As days turned into weeks, the tension that once defined Mingyu and Wonwoo’s relationship began to shift. It started with being a team to series of unexpected encounters outside the hospital. Each meeting, initially awkward and filled with terse nods and quick glances, gradually softened into something more amicable.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day at the hospital, Mingyu decided to blow off some steam at the gym. He was in the middle of a vigorous set of bench presses when he noticed someone familiar out of the corner of his eye. Wonwoo, dressed in a simple grey t-shirt and black shorts, was methodically working through his routine.

Mingyu smirked, pushing the weights back onto the rack. "Didn’t peg you for the gym type, Wonwoo."

Wonwoo looked up, a slight surprise in his eyes quickly replaced by his usual calm demeanor. "Cardio helps me think," he replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "And you?"

"Just trying to stay in shape," Mingyu replied, grabbing a towel. "Maybe we can have a friendly competition sometime."

Wonwoo raised an eyebrow. "I don’t think ‘friendly’ is in your vocabulary, Mingyu."

Mingyu laughed, a genuine sound that surprised them both. "You might be right about that."

Their gym encounters became more frequent. They would exchange nods and occasionally share workout tips, a silent acknowledgment of each other's presence.

A few days later, Mingyu found himself at a local café, nursing a strong cup of coffee while reviewing patient notes. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't notice Wonwoo until he heard a familiar voice.

"Is this seat taken?"

Mingyu looked up, surprised to see Wonwoo standing there with a tea cup in hand. "Be my guest," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, each absorbed in their own work. It was Wonwoo who broke the silence first.

"You seem to live on coffee."

Mingyu shrugged. "It’s a necessary evil in our line of work."

Wonwoo nodded. "True. I prefer tea, though. Less jittery."

They fell into an easy conversation about their caffeine preferences, a topic far removed from the operating room. It was strange, but Mingyu found he didn't mind the company.

One particularly late night, Mingyu was on call and decided to take a break in the hospital’s break room. He was surprised to find Wonwoo there, leaning back on a couch with a medical journal in hand.

"Late shift?" Mingyu asked, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

Wonwoo nodded. "Just finished a surgery. Thought I’d catch up on some reading."

Mingyu sat down across from him, stretching out his legs. "You ever take a break?"

Wonwoo looked at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "I could ask you the same thing."

They talked late into the night, their conversation ranging from work to more personal topics. Mingyu found himself genuinely interested in what Wonwoo had to say, and he could tell the feeling was mutual.

These encounters, while seemingly insignificant, began to change the way they interacted at work. Their bickering during surgery planning sessions was still present, but it had taken on a different tone. It was less about proving who was right and more about pushing each other to be better.

One evening, as they were leaving the hospital after another long shift, they found themselves walking out together. The night air was cool, and for once, there was no rush to get anywhere.

"Hey, want to grab a bite?" Mingyu asked impulsively. "There's a great place nearby."

Wonwoo considered for a moment before nodding. "Sure. Why not."

They found a small, cozy restaurant and settled into a corner booth. The conversation flowed easily, from work-related topics to more personal anecdotes. Mingyu shared stories from his childhood, and Wonwoo, after some initial hesitation, opened up about his family and why he became a doctor.

"Never thought I'd be sitting here, having a meal with you," Mingyu admitted as they finished their dinner.

"Same here," Wonwoo replied. "But it's... nice."

"Yeah, it is," Mingyu agreed. "Guess we're not so bad as a team, after all."

Wonwoo smiled, a genuine, warm expression that reached his eyes. "Guess not."

As they walked back to their cars, Mingyu felt a sense of contentment. Their relationship had come a long way from the days of sharp-tongued arguments and cold stares. They had found a balance, a way to work together that brought out the best in both of them.

For the first time, Mingyu felt like he had gained not just a colleague, but a friend.