Work Text:
Felix was getting ready for his 12-hour night shift. He had taken a shower and changed into his scrubs. They were an eigengrau colour and had little white chickens on them. He only bought them a few days ago when he went shopping with his co-worker, Hyunjin. Hyunjin was very kind to Felix. So much that some would think that they were dating. Felix had never felt that kind of attraction to Hyunjin, though. Hyunjin had already been there when Felix started his job, helping him with showing him around the building and where he'd be spending his breaks, etc.
Felix always loved his work. He loved his coworkers, he loved the feeling that he was helping others, and he really loved getting to know his patients. But, sometimes, he couldn’t help. He couldn't have a sweet conversation with them. He could only watch silently as they died slowly. He knew it was all part of this career, and everyone has to die at some point, but he always felt guilty.
Felix was now at work. He went over to the front desk and checked out where he'd be. (Great, I'm with Hyunjin and Bang Chan.) He thought as he found himself in the mental health room, a room specialized for patients who are suffering from mental health problems. Felix has had problems with his own mental health in the past, and working in this room reminds him of that time. Luckily, there will be two other nurses in that room.
He went to his locker and placed his things in there, then headed over to the room. He entered and was greeted by Hyunjin, who was already working with a patient. Felix guessed that the patient had been given off to Hyunjin by the nurse who was in front of them.
Felix had sat on one of the chairs near the front door and waited patiently for another patient or nurse to walk in. He sat there for a few minutes, listening to the faint conversation going on between Hyunjin and the patient, until Bang Chan walked in. Felix greeted him, and he sat beside him.
They talked for a while, and yet there were still no other patients, and soon enough, Hyunjin's patient had left with a smile on their face. Hyunjin sat beside Bang Chan and joined in their conversation.
About an hour passed, yet there were still no other patients. The three men had decided to walk around nearby until there was a patient that needed to be emitted into that room. They walked around for at least an hour and thirty minutes, which seems like a lot of time, but it wasn't very uncommon, given that their hospital wasn't one of the most popular hospitals in that big city, until they were called back by the front desk to tell them that there was a patient coming in.
They had gotten back to the room before the patient had gotten there. Felix had said he was going to take this patient, and the other two had no objections. The patient entered carefully, but he had been shaking terribly. It's as if one movement or sound that was too fast or loud could break him. Felix walked over slowly and greeted him quietly. The other two nurses simply sat in the corner of the room, silent.
After a few minutes, Felix had gotten the patient to lay on the bed and calm down a little. He was still shaking quite visibly, but not as bad as it was. Once Felix thought the moment was right, he started asking questions. “Could I please have your name, sir?” Felix asked. He didn't have to ask for names, but he wanted to get to know this man to see if he was going to help him. “It's J-Jisung. Han Jisung.” Han said, and Felix smiled. “Nice to meet you, Han Jisung. Could you please tell me what's wrong?” Felix continued in a gentle tone. “I got very nervous; everything just went blurry. My first thought was to run to the hospital. I'm very sorry for bothering you.” Han said. “There's nothing to be sorry about; my job is to help people like you.” Felix said it with a gentle smile. “What made you nervous?” He continued, asking. Jisung took a deep breath. “My ex-girlfriend was a cheater and an abuser. She had broken my heart and hurt me multiple times. I couldn't leave her, in fear that she would hurt me. One day, I called the police on her. As the police were taking her away, she said something along the lines of, “When I get out, Jisung, I'll fucking kill you.” I was terrified.” Jisung began to tear up, and Felix reached over to a tissue box and handed Jisung a tissue.
“I did not see her for years, and just as I saw incredible changes in my mental and physical health, I heard that she was released from prison not too long ago. I began to fret, as I had lived in the same house this whole time. She knew my address and where I most likely was.
Earlier today, I got a knock on my door. It sounded gentle at first, so I walked over to the front entrance and looked out the peephole. There she was. Just then, she knocked louder and rougher this time. “Jisung! Open up.” She said, her voice demanding and angry.” Jisung paused again, catching his breath. Felix put his hand on Jisung. “Continue when you feel comfortable.” Felix gently whispered. Jisung took a deep breath.
“I ran away and hid in my bedroom, hoping she would go away. For hours, she was banging on the door nonstop. Until she stopped. Just then, I remembered that I left the gate to the backyard open. I felt nervous all over again. That’s when I heard my back door slide open. She was inside. I heard her footsteps travelling through the house. I began to cry, covering my mouth in an attempt to silence myself. I realized that if I don't escape, I will not survive. So, while she was searching the living room, I grabbed a baseball bat from my closet and began slowly making my way towards the front door. I spotted her in the living room, just as I was standing in front of the door, and she looked back at me. “Jisung, baby, you've changed.” She said this as she walked closer, not showing any signs of fear. I also began to get closer to her, holding my bat tightly. “Why are you here?” I asked her as I raised my bat, as she was very close. “I wanted to see you, baby. I'd like to start over.” She said it, yet her tone was not genuine. She was standing directly in front of me now. “Please, get out.” I demanded, my voice trembling. “Jisung, come on.” She mumbled as she swiftly attempted to take my bat. Before that, I pulled the bat away, then swung at her, hitting her in the head. She fell onto the floor, and I left the house and ran here.” Jisung finishes, tearing up again. Felix looked at Jisung with sadness in his eyes.
Jisung turned his gaze towards Bangchan and Hyunjin, and Felix did too. “Could you two please leave, for now?” Felix asked as he saw them both nod and leave the room. It was just Jisung and him now. “I understand that you may be absolutely terrified right now, but you attacked her in self-defence. I promise that she will not bother you when you're here, Jisung.” Felix whispers, softly smiling.