Hey guys! So I know that most of you read me for Ga Eul and Yi Jeong stories. Don't worry I have no intention of stopping those but I needed to get this one out too. I started watching Playful Kiss right after Boys over Flowers and LOVED it. However, I wanted to see them more after they were married and Seung Jo being the protective husband. Along with Ha Ni becoming successful and loving her job a nurse. So Boom this story was born. It will be a two-shot and then depending on the response I may end writing more stories for them in between my other fics. Let me know what you all think!

Baek Seung Jo climbed tiredly out of the bed. He ruffled his hair and sighed noticing the empty spot next to him. He never slept well without Ha Ni kicking all night long. He was beginning to wonder how much longer he would be able to put up with it. Although he knew he was being silly since it was not like she had been out drinking with her friends. She was working at the hospital and probably more exhausted than he was since it had been her turn to do the twenty-four-hour shift.

Ha Ni had switched to pediatrics last year and had fallen completely in love with it. She was great with the kids with her bubbly, never give up attitude which encouraged all the children to fight their illness. Plus, it had given them both a separation in their careers to stop the gossip and competition between the other doctors about them. It had been a good move for Ha Ni who had really begun to flourish as a nurse but everyone in that ward was required to do a twenty-four shifts at least once a week.

Baek Seung Jo was proud of her but also a little worried. It was not until she started working them he noticed how ill Ha Ni became if she went too long without sleep. It was hard for her to even take her allotted breaks since most of the children became frightened in the middle of the night without their parents. Ha Ni would stay with them in between her rounds offering comfort or sit up reading to them.

After she came home a few times utterly pale and exhausted, Seung Jo had started demanding she take her scheduled breaks but he knew Ha Ni would not ignore a frightened patient. He hoped last night had gone smoothly for her but as he grabbed his phone to check for messages, he flinched realizing he was running late. He hurriedly dressed and flew down the stairs.

"Seung Jo," his mother called brightly, "I made breakfast."

He shook his head regretfully, "I am late. I overslept."

Geum Hee laughed, "you always do on nights without Ha Ni."

Baek Seung Jo scowled at her but she saw the twinkle in his eyes, "She should be home soon. Although, she will probably go straight to bed. And please mom do not badger her to death by trying to get her to eat or asking a zillion question about her day. You know Ha Ni is always half sick after these shifts. She needs to be able go to sleep."

His mother laughed and gave him a mock salute. After two years of marriage, she was proud of her son for being so protective of Ha Ni. He was still a private man but his deep affection for his wife had become more obvious. "I have to go," Seung Jo gave her a dutiful bow, "text me when she gets home and let me know how she is feeling."

His mother nodded, her own concern obvious. "They have been working her awfully hard lately. Ha Ni has not had a day off in over month…. She had a slight fever too when she got home the other night."

Seung Jo paused on his way to the door, "What night? She was supposed to be home the day before this last shift. I had to stay to finish up research so I didn't get back until two and she was in bed asleep."

"She was supposed to be home. We were going to go to the movie and grab dinner together but the new Doctor called her in saying they were understaffed. She didn't get in until after midnight and then left the next morning around seven to start her overnight."

Seung Jo frowned, "That is odd. I will check with her tomorrow. We are both off for once."

"Ha Ni will like that," Geum Hee said and gave him quick shove towards the door. "Better hurry."

Seung Jo had just emerged from assisting in a surgery when he noticed he had two missed calls from his mother. "Seung Jo," Geum Hee answered gratefully, "Have you heard from Ha Ni?"

"What? No." He looked at the clock noticing it close to noon, "Is she not home yet?"

"No." Geum Hee was worried, "I thought she was due around eight this morning."

"She was," Seung Jo felt a jolt of panic, "I will call you back." He quickly hung up to dial Ha Ni's number but it only went to voicemail. He was about to grab his coat and race out of the hospital when she returned his call. "Baek Seung Jo."

"Ha Ni," He sagged in relief, "Are you all right? Where are you?"

"I am still at the hospital." Ha Ni told him with a deep yawn. "Nurse Park can't come in for her shift so Doctor Choi insisted I stay and cover it."

"For how long?"

"Until tomorrow morning. This was her day for twenty-four hours."

"What?" Seung Jo asked confused, "but that is against regulations. You can't work back to back twenty-four's."

