Work Text:
-‘๑’-
- Public: from 12-25 ft
I was a medical student on her internship at the hospital, which is owned by our school. Ever since I was a child, all I ever wanted was to be a nurse like my mother. And just a few years to go, I know, and I can feel that dream will be mine. It's been two weeks since I started my internship. I noticed that some patients I handled came from our school, since all the students of our school are insured in this hospital, they get their checkups for free providing that they show their respective identification card to the cashier.
“Columbina!”
My friend Arlecchino greeted me. She's also like me, a future nurse. She's wearing the same white uniform I have on and holding some papers to write the patient's profile since both of us act as the assistant of Doctor Zandik.
There are really a lot of doctors here in the hospital, but Dr Zandik and Dr Lauma are the most approachable because they are new doctors. I bet they are new graduates because they are still young.
“Hi Arlecchino, where's Nefer?” I asked
“Uhm, she said she can't make it today... She has a lot of paper works on school, and it's her examination day tomorrow,” she said
“Oh, poor her... I'm going to get her some chamomile tea bags later. She must be really stressed out right now.” I said
“Columbina, Arlecchino?” Dr Zandik called us
“I'll be out for a while, alright? I have an operation until five. Dr Pierro will replace me for a while,” she said to us
“Okay Dr. Zandik, Good luck!” Arlecchino said
“Thanks, take your break now.” Dr Zandik bid goodbye and left the room.
“Furina's already in the cafeteria. Let's go?” Arlecchino asked me
“Sure.”
Arlecchino, Furina and I are best friends. We've been friends since freshman year, since all of us came from our own respective provinces and did not know anyone in the city; we decided to live in the dormitory together.
Arlecchino and I made our way towards the cafeteria. On our way to the cafeteria, I saw Dr Lauma chatting with someone in the hallway. Nefer and Furina work as the assistant of Dr Lauma. She smiled at Arlecchino and me to greet us, and the girl Dr Lauma was chatting with faced our direction too.
She is enchantingly beautiful. Her soft bangs and blonde hair complement her skin tone. I feel like my heart started to beat faster when she smiled towards us for a while, but to my dismay, that didn't last long because she continued to talk with Dr Lauma.
“Are you alright?” Arlecchino worriedly asked me
“O-Oh, yes. Why did you ask?” I said
“You seem to be spaced out and not to move for a minute there,” she said as she smiled
“R-Right, let's go to Furina,” I said to her, and we continued to walk towards the cafeteria
-‘๑’-
“Hey Furina!” Arlecchino greeted Furina
“Hello!” Furina stood up and greeted us
“Have you been waiting for too long?” Arlecchino asked
“Uhm, quite so,” she answered honestly
“Sorry, the patients' lines are quite long today, so we have to finish them all a while ago.” Arlecchino apologetically said
“It's okay, I understand. Besides, I'm not bored at all. I've been playing some games on my phone while waiting for you guys.” Furina assured, touching Arlecchino’s hand briefly.
“Thank you!” Arlecchino smiled sweetly at Furina
“Anytime,” Furina replied coyly
I cleared my throat for them to remember my presence
“Seriously, why don't you two just date?” I said as I sat on the chair in front of the two
They both coughed violently and remained silent. I broke the silence because I'm hungry. I stole Arlecchino's lunch box.
“That's mine!” Arlecchino complained and took the lunch box away from me
“Gosh!” I hissed
“Nobody steals my food away from me!” she said
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” I said
“What time did Dr Lauma dismiss you?” Arlecchino asked Furina
“Well, she dismissed us a bit early. Her younger cousin visited her.” Furina replied
Cousin? Is that the girl Dr Lauma was chatting with a while ago?
