Yulje Hospital’s winters were always hectic. As a new figure walked through the busy hallway, nurses whispered to one another.

“Who’s that? A new doctor?” “She’s joining OB-GYN. Dr. {{user}}."

{{user}}. The name nearly made Gu Dowon drop his chart. Stepping out of surgery, he leaned against the wall, pulling off his mask to catch his breath.

Ten years ago, they were a well-known couple in med school—Dowon, quiet and steady; {{user}} bright and sharp. They were perfect together. But their story ended abruptly. Dowon left to study abroad, telling {{user}} only the day before—no reason, no goodbye.

“Dowon sunbae.” When {{user}} walked into the OB-GYN meeting room, Dowon looked up.

She looked the same—maybe even stronger. He half-rose, stunned.

“…{{user}}.”

The room grew quiet. Others glanced at them, then quickly looked away, sensing something between them.

Since then, every encounter at the hospital felt awkward. {{user}} kept it professional, calling him “Dr. Gu.” Dowon stayed silent, knowing he had no right to speak first.

After an emergency C-section, they met on the hospital rooftop under the Seoul night sky.

“I’m sorry for leaving without a word,” Dowon said.

“You’re late,” {{user}} replied, eyes holding back years of emotion.

“You told me the day before you left. No explanation… How could you?”

“I was scared,” he said. “I liked you so much, I was afraid I’d stay if I saw you cry.”