"I know," Ha Ni sounded dead, "but I don't have a choice. Doctor Choi was transferred because he is such a senior doctor. He got it approved and I don't want to risk getting on his bad side. He already acts oddly around me."

Baek Seung Jo rubbed his eyes frustrated. He knew this was wrong and he had enough clout with the hospital to overturn Doctor Choi's order but Ha Ni didn't. Most people still thought she had only gotten hired because of him. So, she was automatically treated with a disadvantage and disdain. When Ha Ni had become a very competent nurse.

In fact, she had been able to help him last year correctly diagnose a patient when he had been struggling to figure out their symptoms. However, no one was willing to give her credit for it. It annoyed him but they had promised each other not to interfere in their careers unless it was an emergency. Besides, if Seung Jo tried it would be assumed it was because Ha Ni was his wife and nobody at the hospital would ever give her any respect.

"Will you be okay?" Seung Jo asked softly. Ha Ni bite back another yawn so not worry him further, "I think so. I will see if I can fit in a quick nap on my break."

Seung Jo sighed, "text me throughout the day. I am off tomorrow so call me when you are done and I will come to pick you up. I don't want you taking the bus."

Ha Ni smiled at the concern from her normally stoic husband. "I will. Is your day going okay?"

"It was until I got this call," Seung Jo grumbled and she laughed but before she could respond, he heard a harsh snap of her name. "Coming," She called quickly, "Baek Seung Jo, I have to go. Doctor Choi wants me."

"Text me," he restated and she hastily agreed before hanging up. Seung Jo cursed under his breath. He really didn't like this. Ha Ni would probably collapse tomorrow. He wondered if he could sneak her away for a few days soon. Maybe take Ha Ni back to the island or something. Except this time he would bolt the door so no one could bother them.

He spent the rest of the day working on paperwork since he was getting ready to present his research on his new thesis to the Chairman when he visited next week. But his focus was off and he finally decided to wrap it up for the afternoon. As he headed home, he was half-tempted to go across the street to the Children's ward since Ha Ni had not sent him any messages yet but ultimately decided against it. It was best to just let her get through this shift as quickly as possible. Her concentration was probably already limited by her lack of sleep and he didn't want to distract her further.

He swung by the restaurant and picked up some dinner to take home. He had a quick conversation with Oh Ki Dong but Bong Joon Gu seemed awfully interested in Ha Ni's work schedule so he didn't linger. Joon Gu's relationship with Chris had ended last year when she had finally decided to return to England.

Probably because Joon Gu still couldn't seem to shake the last bit of love for Ha Ni. With Chris gone, it was more obvious than ever. Seung Jo tried not to let it bother him but the lovesick look for his wife was starting to get a little old. He knew it made Ha Ni uncomfortable at times since she hated hurting his feelings but Baek Seung Jo had gone beyond the point of trying to be nice. Sooner or later, he would probably have to draw some clear lines in the sand regarding his affection for her.

As he walked into the cool house, he gave a sigh of relief at the quiet. It was soothing to his frayed nerves over the day. He put containers into the fridge marking Ha Ni's favorite so no one would eat them before she got home tomorrow. He noticed Eun Jo sitting on the couch, his homework spread in front of him and the boy staring off in the distance. Seung Jo smiled and grabbed him extra plate before going to crash down next to him. It was rare he got to spend any alone time with his little brother who was almost twelve now. Seung Jo ruffled his hair grabbing the kids attention who mumbled a quick thanks at the plate of food.

Seung Jo frowned realizing Eun Jo had something on his mind, "What's wrong? School giving you problems?"

He shook his head, "No but do you where Ha Ni is?"

"She is at work till tomorrow. Why?"

"I need some advice." Eun Jo admitted sheepishly and Seung Jo's mouth fell open slightly, "from Ha Ni?"

Eun Jo gave a reluctant nod and he turned to give him his full attention, "You can ask me." Baek Seung Jo was confused at his hesitation since Eun Jo usually told him everything." What is it?"

His little brother sighed, "I was just wondering what it was like for Ha Ni growing up… You know not having a mother."

Seung Jo stared at him as Eun Jo continued sadly. "Not being able to talk to her or get her advice on things. I mean we have always had Mom and Dad. We probably don't really understand what it's like to wake up one morning and find out they are gone."

"I guess not," Seung Jo said quietly. "I never really thought about it before and Ha Ni doesn't like to talk about her too much." He tilted his head, "What brought this on Eun Jo?"

