Trauma Code: A Hero In Love

d a m n

UNSPOKEN Special Chapter 2

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

Special Chapter: An Intimate Moment (Sneak Peek)

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

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

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a heartbeat, the air shifted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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----> Unspoken Chapter List

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 6: Curiosities

After a quiet moment of care, Haein and Chaewoon start to see each other differently. What began as simple concern turns into something more, leaving them both with questions they didn’t expect to ask.

The car’s engine hummed as he drove through the quiet city streets. His fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel.

He should’ve left right after. That was the plan. That had always been the plan.

He kept reminding himself—You were only doing your job.

Get her home. Make sure she’s safe. Report back. That was it. That’s all this was.

But it wasn’t, was it?

His mind drifted back to the moment, just minutes earlier. The soft weight of her in his arms as he carried her to her bed. The way her hair fell over her face, the warmth of her breath brushing against his collar. He remembered kneeling down, tucking her in with practiced, detached care. And then—

That tug.

So faint. So subtle. Yet it hit him like a bullet.

Her fingers, curled into his sleeve. Her voice, soft and sleepy. “…Stay.”

Chaewoon’s jaw clenched at the memory.

She hadn’t even been fully conscious. Didn’t know what she was asking. It wasn’t intentional. But it didn’t matter. Because something in him had responded anyway. Something dangerous.

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

He wasn’t supposed to do that. He wasn’t just a bodyguard. He wasn’t just a driver. He was a spy. A watcher in the dark. And now, not only was he reporting the Chairman’s words and movements—but hers too.

Every time she spoke, every time she looked too tired, too sad, too human—he was supposed to observe it, and file it away like evidence. Every word, every glance, every crack in her voice—he was expected to report all of it. But lately, he found himself leaving most of it out. Especially the parts where she was vulnerable. The parts that made her feel real. The parts that made him feel something.

That half-asleep voice calling him back. Those fingers clutching his jacket like he was her last lifeline.

That instinct inside him that wanted to sit by her side a little longer.

He told himself again, This is just a job. But it didn’t land like it used to.

Because for the first time, he didn’t want to detach.

He hadn’t wanted to let go. And that terrified him more than anything else.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened as the streetlights passed overhead. He was in too deep.

And if he wasn’t careful, Haein wouldn’t be the only one left vulnerable.

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Hong Haein woke up feeling unusually well-rested. Which was strange, considering the last thing she remembered was reviewing reports in her office, fighting off sleep.

She sat up, blinking groggily. The familiar walls of her bedroom came into focus.

Wait.

Her room?

How—?

Her gaze shifted to the bedside table, where a neatly arranged breakfast tray sat next to a small packet of medicine.

And then she saw it.

A folded note.

She already knew who it was from before she even picked it up.

“Eat your breakfast. Drink your medicine.”

No greeting. No signature. Just straightforward and to the point—exactly how Woo Chaewoon always spoke to her.

Haein exhaled, a small, involuntary smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Typical.

But just as she reached for the cup of warm tea, a memory from the night before suddenly hit her.

—The feeling of strong arms lifting her.

—A quiet, steady presence beside her bed.

—The warmth of a jacket in her grasp.

—Her own voice, half-asleep, murmuring, “…Stay.”

Haein froze.

Oh. No.

Her stomach dropped as the realization sank in.

She slapped a hand over her face.

Please tell me that didn’t actually happen.

But it did.

And now she had to face him.

…Or, maybe she could just avoid him for the rest of the day. Possibly forever.

Yes. That sounded like a solid plan. Absolutely.

Haein had barely wrapped her mind around the idea of avoiding Chaewoon for the entire day when her phone buzzed.

Chaewoon: Are you awake?

She stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She could ignore him. Pretend she was still asleep. But knowing him, he’d just find a way to confirm it himself.

With a sigh, she typed back.

Haein: Yes.

His reply was instant.

Chaewoon: May I come in for a second?

Her breath hitched.

What? Here? Now?

