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"And the most outstanding Cardiac Surgeon of the year is… Dr. Zayne from Akso Hospital!”
Cheers erupted as Zayne’s name was announced. It came as no surprise, especially since the young doctor had been making waves in the medical community ever since his early days, and even more so when he became Akso Hospital’s youngest head of Cardiology.
You couldn't help but beam with pride as you watched your primary care physician and childhood friend ascend the stage to humbly accept his well-deserved plaque. You felt incredibly fortunate to be close to someone so smart, handsome, and cool...
You lightly shook your head, snapping yourself out of your thoughts. Lately, you’d been thinking about Zayne more often, feeling flustered whenever you were together. It had started innocently enough—two childhood friends rekindling their friendship. But as the months passed, you began seeing each other more regularly, both inside and outside the hospital. In addition to regular check-ups, you started eating out together, going to the arcade, and even watching movies in your apartment.
This growing closeness led to your current predicament. It was hard not to fall for someone as gentle and caring as Zayne. However, you were torn, finding it difficult to read Zayne’s feelings due to the steady expression he often wore. This left you wondering and overthinking, unsure if he even felt the same way about you.
“Is something wrong?”
You snap out of your thoughts at the sound of the deep voice beside you.
“N-no, I’m okay,” you reassure him with a smile. “Congratulations, Dr. Zayne! Looks like you’ll have to treat me to dinner because you won, huh?”
A small smile crept up Zayne’s face. “It’s supposed to be the other way around, but I’d be happy to treat you anywhere you like.”
Before you could continue your playful banter, several doctors approached Zayne to congratulate him. Zayne excused himself and stood up to politely greet his colleagues.
“I’m sorry, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Zayne said apologetically.
“It’s okay, I’ll just go get something to drink as well.”
Both of you were attending a prestigious event where outstanding doctors in their respective fields were awarded for their service and contributions to medicine. This event was attended only by top doctors, and a few weeks ago, Zayne had invited you to be his plus one. Initially, you were concerned about what to wear since your closet consisted mostly of hunter clothes and casual wear, but you eventually settled on a maroon silk dress with a thigh-high slit that hugged your body in all the right places.
You wouldn't admit it out loud, but you felt very satisfied when you saw Zayne’s reaction as he picked you up from your apartment earlier. The tip of his ears had turned a light red, and he awkwardly coughed in embarrassment when you called him out on his staring.
You soon reach the long banquet table, laden with an impressive array of foods and drinks. You’re about to pick up a glass of champagne when a voice catches your attention.
“Miss, it looks like you won’t need to do any cardio anymore.”
You turn around to see a dashing young man in a white suit, with silver hair and deep crimson eyes. He looks to be around the same age and height as Zayne, but unlike the “Ice King,” he has a playful smirk on his face, clearly anticipating your reply.
“W-Why…?” you stammer.
“Because you’ve been running through my mind all night.”
You stare at him, dumbfounded by his incredibly cheesy pick-up line. After a few silent seconds, the both of you burst into lighthearted laughter.
“I’m Zen, by the way, a neurosurgeon,” the handsome young man says, extending his hand for a handshake.
As you shake his hand, you suddenly recall his name and face. “As in THE Dr. Zen who won the outstanding Neurosurgeon award earlier?”
Zen chuckles. “Yep, the one and only head of Akso’s Neurology Department.”
You can’t help but stare in awe, impressed by Akso Hospital’s ability to attract multiple young, outstanding, and undeniably handsome doctors.
“How about you? What’s your specialization?”
“Oh, I’m only here as a guest. I’m actually a hunter.”
His eyes widen at your reply. “A hunter? Wow, never thought I’d meet someone actually interesting in here.”
You jokingly roll your eyes at his flattery. “Oh, please, a room full of top doctors and suddenly I’m the interesting one here.”
Zen shrugs, taking a sip of his champagne. “What can I say? I’m just telling the truth, Miss Hunter.”