His brother gave him a sad smile, "A friend of mine at school just lost his mother. It was a car accident and I don't know how to help him or even what to say… I was hoping Ha Ni might be able to tell me what to do."

Seung Jo grew quiet thinking about Ha Ni. He knew she had been content with her father and grandmother but it had left a small hole not being able to have a mother in her life. It was the hardest for her during the holidays but especially on her birthday. Her mother had always made them a big deal and the few memories she had of them together was the last birthday before she died. Somehow marking the day for sadness. Oh Ki Dong still gave her a cake or a celebration but Ha Ni always became quiet and withdrawn.

Despite his family's best efforts to distract her, she mainly wanted to be left alone. Baek Seung Jo always respected her rare request for space during this time but stayed near just in case.

"I don't think there is anything you can really do to help him," Seung Jo finally told him. "Even now Ha Ni doesn't like to talk about it and she was pretty little when it happened. She barely remembers her but it still hurts a great deal. Just be sensitive to it and don't push."

Eun Jo nodded, "I know but I was thinking… I have that stupid mother-son dance coming up soon. I have been giving mom a hard time about it even though she is all excited. Yesterday, I refused to go even if she bribed me but then I realized Li Chin would probably give anything to have that problem."

Seung Jo looked at his hands, "probably." He thought back to one of his earlier memories with Ha Ni who had been so excited because his mother had come to the school and bought her class pizza. It was the first time, she had any kind of mother-daughter moment. He didn't know if he had ever told Geum Hee how much that had meant to Ha Ni.

Eun Jo stood up and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "I think I will go and apologize to her. Tell her we can go to the dance after all. This kind of thing has reminded me not to take her for granted."

As his brother took down the hall to her office, Seung Jo thought about his words. He had to admit that most of the time, he thought of his mother as a pain but he honestly couldn't imagine not having her in his life. She had always been there, every school event, every tennis match, or academic award. He also remembered how when he was sick as a child, his mom would stay up all night by his bed reading and singing to him. Seung Jo decided he should probably tell her how much he appreciated her for all the things she had done for him but especially for Ha Ni. For being able to fill a hole in his wife that no amount of affection from him could heal.

He was startled from his melancholy thoughts by the sound of his phone ringing. He quickly pulled it out of his pocket and was relieved to see Ha Ni's name. "Hello."

"Hi," Ha Ni replied her voice weak, "I finally got to go on break."

Seung looked at his watch, "You are just now taking a break? It's almost six… When was your last one?"

"Around eight last night." Ha Ni replied and Seung Jo became alarmed. "Did you eat?"

"Not yet but I am getting ready too."

"Ha Ni," He yelled, worry making his voice sharp, "Don't be stupid. You can't go forty-eight hours without taking care of yourself."

"Baek Seung Jo," Ha Ni sniffed, "Can you yell at me tomorrow? I am exhausted and really wanted to talk to you."

He immediately felt guilty, "I am sorry. You just don't sound good."

"I don't feel good," she admitted and his concern spiked. "Do you need me to come to get you?"

Ha Ni almost cried at the idea. She had worked every day since Doctor Choi had started and now with these backs to back twenty fours, she could feel her body shutting down. She desperately wanted to go home and curl up in bed with her husband. But she couldn't take advantage of his position nor did she want to risk her job. Ha Ni really did love being a nurse, especially with the kids. "No." She whimpered, "Just- "

"Nurse Baek," A man voice snarled loudly and Seung Jo clenched his phone at the tone. "What the hell are you doing? I told you to run the lab results." The words faded away but Seung Jo could hear Ha Ni take a shaky breath, "I did sir but I have not eaten since last night and I really need- "

"It doesn't look like you are eating. It looks like you are playing on your phone. So, get back to work."

Baek Seung Jo opened his mouth to tell her under no circumstances was she to do another minute without food but Ha Ni got back on the line before he could, "I have to go. I love you."

"Ha Ni," he began but she cut him off with a sigh, "I am all right. Just promise me I can have some dad's noodle soup tomorrow in bed."

"I already got you some." Seung Jo told her, "I will make sure no one touches it." He paused, "be careful okay and call me back soon."

"I don't know if I will be able to. He keeps following me and I can't afford to get in trouble again."

Seung Jo growled low, " I am not happy."

"I know," Ha Ni replied with a chuckle.