She sat frozen for a few seconds, completely flustered. She could shut him down coldly, tell him she didn’t need anything. That would be the logical thing to do. The easy thing.

And yet, she hesitated.

Before she could decide, there was a soft knock on the door.

“Ma’am?” His voice was calm but firm. “Are you alright?”

She pressed her lips together, gripping the blanket on her lap. If I don’t answer, maybe he’ll just leave—

“I’m coming in.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait—”

The door opened.

Chaewoon stepped inside, scanning the room, and when his eyes landed on her—very much unharmed, sitting in bed still wearing her office clothes from yesterday—his tense shoulders relaxed.

Haein narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Instead of answering, he took a few steps forward, holding up a small container.

She blinked. “What is that?”

“Ointment.”

“For?”

He nodded toward her feet. She followed his gaze—only then noticing the faint scratches along the sides.

Haein frowned. She must’ve gotten them from walking around in heels all day yesterday inside and outside the company. She remembered him insisting she rest her feet for a while, but she stubbornly refused. No wonder her feet now looked like that. She hadn’t even realized.

“You didn’t notice,” Chaewoon observed, setting the container on the bedside table.

“It’s nothing,” she muttered. “I don’t need that.”

He looked at her for a second, then knelt beside the bed, opening the container.

“I can apply it myself,” she said quickly.

“Please let me.”

The words were simple, quiet. But something in the way he said them made her pause.

She could argue, tell him it was unnecessary. But instead, she found herself sighing as she stretched out one foot, just slightly.

Chaewoon took it as permission.

His hands were steady, his touch careful as he smoothed the ointment over her skin. It was efficient—clinical, almost. But the warmth of his fingers lingered, and for some reason, it made her stomach feel strangely unsettled.

She stared down at him, at the way he focused on his task with quiet precision.

“…Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice softer than she intended.

“Because you don’t take care of yourself,” he said simply, not looking up.

Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the blunt honesty.

For once, she didn’t have a sharp retort.

She just watched him, heart beating a little too loudly in her chest.

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Haein hadn’t meant to stare.

She really hadn’t.

But as Chaewoon carefully applied the ointment, she found herself noticing things she had never paid attention to before.

The way his brows furrowed ever so slightly, a flicker of disapproval at the sight of her scratched-up feet. The way his long fingers worked with precision, careful yet firm. The way his eyes blinked, just a bit slower, every time she flinched at the cool sting of the ointment.

She knew he was handsome. Of course, she did. A little too handsome, honestly. But she had never really looked at him before. Not like this.

And now, for some reason, she was seeing his face as if for the first time.

The sharp angles softened by the warm glow of the morning light. The contrast of his dark lashes against his skin. The way his lips pressed together in quiet concentration.

It was… distracting.

Too distracting.

Haein caught herself before she could stare any longer. But it was already too late.

Because just as she snapped out of it, Chaewoon glanced up—

And caught her staring.

Their eyes met.

A brief, fleeting second stretched into something much longer, something heavier.

Her throat went dry.

Immediately, she looked away, clearing her throat as if that could erase the moment. “Thank you,” she said quickly, voice a little too firm. “You can go now.”

Chaewoon, as always, didn’t react much. He simply nodded, closing the container and standing up.

But as he walked toward the door, Haein was very aware of the fact that her heart was beating just a little too fast.

And that was the most annoying part of all.

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Chaewoon was a spy. A professional. He had been trained to detect the subtlest of changes, the smallest of shifts in energy.

So of course, he noticed.

He noticed the way Haein’s gaze lingered on him a little too long. The way her breathing changed ever so slightly when his fingers brushed against her skin. The way she was staring—really staring—as if she was seeing him for the first time.

And the most frustrating part?

He felt it.

A warmth creeping up the back of his neck. The sudden self-awareness of his own hands, his posture. A flicker of something unfamiliar curling in his stomach.

He had faced interrogation, surveillance, and the world’s most dangerous criminals without so much as blinking. He had never been intimidated by anyone.

But under her gaze, for the first time—

He felt… shy.

It was ridiculous.

