our crossed paths | jww.

seven.

Wonwoo stood there quietly, giving them a few moments of uninterrupted time. He realized how much this small gesture from Jiwoo meant to both him and Ahrin.

Jiwoo's presence had brought comfort and calm to a stressful situation, and for that, he felt deeply grateful.

"Ehem," after a few minutes, Wonwoo cleared his throat gently, not wanting to startle either of them. Jiwoo looked up, her expression shifting from one of engagement to one of gentle understanding when she finally recognised the man behind the mask.

"Oh, Wonwoo," Jiwoo said softly, closing the book and setting it aside. "You're back."

Ahrin turned her head, her eyes lighting up when she saw her father. "Daddy!"

Wonwoo walked over and gently lifted Ahrin into his arms, holding her close. He looked at Jiwoo, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Jiwoo. I can't express how much this means to me. I'm glad she's feeling better."

"She's a brave little girl. I'm glad I could help." Jiwoo nodded, a serene smile on her face.

Wonwoo took a moment to compose himself, his emotions still stirred by the scene he had witnessed. He glanced at Ahrin, who was now nestled comfortably against him, and then back at Jiwoo.

"Would you like to join us for a quick coffee or a meal, as a thank you?" Wonwoo offered, his voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation.

Jiwoo shook her head, her smile never fading. "I'm on shift for a little while longer. But I'm glad I could be here for Ahrin. It was a pleasure to spend time with her."

"Alright," Wonwoo said, nodding in understanding. "Thank you again. I'll make sure to thank you properly later."

"Don't trouble yourself. Like I told you before, it's my duty and job," Jiwoo smiled.

Jiwoo watched as Wonwoo and Ahrin prepared to leave, feeling a sense of satisfaction from having made another patient happy again.

As they walked out of the room, Wonwoo felt a pang of nostalgia for his late wife, considering he walked out of the hospital, the place he once dreaded.

The car was filled with the soft hum of the engine as Wonwoo drove through the city streets, his eyes occasionally glancing at Ahrin in the rearview mirror. She was strapped safely in her car seat, her position now facing forward, just like Jiwoo once said.

The day had been long and exhausting for Wonwoo, who had to work in the break of dawn, but seeing Ahrin seemed more at ease now, his distress faded.

As they stopped at a red light, Wonwoo turned slightly in his seat to check on her. "Are you feeling better, Ahrin-ah?"

"Yes," Ahrin nodded, her eyes drooping a little but still managing a small smile. "Daddy, I like Dr. Jiwoo."

Wonwoo's heart softened at her words. "You do, huh? Why do you like Dr. Jiwoo, sweetie?"

Ahrin thought for a moment, her tiny brow furrowing in concentration. "She's nice... she make Ahrin feel better... and read book to Ahrin."

Wonwoo smiled, a tender warmth spreading through his chest. "Yes, she is very nice, isn't she?"

"Dr. Jiwoo helped Daddy feel better too." he whispered, more directed to himself.

"Dr. Jiwoo like Mama?"

Wonwoo's breath hitched at the unexpected question, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, his voice soft. "In some ways, yes. She's very kind, just like Mama was."