“Doctor Lim’s supposed to be the one who-”

“She asked for me to come instead,” Jongin quickly stated, cutting off Areum’s words. She’s surprised to see him there and it’s painted all over her face. “Get in Doctor Lee. We have a long ride ahead of us,” he continued.

Dragging her feet, she entered the car. She suddenly felt self-conscious because he was staring at her. Wearing a sleeveless white top is a wrong decision.

“Tell me honestly, did you threaten Doctor Lim so that you can come?” she asked and his brows furrowed. He shook his head immediately.

“I wouldn’t do that. Why would I?” he asked in return before starting the car and speeding down the road. A grin suddenly came to his face. “Do you think I personally asked to be included in the list because of you?” he added.

Dead on right!

Areum’s face started to heat up. What in the world was she thinking? Was she really thinking that he likes her to that extent?

“I like how you think Doctor Lee.”

She’s turning tomato red. From the corner of his eyes, Jongin could see how Areum’s trying to look composed. He stopped himself from laughing.

She looks cute when she’s flustered.

Flashback

Doctor Lee Areum

Doctor Jeon Wonwoo

Doctor Lim Sunhee

Doctor Seo Jihye

Nurse Goo Sojin

Nurse Kang Hyebin

Nurse Kim Hyeosok

Nurse Kim Sora

*Please proceed to the conference room for further details about the medical mission. You will be accompanied by Hyoshin Medical School’s volunteers.

Jongin raised a brow when he saw the announcement. He heard the Director Stone’s the one who’s making the list of doctors for the medical mission. He never expected that he’d be left out. He’s sure that it’s some kind of plan to get Areum alone for himself.

Without thinking twice, he stomped his way to the director’s office. When he opened the door, Bogum met his glare. The latter was busy reading some reports but Jongin didn’t care. He wanted to get an acceptable reason for not including him.

“Why are you here?” Bogum asked before looking down at the paper he’s holding.

“I thought we’re going to be fair.”

“What are you talking about? You shouldn’t be here. I’m busy.”

“Why am I excluded? It’s so obvious that you did that because you’re scared that I’m winning Doctor Lee’s heart,” Jongin stated and Bogum looked up at him.

“Is the medical mission a playground for you? I excluded you because you’re just placed in your position temporarily and you’ve been in this hospital for a short time,” Bogum replied, not losing his patience and temper.

“I would like to remind you that I did many medical missions together with various international medical organizations around the world. It seems like you forgot about it, Director Park.”

Bogum sighed in defeat. There’s no use in arguing with Jongin. When he has his head on something, he does everything to get it. He’s been like that even in his younger years.

“I can’t do anything about it now. The list is final unless one of the doctors will trade spot with you,” Bogum said and Jongin just stared at him. The latter’s hard to fight with. He could be childish but he’s a born doctor and Bogum recognizes his skills.

“So you mean, I can go if someone wants to swap with me?” Jongin suddenly asked.

“Yes.”

Jongin couldn’t hide the smile on his face. “But don’t harm anyone. I don’t want any of the doctors suffering from stomachache all of a sudden just for you to be in the list,” the older doctor warned.

“Do you think I’m that childish?” Jongin retorted.

“Well you were that childish years ago.”

Jongin made a face. He was punished by Bogum during his residency because of a small accident which was not really an accident. He was so desperate that time. Thinking about it now, Jongin couldn’t help but scold himself for such actions.

“If you don’t have anything to say, take your leave.”

Director Stone as usual. Jongin internally said before nodding.

“Now…who should I swap with?” he asked himself as he entered the elevator. He’s sure that Doctor Jeon’s not going to trade since he also likes Areum. Being in the medical mission together with Doctor Lee would only mean more time to move her heart in his favor. It would also mean that Choi Minho’s out of the game temporarily.

One less competitor.

As he set foot on the first floor, he saw Doctor Lim talking to someone through her phone. She looked like she was worried about something. He could just talk to her for her spot in the list.

He quickly rushed to Doctor Lim’s side when she ended the call.

“Good afternoon, Doctor Lim,” he greeted with a smile. The middle-aged doctor almost jumped in surprise but she managed to smile back at him. “Good afternoon too, Doctor Kim,” she said.

“You look a little bit pale today. Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m okay. It’s just that my daughter’s sick and nobody’s going to take care of her if I leave for the medical mission.”

Oho~ The heavens are on my side. Fighting Kim Jongin!