He willed himself to focus, to keep his hands steady as he finished applying the ointment. But when he finally looked up and met her eyes, something in his chest dropped.

And then—just as quickly—she snapped her head to the side, clearing her throat, hastily dismissing him.

Chaewoon almost—almost—smiled.

She had lost her composure first. That was something, at least.

He stood, giving a brief nod before stepping out of her room.

The moment the door shut behind him, he exhaled sharply. His pulse was annoyingly unsteady. His ears felt oddly warm.

He headed straight for the kitchen, grabbed a glass of water, and downed it in one go. Then, setting the glass down, he wiped a hand over his forehead.

What the hell was that?

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Haein wanted to bury herself alive.

She had barely survived that embarrassing encounter with Chaewoon, and now, all she wanted to do was crawl back under the covers and pretend it never happened.

But then—

A familiar scent drifted toward her.

She blinked, glancing at the bedside table. Oh. Right. Breakfast.

Fine. She’d eat first. Then continue moping.

She picked up her spoon and took a bite.

…And immediately paused.

Something was different.

She took another bite, slower this time.

The taste was—better than usual. Which was strange, because their family chef was already excellent. But this? This had a warmth to it. A personal touch.

Had Chaewoon ordered it from somewhere?

She needed to know.

Still half-lost in her hunger thoughts, she grabbed her phone and sent a text.

Haein: Where did you get this breakfast?

It didn’t take long for him to reply.

Chaewoon: I made it.

Haein froze mid-chew.

He… cooked it?

She stared at the screen, then back at her food. Then back at the screen.

Woo Chaewoon—the man who barely spoke, who always had that unreadable expression, who moved like a human shadow—could cook?

Her curiosity flared, completely uninvited.

Since when? Where did he learn? Why is he good?

And then, a far more dangerous thought entered her mind.

Does he have a family?

She had never even considered it before. When he was first assigned to her, she had been too annoyed, too disinterested to care about his personal life. But now…

He was older than her. Ten years older.

Does he have a wife?

A girlfriend?

The idea of Chaewoon coming home to someone—someone waiting for him, cooking for him the way he cooked for her—made something twist uncomfortably in her chest.

Haein immediately shut the thought down.

She was being ridiculous.

She stabbed at her food, scowling.

She didn’t care.

…But somehow, she had to know.

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Chaewoon knew Haein had taken the day off. It was a sudden decision early that morning when she sent a quick text to her assistant, her personal driver, and him.

And he was already outside her room when he received the text, ointment in hand. He had to give it to her or atleast make sure she uses it. It was the only reason he had asked to come into her room earlier.

She was a workaholic—someone who rarely, if ever, took a break—so it had crossed his mind to wonder why. But at the same time, he was relieved. At least she knew how to rest.

Now, his job was simple. Stay close. Be there if she needed anything.

It was a quiet morning, until his phone buzzed. A text from Haein.

Haein: Where did you get this breakfast?

He blinked. His first thought: Is something wrong with it?

Chaewoon: I made it.

No reply.

A small crease formed between his brows.

Did she not like it? Did it taste bad?

He had made it without much thought, just going about his usual routine. And yet, now that she was actually eating it, he found himself oddly self-conscious.

Maybe he should have just let the family chef cook for her. Maybe—

His phone buzzed again. His eyes immediately darting to her text.

Haein: Thanks. I like it.

Chaewoon exhaled, a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

And before he could stop himself—

He smiled.

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Haein couldn’t stop thinking about it.

It was annoying.

How come she knew next to nothing about her own bodyguard?

Other than the obvious—tall, quiet, handsome, surprisingly good at cooking, and annoyingly considerate—she knew nothing.

She considered asking her grandfather, but immediately scrapped the idea. Knowing him, he’d probably bring it up to Chaewoon directly, and there was no way she was dealing with that level of embarrassment.

So instead, she pulled out her phone and messaged her secretary.

Haein: Give me anything you can find on Woo Chaewoon.

Secretary: Your bodyguard?

Haein: Yes.