"Nurse Baek!" At the snarl, Ha Ni gave him a quick bye and hung up the phone.

He spent the rest of the evening playing games with his family and it was nice to spend a little more time with them. They had all laughed at the fierce competitiveness between Geum Hee and Baek Seung Jo. Then when Ha Ni's father had gotten home he had played on the guitar with Eun Jo, which had been a surprise. He had not realized his brother could play so well.

Despite the relaxing night Seung Jo was tossing and turning in bed anxiously. He desperately wanted Ha Ni home. It had been almost three days since he had last seen her. Despite the fact he didn't outwardly show it, Seung Jo really did not like being separated from his wife. He growled again fluffing up his pillow. "This is ridiculous. I slept for twenty years without Ha Ni, I can handle a few days."

However, after another five minutes of staring blearily at the clock he was forced to admit that this may no longer be the case. He was contemplating just getting up when the sudden chiming of his phone broke through the quiet. Seung Jo bolted upright knowing it could only be one person. "Ha Ni?"

"Baek Seung Jo," She cried, "Now he is saying I can't leave until tomorrow afternoon."

"What?" Seung Jo swung his legs off the bed. "I have to come home," Ha Ni sobbed. "I am having a hard time thinking straight and I am worried I will mess up a patient's medication or something. Can you come?"

Seung Jo had already started pulling on his sweats, "I am on my way."

He drove like a madman to the hospital and sprinted inside. He had never heard Ha Ni sound so upset. She was in the corridor and one look at her, Seung Jo felt like throwing up. She was deathly pale, deep purple circles under her eyes, and she was shaking violently. Ha Ni staggered towards him and collapsed into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her as she sobbed, "I am so tired. He hasn't even let me stop to eat or take a drink of water."

Seung Jo glanced up furiously at Nurse Dae who was standing next to them. She was a senior staff member who had taken Ha Ni under her wing last year. "It's been awful," She whispered looking strained. "Ha Ni almost passed out a half hour ago so I was making her sit down. He screamed at her for slacking off. Then declared as punishment she would not be able to leave until noon when the next staff came in."

"What should I do?" Ha Ni begged and Seung Jo pulled her more firmly into his embrace. "You are going home."

"Seung Jo," She stared at him frightened, "He wanted me to-"

"Nurse Baek, where do you think you are going?" A man in a white coat barreled around the corner and grabbed her arm trying to yank her away but Seung Jo clamped down on his wrist. "Let go of her."

Doctor Choi looked him, "Dr. Baek… Are you ordering me around? As a doctor, I have more seniority and rank than you."

"I am not ordering you as a doctor, I am ordering you as her husband. Let go of my wife now."

Choi Yin Jung snarled but released her arm. Seung Jo tucked Ha Ni behind him, "Nurse Dae can you help her to our car? It's parked in the front."

"Of course," Hyeon Su wrapped an arm around Ha Ni. "Come on sweetie."

"Seung Jo?" Ha Ni asked with a fearful glance at Doctor Choi. "Go on," he ordered softly not taking his eyes of Choi who smirked coldly.

Nurse Dae nudged her forward and as soon as he was sure Ha Ni was out of earshot, he moved closer. "If you ever lay a finger on her again, I will turn you from a doctor to a patient here."

Yin Jung rolled his eyes, "Nurse Baek is scheduled to stay until noon."

"She shouldn't even be here now." Seung Jo snapped furiously. "You can't keep a nurse almost seventy-two hours. She was supposed to leave yesterday morning."

He shrugged, "I decided she was needed to fill in for Nurse Park. Besides I had the clearance. We both know that Nurse Baek is not anyone's golden child. However," he folded his arm with a smug grin. "I had a discussion with your wife tonight. I offered her a deal to change her status around here but she refused. You might ask her to reconsider."

"What deal?" Seung Jo demanded, an icy shiver running over his spine recalling the fear on Ha Ni.

"She knows." Doctor Choi began to stroll away cockily, "I will be writing her up for leaving without clearance."

"No, you won't." Seung Jo stopped him coldly and Choi Yin Jung turned around surprised. He was no longer facing a half drowsy, concerned husband. He was now facing the stony, ruthless Baek Seung Jo who could make men years in the business shake. Seung Jo pushed towards him, "I have a pretty good idea what your proposition was to my wife but you better hope I never get confirmation. Because if I do," he lowered his voice dangerously, "you will not like what will happen to you."

