our crossed paths | jww.

seventeen.

The days flew by in a blur.

Like any couple eager to grow closer, Jiwoo and Wonwoo longed for time together—to talk, go on dates, laugh at silly things, and share quiet moments. They wanted to build something real, something lasting.

But life, as always, came with its conditions.

And for them, those conditions were their careers—frustratingly out of sync.

While Wonwoo was deep into filming the second half of his drama, Jiwoo found herself drowning in hospital rounds, her cases never-ending.

When one was free, the other was busy. Their schedules rarely aligned, leaving them mostly texting between work breaks.

Jiwoo: The wards are packed today. I'm so, so tired...

Wonwoo: Hang in there, love. The kids need you.

Wonwoo: Although... I need you too.

Jiwoo: Aish. Cheesy.

Wonwoo: Hehe. But for real—I'm low on energy too. Another night shoot coming up in a bit.

Jiwoo: Thank goodness you're wrapping up the drama soon. Filming's this drama has been a rollercoaster of events and emotions for you.

Wonwoo: True... But something good came out of it, I got you.

Jiwoo: Wonwoo!

Jiwoo felt her cheeks warm as a blush crept in. She wasn't used to this side of Wonwoo, the flirty, open-hearted version of him. But she wasn't complaining either.

He had been true to his word about taking things slow, about waiting for her to open her heart again.

"Coffee delivery for Dr. Kang Jiwoo?"

Suddenly, there was a knock on the staff room door.

Jiwoo blinked, turning towards the voice. "I didn't order any coff—" Her words trailed off when she saw who it was.

Standing there, holding two paper bags of coffee, was Wonwoo.

Even with his mask on, the smile was unmistakable—his eyes curved into crescents.

"What are you doing here?!" Jiwoo whispered, her voice a mixture of shock and delight.

Wonwoo grinned behind his mask. "I told you I needed energy, didn't I?"

Jiwoo glanced around nervously before grabbing his arm and pulling him into a nearby office. "I don't have my own office yet, so... this is Min's. He's in the OR right now," she explained, hurriedly removing her mask and stethoscope hanging on her neck.

Wonwoo set the coffee bags down and slowly pulled off his mask, giving her a soft smile. "I'll have to thank him for the space later."

Jiwoo paused. "Wait, he doesn't know about us yet."

Wonwoo raised an eyebrow, his expression playful. "Us?"

"You know... me and you... uhh..." Jiwoo fumbled for words, feeling heat rush to her face.

"Yeah, what about us?" Wonwoo's smile widened, teasing her gently.

"Uhm," Jiwoo gulped.

"Relax. We're taking this slow, remember? No rush, no labels. Everything will happen when it's meant to." he continued.

Jiwoo nodded, looking down to hide her flustered expression. Wonwoo chuckled, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. The gesture was so simple, yet it sent a shiver through her.