Secretary: Shouldn’t you already know about him since he’s, you know… your bodyguard?

Haein: I wouldn’t be asking you if I did.

Her secretary, to their credit, didn’t ask any more questions.

Now all she had to do was wait. But sitting still wasn’t an option.

Maybe—just maybe—she could get some information out of him herself.

Casually. Subtly. Completely normal conversation.

She grabbed her laptop (so it looked like she was working) and stepped out into the garden. Where, as expected, Chaewoon was already positioned a few steps away, arms crossed, watching the surroundings.

She took a deep breath, calming the ridiculous nervous energy in her chest.

Alright, Woo Chaewoon. Let’s see what I can find out about you.

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Haein had a plan. Casually strike up a conversation with Chaewoon. You know, just to get a little information out of him. She was just a little curious after all. Just a little.

But it was easier said than done.

She tried forming natural conversation starters in her head, but it’s been 20 minutes since she went outside her room and pretended to look busy with her laptop in the garden.

Maybe she’d just wait whatever her secretary found out about him after all.

And then, a notification popped up on her laptop.

Finally.

Her secretary had sent a file and some links.

Nice.

But she couldn’t open them. Not yet. Not when Chaewoon was right there, just a few steps behind her.

Sure, he was far enough that he wouldn’t be able to read her screen, but still—she couldn’t risk it. She needed him gone, just for a few minutes.

So, in the most nonchalant voice she could muster, she said, “Can you bring me coffee? And maybe a few snacks.” She never ordered him around for simple things like this. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

Chaewoon glanced at her, tilting his head slightly—almost as if questioning the odd request—but he nodded and left without a word.

As soon as he was gone, she opened everything.

First, the basics.

Birthday: December 10.

“Oh,” she murmured. “That’s in a few weeks.”

Then—

Military background. Marine Corps. 707th Special Mission Group.

Her brows lifted. A soldier? A high-ranking one, actually.

“How did he end up as a bodyguard?” she muttered to herself.

Unfortunately, there was nothing about his family. But—

A link to a social media profile. She clicked on it.

As expected, no posts. Not even a profile picture. Clearly just for business or minimal communication.

But then—

Tagged posts.

Bingo.

Most of them were group photos from training and work. Nothing too interesting.

Until—

Her eyes landed on one particular photo.

A woman. And a child.

Her fingers froze on the trackpad.

His wife? His daughter?

Her mind raced.

Before she could process the thought, someone cleared their throat.

Right behind her.

Shit.

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When Chaewoon first saw Haein step out of her room, he nearly did a double take.

Gone were the usual luxury clothes, the perfectly styled hair, and the sharp, intimidating makeup. Instead, she was in cozy attire—loose, comfortable clothes, her hair casually falling over her shoulders, her face bare of any enhancements.

It wasn’t a sight he was used to.

And oddly enough… he found her even prettier like this.

Of course, he already knew she was beautiful. He had met plenty of beautiful women in his life. But without any bias, he could say with certainty—Hong Haein was probably the most beautiful of all.

That thought alone made him mentally slap himself. What the hell am I thinking?

He quickly focused back on his job.

She was working, of course. Even on her day off. But something was different. She was restless. She kept glancing at her phone. Checking her laptop inbox. Again, and again.

She’s waiting for something, he concluded.

Then—

“Can you bring me coffee? And maybe a few snacks?”

That made him pause. It wasn’t strange, exactly. But she had never asked him to do something so trivial before.

Had she finally warmed up to him? Enough to start giving him simple errands?

Without questioning it, he nodded and left. But when he returned—

He found her eyes glued to her laptop. And on her screen, his background information. He immediately understood.

So that’s what she was waiting for.

Amusement flickered in his eyes as he watched her scroll, intensely focused.

Then, when she landed on the photo—the one with the woman and the little girl—he noticed it.

Her brows furrowed.

The same way they always did when she was too focused… or irritated.

And she stared at it for a little too long.

Chaewoon couldn’t help but smile. He shook his head lightly.