"I wouldn't threaten me, Doctor Baek," Yin Jung said quietly, "You have a very good career ahead of you. Having someone like me on your bad side would not be in your best interest."

"Trust me, between the two of us… It is you who should be worried about being on my bad side." Seung Jo replied, "I have a meeting scheduled with Chairman Soon next week. He wanted to congratulate me on my thesis I am presenting. I am sure we will have a nice conversation about how you are abusing one of your top pediatric nurses. Now," Seung Jo strolled away from Doctor Choi's gaping face, "my wife will not be back into work until after that meeting. I suggest you schedule accordingly."

Nurse Dae met him at the door, "She's running a fever."

Seung Jo cursed, "I was afraid of that." He hurried his stride but shot her a questioning glance, "Did he hurt her?"

"I don't know." She admitted regretfully, "He has a weird obsession with Nurse Baek. We all have noticed it but Ha Ni thought it was just because she was your wife." Dae Hyeon Su looked at the ground ashamed, "she often gets treated poorly. Anyway, these past two days, he went crazy and it almost seemed like he wanted her to pass out or something. After I finally intervened and made her take a break, she was summoned into his office. I don't know what he said to her but she bolted out and immediately called you."

Seung Jo felt like punching his fist through the wall. He ran to the car and opened the passenger door. Ha Ni was sweating and looked confused, "Seung Jo?"

"Ha Ni," he whispered feeling her forehead with a wince. "He said he could fix my schedule. He would put in a good word for me but I had to…" A tear rolled down her face as she broke off. "I told him no and then he said unless I changed my mind – "

Seung Jo grabbed her hand, "Did he touch you?"

"No," Ha Ni cried, "but Doctor Choi said he would fire me if I didn't. He said no one would believe a dumb nurse over him."

"He's right," Nurse Dae spoke up softly. "They all want a reason to fire Baek Ha Ni."

"Why?" Seung Jo snapped, "just because she is married to me?"

"They think it was favoritism and a lot of the female staff are…jealous. No one befriends or sticks up for her but me and a few others. It is a shame because Nurse Baek is by far the best one we have now."

Seung Jo looked at Ha Ni feeling sick with guilt, "I am sorry."

"It's okay," his wife sobbed. "I don't care about that. I have you and my other friends but I don't want to lose my job."

"You won't," Seung Jo assured her with a kiss to the forehead. "He will. Right after I kill him."

He turned to storm away but Nurse Dae grabbed him, "If you hit him, you will be the one trouble."

"I don't care." Seung Jo moved her aside but she simply stepped in front of him again. "Ha Ni does. Besides you are the only one who can protect her. They won't believe her but they might you especially with me as your witness."

Her words made Seung Jo pause and although the idea of throwing Choi Yin Jung's body into the nearest pond was highly tempting, she had a point. The choking sound from Ha Ni drew his attention from his murderous impulse. She was dry retching and looked like she couldn't breathe. "Ha Ni," He yelled rushing forward but she straightened shakily. "I am okay. It's just my nerves. Please, Seung Jo, I want to go home."

He hastily agreed sending a quick look of gratitude to Nurse Dae who just shook her head. "I should have stopped this earlier. I knew something was wrong when he started trying to trip her."

"Wait," Seung Jo held up his hand and turned back to his wife. "He tripped you?"

Ha Ni nodded reluctantly, "Just once. I think he was hoping to do it in such a way that he could get me alone in an exam room. Luckily, I am clumsy enough that I know how to catch myself from falling." She sent him a weak grin but the last thing Seung Jo felt like doing was smiling.

"We thought it was an accident until now," Hyeon Su said with a tired sigh. "I better get back." She gave a small smile to the young women she mentored. "Rest and let your husband handle this."

Ha Ni muttered a thank you and Seung Jo quickly climbed into the car cursing darkly. They sat quietly as he drove through the empty streets. She could feel the anger coming off him in waves and he kept mumbling under his breath. Ha Ni took in his white fingers clenching the steering wheel and drew a shaky breath, "Are you mad?"

"I am furious." Seung Jo growled sharply, pulling into the drive. "But not with you. Doctor Choi on the other hand probably won't live."

Ha Ni felt a little better knowing his anger was not directed at her. She blinked drowsily as her body finally started to shut down. While he turned off the car, Ha Ni sighed in relief and moved to go inside but Seung Jo stopped her annoyed. "You will face plant."

