Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

An Yujin, 27, Surgeon.

She stared at the dining table with drool flowing out from her mouth uncontrollably. She had no idea what the special occasion was that made her parents invite her to come over. They were living in the same city, but being the responsible adult she was, she lived in her own apartment in the central town.

Three days ago, Yujin was busy playing with her phone when it rang loudly, making her almost got a heart attack and accidentally crushing her game. Yujin wouldn't stop jabbering the poor old lady for at least 30 minutes and her mother's ear literally burnt ad a payback for her deed. The point of her mother was revealed in fifteen seconds; "Be back on Saturday night for dinner".

Yujin was so grateful to have her parents just like her mom and dad. They were annoying sometimes actually but whatever. She loved her parents especially when her mother made her favorite food.

Yujin ate greedily, not noticing the disgusted look from her parents. Don't blame her, however, she rarely eats that well. She only ate properly when she had the time, or when her lazy ass was not lazy enough to make something other than cereal. Yujin honestly can't cook; she might burn everything.

In the middle of her meal, Yujin's father cleared his throat. At first, she ignored it, whatever her dad wanted could wait. Her stomach? Not really. Then he purposely coughed loudly to get her attention.

"Yes dad?" Yujin asked, barely glancing at him.

"Honey we are worried about you." Her mother said.

"You are too skinny, darling. Do you eat regularly?" Her dad participated in the conversation.

"You have bags under your eyes. Did you sleep at all? We know you are busy, but sleep is important."

"Yes, and yes, mom and dad. Don't worry, I'm fine. Also, I'll be very glad if you stop staring me like that, let me eat in peace." Yujin smiled sweetly with sarcasm written all over her face.

She continued eating, but of course, her parents weren't nice enough to annoy her.

"I want to ask you a question, honey. May I?" Her mom asked.

"Can't it wait? Like a couple of minutes until I finish my food?" Yujin said.

"No, it can't actually wait it's important"

"Okay, shoot." Yujin said nonchalantly

"Are you getting laid regularly?" Her mom asked. The question was dead serious and Yujin looked up, horrified towards the older male version of her. Suddenly, her wild appetite was gone, and was switched to nausea.

She knew it. Something would definitely come up. Formal dinner with her parents is always a disaster.

One time, when they celebrated Yujin's graduation at her apartment, her dad wanted to impress her about his cooking skills and set the kitchen on fire. There was another time when Yujin brought her girlfriend to meet them, her mom (she admitted it) spilled a bowl of ice cream on her girlfriend’s dress. The first sentence that came from girlfriend, Yuna, after dinner was "We're through". It has been 2 years and she never dated anyone ever since. There we're still other stories about dinner, but she preferred to not recall those.

This one is definitely going to join the list.

"Are we really talking about my sex life?" She asked, concerned.

"Yes." Her parents answered at the same time. Yujin rolled her eyes. It wasn't a secret since they were all close, but this was still an awkward issue to discuss.

"I'm doing okay. That is none of your concern." She shrugged, hoping the parents would drop the topic. One sex talk when she was a teenager was enough for a lifetime.

"Honey, you are not young anymore." Her mom pleaded.

"I'm 27." She said.

"Late twenties" Her mom said.

"Still twenties" Yujin added.

"Darling" Her father said sternly

"Look dad, I'm fine. I really am! I'm an adult and this is my private life. I'd like to keep it that way." She threw her hands up in the air desperately.

The fact was, she had a lot - countless of meaningless one night stands for her own good. And she wasn't going to share that with her parents.

"We're getting older, Jin." Her father pointed to himself, then his wife with puppy eyes.

*Here it comes*

Told herself. Her parents were about to ask her for something surprising and improbable for her to obey.

Yujin didn't answer despite her father's words as she knew better than to be hooked by their "fishing".

"Okay, I'll just come right out and say it." Her mother exhaled dramatically. She looked towards her husband for approval and he nodded in response. The doctor began to shift to the corner of her seat, just in case she and to escape.

"We want a grandchild!" Her mom clapped her hands happily like a kid receiving a candy. Yujin should be worried about her eyes, since they bulged out, impossibly wide.

"WHAT!?!? No mom! No way!!" Yujin shook her head furiously

"Why not?" Her mom pouted. "You said you are an adult, Yujin.."

"Yes, but..."

"No 'buts'. You can't use that again." Her mother continued. "It is our dream to carry our grandchild before we get our inevitable osteoporosis."

"Your mom is right, baby girl" Her dad added

"Guys! Stop it! First of all, you can prevent that disease if you take yoga classes every week. Besides, you just passed half a century! Second of all, I'm not ready! can hardly take care of myself, let alone another human being! Lastly, I'm sure the both of you are very aware of it too, I don't have a girlfriend! Even if I did, it would take months, and even years to make a baby!"

After the outburst, they all sat in silence. Nobody dared to open their mouths. It was a pretty good speech - simple, and clear.

"We have a proposal for you." Again, her father cleared his throat.

"I'm not down for even a sports car."

"You can buy that with your own money, sweet cheeks!" Her father smiled dangerously. It was a bad idea to go over that night. "Do you remember my old friend Mr. Jang? My best friend from high school who grew up with me."

Yujin furrowed her eyebrows. "No."

"Well, you were six months old when we moved from New Zealand." He chuckled and Yujin rolled her eyes.

"Honey, focus!" His wife hissed at him.

"Right! Um, he has a child, a beautiful daughter..."

"Wait, wait, wait! Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Depends. What are you thinking" He shrugged.

"I'd rather not to mention it. It's best if I leave now. It's getting late." She rose from her chair but stopped right away when her mother pushed her back into her seat by the shoulders.

"Honey, were just trying to help."

"I don't need your help"

"Well, you have to listen."

"What if I don't want to"

"Then you're a seditious daughter." Her mom stated. "Honey, straight to the point before she runs"

"Okay, so, he has a daughter, his only child. She is very pretty. She's a lawyer, smart just like you and we wanted to introduce you to her." He spoke cautiously. "You know, since he's my best friend, you guys should know each other too. We can have a family barbecue sometimes or something."

There was certainly more than that. From her father's look, Yujin knew he tried to hide something and she nodded her head slightly, giving her dad permission to continue.

"So, what do you think?"

Her mother slapped her husband’s arm and gave him a stern look. Yujin wondered what could possibly happen after tonight. Don't get her wrong though, she loved her parents to death but sometimes, granting their wishes was a hard thing. do. This grandchild plan was pretty serious, it was a whole new level of responsibility. She couldn't just find a girlfriend and then have a kid straight away. Yujin wasn't the kind of person who falls in love easily, she had only done it once, and it hurt like hell when they did. make it and no, it wasn't Yuna.

"Honey, I know it may be a lotto take in right now but we kind of hope, you know, umm... maybe you and her could be more than friends? Or how should I say it." The old woman rumbled.

"You want me to marry her?" Yujin dead-panned

"Now you get me!" Satisfaction washed all over her face as if she completed a complicated task.

"You don't have to marry straight away. Get to know her first. We've met her and we thought she's perfect for you. We only give you the best, right honey?" Her father glanced at his wife who nodded solemnly.

"So?" Her parents' smile faded away as they looked at Yujin's blank face.

There were lots of scenarios playing in Yujin's mind. Lots meant thousands or even millions. She looked back and forth at her mother and father.

"How about this? A year. Get to know her for a year, if you really don't feel anything, we will cancel the arrangement right away and we'll never bring it up again. Never ever. But we want you to really try. A year, honey. Deal?"

---

Yujin didn't understand why she accepted the deal. It could be because she didn't want to disappoint her parents or maybe just a tiny bit of maybe (Yujin would deny it if it was mentioned to other people), she actually wanted to do this. It wouldn't hurt, right? Her heart was made of stone anyway.

The week after the dinner went as usual. Nothing major happened except that she had the opportunity to do a boob job for the first time in her life with Winter. Though she only assisted her friend since she had nothing to do, but whatever. She couldn't believe she haven't done that before. Where the hell had she been on her resident year?

"So, what? Your parents want you to marry that girl and have kids with her?"

"Uh-uh," Yujin shook her head. "Get to know her first. We won't talk about marriage now. I've never met her; I don't know what she looks like."

"Whatever. So, a year?" Winter, for the hundredth time that day, tried to confirm the news her friend told her.

"Yes, Kim. It's not like anything could happen. One year is a short time." Yujin shrugged as she ate her sandwich.

"You might want to keep your words to yourself, Yujin. The universe will hear it and usually, it throws in an unwanted gift." Chaewon spoke with her full mouth, that woman could eat like a pig.

"I'm telling you guys nothing is going to happen between us." The doctor reassured her friends.

"What if it happens?" Winter challenged. Chaewon nodded eagerly, still chewing her bacon disgustingly.

"I'll take your on-call shift whenever you guys want for two months. But, if after a year nothing happens, you'll take mine. Got it?" She pointed her index finger at Winter who smirked smugly.

"You're on, Daeng daeng." They replied.

---

What was the feeling when you were about two blocks away from your destination but you're still stuck because of traffic, with heavy rain, in addition to the fact that you're late for almost forty-five minutes from your dinner with your folks and probably future wife and parents-in-law?

That was what Yujin felt. She had promised her mother to be on time, even five minutes early. But a patient came into the emergency ward when she was about to leave and it cost three hours of surgery so she was stuck in the operating room. She wanted to call her mother, but her phone was dead -what a day. She wondered if her day could get any worse.

She parked her car in the lot and ran towards the entrance of the restaurant. Luckily, she wore pants and running shoes, and she didn't need to worry about her slip-up since the rain was pretty heavy. A waitress greeted her as she looked around to located her parents.

"Um, reservation under Jang?" Yujin asked the waitress as he nodded and led her upstairs.

She spotted her mother sitting near the window and saw her wave her hand at her as Yujin made her way towards table. There were five of them there and they were all old people. Was she missing something? Did her father seriously set her up with a grandma? She thought it was his daughter. Can't blame Yujin, she had a long day and was a little delusional at that moment.

"You didn't change your clothes! Why are you wearing your scrub?" Her mother hissed in a low voice when she kissed Yujin's cheek.

"No time, mom." She replied and then hugged her father who gave her a weird smile.

"Hey! Um.." Awkward.

"I'm Jang Junsuk. This is Yoona, my wife and this is my mother." He offered a handshake. *Thank God* Yujin mentally whispered to herself and happily shook his hand, offering the same to the other two women.

"Wonyoung is in the toilet. She'll be back soon."

Yujin smiled respectfully at the information.

After a little chit-chat about her day, Yujin's food came. The others had finished theirs whilst Yujin start to dig in. Occasionally they shot a casual question to her, and the food was delectable, which made her forget the reason why she was there until a girl with milky white skin approached them.

Yujin's jaw dropped to the ground as a sly grin spread across the face. Your brain only freezes at two times; one, when you're dead, and two, when you're met a hard question - Yujin was sure she wasn't dead at the moment but her brain had indeed stopped working.

The smell of her savory chicken teriyaki couldn't wake her up - the way the girl, hips move, the smirk on her face, her lips, her eyes, her face.. it's just, Yujin didn't have the words to describe them. She was thinking very hard to formulate an appropriate sentence. Oh god.

"Wonyoung." The girl threw her hand at the short girl.

Yujin stayed still with a dumb expression all over her face as she couldn't figure out how to speak properly. Then she felt her mom poke her ribs that brought her back to reality and before she could stop herself, "You wear too much make up," she blurted out, earning another painful jab to her feet. She turned her head towards her mother who gave her a sharp glare and the grain faded from Wonyoung's face.

"I mean, um, what is your name again?" Yujin smiled uneasily. If there was cliff nearby, she would happily jump off for embarrassing her family like this. Not only she said some inappropriate words, she also missed the girl's name and her handshake.

"I'm sorry it was really rude," She chuckled awkwardly. "I, uh- I'm Yujin." She added.

Awkward.

"Wonyoung. You aren't fashionable yourself." She subtly snapped at Yujin and the latter rolled her eyes as Wonyoung took a seat.

It wasn't a hundred percent Yujin's fault though, Wonyoung did wear tons of make-up. Yujin couldn't help but speak her mind.

"Wonyoung, hon. I'll apologize for my daughter's behavior. She doesn't mean that, right, honey?" The question towards Yujin was so stern that she had no choice but to mumble 'yes' quietly before she continued eating.

"It's okay, Mrs An. I understand." Wonyoung answered politely.

"So, Yujin, your father said a lot about you." Wonyoung's mom broached. Yujin chewed quickly and swallowed her food before answering. 

"Good things, I hope." She said blandly.

"He likes to exaggerate sometimes," Yujin smiled sweetly, earning a chuckle from all except Wonyoung. It wasn't that Yujin looked at the girl for her reaction to the lame joke, she just - you know- glanced at her because there was something behind her. Lame excuse, Yujin.

"Oh, it's good, Yujin. You inherited his intelligence indeed. Topping your class, That's so his thing! Impressive!" Wonyoung's father chirped proudly.

"It wasn't that great. I was doing okay," Yujin replied. She received a lot of compliments all the time, but that didn't mean she was used to it. It made her feel uncomfortable, to be honest.

"And modest" Wonyoung's grandmother cheered. "Perfect for my granddaughter!" Yujin smiled tightly, holding hack her tongue. She didn't want to be rude for the second time. Everyone at the table was happy, except for the main characters, Yujin and Wonyoung.

A few minutes after the chattering died down, her father clinked his glass. "I'd like to propose a toast. To the Jang-An clan! May we unite forever! Tied up by our daughters!" Again, everyone except the two girls raised their glass. Well, Wonyoung did raise her glass in a painfully slow motion and then stop immediately when Yujin opened her mouth.

"Dad, marriage is still a long way from now, remember? We get to know each other first, right? Um, a year?" Yujin tried to give her dad subtle clues to their deal.

Her father ignored her and her mother narrowed her eyes at the doctor, efficiently silencing her. "I'm just saying," She whispered into her mother's ear.

"Stop saying anything" her mother hissed. Then they all toasted their glass.

"I have an announcement. Darling, please be quiet." Yujin's mother stated to warn her daughter. not release any ignorant comment. "We want to give both of you a present." She started slowly. "Yes, there is plenty of time to get to know each other but the faster the better, right?" She questioned, and everyone nodded. Yujin began to shift uncomfortably in her chair.

*Here we go* She thought.

"We want you to move in together so we're buying a new apartment for you! It's in the middle of the city with a wonderful view in the day and a night." Her mother clapped her hands excitedly.

"It's really romantic," Wonyoung's mother added.

"You guys could chill out on the couch while staring at the God painting when the sun rises and set!"

"Yes, I've seen it and I like it. You guys will love it! Your children are going to love it. It is a perfect place to start a family," Wonyoung's grandmother didn't miss a beat.

Then, they started chattering again, leaving the kids out. They talked like Yujin and Wonyoung were going to marry the next day and have a baby by the day after the next. Yujin stared at Wonyoung silently to ask for help but she didn't look like she'd give any comment anytime soon. "You'd agree to do this?" The taller girl whispered and Wonyoung shrugged nonchalantly.

"They'll get anything they want, anyway, why bother to argue?" She replied.7

Yujin couldn't believe the woman before her. Well, yeah, maybe she didn't have anything. complain about. But Yujin? She had a lot to complain. It wasn't fair for her to before. into something like this.

"Um guys? If I may?" Yujin raised her hand. She knew her mother was glaring at her but she ignored the older woman. "Look, thank you, really, for the present but... ugh!" Her mother stepped on her foot. "As I said I uh thank you. But I can't move out from my apartment because there is no time fixed on when I get called in to the hospital, sometimes in the middle of the night because of patients in the emergency room, and I have to be at the hospital fast. However, Wonyoung can, well, stay - move in and join me at any place if she wants to, of course." Yujin then prayed for God, Allah, Buddha and whoever who could hear her prayers. make Wonyoung say no.

"I'm down with that." Wonyoung declared.

And Yujin officially confirmed that her life was over.

Chapter Text

"Okay, Yujin, let me get this straight. Wonyoung will move in with you, tomorrow? As in less than 24 hours from now?" Winter kept on asking.

"Yes, Winter. You straighten this issue for dozens of times already. Stop it." Yujin rolled her eyes.

"Oh my God! Who would've thought, I mean, she's moving in with you. It feels surreal, you know?" Says Winter.

"Listen here, you shorty. I barely know her. I only saw her once." Yujin said.

"But you will see her everyday now." Winter cut her off.

"It's not the point! Seriously! Why are you being like this? My freedom is over, Winter. Don't you get it? Mom and dad would literally kill me if they ever find out that I have a lot of flings. Especially now, when they expect me to marry their best friend’s daughter." She said it in one breath and sigh dramatically is the end.

"Well, that is what I'm talking about. Aren't you tired? You act like you don't care but I know you better, Yujin. What you did is not healthy for both mentally and physically. Why can't you see this as a positive thing?" Yujin raised her eyebrows indicating Winter to made it clear.

"I think it's time for you to let go your past and start living the present. Your parents want the finest for you. I'm sure Wonyoung is a good girl. You don't know her yet to make bad judgment of her. So please, I'm begging you as your best friend who loves you very much, try your best". Said Winter.

"I don't want to get attached to anyone, Win. You know that." she whispered tiredly. The bottom of her stomach suddenly felt like it twisted, remembering the certain scene she can never forget.

"Hey," Winter nudged her friend softly. 

"Wonyoung is not her, don't know this Wonyoung either but I trust your parents. If they're not sure about this, they wouldn't offer it from the beginning." She added.

"Force it is the actual word," the doctor stared blankly at her lunch. All this time, she'd been avoided any kind of attachment to anybody. What she did was just for fun and nothing meant. She wasn't sure about the idea of let Wonyoung, who was practically stranger to her in into her messy life. She was lost in her own mind to realize her phone was ringing inside her lab coat pocket.

Winter threw her fries, earned a deathful glare from Yujin.

Ringgg...

"Your phone," she simply said. Yujin took out her cell phone as she noticed the familiar caller’s name on her screen. 

"Mom?" she greeted the older woman.

"Hey sweety. Take you long enough to answer, are you busy?" she asked.

"Umm... not really." She spoke hesitantly, she had this bad feeling regarding the phone call.

"Why? What's up?" She added.

"I just want you to know that half of Wonyoung's stuff will be deliver tonight, perhaps you could make home before seven?" Her mom asked.

"Why? I thought she'll move in tomorrow?" her unpleased tone went unnoticed by her mother.

"It'd make tomorrow less hectic, duh! Just be home early, okay? I wish we could help but your father business hasn't done yet. And honey, please don't make unreasonable excuse."

See?

"Okay mom, I'll be home before seven. Happy?" Said Yujin.

"Very. Now go back to work and get it done. Bye sweety!" she hung up. 

-----

Yujin ran for her life as she entered her apartment building in bullet sweats. She promised her mom she'll be home by seven but her watch showed 8:19 p.m. when she woke up in on-call room. She was drained from long surgery that she fell asleep when she finally met a neat bed and her phone was out of battery whilst her pager was nowhere near her so basically, she knew nothing about a hundred missed calls from her parents.

She woke up because the door opened abruptly as another attending surgeon walked in like a zombie. That startled her and she almost tumbled down. After she regained her consciousness, she checked her phone found it completely blank and she blindly searched for her pager as she located it under the bunk beds.

The elevator was still on the fourth levels. She tapped her feet anxiously waiting for it to come down rapidly. When the ding rang through the hall, she pushed aside other people of her opposite direction and roughly pressed her apartment level button.

She absolutely freaked out that there was no one in her doorstep, not even a suitcase. Yujin ran back to the elevator, prayed for it to move faster. She was out of her mind. The image of her mother scolding her because of her ignorant act terrified her. 

"Miss Yujin" a young man approached her.

"Have you seen a girl that is shorter than me, her hair um- I don't know might be.. dark brown? She probably has a lot of luggage? She was supposed to be here like two hours ago." She said out of breath.

"Yes, Miss Wonyoung? She asked about you. She sits with her friend in the lobby at the moment, miss." He replied politely.

"Thanks," she ran again.

Yujin must admit that she was stupid. Wonyoung had never been to her apartment before. The security didn't know her, she didn't inform them about Wonyoung. Why in the world did she sprinted in flash to her door when she should know that the doorman wouldn't let Wonyoung entered the elevator without explicit permission from her.

Yujin let out her breath as the figure of Wonyoung and her friend came to her sight. Her hair was dark brown, well guess who didn't pay much attention? Right. Yujin.

She gulped hard; her footstep became heavier in each move. She honestly felt guilty for neglected Wonyoung.

"Hey," she said apologetically. "I'm sorry I'm late." She bowed her head when Wonyoung looked up to her, unable to made eye contact.

"You're sorry? You're 2 hours late!" She turned her head to the high-pitched voice that belonged to the cold-aura girl that sat and folded her arms beside Wonyoung.

Yujin rolled her eyes at her acted and ignored her.

"Where's your stuff? Let's get them upstairs." Yujin changed the subject. She hated awkward moment like this.

"Wow, so much for sincere apologies," Wonyoung's friend muttered under her breath but loud enough for her to heard.

"Who are you?" She can't help but snapped at this woman.

"Kim Minju, and you Yujin An, you're one heck of a person. I can't believe your parents actually matchmaking you with her," she turned towards Wonyoung who didn't utter a word since Yujin's arrival. Minju missed the blade glared that Yujin gave for her. "Come on," Wonyoung nudged Minju to stood up."I'm tired I want to go home," she didn't even spare a glance at Yujin. "There are my belongings, all of them. Now would you please tell me your room code?"

"090103." There was something in Wonyoung's voice that made her obeyed her wish in an instant. Maybe because it was dangerously low that frightened her. 

"I'll be here at ten tomorrow morning. I'll be on my way now, I hope I don't trouble you with that," she nodded her head to the direction of total five large suitcase. Then she walked away.

"Wait!" Yujin shouted.

"Aren't you going to help me with these?" she asked.

"I was going to but she's running late of her curfew, and being a responsible friend I am, I have to take her home now, so..." Wonyoung pointed Minju. "Please take care of my things, Yujin-ssi." She bowed a little and went straight to the exit leaving Yujin dumbfounded.

Curfew? What curfew? How old was she? Seven!?

-------

Her muscles ached. Even with the doorman's helped, her muscles still ached.

Yujin caressed the back of her neck as she passed by the nurse station towards attending lounge. She wasn't supposed to be at work today because her mother straightforwardly told her to help Wonyoung moved in but she was beyond pissed to that woman that she disregarded her mother's order. 

"What are you doing here?" Chaewon's voice greeted her.

"I'm working. Give me a cup" Yujin took a pair of clean scrubs from her locker as she changed into it slowly.

"I thought you're not working today? Something happened with Wonyoung? She's not moving in?" Chaewon asked right away. Even she sensed Yujin's bad mood, the needs to knew her friend's latest gossips was way more important than getting nagged from the shod creature.

"Oh, how I wish," Yujin said emotionlessly. "Let's just not talk about her, shall we?"

"Why?" Chaewon handed Yujin her coffee.

"Because I said so."

"But Jin-"

"No"

"Will you talk to Winter about it then?"

"No"

"Oh come on! You have to talk to either one of us!" Chaewon yelled earning disagree look from Yujin. "Sorry," she added then grinned stupidly. 

"Why?" Yujin pursed her brows.

"Because we need stuff to talk about aside from dying patients!" Chaewon stated as it a matter of fact.

"You guys talk about me behind my back!?" The heart surgeon couldn't believe her friend would did something like that.

"It's not a bad thing, Yujin-ah. You couldn't possibly think we talk bad about you, could you?" The short girl spoke calmly. "Besides, we also make a plan from of it."

"What? What plan?" This conversation was confusing Yujin.

"Nothing of your concern whatsoever." Winter all of sudden cut her off as she walked into the room. "Chaewon-ah, I need your help with my patient, bum trauma, we need to do skin graft on him." She dragged Chaewon to the door leaving the dumbfounded Yujin alone.

"But I'm a general surgeon? What would you do with me?" she asked, bewildered.

"I don't know, but I, do anything to stop you from talking nonsense to her," she mumbled under her breath. "This is supposed to be a secret, Chaewon" she said lowly once she closed the door behind her. 

"Oh? Right l'm sorry. I forgot that for a sec. She wouldn't tell me why she's here, so I kind of accidentally leak it a bit," she bit her sandwich before continued, "And it's not like I tell her everything. She still has no clue what kind of plan we have, so chill, Kim." Chaewon patted her friend's shoulder.

"Chaewon, she'd kill us if she finds out and I'm not keen to the idea of dying young." Winter stroked her forehead. She didn't dare to imagine what would happen if she wasn't there in time. "Look, we're still on our plan, just keep it from Yujin, okay? Do not, I repeat, do not ever mention it in front of her ever again"

"Okay," Chaewon obeyed, as she played with her hand, guilty. "I was overly excited, you know?"

"Trust me, you're not the only one who's eager for her to get rid of her lifestyle as soon as possible."

*****

"Here, you try." Yujin gave the needle holder and tissue forceps to Dr. Park, her resident as he gladly accepted. She observed his work conscientiously. For a new fourth year resident, his work was actually good. His suture was overly neat, no wonder he was plastic golden boy, Winter actually adores him. 

"Why do we use vicryl?"

"It doesn't cause tissue reaction, breaking strength and knot security are good, doctor." He answered as he skillfully tied up the thread.

She wanted to close the surgery by herself but, then again, she was a teacher, she had to pass her skill and knowledge to her resident. Patiently, she waited for him to finish his work. It was just suturing and it wasn't that large, it didn't normally take mere than ten minutes to closed it.

Yujin was getting bored.

At time like this, her past usually came across her mind. She was perfectly fine with her life, she was a tiny hit lonely (she, only admitted that much to herself, she was still in denial state, she wouldn't confess that to the world) yes, but she was okay. She didn't need or want anybody, that feeling was lost a long time ago. The hurt it created wasn't worth it at all, at the end of story all words of promised that been said was all big fat lies. She frowned at her own thought, she buried that damn old memory and she wasn't about to digging it up again. She shook her head to clean her brain before it went too curious to remembered and explored more. 

"We're finished, Doctor," her resident said, snapped her out from her daydreaming. Yujin nodded her head, gathering herself as the nurse untie her gown. The patient had taken to ICU as she made her way to his family. She informed them that the surgery went very well and they can see him as soon as she completed his post-op observation. His wife was so emotional she practically jumped to hug her after she and Dr. Park gave her the news. His kids were all cried, embracing each other, made her smiled at them. She was happy every time she saw scenes like this, it warmed her heart, although she had to fight the pang in her chest knowing that she probably had no chance for it. She turned her heels, walked away torn them; they were too wrapped up to each other to notice she left.

"God, I miss my family already." The young doctor sighed dramatically when Yujin checked her patient’s IV line. She looked up to him finding him looked away at the window, causing her to turn around. Nobody was there. She lifted her eyebrow, questioning him. "When I saw his family earlier, I just can't help it. I mean, my family is here in town and I saw them yesterday, we're just a few miles apart but, you know, this morning I didn't wake up next to my wife, I missed my baby girl crying her lungs out to get fed, I just miss them so much." She barely knew this guy, yes, he'd been here for more than four years and yes, he was more or less two years under her, but Yujin was being Yujin, she didn't really care much to people business. Anyway, why would this guy even vent his feeling on her. Realizing might be irritated her, he bowed his head ashamedly as she tilted her head scrunching her brow.

"You're young," she stated awkwardly.

"And you're married?" Her voice was calm though she was dying to know why. Why the hell was he married on such young age?

"Yes, ma'am. I'm the happiest married man alive" He laughed a bit. "Sometimes it's funny how the universe works. A lifetime is too long when you're alone but it's shorter when you have someone to spend your time with. Often, I wonder how could I get so lucky? It's like... I don't think I deserve them; you know?" Yujin had no idea what to feel that he was telling her this. "I'm sorry I got sentimental on you." He chuckled nervously. Yujin offered him small smiled and nodded a little as response and continued writing her patient chart.

She didn't mean to be rude; she was just not a sappy hopelessly romantic kind of person. Also, deep down, she was jealous of him.

*****

Soon after she completed her work, Yujin walked out of hospital. She moved her aching feet on deserted sidewalk in chilly late night alone. She produced smoke every time she exhales breath, her nose was dry-perhaps all her goblet cells were frosted too. She folded her arm around her tightly, her leather jacket was not helping much right now and her legs muscle strained painfully; it was getting hard to dragged them any further. Nevertheless, she stopped at her favorite Chinese diner and bought food to take away.

Yujin waved at the doorman before she entered the elevator. She sighed as she leaned on the thick glass tiredly. She was alone before a young girl around her age ran towards the nearly closed door. She smiled a little then stared at her feet the whole ride till the elevator stopped.

"Goodnight, Yujin-ssi," the girl bowed, her cheeks were bright pink. Yujin winked at her right before the door closed again. She whistled some random song that popped up to her mind occasionally sang its verse.

She pressed her pass code and opened the door slowly. She frowned deeply by the bright light that welcomed her. She remembered she turned off all light before she went off work this morning. Quietly she picked up an umbrella- just in case- behind the door and cautiously made a move into her house.

Yujin heard low sound of conversation. She kept on her steady steps although she was about to peed by the spooky aura. Her flat TV was on, playing some soap opera she never knew existed. The tall girl peeked in her kitchen, even the lights were on, nobody was there.

"Are you always home this late." The tall girl literally jumped on her feet by the voice. She was in shocked she didn't realized she threw the umbrella and it hit a glass on kitchen island successfully broke it into pieces.

"Damn it!" Yujin shouted. She stroked her chest as she looked disapprovingly at the other woman. "You nearly give me heart attack!" She amused. She could feel her pulse pounded in her ears, her breath picked up rapidly. She held her hand to Wonyoung, silently asked her not to make any comment just yet.

Minutes later, Yujin finally calmed herself down.

"I take it you forget I'm moving in today?" Wonyoung said casually. She folded her arms and leaned against the door frame.

Yujin rolled her eyes. Well who are you to be in my precious memory? She thought to herself. "You clean that up," she said changing the subject. "I'm going to shower." 

"I'm not cleaning it up. It's your fault, not mine." 

"You're in my house, my rule" 

"You invited me, suck it up, 

"Who-" Yes, she invited her. Damn!!

It was only her first day lived together, and disaster already happened. How the hell she'd survived living with the evil woman for another three hundred and sixty-four days?

As she is done from the shower, she took the most comfortable outfit in the world, pajamas. Not an ordinary pajama, her old blue pajamas. Yes, the color was important. It's her favorite color. She felt a lot better when she washed away her weary day.

She didn't spare a glance at Wonyoung who sat cozily at her couch. What an annoying woman. After she threw the last piece of broken glass to the trashcan, she opened the carton and took her chopsticks. She was just in time to shoved the delicious food into her mouth when her humanity sense passed by. She groaned quietly then carried her food with her as she sat at another couch.

"Have you had dinner?" Yujin asked.

"I'm not hungry," Wonyoung replied, not taking her eyes off of the television. 

Too bad her stomach betrayed her. The grumbled sound was loud enough to cause Yujin laughed like a maniac.

Wonyoung looked like a boiled shrimp and she drowned her face into her hand, ashamed. 

"You should see your face, Hahahahaha" Yujin said while laughing.

"Shut up," Wonyoung said annoyingly.

Yujin couldn't stop laughing for five minutes good. She grabbed Wonyoung's hand when the shorter girl stood up to leave her.

"Wait, I'm sorry. That was really funny, okay," she wiped some tears at the corner of her eyes.

"Come on, don't be mad, sit Wonyoung sit." 

She patted the soft cushion beside her.

"Here," Yujin handed her food. 

"I already eat earlier at hospital. I passed by this diner and the smell is really good so I bought it. I'm not hungry. You go ahead eat it."

Wonyoung maintained her ferocious face and shot Yujin with her fierce glare.

"I'm not afraid of you," Yujin scoffed at her. 

"Just eat it, I'm not going to let you starve to death on the first day you're here. I'm not making fun of you anymore, okay, I promise. Just eat." 

Hesitantly, Wonyoung took the food while retaining her expression. When she saw nothing but sincere but also annoying looks, she began to chew the noodle. Her pride told her not to but her stomach said otherwise. Besides, it was already too late, Yujin heard the grumble loud and clear, there was no use to deny it.

"I want to make hot chocolate, you want some? Or mineral water? Or something?" Yujin moved from her seat.

"Mineral will do, thanks" Yujin had to admitted, she wasn't expecting Yujin would treat her this nice, since she seemed so against the whole idea of them to get married in the first place not to mention irritating her in every way possible.

Little did Wonyoung knew, Yujin was hungry to death she could ate a giant whole. But Yujin didn't have the heart to eat the food she had been longing to herself. And shared it would be too much because they practically stranger. She didn't know how to worked things out with Wonyoung.

Not long after, Yujin backed with her drink as she placed the mineral water in front of Wonyoung. She sipped her hot drink carefully.

"I'll go do groceries shopping tomorrow. That fridge is almost empty. You need anything," Yujin asked

"You're not working?" 

"Of course, I work, I'll do it after I done. So?" 

"I can do it. I'm off tomorrow. Write down what you need, ill buy them." 

"Really? You're not going to poison me or anything, right?" Yujin looked at her skeptically.

Here I thought she wasn't that infuriating, Wonyoung thought. She narrowed her eyes earned heavy sigh from Yujin.

"Alright, alright. I was kidding. You take everything way too serious. I'll give you the list tomorrow. I'm too lazy to write now," she paused. "I'm sorry I didn't help you moving in," she said in not so sorry tone. "How is it going?"

"It needs to settle down a little bit more. Minju helped me, so no worries."

"Minju? The one who accompanied you last night?"

Wonyoung nodded.

"How long you've been friends with her? She's scary" Yujin frowned. 

"Ah, now I get it why they say your friends determine you." She chuckled received sharp glared by the lawyer. 

"You know what, if I get one dollar for every glare you give me, I'd be millionaire by now. Don't be too strict, lighten up." Yujin said.

"Then stop being annoying!" Wonyoung snapped back.

"You have wrinkles, here," Yujin pointed at the corner of her eye, playing her. "Your face is going to be like an ahjuma soon," she mocked the other girl.

Wonyoung didn't respond

"I think we should discuss what we should and shouldn't do. I mean, what do we tell people if they ask?" Yujin spoke after a while.

"Why would they ask?"

"For one, my close friends know about this. Sooner or later others will know to, when that happen, I need to have my answer. Second of all, my parents will go barbarian on me if I don't introduce you properly to my colleague."

"Do they know everything you do?"

"What's with the twenty questions? The discussion is only open for our relationship arrangement. Now, who are you to me?" Yujin asked.

"Stranger." Wonyoung said seriously.

"Wonyoung, I'm serious!"

"Lighten up, Yujin!" Wonyoung laughed.

"Fine, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine." She snatched the TVs remote and changed the program, ignoring Wonyoung.

"I don't think we should see anyone. As in no date with other man or woman." Wonyoung said, Yujin only side eyed her.

"So, you're my girlfriend now?" Yujin asked carefully. 

"Outside this house, yes." She mid as a matter of fact. 

"Cool with me."

"Please maintain your act, Yujin. I know your reputation," Wonyoung stated dreadfully serious. "From now on, please limit your party time and stop flirting with every women you see if you want this to workout"

"Hey, I never agree on this since the beginning. Who says I want this to work out? If you can't make me fall in love with you within a year, there's no necessity for me to see you anymore," she offended.

"Then keep yourself together this year, An Yujin." She said sternly.

The atmosphere turned down in no time. The temperature seemed drop low and neither of them uttered a word. How Yujin hated getting trapped in this situation. She shouldn't say that though, it was harsh and unnecessary.

"Hey, why are you wearing make-up in the house? No one else here but me." Yujin opened her mouth in light tone, hoping Wonyoung wouldn't be mad at her.

Wrong question.

Wonyoung didn't answer. Instead, she made her way to the kitchen. She never met someone as irritating and nosy as Yujin her entire life. Now the thought of how to get along with the taller girl stressed her.

Yujin groaned, frustrated. It was harder than she thought. She had no clue about Wonyoung at all. Now to behave, react, even speak around her. It was like everything she did was wrong. She had worked with a Iot of people with different type of personality and she can handle them well. Then why? What was wrong with this woman that she couldn't stand her.

After three minutes of thought process, she decided to stick with her approach style whether Wonyoung liked it or not.

"Yah! Wonyoung! Can I take a look of your room?" Yujin shouted.

"NO!" Wonyoung immediately yelled back. She ran towards her bedroom finding Yujin already stood inside her private space scrunching her brows, horrified. 

"Had your room been bombed," Yujin's mouth gaped. "How do you sleep like this?"

"We couldn't finished it today. I had something to take care of earlier so... Karina will help tomorrow though. I have more hands, I'll sleep on the couch tonight." The shorter girl stated.

Yujin shook her head blankly. She wasn't the tidiest person on earth- in fact she was a mess but her bed was an absolutely- out of question a place she needed it to be perfectly done to make her able to sleep soundly.

Yujin took her spare pillow, bolster and blanket. She walked past Wonyoung's room, stood by her feet near the door. Wonyoung was busy cleaned up the trash. Her face seemed exhausted. "Hey," Wonyoung looked up to the voice. "You go sleep in my room. I'll take couch."

"It's getting late, go rest." Yujin said before she left

"What are you doing, I don't need your bed. I could sleep here." Wonyoung followed Yujin to the living room.

"It's fine." the taller replied shortly.

"I don't need your pity!"

"I don't pity you! Geez! I'm being nice to you and you say I pity you? Do I have the reason to? No." She sighed. "This is your first day here yet we bickering nonstop. Look, I'm tired, I don't want to with argue anymore. I'm used to sleep on this couch and you're not. So, take my room for tonight, go rests. Shoo go!"

Wonyoung contemplated for a moment. She was tired, bed would be nice to ripped out her exhaustion. "One thing though," Wonyoung raised her index finger.

"Yes, your highness?" 

"Do not enter your room before I'm out" 

"Why? That's my room. What if I get a call in the middle of the night?" Yujin asked as if it was the most ridiculous thing. 

"There's a thing called privacy for a reason" Wonyoung claimed sternly.

"Fine! Do whatever you want to do. Or better yet, lock it" Yujin replied sarcastically. 

"Thanks for your permission" 

Yujin rolled her eyes at the remarked. She settled herself down searched for comfortable position. 

"Wonyoung?"

"Hmm?" She heard Wonyoung turned off the light.

"Why are you still wearing make up?" She asked half asleep.

Her bedroom door slammed louder than it should.

I'll ask again about the make up some other time.

Yeah, she was nosy like that.

Chapter Text

Yujin woke up the next morning by the sunlight that slowly emerged through her eyelids. She yawned loudly and rubbed her eyes sleepily.

She reached for her phone on the table, her finger touched a pink post-it attached on its screen.

Urgent meeting. Here's my phone number, give me your list I'll buy them later. There's breakfast in the kitchen. -Wonyoung

It was only-7:23 a.m., Wonyoung was off very early.

Yujin got up from the couch stretched out her body in her way to the kitchen. Her smile widens at the smell of home cooking. Happily, she dug in. Wonyoung's cooking was actually really good. She made mental note to never accidentally blurt that out to the lawyer. She munched her food while typing her order and sent it to Wonyoung.

Yujin entered her room with unfamiliar perfume came through her nose. Vanilla, her favorite. Nice. The bed was made like no one slept there last night. She grabbed her towel and showered. She still had half hour to kill when she finished her morning routine before her usual time to go to hospital. Decided she had nothing else to do, she turned off the light and made her way to work.

"Yujin-yah!" Yujin stopped on her track finding Winter jogged towards her. "What's gotten into you? You're early," she said.

"Why? Am I not allowed to go in early? You should be happy, it's a progress"

"Are you saying that because Wonyoung has moved in, you make a good progress?" Winter tease her.

"Hey, its me who made progress. How could you credit her for my hard work?" She replied. She could just sleep longer like she always did but she was curious what Wonyoung made for breakfast and she had no desire to laze around. But of course, Winter didn't need that information.

"Whatever you say, Jin." Winter chuckled.

Chaewon was the only person in the attending lounge, she was putting some coffee in the coffee maker. She was on call last night and she looked about to faint anytime soon.

"Chaewon, are you okay?" Winter asked worriedly. "Come on sit. I'll make your coffee." Winter guided Chaewon to the couch whilst Yujin changed her clothes.

"I haven't sleep for two days. I'm so sleepy" Chaewon whined weakly.

"Why do you make coffee then?" Yujin asked

"I haven't done my rounds. Need to be awake..." her words vanished, switched over with light snore. Winter and Yujin exchanged glance, pressing their laughter.

"Let her sleep. I'll tell her resident to report it to her."

"Okay, here's your coffee, I'll make sandwich." Winter placed her cup on the table.

"I've had enough caffeine for today and I already had omelet. Thanks though, I'll do my rounds now, have to teach intern after. Lunch?" Yujin said as she tied her running shoes.

"Sure," Win replied shortly. She bore down her smirk as she continued making her breakfast. Yujin, she knew wasn't like this, she often skipped breakfast because she was a terrible cook not to mention a slacker who was too lazy to stood in line and queued for food though it just takes ten minutes tops. Without a doubt it was Wonyoung who prepared it.

*****

"Blunt or sharp trauma is more dangerous? Mr. Choi?" Yujin pointed the young man among the other hand raised.

"Blunt, I guess Dr. An." He answered unsurely. He made some funny face like he was going to threw up. He was a brand-new intern; below average it Yujin might add. But as a teacher, it was important to her made sure her student didn't screw with people lives.

"Why is that?" She deadpanned.

"Sharp! I mean sharp trauma is more dangerous because it can penetrate through organ." He said with more confident.

"How many types of traumas that we know? Ms. Kwon." When the doctor shouted her name, she was surprised. Clearly, she didn't show any interest at her. The intern was busy cleaned up her nails the entire lecture Yujin gave. Yujin knew she suffered OCD, at one side it was good considered you had to be sterile to prevent disease, but on the other side it vexatious to convinced that you were clean all the time. Besides, sometimes bacteria were good for immune system.

"Ughhh, it's um..."

"You might want to leave now. Catch up with your friend later." Yujin cut her off. She had no time to reiterate, she was only given a little time and taught ton of material.

"Mr. Yang," Yujin referred the awfully gel haired guy who sat at the back. He was pretty serious during her lecture. She may act like she careless when she actually paid attention.

"Four doctor. They are blunt sharp, burn and blast trauma."

"Do you agree with Mr. Choi?" She asked

"No doctor. Blunt trauma is way more dangerous because it can hit skin, muscle, even the organ. It causes closed hemorrhage. Sharp trauma, the tools can be used as tampon"

"What is the most frightening of burn trauma?" She challenged him.

"Inhalation injury, doctor."

When Yujin was teaching, she didn't give all her knowledge to her students. She offered hint, she triggered them, she wanted them to found it on their own first then she will explain what they didn't understand.

"Now that is what I'm talking about. Next week well learn more about initial emergency assessment for blunt and sharp trauma," Yujin dismissed the class and made her way to cafeteria.

"Chaewon? You haven't gone home yet?" Yujin set down her food tray and seated between her two close friends.

"I will after this. On call sucks," She grumbled.

"Tell me about it" Winter chimed in. "Yujin, how are the interns?"

"Some are good, some are stupider than a troll," she swallowed her chicken. "Tomorrow is your turn, right? Good luck with that." She sneered; Winter rolled her eyes.

"By the way, when will you introduce Wonyoung to us?" Chaewon questioned her.

"How about not ever?"

"Why not?" Chaewon asked.

"The deal is only for a year. There's no use for you to know her." Yujin shrugged

"You had breakfast this morning, an actual food- an omelet this morning," Winter spoke in weird tones as if she wanted to proclaim something deeper.

"Really?" Chaewon asked unconvinced.

"Yes really, Chaewon. Can you believe that? Wonyoung did it for her."

"Really?"

"Yes really, Chae. She doesn't have to, right? But she did, even she doesn't have to," Winter repeated the same sentence. "I mean to this awfully ungrateful person named Yujin An who I'm sure enough- don't even say thank you and walkaway like it's not a big deal even though it is a big deal. Because," she emphasized on each word. "Wonyoung doesn't have to." Winter ended her speech.

"She was at work when I ate that food," Yujin defended herself

"Let me guess, you don't even bother to text her to say it, right? Am I right? Or am I right?" She stated sarcastically, Yujin kept silent.

"She's a keeper, Jin," Chaewon muttered. "Introduce her to us,"

"Chaewon, I just lived with her for a day and it feels like hell. You can't just say she's a keeper judging from that," Yujin was helpless. Having this conversation with these two idiots was useless.

"She made you breakfast, Yujin."

"What's the big deal, seriously guys?!" She threw her hand in the air.

"It means she cares"

"It probably a leftover,"

"Does it look like leftover?"