Is this why she suddenly sent me to get snacks?

Somehow, he found it… oddly cute.

Finally, deciding to put an end to her “research,” he cleared his throat.

And immediately, she froze in place.

If he had less self-control, he would’ve teased her about it. Or maybe let out a chuckle.

But if he wanted to keep his head intact, it was probably best not to.

< Chapter 5 Chapter 7 >

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Okay!! My favorite part was actually supposed to be included here in this chapter but I realized it was getting too long so I had to cut it into two parts >< working on Chapter 7 right now!! This is where I was actually cheesing the entire time I was writing this story.

taglist: @lvnat1c @strangerinthesecretforest <3

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

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

Chapter 10: A Worry He Couldn’t Name

As Haein pushes through her busy days quiet symptoms begin to surface—headaches, dizziness, and fatigue she brushes off. But Chaewoon notices it all, his silent concern growing. But as the days pass, it becomes harder for either of them to pretend nothing’s wrong.

Haein leaned back in her chair, brows furrowed, as she stared at Chaewoon through the glass walls of her office. She had been noticing it lately—how he was being extra attentive toward her.

Chaewoon had always been different from other bodyguards. He wasn’t just the silent, stoic type standing at a distance. He went above and beyond, a quiet presence who handled everything before she even thought to ask.

And she didn’t mind it.

In fact, she had gotten used to it—the way he was always there, the silent acts of service, the gentleness laced into his actions and words. She had grown so accustomed to him that sometimes, she forgot to notice how much she relied on his presence.

But lately… something was different.

It started one afternoon.

She had been getting headaches for days—nothing serious, she thought. Just the usual stress. She would pop a pill, drink some water, and move on with her day.

But Chaewoon had begun hovering more than necessary.

When her throat went dry during a meeting and she coughed lightly, he was at her side almost instantly, a glass of water in hand.

“Are you alright? Should I call someone to check on you?” he whispered, concern etched into his face. Haein waved him off. “…My throat was just dry. Calm down.”

Another time, during rounds at Queen’s Department Store, she misstepped slightly on the escalator. Chaewoon immediately caught her arm, steadying her before she could fall.

“The whole point of an escalator is so you don’t have to walk,” he muttered with a tsk, examining her feet briefly. “Everyone walks on escalators,” Haein scoffed.

“But you’re wearing high heels,” he said, exasperated. “Please be more careful.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re getting annoying, you know that?”

And just yesterday, as she sat reviewing documents, her fingers absentmindedly pressing against her forehead, she hadn’t even noticed him approach until he was standing beside her table—with food in hand.

“You haven’t eaten yet,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m not hungry,” she replied without looking up.

“Your head’s going to hurt again if you keep starving yourself,” he said softly, lowering the paper she was reading and placing the neatly packed food in front of her. “Please eat.”

But, there was a reason why Chaewoon had been acting this way lately.

Chaewoon had always been observant. He was quick to notice the smallest changes—the slight shifts in a person’s behavior, the quiet signals that something was wrong. And he didn’t fail to notice the changes happening to Hong Haein.

It started one afternoon.

Chaewoon stood just right outside the door, his eyes scanning the quiet office as Haein worked, her sharp focus on the documents before her. But as he watched her, a subtle unease began to creep into him. The usual quick movements of her hands were slower now. The focus in her eyes, once unshakeable, had become distant at times.

She reached for a pen to sign a document, but it slipped from her fingers, landing on the floor with a soft clatter. Haein frowned, blinking as if trying to shake off a sudden dizziness.

“Miss Haein?” Chaewoon’s voice was soft but laced with concern. She looked up, her expression briefly vacant before it cleared.

“I’m fine,” she muttered, her tone clipped as usual, but there was a hint of something off in the way she said it. A sharpness that had once been there now seemed worn, frayed around the edges.

Chaewoon stood, walking over to her desk. “You’re not fine.” He picked up the pen she’d dropped and handed it to her, his fingers brushing against hers for a brief moment. Haein didn’t seem to notice, her hand shaky as she grasped the pen.

