Chapter Text
After endless weeks of night shifts, surgeries, and sleep-deprived mornings, the emergency department team finally agreed, they needed a break.
Joo Yeri was the first to suggest it, leaning back against the staff room couch with a yawn.
“Ugh I need rest. Let’s disappear for a few days.”
Choi Kyung, raised an eyebrow but smiled knowingly, while the others just listened too tired to even speak.
“If we don’t take her advice, she’ll prescribe us mandatory leave herself.” Earning a laugh from others.
That’s how their team, Jaeyi, Seulgi, Kyung, Yeri, Byeongjin, and Ara ended up loading themselves into a van one Friday morning, headed for a seaside resort eight hours away.
Inside the van, soft music spilling from the speakers while laughter filled inside. Yoo Jaeyi sat by the window, her hand loosely intertwined with her girlfriend's hand, Woo Seulgi. The three-day break had been long overdue, and everyone in the group, fellow doctors who’d survived countless night shifts and emergencies together, was buzzing with excitement.
Kyung leaned forward from the back seat, tossing a bag of chips toward Yeri, who caught it with a grin. Byeongjin, ever the calm one, was flipping through a travel guide on his phone while Ara rattled off a list of things she wanted to try once they arrived at the resort.
Seulgi glanced at Jaeyi, her lips quirking into a quiet smile.
“Feels weird not wearing scrubs, huh?” she teased, squeezing her hand.
Jaeyi chuckled, resting her head briefly against Seulgi’s shoulder.
“We deserve this, don’t we? Three whole days without pagers or patients.”
Soon the van slowed slightly as the driver announced they were getting close. The chatter inside grew louder, everyone leaning forward, anticipation sparking.
As soon as they arrived, everyone gathered their things and rushed to their own room. Seulgi and Jaeyi, Kyung and Yeri, while Ara and Byeongjin have their own rooms. It was already night, and everyone decided to just rest first and sleep.
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Morning came, the group had gathered early, still groggy from travel but eager to start their first full day. Their table was lively, plates clattering with servings of fruits, eggs, and bread.
Jaeyi sat beside Ara, and soon enough their voices rose above the soft murmur of the other guests. They talked easily, about the beach they wanted to visit later, about the spa package Ara had read about in the resort brochure, even about their favorite cases back at the hospital. Jaeyi laughed at something Ara said, her head tilting back, while Ara leaned closer to add another story.
“Really? You studied under that professor too?” Jaeyi asked, leaning closer to Ara with genuine interest. Their conversation had flowed nonstop since they sat down, laughter occasionally bubbling out and drawing the group’s quiet attention.
Kyung’s gaze flickered between them, her glasses sliding down her nose. Yeri, meanwhile, was fighting a grin as she nudged Kyung under the table.
But Jaeyi’s eyes kept darting to Seulgi. Her girlfriend sat directly across, calmly eating her breakfast. She didn’t interrupt, didn’t even frown, just listened, her chopsticks moving at a steady pace, expression unreadable..
The others exchanged glances, Yeri biting back a grin, Kyung shaking her head in disbelief.
“You okay?” Yeri leaned a little toward Seulgi, lowering her voice so only she could hear.
Seulgi blinked, chopsticks pausing midway before she turned her head.
“Yah, why wouldn’t I be?” she asked, genuine confusion flickering in her tone.
Yeri tilted her chin toward the other side of the table where Jaeyi and Ara were laughing over some private joke.
“Seems like your girlfriend and Ara are getting closer.” She teased
Seulgi followed her gaze, watching for a brief moment before turning back to her food.
“Oh, good for them,” she said simply, setting down another piece of toast on her plate.
“At least Jaeyi has someone to talk to. I don’t really want to talk right now.” She punctuated it with a small smile.
Yeri’s smirk faltered, her teasing comeback dying in her throat. For once, she didn’t know whether to admire Seulgi’s composure or worry about just how unbothered she looked.
By lunchtime, the group had gathered again at a long table by the window. Jaeyi sat beside Ara once more, their conversation flowing effortlessly. They were laughing, sharing bites of food, and even leaning in close when teasing each other. The rest of the table mostly listened in silence, though Yeri kept darting glances between them and Seulgi.
Seulgi, however, didn’t seem fazed in the slightest. She calmly picked at her plate, savoring her meal without so much as a second glance.
“Aren’t you jealous?” Yeri whispered, leaning closer so no one else could hear.
“Of what?” Seulgi asked, tilting her head innocently.
