Chapter Text
The Hankyung Seoul Hospital is one of the most prestious medical facilities in South Korea. Established in 1950s, the hospital already prove its worth in their industry, making them one of the best medical facilities in entire South Korea.
And being hired by the said hospital is already a big honor to a person like Lee Taeyong, who is a top student from a well-known university. Lee Taeyong is General Surgeon in the said hospital, and for five years of rendering his services, he already made his name huge in their field. Many institutions tries to steal him — offering him a big salary, giving him a higher position — you name it. But none of it did work, and Taeyong’s loyalty is still with them all because of one reason; his biological parents. Taeyong’s father and mother were well-known Doctor and Nurse here. And like him, their loyalty were still intact until their last breathe. Following the footsteps of his parents, he studied harder, passed all his exams and worked his ass off until he finally acheived his dream to be working in the same hospital as them.
“It’s good to see you again after three days off, Taeyong hyung? How’s your vacation in Jeju with Yuta Hyung?” Ten, a short name for Cheetapon Leechaiyapornkul, one of the youngest doctors and Taeyong’s best friend number 1, asked as they are walking in the sky bridge of the hospital.
“What do you think?” Taeyong offers him a shy smile, which errupts a small giggle from his friends.
“Did he... did he already proposed to you?” Taeyong’s best friend number 2, Kim Jungwoo, a Korean male who is a really bright Senior Nurse, asked excitedly, hands clasp together as he was silently praying for a great news.
“... Not yet.” As soon as these words left his mouth, he could see the disappointment in his friends’ face. They’ve been waiting for him to propose, yet it never happened. “But he’s actually hinting it. He was really discreet but I can feel he’s taking his time to make a move.” Taeyong tries to convinced himself rather than trying to convince his friends.
“He better do it sooner or else I will force him to do it to you. You’ve been together for years. And I think it’s right for the both you to tie the knot. Even Doyoung hyung was ready to help him to finally ask you for a marriage.” Ten nudges his side, his eyesmile is still there even he was serious.
“Guys don’t pressure him. Let him take his sweet time. He’s not going anywhere.” Taeyong laughs at them.
“You better invite us once he finally ask you, okay Hyung?” Jungwoo held his hand.
“I’ll take note of that. I’ll see you later guys!”
“See you later! Don’t forget the meeting okay? We’ll see the new Director of the hospital! Don’t be late!”
“Okay okay I will.”
When he reached his office, a boquet of red rose was placed on his table, already waiting for his arrival. Taeyong smiles at the scene. He’s been receiving the flowers for three years straight, and it’s usually a red one. In fact, there’s already a pattern when he will receive a boquet. On his first day of work (after his day/s off) and a day before his day-off.
Yuta is surely a sweet boyfriend. I can’t believe he’s so consistent in making me fall for him more.
His fingertips traces the rose, still fascinated by its mysterious beauty. He doesn’t even know why he starts to love this flower. But then again, he was not really fond of roses, yet he still fell inlove with it because of Yuta. And speaking of his boyfriend, his phone blares loudly, causing him to wake up from his trance. Pressing the green button, Taeyong smiles at the caller ID.
“Yuta?”
“Tae where are you? Let’s have a lunch outside.” The other lines speaks in a hurry, which made him smile even wider.
“Do you miss me that much?”
“Yes.” He answers, not missing a beat.
“Seriously? Nakamoto? We’ve just met in breakfast.”
“But it’s already lunchtime, Tae. It’s different.”
“Gosh you’re really trying to find a way to meet me?” Even Yuta couldn’t see him, he know he was grinning like an idiot.
“Yes because I miss you so much.”
“You’re such a clingy boyfriend. Are you sure you’re the Yuta Nakamoto who is so strict and so serious in an operation room?” Taeyong grabs one of the red roses and inhale its scent. It smells fresh, like it was only picked an hour ago.
“My lovelife and worklife is different, Tae. I’m being professional in my field while I’m acting as a boyfriend to you. Satisfied?”
“Gosh. Okay fine! You win, I lose. Just text me the location, I’ll be there after I change my scrub suit.” He placed back the flower on its place and starts to undo his pants.