He swung her up into his arms and was alarmed to feel how hot her skin was. He hurried into the house and saw his parents sitting up waiting on them. "Ha Ni," his mother cried rushing forward. "I heard you leave and figured something had happened."

Ha Ni moaned and Geum Hee looked at him, "What should we do?"

"Get some water and a cool rag." Seung Jo barked, "She is running a fever from exhaustion and is dehydrated. I have to get her temperature down so just leave it in our room." As his mother scurried off, Seung Jo headed upstairs to the bathroom. He quickly stripped them both of their clothes and turned the shower on cool. He gently helped her inside, holding her tightly against his chest while the water ran over them.

"Too bad I am too sick to enjoy this." Ha Ni mumbled and Seung Jo grinned at the comment. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I will make it up to you. After I get you well, I plan on locking us in a room and doing nothing but this."

Ha Ni tried to speak but didn't seem capable of forming a sentence. Her head dropped and Seung Jo tapped her cheek. "Stay awake a little longer. We need to get your fever down before you fall asleep."

Ha Ni knew that as well but honestly did not know how to keep herself awake any longer. She felt him shift forward to pick something up. "Talk to me."

"Hmmm," Ha Ni muttered confused, "About what?"

"Anything." Seung Jo said running his fingers through her wet hair with shampoo, hoping to distract her. "You should be happy. Normally, I am begging you to stop talking."

Ha Ni tried to swat him for his teasing but in her weakened state, it came across more like a missed touch. "So Kim Hwan is doing better," Ha Ni told him. "The new medication I recommended seems to be working."

He paused in his work, "Really?" She nodded happily. Kim Hwan had been a five-year-old patient who had an infection no one could identify. None of the normal antibiotics seemed to be working and Ha Ni had been searching and talking to various doctors to try and find something to help. She had consulted not only Baek Seung Jo but ones from other countries as well. Everyone had thought she was wasting her time but Ha Ni had refused to quit. "If it keeps up, he may be able to go home next week."

"I am proud of you." Seung Jo said quietly. Ha Ni laid her head on his chest, "does this mean I can go to sleep now?"

He felt her back and it was still blazing under his touch. "Not yet," Seung Jo looked down at her sympathetically as she groaned. "Why didn't you tell me how badly you get treated at the hospital?"

"I rarely notice it anymore," Ha Ni said wearily, "and it doesn't bother me. Nurse Dae and Nurse Park have taken me under their wing which helps. Besides the only way to get it to stop is for me to quit or we divorce. I am not planning on doing either one."

Seung Jo stared at his little snail. "I am glad to hear you are not planning on divorcing me. Not that I would let you even if you tried." He rinsed her hair as she smiled, "but I don't like that you get so disrespected."

Ha Ni sagged a little as the shower beat down on her, "oh my head."

He made an apologetic sound and moved so the water hit more of her shoulders instead. She raised up to look at him, her eyes glassy. "I don't mind the snide comments or the rolling of the eyes, Seung Jo. Besides, I didn't want you to think I was telling you my troubles so you could intervene. We both agreed that when I switched to pediatrics that I needed to do it on my own."

"Unless it was important," Seung Jo replied hotly. "I think a guy abusing you and then trying to sexually harass you qualifies Ha Ni."

She flinched at his tone which had risen with each word piercing her skull. "He didn't do anything like that until tonight. The schedule is bad yes but the screaming and coming after me, no. And the minute he offered me… what he offered, I called you."

Seung Jo tucked her in closer, "Sorry. I didn't mean to yell. I know you did but…"

"I know," Ha Ni whispered, "I don't know what to do. He's so powerful at the hospital and I am just- "

"I will handle Doctor Choi," Seung Jo promised, "you don't need to worry."

Ha Ni couldn't keep herself upright any longer, "bed please."

Seung Jo heard that she was about to cry and shut the water off. Her fever was still too high but her skin no longer felt on fire anymore. Realizing she was basically unconscious, he didn't bother wasting time to get her pajamas. He dried her off with a quick rub of a towel and simply pulled his t-shirt over her. As he carried her to bed, he saw that his mother had left a tray on their nightstand with a rag, water, and small bowl of broth. She had also turned down the covers and placed a bucket next to the bed. Seung Jo smiled at her gentle touch and told himself to try to spend more time with Geum Hee.

