Chapter Text
The cold hospital air brushed against Sea's skin, but he barely felt it. His mind was locked onto his knee - that familiar, sharp pain he'd learned to ignore for months. Until now. Now, every step was a reminder that ignoring it had only made things worse.
He didn't want to be here. He didn't want to talk about the injury. And he definitely didn't want anyone treating him like he was fragile. Or worse - like a kid who didn't know how to take care of himself.
"Sea Tawinan?"
The voice came from the door. Sea stood up, careful not to put too much weight on his injured leg. He glanced up, fully prepared to follow the doctor in silence - but then he saw him. And for a second, he forgot how to move.
The doctor wasn't just older. He was... dangerous. The kind of man who had charm woven into every breath. Not just handsome, but effortlessly magnetic. Slightly messy hair, a practiced-but-natural smile, and eyes that looked like they could see straight through you.
"I'm Dr. Jimmy Jitaraphol," he said, wearing a casual white coat over jeans that were too worn to be professional. The perfect mix of expert and troublemaker.
Sea swallowed. "Hi," he managed to say.
Jimmy's smile deepened like he was already entertained.
"Come on in - let's see what your rebellious knee has been hiding."
Sea followed him into the office, suddenly feeling younger than ever. At twenty-five, he'd traveled the world, won tournaments, faced the press - but something about the way Jimmy moved, so confident and relaxed, made him feel inexperienced in a way that had nothing to do with sports.
"So..." Jimmy skimmed the file. "Pain for months, but you only show up now. Let me guess - are you one of those athletes who love to suffer in silence?"
"It's not that bad," Sea replied, quick and defensive.
"Uh-huh." Jimmy's smile turned sharp. "Typical. Twenty-five, famous, and stubborn as hell. Am I close?"
Sea pressed his lips together, annoyed at how easily Jimmy could read him.
Without warning, Jimmy knelt down in front of him, hands warm and steady as they gently took hold of his leg. Sea tensed. Not just from the touch, but from how natural it felt. Like Jimmy had done this a thousand times, with hands that knew exactly what they were looking for.
"Does it hurt here?" Jimmy pressed lightly.
Sea nodded, eyes drifting to the side. But Jimmy looked up right then, and their eyes met. One second - that's all it was. But it was enough to make Sea's heart trip over itself. Jimmy smiled, and Sea immediately looked away.
"You're going to need regular sessions," Jimmy explained as he stood back up. "And fair warning - I give homework. Stretching, exercises, rest. No hero stunts."
"Got it," Sea muttered.
Jimmy patted his shoulder, but didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned in - just a little - and the air between them shrank to almost nothing.
"We'll get along just fine, Sea," Jimmy said softly. "I like stubborn patients."
Sea swallowed hard. That closeness wasn't professional. Or maybe it was, and the problem was Sea's own imagination.
"See you tomorrow," Jimmy added, finally stepping back. "Oh, and one more thing - you look better without the cap. Just in case you ever want to impress your favorite doctor."
Sea felt the heat creep up his neck. He didn't answer, just turned his head so Jimmy wouldn't see the blush.
When the door clicked shut, Sea slumped forward, resting his face in his hands. His knee was still hurting - but somehow, it wasn't his biggest problem anymore.
Because now, the real issue was his dangerously charming 30-year-old doctor, with warm hands and a smile that Sea knew could become a serious complication.