The hospital corridor smelled like disinfectant.
Cold.
Sterile.
Too quiet.
Ye-rin hadn't slept.
Not even for a minute.
She sat beside Min-joon's bed, fingers wrapped around his tiny hand, afraid that if she blinked too long, something bad would happen.
The heart monitor beeped steadily.
That sound was the only thing keeping her sane.
Alive.
He looked so small.
Too small for tubes.
Too small for needles.
"…You scared Mama," she whispered.
Her thumb brushed his hair back gently.
Her phone vibrated.
Email notification.
She opened it absentmindedly.
Kang Group HR
Paid leave approved until further notice. Focus on your child.
She froze.
Paid leave?
She didn't request anything.
There was only one person who could authorize this.
Her chest tightened.
"…Thank you," she murmured under her breath.
Of course it was him.
Even when angry.
Even when distant.
He still handled things quietly.
Annoying man.
Why are you always like this…
The door opened.
She thought it was a nurse.
But—
Her body stiffened.
Kang Jae-hyun.
Standing at the entrance.
Suit neat.
Expression calm.
Like always.
But his eyes weren't cold today.
They were… complicated.
Neither of them spoke.
He walked in slowly.
Stopped beside the bed.
Looked down.
At Min-joon.
For a long time.
No words.
Just staring.
Studying.
Like he was memorizing every detail.
The boy's nose.
His lashes.
The stubborn brows.
The resemblance was painful now.
Too obvious.
Anyone with eyes could see it.
Her throat felt dry.
Say something.
But what?
Thank you?
Sorry?
He's yours?
Nothing sounded right.
After a minute—
He turned.
Heading for the door.
Just like that.
Like a visitor.
Like a stranger.
Her chest tightened.
"…You're leaving already?" she asked quietly.
No answer.
"…Are you just going to avoid me now?"
His shoulders paused.
But he didn't turn.
Didn't speak.
Then he walked out.
Door shut.
Click.
Her stomach dropped.
Why does that hurt so much?
Isn't this what you wanted?
Distance?
Then why does it feel like he just abandoned you?
She bit her lip hard.
Stupid heart.
Downstairs.
Jae-hyun didn't stop walking.
Didn't look back.
If he stayed longer—
He might lose control.
The boy's face kept replaying in his head.
Too similar.
Too familiar.
It made his chest tight.
Annoying.
He hated feelings he couldn't explain.
He stopped in front of the donation unit.
The nurse blinked.
"Sir?"
"I'm donating blood."
"…Ah?"
"My blood type is rare. Test it."
His tone left no room for refusal.
Twenty minutes later.
The lab technician rushed out.
Excited.
"Doctor! It's a perfect match!"
"Already?"
"Yes. Same type. Full compatibility."
Upstairs.
Ye-rin watched nurses prepare transfusion bags.
She frowned.
"…Wait. Who donated?"
The nurse smiled.
"Someone from your family, maybe. Very lucky match."
"…Name?"
"Check downstairs."
Her heart started pounding.
She hurried to the lab.
"…Excuse me. The donor for Kang Min-joon?"
The tech checked the system.
"Oh. That gentleman earlier."
"…What gentleman?"
"Tall. Cold face. Looks rich."
Her breath stopped.
"…Name?"
He turned the screen.
Donor: Kang Jae-hyun
Her eyes widened.
"…He donated?"
"Perfect match too. Must be related."
Related.
The word hit hard.
Her vision blurred.
He didn't say anything.
Didn't tell her.
Didn't even wait for thanks.
He just… did it and left.
Why are you always like this…
Cold mouth.
Soft heart.
Idiot.
Tears slipped down before she could stop them.
Night.
The transfusion worked.
Min-joon's color returned.
Breathing steadied.
The doctor smiled.
"He's stable now."
Her knees almost gave out.
"…Thank you… thank you…"
Morning sunlight filled the room.
Min-joon stirred.
"Mama…"
"I'm here."
He blinked sleepily.
Then asked—
"…That uncle yesterday… is he my dad?"
Her heart skipped.
Kids notice everything.
She hesitated.
Then nodded slowly.
"…Yes."
His face lit up instantly.
No confusion.
No fear.
Just happiness.
"Really? Then can I meet him next time?"
Her throat tightened.
"…Soon."
"I want to say thank you."
She smiled softly.
"…He'd like that."
Within minutes, he fell asleep again.
Peaceful.
Like nothing happened.
But her mind wasn't calm at all.
Tomorrow she'd return to work.
Face him.
After everything.
After the kiss.
After the hospital.
After the blood.
How was she supposed to act normal?
Secretary?
Stranger?
Or…
Something else?
Her phone buzzed.
Message from HR:
Resume work tomorrow.
Her heart thumped.
Tomorrow.
She leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling.
"…This is going to be awkward…"
Very awkward.
Because now—
It wasn't just a secret anymore.
It wasn't just a memory.
It wasn't just a one-night mistake.
Now—
They shared blood.
And blood ties don't disappear.
No matter how hard you run