“W-Who was I-it? The c-cousin I-I mean...” I uttered some nonsense words
“What's the matter with you, Columbina? Why are you stammering?” Furina asked
“O-Oh, nothing...just forget what I asked, I said as I continued to eat my own packed lunch
“Furina, do you want some chicken?” Arlecchino offered her lunch to Furina
“Arlecchino. You didn't give me food, but you gave Furina!” I scolded her
“Dr Lauma's looking for Nefer a while ago... Too bad, she's not around,” Furina said
“Yes, I'll help her with her reports later,” Arlecchino said
“Arlecchino, such a good girl!” Furina pinched her cheeks
“Aaaaa, seriously, guys! Just date and get a room. Please!” I complained.
The two choked on their food and remained silent again
I wonder who that girl...is. I hope to see her again soon. But this time, closer...closer than 12 ft away from me.
-‘๑’-
- Social: 4-12 ft
3 days had passed after that day... I couldn’t help but think about that girl. I don't know her, but something in me wants to know her. I almost want to ask Dr Lauma about that girl, but I do not want to invade Miss Lauma's personal life, so I prevent myself from doing so and just hope that I'll see her again soon.
Since Nefer was still not around, and Dr Zandik is not around as well. Dr Lauma asked Arlecchino and me to help her today.
“Nefer seems to be a bit busy at school?” Dr Lauma asked
“Yes, she's having both her thesis and internship at the same time,” I said
“Well, tell her I missed her already in the hospital!” Dr Lauma said
“Okay, we'll do”, I answered
I know that Dr Lauma and Nefer are quite close. They get along so well that Dr Lauma treat Nefer like a close friend instead of a trainee. No wonder she missed Nefer very much. I also know that Nefer has a huge crush on the doctor, but as a friend who respects Nefer, I didn't say a word to Dr Lauma about it.
Since Arlecchino was helping a patient in the ER and Furina was assisting a senior citizen with the wheelchair towards the elevator, I was the one left in charge of getting the patient's profile. There were not so many patients today, so the job was easy. I took the last patient's profile and was about to enter Dr Lauma's room until somebody caught my attention.
“Miss?”
I turned around to look at the one who called me... It was that girl. My gosh, she's 4 ft away from me. She looks really stunning!
“Is Dr Lauma still in?” she asked me
“Y-Yes...she's inside,” I said
“Can I still line up as a patient?” she smiled at me, my heart had that familiar irregular beating pattern. I cannot believe I'm talking with her right now. Thank you, Lord, in the good heavens!
“Of course...” I answered professionally.
“...”
“...”
“...”
“W-What is your name?” I asked
“Huh?” she asked back
“Patient's profile...” I said nervously
“Oh, I am Sandrone Guillotin,” she answered
Sandrone...What a beautiful name!
“What do you want to consult Dr Lauma?” I asked
“My arms and shoulders hurt a bit. I am a member of the school swimming team, so I tend to use those quite often,” Sandrone explained.
“Okay, I'll send this in to Dr Lauma”, I said
“Thanks, Columbina!” she said
“How did you know?” I was shocked.
“Your name plate says it,” she pointed at my name plate
“O-Oh, right”, I said, embarrassedly.
4 ft away from her, and I finally talked to her as a nurse and patient talks to each other. I wish I could have asked her more about herself...you know, a real conversation.
-‘๑’-
- Personal: 2.5 to 4 ft.
After a week, I went to school to take an examination. I still can't forget about my first encounter with Sandrone that day. I actually took and copied her number on her profile, but knowing that taking personal information from patients is forbidden, I didn't text her and just stared at her number for a week. I want to see her again.
I sighed in my seat and continued to take my test. After my exam was done, I saw Arlecchino, Nefer, Furina, Ineffa and Jahoda waiting for me outside my room.
Ineffa and Jahoda are 2nd-year International Studies students. Our courses are so different from each other, but we managed to be friends with them. They treated us as their lovely seniors. These two are never separated from each other. They are the best of friends
“Hello!” Jahoda greeted me
“Hello, what brings you guys here?” I asked
“Do you want to watch the swimming competition in the gym area?” Ineffa asked
“Swimming?” I asked
“Yes, Arlecchino, Furina and I will come too,” Nefer said as she smiled at me
“Okay.”