Yeri pointed her spoon toward the pair across the table.
“Jaeyi and Ara. Look, they’ve been talking nonstop since this morning. It’s like Jaeyi totally forgot about you.”
Seulgi looked over for a brief second, then shrugged with a soft chuckle.
“Oh, it’s fine.” She smiled as she said it, her tone calm and genuine.
Yeri sat back, deflated, and just focused on her food..
Jaeyi’s laughter faltered for the briefest moment, eyes flicking toward Seulgi, only to find her still calmly eating, completely unbothered.
“Seulgi-ah, try this.” Byeongjin leaned forward, setting a piece of grilled fish onto Seulgi’s plate with a small smile.
Jaeyi’s head snapped in their direction, her hand tightening around her chopsticks so hard.
“Thank you, Jinnie,” Seulgi said casually, flashing him a soft smile before taking a bite.
“Oh no…” Kyung muttered under her breath as she adjusted her glasses.
Across the table, Yeri nearly sprayed her drink, choking on her water as she tried to stifle a laugh and cough at the same time.
Jaeyi’s lips pressed into a thin line, her chest burning with something hot. It wasn’t Ara’s laughter in her ear anymore that she noticed, it was the ease with which Seulgi smiled at Byeongjin, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The atmosphere shifted just slightly, enough for everyone at the table to feel it, though Seulgi remained calm, obliviously chewing the bite she’d been given.
In the afternoon, the group split into two teams for volleyball. Laughter and playful banter echoed.
When it came to choosing sides, Jaeyi hesitated only a moment before calling out Ara and Kyung to join her team. Seulgi, standing a little further back, felt a pang of disappointment at not being picked, but she masked it with a small nod. She understood, Jaeyi was free to play with whomever she wanted.
“You good?” Yeri asked, nudging Seulgi’s arm as the teams spread out.
“Yep,” Seulgi replied, short and simple, her smile easy but faint.
The game heated quickly. Cheers rose whenever someone landed a point. Seulgi, on the opposite team, was focused, her spikes precise, her serves steady. By the end, her team claimed victory.
“Nice!” Byeongjin shouted, rushing over and wrapping his arms around Yeri then Seulgi in celebration. Still high on adrenaline, Seulgi returned the hug with a wide smile.
But in the corner of her eye, a blur of movement closed in, Jaeyi. She stormed across the sand, shoving Byeongjin away from Seulgi so hard he stumbled back.
“Hey, Jaeyi, what the hell?” Byeongjin snapped, brushing the sand off his arm.
Seulgi’s eyes widened, her breath catching.
“Jaeyi–”
Jaeyi’s voice shook with anger and was loud enough to cut through the cheers around them.
“Don’t fucking touch my girlfriend.”
A tense silence fell, broken only by the crash of waves. Byeongjin lifted his hands, baffled.
“It was just a hug. We’re teammates, we won, I also hugged Yeri, it’s normal!”
Seulgi stepped closer, gently taking Jaeyi’s wrist.
“Hey, Jaeyi, please… calm down. He’s right, it was just a hug, nothing more. We were celebrating.”
Jaeyi’s jaw tightened. She held Seulgi’s gaze for a moment, her breathing uneven, then she finally tore her hand away. Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked off, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.
Seulgi stood frozen in the sand, torn between chasing after her or letting her cool down on her own.
On the sidelines, Kyung adjusted her glasses, watching Jaeyi’s retreating figure vanish toward the resort.
“Oh fuck… we are doomed.” She exhaled, her voice low but laced with dread.
Yeri sat down heavily on the sand, her grin long gone.
“I told you it was a bad idea,” Kyung added, rubbing her temple.
Yeri’s jaw clenched as guilt crept up her chest. She could still see the look on Seulgi’s face, surprised, almost hurt and the storm in Jaeyi’s eyes when she pushed Byeongjin. What was supposed to be harmless fun had cracked open something dangerous.
Yeri gritted her teeth, staring down at her hands buried in the sand. For once, she had nothing clever to say.
At night, Byeongjin stood at the grill, turning skewers patiently, while Ara and Jaeyi played a clumsy game of tag near the shore, their laughter rising.
Seulgi sat quietly by the fire, her eyes fixed on Jaeyi’s silhouette. Yeri nudged closer, Kyung seated stiffly beside them.
“Seulgi-ah,” Yeri said softly.
“Hmm?” Seulgi replied, her voice calm, though her gaze remained on Jaeyi and Ara.
“Are you okay?” Yeri asked carefully.
