and yet… you stayed. I don’t blame you for falling asleep too. You’re not a robot. And…”
She finally turned to face him fully, and for a moment, she almost smiled.
Chaewoon looked so much like a guilty puppy, apologizing even when he didn’t have to.
“I’m not mad or upset with you,” she said gently. “So please, don’t feel uncomfortable with me either.”
Chaewoon returned her smile.
Both of them knew it wasn’t just about her falling asleep on his shoulder, or him dozing off beside her. It was what happened after. The way their lips had almost…
But they chose not to mention it.
Two guarded souls, after all—two people who had built walls too high and too thick around themselves. So, they did what they always did: ignore the moment, pretend it didn’t happen, and let it quietly slip away.
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When they arrived at the office, Haein noticed it again—the lingering stares from the employees, especially the women. Or rather, the stares directed not at her, but at her bodyguard, Chaewoon.
Haein scoffed under her breath. Her pace quickened, the sharp sound of her heels echoing down the hallway.
Chaewoon blinked, momentarily thrown off, before quietly matching her hurried steps.
Is she upset again? he wondered, noting the slight stiffness in her stride.
When they reached her office, Haein spun around, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
“I think you should wear a mask next time,” she said flatly. Chaewoon blinked. “…Excuse me?” he asked, genuinely confused.
“You’re too distracting,” she said, almost accusingly.
“Distracting to… whom exactly?” he asked, his brows furrowing.
“To the people working here. You’re too tall, and too han—” she stopped herself mid-sentence, clearing her throat awkwardly. “—frankly, too above average in looks. You draw too much attention. A mask would… solve that.”
She was rambling now, and Chaewoon, much like yesterday, found himself struggling not to smile. She was flustered—and he was thoroughly entertained.
Chaewoon tilted his head, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.
“So… let me get this straight,” he said slowly. “You want me to cover my face because I’m too distracting?”
Haein stiffened. “Don’t make it sound so ridiculous.”
“But it is ridiculous,” he said, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Should I wear sunglasses too? Maybe a hat? Full disguise?”
“Maybe,” she muttered, turning away and busying herself with the papers on her desk, pretending to look disinterested. “It’s called being considerate to the workplace environment.”
Chaewoon stepped closer, just enough that she could feel his presence behind her.
Haein froze for half a second—barely noticeable, but enough for him to catch it.
“Or should I just wear a scary face like this?” Chaewoon said as he furrowed his brows together and pressed his lips together.
She cleared her throat again, shuffling a stack of papers that didn’t actually need organizing. “You’re here to do your job, not to be… aesthetically disruptive.”
Chaewoon laughed, low and amused.
“Understood, Ma’am,” his voice held that teasing lilt that made her ears burn. “I’ll try my best to be less… distracting.”
Haein slammed the stack of papers down a little harder than necessary.
“Good,” she said shortly, refusing to meet his gaze.
But as Chaewoon leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching her try so hard to maintain her cool, he couldn’t help but think:
I’m really in trouble now.
< Chapter 8 Chapter 10 >
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Hi everyone! It's been 2 weeks since the last update (aside from the 2 special chapters) I hope you guys are still here :')
Been busy (and lowkey stressed) with work and life lately. So my mind has been so distracted. And this chapter was supposed to be longer, but I figured I should just cut it and continue it for next chapter. I also kinda had a hard time finishing this chapter because my mind is already on the later parts of the story (yoon eunsung, chaewoon background, haein's illness, family hong drama) and yet I'm still not done with the current chapters. I want to pull my hair out.
Thank you again if you guys are still tuning in! I'm more active in Twitter/X esp with updates. If you want to be friends/moots, it's @dalilmountain. Ily and thank you for the patience and support ;-;
taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3
UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)
genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining
Chapter 4: In His Care
Chaewoon’s protective instincts toward Haein become more apparent as he observes her every move with quiet care. His subtle gestures and watchful presence reveal a side of him that Haein begins to notice—one that goes beyond his role as a bodyguard.
It had been a week since Chaewoon became Haein’s bodyguard, and in that time, he’d already learned to read her like an open book. Watching her through the glass walls of her office, he could tell just by the way she furrowed her brows and gripped the paper tighter—something was bothering her.
Five, four, three, two, one... he counted in his head.
As expected, Haein’s sharp voice rang out, “What happened to decorating the personal shopper room like a gallery? The artist’s reputation and colors don’t suit the interior design.”
Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. Yelling and glaring like that, she looks so mean.
But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted, a satisfied smile curling on her lips as she flipped to the next page. “Yes, this is what I was talking about.”
She looks excited, Chaewoon thought, still watching her every move.
The annoyed Haein from moments ago was gone, replaced by a woman pleased with what she saw. And just as Haein’s lips slightly curled up, Chaewoon’s own little smile started to falter. For a moment, time slowed down, and for some reason, he could not look away at her smiling face.