“It’s just the headaches.” She replied, he wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him, or herself.

But it wasn’t just this one moment.

Chaewoon had seen it before—the slight hesitation in her steps, the way her confident stride would falter for half a second, as if her body momentarily forgot how to move. At first, he brushed it off, thinking she was merely lost in thought. But it kept happening. Again and again.

And so, he couldn’t help it—he found himself watching her more closely, worrying about her with every step she took.

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One night, as Chaewoon escorted her back to the mansion, he noticed it again. Her hand, clutching her bag, trembled ever so slightly. Her steps were slower than usual, and her forehead had been pressed lightly all day, as if she were trying to soothe a growing ache.

Without a word, Chaewoon swiftly took the bag from her hands and gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, grounding her.

“Are you alright?” His voice was laced with quiet concern.

Haein sighed, “Can you stop doing that?”

Chaewoon blinked in surprise. “Doing what?”

“Being dramatic,” she muttered, though there was no real anger in her tone, just a tired edge to it.

“I’m really fine, Mr. Woo. I’ve just been tired lately. You can stop worrying now.” She snatched the bag from him and walked off without looking back.

“I understand,” Chaewoon said softly, though the words didn’t quite settle in her chest.

When Haein reached her room, she immediately regretted her harsh response. She hadn’t meant to push him away like that, but she hated feeling vulnerable in front of him.

She sank down on the edge of her bed, her head heavy with more than just fatigue.

If she was honest with herself, something didn’t feel right. Her headaches had become constant, her memory slipping more often than not, and sometimes, her vision blurred as if she were seeing through a fog.

It only added to her growing frustration, and she didn’t want to take it out on Chaewoon—especially when she knew he was just trying to help. But the truth was, his concern was starting to wear on her.

Why is he so concerned anyway? What am I to him?

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It was a busy morning for Hong Haein. News had arrived that the Director of Hycerna would be visiting Korea and attending the 20th Investors Gala the following week. Haein had long been working to secure a deal to bring Hycerna to Queen’s Department Store—and she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.

Determined, she spent the morning clearing her schedule and strategizing how best to convince Mr. Hermann to sign with Queen’s.

Meanwhile, Chaewoon stood outside her closet room, mildly concerned as he listened to the thuds of shoes and the rustling of clothes being thrown onto the floor.

A moment later, Haein emerged from the chaos, two dresses held up on hangers.

“Choose. Both are limited edition from Hycerna. Which one will make a better impression?” she asked, slightly breathless.

“You’re asking for my opinion?” Chaewoon blinked.

“I’m in a dilemma, obviously. I need a second opinion,” she said, thrusting the dresses forward.

Chaewoon narrowed his eyes. To him, the two dresses looked almost identical—but he wisely kept that thought to himself, he knew Haein would glare at him if he said that.

“I think both dresses would look beautiful on you,” he said, making Haein blink in surprise.

“But,” he continued thoughtfully, “if you want to make a strong first impression as a serious businesswoman, I’d go with the one on the left. The one on the right feels more like you’re hosting a party.”

Haein stared at him, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn’t expected him to actually take the question seriously, much less give such a thoughtful answer.

And to her own surprise, she found herself appreciating it.

“Thanks. Are you usually this good with women’s clothes?” Haein asked, disappearing into the closet with the dress in hand.

Chaewoon chuckled, leaning back against the doorframe. “Let’s just say having an older sister gave me plenty of training. You wouldn’t believe how many outfit decisions I had to make for her growing up.” He smiled at the memory of him when he was young, held hostage by his older sister as she shoved different clothes in front him.

Haein smiled at the thought, sliding into the dress. “Sounds like you two are close.”

“Yeah, we are,” he said, a fond look passing over his face. “Our parents were always working, so she basically played the role of a second mom. She nagged the hell out of me, we bickered constantly—but she always had my back. I’ll always be grateful for her.”

Inside the closet, Haein paused, touched by how warmly he spoke about his sister. “Where is she now? Does she live overseas?” She asked, recalling the picture she saw on his account before. It looked like it was taken at another country.