No, it was in perfect shape completed with nice plate dressing.

Her silent was loud enough for her friends to understand. "It's okay, Win." Chaewon patted her shoulder.

"We can barge in into her apartment anytime we want," Chaewon softly consoled Winter. Yujin took out her phone outer her pocket straight away.

"You're going to call her?" Win's voice full of hope.

"No, I make a reminder to change my passcode," Chaewon snatched her phone earning death glare from the taller girl.

"How about this, if you let us to see her. I swear to God we're never going to tease you anymore. We'll leave you be," Winter tried to made negotiation.

"Yujin, this is a good deal. Take it!" Chaewon endorsed.

Yujin contemplated for a moment. What's the worst thing could happen anyway? "Not even giggle, snicker, sickening smile?"

"Yes!" the two surgeons replied triumphantly.

*****

Yujin finished her shift at late afternoon. She put on her earphones and played her playlist song from her phone then wandered around the neighborhood. She stood in front of a very familiar building that she had once lived years before. She clenched her jaw tightly, angrily exhaled her breath as the overflowing pain rushed over her body.

After all this time, how could the pain didn't go away?

There was a small park near her apartment. She sat on the bench stared vacantly at the artificial lake. The sky was getting darker by the time passed by but she couldn't care less. The music that blared in her ear was her loyal company. She brushed away the tears that almost fell from the corner of her eyes.

"She's not worth it," she mumbled.

Yujin got up and walked away, enough mourning for today. She bought chicken wings on her way home. She also stopped by the mart for ice cream, she needed mood booster. She wanted to buy other things too but she remembered that Wonyoung already got it for her.

Yujin punched the elevator button and waited for it to descend. By the time the door opened, there was four ahjussi who stepped out from the elevator. She bowed politely a bit since the ahjussi smiled to her.

She unlocked her apartment, spotted the scary- another evil lady right away. "What are you doing here?" Minju asked in unpleasant tone.

"If you're not aware of it, this is my house. I should be the one who ask what are you doing in my house? Yujin narrowed her eyes.

"I'm helping Wonyoung. Unlike you, I'm a reliable friend,"

"Yujin? You're home?" Wonyoung's loud voice ringed through the hall before Yujin could counter Minju back.

"Yes. Are you going to ask me what I'm doing here too?" She folded her

"No, I thought you'd be home late," she explained. "Karina!" She shouted. A tall featured popped out from Wonyoung's room towards them. "This is Yujin, Yujin this is my friend Karina" She introduced the two tall girls as they shook each other hands.

"So, she's your friend, what am I to you then? You don't introduce me properly," Yujin smirked at the woman.

"No worries, I know you. Yujin An, Wonyoung's girlfriend although only for public eyes," Karina laughed.

"You add useless details," she waved her off.

Yujin went to the kitchen and left the food on kitchen counter. She opened the cabinet hoping her favorite snack on full display. Instead of that, the cabinet was packed with pancakes flour, cereal and another useless foodstuff. She checked the fridge finding nothing but fresh vegetables and fruits, cartons of juice and milk, also raw meat, chicken breast, and other crude seafood. No chocolate, no gummy bears, no pudding, there was one box of ice cream but that was pretty much it. Nothing else.

"Wonyoung!!" She yelled her lungs out.

"What?" Wonyoung walked in like there was nothing wrong in the world.

"Didn't you get my message?" Her voice elevated.

"I did, why?" Wonyoung asked.

"Then where are my chips? My ramyun? My candies? Where are they?"

"Oh, about that. I didn't buy it," She stated easily.

"WHAT, WHY?!!"

"Stop yelling. I merely ten feet from you," Wonyoung rolled her eyes.

"This better be one heck of explanation, Wonyoung." Yujin threatened her

"Well, I did receive your text with full of junk food list. You, from all people should know what that kind of food do to your body. You'll die before your fiftieth,"

"That's it? That's your excuse?!"

"Um...guys. I'm really sorry to interrupt," Karina took the liberty to intrude the World War three. "But can I have some of your chicken wings? I'm hungry."

"Yes." Both Yujin and Wonyoung answered. The tall girl grabbed the box quickly and disappeared to the living room once again.

"You should be thankful I saved you from early heart attack."

"You gave me one yesterday, Dear god! How am I supposed to live with you? You can't just walk in into my life and ruin everything!" Yujin flounced out of the room with Wonyoung following behind. She grasped her leather jacket pulled the door hard and slammed it hard just to opened it again a couple seconds later.

"You better do your bed 'cause I'm not sleeping on the couch again tonight," She closed the door with bang.

Just when Yujin thought her day couldn't get any worse.

"She slept on the couch last night?" Minju spoke after a moment of silent.

Wonyoung shrugged. She was pissed at Wonyoung's behavior, her intention was good after all.

"She did?" She totally didn't believe the situation. "Why?"

"She offered me her room. You see it yourself, my room was a mess."

"Wow, that's just wow. I mean she looks heartless."

"Well, you probably should stop judging book by its cover. I haven't made my mind up about her. Though, she is annoying- like really annoying but nothing I can’t handle."

"She's rude, and impolite, and inconsiderate."

Karina was too busy devouring Yujin's food to participate on the conversation. Wonyoung took a plate from dish rack then she put the chicken wings on it earning disapproving look by Rina.

"I'm still eating that," she said.

"I just save it a few for Yujin, you may finish the rest."

Minju raised her brow at her friend’s action.

"What are you doing? Please don't tell me you like her. Please?" Minju begged, horrified.

"I don't Minju." Wonyoung giggled. "But what choice do I have, I've got to keep things up with her otherwise she'll end it earlier than it should."

"You deserve better than her, Wony. A lot better." Minju said with a sigh.

"What if you fall in love with her for real?" Karina shoved yet another piece of chicken.

"I don't. I know how to guard my heart, guys. Don't worry too much."

*****

By the time Minju and Karina went home, Yujin hadn't showed any signs of returning. She didn't even answer her phone or replied any text messages.

"Stubborn," Wonyoung mumbled to no one. She chopped the chives then sprinkled it in her soup for the final touch. She tasted it a bit and it was perfect. She turned off the stove and typed another text to Yujin.

Outside, the rain poured heavily. Wonyoung glanced at the clock that showed 8:56 p.m. She tossed herself at the couch and tried to call again. She felt the buzzing underneath the cushion.

Yujin's backpack was there. She didn't have the phone and her wallet with her.

Wonyoung switched on the TV as attempted to washed off her concern. She flipped one channel to another but the lightning outside the window bothered her that she can’t concentrate on what she was watching. She heard the front door cracked open slowly. She lowered the volume and turned around observed the soaked tall girl slowly walked in.

"Jin..." she whispered sympathetically. Yujin was shivering and her nose was red. "Go take a shower, I'll warm up your dinner."

Yujin frailly nodded and went straight to her room. She looked too vulnerable for Wonyoung liking. The gleam in her eyes gone somewhere and she was trembling like a lost child and Wonyoung had a very weak spot for kid. Wonyoung pushed down the unexpected impulse to hugged her and provided her warm. She quickly busied herself in the kitchen.

Yujin stood awkwardly at the door frame observing Wonyoung.

Felt the presence of someone, Wonyoung turned at her back.

"Come here," Wonyoung said gently. Yujin quickly sat on the chair as Wonyoung scooped some of the soup on her bowl. "Be careful, it's hot," she warned when Yujin eagerly dived in to shove a spoonful in her

It tasted awesome.

Yujin ate in silent. Her body warmed up thanks to the tasty soup Wonyoung made her. The guilt suffocated her. Wonyoung was so nice to her after what she did. Obviously, she didn't deserve any of this.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. She could sense Wonyoung's eyes were drilled at her "I shouldn't have stormed out like that."

"Where were you?" Wonyoung tilted her head.

"I was at Winter's. She's my friend"

"Your close friend you told me about?"

"Hmm, I wouldn't consider her as my best friend anymore." She snorted.

"Why is that?"

"What kind of best friend who literally kicked out her so-called best friend in the middle of thunderstorm. Look what she did to me." Yujin said before she could stop herself and regret it straight after. Luckily, she didn't mention the details of the reason why Winter did that. It was embarrassing.

"Why would she do that?"

"Ask her not me." She made mental note. threaten Winter to not allude it, ever. "You didn't accept my apology," She quickly changed the subject.

"I will, if you promise me not to do that again." Wonyoung pushed herself off the chair then prepared the hot chocolate Yujin loved so much.

"I'm sorry, okay, I had a hard day, so... I know it's not an excuse to take it out on you," she sighed. "I'm sorry, it won’t happen again," Yujin said sincerely.

"You want to talk about it?"

"Nah, I, rather not."

Wonyoung set down the glass in front of Yujin who raised her brow.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

"Let's just say it's a payback for last night." She nodded as Yujin uttered her gratitude. "Look, I know we still have long way ahead of us and I know you don't like me but just so you know, I'm here if you want to talk"

"That goes same for you, though don't expect me to give you some genius wise advice or something. I'm not good at that,"

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that statement?" she chuckled. "Everyone is wise in one way to another, Yujin,"

The doctor only shrugged. It was actually nice, to had decent conversation like this. No yelling, no bickering, no rolling eyes and whatnot. Deep down, she missed this. She missed to actually talking' to people other than Winter, Chaewon, Eunbi and Rei. She missed sitting in her kitchen without wild physical encounter occurring. She missed to have someone to live with. She was lonely for too long but too afraid to start a new beginning.

"Can I ask you a question?" Yujin wiped her mouth.

"If you're going to ask what I think you'd ask, then no, "

"Oh come on!"

"I'm not going to answer it anyway. Go do the dishes. I'm going to sleep"

Yujin washed and dried the plate and glass in high speed, she didn't even care that there was still stains left. Gone, she quickly went to Wonyoung's room and knocked at her door. At first, there was no answer. In spite of that, Yujin was a persistent person, her wish cannot be shaken that easily. She knocked harder and harder till Wonyoung displeased face appeared at the door.

"You sleep using makeup," She asked in disbelief.

"What do you want? I'm tired."

"Can I see your first? To make sure you don't do anything crazy to my house." She grinned widely as she walked in.

"What the heck?!" Yujin gasped.

"What?"

"What did you do?" her mouth gaped. "It's pink, Wonyoung! The wall is pink, you turned everything to pink!" She referred the wallpaper.

"Yes, what's wrong with pink?" Wonyoung was confused.

"Arrgh!" Yujin groaned under her breath. She inhaled as much oxygen she could suck in then exhaled it slowly. Do not yell, do not yell, do not yell. She repeated her mantra. "Just don't turn this house into pink, okay, I'm not even joking," She pressed her palm to her head that started to throb.

"Okay. Good thing majority of my things are pink then, you wouldn't touch them,"

*Sigh*"... good night, Wonyoung." Yujin stepped out from her room shaking her head.

What kind debacle should happen to another three hundred and sixty-three days left?

Chapter Text

"She's still mad at you? Clamp please," Chaewon asked but never took her eyes off her unconscious patient.

"Kind of, I didn't know she didn't bring her phone nor her wallet, okay?" Winter replied.

"What happen anyway?" Eunbi looked up from the magazine she was reading,

"She came to my apartment that day, pissed off and everything, when I asked about it she wouldn't say anything. Then we played video games and she got better then I asked again, she told me that she had a fight with Wonyoung for some stupid reason. I know it wasn't place to interfere them but I can't help it. I literally kicked her out to fix their thing. The next morning all she said to me was 'you're not my friend anymore.'"

Chaewon asked the nurse to wiped her sweat. "Ah, there's a little bleeding here," she mumbled to herself. 

"Who's Wonyoung?" Eunbi asked again. 

"Her soon to be wife slash fake girlfriend slash mortal enemy depends on who asked," Chaewon explained. 

"How come I wasn't informed about this?" Eunbi frowned. 

"You're too busy sedating people,"

"Hey, I'm making a living, you know"

"You make people sleep, pleasantly sit in OR doing your endless crosswords while we're doing the real work here" Chaewon stated as a matter of fact.

"I told to you to join anesthesia not surgical. Your fault not mine." Eunbi waved her hand nonchalantly. "So, what about this Wonyoung?"

"We don't know anything yet aside from that. We have never seen her." Winter said.

"Now it most likely we couldn't meet her anytime soon. Thanks to Winter"

"Yah! It wasn't entirely my fault."

"Half of it"

"Guys, we're in the middle of surgery here. Stop bickering, would you? Chaewon, how long will you finish?" Eunbi checked watch.

"Give me a minute then she's all yours, Winter"

 "Good, tell me more about this later" Eunbi whispered to Winter.

*****

Yujin was writing on her patient chart when Winter approached her. 

"I'm still not talking to you," She said flatly. 

"Yujin, it's been days. You can't give me silent treatment forever."

"Watch me."

"It's not fair!" Win groaned. "You threw me to the garden pond in front of hundred people when we were in college. I forgive you!" Winter pouted.

"Remember how long it takes for you to accept my apologies? Months. Besides, it was your-birthday."

"Not the point,"

"It wasn't just me. The kids also contributed in it," She stated the fact.

"But you're the brain! You made that idea and you bribed them with food to do your evil plan! Ha!"

"Who told you that?" Yujin frowned. 

"Eunbi and Chaewon. Now, we're even" 

"Aish traitor," she muttered "Buy me lunch and I call it even," Yujin smirked naughtily.

"Hey!" 

"Take it or leave it, Winter," Yujin gave the chart back to the nurse and started to walk away.

"One lunch and that's that, Yujin!"

Yujin's smirked wider.

*****

A week had passed. Yujin and Wonyoung were at least civil to each other even though there were still some disagreements here and there that led to elevated voice tone. Despite of that, Yujin spent majority of her time at home than at hospital or went clubbing like she used to. But well...old habit dies hard; she still had a lot of text or call from unknown number whether it was pure wrong number or from her former one-night stand partners. She replied half of it when she had nothing better to do. It was harmless, to her defense.

Entering the third week, Yujin was busy most of the time. A lot of accidents occurred in adjacent. She was drained. She barely slept especially when it was her on-call shift. She hardly saw Wonyoung, she usually came home in the middle of the night or nearing the dawn when Wonyoung was fast asleep and woke up by the time Wonyoung was already off to work. 

Luckily for Yujin that although physically Wonyoung was absent, her consideration was remained. That proofed by her breakfast was always prepared neatly, text reminder for her to not got her lunch late or skipped dinner. Also, her house was always clean, it wiped away her tiredness after her long day.

That actually got Yujin thinking. Why was Wonyoung so attentive to her?

Yujin cracked open her door welcoming the tasty smell to her nose. She was already in her-work' clothes; jeans and grey t-shirt. Unconscious smile spread on her face by the sight of Wonyoung in her blazer, occupied with their meals. She had to admit that her life was easier in some aspect since Wonyoung moved in. She didn't have to worry about household because Wonyoung handled almost everything. Her body mass index began to increase to normal number, and the greatest thing was, she had someone welcomed her at home instead of dark cold of loneliness atmosphere. It felt nice.

If only she could fight back her fear

"Hey, you're up?" Wonyoung snapped her out from her daydreaming. "Why are you standing there? Come on, breakfast is ready,"

"Uh... yeah," She stuttered. 

"What time did you get home last night?" Wonyoung put two pancakes on Yujin plate. "Chocolate or maple?"

"Are you going to turn me to an American or something? I eat this kind of stuff every day." She said with fake unpleasant voice.

"Fine, go make your own next time. I won't cook for you anymore," Wonyoung took back her food.

"Hey! I didn't say that I don't like it. Give it back," Yujin pouted. She tried to steal her plate but Wonyoung quickly slapped her hand. "Wonyoung, come on. I'm hungry. I was just kidding. I really like your cooking,"

"Say it again." 

"Say what? I was kidding?"

"I guess you don't really want it, huh?" She said heartlessly.

Yujin groaned exasperatedly. "I like your food. They're awesome. You're an awesome cook. Now give it to me." Yujin spoke sarcastically.

"Take you weeks to admit it," Wonyoung smirked victoriously. 

"I want maple," Yujin ignored her remark. 

"Go get it yourself." 

"You're not allowed to work in half. Finish what you started," She smiled

"You're annoying. You know that?" Wonyoung sulked as she poured the syrup.

"Well I've been told that many times by this no less annoying woman," She laughed loudly.

Wonyoung threw her disapproving look and ate in silent.

"I got home at four and I have interns to train in an hour and half. God, I'm so tired," Yujin whined.

"Isn’t there another surgeon aside from you? You've been working day and night lately."

"We only have two cardio surgeons, me and this old grandpa who will retire soon," Yujin swallowed her food. "My department running out of staff and we haven't had the definite candidate to replace him."

"What about Rei?" Wonyoung remembered Yujin mentioned her. 

Yujin smiled at Wonyoung. "You remember I told you that?"

"Of course I do, you did mention her once or twice," she rolled her eyes. Perks of being a lawyer was her brain could collect every tiny little detail of the information. Yujin said that there were four resident who were in their last year and Yujin only considered Rei as the qualified one for her department

"Well, she's still in doubt and I won't ask her over and over again. I don't want to look like I'm desperate or something though I am that desperate."

"You and your pride, Yujin," she chuckled. 

"Try different approach then," She got off from her chair to do the dishes.

"What approach? I have none of idea left. Please do help me." She proceeded towards Wonyoung. "I'll dry them"

"What makes her still in doubt?"

"Do you ever imagine how terrifying to cut a beating organ? One wrong move, your patient would bleed to die. Rei is smart, she's just... I don't know- scared?"

"Then offer her the chance to be brave. Include her in every surgery you do, make her familiar with the circumstances, some kind of pressure training or something" Wonyoung suggested. 

"You're right. I mean she, been a lot in my surgery but only assisting. Maybe I should order her to do a real one"

"You're the one who know the drill, Yujin. Just make sure she doesn't fail on her first try. It'll crush her confidence" They wiped their hand as they finished.

"Okay, let, hope there's no competition to get this one," Yujin followed Wonyoung to the living room. She grabbed her backpack as she stared at the heavy rain outside the window. "How am I supposed to burn all this fat." She muttered under her breath. Yujin rarely brought her car to work. Hospital was merely two blocks from her apartment, she only driving when the weather was bad.

"What competition?"

"Chaewon wants her too," She sighed. "Oh, speaking of that brat, my friends asking you to have lunch with them. You're up for it?"

"Oh? Um... when?"

"Up to you"

"I'll check my schedule then I'll get back to you later?"

"Sure. Wonyoung, do you see my car key?" Yujin lifted the cushion and searched under the table. She was certain she put it somewhere in the living room.

"Yujin?" Wonyoung called her. 

"I swear I put it here" She kept exploring

"Yujin." She called again. 

"Where are you, you little key?"

"Yujin!" Wonyoung shouted.

"What? Ouch!" Her head hit the table. "Aish, you really need to shout?" Yujin caressed the aching part. "I'm searching my key here, what do you want?"

"Here is your key, you’re messy. Next time, put your thing in its place," Wonyoung scolded her as Yujin narrowed her eyes.

"I always put in here. Who ask you to move it?"

"I found it under the couch yesterday, and inside your jeans pocket the other day and-"

"I get it, I get, okay?" Yujin grabbed the key from Wonyoung and moved outside the house. "You're so nosy" 

"Promise me." Wonyoung closed the door and quickened her step to match Yujin. 

"What?"

"You will put your things in its place. It'll be safe for us from trouble of searching it."

"Yes, mom. I promise. Happy?"

"Not really, I have not seen the proof, so..."

Yujin rolled her eyes and sulking all the way to parking lot. The rains get heavier, the temperature dropped lower. She tightened her jacket to kept her body warm. As they reached their cars that were parked next to each other, Yujin quickly got in. She wafted her hand and started the engine.

She backed her car and about to leave when she noticed Wonyoung was still standing outside of her car with frown upon her face and her phone was stuck on her ear.

Yujin rolled down the window. "Hey, something happened?"

"My tire leaked, I'm calling Minju," she sighed irritatingly. "Come on pick up, Minju," She mumbled.

Yujin parked her car back and get out from the vehicle to checked Wonyoung's. She squatted down to see how bad the damage. There was practically no air in it. Wonyoung was still busy calling Minju. She walked back and forth- starting to panic.

"Wonyoung," she patted her shoulder.

"God damn it, Minju! Where are you!" She shouted, made Yujin startled. "Pick up!" 

"Wonyoung." Yujin said sternly, effectively stopped her. "You're going with me. Come on." She opened the passenger door and dragged Wonyoung into her car as she quickly got in too.

"Yujin, you don't have… I can take a cab."

"It's fine. I'm not kidnapping or selling you to black market. Besides, all cabs probably occupied by now." She pulled the reverse gear and drove away. "Where's your office?"

Wonyoung gave Yujin the address as Yujin turned on her GPS.

"Yujin, my office is pretty far. We'll be stuck on traffic in this weather and you need to go to hospital. Let me take a cab"

Yujin simply tapped on her phone to make a call and put it on speaker

"This is Seoul Trauma Hospital Information Centre. How can I help you?"

"Hey, this is Dr. Yujin An. Could you connect me Cardio department?" 

"Yes, doctor. Please wait a moment"

The secretary picked up on the third ring

"Cardio Trauma Department, how can I help you?"

"Eunbi-ssi? It's me. I have skill lab on 9 a.m., could you reschedule it? I have an important thing to take care of first."

"Oh, okay doc. What time?"

"Um.. Ten thirty?"

"Ten thirty, okay. I'll inform your intern, doc." 

"Okay thank you, Eunbi-ssi." She hung up.

"You really don't have to." Wonyoung said quietly. On one hand, she was grateful towards Yujin but on the other hand, she felt guilty to bother her

"Well, I want to. It's a benefit of being attending," she grinned.

"Yujin, it was irresponsible and I don't want to be the reason of it" Wonyoung spoke softly.

"I don't do it often, Wony. It's fine, really." She comforted her, not taking her eyes off the road. 

Wonyoung tilted her head to her direction but said nothing, Yujin noticed.

"What?"

"You called me Wony." Wonyoung stated.

Yujin tensed at the statement. Really? She didn't realize that. That seemed too friendly. She quickly composed herself and act like it wasn't a big deal.

"Why? I can't call you that? Your name is way too long. The short version is better." She shrugged off.

"Yes you can, Jinnie."

Yujin raised her eyebrow. "You shorten my name too?"

"Why? I can't call you that? Your name is way too long. The short version is better," she shrugged, cutely copying Yujin. Luckily they were at traffic light. They stared at each other before burst out of laughing.

"You weirdo. Don't copy me." She shoved Wonyoung lightly.

"You weirdo. Don't copy me." She imitated Yujin yet again and giggled. 

"Alright, alright. I'm out of breath. Stop it" Yujin haven't laughed like this for a long time. The feeling was different from the other laughs. It felt free- unencumbered.

"Okay, Jinnie," Wonyoung chuckled and wiped her tears. Honestly, she liked their moment like this. No bickering or sarcastic comments. Wonyoung was an objective person, she didn't ashamed to admit that Yujin was indeed smart, cute and she had this feeling- happy feeling when Yujin laughed.

"Let's hear some music, shall we." Yujin cleared her throat. She was happy and worried at the same time. The wall in her head opened wider than usual and it disturbed her a bit.

Yujin switched one station to another.

"Why is everybody playing pathetic romantic love song? Gosh." She frowned deeply.

The significant displeasure of her tone perceived by Wonyoung. 

"Seriously?" Yujin muttered to nobody, kept on switching. 

"Yujin, it's February." 

"So?" She asked clueless. 

"The month of love? Valentine's day?" 

"Wony, it's 10th February. Valentine's is four days away. Whatever, we don't have to listen anything" She turned off the radio.

Yujin was so confusing to Wonyoung. One second, she was bright like a kid and gloomy the next then bright again like nothing wrong. This wasn't happened just this once. Like that time when she was watching drama and Yujin joined her, her eyes were blank and she quickly changed the channel when there was a lovey-dovey scene to cartoons then laughed out loud by it silliness. Or when they were just talking, first she'd tease her non-stop then suddenly left to her room with murky expression all over her face then get out not long after whining for food.

Wonyoung didn't know what to do. And traffic jam didn't help at all.

The atmosphere became thicker with awkwardness. Yujin turned her back and facing the window side, Wonyoung could only stared at her back. Yujin sighed a few times. She wondered what was going trough her mind. She can't saw her expression nor she understood Yujin enough to pinpoint what could be the possibility.

"Jin-"

"I'm bored."

They said at the same time. 

"What did you say?" Yujin asked as she rested her head to the wheel

"Nothing." 

"Well... let's talk about something. I want to know-" 

"Still no to your one-million-dollar question," Wonyoung cut her. 

"Aish... then when are you going to tell me?" She pouted. 

"If you're worth enough, then maybe consider it." She replied easily. "For the time being, snap off your curiosity." 

"It's just a make-up, Wony. What's the big deal?" Yujin groaned when Wonyoung pretend playing with her phone. 

"Okay, okay. I'll find it on my own. Now stop playing with it. Come on, I'm much more interesting than your phone." Wonyoung rolled her eyes. 

"Don't, you miss me?" Yujin put on her smug grin. 

"Do you hear yourself? You praise yourself way too much." She said flatly. Now she disliked Yujin's expression. 

"Why do you always take my jokes seriously? Grandma." She whispered the last part.

"I heard that" Same tone

Well... there was still a lot of adjustment needed.

Chapter Text

Yujin pulled over her car at the side of the road then turned it off.

"Wait here," Yujin pocketed her phone inside her jacket as she ducked out from her car, covering her head with her hand and opened the car trunk to get the umbrella.

Yujin knocked on Wonyoung's window and told her to get out.

"What are you doing?" Wonyoung shouted against the sound of the rain.

Yujin didn't answer. She carefully led Wonyoung to shelter under the roof.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. You're wet. You shouldn't do that. The entrance merely a few walks, Yujin-ah"

"Well, you'll get soak if you don't use umbrella and you wearing heels. Besides, my immune system is awesome. I don't get cold easily." She shrugged.

"You're so stubborn, you know that?"

"You remind me that over and over again, how can I forget?"

Wonyoung can only shake her head.

"Came to my office for a while. I'll make you tea or something."

Yujin was too freezing to argue. She jiggled her umbrella and shut it. She then followed Wonyoung entered the building as she took off her damped jacket. Wonyoung's office was on third floor. Her assistant greeted them as they passed by.

Yujin observed the place around her. There was brownish leather much complete with matching table's color, plants were here and there, the desk was awfully neat and the smell- the smell of this room was so Wonyoung.

"Hang your jacket over there. Just sit or whatever, I'll be back," Wonyoung left the room.

Yujin laid comfortably on her back as she closed her eyes. Physically she was dead tired but her mind was surprisingly peaceful. This place made her safe somehow, the same feeling when she was at her house recently. Felt like home.

"Yujin," Someone called for her.

"Yujin-ah, wake up." She heavily opened her one eye. "Wake up. You're going to be late and your tea is getting cold," Yujin blinked at the voice.

"Wonyoung-ah? Ugh," she groaned as she sat down. "What time is it? Did I fell asleep?"

"Yes, for half hour. It's nine twenty. Drink this," Wonyoung handed her the cup.

"Thanks. Why didn't you wake me?" Yujin sipped her drink.

"The rain has stopped. Traffic shouldn't be that bad anymore." Wonyoung said. Also how could I wake you up when you looked so deep in your sleep?

"I needed that," she sighed. "Well... I better get going. What time will you be done?" She pushed herself off the couch.

"One or two p.m.? I planned to off early if today is slow."

"Call me when you're done, okay? I probably finish by 12 or so, I take a rest of the day off or I'd end up killing my patient"

"You don't have to pick me up. I can take a cab or ask Minju or Karina to get me home"

"Nah, I drove you here, I'm taking you home myself," Yujin replied like it wasn't a big deal, not aware that her statement made Wonyoung's heart skip a beat for some vogue reason.

Yujin was about to grab her jacket when Wonyoung stopped her.

"Use mine, yours is wet," she gave Yujin her pink coat.

"Wonyoung, it's pink." Yujin looked a her with are-you-kidding-me look.

"It's dry and keeps you warm. Don't be stubborn, just wear it." She shoved the thick yet soft fabric to the taller woman.

"Fine, geez." Yujin half-heartedly put it on. "Happy?"

"Yes. Now drive carefully. You have plenty of time before your duty time"

Yujin walked out of her office.

"Yes, mother." Yujin said jokingly.

*****

"Mr. Y, 23, car accident, conscious; GCS: 13, be thrown out of the glass, shortness of breath, central cyanosis, jugular venous distention, weakness breath sound and hyper resonant on right chest, trachea deviated to the left side, chest pain, possible broken ribs at 9, 10, 11, broken femur 1/3 distal, hematoma. What happen to our patient, Ms. Park?"

"Tension pneumothorax, Doctor."

"How?"

"There's one way valve from the lung or the chest. It happens because the air can get in but trapped in pleura cavity it makes the alveolus collapsed and then it'll push the mediastinum to the opposite side and there is hyper resonant and JV distention it means it wasn't cardiac tamponade."

"Good, what will you do about it?"

"I'll do decompression first, to make sure his tension pneumothorax reduce to simple one and then I'll check his airway, ventilation and circulation then I'll do other exam such X-ray and complete blood count" she explain confidently.

"Mr. Choi, where do we insert the needle?"

"Second intercostal space at mid-clavicular line in injured hemithorax by 2 inch 14 gauge needle, doctor."

"That's all?"

"I'll put chest tub connected to WSD."

"The hematoma, anyone?" Yujin walked to the back of the class as she tapped Sunoo's shoulder. She chose him to answer.

"Femur has myriad woven blood vessels. When trauma happen, it has its own special way by forming auto tampon it'll buy us time on the scene. Exploring to find the bleeding source result in severing the bleeding so we must get him to the OR to fix it."

"Very well, so basically you all know what to do. Now we will see if you really can do it. I hope you won't repeat the last training we've done and you actually save lives today. Each one of you will get one patient, different case different treatment. You have ten minutes tops to do whatever you need to do then we'll evaluate one by one. There'll be a reward to whoever succeeds. You're not allowed to ask, you're on your own. Do your best job and get your prize" Yujin said.

Yujin sat on her chair calmly watching her interns creating tumultuous situation. They didn't ask each other but they were yelling to their mannequin. They all wanted to win. She hadn't said what the prize they'd get, she didn't want them to get distracted. Yujin was planning to give the winner a chance to directly involved in actual surgery, not only observing them. But she wasn't sure whether it was a good idea. On several occasions, the intern who was given that gold chance merely lasted three minutes at the longest before they passed

"Mr. Choi, did your patient has tension pneumothorax? I don't see any sign of it," Yujin quirked an eyebrow to him whilst he was just staring at her speechless with trembled hand holding the needle that already inserted to the mannequin's chest. "Well, you better not kill him," she stepped away from the man and checked another intern.

"What are you doing?" Yujin asked the girl with a long hair- Ms. Park who was occupied with various clamps.

"He bleeds a Iot, I stitch the blood vessel,"

"Have you done the initial," She saw no movement of her patient's chest, the monitor showed increasing respiration rate, "You might want to take a look before he failed to breath." She informed her, "Don't use too much clamps it'll cause tissues necrosis, just press the bleeding source and make sure he’s alive before you start suturing. No use to stop the bleeding if he isn't breathing."

"Okay doctor."

As the time passed by, Yujin was quite satisfied with their work. It wasn't perfect but not bad either. Some of them saved their patients, some other failed miserably. But they got time to learn more.

A lot of time.

******

It was a long day.

She had done her work and nothing to do anymore. She peeked her watch, Yujin should be done by now, it was 12.54 p.m. after all. She didn't want to bother Yujin more so she just waited for her to call first. She'll just wait till she's done. Wonyoung heard knock on her door. "Come in," she said.

"Yes, Oppa. See you, bye," Minju put her phone back in her purse.

"You knock? Hmm... unlikely." Wonyoung was surprised at her friend's act. Minju never knocked, she barged in whenever she pleased.

"I have a lot on my mind. I'm sorry I didn't pick up your call this morning, I went to court early and you know how much I hate my case," She huffed and threw herself on the couch. "Oppa asked us to get lunch with him. Go get ready."

"Get ready for what? I can't possibly put more make up or change my clothes, can I?" Wonyoung chuckled. "Let me call Yujin first"

"For what? Since when you need her permission?"

"Not for her permission, it's just..." she stopped talking a bit then frowned. "What sound is that?" She heard the familiar ringtone and look around for it. The ring was getting clearer towards Yujin's jacket. She reached its pocket then sighed. "Now how am I supposed to know where you are, huh?" she mumbled.

"She left her phone," Wonyoung informed her friend, waving the moistened black device.

"Well, then let's go. I'm starving, Won. Oppa waits for us at the usual." Minju stretched her arms.

"Karina is not coming with us?" She asked as she got her spare coat.

"She has a date, remember"

"Right," the longhaired woman giggled. "Ah finally something interesting to talk about,"

"I know, right? I already have tons of idea in my mind." She laughed.

Both of the lawyers made her way to favorite Japanese restaurant next to their building.

*****

"Really, that was what he said to me. He was married to her wife and have kids with her for over twenty years based on money and now he wants to divorce her and ask for money. What kind of guy is that?" He shook his head.

"My case is not better than you, Oppa," Jessica chimed in.

"I know," he chuckled. "Wonyoung, are you okay? You seem a little distracted." He asked.

"Nothing, it's just… never mind. What are you guys talking about?" She tried to look excited though she kept on glancing outside the window to made sure she didn't miss Yujin's arrival.

"Our case. Are you sure you are okay? You want to get back?"

Speak of the devil.

"Can we? I mean, we're done, right?" She quickly took out her wallet to pay her lunch because Yujin was already in the building. Minju quirked her brow, questioning her friend.

As they reached their building, the handsome- well build guy excused himself. He smiled understandingly as his wish to had a nice dinner turned clown by Wonyoung. She didn't give him a valid reason. She just said that she needed rest. Minju kept quiet though she was dying to nag her best friend.

"Stop leading him on," Minju hissed as soon as he disappeared inside his office.

"I am not"

"Yes, you are, Won! He has a crush on you for a long time. Don't say you don't know because I'm not stupid,"

Wonyoung sighed. "I know, okay? He's been asking me out for more than a year now. I can't easily say in all of sudden that I'm dating someone now. I'm still trying to find the right way to tell him that I'm not available"

"You should be available. Well, you are" Minju argued.

"Technically I'm with Yujin. I just don't have feeling for her,"

"And you have for him?"

"Minju, it is not like that. You know I can't," Wonyoung stared at the elevator button as if it the most interesting thing in the world.

"Do you want to? He's a good catch, Won. In my opinion, a lot better than that tall ignorant creature,"

"Minju, you don't know her to talk about her like that. She's not that bad, you know," She purposely didn't touch the main subject.

"I'll believe it when I see it," Minju ended the conversation and they waited in silence as the elevator took them to their destination.

Yujin furrowed her forehead as she tried to beat her own high score. She never forgot to bring her PS Vita with her it always placed inside her backpack. She had her feet on the table, didn't seem to mind at all that it was Wonyoung's office.

She didn't even look up when Wonyoung came in-with someone.

"You already had lunch," She said without looking up. It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"Umm yes," Wonyoung replied unsurely.

"Well, I was thinking to get lunch with you. But whatever, good thing I bought snacks." She turned off her game then noticed Minju Ieaned at the door staring at her unpleasantly. "What?" She said way too harsh than she intended.

"This is my building, I can do whatever I want," Minju answered latly.

"Yujin, be nice."

"She started it," The tall girl pouted.

Minju rolled her eyes at the antics. She didn't like Yujin at all. She even lectured Wonyoung for a month good to not agreed with her parents’ plan. She completely understood Wonyoung's condition but she knew better. Wonyoung was a good girl. She deserved better than stupid childish random stranger like Yujin.

"Won, you're leaving?"

"Yeah, nothing to do. So, see you on monday?"

"Sure." Minju left.

"I still don't get it how you are friends with her." She spoke with mouth full of chips. "She's like a Satan or something."

"Don't talk bad about her, she's practically my sister." Wonyoung grabbed her purse. "Your phone" she handed the phone to Yujin.

"Thanks. Ready to go?" Yujin smiled.

"Yep"

By the time they reached the lobby, the rain fell hard again. Yujin judged the weather so hard right now. She parked her car quite far from Wonyoung's building to do some walk and now she regretted it.

"Wait here. I'll take the car. I won't take long." Yujin didn't wait for her respond, she just ran into the rain.

Wonyoung watched as Yujin's back faded away.

In all her carelessness, Wonyoung can see her kindness crystal clear.

Chapter Text

Yujin took a big bite of her apple as her eyes are focused on the movie that was playing. It was Sunday afternoon. Her first relaxed Sunday afternoon after weeks of non-stop work. She wore her pajamas and her socks and her feet were on the table. She missed this; to have absolutely nothing to do and laze around.

"Yujin." She rolled her eyes at the shouts of her name but she didn't budge an inch. It was her Sunday morning. No one can disturb her. Not even the loud woman. She ignored it and kept. watching the

"Didn't you hear me?" Wonyoung stood in front of the TV, crossed her arms on her chest with an unhappy look on her face.

"Don't you see I am watching?" she pointed the flat screen. "Move!" she shooed the latter.

"Nope, no more TV for you," Wonyoung turned it off earning disapproving look by Yujin. "You have to get ready. We're going to your parents’ house for dinner." The lawyer took away the remote from Yujin and put it neatly at the table. "And we have to buy wine for the gift."

"Why must we have dinner with my parents?" She groaned. "Can’t we just order pizza or something?" 

The thought of her parents and Wonyoung being in the same room somewhat made her uneasy. She'd be in big trouble should Wonyoung told them about her mistresses and she can’t stand to hear her parents blabbering her childhood and her teen phase to Wonyoung- which apparently a compulsory task for every parents ever to their soon to be daughter in law.

"Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Your mother asked us to get lunch with them and she told me literally to drag you out of the house if I have to"

"Wait a sec, she asked you? Did she call you?" she frowned…

"No, she came to my office yesterday. Now come on!" Wonyoung pulled her hand forcefully. "Don't be such a baby, Yujin-ah!"

"Wait, why didn't she call me? Her own daughter?"

"You'll turn her down and she doesn't wanna do long speech because it won’t work on you anymore. We got two hours, make it quick, Yujin."

The taller girl sulked all the way to her room and took the longest bath in her life. Wonyoung knocked on the door countless time- nevertheless she sung even louder. When she got out of the bathroom, the raged Wonyoung was siding on her bed with furious look.

"You should know by now that I'm not afraid of you. Not even a slight bit. Now would you excuse me, I want to get dress or well... I don't mind if you want to stay and watch." She smirked.

Wonyoung's eyes widened at the statement and she quit with redden cheeks. She'll wrath at Yujin later.

*****

"This wine is really good. Thank you, my dear." Yujin's morn reached out to held Wonyoung's hand as she squeezes it.

"You're very welcome, Mrs. An." She smiled brightly.

"Now...now, would you stop call us Mr. and Mrs. An? That sounds so distant." The old guy chimed in.

"That's right. Wonyoung, honey. You should call us mom and dad. Just like Yujin did. You're also our daughter after all."

"Okay, mom." She said awkwardly. 

"And dad too," Mr. An playfully glared at her. 

"And dad, too" Wonyoung said with her gummy-smile.

Yujin ate in full silence mode as she observed the interaction surround her. Her mom and dad were obviously happy with Wonyoung. She couldn't really blame them. Wonyoung was pretty, and kind and friendly and smart. She was practically stole everybody's heart effortlessly. Meanwhile, Yujin was the reserved, moody, gloomy person to begin with. She won't start a conversation if the others didn't make the first move. People would easily judge her as an antisocial kind of person.

Well, yes she'd go to party her fellow friends threw. And of course, she went to the finest club full of people she didn't even knew existed, but she mostly drunk when she went clubbing. She just wanted to drown her sorrow and let loose. She didn't need to introduce herself or talked about her private live. She checked in then checked out the first thing in the morning after.

The way her parent treated Wonyoung was nothing to compare with her previous lover- no, her previous girl- no, her ex was more like it. She didn't want to remember her as her girl let alone her lover. She was just an ex.

Anyway.

Yujin's parents didn't really welcome her ex. They were plainly flat at her. Even her father having a hard time to accept that she was in love with her but at least he was civil. Don't bother to spoke about her mom, she was frankly unable to hide her objection towards her. 

Yujin knew, from the look on her parents’ eyes, from the way they praised Wonyoung, and how comfortable they were with her- this was the real deal. There was no way to get out of this mess without not disappointing her parents.

"Hey, you awfully quiet. Is everything okay?" Wonyoung whispered brought her back from her reverie.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine-was just thinking," She said in lowered voice. Her parents were busy with some kind of old jokes that didn't even funny at all.

"So, Yujin, honey. How was work?" Her dad asked.

"Umm, good," She replied shortly. She shoved another cutlet into her mouth.

"Just... good?"

"Yeah, everything is good."

"We're expecting some details, actually." The oldest woman said sarcastically.

"I'm making a proposal to do research on growing a heart." She answered nonchalantly. 

"Really," Wonyoung tilted her head- asking me to verity. 

"Woah, that is so cool!" 

"Yep, kinda cool." She chuckled. 

"You have to make it, darling. I'm so proud of you!" 

"Wait." Her mom spoke sternly, making everyone shut up in an instant. "Wonyoung didn't know about it? How come you don, tell her?"

Yujin frowned at the statement. Why would she tell Wonyoung about it? What did it have to do with her?

"Well?" Her mother pressed. "I uh- I don't think it would be interested for her," she tried to reasoned. 

"Are you uninterested, Wonyoung, darling?" Her mom asked

"Who would be uninterested? That is a really great thing. Even unimaginable for me before." The lawyer mid truthfully but earning a sharp glared from Yujin anyway. Wonyoung gave her the 'what?' look at her face.

"See? And what is your problem, Yujin to not tell your spouse about it?"

"Well-"

"This will affect your in one way to another. She needs to understand why you could to get home on time or if you have to work at home so you'd spend less time with her," she said. "This is not just about you alone anymore, my dear. You have to think about Wonyoung too,"

"Your mom is right, baby girl,"

"Don't call me that, dad" Yujin sulked.

"I think your communication is not good enough." She shook her head. "The foundation on building a great family is communication. You talk and she'll listen. She talks and you will listen. That's how you open up to each other. Relationship doesn't work on quiet, silence environment. It won't survive. I know that is not easy considering you guys probably just start to warming up to each other but..." she took a long breath. "Try, okay? All you have to do is try, my children." She finished her long speech and continued on doing her lunch leaving the two enemies dumbfounded.

Yep. Just adding up another reason she hated the idea of meal with the parents.

Chapter Text

She opened the door, steeped off of her shoes and hung her jacket then walked inside the living room. She putted her back on the couch and made her way to the kitchen.

She set down her take away Chinese food, took the chopstick inside the plastic bag then began to chew. The cook was really tasty. The place was her favorite restaurant near the hospital.

It was still a few hours before Wonyoung came home. The thought of it somehow troubled her. The stillness was crepes her out. A few hours in this house without her was- in one way to another was way too Iong. She was unaccustomed of being alone in her house ever since Wonyoung moved in- at least not for five hours long,

I'll be home after 8. Don't skip meals.

She read the message over and over again. After eight she said. She sighed inwardly. She got home early because she planned to do her proposal in peaceful place. Hospital definitely wasn't a peaceful place to stay. There were too many heart post card, pink stuff and all since it was Valentine’s day. She got headache just looked at it.

But...who would've thought that she'd felt weirder in her house just because the person who she said she loathed was absent. 

She took back her bag, turned off the lamp then stamped out of her apartment back to her second home- the hospital. She'd locked herself in her office to prevent the headache.

*****

The horn from her back made her turn around. A familiar car approached her not far from where she was standing. She stood with her hand in her jeans pocket waiting for the car to stop perfectly in front of her.

It was really cold. Her nose and cheeks redden by the weather. 

The driver lowered the window. "I thought you'd be home by 3?" 

"Don't feel like going home at 3"  She lied through her teeth. 

"Come on in, it's freezing outside."  She clicked open the lock. 

"Whew."  She sighed relieved. "You're right. It's really cold," 

"You shouldn't be walking at this hour."  Wonyoung said as she drove away. 

"Wonyoung, it's 9 p.m. nothing to worry about," 

"Just don't argue with mean this. We both know how unsafe it is," 

"I learned Taekwondo when I was in junior high school"

"Yeah, like! Believe it."  The lawyer snorted. 

"'Yah! I'm telling the truth!" 

"Show me, then."  She challenged her.

"I will. Just you wait and see"  She huffed cutely not aware of the smile Wonyoung made because of her act. "Can we buy ice cream first?"

"It's cold! Why would you eat ice cream in weather like this?" 