He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away and stare blankly at the opposite wall, as if that would shake the strange, unsettling feeling that had taken hold of him.
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HAEIN'S POV
Hong Haein wasn’t used to people caring about her—not in the way Woo Chaewoon did.
Not that she would ever admit it.
But for a while now, she had stopped trying to shake him off. That didn’t mean she liked his presence, but she had accepted, begrudgingly, that he was annoyingly efficient at his job.
She just hadn’t expected him to be so… considerate.
1. The Elevator Incident
It started in the company lobby. Haein was walking ahead, clicking through emails on her phone, when the elevator doors opened. She stepped in without thinking.
Then, in a single swift motion, Chaewoon reached out, placed a firm hand on the small of her back, and pulled her back just as a man rushed out, nearly knocking into her.
She barely had time to react before she found herself standing inches from him, her back against his chest.
“Watch your step,” he murmured, his hand falling away the second the man passed.
Haein straightened, clearing her throat. “I had it under control.”
Chaewoon didn’t argue, simply stepping inside after her. “Of course, ma’am.”
She turned to glare at him, only to find the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.
Infuriating.
2. The Heels Problem
Later that day, she had back-to-back meetings, which meant strutting around the office in heels that looked good but felt like a medieval torture device.
By the time she stepped outside, her feet were killing her.
As they reached the car, Chaewoon—without a word—opened the door for her, then subtly adjusted the car mat so she could rest her feet more comfortably.
It was such a small gesture, so smooth, that she almost missed it.
She slid into the seat, watching as he walked around to the front. Inside the car was also a pair of soft comfy slippers that was not originally there.
Her jaw tightened. He wasn’t supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be just another disposable bodyguard, a shadow she could ignore.
Then why was he making it so difficult?
3. The Rain
By the time they arrived at a charity gala that evening, it had started raining. Hard.
As usual, Chaewoon was the first to step out of the car. He retrieved an umbrella, opened her door, and held it above her.
Haein, exhausted and mildly annoyed at the world, reached for the umbrella.
“I can hold it myself.”
Chaewoon, as always, was unmoved. “That’s my job.”
She stepped out, expecting him to keep a respectable distance. Instead, he adjusted the umbrella so that she was completely covered—even if it meant part of his shoulder got drenched.
She noticed. And she hated that she noticed.
By the time they entered the building, she found herself stealing glances at his wet sleeve.
Chaewoon brought her a towel, his expression as calm as ever. She expected him to use it to dry himself off, but instead, he held it out to her.
She raised an eyebrow, about to refuse, when he paused for a brief moment. Then, with surprising grace, he knelt down in front of her, positioning the towel to wipe her shoes.
Oh, my shoes are wet.
The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. Haein instinctively stepped back just as his hand was about to touch the leather.
“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant,” she said, her tone sharper than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure. “Wipe yourself instead. You’re drenched.”
She huffed, a bit embarrassed by the sudden awkwardness, and turned on her heel, walking briskly into the gala without looking back.
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CHAEWOON'S POV
The Elevator
Woo Chaewoon was always quick on his feet. So, when Haein, her attention absorbed by her phone, failed to notice the man about to collide with her as the elevator doors opened, he reacted instinctively.
Chaewoon's reflexes kicked in without thinking. His hand moved swiftly to the small of her back, steadying her just as a man rushed out, too close for comfort.
For a brief moment, he felt her back tense against his chest as he pulled her away. The contact surprisingly electric, but he didn’t let it show. He barely heard her breath catch in her throat, but he noticed.
"Watch your step," he murmured quietly, making sure the man passed safely before letting his hand fall away from her back.
She straightened up quickly, her back stiff. He could feel the subtle shift in her posture as she composed herself.
“I had it under control,” she said, voice a little sharp, but he didn’t respond to the challenge in her tone.
Instead, he stepped into the elevator after her, keeping his face unreadable. “Of course, ma’am.”
She turned to glare at him, her eyes narrowing in irritation. But for just a moment, he caught the faintest flicker of something else there—amusement, maybe. It was gone too quickly for him to dwell on, but it made him smile to himself, just the slightest curve of his lips.
Infuriating. But somehow, she made it worth it.
2. The Heels
Chaewoon had learned to notice the small signs that Haein never acknowledged. He could see it in the way she walked—stiff, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as if she were fighting the discomfort that no one else seemed to notice. Her back straightened, her pace measured, but there was always that subtle shift in her posture after each long meeting. The heels, he knew, were not made for comfort. He also knew she would never be the type to wear flats outside.
So, when they reached the car after a long day, Chaewoon opened the door for her without a word, then quickly adjusted the car mat under her feet. It wasn’t much, just enough to give her a bit of relief, and he did it so smoothly that she almost didn’t catch it.