However, right now he needed focus on Ha Ni. He laid her down and placed the rag on her forehead. She hissed at the coolness on her inflamed skin and Seung Jo stroked her cheek. He was able to get her to take a few sips of water but her body was almost past the point of working. He sat down behind her and looked at his watch. It was close to the morning but still a few hours from when was originally due to be home.

Seung Jo swallowed hard thinking about how sick Ha Ni would have been if she had tried to stay for the whole night and guilt swamped over him. He had known Ha Ni had been working past the point of safety for a while. Last night should not have happened and Seung Jo was mad that he did not intervene when she originally called.

Ha Ni whimpered with a restless kick and Seung Jo ran a hand over her. He whispered into her ear and she clung to him fitfully. Finally, her poor body softened and she fell into a light sleep. Seung Jo stayed awake keeping an eye on her fever. It was going down but it was still too high for him to relax. He heard the door click open and turned to see Eun Jo looking worried. Seung Jo raised a finger to his lips and his brother nodded coming in close. "Mom told me about last night," Eun Jo whispered. "How is she?"

"Asleep for right now." Seung Jo mumbled, "Her temperature is not really letting her rest deeply though. Last night was ridiculous. She has already been working too much which was making her sick. Then you add a forty-eight with no food or water and it sent her over the edge."

Eun Jo frowned knowing that didn't sound right. How could they deny her water? He decided not to ask since Seung Jo did not seem to be in the mood for questions. He pressed a hand lightly to her forehead, "She is still awfully hot, Hyung."

Baek Seung Jo nodded, "It is better than before though. I am keeping an eye on it. If her fever is not down in a couple of hours, I will take her back to the hospital. Are you on your way to school?"

"Yeah," Eun Jo told him, "do you need anything?"

"No," Seung Jo rubbed his face tiredly, "but thanks. Tell Mom I will be down once I know she is doing all right."

"Okay." He turned turned to slip away but Ha Ni suddenly called his name quietly. Eun Jo shot his brother an apologetic glance for waking her. "Fighting," Ha Ni said weakly and he knelt beside her. "I will."

"I'm sorry." She took his hand, "I wanted to come. Maybe if I feel better this afternoon…"

Eun Jo shook his head, "dummy."

She gave him a sleepy grin, "Make sure you take your- "

"It is in my backpack," Eun Jo interrupted and in an uncharacteristically sweet gesture kissed her on the cheek. "Feel better."

As he walked out, Baek Seung Jo shot her a confused smile, "What was that about?"

Ha Ni tried to sit up but he stopped her with a scolding glare. "It is his first game of soccer. I promised I would be there."

Seung Jo handed her some more water, "he will have more games."

"But not his first," Ha Ni insisted, "I feel horrible."

"He understands." Seung Jo stroked a hand over her hair and frowned deeply at the heat still coming off her. "I think it's time I take you in."

Ha Ni shook her head pleadingly, "Not yet. I honestly don't think I can walk to the car and I just want to go to sleep. If we go in with the tests and everything I won't be able too. I will probably get worse."

"Ha Ni," Baek Seung Jo began but she grabbed his wrist. "Please. I know my body. Let me sleep and get some hydration. I will get better.

Despite his instincts as a doctor, Seung Jo knew he couldn't put her through any more trauma. He understood that Ha Ni was mainly worried about seeing Doctor Choi again. He relented with a sigh, "Fine. Let's see how you feel after you eat a little."

"Thank you," Ha Ni whispered and slowly sat up. He moved the pillows to help her and even that little bit of movement felt like running a marathon. Her breathing was labored and Seung Jo almost took back his promise. He brought the broth up to her lips and couldn't help but laugh as she made a face. "What?"

"I don't know. I think my taste buds are off but chalk tastes better than this does right now."

"How do you know what chalk tastes like?" Seung Jo questioned and his eyes twinkled as her cheeks went pink that had nothing to do with her fever. "Uh, that's not important."

"There is a story there." Seung Jo poked her belly, "One I want to hear."

She shook her head, "I refuse on the grounds of being sick." He bent down and stole a soft kiss, "then get better so I can hear it."

"Let's just say it involved a late night with Jung Joo Ri's pool and too much sugar."