-‘๑’-
We went to the gym and watched the swimming competition. We were sitting somewhere near the front so we could see everything. Swimming... All I can remember about swimming is Sandrone. Where can I find her? I sighed in my seat as I looked at Arlecchino, who was munching her chips and sharing them with Furina, until someone caught my attention.
“Columbina, you've been sighing a lot lately,” Nefer said as she looked at me and looked back at her phone
“Oh, don't mind me. Who are you texting anyway? Someone special, isn’t it?” I asked her
“H-How did you know?” she asked
“You've been smiling like an idiot there for a few minutes,” I said
“Oh, am I?” she scratched her head
“Is that Dr Lauma?” I smirked
“O-Oh, why... How did you...” I cut her talk
“She said she missed you when you didn't appear in the hospital for a few days. I bet you guys will be catching up afterwards.” I teased her
“Well, I hope so...” she sighed
“Why sighing there too, Nefer?” I chuckled
“Dr Lauma and I...We're impossible, right?” Nefer said sadly
“Nothing's impossible...” I said, “Cheer up and let's watch! The competition is almost starting!” I cheered her up
My mouth turned agape when I saw the swimmer who entered the pool; it was her... Sandrone.
“On your mark, get set, go!” the referee signalled the start of the game
I saw Sandrone dove in and swim fast...
The people started to cheer for their respective bets. The guy seemed to attract a lot of cheer, so I did something for Sandrone.
“Go Sandrone!!!” I stood up and cheered for her at the top of my lungs
“Whoa, Columbina...You're such a fan of Sandrone. I did not know that you knew her.” Ineffa said
“I-I met her before in the hospital... Do you know her?” I asked
“Yes, she's my best friend and classmate.” Ineffa grinned, and Jahoda smiled at me, too.
Best friend? Whoa, what luck!
“Oh, she's Dr Lauma's cousin!” Furina said as she recognised the girl
“Whoa, really? Alright, let’s cheer for her!” Nefer said
My friends and I started to cheer for Sandrone
“Sandrone! Sandrone! Sandrone!” we cheered in sync
She was almost winning the competition, but the guy which her competitor was a very fast swimmer. As a result, she lost. But at the end of the competition, she got second place, so I guess it's not bad at all. I still cheered for her until the awarding.
“Good job, Sandrone!” I shouted and cheered. She looked in my direction and smiled at me, then she waved at me.
After the award, she approached us. She was still in her swimsuit with a towel on her body.
Wow...that curve and legs... Just magnificently stunning!
“Hello! Thanks for cheering for me, guys,” she said appreciatively
“Oh, Sandrone. Let me introduce you to your biggest fan, Columbina. She’s a senior.” Ineffa said with a grin as she brought me forward and closer to Sandrone
She looks beautiful up close... Her facial features are superb.
“Hi! Thanks for watching the game and cheering for me. I noticed you've been cheering for me since the start of the game. Do we know each other?” Sandrone politely asked
“Uhm, we met before at the hospital...” I said shyly
“Oh, I remember now! You're the intern at Lauma’s office,” she smiled at me
“Yes,” I answered
“You swim really well, Sandrone!” Jahoda said to her
“Thank you, but I guess he swims better than I do,” Sandrone said as she looked down
“You may lose, but you are great, and there's no one better than you!” I blurted out
They all looked at me, surprised. I can see Nefer, Furina, Arlecchino, Ineffa and Jahoda with smirks on their face while Sandrone is completely shocked.