"I just want it. We run out of it, we need to buy another bucket." 

"We? You mean you?" 

"Whatever. Just stop at the nearest ice cream shop, okay." 

"Have you had dinner?"

"Yes, I have. There...there, stop there, I'll be quick"  She pointed at the Baskin Robbin sign.

Wonyoung pulled up the hand brake and stopping the over excited Yujin before she could escape.

"We can eat here, if you want"  The shorter girl offered. 

"Really, You're not tired?"

"Not really. Let’s just eat it here. But only one scoop, Yujin. One scoop."

The both of the women walk out of the car then stepped into the shop earning a warm welcomed from the staff. They nodded a little as they reach the counter and order.

"Hmmm, I'll have milk ice cream and..."

"One chocolate flavored ice cream, please."  Wonyoung cut her. "Only one, Yujin. We can buy a bucket later,"

"Fine. You're such a dictator. Geez"

They sat at the table that closest to the window so they can see people doing whatever they were doing. There were a few people at the shop though it wasn't that packed. Most of them were couples, real couples, from all age.

Yujin busied herself in digging her ice cream. Wonyoung had to diff a laugh every time she watched Yujin ate her favorite food in the world. She secretly liked the moment because it was just pure. The girl in front of her right now wasn't the annoying, arrogant girl. She was just Yujin An and her ice cream. Pure and innocent Yujin An and her ice cream.

"Yujin.."

"Hmm?"

"I got something for you."

"Hmm?" she still occupied with her thing, did not noticed what Wonyoung had pulled out from her bag.

"Here you go."

Yujin glanced at the yellow box then to Wonyoung. She actually stopped eating, tilted her head-thinking.

"What's this for?"  She finally asked.

"Don't you want to open it first?"  She kept her voice steady, in spite of the fact that she was afraid Yujin would reject it.

"Is it for Valentines? Because I don't celebrate Valentine’s Day."  Her tone was cold.

"No, no that's not for-Valentine's."  She quickly said. "I went to the mall today and I saw that, I thought yours is already- you know have a lot of stain and kind of ripped here and there so I just bought it." She rambled. Yujin's reaction was totally taking her by surprise.

"What's this?"

"Phone case,"  There was no use to play since Yujin seemed too distant.

"Oh."  Yujin took the box and open the blue wrapped paper and withdrawn the content.

She stared at the clear blue phone case on her hand. She quietly removed her old phone case and changed it to the new one.

"Thanks,"  she looked closely at the later. "It looks good, thanks." She said, still reserved.

"No problem,"  Wonyoung said coolly. Mentally noted to herself to never give Yujin impromptu present on common celebration days ever again.

The situation was unpleasantly quiet for Wonyoung liking. She cursed herself for being too forward and unfortunately Yujin wasn't even that delighted receiving her gift.

"I'm done."  Yujin leaned against the chair- stroking her tummy. "I'm so full." She said cheerfully, grinning satisfied-ly.

Okay, now Wonyoung confused again. Yujin was gloomy one minute ago and now she acted like nothing happen.

"Are you done with that?"  She pointed at the leftover cake. "Cause if you are, I can finish it."

Yujin, I can never understand you. 

Chapter Text

"So... what are you doing this Saturday?" She put the cup of hot honey tea down the table then sat comfortably on the couch. Yujin was sitting on the floor doing her paperwork.

"Uhh… I don't know. Nothing I guess, why?" She stopped typing for a while to look at her side finding the smoke raised up from the cup inviting her to drink it. 

"For me?" She deliberately not casted her eyes to the other girl since she wore loose t-shirt and shorts. She had seen Wonyoung's legs many times before but that didn't mean she is used to that. It took a remarkable self-control to not ogling on her. 

"Yeah. Careful, it's hot" 

"Thanks." She said shortly. She took the cup, brought to her lips and tested the water before sipped it slowly. "Woah, this is really good!" She grinned gratefully at Wonyoung. 

"You like it?" 

"Of course I like it." She slurped again. Not drink on chilly weather was just perfect. 

"Wow, you're actually honest this time. Not annoyingly turning around upside down just to avoid saying the truth that my creation is awesome" 

Yujin narrowed her eyes at the later for God knew how long. "Shut up," she finally said with flat tone making Wonyoung laugh. 

"I thought you're going to make some excuse! You run out of idea, don't you?" She mischievously mocked her. 

"Whatever." Yujin grumbled under her breath. After she calmed her down, Wonyoung pulled out some tissue. dried her tear from laughing too hard. 

"Ehem," she cleared her throat. "In all seriousness though, you don't have anything to do this Saturday?" 

"Nope, don't think so." 

"Well, about meeting your friends, we can do dinner if you want." 

"This Saturday, you mean?" Wonyoung nodded. "I'll ask them tomorrow then. We invite them here or you want to go to a restaurant?" 

"What about home-made cooking?" 

"You'll cook for them?"

"Yep."

"Okay then."

Yujin resumed her work meanwhile Wonyoung laid on her back, flipping her magazine on one to another page. The TV was playing on soft music--Wonyoung's choice. It was a peaceful night in their house. 

"Hoaamm..." Yujin yawned as she scratched her back making some hone cracking sound. 

"Sleepy?" Wonyoung asked without taking her eyes off magazine. 

"Naahhoaamm.." she yawned again. "I still want to work a bit more." 

"You should sleep. You've been in front of the computer for hours" 

"Yeah, I will, my head already hurts." She rubbed her forehead hoping the throbbing would go away. 

"You want me to massage your head?" Wonyoung peeked from her magazine.

"No, no, no it's fine." She shook her head. She didn't keen on the idea of haying Wonyoung's hand on her head. It'll give her more headaches. "Are you working on a case right now," She asked as she opened another document. 

"Yep."

"That's your answer, just yep?" She typed down. 

"You want to know more?" 

"Why would I bother to ask you if I don't want to know more?" Yujin rolled her eyes. 

"I don't know, you never ask before." 

"So, you want to tell me or you not want to tell me." She said irritably. 

She was getting impatient. 

"If you really want to know then maybe you should show some interest to it" Wonyoung got up from the couch. The movement made Yujin turned her head towards her. Wonyoung showed her back to Yujin as she tied her hair into ponytail- successfully made Yujin gulped by the act. 

Yujin quickly took the glass and drank from it when Wonyoung turned towards her again. 

"And don't being a douche" She added then walked into her room without another word. 

"Damn it!" Yujin muttered under her breath.

*****

She underlined yet another sentence in the journal. She had spent her in between surgery time to read and work on her proposal. She was just finished one surgery and Rei was now preparing her next surgery. She got half hour to do some of her paperwork. She sat at the attending lounge with her paper on top of her crossed leg and a bottle of infused water in her left hand. 

"Still working on your proposal?" 

"Yeah, long way to go"

"And the chance the board will reject it?"

Winter laughed at her friend as she took a seat beside her, chewing her muffin in the way. 

"I'm making a breakthrough, okay? This is going to save live more than you can imagine"

"I know, which is why I'm supporting you all the way" Winter said incoherently. 

"Eat first, you dumb" Yujin mocked her. 

"Whatever. What's that?" She nodded at the bottle she held. 

"Hmm? Oh, infused water." She answered nonchalantly. 

"You drink infused water? Since when?" 

"This morning."

"Last night Wonyoung saw this commercial on the magazine about how healthy infused water is," she mimicked the way Wonyoung said it. "She'll make me drink it every morning" 

Winter just stared at her friend with confused face. Would she really obey what Wonyoung told her? 

"I got to go. Got mitral valve to repair." She closed her laptop and gathered her things then put it in her locker. 

"Huh? Yeah. Good luck with that" 

"I got this with the back of my hand, shorty."

"Yah!!"

"By the way, are you guys free this Saturday?" 

"Guess so, why," 

"You're welcome to come to my house if you want to meet Wonyoung. If you can't, then I won't ask her for the second time. Your loss" 

"We'll make it! We'll definitely make it! I'll see you at lunch!" Winter saluted her before Yujin disappeared behind the door. 

*****

"Yo! Chae!" She shouted.

The short doctor who was talking with her resident turned her body around to see her other short friend walking- more like running towards her. 

"You chased by a ghost or something?" 

"No, Saturday, this Saturday we're going to meet The Wonyoung Jang." She said in one breath. 

"Really?" 

Winter nodded. 

"Clear whatever schedule you have on that day. I gotta go to find Eunbi." 

She ran again.

*****

"Hey, can I ask you something?" 

"Sure, go ahead." Yujin chewed her carrot. 

"I shouldn't… it personally that Ningning acting like she hates me, right? I mean she probably feel abandoned right now cause l've been really busy and she doesn't have a friend who can go to get a drink every night we used to. And I rarely can take her call or reply her message right away. Maybe she's just felt hurt and lonely. But should she understand? I mean, she's a doctor too. She knows how we work."

"Or she just hates you." She answered nonchalantly. 

"Wow thanks. Thanks a lot" Winter deadpanned 

"You’re welcome," she replied not even spared a single glance to her friend. 

"You're helpless." Winter snorted in disgust taking her tray up wanting to move to another table. 

Too bad the only empty table was merely four feet away from Yujin's. 

Better than to sit with this idiot. 

"Seriously?" Yujin tilted her head and laughed at her friend, antic. 

"I don't want to talk to you right now." 

"What's up with her?" Chaewon put her tray beside Yujin. 

"No biggie just her usual self being a cry baby." Yujin burst laughing out loud. 

"Joking aside, what happen?" 

"Ningning, what else do you think?" 

"What about Ningning?" 

"Winter here doesn't have time for her so she thinks that she hates her and I confirm it now, she's moping about it." She explained. 

"Yah! Don't talk about me! I'm right here, I can hear your!" Winter shouted. 

"Then come here so we can talk about you with you without shouting" Chaewon suggested. 

"Not gonna happen,"

"Sigh... Yujin-ah, let’s move to that table" Chaewon took her tray but no movement from the later. 

"Are you coming or not? If you're not, then you, a bigger cry baby than her." 

"Oh, dear God! What are we? Ten?" Yujin threw her arms exaggeratingly. 

The three friends finally sat together. 

"Now shake each other hand." Chaewon said solemnly.

"No freaking way," Both responded simultaneously right away. 

"You will," Chaewon took Win's hand forcefully, "even if I have to help you two." She took Yujin's- still forcefully, then she guided the two dummy to shook each other hand as symbol that they had forgiven each other. "Now. What's the problem? I don't have much time for your childlike behavior. I have surgery." 

Yujin told her the whole story since Winter refused to even open her mouth.

"Why are you like that, Yujin-ah?"

"I gave her an honest answer, Chae. Look, Winter... Am I your friend or am I your best friend?" 

"..." 

"I'm serious, answer me." 

"You're my person." She mumbled but loud enough to the two to hear. Yujin smiled gratefully. 

"And that's why I told you the very truthful answer. I'm not going around the bush to tell that she's fine or maybe she needs some alone time. She hates you, I can’t be the judge to tell whether it is okay for her to hate you but.." she caught her breath. "She has a strong reason to hate you."

"What's that?" 

"She likes you since forever. I lost count on how the longing look was always on her face when she looked at you long ago. Besides, she's a dermatologist fellow, do you know what she did during the day? They got massage, Win. They paid professional masseuses to massage their back everyday from 9 a.m to 12.30 p.m." Win gave her the 'what the actual f**k' face. "The only thing they worried about is acne. Of course, she, felt lonely when you're busy with yourself. And you're a good person, you're nice to all people. It makes she feel less special... you understand now?" 

"Wait a minute, how did you know what derma resident schedule?" 

"You know the girl I used to talk about when we were resident?" 

"A derma resident? You banged a derma resident?!" 

"Now shut up. This isn't my story." Yujin point to her fork at her. 

"Are you sure about her liking me?" Winter said barely a whisper. 

"Yes we are, Winter." Chaewon spoke though the chewing. 

"I never noticed that. She's a close friend. I never think of her as... as I don't know. I'm not even sure myself." 

"Well, it's for you to make sure then. I'm sorry guys, I got to go." Chaewon wiped her mouth with a tissue. "She's a good catch, Winter-yah. Think wisely."

 When Chaewon walked away, Yujin opened her mouth to spoke sincerely. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to disparage you. I just... you know..." 

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry too." 

Chapter Text

They went to the traditional market on chilly Saturday after Yujin picked Wonyoung up from her office. Yujin was mostly standing and eating street snack and held the plastic bag whilst Wonyoung choose and make a bid for the things she needed. 

Yujin recalled the last time she came to traditional market. It was really long time ago. Probably when she was still in med school. 

"I think we already have the necessity ingredients." Wonyoung said as she paid the groceries.

Yujin masticated the Toppoki as she wafted through her mouth because it was really hot. 

"Hey, hey, you'll burn your mouth with that." She frowned disapprovingly. 

"This is really good. You wanna try?" Yujin blew the Toppoki. Wonyoung shook her head. 

"Let’s go home, Yujin." She carried some of the plastic bag then they walk towards the parking lot.

*****

"Wony, can we nap before we start cooking?" Yujin yawned while putting their groceries in the fridge.

"We?"

"Woaaabb?" She yawned again. 

"You want to nap with me? You said we." Wonyoung smirked at her.

Teasing each other like this was totally fun for the both of them. Maybe response from the others kept them entertained even though inside of their heart, the joke or the tease made their heart beating a little bit faster than normal. 

"No!" Yujin caught off guard, her cheeks began change color into shade of pink. "I mean I want to take a nap, by myself, in my bedroom, on my own bed." She stammered then turned her head to the fridge focusing on what she was doing, ignoring Wonyoung who was laughing. She was happy making Yujin stuttered. 

"Wake me up if I sleep too long. Don't start cooking without me" The tall girl walked out the kitchen with her back faced Wonyoung. Yujin laid on her back on the bed, covering her face with the pillow. She breathed in and out for a couple times before her erratic heart became slower. 

"You're messing with my head, Wonyoung. What are you? What the hell are you doing?" She sighed loudly. 

"Why are you doing this?" She can feel it. The walls she built were slowly melted down. She shook her head vigorously. 

"Keep yourself together, Yujin! She's just a stranger who happens to live with you. She's not worth it. She's not worth for another pain. She's just being polite. Yeah, polite." She murmured the same mantra over and over. She grabbed her bolster and closed her eyes. Finally, she did the best she usually do; shut down the problem and ignore it for as long as it possible.

*****

Yujin woke up abruptly when she heard the knock at the door making her head throbbing. Wonyoung's head partly appeared through the slightly open door. 

"You awake?" 

"Yeah," she answered with hoarse voice. "I'll take the shower first then join you" 

"It's okay if you still want to sleep" Wonyoung said softly. 

"No, I'm fine." She slowly got off the bed dragged her feet towards the bathroom. 

When she finished her shower, Yujin took her phone on her drawer and put it in her pocket. She entered the kitchen with delicious smoke greeted her. Wonyoung, with her high ponytail and pink apron was busy slicing the meat 

"What can I do to help?" 

"Hey, uh... actually you can cut the fruit. We'll make salad for the dessert" 

"Okay." Easy job, she thought to herself. 

It was amazing that-Wonyoung can cook variety of food and at the same time keeping the kitchen clean. She was efficient like that. Wonyoung already did all the thing when Yujin wasn't even close to finish peeling the watermelon. 

"Yujin! What are you doing? That's not how you peel fruit. You'll waste too much." Wonyoung had to chuckled at Yujin's creation. "Here, I'll teach you how." Wonyoung took the knife and showed Yujin how it's done. 

"Okay, okay, I get it now let me work in peace. Shoo!" 

Wonyoung chuckled again. "And to think you work with scalpel everyday. Very impressive" Wonyoung said sarcastically earning a glare torn the doctor. 

By the time Wonyoung had done all the appetizer, main course, and the salad mayonnaise, Yujin still struggling with her fruits. 

"You know what? I give up. I can't do this anymore." She threw her hands desperately. "Laugh all you want, I'm not doing that again," She was extremely irritated with the result of her peeled fruit. 

She was expecting Wonyoung would laugh or mocked her but instead, she was just smiling genuinely at her. 

"It's not really bad, actually." She comforted her. Yujin frowned at her, not buying her bull. 

"Alright, how about I peel them and you cut them into pieces?" 

Yujin sighed loudly. "Okay," she said. 

Yujin was an arrogant person. She had a very big ego it made Wonyoung wanted to slap her sometimes. But Wonyoung understood that it hurt her pride that she can't do such an easy job. If anything, Wonyoung knew her arrogance very well. 

Ten minutes later, the dessert was done. Yujin couldn't be happy more. Three hours before their guest came, they sat on the living room watching some soap opera. Yujin had to admit, Wonyoung influenced her in one way to another. Never in a million years she thought she'd sat in front of the TV watching cheesy soap opera and actually enjoy it. Though love scene still made her frowned in disgust, she can through one episode without vomiting.

"I hate lawyers. No offense, though." Yujin changed to another broadcast.

"Why is that?"

"Well, for example the drama we watched. We all know that the evil mother-in-law was the felon, why would the lawyer defend her? Cause she paid them? That girl's life was practically over."

"Hmmm.. you're right." Wonyoung said calmly.

"I hate my work being watched by them. Every time I hold the scalpel, it feels like they gawk at me like I'm a meat." Yujin looked forward vacantly. "They don't even understand about meds or why I do certain procedure on my patients."

Wonyoung tilted her head watching the other side of Yujin in wonder.

"I mean, I went to med school and learn surgery for years. For half of my life and they can manage to destroy all of it within a week." She turned her head towards Wonyoung. "I'm sorry, I hate lawyers."

Wonyoung smiled. "Is that why you hate me?"

Oh

"I never say I hate you. Well, maybe at certain moment I'd hate you but not hate- 'hate', okay?"

"Well, if you involve in any law case, they'll help you too, you know. But for the fairness. I hate my job too." Wonyoung giggled when she saw Yujin's reaction.

"Then why are you a lawyer now?"

"Change in perspective, I guess? I'm not as naive as I was."

"What do you mean?"

"I choose law school simple because I want to enforce law. I was an activist at college. Then when I enter the real world, I just dislike it. It's not pure about law anymore, it’s about making a living and I hate that."

"What care are you handling right now?"

"I think it's the best if we keep work at work. Home is a place to rest."

"Okay, you're right. But you have a bad day at work, it's okay to talk to me."

"Same goes to you." Wonyoung smiled prettily with her gummy-smile, making Yujin smile too. The smile Wonyoung grew to like because it wasn't an annoying smirk or smug grin she usually did. It was just a smile- an honest smile.

"Let's get ready, Yujin." Wonyoung got up.

"Get ready for what?"

"Your friends would be here in one and half hour. We need to warm up the food."

"I'm not going to dress up for those brats," she stated as a matter of fact.

"We invited them here, at least wear something decent."

"Fine"

*****

Wonyoung was still on her pajamas whilst Yujin is already in her decent clothes; loose shirt and jeans. They warmed the food together. Wonyoung warned Yujin many times to not secretly steal a piece of food cause it'd damage the presentation.

Yujin was literally drooled by the view. Wonyoung never cooked this kind of meal before and Yujin wasn't a patient person to keep her mouth off of it.

"Yah! Win! Where are you?" She shouted as soon as she dialed Winter's number.

"I'm waiting for Chaewon and Eunbi to pick me. What's with the shout?" She flinched by the loud voice.

"Get here fast, I'm hungry!"

"I'll be there in fifteen minutes, okay? Don't eat our food!"

"No guarantee."

"Hey! The kids are here and we're about to go now. I repeat. Do. Not. Eat. Our. Food!"

The line went dead.

"Wony. They are on their way." She pocketed her phone again.

"Ah, okay. I need to get dress. Don't touch it, Yujin. Go watch TV or something." Wonyoung put the wine in the ice bucket.

"I won't, I promise." She made a peace sign with her finger as she grinned naughtily.

"I mean it." Wonyoung said in all seriousness. "Or no honey tea for you."

"You always know what I'm weak of, don't you?"

"I'm a lawyer after all." Wonyoung grinned self-satisfied.

Not long after Wonyoung disappeared in her room, the bell ringed. Yujin who was currently sat on the kitchen counter longingly stared at the beautiful food in front of her jumped off to let friends in.

"Finally!" Yujin opened the door as Winter smacked the back of her head mercilessly. "Yah!"

"You deserve that! Chaewon was out of her mind. She drives like crazy because I told her you'd eat all the food."

"And that's my fault!?"

"Yes." Chaewon answered.

"Where's Wonyoung?" Eunbi took off her jacket and shoved it to Yujin.

"In her room getting ready."

The four friends decided to watch some TV while waiting for Wonyoung to be ready. Though the TV was pretty much useless because they chatted about work- mostly patients and Yujin's project. Yujin excused herself when she received phone can from Rei to consult and report a new patient.

When she was back to the living room, she saw an angel stood not too far away from her. Wonyoung wore an enchanting knee length dark blue dress featuring an alluring lace print with a heart neckline with perfectly done hair. Wonyoung bowed towards her friends then she closed her bedroom giving Yujin the back of the dress view, which was just as captivating as the front.

How perfect.

Yujin's heart jumped incredibly fast, all air pretty sucked out from her lung, she literally had strut by the couch because her knees was weakened at the view.

"Wow." she breathed out heavily, silently admired her.

Wonyoung captivated her attention completely it felt like only the both of them that existed in the world.

"Yujin?" Wonyoung waved her hand at her.

Such a beautiful voice.

"Yah!" Chaewon slapped her forehead bringing her back to reality.

"Ow! What!?" She glared at the short girl. "If I pass out after this, I'm suing all of you!"

Wonyoung chuckled at the funny scene. "Yujin, aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Right. Yeah." She stood closer to Wonyoung, her perfume intoxicated her. Of course, she enjoyed it. "Um, Wony, this is Winter; stupid brat number one," she pointed Win. "This one is Eunbi; the stupid brat number two, and this one is stupid brat number three; Kim Chaewon."

"Hey, Winter, Eunbi and Chaewon. I'm Wonyoung," she shook their hands politely.

"Yujin talked a lot about you guys."

"Bad things, I assume?" Eunbi joked.

"You don't have good bones in your body." Yujin remarked.

"Yujin, be good." Wonyoung said softly but Yujin sure she was going to threatened her later.

"Fine. I'll be civil for tonight. Now can we eat?"

*****

"This is delicious, Wonyoung. Thank you for cooking." Chaewon commented.

"Thank you, Chaewon. Yujin helped me." She smiled.

"Help you? Help you to taste it?"

"She can't even make an edible sandwich, I'm sorry Wonyoung, but that's just unbelievable."

"Shut up, Eunbi. You don't cook either."

"Still better than you."

They ate while chatting talking about random things. Once again, Wonyoung succeed stole everybody's heart. They were enjoying the night with tasteful meal.

"What are these, Wonyoung? Emm... all of this is soooo good." Winter bite yet another piece of she didn't know what to call."

"This one is Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese, the one you eat in Beef Fajita Quesadillas and you know this one Seolleongtang." Wonyoung explained.

"Such a complicated name." Yujin mumbled.

"They're beautiful name, Wonyoung. Just like you." Chaewon complimented the prettiest girl in the room earning a deep frown from Yujin.

"Why thank you, Chaewon." Wonyoung smiled bashfully. Yujin frowned deeper.

Yujin wasn't sure why but she certainly didn't like it. Chaewon seemed like flirting with Wonyoung and the latter responded back. Something inside her wanted to punched Chaewon's face with all she might. She shook head at the thought. Chaewon was her best friend. She can't do that to her.

Nevertheless, it didn't make her less uneasy.

Yujin became quiet for the rest of the night. When her friends bid their goodbyes, she gave them a small smile and waved a little before she closed the door behind her.

Her phone ringed indicated a new message came in.

"Not bad, huh?"

Yujin looked up from her phone after she sent the message.

"Yeah, not bad at all."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"It is not nothing."

"Maybe you should stop being miss know it all. If I said nothing, it means nothing, none! And I mean it." Yujin said harshly.

Wonyoung looked at her disapprovingly.

"I'm tired, I'm going to sleep."

Yujin closed the door a bit hard leaving Wonyoung with anger rising up inside her.

This bipolar thing has to end soon. I don't deserve this. 

Chapter Text

Yujin put the paper bag on the table and pulled out the content. When she woke up this morning, her usual breakfast wasn't set on the table. She wanted to knock Wonyoung's door to ask her to get breakfast out but she thought that Wonyoung probably was still fast asleep and tired to get out.

So, she walked through the chilly wind to the nearest coffee shop to bought them food and coffee. Macchiato with extra caramel for Wonyoung-that's how Wonyoung liked her coffee. She chuckled at herself, remembering that one morning when the both of them was late and decided to take brunch at the same coffee shop. Wonyoung had to back and forth several times to the counter asking for more caramel.

"I'm a sucker for caramel,"  she said that morning.

Yujin set the things she bought on the plate. It wasn't a pretty presentation but at least it was neat. It was actually felt nice to prepare breakfast for Wonyoung. It was her first time, but Yujin wouldn't mind to do this again in the future.

"Okay, all set. Now let’s practice our apology speech,"  she said to herself, 

"Wony, I'm sorry for last night. That was rude and unnecessary and I'm sorry. I won’t do that again and I'll make it up to you. Look! Breakfast,"  She played act like Wonyoung was there. 

"Okay, that is so lame."  She scratched her head. 

"Let's try again."  She cleared her throat. 

"Wait, you know what. I'm not going to do it again."  She still spoke to herself.

When she was about to drag Wonyoung out of bed, she heard the sound of opening door. She smiled to herself, hoping Wonyoung would like what she did to her.

"Hey! Look, I... Are you going somewhere?"  Her wide smile changed into confused one at the time she saw Wonyoung was fully clothed in Sunday morning.

"I don't deserve this"  Wonyoung started with already higher octave.

"What's with the yell? Of course you deserve this. I mean for everything that you have done to me,"

"Yeah, you right. After what I've done to you, I done nothing but being nice to you. For God sake! Hell, Yujin, I don't deserve your behavior towards me!"

"Wonyoung, it's just breakfast,"

"What?"

"I brought us breakfast. I bought Macchiato with extra caramel for you. See? Your favorite? It is just breakfast, of course you deserve it."  She said softly. 

"I'm not talking about breakfast! God damn it, Yujin!"  She yelled in high-pitched making Yujin flinched. 

"I'm done with you being bipolar, I don't deserve your behavior last night! I don't deserve to be your object to yell at or to get cold treatment by you anytime you pleased. All this time I've held it inside but it will not happen any longer. You say sorry then you do it again. I'm done with whatever this is,"  Wonyoung panted- ran out of her breath. She could hear the beats of her neck pulse, she could felt the palpitation in her chest

Yujin stood there with mouth agape- speechless.

She wanted to say sorry. But she heard it herself, she said sorry then did it again. She realized that it was right, what Wonyoung said was right.

She admitted that she rejected Wonyoung so many times, she attempted to push her away and convinced herself she better off stay alone. But that didn't mean she didn't try. She tried, she tried really hard to be better-she thought she was getting better. Well, the fact was; she wasn't. Old habit dies hard, they said.

She'd been with herself for years; she never let anyone in into her life as deep as Wonyoung did. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Her effort wasn't enough.

And now, sorry won't make the situation different. 

"I take it you won’t eat with me, then?"  She maintained her voice strong-nonchalantly.

"I can't believe you,"  the latter whispered bitterly. "You are unbelievable, An!" She screamed and stomped out of the room, slammed the front door with a bang.

Yujin sustained her body by the kitchen counter motionless. She bit her lower lips hard, stopping herself from doing something stupid.

She stood up straight, took the plate and the coffee with her. She trampled the trash bin and threw the food harshly.

*****

"You're awesome, Rina! Did you see her face?"  Winter said excitingly. 

"We're so on-on to this,"

"I rather not"  Chaewon mumbled. "What if it goes wrong, Win?" 

"Count me out. Yujin is scary you guys. She's literally going to kill you if she finds out."  Eunbi slurped her coffee. 

"She won't. Besides, if she doesn't like her, not even a tiny bit, she won’t be bother by it."  The plastic surgeon reasoned. 

"It doesn't make it any less scary." 

"You saw her face that night, Win. I'm sure she wanted to punch Chaewon right that second. We're playing with fire here. Why won’t you just leave her alone and let her decide what's best for her."

"We let her decide for herself too long, Eunbi-ah. Look where it leads her? It's time for us to help her. She needs help. We can't use physical violence to knock some sense into her cause it's obvious she'll win and we'd be beaten up."

"Your plan will get us beaten up, too."  Chaewon sighed.

"Our,"  she stated sternly. "Our plan will work. I promise. Besides, I don't ask you to like Wonyoung for real. Just show your affection towards her, flirting a little, make Yujin jealous of you. And if our hypothesis is right, you wouldn't have so much work to do. Yujin is the type of person who is easily provoked if it's involved something she cares about."

"Then why don't you do it?"  Chaewon was irritated by Winter. 

"Ningning would kill me faster than Yujin would," 

"What? Are you dating her now?"  Eunbi choked her sandwich. 

"Exclusively."  Winter grinned proudly. 

"Wow that's fast,"  Chaewon commented. "You just know about that a few days ago." 

"I'm not young anymore, Rina. Eunbi is going to get married next year. I want to settle down, too. She's been there for as long as I could remember. So, I thought, why should I wait much longer?"

"So, I'm the only one left single, then?"  Chaewon mumbled.

"Liz, doesn't have a boyfriend or a girlfriend too."  Eunbi patted her shoulder. 

"Are you suggesting me to date Liz? Eww, that is so wrong,"  Chaewon pretended to gag. 

"No, you idiot, I'm saying you're not alone,"  She smacked the back of the short doctor's head. "By the way, when will Liz come back?"

"Her fellowship is already over. She's taking care of paperwork right now then she'll be here. Probably a month or less,"

"Yeah well, Liz doesn't have a partner in Florida. Once she's back, she's going to have one."  Winter laughed.

"What are you talking about?"  The anesthesiologist asked.

"I suggest you to quit your crossword and listen to gossip when you're in surgery,"  Winter tidied up her scrubs. "She's approaching Rei,"

"Really?" 

"Yep"

"Ah!"  Chaewon slapped her own forehead. "My problem list with Yujin will only get longer." She grimaced at the thought.

"Let her go, Rina. There are three of you in General Department. Yujin would be all alone once Doctor Park retires. Jeno is great, you can take him."

"Fine! The things I sacrifice for my so-called best friend. If she ends up killing me, I'll kill her back."

The three of friends walked out of attending lounge.

*****

"Mr. Song, 56 y.o., diagnosed with giant corona, artery aneurysms. We're going to perform Resection of coronary artery aneurysm with CABG." The nurse read the patient's chart. "Attending surgeon?"

"Yujin An"  she answered. 

"Resident surgeon?" 

"Kim Rei"

"Choi Yena"

"Huh Yunjin." 

"Anesthesiologist?"

"Kang Hyewon"

"Is there any special preparation for this patient?" 

"Patient with ASA II due to hypertension, we prepare four bag of WBC." 

"Okay, you can start the surgery, doctor."

"Thank you. Scalpel, please."  Yujin asked the instrument. He gave her the blade. She was ready to cut when she remembered Wonyoung's word. Give her chance to be brave.

"Dr. Kim,"  she offered the scalpel. 

"Excuse me?"

"I plan not to touch a single drop of blood today, can you do the favor for me?" 

"Are you saying?"  She asked confusedly. "Dr. An, it's really last minutes," She said unsure.

"Are you not prepared?" 

"No, I'm just saying- I mean, really?" 

"What if there's bleeding?" 

"I'll find the bleeding sources and ligated it." 

"What about the fistula." 

"I'll close them up,"

"Do it."

"Dr. An, I--"

"It's now or never, your choice,"

Rei sighed inwardly. "I'll do it."

*****

Wonyoung cleaned her desk from the document. She divided the most important and the less important into different boxes and the one that had no business with her anymore- went to the trashcan. She actually didn't have to do that but she needed to keep her mind busy. She didn't want unnecessary thing cross her brain. 

Like Yujin for example. 

The knocked on her door caused her to looked up. 

"Come in,"  she shouted.

The door cracked open revealed Karina as she walked in with a donut in her hand.

"Hey, Won. What are you doing?"  Karina gazed at the boxes curiously. 

"You're not quitting aren't you?" 

"Where do you even get that idea, Rina? I just.. you know spruced up a bit. It's been a long time since I did it."

"Oh, okay. I actually came here to talk to you."  She said solemnly. She sat at the couch- biting her last piece of donut. "How've you been?"

"I'm good, why?"  Wonyoung was confused.

"You look... I don’t know diverted recently, so a penny for your thoughts?"

"My thoughts worth millions of dollar, Rina."  She chuckled but completely avoiding eye contact with the girl.

Wonyoung stared at her hands contemplating whether she'd talk to her about it. But then she realized, was there even thing to talked about? If there was, how she conveyed to her without mistaken what she meant? Her head hurt just to think about that.

"Won, Minju is not here. It's okay if you want to talk."  Knowing her best friend very much, Karina could see the hesitation. Minju was her best friend too, but she often communicated her opinion in this case with too much fiery she sometimes made Wonyoung uneasy. 

"What do you-"

"Now... now, how long been I know the both of you?"

"It just feels like I-"

"You don't. Sometimes your best friend seems like they don't get you when all they trying to do is to protect you. Minju loves you, Won. She doesn't get it because she believes you deserve better, I do too. The difference is I'm willing to hear you out without sighing or yelling or something like that to knock some sense into you. Minju and I have different way to speak our point of view. Now talk to me, please?"  She said softly.

"I don't know what to talk about. And I'm telling you the truth,"  Wonyoung picked up a box and put it inside the large closet at the corner of the room.

"Well, how the progress between you and Yujin?"

"I don't get her, like literally don't get her."  She shrugged. 

"I don't get her why she acts like she's okay one minute then do the complete opposite of it the next after. I don't get it why one second it seems like she cares then makes me feel like I don't even exist though I stand right in front of her. She's craw, I'm telling you."  Wonyoung snorted irritated.

"So... is it safe to say that she's one whom occupied your mind lately?"  Karina said cautiously.

"What? No! What are you talking about? Why would I think about her when she clearly doesn't even bother to think about me!"

"Who knows what she thinks?"

"Well I do. She doesn't call when I don't call, she doesn't text when I don't, she does nothing when I ignore her. I can't believe such that person live,"  By the time passed by Wonyoung more and more revealed what disturbed her.

"Then why do you stay with her?" 

"You understand why, Rina"

"No, I don't. I know why but I don't understand,"

"Karina, not you too,"  She sighed tiredly.

"Look, Won, l'm not going to nag you about this, okay? I know the reason. You don't want to disappoint your parents because you love them but what about you? Do you think about you other than you scared that people may leave you once they know?"

Wonyoung stopped what she was doing for a moment, she shook her head then continued again.

"You are beautiful, Won. Everyone is willing to stand in line for you. All you have to do-" 

"Yeah, they're willing when they know nothing,"  Her voice cracked- tears finally falling to her cheek.

"Won..."  Karina stood up and walked towards her. She took the box from the latter hands and pulled her into tight hug. The girl looked so vulnerable in her arms.

I swear to God if that An hurt you in anyway, I'll crush her to the bone!

Chapter Text

It's been a few days since they saw each other. Wonyoung gone before Yujin could wake up and she slept before the other came home- or she wasn't asleep but didn't go outside of her room either. There were no text messages, no phone call, none.

Yujin hated it that she must eat alone, she hated it she had to go to work without saying goodbye to her, she hated come home without Wonyoung waiting for her.

She hated not having Wonyoung around. At the same time, she hated it she wasn't able to apologize and made it up to her.

She had a lot in her mind and the issue with Wonyoung made it all worse.

Often, she wanted to knock on her door or call or text her but she just can’t do that. What if she redoes what she did? She wasn't sure about herself- or what Wonyoung to her for that matter.

"Okay, drop it, Yujin. What the heck happen?" 

"Nothing." 

"I don't buy bull."

"...."

"You've been moping around for weeks now and you think I don't see the board schedule? Four- five surgeries for a day, are you insane? We hardly see you recently. What is it?" Winter pressed again. 

"Nothing, mind your own business." She snapped. 

"Something bothering you?" 

"Wow, you really are stupid," She mid sarcastically. "I said nothing."

"And you're a jerk who happen to be jerkier when you had something bugged you." Winter spoke, unaffectionate.

Yujin threw herself on the couch and took a sip form her cup. She gulped the water and let the cold slipped down to her throat. 

"In a few days, it'll be three years since he's gone." She said quietly. 

"Oh... you're right. So, you've been thinking about that?" Yujin nodded. "I miss him too, you know. We all do." 

Yujin kept silent. 

"It's gonna be alright, Jin. You have to let him go. He's happy now."

"Well yeah, easy for you to say. You're not the one who witness it." Yujin spoke absentmindedly.

"I'm sorry. But it'll be okay, Yujin. It'll be okay." Winter patted her back.

*****

Yujin came home that night greeted by the stillness like the other night recently. She went straight to her office without removing her shoes.

She opened a blue carton box and drew out a certain frame photo. It was taken few years back the photo of them and Sungchan together in front of their University monument. It was their graduation day. She was grinning proudly towards the camera. It was the day the world acknowledged her as a doctor, all her hard work paid off. Liz wasn't graduate yet, she was at her last year meanwhile and Sungchan skipped his work at hospital to come to the event.

They were all close.

The key was- were. Because there was no more Sungchan. She missed the brother she never had. She stopped herself from crying then put the frame back to its place.

The sadness overflowing her.

"Damn you," she whispered broken-heartedly.

*****

"Flashback" 

"If you're ever going to back home, what would you do?" 

"We. We're going back together" 

"Kay, what will you do?" 

"I don't know. You?"

"First of, I'll resign. Then maybe I'd go somewhere."

"What about me? Don't you want me to go too?"

"Fine, you can come."

======

"Hey, you sleep?" 

"No"

"What are you doing?"

"Thinking."

"About?" 

"Things."

"You think they'll find us?" 

"I don't know." 

"You're so gloomy. Lighten up!"

"You're so noisy."

"Will you promise me something?"

"Name it."

"Please be happy."

=====

"I'm still starving."

"Here, eat mine."

"No, you need that."

"I'm okay. Come on take it. I have some more, I took it from our neighbor yesterday."

"How?"

"Don't ask, just eat."

"Thanks."

=====

"Tell me something."

"About what?"

"I don't know"

"You're delusional"

"It is a possibility. Maybe when I wake up, this is all just a dream."

"This is reality."

"Don't burst up my bubble, oppa."

=====

"What time is it?"

"I can't even see the sunlight. No clue if it's day or night."

"..."

"What is it that taking them so long?"

"Maybe they're not looking for us."

"No! They're going to find us, I'm sure of it."

"When?"

"I don't know but we need to keep the hope alive."

"Don't wanna know."

=====

"Yujin, wake up!"

"Hmm... why?"

"They took our neighbor out."

"What? Why?"

"I don't know. He's not here when I wake up"

"Did they kill him?"

"..."

"Sungchan oppa?"

"Please promise me one thing"

"You worried me."

"Please?"

"Fine."

"Whatever happens, I'll protect you. You understand?"

"Okay."

"If you have to leave without me, you do it. Understand?"

"No!"

"You promise!"

"You can't make me do that! I'd rather die with you!"

"We can't surrender to them, Yujin. You know that. You have great life ahead you. I will not let you get hurt. I will protect you so let me. Promise me."

"..."

"Yujin..."

"You can't make me do it."

"Please. Promise me. Let me feel good about myself once. Let me save you."

"..."

"If you really love me then do it. Live for me. Be happy for me. Please. I wouldn't take no as an answer."

"Fine"

"Swear it to your grandma's grave."

"Why does my grandma have anything to do with this?"

"You love her you wouldn't dare to break it."

"I hate you."

Still fresh on her mind how those villains ruthlessly took Sungchan away from her. She pleaded, begging them to release him. She received hard slap to her face but she was numb. She didn’t care as long as they give him back to her. She struggled to get loose from the iron fence as she reached for the brunette guy who scrounged at her to shut up. Sungchan shook his head hardly to her. He was scared- he begged her to stay safe, to let him go otherwise he wouldn't be able to forgive himself by failed her. 

She infringed her promise, and she got a lot of reward from the insult that came out through her mouth. 

*End of Flashback*

Yujin increased her respiratory system to catch all the oxygen that had been sucked out from her lungs. She snapped open her eyes as the dark welcoming her pupil to dilate. She was panting really hard, it felt like no matter how much air she inhaled, it couldn't fill her alveolus effectively. 

Her whole body was shaking, she could sense her bed jolting smoothly at the motion. Her sweat glands worked overactive, it caused her sheet swamp by her sweats, her pajamas were moistened. Her hand shuddered she find it hard to clasped some of the sheet to hold on to.

Chapter Text

She stared sternly at the gravestone.

"I dream about it again last night. That's why I come here. Is that your way to tell me you're missing me? You should've come with another scene. That one makes me lose my mind. Damn you, punk." She said bitterly. Big knot obstructed her throat as she tried to swallow them.

She missed him so bad and she was still struggling to let him go.

She didn't cry. She just leaned by the stone as she playing the white roses, she brought for him.

"You promise me a lot of things, remember?" The wind swirled over her like it tried to conveyed her that he was listening. 

"I told you not to make any if you could never fulfill," she continued. 

"Who's going to take me to that Mount Everest?" She shook her head. "You said you're going to take me to Africa and feed the Lions," she scoffed.

"You know why I brought you this very same white roses every time I visit? Because you said you wanted a white wedding with white roses," she retracted one by one of its thorn careless about the little bleeding on her fingertips, "I tell you this because I know you couldn't hear me, your ears are probably eaten by worms or something." She sighed. "You'll look really good in your wedding, Oppa. I'm sorry I used to call you ugly, but really, you're pretty handsome," She chuckled. 

"Talk about wedding," she cleared her throat "Mom and dad matched me with this girl. Her name is Wonyoung. The term is not really good right now- we fight, because of me." She whispered the last part. "I don't know what to do, Oppa. What should I do? *Sigh…* You probably as clueless as me. We're both suck on love field, aren't we?" She laughed by herself.

"She's beautiful, Oppa. She's so beautiful, she's flawless," Yujin nodded to herself.

"I'm sure you'll like her. You know what? I freak out the first time I realize it. It takes years to build my wall, Oppa and she breaks it within months. Can you believe it? I'm kind of afraid she'd leave me and find someone better, Oppa. But at the same time, I'm scared to take a chance with her. Why am I weird like that? I'm stupid and a jerk and arrogant and- and I'm a coward. What should I do to make things right?" She asked. 

"You don't know too, don't you?" She mocked him.

"Whatever. I'll think of something. I should go back to the hospital, Oppa. Thank you for listening. I'm sorry I couldn't stop the worm from eating you. l'Il take Wonyoung here someday- if I able to. Bye, Oppa."

*****

Yujin opened the conference room slowly and adjusted her coat as she sat beside Winter. 

"Where's Chae?" She muttered lowly. The journal presentation was still on going and it wasn't respectful to chatter loudly. 

"Out. I don't know where," Winter replied. "Where were you?"

"Visiting oppa," she said nonchalantly. 

"You, okay?" 

"Why wouldn't I be?" 

"Let’s talk later" Winter finished the conversation and the both of them concentrate to the event.

It was past lunch time when the presentation done. Yujin wasn't hungry anymore. She ate too much snack prepared by the department. She checked her phone a bit hoping there was a message from the person she was longing for.

Of course, there was none. 

"Win, what are you doing?" She raised her brow at her. 

"This bread is really good. I am saving it." She said like it wasn't a big deal. 

"You're embarrassing, you know that?" She snorted to her friend. 

"Whatever. Don't come to me and ask some later." Winter dismissed her.

The two surgeons walked side by side at the Surgical Department aisle to the attending lounge. One of them occupied with the bread she stole earlier and the other engaged with her own mind.

"I thought we'd visit him together this weekend?" Winter walked pass through Yujin- who was the one opened the door.

"I dream of him last night, so...." 

"You, okay?" 

"I'm okay, I don't have a reason to not to be okay." 

Who are you kidding? You have a valid reason to not to be okay, you moron. Her brain mocked her. 

"What are you doing with him?" Winter poured some coke to her glass. "Want some?" She offered the latter. 

Yujin shook her head. "Just water please," Winter gave her the order and settled at the chair in front of Yujin.

"So?"

"We're just talking," she gulped the liquid. "Well, I talk- he's dead."

"Are you dreaming of-"

"Yeah, that one." She finished the water earning a worried gave from Winter. "I'm okay, shorty. Look at me, I'm not drunk, I'm not being a human wreck. I'm right here, still trying but I guess I'm getting better. It's takes time to let it go." She smiled, attempted to look tough.

"You changed a lot, for the better." Winter nodded approvingly. "I'm proud of you, Jin."