“I’ll wait for you outside, let’s go together there. I have already reserved it so don’t worry.”
“As expected from you, Yuta. Okay then, see you. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Taeyong shakes his head as he smiles to himself. He was so lucky to have him.
Yuta was really outside the premises when Taeyong spotted him. He waved his hand to gain his attention, and Yuta smiles upon seeing him. He ran towards Taeyong’s direction and stopped infront of him.
“Let’s go?” He held out his hand.
“Let’s go.”
During their lunch time, Taeyong couldn’t stop himself from smiling. He was even laughing at Yuta’s weird gestures and corny jokes, as if he was the funniest guy in the world. His eyes are twinkling in happiness and could even surpass the brightness of the sun. He’s definitely enjoying his time with the love of his life. After their sumptuous meal, Yuta pays the bill and they went back to the hospital. As they were busy chatting about some random things, a black car came to a stop in front of their hospital. Seconds later, two more black car followed suit, and people on the said vehicles stepped out. They were all dressed in black. One of them went to the first car and opened the door, and a man, who’s wearing a black and gold outfit that screams power and dominance, stepped out and walk towards their entrance. They couldn’t see their faces but they both know they are VIPs. Even he doesn’t want to stare for a long time, he still did, like his eyes were glued to the person. He couldn’t like a way for some unknown reason.
“Let’s go, Tae?” Yuta nudges him, earning the attention of Taeyong who wasbusy scrutinizing the man who’s wearing the expensive clothing.
“Sorry, Let’s go~ I don’t want to be late.” With one last look to the mysterious person, he finally looks away.
The two of them proceeds to their rooms to change to their scrub suits and go back to their stations, where many patients are waiting for them. It wasn’t a toxic day but it was already enough to make them busy.
Time flies so fast and Taeyong did not notice it’s end of his shift. Reminding the nurses about the status of their patients and also the medicines they need to inject, Taeyong finally called it a day and went to his own office. On his way, he saw Ten, Jungwoo and Doyoung were already in front of his office, idly waiting for his return.
“You really take your sweet time on finishing your duty huh?” Ten sarcastically spoke as soon as he reached them.
“I’ve been away for days. I don’t want to slack off please~”
“It’s literally three days, hyung. It’s only three days. What slacking are you talking about?” Doyoung, his bestest friend and also a doctor, almost shouts at him but the latter only snickers at his direction.
“Taeyong hyung is just being himself. Nothing’s new to that. He’s been like that for the past few years.” Jungwoo amicably smiles at them, showing his white teeth innocently.
“Atleast Jungwoo is on my side. You two are so pessimistic. That’s not good for your reputation.” Taeyong points out as he opens the door and they all went inside. The three plops themselves at his small sofa while Taeyong went directly to his table.
“Okaaaaaay Madam~ such a hardworking person. Are you aiming to have a statue as a symbol of your heroic act?” Ten said, crossing his arm as his eyes follow Taeyong’s movement
“I’m just doing my job as a Doctor, Ten.”
“Quit it, Ten. You’ll never win an argument agaisnt him.” Doyoung finally intercepts. He faced Taeyong who was already removing his clothes.
“Be quick on washing up, Hyung. I don’t want to be late at the celebration.”
“Aye aye captain~”
—-
Half an hour later, The five of them finally reached their destination. The venue was only a five-minute walk from their hospital so they choose to take a strall rather than riding on their car. It’s more convenient and of course it’s way healthier.
The entire place was packed with rich people. In fact, the place is screaming high class, and it was their very first time attending such grandeurs gathering. they did not recognized most of them, and they conclude they are probably relatives of the stockholders of the company. As they were busy finding their co-workers, Taeyong’s eyes spotted the person they saw at the entrance of the hospital. His back was facing them so he still did not able to see his face. But then, just like in movies or some kind of destiny, the said person slowly turns around, and boy the time literally stops as he finally see the face of the mysterious guy. He wa still wearing the said black and gold tuxedo but it was barely covering his toned chest, his hair was brushed up that perfectly fitted to his sharp features, his pointy nose, his plump lips. But what really caught his attention is his smokey gaze. Despite their long distance, Taeyong could feels his skin is burning through his gaze, and the said person wasn’t even subtle on the way he looks at Taeyong, like he was ready to devour him alive. A hand tapped him on his shoulder, snapping him to their staring competition.