“I...I-I mean, you d-did well...you still got the second p-place,” I explained
“Thank you...” she said, Do you guys want to eat dinner with me later? My treat. You know, just a little celebration for this,” she continued
“Food? Sure!” Arlecchino jumped in happiness
“Of course, Sandrone!” Ineffa said happily and joined Arlecchino
“Aaaaish, free loaders!” Furina said annoyed
“Ineffa. It's Meatless Monday today!” Jahoda said
“Just this once, please...” Ineffa said cutely
“Aaaa, fine. Whatever,” she answered
“Will Dr Lauma come too?” Nefer asked
“Well, we can include her,” Sandrone said and smiled
“You should come too,” she said to me
“Sure,” I answered
-‘๑’-
After Sandrone changed her clothes, our group went to the restaurant near our school. Sandrone sat beside me, which made me feel so nervous and made my heart beat faster.
“Columbina, are you alright?” Sandrone asked me
“I'm okay, why?” I said
“You look so red and flustered,” she said worriedly
Because you're beside me, stupid!
“Uhm, don't worry...I'm fine,” I said
I saw Dr Lauma and Dr Zandik enter the restaurant, and they greeted us.
“Oh, look, Lauma...our medical assistants are here!” Dr.Zandik said
“Hello, Dr Zandik!” Arlecchino and I said in sync.
“Hello to you guys, too,” he greeted us
“Hello Dr Lauma!” Furina greeted her, and Nefer just stared at Dr Lauma, so Furina poked her arms
“A-Ah, Hello Doctor”, Nefer stuttered
“Hello.” Dr Lauma said and smiled towards Nefer
Dr Lauma sat beside Nefer while Dr Zandik sat between Jahoda and Ineffa. Furina and Arlecchino sat beside each other on my left. We made our orders, and I heard Dr Lauma speak to Nefer.
“Nefer, what do you want to order?” she asked as she held Nefer's hand on the table
“Anything you like, Lauma...I-I mean Dr Lauma,” Nefer answered nervously
“Lauma... We're not in the hospital now, so just Lauma.” She gave Nefer her beautiful smile
On the other side of the table, Arlecchino was sulking
“Furina, let me order more chicken! I'm hungry...” she complained
“No! What you're ordering is good for three people. Seriously, Arlecchino?!” Furina scolded her
In front of me, Dr Zandik was talking to Jahoda.
“It's good that you practice Meatless Monday. I also do that all the time.” Zandik said
“Really? I like healthy foods and snacks a lot. I also think that taking care of your body is the first step on happy life.” Jahoda smiled at Zandik
On the other hand, Ineffa was getting bored and jealous of the two. Sandrone called her.
“Are you okay?” she asked Ineffa
“Yes, Sandrone, order me a lot of unhealthy foods like pizza, burgers and ouch! Hey, what is wrong with you?!” Jahoda smacked Ineffa's head with the menu.
“No, Sandrone, give her a vegetable salad like mine! Gee, do you want to die early?!” Jahoda said to Ineffa angrily
“As if you care.” Ineffa scoffed
“You and I have to talk later,” Jahoda said seriously to Ineffa
People around us were doing their own business, while Sandrone and I just placed our orders quietly. The orders came before we started to eat, and everyone greeted Sandrone with congratulations for her win. Then we started digging in. I noticed there are a lot of cucumbers in my food. Damn this cucumber! I started to dissect my dish like I dissected frogs in my biology class before. There's something about cucumbers I don't like. While I'm busy dissecting my frog...I mean my food. Someone called my attention.
“Columbina, do you want to exchange dishes? Mine is cucumber-free.” Sandrone offered some help
“O-Oh, I don't want to trouble you and...” I'm not yet finished talking when she switched our plates and ate my dish.
“I already use that spoon!” I prevented her from eating using my spoon, but too late, the food was already on her mouth.
I blushed so hard.
“It's okay, I don't mind,” she smiled and continued eating
At the end of the night, I mustered all my courage and asked for her number, which she gladly gave to me. Ever since that day, we started to text often. I guess we're a bit closer now. But 2.5 ft away from her isn't enough.