“Hmm… Jaeyi seems happy with Ara.” Seulgi let out a short breath, smiling faintly.
“You jealous?” Yeri pressed, raising a brow.
“Yeri…” Kyung hissed, whispering a warning.
“I don’t know. Maybe…” Seulgi admitted, a small laugh leaving her lips.
“But it’s alright.” she added
“Why don’t you go to them and claim what’s yours?” Yeri urged, her tone edged with impatience.
“Yeri, stop,” Kyung whispered sharply again.
“You know, I don’t do that.” Seulgi let out a deeper laugh this time, but there was no humor in it. After a pause, she drew in a breath.
“I love Jaeyi, but it won’t be worth it if she’s like that, forgetting I exist. If that’s what she wants, then so be it. It hurts… but what can I do?” She added
“You guys know, all my life I lived alone and grew up with everyone forgetting about me, that’s why I ended up in an orphanage.” She scoffed
“But Jaeyi came. I love her so much but I think it’s not enough. To be honest, I was just keeping my feelings since this morning. I feel like she doesn’t need me anymore, I didn’t even get the chance to talk with her alone as she’s stuck with Ara the whole day. I feel so small and replaceable.” She laughed slightly, hiding the pain and trying to stop the tears from spilling.
The words hung heavy in the night air. Both Yeri and Kyung froze, their eyes wide.
Seulgi gave them a soft smile, as though to ease the weight of her words.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. But tonight, I guess, I’m going to end us. I don’t want to waste my time with someone who acts like I’m replaceable.”
Before either could respond, she rose to her feet, brushing the sand from her pants.
“By the way, can you tell Ara we’re going to exchange rooms? I’ll grab my stuff. Thank you.”
Then she walked off.
Yeri’s heart pounded, her throat dry. After a long silence, she clutched her head and muttered,
“Fuck, fuck… this is all my fault.”
Kyung stood immediately, eyes hard behind her glasses.
“Go to Jaeyi. Now. I’ll talk to Seulgi.”
Yeri didn’t argue this time. She scrambled up from the sand, her stomach in knots, and ran toward the shore where Jaeyi still laughed, blissfully unaware of what was about to slip through her fingers.
“Jaeyi!!” Yeri shouted,
Jaeyi and Ara both turned, startled. Jaeyi tilted her head in confusion.
“What’s with you?”
Yeri bent over, panting, holding her side.
“Okay… don’t freak out, but ah we are fucked.”
Ara blinked, then looked between them.
“Wait, what do you mean?” Jaeyi asked, her brows furrowing.
“Ahm Ara, can you leave us for a while?” Yeri asked hurriedly.
Ara hesitated, but with a nod, she quietly excused herself and went back toward the fire.
The moment she was gone, Jaeyi stepped closer.
“So? What’s going on?” Her voice sharp.
“Seulgi… ahm… she’s kinda not feeling good about you and Ara being close.” Yeri swallowed hard, nerves buzzing.
Jaeyi’s lips curved into a small, relieved smile.
“Oh. Then that means she’s jealous, it worked.”
“Yeah, but ahm” Yeri’s words tumbled out in a rush, her hands flailing.
“The problem is she thinks she’s replaceable, and that you even forgot she existed and now she wants to break up with you.” The last words came so fast it was almost a blur.
“WHAT?!” Jaeyi’s eyes went wide, her stomach dropping.
“Yeah,” Yeri muttered, guilt dripping in her voice.
“Oh no… oh no…” Jaeyi was already panicking, pacing a step before snapping back at Yeri.
“Where is she?!”
“She… she’s in your room, she wants to exchange rooms with Ara,” Yeri admitted, voice small.
“Oh fuck,” Jaeyi breathed, her pulse racing. Without another word, she bolted through the resort’s paths, and upstairs toward the rooms.
When she burst into the room, her chest heaving, she found Seulgi standing by the bed, carefully folding her clothes into her bag. Kyung was there too, arms crossed, quietly talking to her, her expression serious.
“Seulgi!” Jaeyi shouted, her voice cracking, desperation lacing every syllable.
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Flashback
The night they arrived at the resort, Jaeyi went to the lobby as Seulgi’s still taking a shower. Jaeyi strolled in, stretching her arms, only to spot Yeri and Kyung lounging on one of the couches.
“Jaeyi-ah, want to make this vacation fun?” Yeri’s grin was mischievous the second she saw her.
Kyung groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose behind her glasses.
“Oh god, here we go again.”
