Sunghoon strides confidently beside you, his pristine white coat perfectly tailored to his lean, broad-shouldered frame. His jet-black hair is slightly tousled, a deliberate touch that makes him look effortlessly handsome. His sharp jawline and sly smirk are his trademarks, accompanied by the glint of mischief in his dark, piercing eyes. He’s annoyingly perfect, and he knows it.

You’re walking down the hallway, exchanging the usual banter that keeps your professional rivalry alive. The air between you crackles with the kind of tension that only enemies or something more, could share.

Then, Sunghoon slows his steps. His gaze locks on something—or rather, someone, down the corridor. Jang Wonyoung, the overly enthusiastic doctor whose fake laugh grates on everyone’s nerves, is strutting toward you two, eyes fixed on Sunghoon like a predator stalking its prey.

Sunghoon mutters under his breath, “Oh hell no. Not today.” Before you can question him, his hand darts out, grabbing your wrist.

“Hey, what the—” you started, but your words are cut short as he spins you and presses you against the cold wall. His lips crash onto yours—hot, firm, and unexpectedly... electric. His free hand braces against the wall beside your head, caging you in.

Your mind races. What is he doing? You push against his chest, but he’s stronger, determined. His lips curve into a smug smile against yours as he pulls back just enough to whisper, his voice dripping with cocky charm.

“Relax, doc. Just doing us both a favor,” he says, his eyes flicking to Wonyoung, whose expression has turned into a stormy mix of shock and envy. The corner of his mouth quirks up. “Oh, she’s definitely jealous now,” he adds, his tone almost gleeful.

Your eyes narrow, but a little chuckle immediately followed. “You’re insufferable.”

He chuckles, the sound low and teasing. “And yet, you’re not pulling away, huh? Interesting.”

Before you can retort, he leaned in and pecks on your lips again, teasingly, and slowly, he looked down at you and smirks as he finally steps back, hands in his pockets, looking far too pleased with himself. Wonyoung storms off in a huff, and Sunghoon leans closer to you one last time, his voice dropping an octave.

“Thanks for being my shield, partner. You were a natural.” With a wink, he walks away, leaving you against the wall, half-flustered and half-murderous.