"Thanks," she laughed. 

"What about Wonyoung?" 

"What about her?"

"How is it going?" Winter rolled her eyes. 

"I'm working on it"

"On what? On making it work or on working to not work it out?" 

"I honestly don't know, Win. What do you think about her?"

"She's perfect for you. Much better than the one you almost proposed," She said cold-heartedly.

Yujin groaned loudly. "Must you really bring her up?"

"You ask for my opinion," she shrugged. "It's just my opinion but... go for it, Yujin. It doesn't matter if in the end you don't end up with each other. Because at least you try, you're not going to sit around and wonder about what-ifs."

"You right," she sighed. "Maybe I should try. I will try."

"Hey folks," Chaewon shouted happily as she abruptly entered the room with a box of famous pastry shop printed on it, she used too much perfume that spread through the room.

"Were you on date or what?" Yujin laughed as she stood up to fill the water again.

"What are you talking about? I wasn't on date." Chaewon putted the box in the fridge. "I was having lunch with Wonyoung."

Yujin burst out all the water that was just getting into her mouth. She coughed severely. Winter who was the closest to her helped her to pat her back.

"You okay, Yujin?" Chaewon asked in concern. 

"You had lunch with her?" Winter put Yujin's glass on the table. 

"Yeah, couple times."

"Just the two of you?" 

"Today just the two of us, the others can't join," 

Yujin raised her hand to the short girl to prevent her from getting closer. 

"You what?" Anger starting to rise up in her chest 

"What?" Chaewon asked innocently. 

"You meet her behind my back!?" Yujin shouted. 

"She didn't tell you?" Chaewon asked bewildered. 

"I can't believe you did this to me!" She was still shouting. 

"Guys, can we talk like normal people do." Winter was starting to panic.

"Can you stop acting like accusing me doing something completely wrong to you?!" Chaewon increased her voice too. "It was just lunch between two friends."

"I know you have some hidden agenda." Yujin scoff sarcastically. 

"Are you being serious right now!?"

"Yeah! And to think you're my best friend-" 

"You're going to stop right there, An Yujin." Chaewon said sternly. "Do you even hear yourself? Are you lost your mind?!"

"You! Tell me! I never feel so betrayed in my entire life!!" 

"Wow, you really are a jerk. I can't believe Wonyoung is willing to deal with you."

"You're her fan now!?"

"What if I am? She's a good woman, Yujin. She's beautiful, she's kind, she has all a person could ever ask. You know what? Maybe you do better off alone. No sane person would ever stick with you!"

"Chaewon!" Winter shouted with shock.

The furious expression on Yujin's face slowly changed into empty.

"Jin... Yujin, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that-" Said Chaewon.

Only God knew how long the room was fill with quietness until Yujin slowly dragged her numb feet out of the room. She literally pushed Winter when she tried to stop her.

"What the hell, Chaewon? That was totally uncalled for!" Winter yelled at her friend as she caressed her head.

"I said I'm sorry! Why is everyone on my case!" Chaewon shouted back. She was done to be the one who got all the blame.

"She said she wanted to try, Chae. She said she'd work on it" Winter sighed, regretting all that happened.

She said she'll try. 

Chapter Text

Eunbi stood dumbfounded as the cardio surgeon walked pass her without saying anything. She was asking her about their routine - visiting Sungchan oppa every year. Yujin's face was blank and emotionless. Yujin was very sensitive about the topic. They always did it the gentlest way to bring that up, subtly asking and waited for her respond. And that was exactly what Eunbi did. 

After the question, Yujin usually hardened her jaw then sighed then let a low 'okay’ out.  But this time, she probably didn't even mind her presence.

"Hey! Good thing you guys are here!" Eunbi greeted her friends. She was hungry and wanted to steal some food from surgery department, lounge. She went straight to the refrigerator without further ado - mussing its content. 

"I just saw Yujin. I ask her if it's okay if we go visit Sungchan- oppa tomorrow. She looks like a ghost. You know, blank and drag her feet emotionless," Eunbi said, while opening a plastic box containing Chicken Katsu, she put one piece into her mouth and chewed it. "I haven't seen her like that since..." 

She stood up at the same blank face on Winter and Chaewon's face.

"Oh god, what the hell did you guys do!?"

"I-I should go. find her. It's my fault," Chaewon abruptly moved from her place. 

"No, Chae. Don't." Winter said sternly.

"If she does something stupid, Win, I can never forgive myself."

Eunbi didn't have a clue on what was going on. But she knew something really bad happened. 

"It is not wise if she sees you now, Chaewon. She won't hear whatever you say. Let her calm down first then maybe we can talk to her." Eunbi said.

"This is my fault. It is my responsibility to make sure she's okay,"

"Let’s not do this is my mistake or your mistake. We are all in blame here. Yujin is an adult, she perfectly understands the consequences if ever she do something fool." The anesthesiologist tried to explain. 

"Let her be for now. We'll talk later."

*****

The woman on the couch lowered the TV volume as she heard the front door cracked open. She held her breath waiting for the certain person she had been avoiding for the past weeks to come and greet her. Yujin wasn't home last night. She was probably on call, she thought.

She heard the door close. She exhaled some oxygen from her lungs. For some vague reason, she felt nervous. She wondered if the situation would make them back to the beginning? She couldn't imagine the awkwardness. It was unbearable. Or would they be just like the usual? Yujin was an expert in ignoring such circumstances.

"Yujin?" She called as the sound of something fall reached her ears. 

No respond. 

"Yujin-ah!?" She quickly got off from the couch and ran towards the front door. She gasped to the sight of Yujin on the floor.

"Yujin, are you okay?" She turned over her body only to catch very strong alcohol smell. "Are you drunk!?"

The girl on her lap slumped. She slurred, "No, I’m j-ju-stt tipsyy." she chuckled.

"Come on, get up. Let’s get you clean up," Wonyoung struggled to lift her small body. The latter wasn't cooperative at all. With all the strength she had, Wonyoung led her to the bedroom.

Now she wasn't sure where Yujin was last night or what was the reason, she was drunk this severe. Since Wonyoung moved in, wine was the only alcoholic drink Yujin consumed. And she was always totally sober.

The lawyer settled Yujin's body on her bed slowly. The doctor already fell in a deep sleep. Her face was innocent. Her chest rose up and down steadily. Wonyoung removed her sneakers and her socks carefully.

Yujin smell troubled her. As much as she didn't want to take off Yujin's clothes, she was more reluctant to let Yujin sleep in this state. She wasn't going to take advantage or something like that anyway. Besides, she had seen Yujin with shorts before. She'd be okay, she thought.

The temperature in the room grew hotter at the same time as more and more Yujin's clothes coming off. Wonyoung felt her face redden by the act. She never saw Yujin's body this close. Her skin was incredibly white and smooth, it was tempting for her to touch more of it.

"Are you nuts, Wonyoung?!" She shook her head furiously. "Keep yourself together!"

By the time she finished changing Yujin's outfit with comfy pajamas, her face was completely flushed. She covered Yujin's body with a thick blanket and gathered her dirty clothes to the basket. She was about to turn off the lamp when she heard Yujin talked in her sleep.

"I tried, Wony. Do happy things," she mumbled. "I- it don't-don't work. It hurts bad. I'm s--sorry. Don't be mad," she stuttered with a frown on her face. 

Wonyoung didn't know what to feel or think. Happy things? Hurt? What hurt her? Why was she apologizing to her?

Slowly, she got the clue on what Chaewon told her. Her heart sunk as Yujin kept on saying she was sorry with weird pronunciation.

She stood next to her bed, kneeling as she stroked the latter's forehead. "Sleep, Yujin. I'm right here. It's okay," she uttered softly.

After a while, Yujin started to snore lowly.

Wonyoung turned off the main lamp and let her sleep lamp on. She left the door ajar, just in case. She settled down on the couch with her mind drifted to the lunch with Chaewon a couple days ago.

*****

2 days ago.

The bell above the door jingled, indicating someone was entering the restaurant Wonyoung was lost in her thought while scrolling down her messages. Occasionally she'd smile to the silly stubborn text Yujin sent her. She knew it was irrelevant and absolutely ridiculous to check their old conversation. Especially when they were ignoring each other’s existence period.

She just can't help it. Besides, she was alone and bored. 

"Hey." Chaewon pulled out a chair and sat on it. "Where are the others?"

"They couldn't make it. Karina had an urgent meeting and Minju got a call from the court. So, it's just you and me. You okay with this?"

"Why wouldn't I? The two of us is great." Chaewon smiled- perfectly hid her disappointment.

They ordered the other and thanked the waiter.

"You smell so good, by the way. Nice perfume." Wonyoung smirked. Chaewon blushed at the compliment.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really."

They talked anything about random and weird things. Chaewon was a funny person, the atmosphere was light and joyful for the both of girls. Wonyoung laughed a lot by Chaewon's silly act.

When their meal arrived, they immediately dig in. Wonyoung picked the restaurant. It was an Asian restaurant that provided a wide range of food from all over Asia. Chaewon didn't have any idea of this place before.

"Wonyoung, you are awesome!" Chaewon complimented her choice.

"I know, right?" The latter chuckled.

"No wonder why Yujin likes you."

Wonyoung choked. "Wh- what did you say?"

"She likes you. Why are you acting so surprise? I bet everyone likes you, Wonyo. She's just the luckiest among all, I guess."

"Well, did she tell you that? Exactly- word by word?" Wonyoung wiped her lips with the sheet, keeping her cool.

"No." Chaewon shook her head. "She doesn't have to literally tell me she likes you. She and Winter and Eunbi and I have been friends for years, Wonyoung. I know the best and the worst of them. Yujin isn't that hard to read." 

"Really?"

"But approaching her - to get to her trust would be like hell. It's a long, winding and hollow road. If she lets you in, you're in. But if not, even if you can move the world for her she won't open her door." Chaewon explained while cutting her chicken into pieces.

"How-" Wonyoung cleared her throat. "How do we know that she lets us in?"

"Depends."

"Oh?"

"Who and what the person means to her." Chaewon chewed her chicken. "This is really good." She commented. "Like me, we spent our teenage time together, we grew up together. Like it or not, she's stuck with me. While you... well, you are different, Wonyo. She resented the idea of getting married to you. She claimed her freedom is going to be over, moreover you're a lawyer and she hates lawyer."

"Yeah, she told me that."

"See?" Chaewon was amused. "She normally didn't brag about something that she detest. Especially to new people. You're new to her, Wonyo. This is not how Yujin do her things."

"Okay..." Wonyoung replied unsure.

"Look, now we are talking about this," the aura became serious all of the sudden. "Yujin is my best friend, Wonyo. She uh- she has problems. I mean we all do. And you're a good person but I can't see her hurt again."

"Huh? What do you mean? What problems?"

"It's not my place to tell you." She shook her head. "The point is and I beg you, if you think or feel that you can't deal with her, leave her as soon as possible." The doctor stared closely to her.

"Chaewon-ah, what are you saying?" Wonyoung is surprised by the unexpected issue.

"Don't give her hope then leave her like she's nothing." Chaewon's expression changed. The anger was plain in her face. "She's a good person, Wonyo. Believe me, she is. She's a dear friend of mine. I'd rather hit by a truck than to see her hurt again."

"I never have the intention to do that." Wonyoung disliked the sound of Chaewon's sentences.

"I didn't say the you have. I was just informing you." Her face softened.

"You warned me, Chaewon. That's different." Wonyoung was a lawyer, she dealt with wordplay and voice intonation every day. Same sentences could be two meaning or more - it was her expertise.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Just, don't hurt her."

*****

Her loud ringtone somewhere didn't allow her to sleep some more. She didn't even know how she fall asleep or how she walked back home. She can't remember much of what happen last night. As she opened her eyes, sudden weaves of vomit reached her throat from her stomach. She attempted to hold it back. She ran on her feet, blindly found her way to the bathroom.

She kneeled on the floor as she cleared out the contents of her stomach to the toilet. Her head span like crazy. She kept her eyes shut. She spewed a lot of fluid since it was the only thing, she digested for the past seven hours. She cleaned her mouth with the back of her hand. Her vomit interval merely two minutes before the nausea started again. Her body trembled. She leaned by the bathtub as she managed to keep conscious. She felt awful.

She can't think of anything at the moment. Her remaining energy was forced to preserve the vomit that can come in no time. This shouldn't be happening. But who else to blame but her. She must had known long ago that she was destined to live her life all by herself. She should have realized it before her so-called best friend slapped her with words. Her head sank at that. She had avoided it. Now it came across her damaged brain again and damn, that hurt like hell.

Nevertheless, Chaewon was right. No one was going to stick around with her.

She fought hard the threatened tears at the corner of her eyes. She felt so small she was scared to the cruel world.

How pathetic, she thought.

"Yujin?" familiar voice greeted her worriedly.

Sadness overflowed her heart as she threw up again. She tasted indefinite taste on her tongue. She wiped it with her palm as fresh red spots revealed. She wasn't sure if the electricity was suddenly off or she was just oddly blind, what she knew was her world gone blank and black, but she refused to pass out.

*****

"Stop staring, you creep." 

"She's so out of your league, Yujin." 

"Girls like that, they don't hang out with people like us." 

"I know." 

"Stop it before you hurt yourself."

=====

"Hey."

"Hi. Um, what can I help you with?" 

"Nothing. Do you mind if I sit here?"

"No. Yes! No! Wait! l mean you may sit."

"Are you always this nervous?" A soft chuckle escaped from those beautiful lips.

"I'm not nervous." 

"You never call." 

"I was busy" 

"Busy making notes how to talk to me?" 

"Who told you?" 

"You admit it?" 

"No." She shook her head with burning face.

=====

"Friday or Saturday?" 

"How about Tuesday?" 

"Why on weekday?"

"I've made promise to go with my friends to the lake this weekend. You want to come? It'll be fun. I'm sure they don't mind." 

"Um... me and nature, we're not a good pair of friends. I think I'll pass. Tuesday okay, though."

"Okay."

Chapter Text

Lazily she opened her eyes. No vomit feeling but the dizziness still twirled at the back of her head. She forgot what happened in reality or in her dream. She was pretty sure she saw her face, heard her voice but she couldn't put her fingers were.

Her eyes were so heavy, she was helpless to keep it open. Quiet atmosphere enabled her ears to hear the footsteps coming closer to her place. Was she with anyone before?

The door cracked yet she can't produce any sound aside from a groan. It was hard to stay awake let alone yell. If it were indeed robbers, she'd let them take all her belonging. It was probably a good idea if they kill her so she didn't need to endure more pain.

"Yujin? You awake?"  Hearing that familiar voice made her wanted to scream. Pity, her head didn't permit her. Instead, it pulled her in slumber state. "Go back to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up." She felt burning sensation on certain part of her forehead. It faded away concomitantly with gentle caress at her eyebrow.

She hated it to admit that it calmed her somehow.

*****

"What is it?" 

"Open it."

"Wha- Where did you get all of this?'"

"Do you remember that one of my friends who was craw for photography?"

"The one with curly hair? Yeah, why?" 

"She gave it for me, she said I'd love it more than she does." 

"How did she take these photos?" 

"She had a project called 'the stare' with her fellow photography club back in high school, most of her picture was yours." 

"Did I really do this, though? I don't remember." 

"It wasn't Photoshop, sweet heart."

"I know, it's just-"

"Thank you." 

"Hm? For what?" 

"Looking at me like I'm the only one in the world. For making me feel special." 

"Well, you are" 

=====

"You promised me!"

"I know and I keep it. We're just had to move it another time. We're still on- on it."

"I can't believe you!" 

"I'm so sorry I forget. It won't happen again." 

"You said it last time yet still here we are." 

"They'll be down if I cancel it." 

"Don't you think I'd be disappointed now you cancel on me?"

"I'm so sorry, please understand." 

=====

"It's just a dinner."

"In a club. Dinner in a club. You know I don't like it."

"It's a bar. That is different."

"I don't want to argue with you. I don't care if it is a bar or club or whatever. I'm not going. I have exam in two days that is more important than hangout with your douche fake friends." 

"Wh- How can y-..."

"Honey, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that"

"You mean ever word of it. You know what!? It's probably best I'm going."

"Honey..."

"No! Don't honey me! Let me go! I you need to keep your damn self together otherwise we're done!"

"Kazuha wait!"

=====

"Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart. I'm sorry I have to rain check our date?'"

"I say you get my bouquet?" 

"I received your damn flower and balloon and chocolate but you know what! I don't care! I don't want these things. I want you right now with me. You say you'd make it!"

"Dr Park asked me if I could stay longer in ER. We have a lot of patients today." 

"But..."

"Look honey, this is great opportunity for me, imagine how much things I could learn from him! I'm so excited! I'm so sorry but I have to go now. Other patients are coming up. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you. Bye!"

Blurry, the image of the girl threw out the red rose to her chest appear at the back of her eyes. She was fully aware the amount of sorry would reach its limit soon. Her girlfriend would leave her eventually yet she can't let that happen. She had been with her too long to let her go. She couldn't make it without her. Yujin loved her too deep. She was screaming. She demanded her to go but Yujin stood still. The doctor withstood the door when she tried to close it. Yujin slipped through it and slammed her against the wall. Hungrily, she kissed her. The latter didn't show any objection. Instead, she smacked her back with the same desire. Deep down, Yujin sensed some weird feeling of why she shouldn't let it go any further. However, she annihilated it. She was so sexually frustrated if she didn't release it, she might explode. 

Yujin was still panting as the latter rested her head on her shoulder. Both of them naked lying on the wood floor as Yujin played with her hair. The brown-haired girl mumbled some incoherent words, making her smile. Slowly, she lifted her elbow and supported her head with it as she looked at Yujin. They hadn't made eye contact with each other from the first time Yujin stepped at her door- even during sex. Yujin smiled lazily at her then she looked at her mouth saying 'I love you'. But it seemed like her ear lost its function because she couldn't hear it. The latter fading, she didn't know why-but her heart dropped to her gut realizing she had made the biggest mistake in her life.

*****

"Jin, wake up."  She pulled back to consciousness to the soft voice-barely audible to her ear. "Wake up. You're okay. I'm here. Please open your eyes," she said.

Yujin was lost. She didn't know where she was at. She breathed heavily. She was afraid she was going to die. Yes. She scared and she admitted it. She just wanted to get away from this mess situation.

"If it's really a dream, let me wake up."  Yujin constantly whispered inwardly. She fought hard to find her way out. Even if it was impossible, she still had to make efforts.

*****

All of sudden, she walked back and forth in a labyrinth with no way out. She looked at the dark sky wishing it'd give her any clue. Orion constellation or illuminate sign - anything- to get out. 

None.

Abruptly, gunshots imploded, deafening her. Her chest constricted painfully. Even when she  tried her best to scream out for help, the only sound that came out was squeak. She ran as fast as humanly possible to flee, to escape from whomever that had the weapon. She didn't remember to breath, because it didn't matter anymore. The important thing was that she can break free from them. She kept looking back to make sure they don't follow her. She sighed in relief when she didn't notice any sign of another man aside of her. 

A few seconds later, she fell hard. Something pushed her. She didn't know what it was. She didn't know anything. It frustrated her more than it already was. Slowly, sound of cracked branch and shattered dried leaves joined the stillness. She dragged her sore leg before big hand harshly grabbed her arm, forcing her by its strength to turn her head. She stared at a faceless giant, pointing his gun to her head. She sensed her face wet by tears. This was it. She was going to die. Maybe it wasn't that bad. At least there'd be no more hurt.

Nevertheless, she let her vocal nodes worked for the last time and screamed her lungs out.

*****

"Jin, come back please. You're okay,"  sniffles came with the voice. She felt her body shook fragilely. She blinked couple times to ease the confusion on whether she's in heaven or hell. If it was hell, why didn't she feel the burn? But she was not confident to claim that she's in heaven. She always thought that heaven was vividly bright - almost blinding not sullen.

"Yujin, answer me."  She paralyzed. "Yujin-ah, please." All of her body parts were rigid. "Talk please," the horrid scene washed out by the voice, the genuine tone made her believe that she was safe, it promised her security and that was all she needed to get by.

Yujin closed her eyes again only to get pull into another terrible scene.

*****

She was at a green ranch. A few tables covered up by white lace. Not far from her - probably ten meters or so, located a beautiful aisle decorated with white flowers, white roses.

Yujin walked closer as she tilted her head and narrowed her eyes to see more clearly the girl stand next to the piano. That girl pressed one of the keyboards. She slowly turned her head towards Yujin. Her face was full of hatred.

Sungchan oppa's fiancee. 

"I'm sorry," she said sincerely. "I'm sorry I couldn't save him. I tried but I was alone and they took him and-"

"Then you should've died, too!" The girl screamed.

Yujin stepped back as she stumbled on the dirt. She ran as fast and far as she can. She was out of breath. She stopped, bent at her knee to rest. Her chest was burning and it was painful.

By the time she looked up, she saw Wonyoung had her hand on Chaewon's face as they kissed passionately. Her eyeballs were about to drop out from its socket. Her chest contracted even more painful than before. She was beyond mad. She was furious. She sprinted towards them and separated the two girls. With empty hand, Yujin punched Chaewon's face. Instead of fell, Chaewon laughed hard at her. 

"No sane person would ever stick with you." Same sentences, Wonyoung said it.

*****

"No!"  Yujin jolted up, screaming from the top of her lungs. 

"No! No! No!"  She shook her head. "Wonyoung, no!" She shrieked.

"Yujin? Wake up! It's me, Wonyoung. Wake up, please."  Wonyoung was panic. 

"Please wake up, you're okay. I'm right here."  She shook Yujin's body. The taller girl was lying lifelessly. She panted hard craving for oxygen.

Yujin groaned incoherently. Her body liked up by not so strong arms as a hand slipped her black hair to the back of her ear. She was still not functioning; everything was blurred and her throat was drought.

"Wonyoung?"  She gasped for air. 

"Yes. I'm here. I'm right here. See?"  Wonyoung caressed her cheek. 

Yujin nodded. "Okay," she said. 

"You want to drink?"

She nodded again. The edge of the glass touched her mouth offering the water she had been craving for. She drank eagerly and spilled her clothes.

For a while, they stayed in comfortable position quietly. Yujin wasn't fully sober. She sometimes closed her eyes, but when she almost fell asleep, she hurriedly opened it again.

"Wony?"  Yujin spoke hoarsely, having a hard time to steady her tone.

She closed her eyes, concentrating on her breath and the sound of the blood that rushed through her ear. It gave her some kind of feeling that at least she wasn't dead yet. She was road to everything but have no energy to do anything about it. Her dreams frightened her and Wonyoung's presence somehow offered the secure she had been praying for. She wasn't going to admit it though, it was bad enough Wonyoung was here when she was in her lowest state.

"Don't do this, ever again. You terrified me."

Wonyoung's shaking voice broke her heart, she can imagine the tears falling over her smooth cheeks. Yujin never meant to scare her in any way. Wonyoung didn't really know exactly what happen, whenever she had the dream Chaewon or Winter or Eunbi or Liz were the one who woke her up, and they never talked about it after. They didn't want to pry on it, which she gratefully appreciated. Now the thought of Chaewon raised the disappointment in her chest. She needed her now yet she didn't want to see her anymore. She removed Chaewon from her mind before disappointment changes to hatred. She didn't want to hate her, she can't.

Wonyoung enveloped her closer. Yujin could listen to her heartbeat and unnecessarily counting how many times it beat. Seventy-eight, seventy-nine, eighty - perfectly normal. 

"You'll be okay,"  Wonyoung said with her intoxicating voice. It was more like a lullaby. Her eyelids started to get heavy again. 

She shook her head quickly. 

Wonyoung pulled back as she whispered, "You, okay?" her breath tickling Yujin's face.

The doctor nodded. "Don't make me sleep. I don't want to." She pleaded.

"You had nightmare?"  Wonyoung asked her tenderly. 

She only nodded as respond. 

"It's okay. I got you. You need to rest."  She stroked her eyebrows softly but she held her hand to stop it.

"Please, Wony. I can't go back to sleep. It's horrible."  She meekly begged

"Okay, what do you want to do?"

She thanked her in her heart because she didn't ask why this time. She smiled appreciatively as she leaned towards her and buried her face in her neck. Wonyoung's perfume made her high, her soft skin let her swim in peacefulness. For a while she permitted her soul to taste serenity from all chaos.

"Stay. Just don't let me go." 

Chapter Text

Yujin sat quietly on the couch. Her headache was getting better and her body wasn't as weak as before. The clouds in her brain slowly faded away. She could think much clearer. She turned the TV on with low voice. The night was still young but Wonyoung was nowhere near sight. She might be at her room or somewhere. Yujin felt relieved somehow. She wasn't confident to face her for the first time since she was fully sober.

"Hey, you're awake?" The sudden greet startled Wonyoung. "I'm sorry! Was I too loud?"

"No, no. It's fine, you're fine." She said, "I'm good now." Yujin stuttered.

"Okay," Wonyoung stood there - no less awkward from Yujin. "Do you want something to eat?" she offered.

"No, I'm good," she nodded. "Thanks." 

"Can I sit here?" 

"Suit yourself," Yujin replied without looking at her. 

"Yujin, can we talk?" Wonyoung asked cautiously. 

"About?" 

"You."

"What about me?" She switched one channel to another. Internally fret about whatever Wonyoung wanted to talk about.

"Where were you?" She started with gentle tone.

Yujin exhaled her breath slowly. "I was from the bar," she said. Every cell in her body commanded her to stop, to walk away from Wonyoung right that second because it won't do her any good if she speaks further.

"Is everything okay?" 

Yujin remained silent. 

"You said you try to do happy things, you keep on saying sorry. I don't - I don't understand."

Yujin tilted her head at the latter for a moment. 

"What else did I say?" 

"Incoherent words. You're having a bad dream."

Yujin was beyond mentally exhausted. She didn't really remember much what happened, though she was kind of glad because of it. She wanted Wonyoung to stay, she wanted Wonyoung to understand without telling the entire horrible story about her. But she can't.

Yujin sighed. 

"You're right, Wony. You don't deserve this. I don't deserve you." Yujin stated wearily. "I'll tell mom and dad and your parents, you don't have to put up with me any longer." 

"What do you mean?" Wonyoung disliked the sound of it. 

"I'm not good for you, Wony" Yujin sighed heavily. "Just forget it okay? Well remain friends if you want." 

"I can decide for myself what's good and what's not for me." Her tone increased by words.

"I'm a mess, Wonyoung! Don't you see it?!" Yujin provoked. "My life is a mess, I screw everything up! Why are you putting so much effort for this to work? I'm not the person you'd want to spend your life with!" She shouted. 

Wonyoung winced watching the frustrated Yujin she never saw before. 

"I was diagnosed with PTSD way back then. You practically sit with a crazy person right now! Why don't you just go!?"

Seeing Wonyoung's reaction, Yujin held herself back. She tamed away and blew out some air to calm down. Her breath was raging and her head was about to explode. Her chest constricted so tight and it was painful. Nevertheless, she didn't want to scare Wonyoung. If they were going to end it up right now, at least she did in the right way.

"There's a thousand people out there who want to be with you, who can treat you better than I do. So go, go get that great life, I can't take that away from you - just..." she gulped. "Don't let me take that away from you," Yujin faced Wonyoung, her tone softened. "You're all that I can't have, Wony." She spoke broken-heartedly.

"Explain to me, Yujin. Make me understand why I should go."

*****

*Flashback*

"Shall we?"

She didn't even know why she's here - again - in this big lovely space. Her head messed up so bad and it won't stop buzzing. She had not slept in days. Every time she closed her eyes, her heart beat a little bit faster and it made her uneasy. She had tried to take some medicine to help her sleep at night-it worked-but she'd feel worse the morning after. Something in her brain refuse to corporate and determine to change her to a zombie or something.

"You can start from anywhere."

Where? She had no idea. Even though this psychiatrist was not foreign for her, it was still weird to be the one being questioned to. Doctor Bae - her psychiatrist- was merely two years older than her. She knew him pretty well Why can't he just clear her up?

"How are you?"

"..."

"Anything you want to tell me?"

"..."

"What's occupied your head the most?" 

"This." She answered lowly. "Being in this room pressured me." 

"I will clear you"

"When?" She looked up. "When will you clear me? I've been coming back here for a month, twice a week. You don't make me feel any better - well, your drugs do. But this?" She shook her head. "This thing you called psychotherapy had done nothing but stressed me out. Why don't you give us both a favor and get this over with? Give me more drugs and clear me already."

"You know that's not how it's going to work, Yujin. You can't depend on drugs forever. Your psy-"

"I'm tired of this bullshit." She abruptly stood up. "Why should I talk to you?! You're nothing to me! You know nothing about me! I need to cut and fix! That will help me through this mess!"

"I'm your doctor, Yujin." He calmly replied. "I want to help you."

"Your psychiatry grade is far below mine." Yujin mocked him. She felt the familiar beat rushed through her body. She started shaking in anger. 

Something inside her head rang loudly. Her face turned red. The urge to hurt this guy before her was extremely hard to avoid. 

"Take a seat, Yujin." Doctor Bae didn't move a muscle. 

"I'm done here." She grabbed her lab coat angrily. 

"Yujin, we still have twenty minutes left." 

"I'm done with you." She stormed out the room before Doctor Bae can say anything.

Her temper became hard to control. At time like this, she had to stay away from people. The only thing that could help her was a punch bag. She visited gym frequently since she got back from the war. If it wasn't for the security that asked her to leave, she wouldn't. Her apartment scared her. If she could help it, she didn't want to go home. Her parents and friends offered their place but she had enough of lecture. Besides, she couldn't bear the feeling of annoyance every time they gave her that certain sad look. She didn't like people pitying her.

For a month, she had held back her frustration. For a month, she played this game. But this had to end. No one understood her better than herself. She knew what she needed.

"Doctor Park?" 

The called old doctor looked up from his reading. He lowered his glasses then closed his thick textbook. Yujin An was his golden student. He recognized gifted hands in her from the first time she walked into this very hospital years ago. He treasured her. She was his successor- he was sure of it.

Months ago, Yujin An sat across him in his once and asked for his approval to join army medical team with Doctor Sungchan. He agreed, of course. He had served the army when he was young. As a surgeon, she had to get used to time, pressure and stress. He thought, what a better way to team than go down to the field? Her time on serving would be added to the hours of training, too. She'd kill two birds with one stone.

As a teacher and a colleague, he never wished something bad would happen to her. Needless to say, he was shocked to death when the chief of surgery notified him about the abduction. After weeks without news, he gave upon hope. He moved on with his life and tried to find someone to replace him later. It wasn't easy, though. He had not seen anyone as good as Yujin. He swore to himself, if Yujin came back in any condition, he'd take her without a doubt. He'd help to fix her again.

"Yes, Doctor An?" 

"C- can you, please, ask the board to clear me?" Yujin was upset, he could tell.

"Yujin-"

"That guy didn't help at all." Yujin ran her hand through her shoulder length hair. "I feel worse every time I see him."

"This is procedure, Yujin. I'm afraid I-"

"This is expropriation of my intellectual rights!" Yujin shouted. "They shut me out from my element- from what I do best. They don't even let me near any patient. They don't let me learn anything." She was sweating a lot. She was desperate and hopeless. No one was willing to help her "Please, Doctor Park?"

Doctor Park sighed deeply, he was a man of his word. If only he had not said that promise before, he wouldn't get into a big trouble.

*****

"What happen then?" Wonyoung shortened their distance. 

She was relieved Yujin managed to calm down. Became no matter how strong her external appearance, she was a bit afraid inside.

"He permitted me to give a hand at the ER. No surgery yet, you know, baby steps. He only discussed it with the chief. Their argumentation was pretty heated but he won. The board didn't have any idea. My fellow residents also kept silent about it. One day-" Yujin frowned then shook her head. "No, it was day one -I uh stepped into the ER feeling more alive than I've ever been. As usual, ER was packed. This man, he broke his arm by motorcycle accident - his fault, by the way and he complained about the pain. His bone broke to pieces and the wound was open. We've done the initial treatment for him. For the love of god, the pain will not go away perfectly anytime soon. I was helping other patients. He was screaming, swearing, trashing the bed and I..." Yujin swallowed the lump in her throat forcefully as she held back her sadness. "Suddenly my anger rose up and I - I didn't know what happen - how did it happen. The next thing I knew I got pulled out, people shouting, and Doctor Park got a prohibition from the board."

Wonyoung moved closer then held Yujin's hand. The latter flinched at the warmth. The feeling was odd but strangely comforting. Wonyoung squeezed it softly, asking her to speak more.

"I beat him." Yujin looked down in shame. "I put Dr. Park's career in danger. I should've known better. I was unstable, I had potential to do harm." 

Yujin choked back her tears. 

"I was lucky they didn't revoke my license." Yujin looked up to her with devastated eyes. 

"I quit, Wonyoung. I can't do this. It is for your own good." 

Yujin was vulnerable and small. It was a figure Wonyoung never imagined before. Her annoying and arrogant behavior turned out to be a mask to hide her true self-to hide her sadness and pain.

"Why don't you try with me? Give us a shot?" Wonyoung said with a soft and gentle voice.

"Aren't you afraid of me?" 

"Why should I, Yujin?" 

"Did you even hear what I said?" 

"You were diagnosed with PTSD, so what? Why am I supposed to be afraid of you?" 

"I'm not worth it, Wonyo. You don't want to waste your time with me." Her smile was full of hurt. 

"Who says? The judge is me, right? It's my choice and I want to try it with you."

"I'm no good for you, Wony." She chuckled bitterly. 

"How good is good?" Yujin stared questionably at her. "You don't get to define good when you don't know good. You don't know good if you don't try to be good. All you have to do is say yes. And try, with me."

*****

The beeping beneath her pillow was too loud for her liking. She squinted her eyes to see who was texting her at this ungodly hour.

[Winter 7.09 a.m.] 

Will you come to work today? Or should I inform your secretary you're still running on a cold?

Cold? What cold? She didn't catch a cold. Yujin was still in severe drowsiness state to process whatever Winter meant. She locked her phone as she tried to sleep again before a soft knock disturbed her.

"Yujin? Are you awake yet?"

"Yeah," the yawned betrayed her answer. "I mean, I am now. Why? What's up?" She yawned again.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," she rubbed her eyes. "None nightmare whatsoever."

Wonyoung knew she didn't get nightmare. She did talk incoherently in her sleep but it wasn't something harmful. She checked on Yujin every now and then last night. She slept on the couch just in case Yujin needed her for anything.

"I was just wondering if you want to stay home today or go to work?" Wonyoung pushed the door wider.

"Why is everybody asking about this? What day is it today?" 

"Tuesday." She replied. 

"Oh." She stretched her arms. "Wait, so I didn't go to work yesterday?!" She was fully awake when the realization hit her.

"Um, yes? But your friend said they'd inform the department that you're down with a cold so you need to rest." Wonyoung explained.

"Huh?"

"They're here at the night you were... you know."

"They're here?"

"Yeah," Wonyoung leaned by the door frame. "I saw guilt in their eyes. Chaewon kept on saying it was her fault with low voice but I can't help but hear it. Did something happen?" She asked.

"Let’s just say I won’t talk to her for the time being. I don't want to talk about it. Just let it go, okay?"

Wonyoung perceived that Yujin was in too much pressure already. It wasn't wise to push her limit right now, it'd only drive her away. "Okay, go take a shower. I'll prepare our breakfast." 

Wonyoung pulled the doorknob to make her way out.

"Wony?"

"Hmm?"

"Let’s just go outside, have breakfast at diner or coffee shop or something. I need fresh air."

"How about picnic at the park?" The lawyer offered. 

"Good idea. I'm going to shower now." 

"Sure, I'll prepare our meal!" Wonyoung closed the door behind her.

Yujin sighed as she heard the soft click. 

"Why do you care so much, Yujin?" 

Yujin shook her head, picked up her phone as she typed 'Cold' to the shorty and sent it.

*****

"Hey, are you ready?" Yujin walked in as Wonyoung closed the lunchbox.

"One problem, we don't have a picnic basket," Wonyoung huffed. "And I just realize it just now. Great. I mean, I've already prepared all the things we need." 

"Picnic basket? Don't worry, I have one." Yujin said as she disappeared with noise making Wonyoung wondered what was she doing.

"Tada!" Yujin elevated the blue box, grinning proudly. "Lets put them in!"

Wonyoung looked at Yujin weirdly for split second before burst out laughing.

"Yujin! That's your laundry basket!" She kept laughing her heart out.

"It's still a basket nonetheless." Yujin glared at her. She crossed her arms, frowning disapprovingly at the latter.

"But - but hahaha!" Wonyoung couldn't control her laughing. Yujin was so adorable when she pouted like that.

"Look, we need a box- basket, picnic basket whatever. It has the same function with my laundry basket. We can put the food here, it even has more space if you want to put something else. Book maybe? Laptop? I don't know. I'm telling you it is functional." She finished her rambling solemnly pointed the blue big box.

"Okay, okay," Wonyoung chuckled. "But you take it to the spot. I ain't gonna lift that around." She pointed her finger at Yujin. 

"Whatever." Yujin mumbled.

Chapter Text

Yujin laid on her back facing the sun through her sunglasses. The air was fresh, not too cold but not too warm either. She breathed steadily as the sleepiness kicked in. Wonyoung was by her side, reading "The Rosie Project". She wasn't sure what genre the novel was but knowing Wonyoung, it most probably romance or comedy.

"I've had enough horror, mystery and tragedy for a lifetime from my clients. I don't want to read or watch depressing, sad story. l like happy things - romance kind of book or movie, no that I can feel it too." Yujin tugged a smile at the thought of Wonyoung's quote.

Yujin's world turned upside down within span of days. Wonyoung acted like nothing was wrong and Yujin couldn't be more grateful for that. She wasn't ready to spill the bean to Wonyoung just yet. She still had a lot in her mind and she needed to fix herself before she told her everything.

The idea of sharing her past with Wonyoung was very intriguing. She wanted to see her point of perspective. And maybe she'd be able to move on at last. Wonyoung was one of the kindest people she had ever met. She didn't judge people based on the surface she sees. She gave people chances even when they least deserved it

"Me, for example." Yujin said to herself.

Now the questions were; was she ready for a new chapter in her life with this gentle human being? Was she good enough for her? Was she strong enough to let her past go? Would she be able to make her happy? Would she allow herself to be free and love again? She didn't know.

But Wonyoung, in some way somehow showed her the way. There was a vague light at the end of the tunnel. It was promising enough.

Wonyoung asked Yujin to try with her. All she had to do was say yes.

"Sleepy?" The voice ringed softly in her ear. She nodded a little but opened her heavy eyes nevertheless. She removed the sunglasses as she squinted her eyes by the bright sun light.

"Are you done reading?" She asked.

"Uh-huh," Wonyoung shook her head. "Half way to go, see?" Wonyoung brought the book closer to Yujin. "You should sleep if you want. The weather is nice."

"Yeah, the weather is too nice to pass on." She replied as she adjusted her position into half sitting and supporting her body with her arm. "How come I didn't know you wear glasses?" Yujin finally noticed a pair of framed glasses on her face.

"I only wear it when I read, sometimes." Wonyoung answered without taking her eyes off the book. 

"You look good with it," Yujin said before she can stop herself. "I mean, you don't look weird or anything." She quickly added as she wore her sunglasses again trying to act cool. Completely missing a shade of pink that spread on Wonyoung's cheek while she at it.

"It feels heavy on my nose"

Yujin didn't respond to that. She was busy calming her heartbeats.

It was Yujin's first-time enjoying serenity at the park comfortably with someone. As the time passed by, her wall became thinner and thinner. Wonyoung broke her barrier effortless. Sometimes, she was angry at the thoughts, but who was to blame? Wonyoung? She didn't even do anything wrong. All she did was nothing but sincerely taking care of her and she was fond by it too much. That was the cause of her building collapsed. "All you have to do is try with me." The remark rewind in her brain over and over again.

"You don't have to skip work for me, you know," Yujin spoke after a moment of silence.

"I'm an exemplary employee, Yujin. I rarely take days off. Two days of telling a white lie is not a major crime." Wonyoung replied.

"White lie?" 

"Told them I got stomach ache," she shrugged. "Besides, being here with you is not that bad," she smiled. "It's relaxing, actually."

"Thank you," Yujin muttered. "So, do you like park?" She changed the topic.

"Yeah, I love nature. You know, beach, mountain, waterfall, park, you name it."

"More than shopping?"

"Same level with shopping." She answered not missing a beat as she laughed. It was so infectious Yujin couldn't help but chuckle along. "I would ask the same question but from what I observed, you're the more nature kind of person." Wonyoung nodded, approving her own opinion.

"I'm a medical kind of person." She stuck her tongue out. 

"It's nature nonetheless. Human body regulated by nature." 

"Hm," she pretended to think. "Perhaps."

"You know I'm right. You just too proud to admit it." Wonyoung smirked smugly as Yujin shrugged nonchalantly silently suppressed her smile. "So medical is your passion?" Wonyoung put the bookmark then closed her book and set it aside. 

"Yep. I want to be a doctor since I was little."

"Why?"

"It's every kids' dreams ever, I suppose? Along with astronaut, pilot, sailor, architect, you know cool dreams."

"Lawyer is cool too," Wonyoung increased her eyebrow.

"Wonyoung, we're talking about kids here. They just want to have fun. Fly to the stars together, sail across the globe, helping people. Nobody wants to bicker with anybody." Yujin explained. "As for me, my granddad was a doctor too, he's one of the finest Korean cardiologists. He taught me some awesome stuff when I was four? Five? It's the golden period of human lives. It's the time when our brain reaches its peak of understanding and memorizing things. I fell asleep with the sound of heartbeats. I can tell the difference of it. I guess that's why I'm a cardio surgeon now."

Wonyoung's smile reached her eyes. It was wonderful to hear it. She felt honor to hear Yujin's childhood. Something that she believed not everyone would know. Yujin opened up to her. It made her more curious and excited at the same time.

Feeling wasn't supposed to get involved in this marriage arrangement. In the beginning, she only wished for a shield to hide. That way, she had a valid reason to say no to boys or girls who asked for her heart. Now, she wasn't sure she didn't want something more to happen.

Her curiosity was at its best. Often, it wasn't something she could control.

Then again, maybe, just maybe, Yujin was worth it. And she can finally be happy for herself.

*****

"Wony!" The doctor shouted. "I'm home!" She let off her shoes and hung her leather jacket. The phone in her pocket ringed. 

She walked in as she received the call. "Hello. Yes? No, I'm already at home, why? Oh okay. I'll come visit tonight. Alright, sure." She ended the phone. 

"What are you doing?" Yujin looked at Wonyoung curiously. The latter with her hair tied into high ponytail - some of her hair scattered around her face, wearing an apron and powder was all over her arms. "You made a cake?" Yujin stepped closer to the kitchen island.

"You are not supposed to be here right now." Wonyoung had her hands on her hips, pouting. "Why are you home so early?"

"Why?" Yujin took a pinch of the cream. 

"Hey!" It was too late for Wonyoung to stop her. 

Yujin tasted it. "Woah, sweet!" She smirked. "It tastes so good!" 

"You ruined my cake!" Wonyoung glared at Yujin. She quickly fixed the cake afterwards. 

"I didn't ruin your cake. I investigate it. Just in case it has poison in it." Yujin giggled mischievously. "What's the occasion anyway?"

"Your birthday." Wonyoung pulled out a pan of alphabet biscuits from the oven. Unaware of the fact that Yujin stood there with strange expression on her face. "You spoiled your own birthday surprise." She said nonchalantly. Sensing there was no reaction from Yujin, Wonyoung stopped what she was doing. "Something wrong?" She turned around looking at Yujin staring blankly at the cake.

"You don't celebrate your birthday, don't you?" Wonyoung instantly disappointed. Her effort was for nothing. She forgot about don't give any surprise on certain date to Yujin. She thought Yujin would be thrill that she knew the important day of her live. Apparently, it was a mistake - big mistake. Suddenly, the memory of cold and reserved Yujin last valentine rushed to her mind.

Yujin smiled at Wonyoung genuinely. Their relationship - whatever it was had grown incredibly great for the past weeks. Although bickering and annoying each other on daily basis had to be accepted with wide heart because obviously there was no way to stop it. 

"Well, I don't for years. But… it doesn't hurt to start again, does it?"

"So... you're okay with the cake?" Wonyoung was still cautious and unsure.

"I'll even give you more time if you haven't prepared a present for me. How nice am I?" Yujin laughed. "No, no. I'm kidding. Cake is more than enough, thank you." She said sincerely.

Wonyoung sighed in relieved. The last thing she wanted was Yujin distanced herself for some unnecessary mistake again.

"Can I help you with that?"

"If you're going to eat all of these cookies, then go to your room. I'll tell you when it's done."