“Tae?” Yuta asked, concerned was visible all over his face. “You alright?”
“Yeah I’m good. Sorry~” he smiles at him, assuring him that everything’s all right even it’s not.
“Guys there’s our table, let’s go!” Doyoung announces and they all followed him. Despite he was no longer paying attention at the said person, he could still feel the burning gaze from that stranger. The intensity was already enough to make him look back and he was right, his gaze was still all over him. And even it was so subtle, he was sure the person gave him a small smirk. Taeyong doesn’t know what it implies, but he was sure he’s starting to get uncomfortable.
Taeyong momentarily forgot the stranger as he was enggaged into chit-chatting with his colleagues and co-workers. It’s been a while when their hospital hold this kind of event, and it’s now extra special since they will finally meet the person who will be their new Director. Their attention draws to the small podium when the host speaks on the mic.
“Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please?” She stops for a moment and wait for the people to look at her.
“I am honored to host this event for Hankyung Seoul Hospital for a long time and now it’s my pleasure to introduce to you the new Director of the corporation. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give him a big round of applause, the new Director of Hankyung Seoul Hospital, Director Jung Jaehyun.” Series of round of applause booms inside the place, welcoming the new person in their company. Taeyong and his friends and boyfriend also joins the crowd, anticipating to meet the new face. As he was enthusiastically clapping his hands, he saw the glimpse of the said person and his eyes almost popped out from its socket and his heartbeat stops. Walking with dignity and pride is none other than the person who he saw at the entrance of the hospital, the person who was oggling him from the distance. And boy he swears he saw Jaehyun take a glimpse of him before he stood up straight at the podium and rewarded the crowd with a smile. Taeyong doesn’t want to lie but he knows his gesture is so fake, but no one should know it, now that he’s the new Director of their workplace.
“A pleasant evening to everyone, I’m Jung Jaehyun, the new Director of Hankyung Seoul Hospital. It’s my pleasure to finally meet the people in my new environment...” His eyes roamed around the the room and it stops when he saw Taeyong, looking directly at him. His smile even grew wider when the doctor did not look away and returned the intensity. As they were engage into a heated staring competition, Jaehyun continues with his speech with practiced ease, but the people around them felt the tension between the two, to the point they even starts to whispers on what’s going on. His friends and even his boyfriend are starting to get uncomfortable at the attention he was receiving.
“... and to end my speech, I repeat my gratitude to all the people here who made it possible for me to be standing in front of you and for giving me a new challenge. I will cherish every minute that I’ll be doing my responsibility as your new Director. And...” he shamelessly smirk to Taeyong’s direction. “... I will surely enjoy dedicating my precious time with you. I hope we’ll get along.” With this, Jaehyun bows a little and he was rewarded once again by round of applause. It was only subtle, it was not really noticeable. But when Jaehyun lifted his head, Taeyong was so sure he was directly looking at him. It was weird because he never know the new Director. He just met him today, but the way their new Director spare his attention to him, it feels like they were long lost lovers and Jaehyun finally found him.
“Do you know him?” Doyoung whispers in his ear, eyes were all focused on Jaehyun who was descending the stairs, his voice managed to penetrate in Taeyong’s hazy thoughts.
“No. It’s my first time meeting him.”
“But why is he looking at you like that? Almost everyone here witnessed how he was directly staring at you, like you’re the only person here.”
“I don’t know, Doie. But I swear to God I just met him today.” And it was true. He cannot remember him. Despite he already ransacked his brain to find any clues or information about Jaehyun, he found nothing.
“That’s weird. It was really weird.” Was all Doyoung could say.
The entire program, Taeyong’s mind keep on reeling to that specific memory. He couldn’t focus on eating and talking to his friends. And most of all, he was getting uncomfortable. The more he stays at his seat, the more he was being subjected to Jaehyun’s attention. He knew he was being watched, he was being spied, but he has no ounce of bravery to look back and return the intensity. He could feel his skin starts to prick and Taeyong starts to fear for his life for unknown reason.
