our crossed paths | jww.

eighteen.

The school hallway bustled with activity as children laughed and teachers gave gentle instructions.

Ahrin clung tightly to Wonwoo's hand, her wide eyes taking in the colourful new environment.

"Ahrin-ah... This school is a little different from your old one," Wonwoo said softly, bending to her level. "But remember, if you have any problems, you can always talk to me or Jiwoo, okay?"

Today was her first day at the hospital preschool, and though a bit nervous, Ahrin's excitement bubbled underneath.

"Ready, sweetheart?" Wonwoo asked with a warm smile.

Ahrin nodded, though her gaze kept darting down the hallway towards the hospital. Wonwoo noticed the glint in her eye and grinned.

"Looking for Jiwoo, aren't you?" he teased.

Ahrin's eyes lit up as she nodded shyly. "Yes."

Wonwoo chuckled and gently patted her head. "Maybe we'll visit her after school if she's not too busy."

Before Ahrin could reply, the homeroom teacher appeared with a kind smile. "You must be Jeon Ahrin! Welcome!"

Ahrin gave the teacher a small, polite bow, and they were led inside the classroom.

The walls were painted in cheerful colors, and despite the hospital setting, it looked like any other bright and happy kindergarten.

While Wonwoo signed the final paperwork, Ahrin wandered around, her eyes falling on another child with an IV drip attached to their hand.

The other child, a girl slightly older than Ahrin, noticed her curiosity. "Hi! Are you new here?"

Ahrin nodded.

"I'm Jinnie," the girl said, holding up her hand with the IV drip. "Are you curious about this?"

Ahrin nodded again, wide-eyed.

Jinnie giggled. "My mom says this helps me get stronger! See the little heart sticker they put on it?"

Ahrin stared, fascinated, but her nerves made her feet move back toward Wonwoo.

He noticed and knelt down.

"Ahrin-ah, don't be scared. Remember what I said? This school is special because it helps kids get better," he encouraged her gently.

Ahrin slowly turned back to Jinnie and introduced herself. "I'm Ahrin..."

Jinnie beamed. "Hi, Ahrin! Want to come play with unnie?"

Ahrin hesitated, then nodded, her face brightening a little. She looked back at Wonwoo for reassurance.

"Daddy's going to work now, okay? I'll be back to pick you up later with Jiwoo," Wonwoo promised.

Ahrin nodded, more confident this time, and followed Jinnie to the play area.

As Wonwoo finished the paperwork and waved goodbye to Ahrin, he made his way toward the hospital's main building.

He spotted Jiwoo heading toward him, buried in her clipboard, flipping through papers.

He grinned, but it turned into a playful frown as she didn't look up.

"Whoa, watch where you're going!" Wonwoo called out, just as Jiwoo collided into him. He steadied her before she could drop her papers.

"Sorry—!" Jiwoo started, only to stop when she realized who was behind the mask. "Wonwoo!" She blurted, her voice louder than intended.