But she did.
As she slid into the car, he caught the slight wince in her face, then the subtle relief as she settled into the seat. Chaewoon walked around to the front, but when he opened the door to slide in, he saw her eyes lingering on the pair of slippers he had neatly placed inside for her.
Her gaze was confused, almost questioning.
It was an ordinary thing, a small act of care, but it was enough for him to see the slight stiffening in her jaw. He couldn’t help but wonder why she was so resistant to the simplest gestures. After all, he was only doing his job. But still, the thought lingered. She wasn’t supposed to be this difficult to ignore.
Yet, here she was, making it harder than it should be.
3. The Rain
Chaewoon didn’t expect her to notice. The rain had soaked through part of his sleeve, but it wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. He held the umbrella steady over her, making sure not a single drop touched her, while the cold slowly seeped into his own shoulder. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It was his job.
But then, she looked.
It was quick, just a glance at his wet sleeve, but he caught it. The slight pause in her step, the way her gaze lingered a fraction too long before she looked away. She noticed. He wasn’t sure why that detail mattered, but for some reason, it did.
By the time they reached the entrance, she was back to her usual self—sharp, composed, untouchable. But Chaewoon had seen the flicker of something else. He returned with a towel, expecting her to take it without a second thought. Instead, she hesitated.
So he did what came naturally—knelt down in front of her.
Her shoes were wet. He had noticed, of course, just as he noticed the slight shift in her stance, the way she tensed the second she realized what he was about to do. Then, before he could even move, she stepped back.
“You don’t need to do that. You’re not my servant.” Her voice was clipped, but it wasn’t anger. It was something else—something that made her avert her gaze a second too late.
Chaewoon didn’t argue. He simply stood, towel still in hand, watching as she walked away quicker than usual, like she was trying to escape something.
As she walked further ahead, Chaewoon’s eyes followed her. His gaze lingered just a moment longer, catching the flush of her ears—redder than usual.
He wondered if it was the cold, or if it was something else entirely.
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It was another busy day for Hong Haein, this time at Queen’s Department Store. She was making her way through the floors when a commotion near the cosmetics section caught her attention. A small crowd had gathered, murmuring among themselves as an angry man raised his voice at one of the employees.
At first, Haein didn’t interfere, simply observing from a distance.
The customer was demanding a refund for a product that was nearly used up. The employee, a young woman, remained professional, explaining that refunds weren’t possible once the product was almost empty. But the man wasn’t listening. Instead, he insisted—loudly—that his girlfriend’s skin had worsened because of it. A blatant lie. It was a common trick—buy, use, complain, and demand a refund.
But then, the situation escalated.
Frustrated by the refusal, the man swiped an arm across the counter, knocking over bottles and compacts. The sharp sound of breaking glass made the employee flinch.
“Do you think I’m some kind of joke?” His voice rose, and so did his hand.
Chaewoon, standing silently nearby, was already prepared to intervene. But before he could move, Haein was already stepping in.
She caught the man’s wrist mid-air, stopping his hand before it could strike the employee.
“And who the hell are you?!” he snapped, yanking his arm back. His face twisted in outrage, as if personally offended that a woman had dared to stop him.
Haein’s expression remained calm, her voice unwavering. “This is not a place for such behavior.”
The man scoffed. “Then bring me your CEO. I don’t have time for people like you.”
“You’re looking for me?”
His face faltered for a second before he recovered. “So you’re the CEO?” He sneered, folding his arms. “Figures. No wonder your employees are incompetent. Why did you not train your employee properly then!?”
“You’re right,” she said coolly. “Maybe I haven’t trained them properly.” She turned to the employee, glancing at the nametag. “Ms. Kim Minji?”
The young woman tensed, clearly expecting a reprimand.
Haein sighed and crossed her arms. “Your job is to deal with customers only. As for criminals, report them to the police immediately.”
The man’s face reddened. “Wow. A criminal? So now you’re insulting customers? The CEO of this mall looks down on people. We will sue you.”
Haein simply smiled. Behind her, Chaewoon observed the scene with quiet amusement.
“Please do,” she said lightly. “I’ll be suing as well.”
The man sputtered. “What did you just say?!”
His temper snapped. His hand moved again, this time toward Haein.
But before he could get close, a shadow loomed over him.
Chaewoon was already there.
His tall frame blocked the man completely, cutting off his path like an immovable wall. His movements were smooth, effortless, but his presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier. In one swift motion, his hand wrapped around the man’s wrist—not rough, not violent, but firm. A controlled grip, precise and unyielding.
The shift in atmosphere was instant.
The man’s anger wavered, his bravado shrinking under the weight of Chaewoon’s presence. Up close, he could see the way Chaewoon carried himself—not just as an employee, not just as security, but as someone who was dangerous in all the ways that mattered. There was no unnecessary aggression in his stance, no tension in his shoulders, no wild anger in his eyes. Just cold, calculated control. The kind that made people second-guess their next move.
