our crossed paths | jww.

nineteen.

It was late, and the apartment was still. The sun has long gone away, leaving the entire city in darkness.

Jiwoo sat on the couch of her apartment, her legs tucked underneath her as she glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time.

Midnight had come and gone, and there was still no sign of Wonwoo.

Ahrin, nestled under a blanket beside her, had long since fallen asleep, her small face peaceful and relaxed.

Jiwoo sighed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Wonwoo had never been this late, especially when it came to picking up Ahrin. It was unlike him.

He had always personally picked her up, no matter how busy his schedule was.

Her phone buzzed earlier with a message saying he was finishing up overtime, asking Jiwoo to take Ahrin home with her since he wasn't sure when he'd be done.

That, in itself, had been enough to tip her off that something wasn't right.

Wonwoo doesn't ask for help unless he had no other choice.

She rose from the couch, walking over to the window, her thoughts wandering.

Maybe he was just tired. The filming must've gone late, she told herself, glancing down at the city streets below.

Another thirty minutes passed before she heard the soft jingle of the door unlocking.

Jiwoo turned to see Wonwoo stepping inside, his shoulders slumped, his face pale and damp with sweat.

"Wonwoo?" Jiwoo's voice was filled with concern as she moved quickly towards him.

His usually sharp eyes were dull, his breathing heavy as he leaned against the wall to take off his shoes.

"I'm fine," Wonwoo muttered, waving a hand as he attempted to straighten up. "I just need some sleep. Sorry I'm late. Did Ahrin—"

"You're not fine," Jiwoo cut him off, stepping closer, her hand reaching out to touch his forehead.

The warmth radiating off his skin was immediate. "You have a fever."

Wonwoo tried to pull back, turning his face away from her touch. "It's okay. I'll sleep it off. Don't come too close—I don't want you to catch whatever this is."

Jiwoo, undeterred, shook her head and grasped his arm gently, guiding him further inside. "Don't be ridiculous. You need rest, and you're not going anywhere in this condition."

He let out a weak chuckle, though it quickly turned into a cough. "I've been through worse..."

"And I'm a doctor, so I know better," she replied, her voice firm but laced with concern.

"You're staying here tonight. My place is closer anyway. Come on." Without waiting for his response, she led him to her bedroom.

Wonwoo was too exhausted to argue, stumbling slightly as she helped him toward the bed. "You don't have to do this..." he mumbled, but Jiwoo just shushed him softly, pushing him down onto the bed.

"I've dealt with much more difficult patients than you, Won. Now sit still."

Jiwoo grabbed a wet towel from the bathroom and returned to his side.

Slowly, she took off his glasses, revealing his bare face. Jiwoo stared, for once the proximity between them not scaring her.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she gently wiped the sweat from his brow, her movements careful and tender. The soft touch of the cool cloth against his skin made Wonwoo close his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips as the feverish heat momentarily subsided.