"Can I taste a little bit of it? Just a tiny bit?" 

"No." Wonyoung answered shortly. 

"Stingy grandma." Yujin cursed under her breath. 

"I heard that." 

"It was meant to be heard." Yujin shot back. She then took an ice cream box, bringing it to the table. She watched Wonyoung carefully set the biscuits on the cake. Wonyoung was done with 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' as she began to place down 'JINNIE'.

"Jinnie?" 

"What? It's cute." 

"It's not. It's weird. It's childish." Yujin commented, licking her spoon.

"Go get a mirror and see yourself behaving like a kid." Wonyoung said sarcastically, clearly unaffectedly by the statement.

"Noisy."

"Admit defeat? You're against a lawyer here, Yujin. You won't win." Wonyoung laughed whole-heartedly.

"I will someday." Yujin remarked disapprovingly.

"There it goes!" Wonyoung clapped her hand, satisfied. "I'll go get the camera, you stay here and don't you dare touch it. I mean it." She warned Yujin before disappearing from the room.

She took the biscuits that weren't used and ate it. Sweet, salty and crunchy. Yujin munched gleefully, enjoying every bite of it. When she heard footsteps was getting closer, she quickly cleaned her mouth and pretended she did nothing.

"I thought I have at least dozen photo papper," Wonyoung sputtered as she opened a box that was supposedly full of Polaroid photo papers. "I only have two. We have to use it properly. Smile, Yujin."

"Wait, don't I supposed to blow candle or something?"

"Ah! You right! Sorry I forgot." Wonyoung pulled out variants of candle from the cabinet. "Number or spiral?" She cheerfully showed Yujin.

"Let’s go with the normal spiral one. I don't need a reminder of how old I am," she whispered the last part.

"You're old! Hah!" 

"Shut up!" They giggled at their joke as Wonyoung flicked the matches.

"Let me take a picture." She clicked the photo application on her phone. "Make a wish first."

Yujin inhaled a breath then closed her eyes. She prayed her wish to whoever would listen to her prayer. When she was done, she opened her eyes. "Now?"

Wonyoung nodded. 

Yujin blew all the candles on her cake, feeling like it was her first birthday party.

"Yay!" Wonyoung clapped. "Take a look on your photo." Yujin stared at the picture. She almost didn't recognize it. The girl on the picture had this big smile on her face. She hadn't seen that kind of smile her for a longtime. "What do you think?"

"Hm, I'm pretty." She chuckled as Wonyoung rolled her eyes.

"What are you wishing for?"

"I can't tell you, because then it would not be granted." Yujin smirked naughtily making Wonyoung rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time.

"Now, let’s take a picture with this Polaroid camera." 

"Okay," Yujin obeyed. 

"Hold the cake," Wonyoung set her pose and ready to click. 

"Can I eat it?" Yujin suddenly asked. 

"After the photo session! Now smile!" She grumbled through her teeth. 

"Yah!" The doctor shouted. "I wasn't ready!" 

"Yujin look!" Yujin's expression was priceless. She was looking at the camera dumbfounded with her mouth opened wide. Wonyoung had a good time laughing at her. "Okay, okay." Wonyoung wiped the tears in her eyes. "Let’s take another picture, shall we?"

They set another pose as Yujin adjusted her cake. By the very last second, Yujin succeeded to dab the cream on Wonyoung's cheek.

"Yah!" She shouted. "What are you doing?!"

"Gimme gimme! I want to see!" Yujin eagerly snatched the camera.

The color was starting to brighten and the pattern became clearer. Finally, the photo showed big toothy smiling Yujin and the weird grimacing face of Wonyoung.

Yujin laughed hysterically at the pouting Wonyoung. 

"Fine! We're even now!" She sulked. 

"You gotta pay for what you did, missy!" 

Wonyoung ignored her as she walked to the fridge. She attached the photo to it with magnets. Yujin stopped laughing and observed the gesture. 

"Our very first photo," Wonyoung whispered to herself. 

"Our very first photo." Yujin said at the same time. Wonyoung turned to Yujin confusedly. She didn't realize she was saying it out loud. "It was fun." 

"You heard?" 

"Heard what?" 

"Nothing." Wonyoung blushed.

"Now cake!" Yujin ran to get the bread knife. She cut it into small piece and put it on the plate. "Come here." She patted the chair beside her for Wonyoung to sit on it.

She cut it again into smaller slice and held it with a fork wordlessly asking Wonyoung to open her mouth. Wonyoung was embarrassed at the act but did it anyway.

"Is it good?" Wonyoung shyly nodded. "I'll try it then!" 

"Wait! Is it okay if I - I..." she stuttered. 

Yujin blushed furiously. "Yeah, I mean -sure."

Wonyoung did the exact same thing like Yujin did. The latter chewed the soft delicious cake slowly. She kept her face down. She didn't dare to look up and revealed her flushed face to Wonyoung. 

*****

Finishing the dishes, both of them went to respective room to clean up. Wonyoung finished first then Yujin followed her to the living room.

"You want to open your present now?"

"You got me a present?" Yujin was surprised. She didn't even remember today was her birthday. The celebration Wonyoung prepared for her totally shocked her and now she got a present?

"Of course I did." Wonyoung left to bedroom then brought a pink and sky-blue stripes pattern rectangular box with her.

Yujin was curious what was inside it. She was thrilled to open it.

"Here you go," Wonyoung handed her the box. The birthday girl shook her gift to get the hint.

"It's not a bomb, isn't?"

"No, you dork! Open it," Wonyoung chuckled.

Yujin carefully unties the ribbon. She pretended to peek inside then looked at Wonyoung to see her respond. Wonyoung smiled encouragingly. She took off the lid as the content revealed.

"I hope you like it."

"I love it! I really really love it!" Yujin picked up her brand-new running shoes. The main color was black with ivory white sole. There was blue line mixed with the black abstract design. It was so cool, just like how Yujin liked it. She immediately tried it on, it was perfectly It her feet. The shoes were comfortable and soft, as if there was a cushion inside of it. 

"Thank you!" She said with sparkled eyes.

"You’re welcome." Wonyoung smiled as her eyes forming a perfect crescent shape.

Yujin walked back and forth experimenting her new item. She jolted a bit then sprinted. Wonyoung had to laugh at the antics. After she satisfied, she threw herself again to the couch.

"Whew, that was tiring." She joked. 

"You don't even move from that spot, Yujin." Wonyoung giggled. 

"I know, right?" Yujin laughed. "Out of curiosity, why did you give me this as a present?" 

"Well, you use it for work and the old one is kind of torn so I thought, it'd be useful."

Very attentive, Yujin thought. Wonyoung cared, in every little thing about her. She cared, even without words. Wonyoung cared, when she needed it the most. 

Yujin stared at Wonyoung's black orbs and lost in it. How she was longing for this kind of warmth. Slowly, her gaze dropped to the later lips. The desire built up inside her chest. Her heart was pounding crazily in it.

It wasn't the usual lust, she was sure. Because lust, it didn't include feelings in it. It was yearn - the passion that had been hidden for so long finally escaped to the surface.

Yujin moved closer to Wonyoung. She tilted her head as her lips aim at Wonyoung. They were so close to the point Yujin could hear Wonyoung's jugular vein pulsing under that smooth skin. She can't breathe because Wonyoung took that all away. When they only apart for an inch, Wonyoung turned her face away from Yujin. She rumpled her shirt uneasily. She didn't have the braveness to look at Yujin.

It was a rejection. Was it too fast?

Yujin felt her heart broke. She was irresistible. No one rejected her, ever.

This girl really was something. 

Yujin tugged a small smile. She leaned closer till her lips touched Wonyoung's cheek lightly in a very slow kiss. 

"I'll show I'm worth it." Yujin whispered.

Chapter Text

Yujin dragged her food tray to the cashier lazily. The queue was pretty long since it was lunch time, a lot of employees are having meal here. She purposefully ate at this cafeteria at the hospital basement to avoid certain people. She wasn't a spiteful person, more over to her own best friends. She just needed time with herself to heal. What Chaewon said to her was really hurtful though she knew she never meant it that way.

Deep in her soul, she understood their concern. They weren't just some people, they were her best friend, family, her people. She hadn't asked Wonyoung what they did at the night she was drunk. They came, and then what?

She sighed as she caressed her brows.

"6,500 won, doc." The cashier informed her bill. Yujin took out her wallet from her lab coat pocket and gave him the amount of the charge.

"Thanks," Yujin mumbled as she picked up the tray looking for empty seat. All of it was occupied, the only one left was near the trashcan. She sighed heavily but moved her limps anyway. She didn't have much time to wait for another table to finish.

She put the tray then sat. She was side-eyeing the almost full trashcan. She nearly lost her appetite if she didn't remember she had surgery and she needed all the energy she can get. Besides, the smell wasn't that bad. She had eaten at the morgue full of dead body and formalin before. She shrugged off the horrible memory otherwise she'd leave her food to puke.

Yujin sticks the straw to the juice carton box and slurped the liquid. She started eating. The buzzing around didn't bother her. She was concentrating to finish her food rapidly so she didn't aware of a pair of feet walking closer to her.

"May I sit here?" A familiar voice politely asked her permission.

Yujin looked up only to choke on her chicken.

"Unnie!" the newcomer quickly helped her patted her back. "Oh god! Do I have to perform Heimlich maneuver?"

"No!" Yujin coughed more before she could breathe properly. "No, Liz. Do not do that to me." Yujin caressed her chest then grinned. She stood up as she pulled her dongsaeng into a tight hug. "Welcome home, Liz! Why don't you tell me you're back?" 

"Well, I'm hoping to meet you in person rather than to call you." She hugged her back. "It's already been a week; I haven't got the chance to really seek you in this big- big hospital. You know, paperwork, welcoming party and stuff." The younger exaggerated. 

"Yeah, yeah. Congratulations by the way. Endocrine, huh? That's pretty cool." Yujin smiled proudly.

"Thanks, unnie. I mean fiiuuh," she pretended to wiped her non-exists sweat. "I thought I'd be dead before I'm done with the fellowship. My supervisor is no joke, unnie."

"Hardcore American people, that's just how they do. Don't think about it too much. Now you're done, you're our ob-gyn attending now."

"Yes, finally." Liz sighed happily. "Why are you sitting here anyway?" 

"No other seat." Yujin replied. 

"You usually have lunch upstairs," Liz commented as she chewed her food. 

"Don't feel like it." 

"Or you fight with the unnies?" She said nonchalantly.

"They told you?!" Yujin frowned. 

Liz only shrugged. 

"They told you!" She said as a matter of fact.

"They don't. I was just kidding then you said that, than it means you guys are totally not in a good term." 

Yujin just shut her mouth. 

"What happen, Yujin unnie?"

"Liz, you just got home. I don't want to trouble you with something unimportant. It is not a big deal; we argue all the time. This is how we are." Yujin explained.

"I'll dig the other unnie then," Liz shrugged again.

Yujin could only sigh.

*****

"Okay, now that we are all here. Let’s talk about this." Liz turned to her unnies after she secured them on call room. She crossed her arms with disapproving look in her face since no one had the gut to say anything. 

"Seriously?!" She yelled frustrated. "You guys are older than me, don't be such a kid. Yujin unnie?"

"I have nothing to say." She shrugged with hard expression.

"Winter unnie? I look up to you in maturity business, please don't disappoint me."

Winter stole a quick glance towards Chaewon and Eunbi then gulped the saliva down to her throat as she looked at Yujin clenching her jaw. 

"Well, ehem," she cleared her throat "Yujin-ah?" She immediately stopped when Yujin faced away. Winter silently pleaded her friends to back her up but the others was bowed their head down.

"We're sorry," she said barely whisper. Liz was kind of suspicious it was more than their usual arguments. It was plain to see it was more than that. She watched them in silence, didn't want to interrupt the confession.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault; I came up with the idea and it messed up and we hurt you. I'm so so sorry." Winter explained in one breath.

"What?" Yujin frowned.

"It wasn't her fault," Chaewon finally found her courage. "I said it so it was me to blame. I-"

"What are you talking about? What idea?!" Yujin cut in with high tone making the rest of the people in the worn shrank in their sit. 

"Yujin unnie, please calm down. Let them explain first." 

"We want to make you jealous of Chaewon," Winter spoke again- very quietly. "Because we want you to work out with Wonyoung." 

Liz got more confused than she already was. Wonyoung? Who was Wonyoung? Why was she had anything to do with this? 

"It better be one heck of explanation because frankly this isn't good enough!" Yujin yelled.

"Look Yujin, I will tell you the whole story. But please, hold it before I finish." Chaewon chimed in. "When we had dinner in your place, it was time that we all agreed that Wonyoung was good for you. She's perfect for you. But you're stubborn, you are too drowned down to your past you can't realize the great thing is right in front of you. We resolve to help and see if the attraction at least there. Were right, you like her." The cardio surgeon scrunched her face at the more sentences that coming out from Chaewon's mouth.

"I met Wonyoung, Karina and Minju by accident one afternoon when I was craving for Sushi. I went to this restaurant way before and it apparently near their office, I decide to go there since the sushi was good."

"We start hanging out and I really don't have a clue that Wonyoung didn't tell you about that. I only had lunch- just the two of us- once. At that time, it was supposed to be the four of us but suddenly Chae and Minju couldn't make it. I'm sorry about what I said that day. It was hurtful and you have the right to be mad or even hate me."

"You know whatever happen between me and Wonyoung is none of your damn business!"

"Would you be in this stage with her if it wasn't because of us?!" Eunbi who was been silent finally snapped at the latter. 

"You really need a slap on the face to finally aware that you need someone else to take care of you! We've tried long enough, Yujin. You don't change. I'm sick of seeing you sleeping around and defend you from all the bad talking behind your back! It is none of my damn business but you. are. my. stupid. damn. person!" she emphasizing each word.

Yujin's mouth agape, she was speechless by the sudden outburst. Her anger somehow subsided.

"We try for years, Yujin. You knew Wonyoung just a few months back yet she can change you for the better. We want the best for you. However, what I said to you was horrible, it was unplanned and I'm terribly sorry. I never meant to hurt you, we never meant to hurt you. The plan was stupid and unnecessary."

Yujin sighed heavily. Never in million years she would've thought her best friends made up such a stupid plan. Although in some way it succeeded- It did collide some sense to her.

"It is not stupid," she eventually uttered some aspiration. "I'm sorry I'm a jerk. Thank you- for caring."

"I have to agree with you on that, Jin. You're a total jerk, but I won't stop to knock some sense into you." Eunbi stood up closer to her and hug her best friend followed by the others. 

"I'm sorry, Yujin-ah." Chaewon said sincerely as she joined the group hug. 

"Don't mention it. I know you didn't mean it." Yujin patted her back. 

"Unnies, I'm lost of what's going on now so let’s go grab snacks and tell me the whole story."

The other groaned, dislike the idea of story how they got into this mess. 

"Also, I want to see this Wonyoung." She grinned widely.

*****

She tied her hair as she put on her cap and she tied it. Her steps were light, the grin never left her face. She was in good mood today- recently to be exact. She had reconciled with her friends, and the progress with Wonyoung was awesome. Ever since she let loose to her feelings, her life was better than way before.

The scare of Wonyoung left her for good was bigger than her concern of getting hurt again. She was still learning but the road seemed promising. It felt like she had nothing to worry about. Wonyoung would catch her whenever she falls. 

Yujin stood on her toes waiting for her phone to get picked up. She was about to go into surgery but before she scrubbed in, she wanted to call her.

"Yujin-ah?" The receiver finally greeted her.

"Hey," she smiled. "What are you doing?"

"I just finish my meeting, why do you call? Do you need anything?" Wonyoung was confused, Yujin never called her just to asked 'what are you doing?'.

"Nah, I just want to call you, for no reason. Is that weird?"

"Actually? Yes, it is." Yujin chuckled.

"Well from now on, don't be so surprise anymore. I'll call you more often."

"Why?"

"Is this so weird to you? You ask too many questions. I don't have to have a valid reason to call you, maybe I just want to hear your voice." Yujin said solemnly.

"Okay then," she beamed at the statement. "You are very welcome to call me anytime you want, Miss Jinnie." The lawyer teased her as she leaned at her office wall, suppressing her wide smile. 

Yujin chuckled. 

"Have you eaten lunch?" 

"About to-"

"It's 2.23p.m, Wony. You always scold me to not skip meal." Yujin cut her.

"Meeting was out of my hands today, Yujin-ah. I'll eat now, promise."

"Okay, I still have one last surgery. I'll be home after I do post op on my patient. So, dinner?" 

"I'll be waiting." The conversation ended with extensive grin on their faces.

*****

"Yujin?"

"Hm?" she slurped her coffee as she read medical magazine that just came this morning.

"I don't know if it is a right time to ask but I really need to know," she looked at the doctor.

"What is it?" She asked nonchalantly. 

"The PTSD thing, do you regularly see your psychiatrist?" Wonyoung asked.

That made Yujin stopped; she took a sharp breath and looked at the girl beside her- meeting with the gentle eyes as she shook her head.

"I'm okay now, no need psychiatrist." She said, Wonyoung tilted her head and smile. The smile that made her wanted to pour all her heart out and say whatever she wanted to say without holding back. "I don't want to depend on drugs, Wony. I can control my emotion and the dreams- it rarely happens and not that severe anymore. So..."

"Okay then, Jinnie. If you need anything, you'd tell me, right?" She didn't want to put any more pressure on Yujin's sensitive issue.

"Will do," she backed to her coffee, silently thanking Wonyoung for her care.

Wonyoung dropped her at the hospital after the breakfast. Yujin squeezed her arms and mumbled a soft thank you before she stepped out from the car. She waved Wonyoung goodbye and not taking her eyes off the can before it disappeared at the corner. 

*****

Yujin huffed up from the couch to get whoever rang the doorbell. At first, she ignored it but the person behind it was too persistent and Wonyoung looked like she wont get up unless earthquake happened.

"Coming!" she shouted.

As she opened the door, an old man- known as the doorman of her apartment stood by her door with big box in his hand covering his chest.

"Ms. Yujin? This gift is for you." He handed over the box to the girl. 

"Uh, who's this from?" She asked. 

"A driver gave it to me earlier, miss. He said there's a card. He didn't say anything else." 

"Okay then, thank you, Ahjussi." The old man excused himself as Yujin closed the door wondering what was in the box. 

"Who's that?" Wonyoung questioned her-she noticed the object Yujin carried. "What's that?"

"Let's find out. The ahjussi didn't know who sent it as well." Yujin ripped the wrapping paper and spotted a card with recognized handwriting on it. 

Happy Birthday, Sweet Heart.

It's your favorite toys when you're little. It imprinted in our mind how cute you were when you were all serious on making your imagination into the real form. Enjoy it, baby girl.

We hope to see you soon. 

-Love, Mom and Dad 

Yujin read it out loud. She gave Wonyoung the card to let her read 

"They don't usually send birthday gift." Yujin said to no one.

"Why?"

"Because I asked them not to," she replied. "Besides, my birthday is like a month ago."

"I meet your mother today, we had brunch together before she had to take off to Singapore," Wonyoung spoke. "And I may or may not mention to her our little celebration." She smiled guiltily.

"I told her about the cake, she got excited and I thought it wasn't a big deal so I told kind of her. Sorry."

"Why would you be sorry?" 

"I thought you're mad?" 

"Why would I be mad?" 

"You know why, Yujin-ah." Wonyoung whined earning a laugh from Yujin.

"I'm not mad, Wony. If anything, I'm glad." She squeezed her hand. "My parents are kind of people who loves to enjoy themselves to have a party at any occasion. I let them down when I say that I don't want to celebrate my birthday ever again."

"May I know why?"

"Bad things happen at my birthday. It is not something I want to remember. But then you came and change it."

Wonyoung smiled. "Is it a bad thing or a good thing?"

"Good, for sure." Yujin pressed the urge to kiss the other girl. It wasn't because of the hurt of rejection but more to Wonyoung's comfort. She won't force her to do something she didn't want. Undeniably, they were still in early stage of relationship. Kissing on the lips was probably sacral or something to Wonyoung. 

"Well..."

"Hmm?"

"Should you call them? Say thank you, maybe?" Wonyoung suggested.

"Aah yeah, you're right." She took her phone on the table. She waited till her mom's voice greeted her. She put on speaker so Wonyoung could hear them too.

"Hey sweety! What did I do to own this pleasure?" She teased her. Yujin rolled her eyes.

"Where's dad?" 

"Meeting as usual. Why do you call, my dear?" 

"Nothing, I just want to say thank you for the present. I love it." 

"Really? You're not going to send it back to my house, don't you?" She said with real concern tone.

"Why would I do that?" Yujin looked at Wonyoung as her eyes saying 'my mom is total weirdo', Wonyoung just smiled at her.

"You did once and it hurt my heart."

"I'm sorry, it won’t happen again, okay?"

"It better be. Please do send me a pic of your creation with it. Anyway, where's my other daughter?" She meant Wonyoung. 

"She's here." Yujin scooted closer to Wonyoung and gave her phone to her.

"Hey mom," she said hello to the receiver. 

"Hey dear! What are you doing?" 

"Watching movie with Yujin, mom. She picked Monster University for the tenth time already." She giggled. 

"Let her be, darling. Once she likes something, she'll stick with it for a longtime."

Yujin could only face palmed listening to their conversation. Mainly they made jokes about her but strangely it didn't irritate her. Instead, she enjoyed it. The closeness between the two important women in her life made her very happy.

She threw a questioning look as Wonyoung turned off the speaker after her mom said 

"I need to talk to you alone", Wonyoung got up with her phone attached to her ear.

Yujin heard the 'Thank you and will do, mom' before Wonyoung hang the phone.

"Why are you two so secretive?" She narrowed her eyes. 

"We have business." Wonyoung said jokingly at her. 

"I'm serious." 

"There's nothing for you to concern." She put the device back at it place. 

"It's time for honey tea. I'll go make them."

Yujin's heart warmed up by the gesture. She didn't know about Wonyoung that much but she was willing to wait. Same matter with her make-up. Yujin had been dying to see her naked face but up until now, no such luck for that.

Wonyoung wasn't that comfortable with her yet. She will and Yujin had a lot of work to do to show Wonyoung that she can trust her.

*****

Yujin sat on the floor with Lego scattered around her. She was concentrating on making Sydney Opera House with her toys whilst Wonyoung making her night honey tea.

It became their routine. Since the both of them worked by morning to noon, sometimes Yujin would be home at night, or late night or didn't come home at all when she was on call, they spent the night till late together. 

Most of the time, they talked about their day or about politics- which was topic that Yujin hated or about movie- Wonyoung's favorite discussion material. Sometimes, they just did their homework. Yujin with her heart proposal and Wonyoung with her cases. However, they did it in the same place- the living room. Yujin had her own office before Wonyoung moved in but then the idea of being in the same room with the latter was way better than to study alone. Moreover, she can tease her if she was bored- that was another advantage.

"Look at this masterpiece," Yujin showed off her quarter half building grinning from ear to ear.

"How do you make that? There's no manual," Wonyoung set down the cup. 

"Imagination," she spread her hands in the air. 

"You're a dork, you know that?" Wonyoung giggled. 

Yujin shrugged too busy holding the cup and blew the hot smoke away. She sipped carefully as she enjoyed every drop of it. "Aahh, it warms my stomach." 

"Yujin?" 

"Hmm?" She was already back to her toys. 

"Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot away," she put one piece with another. She was bored with the body so she began to make thereof. 

"You said that bad things happen at your birthday, what happened?"

Yujin stopped for a moment contemplating should she told her or not. She knew the question would come sooner or later. She sighed and resumed her work.

"Would you mind if I answer it while I make this?" she referred to her Lego.

Distraction, Wonyoung thought.

"Of course," she said.

"Three years ago, when I was a resident, I joined the army. Remember the conflict between south and north Korea at that time?" She saw Wonyoung nodded. "The government needs a lot of medical team they could get. I signed up for it with one of my best friend- Jungkook oppa. To cut story short, we got caught, they threw us to cell, I don't know whether it was a cave or it was underground. One day, they took him away and not long after that South Korean Military Force found me and got me home. It happened around my birthday. The end." 

"What about Jungkook oppa?" Wonyoung asked.

"Dead." She answered shortly. Her heart broke into pieces yet again but she had to play cool and showed the unaffected side of her.

"I'm sorry, Yujin." Wonyoung muttered slowly. She felt guilty to ask such oh a question.

"Why?"

"For your loss, for bring that up. You probably never want to recall it again."

"It's okay, Wony. It happened long ago and you don't even know me back then. Besides, forgetting is not the best thing to do, the memory will come up again sometimes- somehow. I need to let it go, I'm in the process now." She smiled.

"Were you hurt?" She cursed herself for asking such a stupid obvious question right away after it left her mouth.

"Got beaten up here and there. It's not a big deal, mind you. I know it'd happen and I still want to go so... It's just one of consequences I have to face."

"Consequences?" 

"My parents disappointed at me; my friends smacked my head every chance they got. His fiancée hates my gut, so..."

"You didn't tell them? Why is his fiancée hates you?"

"How am I supposed to tell them? I was going to a war, Wony. They won’t let me. About his fiancée, well... They're going to get married but he died and I make it alive." Yujin sighed. "I failed him, and it was my fault. I deserve her hate."

"No, you're not." The lawyer said confidently, earning a confused look from Yujin. 

"What she expected you to do? I'm sure you fight back, it's just not enough because you're not the same as the number of them. It was an unfair situation and she can't blame you for that."

"Maybe." Yujin said in lower voice.

"You're not the bad guy here, Yujin. She just needs someone to take it on to." Yujin nodded as her answer. "Why are you so fire up to go anyway?"

"I need more adrenaline."

"You're still lack of adrenaline even that you're working at hospital?" Wonyoung asked in disbelieve.

"Yep. I needed more. A lot more." She stared blankly at her toys. 

"Why?"

"That's another story for another time." Yujin smiled.

The split second of sadness didn't go unnoticed by Wonyoung, and the latter decided not to push her further.

When the time was right, she'd tell her the entire story about her. 

Chapter Text

"Wony?" Yujin's face popped up to the latter room as it forming a frown by the messy clothes everywhere. "Are you going somewhere?" She asked.

"Hey, Yujin, I'm sorry I didn't hear you." Wonyoung walked out from her bathroom as she sat at the edge of her bed. "Welcome home," she welcomed her with a sweet smile as always. "Tired?"

"Not really. Where are you going?"

"Japan, first flight tomorrow morning. Urgh! I hate it when my boss order me to go somewhere last minute!" She groaned. "He sends me to the Annual Lawyers Meeting in Tokyo."

"Japan? Why didn't you tell me?" Just the thought about being alone in her own house without Wonyoung troubled her.

"Last minute order, Jinnie. He informed me this morning. I'm sorry." 

"So, no weekend for us?" 

"I'll be back with a bag full of jelly?" Wonyoung tried to negotiate.

"You know I would rather not eat jelly than to have you away." She leaned on the doorway folding her arms. "I thought we'll laze around and order Chinese food and watch movie all day?" 

"Our plan was doing laundry and rearrange the living room together, Yujin-ah. None of that stuff you say." Wonyoung increased her brow.

"Whatever. We won’t do that anyway. You're going to Japan and leave me alone at this stinky house," she spoke sarcastically.

"It is not! Our house is not stinky! I put an automatic perfume at every corner!" She sulked. "What?!" she glared at the tall girl who was grinning widely.

"You said our house," she stated simply.

"I did?" Wonyoung blushed hard as she bowed her head to hide it. "I'm sorry, I mean your house." She mumbled quietly.

Cute

"Why are you sorry? I'm really happy you say that, it means you have a feeling that you belong here. It's mine, yours, ours." The doctor smiled softly making Wonyoung reddened even harder. She fought hard the urge to hug Wonyoung right here and now.

"Thank you," she uttered the appreciation sheepishly. 

"May I sit beside you?" Wonyoung scooted over to make some space for her. 

"When will you be back?" Yujin questioned- ignoring the tingling feeling on her knee which was in contact with Wonyoung's.

"Sunday night, though I don't have anything to do at day. I don't even get the chance to book my own flight." She sighed. "I'm sorry, Yujin."

"Why are you keep saying sorry? It's not your fault."

"I know. Will you be okay when I'm away?"

"I am a big girl; I can be on my own." Yujin put her hand on her chest and nodded solemnly earning a soft shoved at her arm from the latter because of her silly antics.

"Go to sleep, Wony. It's getting late and you need rest."

"I will, just need to put these clothes in the suitcase and I'll go straight to bed."

"Okay, I'll drive you to airport. Wake me up?"

"You don't have to do that, you can use an hour or two to sleep, Yujin."

"Don't argue with me, just wake me up, Wony." Yujin made her way to the door. "Goodnight," she smiled as she bid her goodbye.

"Goodnight, Jinnie." 

*****

Yujin yawned as she leaned closer to the steering wheel bearing down her sleepiness. She blinked a few times to prevent the tears blurring out her vision.

"I told you I can take a cab," Wonyoung remarked- disliking the idea of Yujin driving in drowse state.

"And you know I won’t let that happen." She tamed to right entering the high way.

"You're so stubborn." Wonyoung sighed.

"I slept enough, if that's what you're worried about." Yujin increased the temperature since it was too cold for her liking.

"Yeah, well tell that to your eyes bag," she nagged.

Yujin tapped Wonyoung's thigh to assure her she was fine. She remained silent for the rest of the trip to concentrated at the road ahead.

By the time they were arrived, Yujin helped Wonyoung with the suitcase. They walked side by side to the departure gate. Yujin spotted Karina from afar.

"Is Minju also going with you too?"

"Yeah, why?" 

"Nothing." she replied shortly. 

"She's not here yet, don't fight with her, okay?" 

"I hope not to meet her," she mumbled under her breath. 

"She's my closest friend, Yujin-ah. Please be nice?" 

"If she's not getting into my nerve, I guess I can handle it." The doctor shrugged. 

Yujin never really liked Minju and vice versa. So, Wonyoung took the answer as a yes.

"Won!" Karina waved at her. Wonyoung waved back as the both of the girls walked towards the tall woman. "I was too early, ugh! Thank god you're here." They hugged. "Hey Yujin," the latter greeted her.

"Karina," Yujin nodded and smile a little. 

"Where's Minju?" 

"Late, what else you expect from her?" 

"Right," she chuckled. "Yujin-ah, you want some coffee?" 

"Nah, I'm good." She shrugged nonchalantly. 

"Won, we should check in." Karina said. 

Wonyoung looked expectantly at Yujin. "You'll be okay, right?"

"Yep. Go on, you don't want to miss your flight." Yujin smiled. "Call me before and after you land, okay?"

"Okay." They were in awkward situation. Since it was the first time, they bid their goodbye to each other for two days and to another region of the world.

Yujin scratched her head and cleared her throat nervously. 

"Be safe, Wony." She said and patted the later arm softly. 

"I'll be on my way now. Bye Karina." 

She waved as she walked towards her car- several times looking at her back finding Wonyoung was still stared at her.

She got in her car as she felt the loneliness creeping in into her.

Two days, just in two days shed be back. I can survive two days.

*****

Yujin signed her signature on her patient chart to discharge him. She had talked to her patient's family and they were thankful to her since it was already two weeks since he was admitted to the hospital. He was all bored and ready to ran for his live to get out from this scary place- he said.

She was making sure that the chart was complete when Chaewon came to stand beside her and asked the nurse for her patients' status. 

"Chae?"

"Hmm?" she responded whilst writing.

"Do you want to switch on call with me tonight?"

"Why?"

"No reason," Wonyoung's away and hate to be at home without her. "Just feel like it."

"You don't have a plan with Wonyoung in this lovely Friday night?" She returned the status and faced Yujin- increased her brow.

"Nope," she replied shortly. 

"Aah, you fight with her?" Chaewon chuckled. 

"We're not fighting, okay?" Yujin rolled her eyes. 

"Well, how should I know? Aren't you supposed to be all lovey dovey right now?" She laughed as she clicking her pen. 

"I don't know what are you talking about." Yujin turned her shoes and left Chaewon.

"Yujin-ah, lets change!" She shouted, effectively stopped Yujin on tracks. 

Chaewon ran a little to catch her and put her arm around her best friend's shoulder. "I have dinner with my parents tonight." 

"They're here?"

"Yeah, to congratulate Liz personally. Thank God they don't really forget about us- their own daughters." 

It sounded normal but Yujin knew there was hurt behind those sentences. Chaewon and Liz were blood sisters- same mother, different father. Their family wasn't close with each other- to be honest, their family was a mess. They're not living at Korea; they were staying somewhere in Japan because their father worked there.

"It's great... right?" Yujin was unsure how to respond. 

"I guess?" 

Yujin nodded as she patted Chaewon's back without words.

*****

"What else do you look?" Yujin asked as she swung her backrest seat back and forth as she bit her apple. She offered Rei some but the resident refused.

"Laceration, surgical wound, skin abnormality, abdominal mass," Rei answered.

"What else?" She drank her water and chewed another piece. "What kind of abdominal mass?" She gave more hints as she swallowed.

"Skin tumor?" 

"Uhuh," the attending nodded. "What else?" 

"Soft tissue tumor?" 

"What are the differences of ileus and icterus?"

"Well, the clinical appearance is totally different, doctor" Rei explained. "The main complain of ileus patient is abdominal bloating, whilst icterus is the discoloration that can be found in sclera, palm or even the whole-body skin."

"What is the etiology of ileus?"

"There are two type of ileus, mechanical and neurogenic or functional. Neurogenic could happen by amyloidosis, muscle dystrophy, or endocrine disorder such diabetes mellitus or neurological disorder like Parkinson's disease." Rei stopped to catch her breath. "And the etiology of the obstruction are hernia, intussusception, gall bladder stone, adhesive, abscess, tumor-"

"Now, what kind of mass do you need to see in ileus obstructive patients?"

"Hernia, doctor."

"That's what I'm talking about, Rei-ah!" She pointed the resident eagerly. "Hernia!" 

"Yes, Dr. An."

"Hernia is one of the most common causes. But, we often miss it. Why?"

"Because sometimes we don't examine the patient whole. Inguinal and scrotal hernia are the most common and sometimes we-"

"Don't get their pants off!" Yujin cut with passion. "Remind me again when your board exam is coming?"

"Next year, doc."

"Cut the doc, call me unnie, we're off the clock now. In fact, it's almost midnight" She chuckled. "Right, next year. Now I'm going to give you some tips on facing the boards. They don't ask about additional exam-complete blood count maybe. But X-ray? CT? MRI? Nope. Even if they do ask it- it's when you already answered what they want to hear."

"You are physician, Rei-ah. You don't diagnose someone by radiology or lab exam. You recognize and understand the clinical manifestation and confirm it by the other study. Basic, is important."

Rei nodded as she made a mental note to reread her pathophysiology book.

"Next year is not very long with all your duty and assignment. So, use your time properly. I believe I don't need to say this since you're the strictest to the schedule person I've known. But as your attending, I still have responsibility. You're my student now and I can't wait for you to join me as a cardio fellow. But first, go kick ass on your general board!"

"Will do, unnie," she chuckled.

"Okay then, you're free to go. Page me if you need me, okay?" Yujin smiled as she dismissed the later. She excused herself and walked out from her office.

23:44 a.m., Yujin sighed. 

‘Are you asleep now, Wony? ’

Yujin took her phone as she entered the password number: 0831. 

She smiled at the number, it was embarrassing and creepy at first but now she couldn't care less. Cellphone used to be kind of useless to her because the hospital could page her if anything, and also, she stayed at hospital like most of the time. She'd left it somewhere or let it ran out of battery.

Nowadays, she treasured it. She’s rarely with Wonyoung at day, so phone was the only thing that can help her ease her yearning.

To: Wony 23.:46 

'I can't sleep' 

She pressed the send button. She wasn't hoping that Wonyoung would reply right away. She is probably tired and sleeping by now. She locked her phone then put it on her desk. She took out her laptop to continue her proposal.

As she turned on the laptop and waiting for it to process, the light on her phone dinged up. 

From: Wony 23:51 

'You're on call, you shouldn't sleep anyway.' 

She immediately replied. 

'Why are you up?' 

'Just got back, I'm brushing my teeth when you texted.' 

'Ready to sleep?' 

'Yeah, what are you doing now?' 

'Proposal, what else.' 

'No emergency surgery or something?' 

'Tonight is annoyingly quiet. No crash, no accident. I'm bored'

Kringg... Kriingg... 

"Hey"

"Why you call? You should sleep, Wony." Yujin said as a huge smile formed at her lips.

"I will in a few minutes. You said you're bored so here I am." 

"Are you going to entertain me?" Yujin laughed. 

"I'll accompany you till I fall asleep, how's that sound?" 

"Sounds great."

They talked about ten minutes before a light steady breathing began to audible to Yujin. She exhaled a deep breath as she uttered her goodnight to the girl who was now thousands of miles far from her. It was only a day and she missed her already.

Only one day to go, I can do this.

*****

Nope, I can't do this. 

Yujin ran through the airport hustle. She got five minutes left before the check in closed. She was panting hard when she showed her e-ticket to the middle age guy at the check in counter. He gave her the seat number and told her that the plane was already boarding so she needed to get there fast. 

Yujin sprinted in rush- luckily, she only brought one backpack. She was bumped here and there with another people. She didn't bother about the cursing and angry glared that been threw towards her. She just kept running till she was already in boarding gate.

She sighed relieved when she finally sat down on her seat. It was near the window- she really liked this position. As the plane took off from the runaway, her eyes got engaged to the brown velvet sky. The buildings got smaller and she could see the clear cloud with sparkle eyes.

Tokyo, here l come.

*****

Her Japanese was bad, like really bad. And the fact that the driver couldn't speak in English at all made it all worse. There wasn't any other option besides writing her destination, 'Hilton Tokyo Hotel' she showed the paper. The driver finally grinned and nodded as he drove away.

Yujin stood on her feet to in front of the tall building. There were two of hotel employees welcomed her with polite smile as one of them guided her to the receptionist. Yujin thanked him whilst an average height woman greeted her and offered the room they had with perfect English. 

"Um, I'm looking for Ms. Wonyoung Jang's room." She spoke.

"I'm sorry, but we can't give that kind of information, miss." She apologized.

"How about you call her? Can you call her room? I've been trying but she's out of reach, her phone probably off or something. Just tell her that Yujin An is looking for her."

"I'm sorry-"

"I'm her fiancée. Just please?"

"We're really sorry miss, but it against our rule." The girl explained. "We really can't do that."

"Well, I'll wait for her then." She left the counter and sat at one of the couches that provided by the Hotel. She tried again and again to call her. After the fourth time, it thankfully worked.

"Hello. Yujin-ah?" Wonyoung answered her phone with some noise.

"Where are you?" She asked and couldn't help but irritated. "I've been trying to call."

"I'm on my way to hotel. Why? Are you home? Have you already had dinner?" 

"I'm starving waiting for you," she sulked. 

"I won’t be at Seoul tonight, Yujin-ah. Go eat." 

"I'm at Hilton Tokyo Hotel. Just get here fast? I'm really really hungry." 

"What?! What did you say?"

"I'm here in Tokyo, at your hotel." Yujin heard the clicked of the door open and some chattering behind. "Wony?" she called her only to hear the disconnection tone. She frowned at the device; she was about to press call again when she heard someone shouted her name.

"Yujin!" She looked towards the source as the view of Wonyoung wearing a black half knee dress with dark blue high heels moved closer. It was a perfection coming to her direction. She stood up abruptly as enormous smile shaping in her face.

"Yah! Won, why are you running like that?" Behind her Minju and Karina approaching her. 

Both of them gasped at the sight of Yujin.

"What are you doing here?" Wonyoung was surprised.

"Waiting for you, obviously." She grinned. "Wow! You look-" she opened and closed her mouth as her brain loading to create a perfect word to describe the angel after her. "You look wow. I mean wow." Yeah, her brain failed miserably. 

Wonyoung blushed. "Thanks," she mumbled. Her face felt hot by the compliment, her heart beat erratically.

Yujin peeked at the two persons behind Wonyoung. "Hey, Karina." She waved at the tall woman. Her face expression changed into a flat one when her eyes lay on Minju- who was also had the same expression towards her.

"Care to accompany me eat? I'll just have meal here." Yujin pointed the restaurant behind her.

"Sure," Wonyoung turned facing her friends. "You guys go ahead." Wonyoung said as she walked beside Yujin.

In spite of arguing who and who was going to sleep on the couch and on the bed, Yujin was more than happy to see Wonyoung again. One and half days without her were a torture for her.

When she came home at afternoon today, her house was creepily quiet. She didn't like the lonely impression at all. As she finished showering, she opened her drawer absentmindedly. She found her passport gleaming more than ever to her.

She quickly took her tablet and began to search if there was any available flight destination to Tokyo. As she got her tickets, she threw whatever clothes she could see at the top inside her wardrobe whilst calling a cab to took her to the airport.

It was super last minutes and she almost lost her flight. She was exhausted but then when she met Wonyoung- it was all worth it.

"Goodnight, Wony!" She shouted from the couch- adjusting her position. "Disney Land tomorrow! Woohoo!"

"Dork!" she shouted back.

*****

It was a bright day as the wind blew their faces softly. Wonyoung felt bad for ditching her best friends but deep down she couldn't deny that she much preferred went to Disney Land with Yujin. Her friends were going to shopping center and since she knew Yujin hated going around without a proper purpose, she had to apologize to them and said yes to Yujin's wished to go to one of the biggest amusement park in the world.

Yujin was beyond happy to begin with. She was high since this morning; she couldn't even finish her breakfast- too excited to digest anything.

"Woah! Look at that Roller Coaster!" She pointed the big colorful railroad.

"We're totally going to that ice cream shop!" 

"Wony! Have you seen that? That's so cool!" 

"Let’s go to Adventure land and Tomorrow land!" 

"Wony, can we buy jelly? And candies?" 

"I'm hungry. Let’s have junk food!"

Wonyoung was more like a mother that day. She granted every Yujin's wish with pleasure. It was another level of happiness Yujin ever showed to her and it was so precious.

"Amusement Park is one my happy place." The doctor said as they walked slowly at the flower garden. "It's so full of magic," she looked at Wonyoung. "I know it's childish considering my age but I'd like to think that magic is somehow, somewhere- in me."

"It's not childish. It's rare to find adults who still believe in such thing. I think it's amazing." She said honestly. She adored Yujin for that.

Yujin smiled sincerely.

"May I hold your hand?" The taller girl offered her hand, asking Wonyoung to take it

Wonyoung gave her hand for Yujin to hold. Wonyoung's hand was small and soft. Wonyoung observed Yujin looking at their clasped hand like it was the most wonderful thing in the world. Her heart burst out of joy at the sight.

"Our hands fit perfectly together." Yujin whispered but loud enough for Wonyoung to hear.

And I'd like to hold it for as long as I can. 

Chapter Text

Yujin stared at the half full plate across of her then sighed. They were supposed to have peaceful nice dinner together instead of fighting about something that didn't even need to be a problem in the first place.

Now, Wonyoung was mad at her. 

'He's the bad guy, why would you help him?' 

'He's a Korean citizen. He reserves the right of law, Yujin-ah.'

'Well what he does is already breaking the law. Do you even understand the deprivation this country has to suffer because of people like him? Or the poor who lost their job and everything?'

'You don't get it, do you?'

'Get what? What I see is that you helping a corrupt to not receives his retribution.'

'You know what? l don't think we should talk about work. Not when you can't see from my perspective.'

'Why? Are you mad now? You ask for my opinion and that's my opinion.'

'You ask me to talk about it!' 

'Because thought it'd be good if we share everything whatever that's on our mind-'

'And that is exactly what I'm doing! I don't talk about my work to having you criticizing about it without looking at the main problem!'

'Why are you shouting? It's merely my opinion and it doesn't matter; you will help him anyway. And here I thought you said you only do the less complicated case.'

'I'm going to bed.' 

'We're having dinner here.' 

'Finish it yourself.' 

'Wony?! Wony!!'

knock...knock...knock  

"Wony?" she knocked again. "Please open up?" 

"Go away!" Wonyoung shouted.

"I'm sorry, okay? Can we talk please? Wony?" she tapped the door again. 

"I don't want you to sleep upset." There was no respond from inside. 

"Wony, I really am sorry. I shouldn't have spoken like that. It's my fault. Forgive me, please?" 

Finally, the lock clicked as the sign she permitted her to enter.

Yujin pushed the door slowly just in case Wonyoung decided that she was angry enough to throw something at her.

"Wony?"

"I don't really like you right now." Wonyoung sulked, folding her arms in annoyed manner. She was at her bed, stare with piercing eyes at the shorty.

"I know and I'm sorry," she stepped in. "Are you going to kick me if I sit beside you?" She tried to joke but bit her tongue right away when Wonyoung glared at her. "I don't like it if you're mad at me and since it's me to blame, I want to make it up to you." she said sincerely.

