Chapter 5:
The firehouse began to feel like home in a way Joon never expected. Days turned into weeks, and with each shift, he grew closer to the crew. They weren't just coworkers—they were family.
Jihoon's endless teasing and Mina's sarcastic quips became staples of their days, while Kang's gruff exterior hid a deep well of wisdom. Hyunwoo's quiet strength was a steady anchor, and Captain Seo… well, she commanded respect, but her rare moments of warmth made it clear she cared deeply for every member of the team.
For the first time since his illness in his previous life, Joon felt like he belonged somewhere.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day of drills, Jihoon clapped his hands together and announced, "Okay, enough of this. We need a break. Let's go out!"
Mina rolled her eyes. "You say that after every drill."
"Yeah, but this time I mean it," Jihoon said, already grabbing his jacket. "Come on, Captain Seo. Don't you think we deserve a little celebration for not killing the rookie this week?"
Seo smirked. "Fine. But you're paying."
"Deal!" Jihoon grinned and turned to Joon. "Rookie, you're coming too. No excuses."
Joon hesitated, but the crew wasn't having it. Before he knew it, they were sitting in a cozy barbecue restaurant, laughter and the smell of grilled meat filling the air.
"To Park Joon," Jihoon said, raising a glass. "The rookie who survived his first month without breaking anything—or anyone."
The others cheered, and Joon couldn't help but laugh.
Later that night, as the group strolled back to the firehouse, Joon lagged behind. The warmth of the evening, the camaraderie of his crew—it was all so surreal.
Hyunwoo fell into step beside him, his hands in his pockets. "You're quiet tonight."
Joon shrugged. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
Joon hesitated. "Do you ever wonder… what it all means? Why we're here?"
Hyunwoo gave him a thoughtful look. "All the time."
"And?"
Hyunwoo smiled faintly. "I haven't figured it out yet. But I think it's about the connections we make. The people we help. The lives we touch."
Joon stared at the ground, Hyunwoo's words resonating in a way he couldn't quite explain.
"Whatever's on your mind, Joon," Hyunwoo said, "don't let it weigh you down. You've got a good heart. That's enough."
The Next Call
The firehouse was quiet when the alarm blared again, snapping everyone into action. It was just past midnight, and the crew moved with practiced urgency.
The call was for a car crash on a narrow mountain road. When they arrived, the scene was chaotic—flashing lights, twisted metal, and the faint smell of gasoline in the air.
Joon followed Captain Seo to the wreckage. A sedan had skidded off the road and crashed into a tree. The driver was pinned inside, conscious but in obvious pain.
"Stay calm," Seo said to the man as they assessed the situation. "We're going to get you out."
Joon worked alongside her, his hands steady as they stabilized the vehicle and prepared to extricate the driver. The man's shallow breaths and groans of pain filled the air, and Joon's focus sharpened.
"Rookie," Seo said, handing him a piece of equipment. "You're up."
Joon nodded, his movements precise as he used the jaws of life to pry open the door. The man's leg was trapped, but they carefully freed him, working as a team to lift him onto a stretcher.
As the paramedics took over, Joon stepped back, his adrenaline still pumping.
"You're getting the hang of this," Seo said, a hint of pride in her voice.
Joon managed a small smile.
Back at the firehouse, as the others drifted off to their bunks, Joon lingered in the garage. He sat on a bench, staring at his reflection in the shiny surface of the fire truck.
How long will this last?
Every life he'd lived so far felt fleeting. Would this one be any different?
The thought of leaving this behind—his new family, his purpose—filled him with a deep ache. But a part of him knew he had no control over it. Whatever force was driving this strange cycle would move on when it decided.
For now, all he could do was hold on to the moments he had.
Taking a deep breath, Joon stood and headed to his bunk. Tomorrow would come soon enough, and he intended to make the most of it.