The hospital was quieter than usual that morning, though it never truly slept.
Soft footsteps echoed along the hallways, nurses moved with practiced efficiency, and the faint scent of antiseptic lingered in the air. It was a familiar environment—structured, calm, yet always carrying an underlying sense of urgency.
Lee Go Eun walked down the corridor, a clipboard in her hands, her expression focused.
"Room 312 needs another check," a senior doctor said in passing.
"Yes, doctor," she replied immediately.
She moved quickly, her steps steady, her attention fully on her work.
This was where she felt most like herself.
Calm. Grounded. In control.
"Lee Go Eun."
She stopped.
The voice wasn't one she recognized from the hospital staff.
She turned.
And there—
Standing a few steps away—
Was someone familiar.
Kang So Ra.
Dressed sharply, her posture confident, her expression composed—but with that same faint hint of amusement in her eyes.
For a brief second—
They just looked at each other.
Then Go Eun spoke first.
"…You're the lawyer from yesterday."
So Ra smiled slightly.
"And you're the one who didn't look away."
Go Eun blinked once.
Not offended.
Just… intrigued.
"I don't see a reason to," she replied calmly.
So Ra let out a soft, quiet laugh.
"I like that."
There was something in the way she said it—light, but intentional.
Go Eun straightened slightly. "Are you here for a case?"
"Yes," So Ra nodded. "I've recently been assigned as legal counsel for the hospital."
Go Eun's eyes shifted slightly, taking that in.
"…I see."
"That means we'll be seeing each other often," So Ra added.
A small pause.
Go Eun met her gaze again.
"That depends," she said calmly. "On whether you cause trouble."
So Ra raised an eyebrow.
"Trouble?" she repeated, amused. "I solve it."
"Lawyers say that a lot," Go Eun replied.
There it was.
That subtle push.
So Ra smiled.
Not defensive.
Not annoyed.
Interested.
"You don't trust easily," she said.
"I don't assume," Go Eun corrected.
Another pause.
This time—
It lingered just a little longer.
Somewhere between professionalism…
And something else.
"Well," So Ra said finally, stepping slightly closer, "I hope I can change your mind."
Go Eun didn't move.
Didn't step back.
"We'll see," she said.
Their eyes held for just a second longer—
Before a nurse called out from behind.
"Go Eun! We need you in Room 312!"
Go Eun broke eye contact first.
"I have work to do."
"Of course," So Ra nodded.
But as Go Eun walked past her—
So Ra spoke again.
"Lee Go Eun."
She paused.
Just slightly.
"Let's not make this strictly professional next time."
Go Eun turned her head just enough to glance at her.
"…We'll see," she repeated.
Then she walked away.
So Ra watched her go.
A small smile forming on her lips.
"Interesting," she murmured.
Later that afternoon—
Go Eun stood by the nurses' station, reviewing notes.
But her mind wasn't entirely on her work anymore.
She's different…
Not loud.
Not overwhelming.
But confident in a way that didn't feel forced.
And strangely—
It lingered.
Go Eun shook her head lightly, trying to refocus.
But somewhere—
In the back of her mind—
A small curiosity had already begun.
And she knew—
This wouldn't be the last time they crossed paths.