Wonyoung still with the same face expression moved a bit to the middle side. Yujin smiled at the cute act.

"Is it too much to ask a permission to hug you?"

For split second Wonyoung's eyes widen at the sudden request. The blood was completely surged in her face area resulting its reddened appearance. Her heart thumped like it was going to jump out anytime soon.

She was fidgeting inside. 

There was one time when Yujin invaded her very personal space- at the night when the doctor had the bad dream. Wonyoung was willing to give her maximum comfort she could provide by her embraced. Besides, Yujin wasn't fully aware of it and she hadn't grown too attached to her.

Right now, it seemed too much for her to handle. She was scared, somehow.

What if she overly liked it? What would happen then? Would she be addicted to Yujin's touch? 

All of this was very frustrating. 

"It's okay if you're not yet... you know, comfortable," Yujin lowered her voice at the last part. 

"You can," Wonyoung said, trembling. Excited and fear fused into one. 

"Really?" She surprised.

"Don't ask too much, just do it!" Wonyoung hissed. She was beyond embarrassed and if Yujin wasted anymore time she might chicken out and ran from there.

Yujin quickly enveloped Wonyoung in her arms. There was electricity jolted from every cell of her body, it was overwhelming and exhilarating. The war between staying calmly in that position and scream on top of her lungs out of happiness was real. Extremely real. 

"Yujin-ah, you need to breath." Wonyoung sensed no movement from the latter made her worried. She had trouble breathing too but thankfully she recovered fast. Yujin's skin felt so soft and, in some way, relaxed her.

Yujin only nodded.

After several minutes, Yujin's breath became steady. She held Wonyoung closer as the smell of her shampoo penetrating through her nose. She rested her chin upon her head. Wonyoung was clutching her arm, finally gave in.

"I'm sorry," she apologized yet again. 

"Okay," Wonyoung replied. 

"Still mad?" She felt the lawyer shook her head. 

"What's in your mind?" 

"Honestly? Nothing." 

"Why is that?"

I can't think of anything. Is it wrong to enjoy your hug this much? She shrugged. 

"I don't kill bad people even after I know what they did," Yujin took a deep breath. "It's easy to do that if I want to. I hold the blade, they're in my mercy. But no, I won’t let them bleed to death. I help them, I fix them, even when I don't want to." Wonyoung stroked her skin. "It's very selfish of me to say what I said earlier, I'm sorry."

"You said sorry a thousand times already," she chuckled. "I forgive you, Yujin-ah. I'm sorry I overreact."

"It's fine. You're cute when you're mad." She laughed. 

"Yah!" Wonyoung pushed her away but Yujin tightens her grip. 

"Let’s just stay like this for a while." Yujin mumbled.

It was a secure situation. There was no rush, no worries, just the two of them- two strangers who developed feelings towards each other lying in the bed having a good time.

"You should sleep," Yujin spoke making Wonyoung's heart skipped a beat. "Work tomorrow."

Wonyoung's brain almost immediately forming whatever excuses to kept Yujin there.

Too bad it was not succeeded. 

"I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning." She pecked the top of Wonyoung's head then moved away. "Sleep tight, Wony. Goodnight!" Yujin smiled then turned off the lamp afterwards, not noticing the shy toothy grin from the latter as she buried herself in the blanket to stay away from universe who was now teasing her.

*****

She yanked the doorknob harder than necessary. Her heels stamped the floor with loud noise. A younger girl- her secretary- followed her with head bowed low- petrified. Behind that girl, Karina came after them. Wonyoung were just finished meeting with a client, she looked fine and confident while she was at it. But then the condition changed right after her client walked out the meeting room.

"I just want to remind you that you have one last meeting this afternoon, Miss Wonyoung," the girl said still with head down, too scared to look at her face.

"Remind me again later." She replied shortly. Her secretary didn't waste anymore second to leave Wonyoung's office.

"Poor girl," Karina stood by the doorway. "Are you PMS-ing or what?"

"Stay out of it." Wonyoung dismissed her making Karina rolled her eyes. 

"Come on, Won. What is it? You've been grumpier than usual. Is it Yujin again?" Wonyoung had vented her thought and feelings towards Yujin to Karina. She reluctant at first, but the confusion regarding her feeling was out of her limit of understanding and she might be blew her head off if she kept in to herself.

As expected, her reaction was neutral- good even. Despite she had to answered Karina's question of whether she was sure about it over and over again.

Minju didn't know though. Wonyoung didn't want to argue with her just yet.

"I hate her. There I tell you." She crossed her arms.

"What else did she do this time?" Karina closed the door behind her.

"She makes a promise then cancel it then make it again then cancel it again. Now my patience is reaching its peak. Also, I am PMS-ing. My boobs hurt, any stomach cramps and my mood even get to my nerves."

"Is that possible to be pissed at your own mood?" The taller woman wondered. "Anyway, what promise?"

"She promised she'd take me to watch 'About Time', which she called off last night, the night before, a week before and probably tonight too."

"You and your romance movie." Karina shook her head. "Why she cancelled?"

"Hospital, growing a heart proposal, post op patients, terminal patient, almost dying patients, dying patients and apparently even the dead patients need her too! I mean they're dead!" Wonyoung yelled.

"Wel-" 

Rina's sentence was cutted.

"I'm tired of her ditching me for another people!"

"But-"

"I know I'm not dying or on terminal illness and I know it's so mean to even think the way I do but just can't help it!"

"Wonyo-"

"She goes to hospital in rush, come home late and fall asleep as soon as her body touches the bed. It takes ages for her to reply my messages. She rarely eats dinner with me-I made her favorite, just so you know. I put my best effort for it. She doesn't even appreciate it!"

"Wonyoung stop!" Karina shook her shoulder. "Listen to me. Okay?" Wonyoung's breath was raging but she nodded anyway.

"You're selfish. I'm sorry but her work is her responsibility. She took an oath to it." She explained. "Do you get what I'm saying?" 

Wonyoung sighed and looked away from her best friend. 

"You're saying I should give in because she hasn't make an oath to me?"

"What? No!" Karina shook her head in incredulity. "You babo." She poked Wonyoung's head just at the same time Wonyoung's phone ringed.

"Wait, it's Yujin," she stared at the name on the display. "I have to take this, keep your mouth shut."

"Wony, hey." Yujin greeted her. 

"Hey Jinnie," she replied softly. Karina pretended to puke at it. 

"What are you doing?" 

"Nothing, just read some documents. What about you?"

"Heading up to surgery," Yujin sighed at the phone. "I'm sorry about last night. I'll try to make it tonight, okay? We'll get dinner at wherever you want before or after the movie, you pick."

"It's fine. I understand, we can do it some other time if you're tired. I don't mind." She said sweetly earning a ridiculous look from the latter in her office.

"No, no. I'm all yours tonight. Promise. Look, I got to go, I'll call you again later."

"Bye, Jinnie. Break a leg." Yujin chuckled as she bid her goodbye.

Wonyoung slammed her phone on the table without mercy as she caressed her forehead.

"What was that?" She glared at Wonyoung. "You were all mad and yelling at me then became so sweet when she called you then bang your phone after that, what even? Are you insane?!"

"She's about to cut someone open. I couldn't mad at her. She needs to be on her ease side. Knowing I'm angry at her would make her feel uneasy."

"Oh God, you got it bad, Won. I swear to God, you got it really bad."

"Do I?" She scrunched up her face.

"Uh huh."

"Argh," she groaned. "What am I supposed to do then?!"

"I don't know." Karina sat on Wonyoung leather chair. "You tell me."

"How can I tell you? If you not aware of it, I never really like someone that much who make me lose my mind to the level I don't even recognize myself." She nagged her friend.

Karina had to smile at her friend- to this whole new Wonyoung. When Wonyoung told her about her feelings, she wasn't surprised. If anything, she relieved. She wasn't okay with the idea of Wonyoung being with Yujin because of her parents, now that the main cause somehow switched for Wonyoung self, she was happy for her friend.

She thought, it didn't matter if at the end, they didn't end up with each other. Because what matter was that Wonyoung tried to be brave and pulled through a new adventure. Besides, she'd be at her side in case Wonyoung needed her to punch Yujin if she broke her heart.

"Let’s talk about it over pizza. On me." Karina tugged her hand and dragged her out of the office.

*****

Karina pulled over her car to the parking lot. The three of them saw a well build man walked closer. Karina glanced at passenger side finding Wonyoung stared blankly at him.

"Come on out, greet oppa." Minju tapped Wonyoung's shoulder as Karina turned off the car and stepped out. Minju joined their lunch at the Pizza restaurant they often went to and asked to give her a ride to the court since her car was at the garage.

"Hey, Won." The guy said hello with wide grin. "Karina," he nodded-noticed her presence before turned back to Wonyoung. "You look beautiful by the way." It was the same compliment every time he saw her. It never made her heart flutter- just as the same as other people who said it to her.

"Thanks, oppa." She replied politely.

"Are you already had lunch? There's a new cafeteria inside the building if you want to try?"

"I'm full. Had Pizza with Karina and Minju earlier." 

"Oh, too bad. Well, how about dinner?" 

"I'm sorry but I have an appointment." Wonyoung answered with a small smile.

"You always say that," he was disappointed. "When will you can make it?"

"I'm sorry, oppa."

"Well then, it's fine. I'll ask other time. I need to get inside, my trial is about to start." He excused himself.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Minju frowned at her. "He's a good guy, Won. You can't expect him to always beg for your time."

"Well maybe he should stop and get the hint." Karina commented. "It's pretty clear Wonyoung doesn't want to be with him- alone." She shrugged.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Won is not available now. She's off market. She's with Yujin so that guy should back off"

"He doesn't know about that girl!"

"And you should stop match making her with him." Karina said calmly.

"What? Are you on her side now? How much food does that Yujin bribe you?"

"None."

"Then why-"

"Guys! Stop arguing." Wonyoung separated the two best friends. "Minju, I have meeting in an hour. I need to go now."

"Think about what you've done while you on your way." Minju glared at her as she stormed away from them.

"I do think you should tell him about Yujin though." Karina said with an understanding smile as they drove away. 

*****

Wonyoung asked Karina to wait and drive her home. She didn't feel to take her car this morning thanks to her cramp. She shook hand with her client and bow politely as she walked out the old powerful man to the elevator. She was more than ready to end her day.

She fastens her pace towards her office to gathered her things and go home. She opened the door expecting Karina waiting for her with snacks scattered around. But instead, she found Rina laughing her ass off with Yujin. She gasped at the view.

The laughter died down as the two realized at Wonyoung's presence.

"Hey," Yujin stood up.

"I don't think you need my lift anymore, Won. She's here to pick you up." Karina grabbed her bag. "It's nice seeing you, Yujin." She patted her shoulder then left the room.

"Are you going to stand there or are we going to go to cinema? I've got two tickets of ''About Time" Yujin waved the two small paper.

"I thought you have surgery?" She blinked her eyes didn't believe the situation.

"I did, the guy was DOT so I can off early." 

"I'm sorry," she walked closer. She noticed the dark circle around Yujin's eyes. "You should sleep more." She caressed her eyes bag. Yujin held Wonyoung's hand on her face as she closed her eyes enjoyed Wonyoung's scent.

It took Wonyoung a long time to get comfortable with Yujin intruding her personal space. More or less a month to not flinched when Yujin sat too close to her, another month to fully relax under her touch and weeks to completely drown in her arms.

The lack of cuddle time with Yujin was another reason she was in a very bad mood. Yeah, they cuddled every chance they had. She didn't tell Karina that, it was way too personal and she was too shy to say it out loud.

"It's okay. I will sleep tonight. Now we got a movie to watch." Yujin smiled. She was tired but she made a promise. If she canceled again, she didn't know when she'd be able to make it.

*****

"I think it's best if I'm driving." Wonyoung gestured her hand asking Yujin to hand over the can key. It was the umpteenth time Yujin yawning and Wonyoung knew she slept most of the time during the movie. 

Yujin was exhausted yet she still fulfilled her promise. Wonyoung felt guilty even though her anger was valid and rational.

"It's fine, Wony. I'll drive. You're tired, you need to rest." She replied-took out her keys from her pocket as they walked towards the parking lot.

"It'll be dangerous for both of us if you drive, Jinnie. You're sleepy," she reasoned. "Let me drive."

"Would it be, okay?" she asked. "I don't want you to be overly tired, you have work tomorrow."

"And you're not? I th-" she stopped talking when Yujin's phone ringed- completely ignored her.

"Yes? What about the x-ray? Blood exam? Anesthesiologist? Okay, book an OR, we're going in." She ended the call.

"Wony?" Yujin looked at her with tired eyes. "I have emergency surgery, is-"

"I'll drive you to hospital, Yujin. Now give me the key." It was an absolute order, no negotiation. Yujin quickly gave her the keys as they stepped into the car.

Wonyoung was now beyond mad again. She tried to control her mood but Yujin's job pissed her to the max. She can saw at the corner of her eyes that Yujin was fidgeting in her seat. Her mouth was opened and dosed like a fish- considering how to talked to her without making her temper worse.

Apparently, there was no way Yujin could think of.

By the time Wonyoung pulled over next to Emergency, Yujin could only manage a low sorry.

I'm all yours, my ass. 

Chapter Text

She gasped at the sight of small human leaned her head towards the wall cabinet whilst one hand holding a pot filled with coffee powder and another hand grasped a spoon. Her body was unmoving and her breath was steady.

She could tell that that girl was sleeping while standing.

She caressed Yujin, hand successfully made the latter jump abruptly. Yujin was startled by the sudden touch.

"I'm sorry! I don't mean to surprised you." Wonyoung quickly saved the glass before it fell. "You sleep while standing, Yujin-ah. Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." She wiped her mouth. "I just wanted to make us some coffee." She yawned.

"What time did you get home last night?"

"I just got here..." she peeked her watch. "Fifteen minutes ago. Wow, that was the most effective sleep I've had in days." she rubbed her eyes. "I need to take a shower. Then I have resident case presentations, intern to teach, meeting with the boards and..."

Hatchim! Hatchim! Hatchim!

She blew her nose to the sink. She blinked a couple time as the tears formed up. Her eyes were sore, her nose and cheeks were reddened and she can feel her head lighter.

"Do you mind make the coffee? I really need them," Yujin said with her eyes half open.

"I don't think coffee is a good idea." Wonyoung put the back of her hand to Yujin's forehead sensing the burning sensation out of her skin.

"You're hot."

"Thank you," Yujin smirked weakly.

"What?! Not that hot," she shook her head furiously. "I mean hot- hot. You got a fever, Yujin-ah." Wonyoung led her to the chair. The doctor slumped down as soon as her ass touched the wood. "Can you call in sick? You can't work in this state."

"Nah, I'm fine. It's just a cold. It'll go away in no time," she replied. "I have a lot of work, Wony. I already cancel the skills lab twice. I can't disappoint them again."

"You've work too much lately. You need to rest, you're not a robot," Wonyoung brought two bowls as she swiftly took the cereal from the cabinet and a cartoon of milk from the fridge.

Yujin had her head on the table. "I don't understand why most surgeons in Korea aren’t interest in cardiothoracic surgery, they all join plastic or ortho or uro or general," she slurped her saliva. "My work is challenging, the money is not bad, I'm tired being all alone and Rei will graduate next year. How am I supposed to do this year?" She mumbled, grimaced at the thought of handling all the jobs by herself.

"I want to help you but I honestly don't know what to do either, Yujin-ah. Have you talk to the board about it?" Wonyoung poured some cereal and milk into the bowls and set it near Yujin. 

"We run out of foodstuff, I'm sorry but we have nothing other than cereal this morning, I'll go do groceries later. Come on eat." she patted Yujin's hand.

"I have, they said they're looking on the candidates right now. It's kind of hard, you know. We're a teaching hospital, they need specific requirement to hire people,"

"Well then, hang on a bit more, Let’s hope they'll find it soon."

She nodded. "Anyway, can you drop me off at the hospital later, I won’t shower long, I don't have energy anymore to walk," she spooned her cereal.

"No, I still think you need proper sleep. Don't be too stubborn." She said sternly. "Should I call Chaewon?" 

"I'm fine, Wony. I have things to do, my body is just fine."

"Well then whatever, just don't call me and say you're sick,"

Yujin walked- more like dragging her feet to the entrance of hospital looking like a zombie. Wonyoung shook her head in annoyance as the sight of Yujin disappeared inside the building.

*****

Jinnie 11:07

'I'm home. Can’t take it anymore. I sleep.'

She sighed at the text. She was in the middle of meeting but she couldn't wait any longer to open her message especially when Yujin, name popped up on her screen.

To: Jinnie 11:08

'I'll be home sooner.'

She sent it as she pocketed her phone back inside her blazer. She was distracted during the entire meeting as her thought wandering about the certain person who was lying in her beck enduring the cold alone.

She wanted to call to be convinced that Yujin's okay, to make sure that she takes the cold pill. Put the stubborn doctor said she was asleep; she didn't even reply her message and Wonyoung didn't want to wake her. Her heels clicked the floor with rapid movement to her office. She asked her secretary to remove all her schedule today due to family emergency.

It wasn't totally lie, though not too honest either. Cold wasn't an emergency situation for all she knew.

She drove her car as fast as she could, cursing at every obstacle in the way. She was contemplating on whether to stop by the convenience store to buy some things first or go straight home and check on Yujin.

Yujin needs to eat, she thought.

She made a U- turn as she decided to do groceries shopping. Fortunately, she got a parking line near the entry. She regretted it to not keep sandals or even flat shoes in her car. It'd save her time cause heels wasn't really helping right now.

Wonyoung took everything she saw without too much thinking. She almost tripped a few times before successfully reached the cashier to do the payment.

She opened the door as she put down her goods as she thanked and gave a little tip to the young security who helped her to brought the heavy stuff to their house. 

She left the paper bag on coffee table without a second thought and walked into Yujin's room. Apparently, her door was wide open and Wonyoung can easily spot the messy used tissue paper scattered around the floor and on the bed.

The sight of small bundle covered in the thick blanket made her sigh in annoyance. She slowly approached the object and can't help but chuckle lowly by the view.

Yujin with reddened nose and puffy cheeks slept with her mouth slightly open. She snored lightly.

"Why are you so stubborn?" She whispered quietly. Wonyoung kissed Yujin's brow making her stirred a bit.

Silently, she collected all the wet tissue and put it in the wastebasket. The fact that the secretions color was turning into light yellow didn't disgust her or anything. She just wanted Yujin to sleep comfortably in clean environment.

*****

The movement made by the sleeping kid caught the corner of her eyes. She turned to the latter and set her documents on the table. Yujin stirred to her direction as she yawned cutely. Blindly, she searched for the rectangular box full of tissue to blow her nose again. 

Wonyoung quickly got off from the chair and helped the taller girl. 

Yujin blinked a few times as she crumbled the fabric.

"Wony?" Her voice was hoarse.

She hit her tongue from saying 'I told you so' out loud. "Have you taken the pills?" she asked instead.

She shook her head. 

Wonyoung shot her disapproving look. 

"I'm too lazy to look for it. And my head is about to explode," she squinted her eyes.

"Did you eat lunch already?"

She shook her head again. If Yujin didn't look so miserable right now, Wonyoung wouldn't bother to waste any second to nag her.

"It usually just go away," she coughs...

"I'll go get your food and medicine," she juxtaposed the box next to Yujin and proceed her way to the kitchen to warm up the soup she made earlier.

She set the food, warm water, cold pill and antibiotics on a tray neatly.

Yujin groaned as she tried to sit up. Her body was aching and she was too weak to maintain her position. She leaned by the head backrest and closed her eyes. 

Wonyoung patiently fed her. Yujin uttered a small thank you. Her throat was sore but the soup was so good that she kept on swallowing it. By the time it was only one-fourth left on the howl, Yujin wanted to stop but Wonyoung successfully coax her to finish it by saying "One more spoon, one more spoon'" over and over.

Yujin opened her mouth by reflex as Wonyoung touched her lips with the pill. Wonyoung held the glass and let Yujin drank little by little. She set the remained water on the drawer and assisted her to recumbent position.She fixed the pillow and set Yujin's bangs aside.

"Better?"

She nodded. Despite her unwell condition, Yujin was more than happy inside. She hadn't had this kind of care for a long time, she couldn't even remember if she ever had it since she move out from her parents' house.

"Yujin-ah, take off your shirt."

Her head might he dizzy, but the last time she checked, her ears function were just fine.

Wonyoung was hesitant with physical contact, they never even had kissed on the lips. Why suddenly, when she was weak and had zero energy, Wonyoung asked her to take off her shirt? Normal people would have this one certain thing of activity on their mind when someone said 'take off your shirt', right? 

"What?" Play innocent.

"Take off your shirt," she repeated. 

"Wony, l'm sorry but I'm tired and... I don't mean to reject you but- "

"I want to put some medicated oil on you, it'll warm you," She cut her with red face.

"Huh? Oh. Oh right, yeah. Medicated oil, sure." She rambled nervously. 

She cursed herself for being so dumb. She struggled with her top then she felt Wonyoung's hand on her arms pulling the shirt over her head.

Yujin slumped on her back, feeling hard to breath torn simple work.

"Turn over Yujin-ah," Wonyoung nudged her.

She did what she told, pressing a moan when Wonyoung's soft hand touched her back. The medicated oil was warm, her muscle relaxed by the gentle massage. As the cold medicine started to kick in, her eyes were heavy. She barely can keep it open.

"Sleep, Yujin-ah," Her voice was like a lullaby, just like soothing music to her ears. "I'll be here when you wake up." 

Yujin smiled as she surfed into her slumber state.

*****

Ting tong...

The tall woman patiently waited for the owner of the apartment to open her door. It was almost nine months ago since the last time she came here. Knowing her, the place wasn't going to change at all.

She figured the couch, TV, table and all that would still be at the exact same spot. She brought her unnie a full plastic bag of jelly, lollipop, chocolate, and candies- basically the stuff she loved. She missed Yujin, they didn't have time to hang out much since the both of them were the busiest among all. Now that it was Sunday, she thought they can chill together playing video games and eat snacks.

Ting tong...

She pressed the bell again. She didn't call her beforehand. Even though she can just barged in, she wanted to surprise her. The faint sound of footsteps inside the house began to be heard. She grinned widely, preparing her loudest scream.

Click.

"Uunn-" she hadn't had the chance to hit her highest pitch when the person who stand before her clearly not her Yujin unnie. The girl was wearing hot pants and loose you-can-see shirt with high ponytail and a cute eyes. 

"I'm sorry," she gasped. "I thought- well isn't- I mean, I'm sorry wrong house." She bowed and already about to leave when the girl stops her.

"Wait, who are you looking for?" She asked

"Umm, Ms. Yujin An. She used to live here. I'm sorry again for trouble you,"

"Well, Yujin does live here," she said. "Wait a sec," The girl let the door open as she disappeared inside the house. Not long after, the girl she was looking for appeared. Her appearance was not less different than the other woman except Yujin using pant pajamas with loose shirt.

"Liz?"

"Am I coming at the bad time?" She grimaced at the thought of walking over her unnie having sex with some random girl.

"What? No! No! No! l was- well we were rearranging our living room. Don't get a wrong idea, Liz. Come on in," Yujin invited her. Her cold was getting better and she was bored doing nothing in the past couple of days.

The first girl was smiling at her. Very pretty, Liz made a mental note.

"Liz, this is Wonyoung. Wonyoung this is my dongsaeng Liz." Yujin introduced the two strangers.

"Aaah, Wonyoung unnie?" She totally forgot this part when Yujin told her that she lived with Wonyoung.

"She's the same age with you, Liz," Yujin chuckled.

"Really? I'm sorry! It's not that you look old- I thought- I mean you date Yujin unnie so I thought-" she sputtered.

"It's fine, Liz." Wonyoung offered her hand to shake.

"Thanks," Liz grinned. "It's really nice to finally see you, Wonyoung." They shook hands. "Yujin unnie talks so much about you and to say that we only meet a couple times within these months..."

"Bad things?'

"Nah, she wouldn't say that. All she said is-"

"Is that for me?" Yujin cut in to prevent Liz leaking something embarrassing. "Give me my Florida jelly!"

"Don't eat too much sweet snacks, Jin." Wonyoung warned her. "You already finished half of our ice cream this morning,"

"I'll just eat some of it. Promise!" Yujin saluted her.

Wonyoung just shook her head. "You want something to drink, Liz? Coke? Juice?"

"Umm... Juice would be great." she said as Wonyoung gone to the kitchen.

"Wow, she's really pretty, unnie." Liz grinned.

"Who says she's not?" Yujin slurped her jelly.

"I'm just saying," she smirked mischievously.

"Uh-huh," Yujin narrowed her eyes towards her dongsaeng.

Wonyoung set a glass of juices on the table Liz and mineral water for Yujin.

"So, Liz, how's Florida?" she asked in her mother tongue.

"Hot," Liz replied with the same language. "But pretty awesome, aside of my crazy attending, I do love America. Yujin unnie said you went to the States too. And you're from New Zealand, right?"

"Yeah, I studied grade school on States and high school to college on New Zealand." she smiled.

"Explains your perfect English," the young doctor nodded. "No wonder Yujin unnie likes you, she always has a thing with woman with perfect English,"

"Yah!" Yujin shouted "I certainly not like that."

"Oh really? I remember you say explicitly 'girls with perfect English are very attractive." Liz drank her drink nonchalantly, purposely avoiding Yujin's scary glare.

"So, you're saying I'm not attractive, An Yujin?" Wonyoung raised her brow.

"I didn't say that," she sighed desperately.

"Well?"

She faced palmed. "You are very very attractive, there! Happy?" She sulked.

"Oh yes I am," Wonyoung grinned smugly as she stood up. "I'm going to shower; my body is itching. I'll be right out, Liz." She said as Liz saluted her.

"I like her." Liz exclaimed.

"Don't. She's mine," Yujin said in all seriousness.

"Want to share?" She joked. "I wouldn't mind."

"Yeah right, maybe you should conquer Rei first before anything else."

"Wow! That's just cruel, unnie!" She folded her arms disapprovingly. "You can't hit that button."

"I'm just saying." Yujin laughed whole heartedly. "How is it going anyway?"

"Not going anywhere. It's sad, really. I am sad." She sighed. "There's another reason why I'm here, unnie."

"Okay...what's the other reason?" Yujin set her feet on the table.

"How do you do that?" She pointed at the door where Wonyoung disappeared before. "Or how do you get a lot of people to like you? Maybe you have some advice to share? Pick up lines or something?"

Yujin chuckled.

"There's no such thing that people like me, they just sleep with me and I'm not proud of it, Liz," She completely get it that Liz just didn't want to make it sound rude.

"They wouldn't want to sleep with you if they don't like you at all." The ob-gyn doctor argued.

"Well, I don't know and honestly? I don't care." She drank her juice. "It's just physical thing, no feeling. I pick up random girls and you know... have sex with them and gone before they wake up, "

"We have that kind of time in our lives, unnie. I'm sorry, forget it that I ever ask that." She felt guilty, she didn't mean to bring that up.

"It's fine, Liz" Yujin smiled sincerely.

"Is it okay if I shower? My body is sticky. Feel free rummaging my fridge or whatever while I'm gone." She tapped her shoulder lightly. "Just don't eat my jelly!" 

Yujin shouted as she entered the bathroom.

*****

As Yujin walked out, she found Wonyoung and Liz talked comfortably like they knew each other for a long time. The corner of Yujin's lip tugged into a small smile.

"What are you guys talking about?" She took a seat beside Wonyoung.

"America, something you know nothing about unnie," Liz grinned playfully.

"Hey! I've been there once! And let's not forget that I was born there!"

"You were born there then moved back to Korea after six months. You don't see anything during that time. America is big, unnie,"

Now she regretted her decision taking her fellowship in Amsterdam instead of Los Angeles.

"Whatever, I'll just watch TV." She took the remote, searching the channel that played cartoon.

"She's the childish among us all, Won. Please do reconsider her as your partner for life. Umf!" The pillow that thrown by Yujin successfully landed on her face. "See?" she snickered.

Wonyoung only laughed at their antics.

"Liz, you're staying for lunch, right?" Wonyoung asked.

"She's not welcome in our house for lunch." Yujin side eyeing the other girl.

"I'll be here till dinner if you want," she said with sparkle eyes.

"Okay then," Wonyoung chuckled. "I'll cook something. Jinnie be nice." She pinched her cheeks as she went, the kitchen.

"Jinnie? Oh wow!" Liz whistled, teasing Yujin.

"Shut up!" She glared at her.

Liz only laughed at her burning red face unnie.

"Don't be shy, unnie. I know you're happy." Liz spoke softly. "I have not seen you this happy in a longtime, unnie."

"You perhaps can say that," she replied coolly. She finally turned her head towards her little sister when she didn't reply. "What's wrong?"

Liz looked unto her. "Nothing," she said dejectedly. "I'm happy that you're happy."

"Liz," she straightened up. "Woman like that," she indicated the girl in the kitchen with her hair tied up. "She doesn't buy some lame crap pick up lines. Trying it on her is the same thing as you murder yourself in stupidity and shame. I don't even dare to think about it when I'm with her. She's too smart and exclusive, she's going to beat my ass up if I do it." She whispered, as it was a top secret or something.

"Look, I get lucky but that doesn't mean that I just sit around and do nothing. I really want us to work. She's not a one in a million kind of girl, she's the one in a lifetime kind of woman and I have to be worthy for her while l want to be a person who deserve her, that is a hard job."

"Okay..." she wasn't sure where it led.

"What I'm saying is that you just have to be yourself. Rei is not stupid nor that she's insensitive. She just has a lot in her mind right now and if you press her into anything, it'll drive her away. She needs a friend who's willing to support her no matter what and I can't think of anyone else but you. If she's worth enough, then go for it. Don't give up and regret it after."

"I don't know you're this wise." She commented totally out of context. "But thanks, unnie. She is indeed worth it. One thing though."

"What is it?"

"Well, she spends a lot of time with you and I'm wondering if you can-perhaps promote me her? You know... say good things about me and whatnot."

"I'll even tell her your had habits" She laughed.

*****

"She's not home yet," she automatically turned her head when the front door opened and closed with soft click. "She is now, wait a sec," she smiled at the screen.

"Yujin-ah?"

"Hey," the doctor greeted her. She took her bag off. "Who are you talking to?" She peeked at the laptop on the table. "Mr. Jang? Mrs. Jang?" She asked dumbfounded.

"Yujin! Hello! It's nice to finally see you again." They waved at the camera.

Wonyoung was Skype-ing with her parents before Yujin came home. It was their way to keep in touch with each other since time and sea separated them apart.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you guys too," she chuckled. "How are you Mr. and Mrs. Jang?" She sat beside-Wonyoung.

"Now now, you're not allowed to join this conversation if you still call us with such distant name."

"Call us mom and dad," the older woman said. "Wait, you call your mom and dad- mom and dad, right? It'll be confusing for you. Hmmmm.." she tapped her chin. "How's daddy and mommy? Not shortened."

"Mom, I think it still conf-"

"Mommy and daddy are great. I couldn't agree more." Yujin put her hand on Wonyoung's knee. She turned her head towards her with 'it's fine, don't ruin their fun' kind of look.

They chatted more minutes before they bid their goodbye.

"Your parents are fun," Yujin grinned.

"They're friends with your parents for a reason." Wonyoung chuckled as she shutdown her laptop. "Antibiotics?" She asked.

Yujin needed to pass Wonyoung's checklist of her antibiotic consumption for one more day. She was a doctor in the house but didn't really act one. She rarely sick, moreover to the level of swallowing antibiotics. So, the lawyer somehow must understand her slipped of mind. That was why Wonyoung voluntary took action as her personal reminder.

"Done, mother." Yujin answered as she leaned closer to the latter and kissed her cheek. "Good evening, Ms. Jang," she moved back smiling at the blushed girl. "How's your day?"

"My day is going just nice, Doctor An." She laughed. "How's yours?"

"Fantastic and even more fantastic because you're here with me," she replied as she turned on the TV, completely unaware that her sentence made Wonyoung, heart skipped a beat. "Come here, don't be too far." She extended her arm as the signal for Wonyoung to come closer and cuddle with her.

"Aren't you going to shower first?"

"I will."

"You're from hospital." She said as a matter of fact. "Thousands of bacteria is on your clothes."

"I don't work with these," she referred outfits. "I use scrubs, remember? Now don't talk too much, I miss you." She spoke, as it was just normal. It wasn't normal- like at all.

It wasn't normal when her heart felt like about to burst out and she was excited- not panic because of it.

Wonyoung scooted closer and adjusted her head under Yujin's chin. She let herself enjoying Yujin's stroke on her bare arms. She put her hand on Yujin's shoulder. Her ear was on Yujin's chest. She listened to her heartbeats. She looked at the clock on the wall and started silently counting it.

"Jinnie?"

"Hmm?"

"Is 103 bpm normal?" She asked.

"Nope," Yujin mumbled.

"Your heart is not normal then?"

"103 is not normal, generally. But can also be normal for some people. As for me, it is a new normal," she answered.

"Why is that?"

"It's just the way it is."

"Explanation would be nice," she said sarcastically.

"It always acts like that when you're around," she kissed the top of Wonyoung's head. "I think it likes you."

It likes you a lot. 

Chapter Text

Jinnie 08:17 

'Which one is better? '

She sent three of handbags picture. 

Wony 08:21 

'Neither, why? '

Jinnie 08:23 

'Just asking your opinion. What are you doing?' 

Wony 08:25

'Preparing meeting with client. What are you doing? Still in morning report?'

Jinnie 08:27

'Yep. What about this one?' 

Wonyoung looked at the branded black elegant handbag. It was really pretty. 

Jinnie 08:28 

'Or this one?' Came another chat with picture attachment. 

Wonyoung frowned. 

Wony 08:31 

'What's with you and these bags?' She typed. 

Jinnie 08:33

'I'm into fashion. So?' She asked impatiently. 

Wony 08:34 

'Yeah. And I'm not scared of scary movie.' She replied sarcastically. 

Jinnie 08:36

'Which one?' She ignored the remark. 

Wony 08:39 

'The fourth one is simple yet classy. It'll look good on you.'

Jinnie 08:40 

'Do you like it?' 

Wony 08:42 

'Why does it matter?' She chuckled. 

Jinnie 08:43

'Do you like it?' She repeated. 

Wony 08:44 

'I like it.' Yujin put her phone on the table and focused her attention to the presentation.

"Mr. Teng, 33 y.o, admitted to the hospital last night due to blunt injury on anterior thorax sinistra and penetrating injury on lateral thorax dextra. He brought in by a civilian directly to the hospital. Vital sign: GCS: 12, RR: 34x/m, Pulse: 129x/m, BP: 90/50 mmHg,"

The 3rd year resident showed the audience Me pictures of the patient.

"Vesicular sound on the right chest decreased and there's slightly deviated trachea to the left. We put on IV line, RL 40 gtt/m, 8L of oxygen on NRM, then we performed decompression by inserting 18 gauge needle on the second ICS of the right chest. The patient's stable for couple minutes before fall in shock, we performed resuscitation but no improvement. Patient died on 00:47 KST." 

"How's the heart?" Yujin asked. 

"Excuse me, doctor?" 

"The heart." 

"Well... Umm, we uh, the heart is uh," he sputtered

"That patient died due to the cardiac tamponade. Want to know why I know that? I did the autopsy with the forensic team this dawn." She folded her arms. "Did you or did you not examine his heart?"

"Well there's no- I mean..."

"Ultrasound?" She sneered; the conference room fell into an awful silent. He bowed his head deeply. "Don't you have eyes and ears?" She increased her brow.

"Dr. Kim Rei, what sign do you need to find out from this patient?" She shouted, asking her favorite resident at the front seat.

"Jugular vein distention, doctor." 

"What do you wish to hear from the heart sound of this patient?" 

"Muffle heart sound, doctor." 

"See?" She tapped her pen on the table. "I believe it is not that hard. You're a doctor, you see it every day, you already pass the ATLS so I don't understand why this such stupid thing, happen!" She finally yelled. "We're talking about a living human being here, people!"

"I'm not asking you to be a god, I'm asking you to be a freaking doctor! You choose this path now be responsible for it!"

"I do not wish something like this happen again in the future, you hear me?" she looked at the young doctor nodded their head in sour expression. "Morning report is done. Now get back to work." She dismissed them as she got up from the chair and walked towards the attending lounge.

*****

She opened the magazine as she looked at the content that captured her interest. Human genome mapping project definitely caught her eyes. There was a lot to love about meds, developing medical technology was one of many.

It aimed, by this genome sequence that it can predict what kind of disease someone will suffer so the disease can be prevented before it happened. As it said 'project', it wasn't finish yet, people were still worked on it. It'd be really a great success, imagine how much lives that can be saved.

"Ugh, I swear that guy is here every week to get high!"

She lifted her eyes towards the voice source, finding Chaewon half-naked-only on her bra grumbling. She threw her vomited scrub to dirty laundry. Yujin chuckled knowing exactly whom she was talking about. A certain homeless guy with complained of nausea and dizziness for these past months but by any chance, the short doctor couldn't find any abnormality on him.

"You know what, maybe I should go to the chief to get him forbid come near hospital." The short girl groaned in frustration. She took the clean scrubs and put it on her quickly.

"What's with the rush, Chae?" She asked. 

"It smells awfully bad. Want to smell it?" 

"No thanks. Maybe he does have something happens in his body. You should run some test." She offered an advice.

"I already did! He just wants to get high and sleep on comfortable bed. I want to kick his ass so bad right now!" she nagged whilst she made some black coffee. Typical stressed Chaewon. Alcohol wasn't allowed in hospital so caffeine would do her for the mean time. "Want some?" she proffered it to her. She shook her head; she already had enough caffeine for one day.

"Whatcha reading?" Chaewon sipped her coffee as she sat beside her.

"Genome mapping project. Do you think they're going to get it done?" As general surgeon plus a freak at DNA thing, Chaewon must have some opinion on it.

"Maybe," She shrugged nonchalantly. "In theory, it is possible. You just have to slice the chain, make sequence, and identify what cell can possibly mutate. Problem is it'll cost at least I don't know millions-billions bucks?"

"It sounds a lot complicated than you said,"

"If I was end up being a pure scientist instead of doctor, I would never get out of my lab. DNA is amazing, they are small you think you can beat them but wait until they angry, they coding the bad code and the mutation gene hiding behind the good one nothing could stop them then bam! Congratulation you get yourself a cancer." She explains excitedly then frowns not a seconds after. 

"Why am I describing this, you? You know it yourself." She slapped her arm, Chaewon was biochemists superb since high school.

Yujin chuckled lightly, Chaewon was always excited talking about that kind of thing and she had no head to stop her.

"Do you have surgery? Why are you chilling in here?" Chaewon asked as she got up to get some food.

"I cancel. He's unstable, again." She answered. "Give me that apple." She pointed at a bucket of fruit in open fridge. 

Chaewon tossed it to her, which she caught skillfully.

"Mr. Shin?" Yujin nodded as she hit her apple. "He wanted to die, let him." Chaewon said nonchalantly.

"You're sassy today."

"I stated the fact. He had lung cancer, yet constantly smoking in hospital for god’s sake," She threw her hand in the air. "He threatened the nurses and the intern to get the smoke, how is that even happen?"

"He's just bored and old and lonely. Smoke is his friend." She replied. Not that she agreed with him. She was just trying understand his feeling. He was angry all the time, he only calm when he was smoking.

"Whatever. I gotta go, some of us have real work." Chaewon teased her as she walked out of the room.

*****

"So... what are you doing today? Anything interesting?" She caressed Yujin's face absentmindedly with her eyes glued to the novel on her hand whilst the latter replying a message on her phone. 

Yujin was spooning her on the couch in the quiet peaceful night in their house.

"Pretty much yelling and texting you," she answered, still typing.

"Explained why your voice a little bit hoarse," she stirred a bit and looked at her. "Why are you yelling?"

"Someone died last night because of my stupid resident,"

"So, it makes you bad mood?"

"Kind of." she locked her phone and tossed it aside then snuggle her nose to Wonyoung's hair, holding her closer. "But my mood is better now."

"I'm glad," she laughed. "Want to talk about it," She closed her book and put it on the floor.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Hmm," Wonyoung pursued her lips. "What did you tell them? How loud your voice was?"

"Loud enough to make them pee in their pants?" She laughed out loud. "Nah, I'm joking. But my voice does echo in the conference room,"

"You meanie," She elbowed her making her laughed harder.

"I just don't understand why is it so hard for them to learn? I mean they pass med school they have basic. Applying it shouldn't be that hard." Her phone ringed indicated new messages- she ignored it.

"Maybe they're tired?"

"They choose surgery, they know what they will dealing with. We don't sleep, we sometimes skip meals, we study and study and study and apply it. We're hardcore." Yujin said proudly.

"Yet you complain of your work every day," she turned over her body, now completely on top of Yujin.

"I'm old."

"You're 28, very young as a surgeon," she increased her brow. "And I'm not going to lie, I am amazed by your brain."

"But? There must be a but on your sentence. What are you trying to say, Ms Jang?" She smiled as she slipped Wonyoung's hair to her ear.

"I'm saying you don't have to be hardcore all the time. You're a human who makes mistakes and that's okay." She said gently. "They're still learning, they'll make more mistake but they'll learn more from that. Yelling at them might scare them out and also can be a reason for them to hate you."

"I don't need them to like me," Yujin said. "I need them to not do stupid mistakes."

"But-"

"People look at us like we're god, Wony" She cut her. "They don't care how long we study, how long we practice, how much sleep that we neglected, how much weight we lose, they don't want to hear the death sentence." She looked straight in her eyes.

"I'm trying to protect them from all the suing that will come to them in the future. We're lucky enough that the guy who died last night was a homeless criminal, no one will look out for him. What if it was someone else? Someone powerful?"

Wonyoung stroked Yujin's chin and looked at her with those soft and gentle eyes of her.

"I remember the first time we met, you're so skinny complete with the honey cheeks and dark circle around your eyes. Is that what a surgeon supposed to look like?" She asked.

Yujin subsided by the statement and stared at her without answering the theoretical question.

Wonyoung brushed Yujin's jaw lightly. "It's not okay to push through all the time." She laid down her head against the latter's torso. "Sometimes you need to stop and breath for a while."

It's great to have someone who takes your breath away, but having one who reminds you to breath, is the one you should keep. 

*****

"Yujin-aah." Wonyoung shook the tall body, which still refused to give in to her whining. "Wake uup," she sing-songed.

"Abb wanna seep," The latter mumbled incoherently.

"You said we'd jog this morning, come on, lazy baby!" She pulled off the blanket.

"I don't remember any of that." She yawned hugging her bolster firmly.

"Well, that's why I'm here, to remind you that we have a jogging date this morning." Wonyoung folded her arms. ''And that is your own words."

She got a fake light snore as a respond.

Wonyoung sighed loudly. "Fine, if you don't want to wake up then fine." She stomped out of the room purposely left the blanket on the carpet letting Yujin to suffer the cold room.

Yujin groaned. She lifted her body forcefully then sat as she puffed her bangs. Wonyoung can be really annoying sometimes. She got off the bed and dragged her limbs lazily. She rubbed her eyes as she walked out her room finding Wonyoung in the black tight tank top complete with the running pants with her hair tied high.

She gulped at the view. She was frozen at her spot with eyes that about to dropped out of its socket.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Wonyoung didn't even glanced at her, she was busy putting the earphone.

"W-wait a second, I'm going to change." Yujin slammed her door then quickly removed her pajamas as she carelessly rummaging her drawer and pulled on a whatever loose pants and sleeveless shirt.

She washed her face then brushed her teeth whilst combing her hair. She grabbed her phone and wallet on the night stand-almost stumbled on her feet when she rushed towards the door.

She was ready within five minutes, literally.

"Let’s go," Yujin grinned, Wonyoung could only shook her head and chuckled.

"I thought you're sleepy," she said when they closed the front door. "I was sleepy, not anymore."

They ran slowly around the park that was located in the apartment complex. It was a nice morning despite the fact a bit early for Yujin's liking. There were actually many people in the jogging avenue, they occasionally bowing at the neighbor that they knew. After a few laps, they sat on the bench breathlessly. Yujin turned over at Wonyoung that was closely beside her and discovering a new extraordinary discovery; Wonyoung's sweat was a total turned on.

She swallowed hard at the scene of the falling sweat downed to Wonyoung's neck.

Wonyoung leaned at her back with a small smile on her face. "Thanks for waking up," she diverted her eyes to Yujin.

"I said we'd going to a jog date, didn't I?" She answered robotically.

"Someone told me that you forgot," Wonyoung rolled her eyes. "Nice weather, isn't it?" She heaved a breath.