-‘๑’-
- Intimate: physical contact to 6-18 inches
It's been weeks since I cannot sleep well. All I think about is Sandrone. Even in my dreams, she hunts me down. I was walking inside the school campus very tired because of a lack of sleep last night, and guess what? I have an exam today. Oh, the things you do to me. I yawned and continued walking until I bumped into somebody. My books fell on the ground. I don't really have that great patience or control, so I turned the beast mode on.
“Are you dumb? Watch it, will you?!” I yelled at the person and looked at the clumsy person who disturbed me
“Oh, sorry!” she picked up my books
OH MY GOSH, I JUST CALLED Sandrone DUMB...
“O-Oh, Sandrone...S-Sorry...” I apologised and picked up my books too. Our hands touched as a result, and I felt electricity run down my spine.
“I'm really sorry!” She helped me stand up and bowed
“A-Ah...its fine,” I said
“Okay then, are you going to your class?” she asked me
“Yes.”
“Well, I'm taking my leave now...sorry again,” She bowed and was about to leave when I suddenly spoke
“Doyouwanttohaveadatewithmelater?” I asked very fast
She looked back at me
“U-Uhm...S-See you l-later!” I said and was about to leave because of my stupidity, but I heard an answer
“Saturday at 2 pm in the amusement park,” she smiled and left me dumb founded
-‘๑’-
Then here comes Saturday, I was looking for clothes to wear and took everything out of my closet. Nefer entered the room.
“Whoa, Columbina! What is this commotion all about?”
“I'm having a date, and I do not know what to wear!”
“Date? Oh, who's the unlucky person who will experience your PMS?” she teased me
“Shut up, Nefer, anyway it's Sandrone...”
“Lauma's cousin?! OMG, Columbina, how?” she asked excitedly
“I asked her.”
“Wow”
“Anyway, how are you and Dr Lauma? You seem to be in a happy mood these past few weeks.”
“It's a secret,”
“Urgh, fine. Whatever. Get out of this room.”
“Well, fine, kick me out... But I think that white dress fits you. Have fun with Sandrone!” She winked at me and got out
-‘๑’-
I went to the amusement park with a nervous feeling. I sat beside the ice cream stall and waited for Sandrone. I bought some ice cream to calm myself for a while.
“Aaaah...so good!” I said as I ate the ice cream
“So you like Vanilla?”
I coughed out loud as Sandrone touched my shoulders and blushed at our physical contact. I calmed down. This is my first date with Sandrone. I should make a good impression.
“Keep your cool, Columbina...Keep your cool!” I chanted to myself
I cleared my throat and greeted her
“Hi Sandrone!”
“Hello!”
“So, what do you want to do?”
“Well, I don't know... You decide,” she said as she smiled at me
Aww, so pretty! Gosh, calm down, Columbina and don't be a creep staring at her face.
“Alright, let's go and play on arcades!”
I dragged her towards the arcades and played there
“You see that bear, Sandrone? I'm going to get it for you.” I said coolly
“Okay, I'll be watching,” she grinned
I tried to dart some arrows at the balloons on the wall. I need five balloons to win the bear. I started darting.
“1”
I missed my second dart
“2”
“3”
I missed my fourth dart
I missed my fifth dart
“4”
I only have one arrow left, so I'm extremely nervous. I should get this for Sandrone, my love. Aaaaaa...I should impress her by winning this!
Fifth arrow...missed
“What the fuck?! I almost got it, urgh!!!”
“Columbina, it's okay...” she said to me
I'm still sad and mad for not getting the bear.
“I know what to do, let's go out for something thrilling!” She dragged me towards the horror house. I almost wanted to cry. I do not like scary things and darkness, so I gulped at the sight in front of me.
“Are you alright going inside?” she asked worriedly
“Yeah, it's just a horror house. Those things inside are fake. I am as brave as a Ghostbuster!” I said proudly
She stared at me and said, “okay”
We entered the house. It's so dark. I do not like darkness. I want to cry, but I suppressed myself from crying and placed a pretentious, smug, cool face. I shouldn't lose my cool. Keep calm and be cool, Columbina. We went out of the horror house, I almost had a heart attack, but pretend to look normal.