For the first time since the commotion started, the man hesitated.
Chaewoon’s grip didn’t tighten, but the unspoken message was clear: Don’t try it.
The man swallowed. His wrist, though not in pain, felt like it was caught in something unshakable. He looked around, as if realizing how quiet the crowd had gone, how the eyes that once watched in amusement were now filled with anticipation—waiting to see if he would be foolish enough to push further.
He wasn’t.
“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon said evenly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be. It carried the kind of weight that made people listen.
Haein tilted her head, unfazed. “And I’ll add another lawsuit for the sales loss you caused.” She turned to the crowd. “Did you all get that on camera?”
A chorus of affirmations rose from the spectators, many holding up their phones, their screens still recording. A few even cheered.
The man looked around, suddenly realizing how outnumbered he was.
“Take them to the police,” Haein ordered as security finally arrived, stepping forward to apprehend him.
As the man was dragged away, Haein turned back to Chaewoon, a satisfied smile on her face. He met her gaze, his own expression unreadable.
She gave him a small nod. “Let’s go.”
Without another word, Chaewoon followed.
On their way back to the company, Haein found herself replaying the moment in her head.
It had happened so fast. One second, she was handling the situation as she always did—calm, composed, in control. The next, a hand had been raised in her direction, and before she could even react, a shadow had stepped in front of her.
Chaewoon.
Haein had barely registered the movement before he was there, his tall frame blocking her completely. The space that had once felt open was suddenly filled—broad shoulders, solid stance, the subtle shift of muscle beneath his suit.
She hadn’t been expecting it.
She had seen him be cautious before, seen the way he silently observed her surroundings. But this was different.
His hand had wrapped around the man’s wrist—not roughly, not aggressively, but with a kind of controlled force that left no room for argument.
She hadn’t seen his face at first, only the sharp line of his jaw from the side, the way his fingers flexed slightly as if calculating the exact amount of strength needed to hold back without breaking.
Then she had seen the change in the man’s expression. The way his anger faltered, the realization creeping in. He had thought he could intimidate her, but now he was faced with someone he couldn’t push, someone who didn’t even need to raise his voice to make his presence known.
“You can be charged with obstruction of business, property damage, and attempted assault,” Chaewoon had said, his voice low, even. It wasn’t loud, but it carried the kind of weight that made people listen.
Chaewoon didn’t move, his stance unwavering, his hand still gripping the man’s wrist as he watched him with cool detachment. And for the first time, Haein realized something.
For all the quiet patience she had seen in Woo Chaewoon, there was another side to him. A side that wouldn’t hesitate to shield her the moment someone dared to lay a hand on her.
And for reasons she couldn’t quite place, she found herself staring at him just a moment longer than necessary.
Gentle, quiet, patient Woo Chaewoon. You had this side to you, huh?
The thought followed her into the car. As they drove in silence, she caught a glimpse of him through the rearview mirror. He looked the same as always—calm, focused, completely unbothered.
She clicked her tongue and turned to the window, blinking more times than necessary.
As if that would make her stop thinking about it.
From the front seat, Chaewoon felt Haein’s gaze linger on him. He kept his eyes on the road, but he noticed everything—the slight shift in her seat, the way she suddenly blinked faster before turning to the window.
For a brief moment, he felt… aware of himself. Just a little.
But why?
Why did her gaze make him falter, even for a second?
He didn’t know.
< Chapter 3 Chapter 5 >
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incorporated some QOT scenes in the story >< will also incorporate BF scenes next chapters!
I feel like maybe the story's pacing is a little slow I noticed that it has fewer readers each chapter🥲 maybe the slow-burn is burning too slow?🥲
but it's fine! I was momentarily discouraged to continue it but honestly, I think I'm also writing this story mostly for myself hihi it's been a loonnggg while since I started writing something again, like actually writing and not just daydreaming about it throughout the day
thank you again who's still tuning in! <3
taglist: @lvnat1c <3
UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은) Chapter List
A cross-over story between Woo Chaewoon (Ju Jihoon) from Blood Free and Hong Haein (Kim Jiwon) from Queen of Tears.
The undercover bodyguard and the chaebol heiress.
Synopsis
CH1: A Thorn in Her Side
CH2: Day One - Unwelcome Presence
CH3: Cracks in the Ice
CH4: In His Care
CH5: A Quiet Moment
CH6: Curiosities
CH7: Rain, Candy, and Curiosity
Trauma Code: A Hero in Love
genre: workplace romance, comedy, mutual pinning, slow-burn, banter, suggestive
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
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this account has now become a place for me to write ju jihoon fanfics🫶🏻 let's be moots on twitter! @dalilmountain
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