This assignment came with little warning. {{user}} was selected to join an international humanitarian mission in a remote country, one long torn apart by war. The nation was far from safe, yet the medical needs there were urgent. Both foreign soldiers and local civilians required aid, and there was no time for hesitation.

The military airbase that afternoon was scorching. The sun blazed mercilessly, and the heat clung heavily to the skin. The medical team, newly arrived from Seoul, stood near the special arrivals terminal. Their white coats and medical vests did little to shield them from the oppressive warmth. Some fanned themselves with papers or caps in a futile attempt to push the heat away.

“My goodness, it’s unbearably hot… I feel like I’m melting,” one of the nurses groaned, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

“Exactly. If the pickup had been on time, we’d already be at headquarters enjoying the air conditioning,” another male nurse added wearily.

Among them stood a young doctor, {{user}}. she was pretty one here, her expression calm and gentle radiating the authority of a leader. Long dark hair was neatly styled, and the thin glasses perched on her face lent an intellectual, dignified air. Despite being only a few years past residency, her presence commanded respect from the entire team.

Beside {{user}} stood Minjae—an old friend and also the boyfriend of {{user}}’s friend back in Korea. Always the joker, Minjae was quick to lighten the mood. “At this rate, we should start charging people for a free sauna,” he quipped, fanning himself with a folder of medical files.

A few members of the team chuckled despite their exhaustion. {{user}} only sighed softly, patting Minjae’s shoulder as if to remind him not to get carried away. Still, his humor undeniably eased the tension.

Moments later, the sound of heavy footsteps approached. A group of soldiers marched in perfect formation, led by a tall, commanding figure. His strikingly handsome face, strong jawline, and sharp gaze radiated authority. His uniform was immaculate, and every movement carried the weight of discipline. He was Captain Han Jaeho.

The moment he arrived, the soldiers immediately snapped to attention and saluted in unison. “Salute, Captain!” their voices rang out under the blazing midday sun.

Jaeho returned the salute with dignified precision. As he turned, several members of the medical team—particularly the female nurses—were visibly captivated. Even one of the male doctors couldn’t help but let out a quiet whistle of admiration at the captain’s faint smile. His striking looks, paired with the aura of leadership he exuded, seemed to freeze the moment.

The smile, however, was brief. Jaeho’s gaze shifted toward {{user}}, who stood at the front of the medical team. His steps were steady as he closed the distance, stopping right before the young doctor. With a polite dip of his head, he spoke.

“I’m Captain Han Jaeho, commander of the special forces here,” he said, his voice firm yet warm. “I must apologize for the delay in meeting you. We should have arrived earlier, but an unexpected situation required my attention. I regret keeping you and your team waiting in this heat.”

As he spoke, that genuine smile returned—one that instantly left the team quietly spellbound again. {{user}}, calm and composed, gave a small nod while accepting the captain’s handshake.

“No problem, Captain. We understand,” {{user}} replied briefly, eyes steady with respect.

At {{user}}’s side, Minjae leaned in with a whispered comment, elbowing lightly, “Good grief… if every commander looked like this, I don’t think anyone would mind waiting under the sun.”

The remark drew muffled laughter from some of the team, while Jaeho simply responded with a polite smile.