"Yeah," she replied- still absorbed by the beauty before her.

"Why are you looking at me that?" She asked, once again, without even spared a glance to the taller girl.

"Nothing," Yujin looked away then blushed.

It was already over more than seven months since they moved in together and Yujin never had a physical pleasured with anyone since then. There was a part in her that was so frustrated right now because of that issue. And the fact that Wonyoung was so freaking breathtakingly- drop dead gorgeous wasn't helping at all. She would say that Wonyoung was sexy as hell but that just sounded so... wrong? So... perverted? So... inappropriate?

It took bet a remarkable self-control to not do anything stupid and scared Wonyoung away. It wasn't lust that filling her head, it was desire. A strong desire to touched Wonyoung's body with gentle and care and love and... wait. Love? Did she just think...? Love?

Yujin shook her hear vigorously. Love didn't happen in short amount of time, her head reasoned right away.

"Jinnie?'"

"Let's get a coffee," she abruptly stood up. "Or eat something, a-anything." she stuttered.

Cold shower might be a good idea. 

"We just got here, I'm tired to walk again now," Wonyoung pout. 

Oh my, her lips is... Oh God! I'm crazy! I'm going crazy! 

"You can sit at the cafe," she insisted. "Come on, I'm starving," 

"Okay, okay," she huffed. "Wait, but I didn't bring my wallet." The pretty girl frowned. 

"I'll pay, come on let’s go!" She dragged Wonyoung out of there rapidly. 

Wonyoung waited at their seat whilst Yujin ordered their meal and drink. 

"Add more caramel on the macchiato," she requested. barista. "No sugar for my tea, and I'll have two sandwich and that chocolate muffin,"

She paid the cashier and stayed there till her order was done. She thanked the barista and took the tray with her towards Wonyoung. 

She put it on the table and handed Wonyoung her coffee.

She didn't dare to look at Wonyoung more than three seconds, otherwise her will power will melt away. 

Wonyoung noticed it. 

"What's wrong, Yujin-ah? You look awkward," she asked, concern. "Are you tired?" 

"No, I'm fine," she sipped her tea. "So... what's our plan for today?"

"Ummm... I'm kind of irk of your old clothes, don't get me wrong but you seriously need to change your shirt every once in a while." She spoke in all seriousness while chewing the sandwich.

"I don't work using them, I change to scrubs," Yujin shrugged nonchalantly.

"It doesn't mean you leave the house not wearing it I suggest we go to shopping, how's that sound?"

"Horrible," she replied shortly. 

"Yujin-aaah, we won't be long just one store. I promise."

*****

Yujin swore on Sungchan oppa's grave, she won't get trapped into Wonyoung's sweet talk ever again.

She already beat her high score for three times, she had finished her large lollipop, she even done buying new video games at the game store where the location was far at the opposite side of the store she was standing now.

Wonyoung just can't choose between the plaid and the lines shirt and the black or the beige pants. Although the outfit was supposed to be Yujin's, the tall doctor just didn't care that much.

Luckily, they have had dinner before did the clothes hunting. Otherwise, Yujin would be grumpier than she already was.

In Wonyoung's case, she was annoyed by Yujin because the latter occupied herself in playing her PS VITA instead of helping her.

"We're done, come on." Wonyoung nudged Yujin's side. 

"Ah okay, took you long enough," she increased her brow. 

Wonyoung slapped her arm. "This is for you yet I'm the one who choose."

"I told you my clothes are fine, you just didn't listen," she argued as she took over the shopping bag and held Wonyoung's hand as the both of them made their way out. 

"Are you not ashamed using the same hobo outfits over and over again,"

"Why would I? No one noticed anyway."

"I noticed, I'm sure people do too so we're going to stop this argument because your statement would be invalid." Wonyoung held her head high, Yujin had to chuckle at cute the sight.

"What? Are you going to prepare my clothes every morning too from now on?" She joked.

"I have considered that, maybe I'll do it for real," she replied. "You're a doctor, Yujin-ah. People look after you, I know it seems simple and insignificant but people do pay attention on this kind of thing and I won’t let those people underrate you because of this small matter."

Yujin smiled. She wasn't sure what she did in her past life to have someone like Wonyoung now. Wonyoung was beyond words, nothing could describe how Yujin's felt right now. She was overwhelmed by joy and happiness.

"Okay then," she managed to say.

Oh so how thoughtful of you. 

*****

They drove slowly through the night. The city light was immersed them into the peacefulness. As the time went by, the street crowds began to diminish. It was almost midnight, they both had work to tomorrow, but the moment was too good to just let it passed by.

She asked her whether she wanted to go home, the latter said no. Han River sounded like a good idea for the two women who were now lost in their own thoughts. One of them hummed into the music that been played softly in the car as she tapped the wheel following the rhythm whereas the other staring out the window with a smile on her face.

They finger intertwined upon the passenger's lap.

She pulled over her car and turned off the engine. She looked at the girl beside her.

"I want us to get out and breathe same fresh air but I don't really keen to the idea of let your hand off of mine," she said softly.

"You can always hold my hand," the other smiled. "It'll be just a few seconds without it."

"You mean a few painfully seconds without it?" Her thumb stroked her knuckles. 

"I stand corrected," she brought Yujin's hand to her lips and kissed it softly. "Would it bear that seconds of torture?"

She chuckled. "It will do, let’s go."

They stepped out of the car. Yujin didn't waste a beat before she extended her arm to reached Wonyoung's. They walked hand in hand savoring the chilly wind. Yujin looked up at the dark sky praying to whoever would listen to her, please bless us.

"What country you ever been gone to?" Yujin asked.

"New Zealand for sure," she chuckled. "Let’s see... States, Canada, Japan... Well, I think that's pretty much it."

"What country do you want to go in the future?" She swayed their hands.

"Venice is out of the question, Prague, London maybe? Paris, what about you?"

"I want to go to Cape Town to see penguins, to Australia to meet Kangaroos, to Zimbabwe to feed the lions and also Caribbean." She smirked at Wonyoung. "Is that weird?" 

"No, I think it's amazing. Those places are great"

I would go there with you if you want me to.

"Tell me about your dreams," Yujin said as she supported her body at the barrier, eyes locked at the calm water.

"What dreams?"

"Whatever it is."

"Hmm... I'm thinking about opening a pastry shop, I think it'll be fun. You know, tasty cake and candy. Ice cream too, maybe?" She giggled. "A cozy place where you can just sit for hours and do nothing but eat or perhaps waiting for a mysterious guy or girl who would probably become the love of your life forever?" She spoke dreamily.

She stared at the girl with a warm heart. Wonyoung was always full of hope, faith, and confidence. Something she had lost a longtime ago. Now that she was here, it somehow came back to her soul, fulfilled her spirit and made her felt alive again.

"What's yours?" The girl with the gummy-smile tilted her head towards her.

"Become a better person so I can be in every step of the way with you towards your dream." She said from the bottom of her heart.

A wide smile show but sure formed on her lips. She chocked back her tears as her heart roared out to the high sky. She didn't know what to do nor to say.

As if Yujin knew her speechlessness, the taller girl turned her body full facing her as she took one step closer to the latter. She put both of her hands tenderly on Wonyoung's face as it the most fragile thing in the world. She looked deep into her black orbs and say, 

"I mean it." Wonyoung clasped Yujin's waist as she closed her eyes, trying terribly hard to keep standing on her weak feet. Yujin pulled her face down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. 

"I am so lucky to have you," Yujin whispered.

For the first time in her life, Wonyoung didn't feel scared at all. 

Chapter Text

"Nice outfits," Winter examined her from head to toe as she took a seat beside her. "What happen with your old grey T-shirt?" She asked. "Wait, you put up your pants? You even wear belt! Flat shoes! You use flat shoes!"

"Wony threw it somewhere." she replied shortly, ignored the other question. The residents were preparing the morning report and a second-year resident came to her to give her his referral. Yujin nodded then opened its content.

"What?!" Winter asked in surprise.

"She said that grey T-shirt is old and ugly and she doesn't like seeing me in it, so..." She streaked the writing she didn't feel right. "Where the heck these sentences coming from," she mumbled to herself.

"So ,she choose what clothes you'll be wearing?!"

Yujin diverted her eyes to saw Winter looking at her an amuse expression on her face. She increased her brow. "What if she does?" 

"Omo! Omo! Omo!" She shuddered. "You just! Did you just! Yujin!" She muffled squeal.

"Alright, morning report begin," the chief of surgery who leaded the morning report today allowed the resident on-call team to presented their report.

Winter immediately shut up. 

"We're so not over this!" The plastic surgeon hissed.

*****

"Please welcome our new fashionistaaa!" Winter opened the lounge as bowed deeply and let Yujin entered first.

"What?" Chaewon who was making her coffee turned her head towards her friends. "How the heck?" She laughed. "Yujin-ah, are you really wearing that?"

"Chaewon-ah!" Eunbi barged in. "I told you your colon cancer patient is a no go. Why am I seeing her name on schedule boa- Yujin what the heck?"

"Is it really weird?" She inspected her clothes. "Why are you guys laughing at me?"

"Woah!" Eunbi blinked. "You actually look really good." She patted her shoulder. "I never know you have fashion sense in your body."

"Shut up!" Her face and ears redden.

"I told her she looks good, she says I make fun of her!" Winter laughed her pants off.

"Wonyoung did it, didn't she? There's no way you do it by yourself." Chaewon snickered.

"Whatever, I'm going to change!" She brushed aside her friend's contempt as she walked into the changing room and stood in front of full-length body mirror. She scrutinized herself as satisfying smile spread across her face.

"I do look good."

*****

Yujin was standing in front of the TV with eyes glued on it watching the breaking news of the fall of an airplane around Bermuda triangle. She let Wonyoung folded up her long sleeve.

Suddenly her phone ringed somewhere. She walked towards the voice source by reflex, making Wonyoung had to get up too to follow her. She picked up the phone. It was her resident reporting a new patient that came from emergency.

"Stay still, Yujin-ah," Wonyoung said lowly and continued fixed up Yujin's shirt. Yujin stopped moving.

"I'll see her tomorrow morning, thank you." She locked her phone. "Ready?" She asked Wonyoung.

"Yeah, let me take my purse first," she ran to her bedroom and stepped out the next minutes with her pink clutch bag.

She was about to start the engine when she spotted a card on the dashboard. She took it and noticed the number.

"Wony, when did the last time you change the oil?"

"Uuh, I don't know, long time ago, I guess." She put on her seatbelt.

"You pass 97 miles, Wony." She showed the card to the car owner. "We can't take your car."

"I honestly don't really know when to change it." She smiled embarrassedly. "The ahjussi at my old place usually remind me and take it to the garage."

"No wonder," Yujin chuckled. "I'll take my car key, wait here, okay?"

What Wonyoung's didn't understand was that changing the car oil based on the manufacturer's recommendation was one most important thing that she had to do to kept the vehicle's engine running in ideal condition. She knew how to use a car but didn't acknowledge its care.

Yujin tapped the car's window signaling Wonyoung to get out. The lawyer then turned off the engine and stepped out and followed Yujin to her car, which was parked beside hers.

"Where to Ms. Wonyoung Jang?" Yujin smiled. 

"I'm thinking about sushi, how's that sounds?" 

"Sushi it is," Yujin backed her car and drove away.

Wonyoung was too lazy to cook and it's been pretty long ago since they had dinner at a fine restaurant. It was impromptu plan 'cause the original idea was to order the Chinese take away.

The food was good, the place was comfortable though Wonyoung had to bit her tongue every time Yujin's phone ringed. She tried to understand that Yujin's job required her full time of readiness at any circumstances but she never dated a doctor let alone a surgeon before.

She had lots of troubled time to adjust herself with Yujin and Yujin's job.

They sometimes had to put a serious talk on hold because of that damn device ringed persistently, and not to mention countless plan they've arranged only to be cancelled.

After a while, she used to the lonely night when Yujin had to sleep over at the hospital due to her on-call duty. She went to sleep earlier than her routine bedtime just to kill the hours until she can meet Yujin again tomorrow afternoon. Unless, if the hospital weren't too hassle, she could have more minutes hearing Yujin's voice at the end of the phone before she fell asleep.

Not much different from tonight, she had to wait at the hospital parking lot whilst Yujin checked on her critical patient inside the building. Yujin said she wouldn't be long but it was almost thirty minutes ago since she claimed that false promise.

She decided to check Yujin's PS VITA, curious of what's the great thing about game. She miserably didn't find it. There were too much instructions and too much button to be pressed at once.

Yujin returned after fifty-seven minutes with downhearted look on her face. She pulled the seat belt on and fastened it without words.

Wonyoung grabbed her hand before she switched the automatic gearshift. Yujin sighed inwardly. She bowed her head with her lips pulled down into a slight dejected look.

Wonyoung reached out to Yujin's face, turned it over to her. "It's going to be okay," she whispered. "You do the best you can do."

Yujin didn't reply in words, she kissed Wonyoung's palm as the answer of her restlessness heart.

That night Yujin fell asleep in her arms on the couch, without words, without kissed her goodnight and in unpleasant position, but it was probably the most comfortable slept she had in all her live.

*****

"Bye mom," Wonyoung sighed as she hanged up the telephone.

"What's with the sigh?" Yujin offered a spoon of ice crown from the bowl to Wonyoung, the latter shook her head but she insisted. "Ice cream always makes you feel better."

Wonyoung gave in. She ate the sweet cold food and did feel better a bit.

"You're not happy your parents coming here?" Yujin licked the same spoon that she feed Wonyoung earlier.

"It's not that I'm not happy, they'll arrive tomorrow morning and I have a court to attend. They say it's fine but I feel bad for them if they take a cab to the hotel." she explained before asking for more ice cream.

"I'll pick them up." she handed the bowl to Wonyoung and bonded over to the table to get the monthly medical magazine she subscribed.

"Really?" Wonyoung was surprised. "You have no surgery tomorrow?"

"I don't, I only have referral presentation and meeting with the boards," she torn the plastic with her teeth. "The meeting is at afternoon and I'll push the presentation up a bit behind the schedule so I can go to the airport and drive them to the hotel." Yujin smiled. "Wait, aren't they going to stay at my parents’?" 

"Your mom and dad will reach Seoul at night, they'll be tired." 

"Your parents already talk to mine?" 

"Yeah," she nodded. 

"They demand mommy and daddy to at least stay the night for one day before they going back to LA."

"Why don't they stay here?" She felt bad for letting Wonyoung's parents at a hotel.

"We don't have more space, Yujin-ah. Your guest room is already my room, remember?"

"Well they can use your room, you can use mine, I can use the couch to sleep."

"Couch is not good for your back," she stroked her face. "They understand, it's okay."

"Ooh, okay then. Tell them I'll be there at the airport tomorrow. I'll take your car to the garage afterwards," she opened her mouth absentmindedly when Wonyoung touched her lips with a spoonful of her favorite food. 

"You don't have to do that, I'll take it myself," she placed her chin above Yujin's shoulder.

"You don't understand car, I have time tomorrow so it’s okay. You will take mine to work, end of discussion."

"Thank you," Wonyoung kissed Yujin's bicep making her felt goosebumps all over her body.

"You’re welcome," she pecked her temple.

*****

Yujin went to hospital super early and did her rounds by herself. She checked all of her patients and left a message to Rei if anything happens. When she reached the high way, she drove as fast as she could. Wonyoung's parents must be arrived by now. She had estimated the time but unfortunately there was several traffic jams in the city.

She noticed Wonyoung's mom at first. She smiled and waved at them as she made her way towards her soon to be officially parents in law.

Awkwardness cannot be avoided; it was only the second time she meets them. Yujin bowed 90 degrees to showed politeness. Wonyoung's mom slapped her arm lightly and pulled her into a tight hug it went the same with the daddy. She helped them carried the bag. The older man said he can take it by himself but she persisted to at least take the small one.

"How's the flight, daddy?" It was really weird calling him daddy when they met personally whereas she had no problem with that title on the phone or Skype. 

"It was good, a bit turbulence here and there but overall, good. We slept during it," he answered. "I'm sorry for troubling you, you don't have to pick us up." He said sincerely.

"It's fine, daddy. I don't have much work to do today anyway, so it's no trouble at all." She smiled. "Should we get a breakfast first, mommy?" She asked her through the rear view.

"How about breakfast at the hotel? I'm hungry but also jet lag," she spoke apologized. 

Yujin chuckled. "Okay then."

The doctor bid her goodbye by the time they're done with the meals. She asked them for dinner tonight which was accepted by the older. She wished them a well rest then took her way out.

*****

To: Wony 09.17

'When will you done with the court? I'm at the car repair shop.'

She sent the text when the mechanic slipped under the car but got no reply till the car was done. She paid the bills and went back to the hospital.

She was having lunch when Wonyoung called her. 

"Hey" she greeted her as she shoved the noodle to her mouth. 

"Hey, I'm sorry I just got a chance to call you now," she heard the worried voice. 

"It's fine, Wony. How's it going?" 

"I don't know. I want to get rid of this case quickly."

"Okay," she chuckled. "When will you be home? I asked your parents for dinner."

"Right, my parents," she sighed. "I'm sorry, my mind is all over the place today. I'll be home at five, I think. I'm going to call them now. Bye Jinnie." She said in hurry. The line went died before she could reply.

To: Wony 12.17 

'You're a great lawyer.' 

She pocketed her phone and resumed her lunch.

*****

"You change your car? Sweet!" Karina checked the red BMW in front of her. "Why don't you tell us?"

Wonyoung stepped inside the car and heaved a breath. Rina and Minju did the same.

"The interior design is nice too!" Karina grinned as she touching whatever she can touch. 

"Stop acting like a kid" Minju put on her seatbelt at the second row. "Come on, Won. I'm hungry."

"Wait a sec, I need to breath." She exhaled and inhaled the oxygen she needed. Her case was suffocated and it felt like the weight of world was on her shoulder. She was drained. Her mood turned really bad- she felt like screaming right now. She never liked defending the bad guy but since she was the only one who was free, her boss assigned the case to her.

Karina idly pressed a square shape that oddly placed on the dashboard. A frame popped out making her laughed like a maniac.

"Yah! Karina-ah, are you crazy!" Minju startled by the sudden high-pitched voice.

Wonyoung turned her head towards her friend and froze. Her eyes were bugged incredibly wide, she could felt her face redden in no time.

"I don't know you're this narcissistic, Won!" Her laughed getting louder. "Install a frame with your own photo in your own car? Hahahahaa! I feel like I don't even know you!" 

"Won, are you okay? Your face is so red." Minju frowned and put her hand in Wonyoung's forehead. "You're not hot."

"This isn't my car," she whispered quietly.

"What?" Both of her friends asked in union.

"It's Yujin's." She smiled at the sight of her own picture with a shy smiling face that stared back at her. There was a small writing at the right bottom of the picture Yujin's, it written. 

Chapter Text

The bell on top of the door clinked as the waitresses welcomed the customer in united. Yujin removed her jacket and gave it to one of the employees. He accepted it and bowed a bit before disappeared to the small room where all the coats and jacket stored.

"Reservation under Jang," she informed the neat waiter as he guided her to their table.

Her mom waved at her excitedly. She told the waiter that it was okay for him to leave, she already found her family.

She greeted her family giving them hug one by one. Wonyoung was absolutely gorgeous tonight- she always was though. Yujin softly touched Wonyoung's back and kissed her temple giving her a loving smile. She didn't even aware of the surprise look their parents threw at them.

Yujin sat beside Wonyoung and took her hand in hers. 

"What did you order?" Yujin asked as she put her phone on the table.

"Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells for you and Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad for me, Raspberry Sunrise Smoothie for me and mineral water for you," she answered. 

"Is your food even suitable for dinner?" Yujin scrunched her face.

"Yeah it is, I'm on diet, remember? I've gained weight."

"And I don't remember of agreeing that thing with you. Your body shape is just fine, even if you do gain weight it doesn't matter. You don't want you to starve, you'll get sick."

"Well... we can always share your food?" Wonyoung soothed Yujin's thigh, she didn't want to argue in front of their parents.

"Okay," she nodded.

"Yujin-ah, from what I heard, you really like smoothies." Wonyoung's dad said.

"She does, daddy. But she doesn't like it when she's having heavy meal." The lawyer answered.

"Yeah," Yujin chuckled. She felt less awkward with Wonyoung's parents after having dinner with them couple days ago. "Anyway, thank you for picking Wonyoung up dad," she smiled to the older guy version of her. "I was going to go but you know... emergency surgery and all."

"Aah don't mention it, it's my pleasure, darling." He squeezed her arm. 

"We wanted to come to Seoul at your birthday, Yujin-ah, but your dad said that you didn't celebrate your birthday so we cancelled the plan," Wonyoung's mom cautiously spoke.

"It's fine, mommy. It's not a big deal, thank you though for the consideration." She grinned.

"Wonyoung said you're working on a heart project?" Wonyoung's dad asked in curiosity. "Something with growing it?"

"Uh that, yeah I'm working on the proposal right now but with work and all it's kind of out of my hand no I'm taking it slowly."

"How does it work?"

"Well... we try to strip out the cell from a donor organ leaving the connective tissue that used to hold the cell in place. It's called decellularization then we reseeded it with the recipient's own cell hoping that it would regenerating without tissue rejection," Yujin described her project in a way that she thought the easiest for common people to understand. Wonyoung was playing with her hand under the table feeling proud of the way Yujin explained it

Not long after, their food arrived. The waiter who wore a suit came and presented the meal on the table. They thanked him and started to dig in.

Yujin cut her shell smaller and offered the first spoon to Wonyoung. Wonyoung threw her a questioning look but ate it anyway. 

"Aww, you guys are so sweet!" Yujin's mom clapped happily. 

"Oh no mom, I just want her to taste it first so if there's poison in it, she'll be the first to pass out," Yujin shrugged earning a shove from her partner making her laughed. "I'm just joking." she unconsciously kissed the side of Wonyoung's head.

The four older people on the table exchanging a meaningful smile that went unnoticed by the two lovebirds.

Yujin wiped her mouth as she turned to her back and nodding to the waiter that been waiting for the cue.

Three waiters walked to their table and cleaned it up. One of them brought a large piece of cake and set it after Wonyoung.

"Happy birthday, Ms. Jang," Yujin pulled her closer. Wonyoung mumbled thank you before pecking Yujin's brow.

They sang the happy birthday theme song and requested the birthday girl to blew up the candle and feed there the cake. They took lots of photos together. Yujin set one of the pictures of her and Wonyoung's as her wallpaper. Wonyoung did the same.

Yujin excused herself to the toilet. She gave the waitress her credit card to pay the dinner on her way. When she was just backed to her seat when the two sides of parents bickering on who was going to pay.

"This is my daughter's celebration dinner, of course I'll pay," Mr. Jang said.

"Daddy, mom, I should pay for the meals." Wonyoung raised her hand.

"Excuse us, Wonyoung is our daughter too now." Mrs. An shot him a glare completely ignoring Wonyoung.

"Thank you, Ms. An. I hope you all have a pleasure dinner. Please do come again," the young girl suddenly appeared beside her bowed politely. She handed her credit card and bill. Yujin smiled and nodded a little.

"I'm sorry folks, but I'm the one who's going to marry her, so..." She set the card in her wallet and sat comfortably. Wonyoung was blushing hard at the remark. 

The parents couldn't argue with that. Each put their wallet back into their purse.

They hugged each other before separating on their own way.

"Do you want to go home?" She turned to her as they waved to their parents. "The night is still early. We can have a date for ourselves if you want." she smiled.

"Hmm," she actually liked the idea. "What do you have in mind, Jinnie?"

"There's a small but very yummy ice cream store near here, want to go there?"

Wonyoung gasped. "You already ate three-quarter of your meal and half of my salad, not to mention how big your cake was! Are you sure you still have a room for ice cream?"

"Is there even a time when my stomach doesn't have a place for it?" Yujin laughed. "The place is nice, we can just buy one small cup and talk all night," she said that with the big puppy eyes of her. "My car is also parked not far from that shop."

Wonyoung giggled, Yujin could act like a kid sometimes- most of the time was more like it. "Okay then, let’s go."

They walked slowly; hands entangled. They talked, they teased, they laughed together.

At the same day as today, twenty-eight years ago, Wonyoung was born and Yujin couldn't be anymore grateful for that. To be the partner of this extraordinary woman, to be given the opportunity of holding her hand, to felt the warm embrace from her anytime she wanted were something she couldn't never imagine before.

People said times could heal every wound. Time couldn't do that favor for Yujin though. Year by year she survived, but she barely breathing, she merely got through the day without thinking. Work was the only thing in her brain since it occupied all the room in her mind- it eased the pain somehow.

So, time didn't heal. It only made her used to the loneliness and sorrow.

Wonyoung in this matter, did help her. She reminded her that her heart still could recovered from the horrible experienced in her past. She leaded her to the way of forgiveness, to the acceptance of reality and herself, she assisted her to move on. 

She showed her ocular proof that it was okay to not be strong all the time.

Because she'd be the strength when she was down.

Yujin opened the entrance and let Wonyoung in first. There was an old man with his grandchild who stood before them, waiting patiently since they wanted to get out.

Yujin smiled politely to the man and was about to walked pass him when a grip eta hand stopped her. It was the old man.

"Dr. Yujin An, right?" He asked and smiled kindly.

Yujin nodded. Wonyoung threw her a question look. Yujin swore she had seen this man somewhere but she couldn't put her finger where though.

"You probably don't remember me," he chuckled. "I just want to say thank you for your help many years ago," he said with her hoarse voice. "I thought I wouldn't last this long, but you gave me the free surgery. You make my heart can beat so much longer."

"Mr. Kang?" She surprised. "Is this really you?!" The old man she saw when she was a resident was a skinny, dim gaze with no hope for life, not this healthy and bright kind of rear. He looked younger, to be honest.

"Yes, doctor. This is me. Miracle, huh?" he smiled again. "I'm here with my grandson," the kid pulled his granddad's shirt as he hid behind him. "He's tired, he's been playing a lot today," he picked the little boy and carried him. "Thank you, again doctor," he bowed, Yujin quickly stopped him.

"Don't do that, Mr. Kang. It's my pleasure to help you." She assured him.

"You're a good person. I'll always pray for all the happiness for you, doctor," he patted her shoulder instead. "Goodnight, Doctor An."

"Goodnight, Mr. Kang." Yujin smiled as she waved a little, watching them crossed the street.

Yujin ordered the smallest cup of banana ice cream and a bottle of mineral water. She then took a seat in front of Wonyoung at the comer of the shop.

She offered Wonyoung first, the latter took it and said she had enough. Yujin chuckled as she shook her head. She always enjoyed every spoon of ice cream- she treasured it. 

"Yujin-ah." called for the girl who was busy with her sweet food.

"Yeah?" She responded. 

"Who's Mr. Kang?" She asked the old guy from before. 

"He's my patient, he was suffered from arrhythmia and we gave him pace maker for her heart." 

"For free?"

"He practically had nothing. He was an alcoholic back then, he said he tried to quit but his kids didn't want to do anything with him something with not believing him and whatnot. He cried every single night thinking he might die alone in the hospital bed with all monitor attached to him and the bills he can't pay. I can saw in his eyes that he wanted to change, to get better, so I proposed to Dr. Park to give him a pro bono surgery. It was quite a fight with the boards but they gave in in the end," Yujin shrugged like it was not a big deal.

"Why fight though?"

"The list of pro bono patient is long, one surgeon usually present one patient they want to help. It's the board's job to decide what case will go first to get the surgery considering the urgency. We already put the temporary pace maker on him but he needs the permanent one, without it he'd die without estimated time, he could just sit and die."

"So, you won?" 

"I won, yes." Yujin laughed. "Thankfully yes, that guy deserved it." 

"He indeed changes, isn't he?" Wonyoung smiled warmly at her. 

Yujin nodded. She put the empty cup on the table and slumped on her seat. 

"Everybody deserves a second chance." 

"You're right. Tell me more about your residency phase." Wonyoung drank the water. 

"I've told you." 

"Five years of residency can't be summoned in fifteen minutes," Wonyoung pouted cutely.

"Mainly what I did was unsure about whether I should shower, sleep or eat. Mostly I choose sleep so I had to sacrificed the shower and eat which meant I didn't shower for couple days and ate whatever snack in vending machine. I could sleep in the shower but I also starving so I'd have decent meal and not slept or shower."

"That's... tough," Wonyoung replied. "I'm happy I'm not a doctor." She scrunched up her face in horror caused Yujin to laugh hard.

"Well, I live somehow."

"It doesn't make it any less tough," she shrugged. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm torn between sit here and able to see you in full length or sit beside you so I can hold you. What do you think?" Yujin always had her way of asking this kind of question in calmness, Wonyoung wondered if she was that innocent or simply liked to make her heart flutter.

"I'm happy with whatever you choose," her cheeks turned pink.

"I choose to go home so I can give you your birthday present and cuddle with you in our comfy couch." She stood up and extended her arm, which got accepted instantly by the gummy-smiling girl. 

*****

The present wasn't wrapped up in the wrapping paper. Yujin set the well-known brand shopping bag on her lap with anticipated look. "I hope you like it," she said.

It was the handbag that the picture Yujin sent her weeks ago. The same handbag that she said she liked. Wonyoung placed the shopping bag on the table and admiring her new thing.

She diverted her eyes from the bag and stared at Yujin's eyes. Yujin smiled nervously waiting for her opinion over the gift.

Right that second she wanted to kiss Yujin senselessly just to showed her how big her feelings- whatever it was towards her. Was it love? Maybe. She never fell in love- not even once before.

She read a lot of romance genre novel. She watched, she listened to the music and lyric of love. It fitted- matched perfectly with what she felt at the moment. It all made sense now.

Being with Yujin was everything new to her. There was no compulsion, no rush in things she wasn't comfortable, overall and most important thing was she could be herself freely. 

Yujin made her world turned upside down in the best possible way.

She wanted to tell her her story. She wanted her to know all about her. She believed in her.

"Hey," Yujin poked her cheek. "Are you okay? You don't like it?" She looked dejected by the long silence. "I'll find a new present, I promise."

Will you be my present then?

"I love it, Yujin." She said instead. "I really do. It's really pretty and it'll go with all my dresses. Thank you," and she meant it for way deeper than just a 'thank you for the bag'. 

Then Yujin kissed her cheek in a slow motion. The burning sensation from that certain spot didn't disappear till she closed her eyes as she entering her slumber state.

*****

Yujin deliberately permitted Wonyoung to have full access on her phone for one reason; to proof her that she had nothing to hide.

Not to made her insecure and got jealous over a random- or her ex one night stand text who she didn't even remember nor to care to save their number.

Wonyoung didn't actually checked Yujin's phone. She was in the kitchen cooking for dinner whilst Yujin was in the bathroom doing some business when the chat popped up on the Yujin's phone screen. She got curious and the message made her stomach whirl in anxious, her chest tightened in anger.

The third war happened that night.

Yujin explained what she needed to explain. Her day was bad and Wonyoung made it all worse. Being accused of something that she didn't do was not a nice feeling. It hurt- literally.

"That person practically wants to have sex with you!" 

"But I don't want to have sex with her!" She shouted louder. 

"Well you had sex with her, don't you?" She remarked sarcastically. 

"Oh, you just have to bring that up now," Yujin said flatly.

"How am I supposed to react then?!" She really- really tried her best to not let a single tear fell down her cheeks. Her voice was shaking and everything went blur.

"I don't know who's that, I swear! Damn it!" She massaged her temple. 

"Wonyoung, I'm tired." Yujin never called her 'Wonyoung' for so long, it sounded so strange, odd and distant. "You believe what you want to believe," she walked out from the kitchen and slammed the door harder than usual, leaving the sobbing Wonyoung alone.

*****

Wonyoung success slipped to her room and set her clothes for today without woken her up. Her breakfast was prepared neatly on the kitchen counter, a bottle of infused water was ready to go. Yujin knew that today Wonyoung had to attended yet another stressful court at early morning. So her physical absence didn't become a question. The following rooming went normal as nothing happen.

But somehow weird.

It was just her or the sandwich did feel bland? The coffee was too bitter, Sponge Bob wasn't as funny as usual, the home atmosphere by any meant- creepy.

She couldn't concentrate at work. Her brain kept replying the same scene over and over. She was a bit out of control last night and she regretted it. She shouldn't let anger took over her rational self. 

Restlessness was an understatement.

She wanted to call Wonyoung- it seemed not gentle enough. She decided to stepped on her gas and apologized in person.

She stopped by the florist as a bribe for Wonyoung to get her forgiveness faster.

She walked into Wonyoung's building holding a bouquet of flowers that was bigger than her head.

She spotted Wonyoung near the escalator with Karina and a guy. She cleared her throat from afar. She didn't have speech preparation- she'd just go with the wind.

She stepped closer as she smiled nervously. 

"Really?" The guy sounded surprised. 

She saw Wonyoung nodded, she didn't see her expression though. Wonyoung's back was facing her. 

"You're finally agree to have a dinner with me!?" He shouted excitedly, his eyes practically sparkling. 

Wonyoung nodded again.

"Sweet! I'll tell you when and where. Text me your address, I'll pick you up. See you soon, Wonyoung!" He side hugged her.

Yujin froze as her heart stopped beating and her stomach twirled not in the good way. She couldn't believe her eyes nor her ears. She gulped and held back her tears- she won't cry no matter what. She turned back her heck and pulled her jacket closer. She threw the flower harshly in the trashcan.

Her heart broke into millions of pieces.

"Yujin?" She heard the indistinct voice she used to love on much. She walked faster ignoring the shout. 

"Yujin wait!"

She couldn't process all of it. The ringing in her head won't stop- it made her dizzy. She thought they were in the same page, they wanted the same thing but apparently not. She clenched her fingers till it knuckles turned white. She really wanted to punch that guy right this moment but how could she do that when Wonyoung said yes to the invitation? 

A pull of her arms reflexively yanked by her.

"Yujin-ah?!" Wonyoung was surprised by the rough act she never seen before. 

"You must be having fun of me, huh?" The look of Yujin's face scared her, it was something totally different with the Yujin she knew. It was anger, disappointment, a distant look that she obviously didn't like.

"What are you talking about?" She frowned.

"Yeah, don't play dumb," she snickered sarcastically. "Have fun with your date on your dinner tonight." The tears were threatening to escape her eyes, she quickly turned around and trotted away from her.

"Wait, Yujin-ah! I can explain!" Wonyoung went after her.

"Explain what? How you're laughing at me? How you were lying to me this whole time?! I was nothing but honest to you! I told you how I felt!" She yelled.

"You know I feel the same way about you," Wonyoung's lips were trembling now. "Why-"

"No, you don't. Because I would never treat you like that." She walked again before stopping and facing her for the last time.

"You know what, whatever we are- whatever it is." she shrugged. 

"We're done."

Chapter Text

She didn't cry.

She wanted to but she was numb. Deprived of sensation was her first defense mechanism. She liked to be in control of whatever emotion she felt and to appear tough then noone could break her.

She stepped out of her car, locked it, and walked towards the dock. She took out her phone and pressed its button. The picture of the lock screen ripped her wounded heart even wider.

57 missed calls.

31 text messages

She turned off her phone and pocketed it again. She lay on her back, facing the twilight sky. The wind was kind of harsh slapping her tired face. She had drove around the city before she got here.

A chuckle came out of her far being so foolish. Whatever happened between her and Wonyoung did seem too good to be true. In short amount of time, she lulled by the beauty of a stranger to the point she lost grip on herself.

She closed her eyes pleading to every cell in her body to heal faster. 

Disappointed.

Anger.

Sadness.

They were fused into one.

There was tiny part of her that wanted to crawl back to Wonyoung no matter what, to heard her explanation, to begged her to leave that guy-whoever he was for her.

She once told by her psychiatrist that scream could help, but she had no desire to do it.

Her pager beeped signaling someone paged her. She sighed at the emergency code. She wanted time for herself but then again people 'owned' her. She had to serve them no matter what.

She stood up. She was making her way to her car when she saw an old tree on her way.

The poor tree became the target of her fists.

*****

Yujin quickens her steps towards the emergency. She hid her hands inside her jacket. It stung more but it better than showed it then had everybody made a fuss about it.

"Someone page me emergency, where is it?" She asked the nurse at the nurse station.

"Here's your emergency," Chaewon folded her arms on her chest. Yujin frowned and threw her a glare. She wasn't up for Chaewon's game- whatever it was. At the corner of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of her short friend walking closer to her.

"I'm serious, where's my patient?" She urged the nurse.

"I- I don't know doctor, as far as I know we have no chest trauma tonight." the young man answered. "There's no consult for you too."

"I told you, I'm your emergency." Chaewon stated easily. "Where have you been?" She rested her arm on the table.

"I don't have time for this, Kim Chaewon!" She was about to stomped out when Chaewon tweaked her elbow effectively refrained her to moved forward. The general surgeon dragged her to trauma room number 3 as she closed the door and window in a swift movement.

"Wonyoung is worried sick about you!" She hissed at the short doctor. "Where have you been?!"

"I'm going to say it once and I'm not going to repeat myself. Mind your own business." She empathized each word harshly. 

"She called me, sobbing, and choking on her tears, asking whether I know where you are. Don't you care about her?!" She pressed her voice but it was getting harder since Yujin was too stubborn.

"DOES SHE EVEN CARE ABOUT ME?!" Yujin yelled, Chaewon smothered her mouth by reflex.

"Don't yell," she said lowly. "There are people outside," she reminded her. "Let’s talk properly, okay? I'm going to release you now. Don't do anything stupid and draw attention." She slowly freed her grip.

Chaewon increased her brow when she saw Yujin wiped her mouth with her shoulder instead of her hand.

"What happen to your hand?"

"Nothing." Yujin stepped back.

"Jin..."

"I'm tired, Chae. I really don't want to talk about this," she sighed as she leaned on the wall.

"What happened?" Chaewon asked softly. "You know you can always talk to me."

Tok.. Tok.. Tok..

"Dr. Kim, multiple abdomen blunt injury corning in three minutes," someone informed from outside.

"I'll be right out," Chaewon replied right away. They could saw the informant's shadow walked away. "We're not done talking. Wait here, don't disappear somewhere," Chaewon said sternly.

Yujin didn't respond. She removed her hands off her pocket and examined it closely. She didn't feel her right hand broke, but the pain was no joke. She opened the shabby bandage (it was tissue paper) on her left hand and held her breath at the sight of the cut of her skin. It wasn't deep or really wide but it won't look pretty if it didn't get a proper treatment.

She searched a bottle of normal saline to clean the wound up.

She startled when the door opened abruptly.

"Unnie!" Liz quickly closed the door. "I'm sorry," she grinned at Yujin's shocked face. "Why am I surprised seeing you here when Chaewon unnie was the surgeon on call?"

"Why am I not surprise seeing you here, on call, every time Rei is on call too?" She remarked sarcastically as she caressed her chest to calm her heart.

"I'm her study buddy, unnie," she chuckled. "You taught me to do that," Liz tilted her head at the sight of Yujin's hand. "What happen to your hand, unnie? It's bruised."

Yujin hastily put her hand behind her. "Nothing," she mumbled.

"Oh come on! I already see that, let me take a look closer." She grabbed the older arms and inspected the severe discoloration on her skin.

"It's nothing, Liz." She tried to pull back but Liz grip was too firm.

"Did you punch something again, unnie? Are you okay?" She asked carefully. "Should we get you an X-Ray? We have to suture this one."

"I don't think my right hand is broken but my left hand, I don't know." Yujin answered quietly. Liz moved the mobile x-ray and placed near Yujin. She put on the apron and turned on the machine.

It didn't take too long to produce the film. Yujin narrowed her eyes examining the photo. She didn't find any displacement or broken bone, she sighed in relieved.

"Do you mind?" Yujin clasped the bottle using her arm and stomach and awkwardly carried it to Liz. The ob-gyn doctor pinned the top of the bottle.

"Sit there, unnie. I'll prepare the stuff," she forced Yujin to sit on the patient's bed and took all the instrument she needed.

"Just do temporary suture, I'll ask Suelgi to fix it tomorrow," Yujin closed her eyes, she winched when she felt the needle penetrated her skin.

"Okay. Anyway, what happened, unnie?" Liz waited for the local anesthetic to work.

"Nothing," she turned away her head- not able to looked her dongsaeng right in the eyes. Being the younger among them all, Liz often looked up to her, saying out loud of what she did kind of made her felt bad. She should be a role model, not a reckless person.

The door opened abruptly yet again.

"I swear I'm going to die young! Damn it, Chaewon!" She startled yet again. Chaewon clicked the door closed gentler.

"You're here, good." She nodded satisfied. "Hey Liz," she greeted her sister. "Not helping Rei study?"

"She's doing something on her patient, she'll call me if she needs me."

"What are you guys doing?" Chaewon peeked from Liz back. She gasped at the view. "Yujin what are you doing?!"

"Not in the mood to talk about it now shut up, let Liz do her work in peace." Yujin snapped at her. 

"At least tell me know what in the world happen?" She asked, unaffected. 

"Don't you have patient?" 

"My resident is on it. Now don't change the subject." 

"She didn't tell you?" She increased her brow.

"She said you misunderstood something, she keeps calling me asking where you are. She's here couple hours ago looking so miserable, crying her eyes out, Jin."

Yujin didn't say anything.

"Call her, please? She's waiting." Chaewon spoke softly.

"I call it quit, I said to her we're over," Yujin uttered as her heart crushed again- eyes stared at the ground.

"Why did you do that, unnie? I actually like Wonyoung." Liz started suturing.

Yujin shrugged.

"You're allowed to be blind and stupid at one time only; it's when you're falling in love. But don't be stupid and blind when you angry, you're not an idiot, Yujin-ah. Explain your anger but don't act on it. You need a solution not a war."

"How am I suppose to explain anything when she-" She choked, she couldn't bring herself remembering the horrible scene. 

"You misunderstand, Jin. Let her explain," she patted her arm. 

"She's going to a date with that guy tonight." Yujin clenched her jaw. 

"He's probably just a colleague, unnie." 

"I'm not going to deal with that again," Yujin shook her head. 

"Yujin-ah, it's not fair," Chaewon sighed. Once Yujin set her mind on something, it'll be hard to change it.

"Did you forget of what happen the last time my girlfriend introduced me with her co-worker?! I got cheated on!" She wailed. "I'm not going to through that again!"

"Unnie, don't yell," Liz put her index finger near her lips signaling her to talk like normal people do.

"Wonyoung is not Yuna, Yujin. She's different."

"She could be like her! I've been through hell trying to keep alive by living like a corpse! I'm not doing that again, I'm not- I can't..." she whispered wearily.

"We're done, unnie. Come on, you need to rest. You'll feel better tomorrow. I'll take NSAID to your room." Liz removed her gloves and threw away all the used things. 

She gently helped Yujin up. She scooted her unnie out of the room as she nodded a little towards Chaewon.

Chaewon exhaled a deep breath as she unlocked her phone dialing Wonyoung's number. It was late but she was sure Wonyoung wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. The lawyer had explicitly told her to call no matter what time it was. 

She picked up on the half ring.

"Chaewon?" The voice was sounded tired but full of expectancy.

"She's at the hospital, don't worry she's fine, she'll be safe with us here." Chaewon intentionally didn't mention the cut on Yujin's hand. Wonyoung already had too much on her plate.

"I'm going there." Chaewon heard the noisy sound. 

"Wait, Wonyoung. Don't." 

"Why?!" 

"I'm afraid she uh-" don't want to see you? No I can't say that. Its too harsh. "She needs to rest, you need to rest too. Go to sleep, Won."

"She will rest, with me, in our home! I'm picking her up."

"That's not a good idea," Chaewon caressed her temple. "Please, Won? I'll talk more to her tomorrow. Just don't come here right now."

"Chaewon," her voice cracked. "I need to see her now, I need to make sure. She needs to know the truth," Chaewon heard the sniffling.

"She's stubborn, Wonyoung-ah. Let her calm down first then you can talk to her. But not now, she's going to say something she'll regret. Please just stay at home, she'll be okay, I promise you that."

Wonyoung didn't reply. 

"Sleep, Won. I'll call you if anything." The line went died.

Liz knocked the on-call room door and slipped through it slowly. Yujin hadn't sleep. She placed the drug and mineral water on the nightstand. She heard Yujin said thank you, she nodded in the dark.

She pulled the door open to make her way out.

"Yujin unnie?"

"Hmm?"

"Uhm, you're not going to ask me to move all your stuff from your apartment again, right?"

Yujin didn't reply. 

*****

Yujin got woken up in early morning for emergency patient. She groaned as she tried to support herself but then the sharp pain shooting throughout her body jolted her.

She examined the patient with Rei, the family and the anesthesiologist approved for surgery. Yujin changed her clothes to a clean scrub. Rei was the first to scrubbing, Yujin just stood there.