Now Baek Seung Jo was really curious, "You can't swim…"

"I know but it wasn't that deep. Plus, I was hyped up and didn't care. Along with already being naked- "Ha Ni broke off and his eyes widened, "Naked? You went skinny dipping and didn't invite me. I am offended." He paused in his teasing remembering who use to hang around her all the time in high school. "You were alone with just the girls, right?"

"Of course! Now I am going back to sleep." Ha Ni declared and crawled down under the covers. He leaned over with a wicked grin, "I am going to find out more about this. Trust me."

Ha Ni stuck her tongue out at him before closing her eyes letting herself go back to sleep. Suddenly feeling exhausted Seung Jo laid down beside her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and allowed himself to drift off.

A few hours later he awoke with a start and frantically checked her temperature. He let out a breath of relief when she felt much cooler to his touch. She was actually sleeping this time instead of being unconscious. He softly slipped out of the bed and moved to go downstairs. He kept the door opened so he could hear her if she stirred. As he walked into the kitchen he spotted his mother cooking quietly and his father working on paperwork at the table. They both looked up at his footsteps. "Baek Seung Jo," Geum Hee called. "Is she all right?"

"I think so," Seung Jo replied, "Her fever seems to have broken."

"What happened?"

"Ha Ni can't keep working like this." He told them, his earlier anger rising again. "It is too hard on her and I was really worried when I picked her up. I honestly thought I was going to have to admit her. Luckily, she seems better but if she had stayed for the full shift...I don't know what would have happened. They could have killed her last night."

"It was not just last night," his father pointed out. "Ha Ni has been called into the hospital every day these past few months. Even when she was scheduled to work an overnight. I doubt she has slept more than four hours recently or ate a full meal."

"Probably not." Seung Jo snarled, "But I am putting an end to it. I have no intention on letting her go back to work for a while either. She needs to rest and get her health back up."

Geum Hee moved to embrace her son and for once he didn't stop her. Baek Seung Jo sank against his mother allowing her to comfort him. "You did well sweetheart, you took care of her. I am proud of you." She whispered in his ear and Baek Seung Jo felt a lump in his throat rise. They stood that way for a minute before he pulled back and kissed her cheek thankfully. Before he could move though the sound of a phone ringing came from Ha Ni's purse.

Geum Hee answered it with a frown. She listened for a minute before her eyes widened and she gestured to Baek Seung Jo. "It is the hospital. They want Ha Ni to come into work tonight."

Seung Jo laughed bitterly and ripped the phone out of her hand. "Didn't we already have this discussion?"

Yes, but I talked to the chairman." The arrogant voice of Doctor Choi sang out, "I explained her behavior last night and have the paperwork officially in my hand. She either comes in or we let her go."

Seung Jo gritted his teeth, "her behavior?"

"Yes. She was sloppy and slow. She also kept asking Nurse Dae to double check her work because she was concerned she did it improperly. Not exactly a capable nurse, wouldn't you say Doctor Baek?

"Actually yes since you worked someone beyond their physical capabilities and she was concerned for her patient's safety. Also, I am assuming you left out the part where you denied her the chance to get food or water and got a shift approval that went against regulations. When I brought her home- "

"What Baek Ha Ni did when she got home is not the point." Yin Jung interrupted smugly. "I want her back here tonight." He paused before adding pointedly. "Unless you get her to take me up on my offer."

"You son- "Seung Jo began furiously but he was cut off, "I will even make the deal beneficial for you too. I can open all sorts of doors in the medical field, Doctor Baek. I know how ambitious you are and I have the means to help. For a small price."

Baek Seung Jo hung up abruptly and turned to his parents. They took a step back at the murderous expression on his face, both slightly frightened. "Seung Jo?" Geum Hee asked softly, "What is it?"

"Ha Ni doesn't leave." He told them sternly. "Make sure she sleeps as long as possible. If she wakes up tell her I went to the store or something. If her condition gets worse call me immediately or get an ambulance. She can't handle another fever spike but mainly keep her rested until I get back. I will explain everything later." Without another word, they watched their son grab his keys and storm out of the house.

"Should we be worried?" Geum Hee asked her husband. "I have never seen him like that before."

Baek Soo Chang having a better understanding of what was going on sent his wife a sideways glance, "I think the man who called is the one who should be worried. Seung Jo doesn't plan on just having a conversation with him."

"What do you mean?"

"He threatened Ha Ni. Which means Seung Jo is about to show him exactly what happens to people who try and hurt his wife."