“Nu-uh, I know you. I don’t want to ruin this vacation.” Jaeyi narrowed her eyes as she sat on the couch.
“Boring,” Yeri drawled, leaning forward with her chin on her palm.
“You know you’re always the one chasing Seulgi, always so possessive with her. Don’t you ever wonder what it feels like for her to be possessive with you?”
The question made Jaeyi hesitate. Her lips parted, but no words came at first. Finally, she sighed, almost shyly.
“…I do. I also want to feel that she’s claiming me.”
“Then why don’t we make her jealous?” Yeri’s smirk widened.
“Unbelievable.” Kyung slapped a hand to her face with a groan.
“With who?” Jaeyi asked cautiously, curiosity already betraying her resolve.
“Ara,” Yeri replied smoothly, crossing her arms with confidence.
“Let’s bet. Either Seulgi ignores you for three days… or she claims you right in front of Ara.”
Jaeyi bit her lip, nerves tangling with the thrill of the idea. After a long pause, she finally nodded.
“Okay.”
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Present
Kyung glanced between them, the tension thick in the room, then sighed. She tapped Jaeyi’s shoulder gently before slipping out, closing the door behind her.
“Seulgi-ah…” Jaeyi’s voice cracked as she took a shaky step forward. Her arms wrapped around Seulgi from behind, her face pressed into her shoulder.
“Princess… please, I’m sorry.” Her tears are already spilling, wetting the fabric of Seulgi’s shirt.
“Why?” Seulgi’s tone was quiet, almost too calm. She didn’t turn around, her hands still folding clothes neatly into her bag.
“I’m guessing Yeri already told you. It’s fine, Jaeyi. If you’re happy with Ara, then you can be with her. I don’t want to stop you from being happy.”
“No… no, please, I’m not happy with Ara. Only with you, princess, only you.” Jaeyi’s arms tightened, her voice raw with desperation.
Seulgi finally paused, her shoulders stiff.
“Hmm… it didn’t seem like that. Since this morning, you were sticking with her like I wasn’t even here. Like I’m not your girlfriend.” She gently pried Jaeyi’s hands away, stepping forward.
Jaeyi’s knees buckled, and she dropped onto the floor, wrapping her arms around Seulgi’s legs instead.
“Princess, please…it’s not like that. I-I ah… it was a plan. I just wanted you to feel jealous. I wanted you to be possessive with me.” Her sobs made her words tremble, every plea dripping with regret.
Seulgi’s lips pressed into a thin line.
“Hmm. Then it worked. I was hurt when you chose to sit beside Ara instead of me. Hurt when you are talking and laughing the whole day with her instead of me. Hurt when you picked her for your team instead of me. But Jaeyi…” She exhaled deeply, her voice breaking a little.
“I don’t want to be possessive with you when you’re clearly flirting back. I would’ve been possessive if it was only her, but no, you also flirted back. You were crossing the line.”
“Now. Move.” She said, her eyes hardened
Jaeyi only clung tighter, shaking her head.
“No, please. I’m sorry, I was stupid. Please, don’t leave me.” Her eyes were red and swollen as she tilted her tear-streaked face up at Seulgi, trembling.
Seulgi’s chest clenched at the sight. The Jaeyi she knew would never beg like this, on her knees, not even when she was the one at fault, and seeing her like this shattered something inside her.
“Stand up.” Her voice softened but carried warning.
Jaeyi shook her head frantically, still holding on.
“Yoo Jaeyi,” Seulgi said firmly, her tone sharper now.
“If you don’t stand up, I will leave and go home.”
Jaeyi’s heart stopped. Immediately, she scrambled to her feet, sniffling hard, her swollen eyes staring at Seulgi like a scolded child. Her lips trembled as she pouted, shoulders hunched.
“Don’t do it again,” Seulgi said, her voice softer now, though her gaze stayed steady.
Jaeyi nodded quickly, still sniffling, too afraid to speak.
“Come here.” Seulgi’s arms opened slightly.
Without hesitation, Jaeyi stumbled forward and slumped into her embrace, hugging her tightly.
“My big baby,” Seulgi teased, her lips curving faintly against Jaeyi’s hair.
“Yah, princess…” Jaeyi pouted against her chest, still clinging, her tears soaking into Seulgi’s shirt.
Seulgi only chuckled softly, holding her close as if she never planned to let go.
“So you won’t exchange rooms with Ara anymore?” Jaeyi’s voice was small, her swollen eyes searching Seulgi’s face.
