our crossed paths | jww.

nine.

It was a message from Jiwoo.

Accompanied by a photo—a selfie of her and Ahrin.

Ahrin looked as bright and cheerful as ever, her little face lit up with a smile, while Jiwoo was beside her, looking a bit tired but still smiling warmly at the camera. The sight of them together stirred something in Wonwoo, a mix of curiosity and relief.

Jiwoo: Look who I ran into today!

Wonwoo stared at the picture, his curiosity piqued. He quickly typed a response.

Wonwoo: How did this happen? Did you go to her school?

A moment later, Jiwoo's reply came through.

Jiwoo: Yes, I was there on behalf of the hospital for a routine check-up, especially with this flu season going around. And, as fate would have it, Ahrin was there! She's doing just fine, by the way, so no need to worry.

Relief washed over Wonwoo, knowing that Ahrin was in good hands. But then, a thought struck him, and he quickly responded.

Wonwoo: Thanks for letting me know. I just got off work—how about I pick her up? We can meet again.

There was a slight pause before Jiwoo replied.

Jiwoo: Sure, we're still here. See you soon!

"Director-nim, Manager-nim, since we've wrapped up for the day, I'll get going first!"

"Okay hyung, see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow's call-time is early in the morning, Wonwoo. Remember that!"

"Alright!" Wonwoo quipped.

Wonwoo wasted no time, starting his car and driving toward Ahrin's school.

The traffic felt slower than usual, his anticipation growing with each passing minute. He hadn't expected to see Jiwoo again so soon, and the thought of reuniting with her, even briefly, brought an unexpected flutter of excitement.

When he arrived, Jiwoo and Ahrin were waiting just outside the school gates. Ahrin spotted him first and broke into a delighted run, her arms outstretched.

"Daddy!" she called, her voice filled with joy.

Wonwoo crouched down, catching her in his arms and lifting her up. "Hey, my little one. Were you a good girl today?"

Ahrin nodded enthusiastically, still grinning. "Dr. Jiwoo was here! We played together!"

Wonwoo smiled at her excitement, then turned his attention to Jiwoo, who was watching them with a gentle expression. "Thanks for looking after her today," he said, his tone sincere.

"It was no trouble at all. Ahrin is a sweetheart. And like I said, she's doing great, so you don't need to worry." Jiwoo waved off his gratitude.

Wonwoo nodded, feeling reassured. But then, something made him ask, "And you? How are you doing?"

The question caught Jiwoo off guard, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. She hadn't expected him to ask about her, especially not with such genuine concern. "Oh, I'm fine," she replied, a little flustered.

"Just the usual—busy with work, but nothing I can't handle."

Wonwoo noticed her reaction, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

There was a brief silence between them, one that felt charged with something unspoken. Ahrin, sensing the quiet, looked between them curiously, then decided to break it by tugging on Jiwoo's hand.