“Tae, you look flushed. Is something wrong?” Yuta ask, concerned was written all over his face. The latter only smiles at him, concealing what he really feels so that he will not burden him. “I’m fine. Just feeling hot. I need to go to the bathroom.” Without waiting for his reply, Taeyong stood up and made his way to the comfort room. The uneasiness is still there, but he still manage to convince himself that he’s fine. However, it didn’t last long when he arrives at the comfort room. Standing few feet away from him is none other than Jung Jaehyun. He was washing his hands at the faucet. Even he’s only standing, Taeyong could feel the sinister he radiates. It was too strong, and he was sure anyone could feel it. He tries to act cool, going inside the cubicle while he was waiting for the other person to leave. Taeyong did his business and stays for minutes until he was sure that he already left. When he thought the coast was clear, he stepped outside cubicle and was ready to wash his hand when he saw Jaehyun’s reflection at the big mirror, standing near the exit, like he was already waiting for Taeyong ro come out. His hands were on his pocket, his intense gaze was on Taeyong reflection. And his face is unreadable.
Taeyong tried to remain calm as he ignore his presence and wash his hands at the faucet. When he turns around and grab the tissue, he still did not dare to glance at his direction, afraid that he will meet his gaze and will scare the shit out of him. Of all the places he will get stuck with him, why it’s in the bathroom? Did Jaehyun do it intentionally? But if yes, why he was doing it? Taeyong could only sighs silently as he was contenplating what to do next. He can no longer prolong his stay there, hell he can no longer stand being with him in a small room. So trying his best to ignore his existence, Taeyong walks towards the door.
But he was not given a chance to open it when Jaehyun spoke, his deep, masculine voice made him immobile.
“Dr. Lee Taeyong?”
His head slowly turn to face Jaehyun, and he couldn’t look away. He doesn’t want to look away. He was so handsome. Scratch that. He was so perfect. Every inch and every detail of his face was so angelic — his pointy nose, his porcelain skin, his almond-shaped eyes, his brows, even his plump lips. But behind those beautiful feature was his mysterious self. Taeyong can’t see his real facade and he was hiding it very well, like he trained himself to be like that.
“Yes, Director Jung?”
“It’s finally nice to meet you, Dr. Lee.” Then he rewarded him with a big smile. A smile that, Taeyong concludes, he can only show to the person he trusted and he knew since time immemorial. Now it confuses him more.
“I apologized in advance and I don’t want to sound so rude and arrogant. But—“ Taeyong took a deep breath as he muster up his courage to ask what’s bothering him for the past few hours. “—do I know you? Have we met before?” And he swears he saw Jaehyun’s smile grew wider, but it’s more sinister than before. And it give him chills by looking at it. Jaehyun never spoke nor move from his place. He only stares at him for a long time. Before Taeyong could even come up with another question, the door swung open and Yuta came inside.
“Tae? You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“What took you so long? What happened?” Then he noticed that Jaehyun was there. He smiles a little towards him as he bows his head as sign of respect. Returning his attention to Taeyong, he held his hand and pull him away, not being able to see how Jaehyun’s facade contorts with unreadable emotion. As they are going back to their table, Taeyong looks back and saw Jaehyun came out as well, his eyes never left the doctor.
“Tae I thought you got swallowed by the cubicle. What did you do there?” Doyoung joked and the entire table snickered at his remarks, whcih also earn a playful snort from Taeyong.
“Nothing okay? You’re so overdramatic. By the way, I need to go first. Papa and Dada are waiting for me. Dada Jae cooked my favorite dish.” Taeyong half lied. He could still feel the lingering gaze of Jaehyun and that prompts him to leave so soon, even he doesn’t want to.
“Wow lucky bitch! That’s so sweet of him. I’m so jealous.” Ten cutely pouts at this. Everyone knows how great Dada Jae cooks, and it’s one of the main reasons why they always want Taeyong to host their sleepover.