“I mean, if you wa–” Seulgi started, but Jaeyi quickly cut her off.
“No, princess,” Jaeyi whispered, tears welling again.
“Shhh, okay, okay. I won’t leave.” Seulgi kissed her temple gently.
“But we need to eat, so let’s go.”
“Can we just stay here and order food?” Jaeyi asked, her voice pleading, arms tightening around Seulgi’s waist.
“No, they’re waiting.” Seulgi said, voice soft.
“Okay then… you can go. I’ll just stay here.” Jaeyi pulled back from the hug and laid on the bed, facing away from her.
Seulgi stared at her for a moment, her chest aching. Then, with a quiet sigh, she climbed onto the bed and slid behind her, wrapping her arms tightly around Jaeyi’s waist.
“Okay… what does my baby want?” Seulgi asked, her voice gentle in Jaeyi’s ear.
“Nothing. I don’t want to eat… I lost my appetite,” Jaeyi murmured, turning in Seulgi’s arms to bury her face in her chest, hugging tighter.
Seulgi smiled faintly, caressing her cheek with her thumb.
“Okay… what about we order, then watch a movie, yeah?”
Jaeyi finally nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“You look so puffy, my love,” Seulgi teased, squeezing her cheeks lightly.
“Princess…” Jaeyi pouted weakly.
“Okay, wait, let me call room service.” Seulgi carefully reached for the telephone, Jaeyi still clinging to her side. She ordered food quickly, then set the phone down and turned back, only to find Jaeyi already asleep, her face still damp with tears, breath soft and even.
Seulgi scoffed softly, shaking her head. She pulled Jaeyi closer, hugging her tighter.
“My baby,” she whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before closing her own eyes.
Soon, a knock came at the door, the food had arrived. Seulgi carefully got up, making sure not to disturb Jaeyi too much, and wheeled the cart inside. She set everything neatly on the small table, then returned to the bed where Jaeyi was curled up, sleeping soundly.
“Baby,” Seulgi whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair from Jaeyi’s face.
“Wake up, the food’s here.”
Jaeyi stirred, her lashes fluttering before she buried her face deeper into the pillow.
“Hmm… I don’t want to eat anymore, princess,” she mumbled, her voice raspy with sleep. She made an effort to turn away, already trying to drift back off.
“Yoo Jaeyi.” Seulgi’s tone suddenly turned firm, her voice leaving no room for negotiation.
Immediately, Jaeyi’s eyes popped open, her shoulders stiffening. With a defeated sigh, she sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes, her lips formed a small pout.
“Here.” Seulgi reached for a pillow and placed it gently behind Jaeyi’s back, propping her up against the headboard so she could lean comfortably. Then she picked up a spoonful of rice and soup, blew on it carefully until the steam faded, and held it out.
“Open your mouth.”
Jaeyi blinked sleepily, but obediently parted her lips. She chewed slowly, her eyelids drooping again.
“Just three spoons, okay? Then you can go back to sleep.” Seulgi coaxed, feeding her another spoonful.
“Hmm…” Jaeyi hummed weakly in reply, too tired to argue.
Seulgi patiently fed her, spoon after spoon, until Jaeyi had eaten enough to satisfy her. Then she twisted open a bottle of water and gently pressed it to Jaeyi’s lips.
“Drink a little, baby.”
Jaeyi took small sips before letting out a sigh, clearly ready to collapse again. Seulgi set the bottle aside, then guided Jaeyi down carefully, fixing the blanket around her body. Just when Seulgi thought she was settled, Jaeyi shifted and pressed her cheek against Seulgi’s lap, wrapping an arm lazily around her thigh.
Seulgi chuckled quietly, shaking her head.
“You really can’t let me go, huh?”
She picked up her own plate, eating slowly while Jaeyi clung to her, asleep again. From time to time, Seulgi glanced down at her girlfriend's peaceful face, brushing her hair and smiling to herself.
Once she finished eating, she carefully pried Jaeyi’s hand from her leg, tucking the blanket tighter around her. She moved quietly to brush her teeth, then returned to the bed. Sliding under the covers, she immediately pulled Jaeyi back into her arms.
“Good night, princess. Love you,” Jaeyi murmured drowsily, her eyes still closed, but her voice sincere.
Seulgi’s chest warmed at the words. She leaned in, pecking Jaeyi’s lips gently.
“Good night, baby. I love you too.”
She held her close, listening to the soft rhythm of her breathing, and within moments, they drifted to sleep.