As you share a lighthearted and fun conversation, unbeknownst to you, a certain dark-haired doctor watches you intently from across the room, a focused expression on his face as he observes you laughing with a colleague he knows all too well.
“So anyway, I saw you sitting next to Zayne at the table. Is he, you know… your boyfriend?” Zen asks, a playful glint in his eye.
Your cheeks immediately turn red as you hurriedly reply, “N-no! I’m just his childhood friend!”
Zen’s eyebrow quirks up at your defensiveness, prompting you to quickly change the topic. “So, how do you know Zayne?”
“We went to med school together. We’re batchmates, so I’m pretty familiar with him. But I never thought someone as serious as the Ice King could have such a fun childhood friend,” he says with a grin.
You laugh, feeling a bit more at ease. “Yeah, he can be quite serious, but he’s a really great friend.”
“Sounds like he’s pretty lucky to have you around,” Zen replies, his tone genuine.
You smile, feeling a warmth spread through you. “Thanks, Zen. It’s nice to know he has colleagues like you, too.”
As the conversation continues, you can’t help but glance over at Zayne, who is now engaged in a conversation with other colleagues. You wonder what’s going through his mind as he occasionally glances your way, his expression a mix of curiosity and something you can’t quite place.
Zen notices you glancing at Zayne and quips, “Why don’t I escort you back to Zayne before he freezes me to death?”
You laugh at his remark. “Sure. It’s getting pretty late anyway.”
As you walk towards Zayne, you notice a faintly dark expression on his face. Zen picks up on it too but approaches with a mischievous smile. “Hey Zayne, congrats on the award,” Zen says casually.
In stark contrast to Zen’s relaxed demeanor, Zayne merely nods, his tone tense. “Congratulations to you as well.”
Sensing the tension between them, you wonder about their relationship. Before you can comment, Zen turns to you and hands you his business card. “I hope you never need a neurosurgeon, but if you ever want to grab a bite or something, here’s my card,” he says, a hint of sheepishness replacing his earlier confidence.
You take the card and smile warmly. “Thank you, Dr. Zen. I enjoyed your company tonight.”
Before Zen can respond, Zayne coughs pointedly, drawing both your attention. “It’s getting late. I’ll drop you off at your place,” he says, taking your wrist and leading you towards the exit, not even pausing to say goodbye to Zen.
As you walk away, you can't help but feel a mixture of confusion and curiosity about Zayne's sudden possessiveness.
“Zayne? Is there anything wrong?” you ask tentatively as you get into his car.
“Nothing,” he replies curtly, his jaw tight.
The ride home is tense and silent, the air thick with unspoken words. You steal glances at Zayne, his usual composed demeanor now replaced by something you can’t quite decipher.
When you finally reach your apartment, Zayne stops the car but doesn’t make a move to unlock the doors. The silence stretches uncomfortably.
“Zayne,” you begin, your voice soft, “you’re not acting like yourself. What’s going on?”
He finally turns to look at you, his eyes softening. “I... I didn’t like seeing you with Zen. It made me realize how much I care about you.”
Your heart skips a beat. “You do?”
“Yes,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been trying to keep things professional, but tonight I couldn’t stand the thought of you being with someone else.”
A flood of emotions washes over you. Relief, joy, and a newfound understanding of the man beside you. You reach out and take his hand. “I care about you too, Zayne. More than I realized until tonight.”
His grip tightens around yours, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Then let’s not waste any more time.”
You lean in, and as your lips meet, the tension melts away, replaced by a warmth that promises a new beginning. When you finally pull back, Zayne’s eyes are brighter, his usual composure softened by the vulnerability you’ve both shared.
“Let’s take this one step at a time,” you suggest, feeling a sense of calm settle over you.
“Agreed,” Zayne nods, his smile widening. “And for what it’s worth, I’m glad Zen made me realize what I was too afraid to admit.”
As you step out of the car, you feel a new sense of certainty. The future may be uncertain, but with Zayne by your side, you’re ready to face it together.