“Can we visit them sometime? We missed Dada Jae’s cooking. We missed Papa Yunho too.” Jungwoo smiles at him and Taeyong nods his head in an instant. Of course no one can resist them, and his parents will be happy to know that and will gladly accept them in their humble residence.
“Of course! You’re always welcome in our house, remember? Anyway, gotta go.”
“I’ll accompany you, Tae.” Yuta says as he quickly grab his things, but Taeyong stopped him.
“No need to—“
“No. It’s already dark outside. I’ll just get the car at the hospital. Wait for me here. Okay?” Though he doesn’t need to, Taeyong knows that Yuta will still insist despite he decline his offer. Rather than having a childish argument with his boyfriend, Taeyong choose to surender.
“Fine then. Thank you, Yuta.”
“You’re always welcome, Tae.”
—
It was their routine to go home together whenever they have the same schedule and off, but because Yuta’s residence is on the other city, he’s always dropping Taeyong on the bus stop. Though he really persist to accompany him in their house, Taeyong always decline his offer, telling him that he’ll get home late if he do that. But that night, he was able to atleast drop him near their residence.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go inside? Dada cooks food and I’m sure it’s enough for all of us.”
“Though the offer is tempting, I need to go home asap. I’ll meet your parents soon. But not today. I’m not prepared, Tae.” Yuta caresses his face lovingly as he apologetically stares at his eyes. And Taeyong smiles cheekily at him.
“Are you sure it’s because of that? Or you’re keeping something from me.”
“Tae—“
“I’m kidding. Geez you’re always so serious. Why did I fall in love with you again?” Taeyong intertwined their fingers, silently praying that Yuta will change his mind and will finally meet his adoptive parents. It’s his biggest dream to finally introduce him to them and he will be the happiest person when it happened. But the latter only kiss his forehead as he bid his goodbye.
“Because my seriousness is my charm. Anyway, gotta go Tae. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You’re right. See you tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The moment Taeyong stepped out of the car and it speed up, he saw his Papa just turn to the corner where their house was located. Running towards him like a child, Taeyong call his attention and hug him from behind.
“Papa Yunho!” He shouts in glee, and Yunho chuckles at him.
“Omo Yongie-ah? You’re just in time. I thought your company have a gathering today?”
“We have. But when Dada Jae told me he’ll cook my favorite dish, I decided to ditch it. Dada’s dish will be my forever favorite and no one can top it.” He then grab the plastic in Yunho’s hand and they slowly walk towards their house. The night was cold but it felt so warm.
“You’re such a sweet talker. Where did you learn that?”
“From Dada of course!” Taeyong proudly beams.
“No wonder I fell in love with him.”
“Okay enough, Papa. I don’t want to hear for the nth time your love story. Let’s hurry! Dada’s probably waiting for us.”
“I wasn’t planning to do that but since you give me an idea—“
“Papa!”
“Just kidding, Yongie~ let’s go!” Then he kissed Taeyong’s head as always, a kind of endearment he used everytime he was teasing the young doctor. And Taeyong really loves it.
The dinner was already prepared when they arrived at their house. Taeyong immediately placed all his things at the living room, washed his hands at the faucet and give a peck on his Dada’s cheek. It’s his daily routine after work.
“Yongie-ah? You really love my cookings that much?” Jaejoong asks as he placed the last dish he cook at the table, eyes looking directly at Taeyong who licked his lips in anticipation. The latter nods instantly as he fill his plate with foods.
“Your cooking’s the best, Dada. It’s irresistible too. My friends even want to visit here again for these!” He playfully wink, but it was a total failure since Taeyong can’t properly wink. Everyone knows that fact but he still looks adorable by doing it. His parents laugh at his cuteness.
“Better invite them again here, we don’t really mind. Plus I miss them, too. Your Papa surely misses also.” Jaejoong side-eyed Yunho, who instantly nods at what he said.
“I do. The house is so lively whenever they are here. So I agree with Jaejoongie. Invite them here. Your boyfriend can come, too.”