“If you want, I can swap with you. I can go to the medical mission and you can stay here. You’ll be able to check on your daughter,” Jongin suggested and he knew that he won the case when he saw her eyes twinkling in gratitude.

“You can do that?”

Jongin nodded immediately while smiling from ear to ear.

“Thank you very much, Doctor Kim.”

No. I should be the one thanking you. Jongin internally muttered while making a victory pose.

End of Flashback

Mind your own business, leave me alone
Why are you being like this all of a sudden
What’s gotten into you?
Why are you calling me so late at night?
It’s interesting but the bus has already left
Go, just shut up and groove
Go with the flow
I don’t have to say it, go away
It’s boring and I don’t wanna hear it, like you

Areum’s stuck with Jongin and his music trip. It’s been like that for an hour as he carefully drove down the hi-way. He’s wearing a casual white shirt with jeans. His sunglasses completed his look. He actually looks good.

“Do you want to take a break? There’s a stopover 500 meters away,” Jongin suddenly asked, catching off-guard since she’s been staring at him secretly.

“Yeah, sure,” she squeaked before looking away. While driving, Jongin’s been singing along and Areum noticed that he’s been tapping his finger on the steering wheel in a rhythmic pattern. He looked like he’s actually having fun while she’s just being self-conscious.

As he parked the park at the stopover, Areum quickly removed her seatbelt and opened the door. “I’m just going to the restroom,” she immediately said and Jongin nodded.

“I’ll wait inside.”

Sighing, Areum headed to the restroom. Riding a bus sounds better than being stuck with Kim Jongin. She couldn’t concentrate. Her mind’s been filled with his confession. Areum looked at her reflection and shook her head.

Keep your head straight. Concentrate. Don’t get swayed.

She re-touched her make-up and it actually felt weird that she’s being so conscious about her looks when she’s with him.

Sighing for the nth time, she fixed her hair and frowned. It’s really a bad decision to wear sleeveless. Thinking of how the day would pass, she came out from the restroom and went straight inside the stopover restaurant.

“Is he a celebrity?”

“I don’t know but he looks so good.”

Areum looked around at the ladies talking to each other almost whispering. They were all looking at one direction and she followed where they’re staring at. Kim Jongin. Wow. He could round up some ladies to start a fan club. They’re all head over heels for him. She sighed yet again, shaking her head before she started to pat her pockets for her phone. She must’ve left it inside the car because it’s not in her pockets.

“Who is he looking at? Does she have a girlfriend?”

“He’s looking here.”

She lifted her face and frowned. What are they squealing about right-

Kim Jongin.

Smiling Jongin.

Smiling and waving Jongin.

Waving at Areum.

Areum suddenly felt all the stares going to her. She froze and she noticed Jongin’s expression turning quizzical. He started walking towards her. She could hear the ladies whispering and it’s making her even more self-conscious.

“What took you so long? Do you like tonkatsu?” Jongin asked as he stood in front of her. Unlike her, Jongin seemed like he’s oblivious about the stares that they’re both getting.

“Huh? I was just-”

Freeze mode again.

Areum was blushing hard when Jongin suddenly brushed something from her lower lip. “Lipstick. Were you prettying up for me?” he asked playfully.

Not helping at all. Heart, stop pounding. Brain, take over this irrational feeling.

“Girlfriend?”

“I don’t think so. She looks older. Maybe she’s his older sister.”

Raising a brow, Areum bit her inner lip while stopping herself from turning around and glaring at the girls who were chatting.

“Let’s go before I do something bad,” she replied, forcing a smile before walking to the counter.

The day’s going to be long – really long. 

“What the hell,” Areum hissed as he turned to Jongin who was acting all innocent.

“Why?”

“Why? Are you really asking me that? You- You’re really messing with me,” she grunted before looking back at her phone.

From Choi Minho: Hey, I just want to ask if you’re free this coming Saturday.

To Choi Minho: I’m sorry but I think this is enough for the two of us. I actually have someone that I like and it’s hard for me to admit it but I really like him. I’m really sorry.

Areum glared again at Jongin. She’s sure that fetus Jongin sent that message when her phone was left in the car. That must be the reason why he’s so carefree when they were eating.

Pouting, she scrolled the page down and saw Minho’s reply to that dramatic lie.

From Choi Minho: I see. That’s a surprise. It’s pitiful to end everything right now though – when we’re starting to know each other more.

She clicked o