"I can't join the surgery, Dr. Kim. You're going solo," she said.

"Why, Dr. An?"

"My hands are injured. Don't worry, you have assistants," she referred the fourth- and third-year resident. "I'll supervise you all the way."

Yujin sat at the chair a bit away from the surgery table. The surgery went smooth and Rei didn't really need her to tell her the way. Yujin pulled out her phone and sent Winter a message; asking her to meet up.

"Dr. An," she recognized it was Chaewon's voice. She used a mask as her head popped into the room. "Mr. Jang is in the hospital."

Her heart skipped a beat. "I'll be right out."

*****

Yujin with her dark blue scrub walked with Chaewon to the left wing of the hospital. Chaewon had caught her up on what was the cause of her 'supposed to be in law' admitted to the hospital.

Chaewon showed her to his room.

"The first class is full so he'd be here till we get him another room," Chaewon stopped at the nurse station. Yujin turned her head as she increased her brow. "Wonyoung is there too. Don't hurt her more than you already do," she walked to the opposite direction.

Yujin sighed. She put on her game face and slipped her injured hands on her pocket and marched her way into the room- it divided by a curtain into two parts. There was another patient beside Mr. Kim.

"Hey, daddy. How are you feeling?" She asked as soon as he saw her.

"My child!" He greeted her. "I'm all better now," he smiled kindly. "Kind of sleepy but good nonetheless."

Yujin acknowledged all people in the room- her parents, Mrs. Jang and the used to be her other half. Yujin did smile towards Wonyoung but she didn't look at her. It was only for their parent's sake.

They chit chats bit and Yujin explained to them what cholelithiasis (gallstone) meant and the treatment he'd received.

All head turned towards the door where a second-year resident holding a lab coat. 

"Dr. An, it's yours. You left it in the OR," she said. 

"Put it there," she pointed the armchair with her eyes. The resident quickly set it at the requested place then left. Not long after, Dr. Lee- the doctor in charged for Mr. Jang came in. He was Yujin's teacher since she was a student. 

"Dr. An? Why do we own the pleasure of having you here?" He softly touched her back, in fatherly way.

"This is my father-in-law, sir." It was awkward to have her hands in her pocket, it wasn't polite at all to do that when you're facing your teacher. She carefully took out her un-bandage hand- the bruised was noticeable. 

Wonyoung could easily spot it. She bit her lower lip as attempted to cairn herself- both because of Yujin's injured hand and also, she said that her father was her father-in-law.

"You're married? How come I don't know about it?" He surprised.

"Uuh, we're not married yet but hopefully soon," Yujin smiled. 

Yujin might be able to fool everyone but not Wonyoung. Wonyoung knew her better, Yujin's eyes were dim- vacant. She was hiding her true feelings.

"Aah, who's the lucky person?"

"I am, sir." Yujin answered still smiling. Now her eyes were sad, it broke Wonyoung's heart.

He chuckled, "I mean your partner," he affirmed his intent.

"Oh, yeah of course. Here she is, doctor. Wonyoung Jang," for a split second their eyes met. Yujin gulped trying to control herself before looked away. Wonyoung bowed to him and greeted him politely.

"You are indeed the lucky one, she's so pretty!" He laughed. "Congratulation then, I'll be waiting for your wedding invitation," he patted Yujin's shoulder lightly.

Everything went blur after the conversation about marriage and Wonyoung. Her body was there but her mind drift apart to somewhere else. Being in the same room with Wonyoung somehow made her sentimental.

She missed her, she missed holding her in her arms, she missed her scent, she missed Wonyoung's smile more than ever. Her rock heart was eaten her up from inside. It drove her nuts yet she couldn't do anything.

"Dr. An can stay with you throughout the surgery. You don't have anything to worry about." Dr. Lee finished examine Mr. Jang, he said the surgery would set whenever Mr. Jang was ready. Yujin ushered the older doctor out and thanked him.

"I'm glad you introduced Wonyoung to your colleague as your fiancee," her now smiled approvingly. Mr. Kim was already fallen asleep due to the medicine.

"Isn't that what I am supposed to do?" Yujin replied flatly. There was harshness in her tone that didn't go unnoticed by Wonyoung. Her heart crushed as if it wasn't already shattered. 

"Young lady I-" Young lady was the nickname her mom gave her if she did something rebelliously- she rarely used that. Assuming that she called her like that, she was pretty sure her now was enraged at her.

"Excuse me doctor," a low male voice made she lifted her head. It effectively shut her mom. She nodded at the resident who was entering the room as he bowed a little. He was checking up on his patient- Mr. Jang's neighbor who was just done his surgery this morning.

She observed her resident doing his work- he was writing the vital sign on his patient's chart. She narrowed her eyes at the drainage before the monitor alarm went off loudly.

"There's active bleeding inside!" Yujin acted quickly. She punched the emergency button- wrong move.

"Darn it!" She cursed out loud, she forgot about her hands. She groaned in pain. A few nurses dashed in carrying the equipment, one of them rushed the family outside.

"Yujin-ah!" Wonyoung out of nowhere appeared beside her in the chaos. "Are you okay? What happen with your hand?" She asked worriedly.

"Miss, we really need you to get out now." the guy nurse tried to push her.

"Hey! Hey! Easy there," Yujin glared at him. "Out, Wony. Now. I'm fine."

"But-"

"Just out, please. I'm fine." She assured her, Wonyoung finally did as she told. "Someone page general!" She yelled.

Yujin slide in and watched her resident opened his patient up. He got in his arm into the abdomen to find the bleeding source.

"You got it?" She asked as she looked at the monitor closely. His vital sign was starting to stable.

"Yeah, I got it," he climbed on the bed and fixed his position. The tall nurse covered the wound with sterile linen.

"Book an OR," she ordered as she helped to unbuckle the bed's wheel.

She smiled encouragingly to the resident until they disappeared into the elevator.

Yujin sighed tiredly. She was thankful that Mr. Jang was still fast asleep despite the mess. She stroked her hand, regretting why would she punch the innocent tree in the first place. 

She was stood up at the doorstep when Rei approaching her.

"Dr. An, I want to report to you Chung Yeong,4 y.o., the heart transplant with the mitral valve replacement patient- oh her EF fall to 25%, we scheduled the surgery tomorrow."

Yujin brushed her hair wearily. 25% won’t do, a lot of scarring to get through, the risk was too big. 

"Cancel it, no more surgery," she shook her head. 

"What do you mean no more surgery?"

"We've done the replacement twice, her body is rejecting it. With the EF down to that score, the chance for her to die on our table is- I don't know, 92%? So no, no more surgery."

"So, we're not going to do anything about her? She's dying, doctor. She needs help. Your help."

"Her parents will have more time with her without the surgery. I'll talk to them later," she started to walked away.

"We've come this far and you're just going to give up now? She's your patient even before she was born. Her parents still want to fight, why won’t you?" That stopped Yujin at her track. "There's still 8% of success, we can count on it."

She turned back to face Rei. 

"Dr. Kim, I'm your attending and you will do what I say. It's over, let it go." She turned around her heels, rubbing her tired eyes softly.

Yujin spotted Wonyoung sitting near the nurse station by herself. Her parents and Wonyoung’s mom were gone somewhere. Wonyoung slowly stood up and smiled nervously at her.

"Yujin-" 

"Not now, Wonyoung." she walked pass her without a second glance.

*****

It had been three days since Mr. Jang got the surgery. Yujin checked up on him whenever she had time and spent all her free time to chat with him. She lied to the old man when she said she was going to go home at night because she obviously didn't. Wonyoung also didn't speak a word about their fight to her parents.

Mrs. An sensed something went wrong with her kids but she knew better than to interfere them now. Wonyoung's puffy eyes was too evident to see whilst Yujin's quietness was too loud for her to hear that something bothering her daughter. Yujin and Wonyoung were totally different from the dinner they had on Wonyoung's birthday.

It was yet another lunch that Wonyoung skipped. She was too anxious she couldn't digest anything. She lost weight in no time. The dark circle on under her eyes was beginning to visible as the result of sleepless night. Yujin said she needed time to think, but how long? Wonyoung was already suffered and she was exhausted. She saw Yujin everyday without her looking back at her. Even if they talked, it was a short conversation and Yujin's eyes was set on the floor then after she finished, she'd act like Wonyoung wasn't even there. She completely ignored her.

She sipped her drink slowly. Chaewon and Winter set their tray and sat. 

"Wonyoung, you don't eat?" Winter bit her potato fries. 

"No, I'm not hungry," she smiled tiredly. 

"How's Yujin?" 

"She's okay," Winter replied. She's not, actually. She's miserable but that dumb is stupid and stubborn I can't even crack her head. 

"Does she eat?" Wonyoung asked again. "Does she sleep well?"

Chaewon sighed inwardly as Winter replied the lawyer. Yujin was her best friend and she loved Yujin with all her heart. She acknowledged that she was afraid to the max-to the extent she'd be literally crazy if Wonyoung ever done the same thing with what Yuna did to her. But Chaewon can't imagine this girl- who sat before her would ever do something that awful to Yujin.

The only thing Chaewon could do was assuring Wonyoung that Yujin just required time and space for herself for the time being.

Wonyoung wasn't even at fault but she acted like one. She yielded for Yujin's comfort yet Yujin didn't scorn to care to Wonyoung's need.

Wonyoung kept on asking Yujin's wellbeing and Chaewon let Winter answered all the question.

"I heard she's seeing someone, Dr. An I mean." Chaewon turned her head a bit to the voice source.

"That's just rumor, okay? Have you seen her with someone? No right? So, case closed, she's single." the other said. 

"Why are you no defensive? Even if she's single she won’t date you anyway." a laughed.

"What's so fascinating about Dr. Yujin An anyway, unnies? A lot of people in this hospital talk about her."

"Have you seen her? She's a cardiothoracic surgeon for one, she's tall, she's pretty, she's cool, she's badass! I heard she's so good too in bed. Oh! And her lips are so...ugh" a giggled.

"Her skin is no white and soft!" 

"How do you know?" 

"I have my way, being the nurse in cardio floor does have it perks," she flipped her hair. 

"She's so pretty, when she smiles, I get weak on my knees, she can melt me and I wouldn't mind!"

"Guys, I think... she is seeing someone," a new voice participated, it was low but loud enough for the eavesdroppers.

"What?!" They said together. 

"She's here at night. I have night shift and I see her recently sleep in on call room for a few days and I just... I thought I-I," she stuttered. 

"Wh- are you trying to sleep with her?" Someone pressed a squeal. 

"No! It's not me! It's the- you know the nurse from the left wing? The one with black shiny hair." 

"And big butt?" 

"Yep, the big butt one." 

"Big butt? Seriously?"

"Yeah, that one, people said she had history with Dr. An. I was just passing the on-call room where Dr. An rested in and I heard them talking. Wait, I think Dr. An kind of shouted at her."

"What did she say?"

"She says she's in love with someone and she's actually engaged with her and what that nurse did is inappropriate," she explained. "I never see her so angry like that. She slams the door and I don't see her for the rest of the night." 

Tears fell on Wonyoung's cheeks.

Chapter Text

Wonyoung wiped her tears that seem couldn't stop. She repeatedly ordered her brain to hamper her lacrimal system- it still didn't stop. It was embarrassing and annoying to cry and smile like an idiot at the same time.

She excused herself to the toilet not far from the cafeteria. She calmed down a bit and checked herself in the mirror. Her eyes and cheeks were red, she quickly fixed her makeup and huffed a breath.

She didn't hear the first statement of love directly from Yujin. She thought Yujin hated her, she almost believed it that they were over-done. She considered giving up for good, it'd hurt so much, but at least they won’t hang up in some uncertainty anymore.

Now all was out from the oven.

"She's in love with me," she whispered in disbelief.

The fact was still baffled her. She wondered why it felt so good to hear that Yujin was actually in love with her from a group of gossipy nurses. Shouldn't she be mad because of it?

If it was just a bunch of coquettish girls who accidentally caused her to know about it already made her fly to the seventh sky, what would she became if Yujin straightly confessed to her? 

Die. 

Yeah, that probably will happen.

Suddenly, all the misery and loneliness vanished in an instant. She can't take it anymore, she had been patient for days and now keeping the silence for understanding won't do. She gathered all her stuff and stomped her way back to her table.

As if the universe finally gave her a favor, Yujin walked in into the cafeteria. She didn't go to queue to order some food. Instead, she stood by the vending machine and picked up a snack and a cup of coffee.

It was her third coffee for today, Wonyoung wouldn't be mistaken. She saw Yujin slurred up her morning coffee before she came to see her father at 08.13 a.m., she managed to get a glimpse of Yujin threw away the coffee's plastic cup when she visited her patient at 12.17 p.m. and now within two hours later, she wanted to drink another coffee.

Wonyoung moved from her chair and marched her way towards Yujin.

The tall girl was going to pick up her coffee when a voice refrained her to do so.

"Don't," she said. "Too much coffee is not good for you." 

Yujin sighed. She ignored Wonyoung and took her coffee. 

The lawyer forcefully grabbed the cup and tossed it into the trash can. 

"Wonyoung, what the-" Yujin sent her a disapproving look. 

"You're coming home with me," she forcefully nudged Yujin's arm. 

"I have work to do!" Yujin hissed, not wanting to attract attention. 

"Yeah, like you can use your hand," she calmly replied. 

"Wonyoung, stop." Yujin yanked her arm. "What are you doing?!" She scowled.

"Either you come home with me or find us a place to talk," she spoke with an evident authority tone.

"I can't do this now," Yujin looked away.

"Then when can you? I'm not going to have more sleepless night and pathetically lying on your bed, holding your pillow, aching for you, hoping that you'd come home and finding it's just a wishful thinking the next day. I can't have the same box ice cream longer than three days in the fridge because you're not there to eat it. I don't want to watch sappy cheesy soap opera and not listening your endless criticized about it."

"So, you will hear out my explanation whether you like it or not. I don't care about your work. I'm selfish, I know, but I won't apologize for that this time. I can't wait any longer. I miss you and I can't take it anymore. I need you to understand me, I need you to not be Ms. know it all when you know nothing. So, what would it be? Home or somewhere private in this building?" She finished her rant with her hands on her hips.

Yujin was stunned. She blinked a couple times to process what Wonyoung just say. She couldn't utter a word for a long time.

"You're a very slow thinker as a surgeon to decide something that simple," Wonyoung remarked, she was getting impatient by Yujin's act.

The thing was, it wasn't simple. It was complicated. Sure, her heart was longing for Wonyoung, she couldn't deny that her presence- every time they met even though just a moment in every day for the past five days lifted up her mood drastically. But her brain that played the main role of her logic said it was a big no no to redo the same mistake she made at all cost.

She was torn.

"Yujin-ah..." Wonyoung called out softly.

"Home." she finally spoke, she shut down the negative voice and trusted her instinct instead. "I'll go get change, you wait here. We'll go home together."

*****

Wonyoung offered a bowl of ice cream in front of Yujin's face. Yujin turned down, said she's not hungry.

"Ice cream can always make you feel better," Wonyoung took a spoon of it and juxtaposed it near Yujin's lips asking her to open up her mouth. 

Yujin shook her head.

Wonyoung felt rejected, but put her best unaffected face nevertheless. She sighed and set the bowl on the table.

"Can we just cut short to the main problem?" Yujin spoke emotionless.

Wonyoung sighed inwardly. Small talk wouldn't have any function at the moment. She had figured it out though, Yujin's personality was always straight on the point rather than going around the bush to break the ice.

"What you saw the other day is not like what you think." she started. "He's just a friend of mine and there's nothing going on between us."

"A friend who apparently so excited because you finally agree to go to dinner with him?" Yujin snorted sarcastically.

"Yujin-ah, can you not do that?" 

"Do what?" 

"Scoffing like that it's like you've built a wall and no matter what I say is not going to make any difference. You haven't even heard the rest of the story."

"Do I really need to know?" She threw her arms in the air desperately. She stood up from the couch feeling overwhelmed by the confusion and frustration. She rubbed her face and massaged her neck slowly.

She sighed loudly.

"I fall in love with this woman longtime ago," Yujin gulped. "One day, she introduces me with this friend of her. She says he's like a brother to her," Yujin chuckled as she shook her head. 

"Who would've thought I'm going to witness them having sex in my house on the bed that I bought with my own money from years of saving two months later on the day that I was supposed to ask her to marry me."

Wonyoung gasped at her revelation. Yujin gritted her teeth.

"She doesn't even aware of my presence that day, too busy with her pleasure to notice me standing in the doorway with my feeling of betrayal. We never say goodbye. I ask my friends to gradually move all my stuff out from that apartment. She doesn't even look out for me, no asking around, nothing." Yujin shrugged.

"She's always been the 'it' girl, I'm also surprised when she asks me out first to be quite honest. There's a lot of competition for me to finally can be with her in peace without disturbance. I'm not a perfect person to begin with, I have flaws and I make a lot of mistakes. One of them is the fact that I'm a doctor. Time seems to be the only thing that is difficult for me to give to her."

"Well, at least I guess she finally gets what she wants, to get rid of me. She's free and that's what's important to her, hurting me is just the way she had to do to make her wish come true faster," her lips trembling-trying hard to hold herself together. "Sad, isn't it?" She laughed bitterly. "Am I really not worth it?"

Their eyes met. She saw no pity whatsoever, there was only genuinely care that gleaming from Wonyoung's eyes. Wonyoung moved painfully slow as she approached the frozen Yujin and cupped her face.

The piercing of loving eyes in the end melted her rock heart. Yujin didn't bother to hide onto swab away her tears.

"There is no competition for you to be with me," she said gently. She brushed Yujin's tears using her thumbs. "All you have to do is trust me," she kissed her left eye. "And believe in us," she kissed her right eye. "We'll be okay, I promise."

She hugged Yujin and let her break down in her arms. Yujin grasped her tightly as if her dear life was depending on Wonyoung.

It was a blue afternoon overflowing with new honesty and veracity. It didn't matter if they had to go through the long and winding road ahead of them as long as they had each other to hold on to. 

*****

She was tired and sleepy, in no time she peacefully surfed in her slumber state.

Her breath was steady and deep. There was no frown, or incoherent mumbled by the nightmare. She smiled in her sleep. She was finally home, Wonyoung was her safe place- her sanctuary. Now that she was in her arms again, she wondered why would she even left in the first place.

Her insecurity became a big bull and disappeared in vain in Wonyoung's warns embrace. She wouldn't mind to admit that she was stupid and thickheaded if it meant Wonyoung would accept her again.

Yujin stirred a bit, then snuggled closer to Wonyoung. She adjusted her head under Wonyoung's chin, she could smell her intoxicated fragrant- it made her high.

Wonyoung sang her lullaby. I was much more like humming than singing-in anyway, it was melodious.

Yujin opened her eyes and cutely rubbed it, earning a soft peck on top of her head.

"Are you awake?" 

"Uhuh," she hummed, too lazy to speak properly.

"Want to sleep more?"

"No," she yawned as she shook her head. Contraindicating with her own word, she enfolded Wonyoung even closer. She wrapped her leg around her. It was a weird position since they were on the couch but Yujin couldn't careless.

Wonyoung chuckled. "Let's sleep then." she felt Yujin shook her head again.

"I'm hungry."

"Wanna eat now?" 

She nodded. "I'd like to go out and have fancy dinner with you." 

"But we have a lot of things to talk about," she poked her cheek. "Rain check on fancy dinner?" 

"Okay, what do you want to talk about?" 

"I think it's best if we shower first then I'll cook something then we can have chit chat during dinner, what do you say?" 

"Sure, but let’s lie down like this for a while longer."

*****

"Yujin-ah?"

"Yeah?"

"I haven't told you my explanation," Wonyoung reminded her as she added some spaghetti carbonara that she made to Yujin's plate.

"Do I really have to?" The doctor pouted, she deliberately avoiding that inevitable conversation. Hearing 'me and him' in one sentence out from Wonyoung's mouth already made her blood pressure jumped up to the verge.

"Yes, I don't want any secret or unfinished business between us," she gave her a fork.

"Our business won't be over until one of us dies," Yujin mumbled as she chewed her food.

"Say it again?" 

"It's nothing," Yujin still pursuing her lips. 

"Yujin-ah." Wonyoung narrowed her eyes towards her. 

"I said our business won’t be over until one of us die," she spoke louder. 

"And why is that?" 

"Wh- if you have forgotten about this um..." she formulated the right statement. "Our parents set a marriage for us. We'll be married and as far as I know divorce-" she choked on her words at the thought. "I really really don't want to get through it. So yeah, our business will not be over for a longtime."

"You want to marry me because of our parents?" Wonyoung asked calmly, though she was nervous as hell to hear the answer.

"Of course not!" Yujin replied quickly.

Yujin exhaled quietly. "Can we back to your story, please?"

I couldn't bring myself to say I'm in love with you now.

*****

Wonyoung smiled at the Yujin 'thinking hard expression. "Okay," she swallowed the spaghetti and drank her water. "His name is Sung-"

"I don't want to know his name," Yujin cut. "Just straight to the point, please."

"What do you want to know then?"

Nothing. 

"Anything, just make it quick."

"He's been asking me out for over a year," Yujin made some weird expression due to her uneasiness. "I never say yes. Yes, we hang out together but never just the two of us, there's always other people around."

"Can you not use us or we?" Yujin groaned. It was ridiculous and unreasonable, she just can't help but hate it.

"Yujin-ah..." She reached out for her. "Believe me when I say nothing happen."

"I believe you it's just..." she sighed. "Go on continue, will not cut or something."

"You know what, let’s do brutally honest." she suggested. "I'll tell you all about it, doesn't matter if you dislike it, you still have to hear it. I don't want to hide anything from you anymore. I don't want you to find out from other people, I don't want any secret between us."

Well maybe not all secret will reveal tonight. Baby steps, Yujin. Are you willing to take baby steps with me on this certain case? 

"Okay," Yujin replied. "Go ahead,"

"There's a lot of people who's after me." Wonyoung inspected Yujin's reaction. Yujin held her breath but said nothing. "Some of them are very persistent- like him for example. He's a nice guy. We've been colleagues since my very first day at the firm. I only see him as a friend whilst he develops feelings for me to something more."

"I didn't tell him about you because I'm not sure about us, whether we'll be end up together or not. When I'm aware of my feelings for you, I want to tell him but then I think I don't own him anything. I don't have to tell him about my private life."

"That night when I see that wrong number texted you, I realize that the world needs to know that we're together. I belong to you and you belong to me. That's why I agree to have one dinner with him, with all his kindness towards me dinner is the least I can do." It was the umpteenth time Yujin huffed.

"I did have dinner with him at a sushi restaurant near the office for maybe ten minutes top. I just want to end it right here and there. I don't think my explanation is nice enough. My mind is all after you and you and you. I really am sorry Yujin-ah. I never meant to hurt you, I plan to tell you about the dinner soon after I arrived at my office because I left my phone charged there but well... suddenly you're there out of nowhere and then disappeared for days."

"Please don't ever do that again, Yujin-ah. We will argue, there will come times when we're going to fight and maybe too tired to be with each other but don't disappear like that ever again. You can have space and time for yourself if that's what you want but I really can't have you gone to god knows where and for how long. I lost my mind, literally."

"We'll scream, we'll shout, we'll yell or whatever I just need you to talk to me, open up to me. I'm sure we can figure the rest out together. Can you do that?"

Yujin nodded. "I'm sorry," she muttered as she bowed her head. "I can do that."

"Thank you," Wonyoung kissed her cheek. "Any comment?"

"I won’t go near sushi for the time being." 

*****

Extremely frustrated. Yep, that had been the right term to describe Wonyoung's mood lately.

Yujin frustrates her to the extent of hearing her voice or looking at her picture made her smile like a fool. The feelings that she had for Yujin became unbearable day by day. She missed Yujin every time she wasn't around, she found herself looking at Yujin intensively when they were watching the TV as if Yujin was the show, she daydreamed about her when she hangs out with her friends, she did so many other weird things that associated with her.

She had been staring at Yujin's lips on daily basis and wondering how soft it would be. Her lips were so kissable and she unconsciously licked her own lips at the sight.

Wonyoung had dropped hints here and there about taking their physical contact to the next level, she didn't know whether Yujin was that clueless or she was just being careful. She really, really wanted to kiss Yujin with all her might but she was too shy to initiate it.

After months of trying and still nothing, the passion started to fade. Her craziness wasn't that severe anymore. 

When the time is right, it will happen. She comforted herself.

One day, on a cold afternoon in Wonyoung's office, Wonyoung and Minju laughed their butts off at Karina's date story. Hearing the infectious laughed, Karina couldn't help but follow suit even though it meant she laughed at herself.

Her sister set her at a blind date with a PR guy who worked at one of the biggest company in Korea. She thought that guy would be good looking, funny and friendly. Instead, she got a chubby- thick glasses kind of guy. It wasn't even the main problem, he was a nervous wreck he couldn't even utter a proper word. That date was the most awkward date Karina ever had.

They were still chuckling when someone knocked on Wonyoung's office door.

They all cleared her throat just in case it was their boss or client. They straightened their blazer to look presentable.

"Ms. Jang, there's someone asking for you," her secretary opened the door wider to let the deliver man passed through.

"I'm looking for umm," he read the name on the envelope. "Ms. Wonyoung Jang?"

"That's me. Anything I could help?"

"Ah, this package and the cactus," he stiffed a laugh. "Are for you miss Wonyoung?" he put a shopping bag and a pot of thorny plant on the table. "I need you to sign here," he handed her the form.

"Who's this from?" She asked as she gave her signature.

"I don't know, Ms. Jang. The boss just orders me to deliver this." He bowed and excused himself. "Thank you, miss. Have a nice day."

Minju, Karina and Wonyoung exchanged glance.

"Cactus? What a weird present." Chae commented. "Anyway, go ahead open it," She encouraged her.

She took the bag and pulled out a sleeveless gold knee length dress and a pair of ivory heels. It was really pretty- she instantly liked it.

"Wow! Who the heck send it to you?!"

"Let’s find out," she grabbed the envelope and tore it carefully. She smiled straight away at the sight of hospital letterhead that printed on it. 

Happy 1st anniversary!

It's been exactly one year since we saw each other for the first time at that one Japanese restaurant.

I don't care how we meet or how we felt towards each other that day, because it doesn't matter. What matters is that I find you.

Dinner tonight?

I'll pick you up at 19:00?

P.S:

- I think you'd look stunning in gold.

- I'm sorry I used prescription paper. I wanted to get you a cute card, but the mini market downstairs ran out of it

- I can't wait to see you

--Yujin An

*****

She was set in her dress waiting for Yujin to pick her up.  

21:35 p.m., and still nothing.

She glanced at the clock, pleading for it to moved slower. It already passed one and half hours without any news from Yujin. She had called her many times but it went straight to the voice mail.

She grew worried and annoyed by that tall human.

She sighed as she took off her heels. Tonight was most likely just another promise that Yujin had to call off for her patients.

The noise from outside made her lifted her head up. She stood up and walked towards the main door.

"Yujin-ah?" She frowned at the girl who was still on her scrubs, breathless.

"Hey," Yujin greeted her whilst panting for air. "You look wow..." she amazed by the view. "You look stunning," she smiled widely.

"And you look like... you," Wonyoung remarked sarcastically. "No dinner tonight, right?"

"Oh, right. l- I'm so sorry, Wony," she forgot about her 'explain the situation as soon as Wonyoung on her sight' plan because of the lawyer's beauty.

"I ruined our plan again; I know and I'm really sorry. I've prepared everything, but today is suck. The boards order me to read some CV of the candidates to fill in Dr. Park's place, ER is such a mess and when I'm about to get out of there an emergency patient with ruptured aorta come and God knows how long it takes to repair it, I run as fast as I could to be here, I don't have time to change my dress because it'll cost me more time and the dinner can't happen anyway."

"I ordered a bouquet of flowers for you, I think for all this failure flowers are the least I can give to you but when I arrive at the florist, they closed. To extend my bad luck, I slipped at the sidewalk and I think I strain my foot muscle. I swear I've prepared everything, Wony. I'm sorry I couldn't call you. I left my phone somewhere I couldn't remember this afternoon. I'm going to make it up for it, I really am sor-"

A kissed on her lips silenced her.

She froze.

All this time, she maintained her act towards Wonyoung because she didn't want to push her to something she didn't want. She wanted to earn her trust, she wanted her to be fully comfortable with her before anything else. 

She had been waiting for this moment for as long as she could remember. She could feel Wonyoung's hands on the side of her head. Her lips tugged hers in slow motion.

It was soft, gentle and unrushed...

... 'Til Yujin broke off the kiss due to the lack of oxygen in her lungs.

"Woah!" she inhaled sharply. "You're seriously would be the death of me! Feel." She brought Wonyoung's hand on her chest. "I guess I'm having a heart attack right now," Yujin breathed heavily.

Wonyoung shook her head. "You sure know how to ruin a moment, Yujin." she scoffed.

"I'm holding my shoe," Yujin lifted her arm showing her dirty shoe to Wonyoung's face. "You kiss me when I'm holding my shoe!"

"This is supposed to be romantic!" Wonyoung glared at her. 

"Then you shouldn't kiss me when I'm holding my shoe!" 

"Stop dragging your smelly shoe into this!" She folded her arms and stomped her way back to the living room. 

"I still can't believe it our first kiss would be taken in front of the shoe case while me holding my shoe," Yujin sulked as she followed Wonyoung in uneven gait.

"I said stop it." 

"I haven't even showered," Yujin took a seat beside Wonyoung. 

"Ew! Go away you stinky!" 

"Oh come on! I think we should kiss some more." 

"I regret it that I kiss you," she held her head high.

"Really?" Yujin leaned to Wonyoung, tilting her head as she closed the gap between them. She captured her lips tenderly. They kissed and kissed and kissed like there was no tomorrow.

Yujin was the first to pull back. She rested her forehead at Wonyoung's. 

Yujin caressed her lower lip.

"I'm in love with you." 

Then the world went blank. 

She died. 

Probably.

Chapter Text

"Should we talk to them now?"

"They're doing really good, I don't want to put any pressure on them. Let there be. What do you think?"

"We think the same way too. But for how long?" 

"Give it six more months? Let them enjoy the happy phase." 

"And if they finally ask us about it?" 

"Then we'll discuss it with them." 

"We're happy." 

"Believe me, we are too."

*****

Everyone sat at their respective spot. "You found your phone?"

"No. I can't believe I lost it. All of my important contacts are there." Yujin sulked as she slurped her soup.

"But that's the same phone," Eunbi pointed the black device beside Yujin's bowl.

"It's Wony's. I bought a new phone but it's too big. I don't like it so I trade it with her. Her phone is boring, no games whatsoever. I have to download it all over again."

"What phone did you buy?" Winter asked. 

"iPhone X, I want to buy the same type like my old one but it's no longer produced. I can't believe their breakthrough revolution is its size," Yujin laughed. "The application is pretty much the same, I think?" 

"You should exchange it with me. I wouldn't mind a bigger phone." 

"In your dream, you short!" Yujin snorted at her. 

"You're only few inches taller, you dumb! Anyway, are you going to go to that conference?" Winter stole Eunbi's fries. 

"I don't know, haven't talk to Wony about it." Yujin drank her infused water before shoving her noodles into her mouth. 

"What?" 

"The conference will be hold for three days and I don't want to be all alone in different continent with myself."

"Wow, never know you're so smitten." Eunbi and Winter laughed out loud. Yujin stopped chewing her food to glare at her friends.

 "It's a good thing, really." Eunbi said still snickering. 

"You say it like it's not. Stop laughing at me. Yah!" 

They didn't stop.

*****

"What's for dinner?" Yujin opened the fridge and picked up her ice cream. 

"Jinnie, no ice cream before dinner." Wonyoung reminded her. 

"Just one scoop." 

"Yujin," the lawyer glared sternly at her. 

"Put it back to the fridge. Ice cream is for dessert not appetizer."

"But I want appetizer," she pouted. "Then have salad or something. Put. It. Back." Wonyoung emphasized each word. 

"Dictator." Yujin muttered under her breath but did what she told anyway. She wasn't as freely as when she didn't know about Wonyoung's existence. She used to have ice cream for dinner, ice cream for breakfast, ice cream for midnight snack and no one would nag her for it.

But, she wouldn't barter her new life with anything in the world. 

"I heard that," Wonyoung stated whilst tasting her cooking. 

"So what? Are you going to ban ice cream from me?" Yujin pulled a face. 

"Should I do that?" The pretty girl challenged her. 

"Aish," she sighed. "I'm not a kid anymore. I can eat whatever I want." Yujin huffed as she sat on the kitchen counter. 

"Then maybe you should act like an adult," Wonyoung gave her a peck on the lips. "It's for your own good, Yujin-ah." 

"Fine," she defeated. "Kiss me more," she quickly grabbed the latter's face before she could escape. 

"Jinnie, the meat will burn out." She mumbled between kisses. "We can continue this later after meal." 

"Really?" Yujin pulled back a bit. "Full make out session?" 

"Full make out session," she promised. "Now let me go otherwise you'll have burnt steak for dinner." 

"Okay, okay." She set her free. 

Yujin didn't have any idea of when did food presentation become so important to her. She recently easily lost her appetite simply because the dressing of the food wasn't suitable for her liking. Like when she found something was out of place, or the color variation was too much, or the sauce smeared messily. 

Wonyoung's pretty and neat serving was probably the main reason. Her homemade cooking was more like five stars hotel cuisine. That was an enormous value in Yujin's eyes, also one of so many other reasons why she fell in love with her every single day. 

"Woah!" Yujin's mouth automatically produced saliva at the beautiful sight. "What's this?"

"Steak Fajita Rolls," she answered whilst she put one of the meats to Yujin's plate. She waited till Yujin finished chewing before asking how was her cooking. 

"I love it," Yujin cut her meat yet again. 

"Love it or love me?" Wonyoung teased. 

"I love you but I love it more right now," Yujin grinned. "Thank you for always making awesome food for me." 

"You are very welcome." she smiled from ear to ear.

"Oh Wony," she suddenly remembered about her upcoming event. "I have a conference next month, in Prague. Would you like to come with me? It'll be awesome." 

"What?" 

"Conference. Next month. Prague." She repeated the highlight whilst swallowing her food. 

"I uh, I don't know Yujin-ah..." Wonyoung hesitated.

"Why?"

"I'm in saving mode right now, you know to prepare... stuff?" 

"Oh. I have money if that's what you're worried about." 

"This is an expensive trip, Yujin-ah. I don't want to spend your money for me."

"Then should I repay you for the rent that you've paid? Or all the groceries and clothes you buy for me? Or for your cooking? For my laundry? For the gas every time you drop me off at the hospital?" Yujin asked in all seriousness. 

"What? What nonsense are you talking about?!" She was offended by the bombarded fiscal questions. She never considered the cost of her money for their needs. 

"Should I?" Yujin restated. 

"No." Wonyoung said in high tone. "What even-" 

"Then you shouldn't think about the money for the trip. Pharmacy Company will pay for me, we can use our own money for your expenses. Besides, the only thing we need to pay is aircraft transportation costs. Hotels, transportation and meals for us there are covered." 

"This is different, Yujin-ah." she argued. 

"Wony, I know what's the best and what I enjoy the most. I'm a surgeon, I help people, I get paid for it. I honestly have too much money for my own good and I want to spend it on you. This is not a big deal." Yujin put into words.

"It's different nonetheless. We're talking about at least a million won here." 

"So what?! It's going to be your money too." Yujin was becoming impatient by their pointless argumentation. It would be a different story if Wonyoung couldn't go due to her work but since the main reason was money, Yujin can't help but feel rejected. "What's the point of me getting my payment if it's not for you?" 

"Huh?" Wonyoung bewildered. "What are you talking about?" 

"We're going to get married someday. Why are you keep forgetting about that? Do you have someone else in mind?!" Now Yujin was pissed. 

"No! No! No, it's not that. You know I love you. I just... think this is too much. We aren't married, yet." She explained. 

"Fine, then I guess I won't go too." She stood up from her seat and did her dish, irritated. 

"Yujin-ah." Wonyoung called her softy. "Please don't get the wrong idea? I truthfully don't have anyone but you in my mind to spend the rest of my life with. I'm sorry, okay? Don't be upset." She hugged her from behind. 

If somebody told her she would actually consider and genuinely happy and excited to marry Yujin a year ago, she would laugh at that person mercilessly. Funny how things turned up with them being in love when they started off on wrong foot. 

"Yeah, I'm cool," she spoke flatly. "I'm going to bed. Thanks for dinner," Yujin freed herself from Wonyoung's embrace as she dried her hands and walked out from the kitchen. 

"Yujin-ah!" Wonyoung shouted stopping her in track. Yujin didn't turn to face her though. "At least give me time to think about it first?" 

"You have a week." 

*****

Day 2 

Yujin had been laid on her back, staring in full concentration at Wonyoung's door for a while now. When she heard a click, she quickly lifted up her 'Weekend Gateway: Prague' magazine. She carefully canted a brief look at Wonyoung who was now strolling her way to the kitchen.

She watched her every move. 

Wonyoung came back a moment after as she took a glass of coke. She cozily turned on the TV, she spared a glace to Yujin and laughed. 

"Yujin-ah, you read your magazine upside down," she informed the clueless Yujin. 

"What?" The taller girl rechecked it as her face reddened in embarrassment. She slumped in her seat hiding from humiliation. 

Wonyoung moved closer to her. She tried to pull the magazine off of Yujin's grip. She struggling at first cause Yujin was too ashamed to show her face but surrendered anyway by Wonyoung's persistence. 

"Why are you so cute?" Wonyoung pinched her nose earning an adorable pout. She leaned down to kiss her. "Where did you buy that?" 

"I didn't buy it," she lied. 

"Oh?" Wonyoung looked at her with her infamous 'do you really want to play lies with me?'.

"At the newspaper shop in the hospital." she sulked. "This is no fun." 

Day 3 

"Karina, have you ever gone to Prague?"

The other girl slurped her soup before answering. 

"No, but I'd love to go there someday. It's on my top list of places I want to visit actually. Why you ask?"

"Can you persuade Wonyoung to go with me? I really, really want to take her there. She's too stubborn." 

"Is that why you come and feed me so much food? To bribe me so she changes her mind to go with you?" 

"Does it work?" Yujin asked hopefully. 

"One more box of donuts and I'll do it."

 Day 5

"Commissioned by King Charles IT in 1357, Prague's most stunning bridge spans 16 arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures." Yujin read out loud the information from a website she looked on her phone.

"The bridge's 1,700 ft. of cobblestone are used for wholly temporal purposes, however. Each afternoon, painters and hot-dog vendors fight for space with—and custom from — the hordes of tourists who are themselves elbowing one another for the best views of the Vltava River," she continued peeking at Wonyoung who was busy reading her client file on her laptop. 

"I'm saying it'd be really romantic to walk on this bridge at the sunset, we can enjoy the cool breeze-"

"We'll freeze to death, Yujin-ah." Wonyoung spoke as her fingers running on the keyboard. "The temperature down up to 30C in December." 

"How do you know?" 

"There's this thing called Internet. It's pretty useful." 

"So, you'll go with me?" Her eyes were sparkling. 

Wonyoung shrugged. 

Day 6 

She was out with her friends when a notification popped up on her screen.

Yujin sent a picture. 

"Prague Castle?" She mumbled as she saw the picture of a magnificent building.

'Isn't it beautiful?' Came a text seconds later. 

She chuckled. 

'Yes it is, sweet heart.'

*****

"See? This is where the tumor lodged." She pointed the hyper dense lesion on the film. "Is she ready for the surgery?" 

"Yes, doctor. I have talked to her and she says she's just hoping for the best." Rei answered.

"Good. I'll talk to her later on our rounds." Yujin heaved a breath as she stared at the CT scan once more.

 "Yujin unnie," Rei called her quietly with her head bowed down.

Yujin was surprised hearing her call her Yujin unnie. They were still on work time where there was no such thing as unnie and dongsaeng. 

"Yes?" 

"I'm so sorry but can we not be professional related for the next few minutes? I really need someone to talk to," she didn't look up to her. 

"Sure, go ahead talk to me. What's wrong, Rei-ah?" She asked worriedly, her favorite resident acted so out of character. 

"Liz kissed me," she whispered. 

"She what?!" Yujin shocked. 

"You heard me, unnie." She blushed. 

"Okay wow, that's-." Yujin was lost for words. "Well, how are you feeling about that?"

"I've never kissed a girl before," she covered her face with her palms. "But I kind of like it?" She answered unsure. "I mean it's weird at first but then l- I enjoy it." 

Liz, you succeed big time! 

"Oh?" She pressed her grin. "So that's a good sign? Right?" 

"I guess?"

"Look, I would be lying if I say that I have no idea that Liz is totally have a thing for you and I'm going to be really glad if you can reciprocate her feelings. She's like a sister to me, Rei-ah. She's a good kid, she could be hyper sometimes-"

Rei gave her a look. 

"Most of the time." Yujin corrected herself and chuckled. "I'm not saying this just because I'm close to her, but I think she can make you happy. She cares about you a lot." 

"She does?" 

Yujin nodded. "So, what are you going to do now?" 

"I'll try to make her happy too." 

*****

"You owe me three buckets of ice cream," Yujin made herself at home when it was clearly she wasn't at her home. She had her feet on the table while eating Liz's snack comfortably.

"Hello to you too, unnie," she greeted her sarcastically. "I didn't hear you come." Liz was showering when Yujin casually entered the ob-gyn doctor’s house without notice.

Yujin increased her brow at Liz. 

"Do you perhaps have something to tell me?" 

"What are you talking about?" She took a seat beside Yujin. 

"I don't have all day, okay? I must pick Wony up and I have a date with her tonight. So cut the crap and say it." 

"I really don't know what are you talking about, unnie." Liz scratched her head. "What are I supposed to tell you?" 

"Did you or did you not kiss Rei?" 

"Wh- How do you know?!" 

"She told me," Yujin grinned smugly. "Now when do you plan to tell me about this, huh?"

"It's too early to tell anything, unnie. I don't know what comes into me that day. We're just talking about random things and suddenly I couldn't stop myself and kiss her. It's awkward afterwards, thankfully I got a call from the hospital. If not, I don't know..."

"She likes it." 

"She does?" Liz shocked. "What does she tell you?!" 

"Not telling. It's confidential, I'm not taking side here," Yujin shook her head. 

"Unnie, please-"

"Don't be a coward and just go for it. I've played cupid for you and if you don't put your best effort to it, I swear I'm going to shave bald your head." Yujin threatened her.

"What do you want me to do, unnie?" Liz sighed. 

"What do you want to do?" She asked back. 

"Do you think we're going to work?" 

"Do you think you guys are going to work?" 

"You're not helping! If I know the answer then why would I still ask you?!" She was desperate and her unnie was no use at all. 

"You can't ask me, Liz. You ask yourself that question. It's you who will go through this relationship with her." 

"Can you at least give me advice?" She looked sadly at her. 

"Be yourself whatever happen. It is an amazing feeling to have someone who loves you for you. Being another person that you're not is exhausting. Can you love her for her? No matter how timid and uptight she might be?" 

"Of course!" She answered quickly. 

"Then let her learn how to love you for your craziness. Give her time, and kiss her more," Yujin laughed. "Kiss is a good thing, who knows she'll let you do something more." she ruffled Liz hair.

 A ring on her phone stopped her laugh. 

"Yes dear?" 

"Hey. I'm done at work, where are you?" She heard the voice she loved so much. 

"I'm at Liz's, will be on my way now. Wait for me, okay? Love you." 

"Alright," she chuckled. "I love you too." 

Yujin got off from the couch and stretched her arms. 

"I should get going. I demand three box of ice cream; chocolate chip cookie, daiquiri ice and almond fudge." She said as she made her way to the door.

"Ice cream freak," Liz finally smiled. 

*****

VACLAV HAVEL AIRPORT PRAGUE 

The plane was descending and then later they could feel soft jolted due to the touched down.

"Welcome to heaven on earth, were going to see magic," Yujin leaned closer and kissed Wonyoung's lips in slow motion. 

Wonyoung tilted her head to give Yujin's tongue full access into her own. 

She was drunk. Intoxicated. Thrill. 

The way Yujin kissed her was nothing compared to the other kisses she had from other people- her ex. Her kiss was full of love and protection. It was like she wanted to show her how much she cared, how much she meant to her. 

Yujin set her heart on fire. She saw fireworks every time their lips crashed. She felt her body weaken at the time Yujin touched her skin.

Oh how deep she was in love with this girl

Yujin pecked her one more time before sighing in happiness. 

"Thank you for coming with me."

"I should be the one who thank you," she caressed Yujin's cheek tenderly.

"Then we can be thankful to each other," Yujin smiled. "Come on," she offered her hand, Wonyoung didn't think twice to take it.