“They will definitely love it. And as for him... I’ll try to ask him again. He said he wants to meet you formally at the right time so I don’t want to force him though.” Taeyong smiles falter at this. He was actually looking forward to that moment, but he doesn’t want to pressure Yuta so rather than pestering him to meet his parents, he decided to wait for Yuta to initiate it himself.
“That’s totally fine. If that’s what he want then we respect it.”
“Okay let’s do the talking later. The foods are getting cold. Eat up, Yongie, Yunnie~”
After their dinner, Taeyong volunteered to wash the dishes, while Jaejoong and Yunho watched TV at the living room. As he was busy wiping the plates, he received tons of chats from their group chat. Placing the plates ij its designated place and opening his messenger, his brow raised in suspicion at what he read.
TenLee: Taeyong hyung? Did you arrived at your home?
Nurse Woo: Our new Director is looking for you? What’s going on?
Doie Bunny: Did something happened at the bathroom? I saw he trailed behind you when you exited the bathroom.
Taetae: Nothing happened. We’re just on the same place at the same time
He sent at their group chat though he knew something was weird happening. But rather making it a big deal, he decided to let it go. Maybe he was overthinking.
Doie Bunny: Are you sure? Because I can feel there’s something bothering you.
Ten Lee: wait I’m not following? What is it?
Nurse Woo: what’s happening? Someone spill the tea.
Taeyong bit his bottom lip in uneasiness. He hates lying and he doesn’t like it when someone lies to him. And now, he felt guilty for being a liar to his close friends.
Taetae: Guys nothing’s wrong, okay? I’m alright. And maybe I was too gorgeous tonight so our new Director couldn’t take his eyes off of me.
Doie Bunny: 💀💀💀
Ten Lee: EYE—
Nurse Woo: way to go, hyung!!!
Taeyong guffaws at this. He really enjoyed teasing his friends. Atleast he finally diverted their attention to somewhere else because he doesn’t want to think too much about it. He doesn’t want them to feel the burden too.
Taetae: gotta go guys! I’m gonna take a bath. And I’ll bring Dada’s dishes tomorrow. Let’s eat it in our lunchtime. Kk?
Ten Lee: Dada Jae’s the best! Please kiss him for me.
Nurse Woo: Tell Dada Jae and Papa Yunho that I love them both.
Doie Bunny: Don’t get too shock when the time I will permanently reside in your house, Tae. See you tomorrow and please bring kimchi too~
Taetae: I will definitely looking forward for that. Good night guys~
Switching his app to another one, Taeyong opens his email and saw the news from their hospital. Tons of news are related to Jaehyun’s election. But what really caught his attention is the picture attached to the news. It’s a stolen photo of Jaehyun’s side profile. He was standing at the corner like a modle, drinking a red wine while he was staring directly at somewhere, rather, someone. He was staring directly at him. Even the photo was intentionally blurred the other parts, he was certain that Jaehyun was looking directly at him. The sudden information gives him chills, the hair on his nape stood, and his head starts to hurt.
“Yongie?” Yunho calls him when he saw that Taeyong was massaging his temple.
“Yes Papa?”
There was a contemplation in Yunho’s face and it disappears as soon as it flashes. And Taeyong wonder what it was.
“Nothing... I just want to say Good night.”
The young doctor flashes him a smile. “Good night, Papa.”
Taeyong stripped his clothes when he reached his bathroom. After a long day, he finally have the time to relax inside his personal space. Atleast inside his own bedroom, he can destress himself without being watched by other people. This is how he find his inner peace. But at that time, he couldn’t stop thinking about their new Director.
It’s been hours since their last encounter, but he still could feel the burning gaze of the latter. He wasn’t use to this kind of attention, and it bothers him to the core. He even gathered his courage to confront him but he was only rewarded with silence and he start to get annoyed because of it. Taeyong shook his head to get rid of that memory.
“Maybe I was too delusional. I was probably overthinking.” He sighs.
“Get your shit together, Lee Taeyong. You’re just tired. There’s no way he knows you.” Nodding his head in order to convince himself, Taeyong stepped out of the shower and dried himself. The only thing he can do for now is to forget what happened and pretend it never happen. Little did he know, that will be the beginning of his doom and no one can stop it, even him.