“It's so scary, right?”
“Scary? Phew... Not even a bit!” I lied to impress her
“Oh, but your face is red!”
“I'm not afraid! In fact, I like thrilling things, let's go ride a roller coaster!” I blurted out because of the feeling to look and prove my bravery to Sandrone.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I dragged her towards the ride. I heard people scream on the ride. It made the hair on my neck stand up and my palms sweat. We lined up. My knees are getting weaker as we're nearing the entry gate of the ride.
“Let's just ride the caterpillar ride, Columbina...” Sandrone said to me worriedly
“Eh, let's do this!” I said proudly
We sat on the ride, and Oh my gosh! When this thing started to move, I felt like I had left my soul on the starting line. My body was being swayed side to side and upside down. I feel so awful. I will never ride this thing again! Oh, the things I do for love. When we got on the ride, I excused myself to Sandrone to go on a bathroom. I'm so dizzy, and I feel like my stomach has turned upside down. I went out of the bathroom and sighed. I feel like shit
“Columbina, are you alight?”
“I'm fine, it was a fun ride!” I forcefully said
“But Columbina, you look pale!”
“My skin is naturally pale.” I made a lame excuse, but that's quite true
-‘๑’-
It's already 6 pm, Sandrone asked if we could have dinner. I said yes, but the truth is, I do not have an appetite for eating. That roller coaster incident makes me feel worse.
“Columbina, why are you not eating?” she asked worriedly
“I'm on a diet...” Another lame excuse came out of my mouth
“Oh, but your weight is good enough, though,” she said softly
I didn't eat dinner, I just watched her. After that, I told her that I could walk her home. We walked side by side quietly. I forgot to bring my jacket, so I am freezing to death, but I pretend to be alright. I should look cool and impress her.
“Are you cold?” she asked me
“No, are you?” I asked as I shivered a bit
“I am cold,” she said, then she went closer to me. She held my hand and wrapped her arms around my waist. It looked like she was hugging me sideways. I blushed extremely. There's only a few inches gap between us.
“Columbina, your hands are cold,” she said
“I...I-I...”
“Why do you have to pretend around me, Columbina?” she asked
“W-What?”
“I know you're trying to impress me by acting cool around me, but to tell you honestly, I like you for being you... Please don't change that,” she said as she stopped walking and looked me in the eyes
“Y-You like me?”
She nodded, “Yes, I like nervous and cucumber-hater Columbina...I like you for just being you.”
“I like you too...ever since you're 12 ft away from me,” I confessed
She looked at me confusedly
“I saw you the first time in the hospital, talking to Dr Lauma... Ever since that day, you've got me. It was a twist of fate when I met and talked to you personally for the first time. You talked to me because I'm Dr Lauma’s assistant that day, but I wanted to be more than that. Great fortune came when I saw you in your swimming competition. We started to talk personally, and I like that, but I still want you closer to me...I'm sorry for pretending...I just want you to want me too...I want you close to me...” I said
She kissed my cheeks and spoke
“Like that close?” she said in a low voice and grinned
I shook my head and pouted
She kissed my forehead and spoke
“How about that close?”
I shook my head again
She went close to my face and made our noses touch, and spoke softly
“How close do you want us to be, Columbina?” she said as she eyed my lips
“How about intimately?” I whispered
“That's a good idea.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me slowly. In the next few minutes, it gets passionate and deeper. We both do not want to end the special moment between us, but we need time to breathe and talk things over.
“Columbina...”
“Don't call me Columbina anymore...” I chuckled
“Honey?” she smiled at me
“That sounds good, my darling!” I grinned sheepishly and kissed her forehead
It started with me adoring her from afar... Just some luck happened when she talked to me, and we became acquaintances and friends... But now, she has become the closest to me...my other half. My love for her had undergo into 4 phase of personal zone. It started at a far distance with no proximity at all.