A/N: For this chapter, I will be using Joo-Hee's original name and pronouns (only for a few chapters).
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After Jin-Woo sighed and admitted defeat, he hurried off toward a nearby convenience store to buy some ice cream, his pace almost comically fast.
Watching him rush off, Joo-Hee couldn't help but chuckle, covering her mouth as she thought, Maybe I went too far. He looks like he's really feeling guilty now.
Moments later, Jin-Woo came jogging back, holding two ice cream sticks, his eyes gleaming with triumph. His wide grin was almost puppy-like, reminiscent of an eager golden retriever hoping to make amends.
Joo-Hee's lips tugged into a smile despite herself as she took in the sight. How cute.
They finished their ice cream together, and when dinner wrapped up, Jin-Woo looked over at her with a soft smile. "Do you want to take a walk? It's a nice night out."
Joo-Hee nodded, stretching her arms with a lighthearted smile. "Sure, sounds perfect."
The two walked side by side, the quiet streets illuminated by the glow of streetlights and the soft buzz of distant city sounds.
As they strolled along the quiet street, Joo-Hee glanced sideways at Jin-Woo, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Oh, by the way," she began casually, "I'm planning to train inside a dungeon next week. So… you might not be able to contact me."
She paused, a teasing smile spreading across her face. "Just thought I'd let you know, you know, in case you'd miss my voice or something." She chuckled, expecting Jin-Woo to roll his eyes or laugh it off.
But Jin-Woo stopped in his tracks, eyebrows arching in genuine surprise. His face reddened slightly. "I won't! Besides… a dungeon?" His voice held a hint of concern. "Isn't that… kind of dangerous for a healer?"
She chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. "Oh... are you worrying about me now? it's just a low-rank one. I'll be fine on my own."
A faint blush dusted his cheeks as he glanced away, scratching the back of his neck. "W-Worry? You must be getting delusional," he mumbled, his tone defensive yet tinged with unmistakable concern.
He looked away, fidgeting slightly. "And… how long will you keep joking around like that? You weren't like this before…"
Caught off guard, Joo-Hee felt a slight sweat forming at her nape. Did he—no, she reassured herself, I made sure to copy Joo-Hee's real personality from her memories and blend it with mine.
She swallowed, a bit flustered by his sudden honesty.
"Really? I've always been like this; you just didn't notice." Joo-Hee gave a small, playful smile before her expression softened. "It's just that… around you, I feel like I can actually be myself."
Jin-Woo's gaze softened as he absorbed her words, Around... me?! Before either of them could say more, Joo-Hee's foot caught on a crack in the pavement. She stumbled forward, hands reaching out instinctively.
In an instant, Jin-Woo's arm shot out, catching her around the waist and holding her close to him. "Careful!" His voice was soft but firm, the warmth of his hold steadying her.
Joo-Hee opened her eyes, her breath catching in her throat as she became fully aware of the situation. Jin-Woo's hands were still resting firmly on her waist, supporting her.
Their faces were inches apart, so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. For a moment, it was as if the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them, locked in this unexpected closeness.
She couldn't look away, completely captivated by the intensity of Jin-Woo's gaze. They locked eyes, and in that moment, time felt freezing. Joo-Hee felt her cheeks flush, warmth spreading across her face as her body froze under his touch.
Despite her efforts to remain calm and composed, a wave of vulnerability washed over her. This closeness—this tension—was something she hadn't anticipated, and it left her feeling breathless.
Jin-Woo's expression softened, a blush creeping over his cheeks. He blinked, as if snapping himself out of whatever moment they'd stumbled into. Clearing his throat, he prepared to let go of her, but before he could, Joo-Hee suddenly pushed him away.
She quickly stood up and covered her face with her hands, a surge of embarrassment flooding through her. For reasons she couldn't quite understand, she didn't want him to see her like this—exposed and vulnerable.
Jin-Woo was taken aback by the sudden push, eyes wide with surprise. "Sorry about that... I just didn't want you to get hurt," he said, scratching his head awkwardly, his own cheeks still flushed red.
Hearing Jin-Woo's thoughtful response only made Joo-Hee's heart race even more. She bit her lips and pressed her hand against her chest, feeling the rapid thump of her heartbeat.
Hesitant and still avoiding his gaze, she finally managed to say, "Thank you… for catching me. I mean it."
As she spoke, her mind was a whirl of emotions, and she thought to herself, Shit, this heart, just stop…
They stood there in silence, each avoiding the other's gaze, both flustered and unsure of what had just happened. Finally, Jin-Woo broke the silence, his voice gentle. "Just… be careful in that dungeon, alright?"
Joo-Hee let out a soft "uhm," the words hanging in the air as they continued walking in silence, both still caught up in the lingering memory of their recent closeness.
After a few minutes, Joo-Hee broke the quiet. "It's already late. Maybe we should head home now..."
Jin-Woo nodded, a simple agreement that carried an unspoken understanding. They walked side by side, the night air cool against their skin, until they reached the bus stop.
As they waited, Jin-Woo turned to her, a faint blush still lingering on his cheeks. "Thank you, Joo-Hee, for everything… and for the hospital."
His voice was soft, almost hesitant, and the dim light from the streetlamp cast a gentle glow over them both.
Hearing his words, a warmth spread through Joo-Hee, enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "It's nothing; we're friends after all," she replied softly, the weight of their bond anchoring her in that moment.
With a final smile exchanged, they parted ways, each carrying the warmth of their connection into the night.
The memory of their shared moment glowed brightly in their hearts, illuminating the path ahead as they ventured into the uncertainties of tomorrow.