Chaewoon nodded. “Yeah. They moved Germany for her daughter’s medical treatment.”

Chaewoon’s voice softened slightly, the usual playfulness giving way to something quieter. “My niece was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition. Treatment options here were limited, but there’s a specialist in Berlin. They’ve been there for almost two years now.”

Haein, still behind the door, stilled at the weight of his words. “That must’ve been hard… for all of you.”

“It was,” he admitted. “But they’re doing okay now. My niece is responding well to the treatment. She’s a tough little kid.”

There was a small pause, only the sound of fabric shifting as Haein adjusted the dress. Then, her voice came, gentler than before. “You really care about your family.”

Chaewoon huffed a short laugh. “Of course. I owe a lot to them.” Then, trying to lighten the mood, he added, “Though I’m still salty about being her fashion guinea pig for all those years.”

The door creaked slightly as Haein peeked out, one hand gripping the frame. “Well, all that trauma paid off. This dress fits perfectly.”

When Haein finally stepped out of her closet, Chaewoon looked up—and froze for just a moment.

Haein stood there, the soft lighting catching the subtle shimmer of the fabric. The color complimented her skin tone, the cut elegant but simple. She looked both graceful and strong.

“Well?” she asked, casually adjusting the cuffs of her sleeves. “How do I look?”

Chaewoon stood there, his eyes glued to her. “You… look nice.”

Haein raised an eyebrow. “That all you got, Mr. Former Fashion Consultant?”

Chaewoon stepped forward without a word and smoothed the cuffs for her, his touch careful.

“You look beautiful, Miss Haein,” he said softly.

She stilled.

He had said that word before—beautiful. A compliment she’d heard countless times, from countless people. It never meant much. But somehow, when he said it, it landed differently. Quiet. Sincere. Almost reverent.

She cleared her throat, composing herself. “I always do.”

Chaewoon smiled faintly, as if he’d been waiting for that exact answer. He let her go, but not without one last glance.

Haein turned toward the full-length mirror in her room, adjusting the hem of her blouse. But just as she took a step, her vision blurred, and her legs wavered slightly beneath her.

Chaewoon instinctively moved forward, his hand twitching at his side, ready to steady her. But he stopped himself—just in time. He remembered her words from the other day, Can you stop doing that? Being dramatic.

So, he stayed rooted where he was, jaw tightening, his eyes following her every movement. He didn’t want to upset her again. Didn’t want to make her feel like she was being treated like glass.

But to him, it wasn’t a small thing. Not anymore. Not when it had been happening more often lately—those brief moments when she’d falter, sway, or lose her breath just a beat too long.

Haein caught it—the way his body had tensed the moment she stumbled, the way his concern almost leapt forward again. He didn’t say anything. But he didn’t have to. She could feel it.

She didn’t actually mind Chaewoon’s quiet protectiveness. In truth, it warmed her more than she ever admitted. But today, she didn’t want to be the cause of that look on his face again. The one that hovered between worry and restraint.

Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was fear. Or maybe it was something softer, harder to name.

Because the truth was, she liked the way he made her feel—safe, seen. Around him, she could let her guard down. She could look tired, be tired, and not feel ashamed. He never asked her to be anything more than herself.

But the more time they spent together, the more she felt it—that ache in her chest every time she caught him quietly watching her like she might disappear.

And that…

That was the part that scared her.

< Chapter 9 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

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

UNSPOKEN (말하지 않은)

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

CHAPTER 1: A Thorn in Her Side

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that made her his problem to solve.

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

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

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

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

Cold. Composed. Untouchable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that annoyed her.

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

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

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

A beautiful, dangerous problem.

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

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

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

So jihoon’s malibu spoiler happened to be a car commerical for Chevorlet! I rlly thought it was an actual photoshoot but seeing jihoon in a super fancy car is one thing crossed off from my “I want to see jihoon doing this” list

Also he sounds like haewonmak all throughout the commercial until that one part where he sounds like in chul lol