Why must it be Lee Taemin out of all the doctors who can get close with Dannie?

Oh jeez. It’s true. He’s one of the doctors coming from Seoul Medical School. Actually, he’s a part of the alumni association. He just goes with the soon to be doctors and other alumni as they normally conduct outreach programs specifically for children.

Come to think of it, I think he’s too young to be a doctor. How did he manage to graduate that fast? I thought it takes more than five years to be doctor, plus you need to take the licensure exam then how on Earth did he immediately…

Oh, right. He was actually one heck of a genius way back high school. He knew just simply everything except one: to be gentle to girls.

Yes, he gave pride to our school, but he never ever been merciful to women. He always broke those young girls’ hearts. Poor them, didn’t contain themselves and eventually fall to this man’s charm that is so deadly.

Okay, I was never a part of these girls whose hearts he broke, but I was part of those girls he was never gentle with.

I was a part of a school paper during high school, and it was mandatory to release school newspaper every week. It was part of my training, and it helped me a lot. And it was the same reason, why I hated Lee Taemin since the day I could ever recall.

I was the Class President on that year when all the girls seemed to be crying every day as they enter the class. It was both annoying and pitiful, seeing all these girls cry for one man – who was never worth it. I was so mad it got to my nerves, so I just sneakily put on that paper an article about the glorious genius senior who was also very good in breaking every girls’ heart. It was a blind item, but heck, only dumb people would not notice it was him I was referring to.

And because he was not dumb, he came rushing like a mad pig towards our office as soon as the paper came out. I wanted to laugh during that time. He looked funny as hell and I could almost see the smoke coming out of his nose.

He told me things like I shouldn’t mind his own business, that I should get a life, and that I should go look for other people to bother. Those words were pretty alright, until I heard of one shocking statement that made me want to give him a flying kick on the face.

“If this is your way of making me notice you, well I’m sorry. You’re pretty but you just lost the chance.”

Oh, just look how he was certainly full of himself. He made my blood boil and it came to my mind, that ever in my life will I get to be cool with Lee Taemin. I was mad that from that day on, even if the teachers would insist we should put something regarding that guy’s winning on scholastic competition, I never spared another space on MY paper for him. He was a senior and I was behind for just a year, so never did I let him boss me around.

And now? Now isn’t really the perfect timing for me to see him again. The magic of hatred is perfectly restored, and he is successful to make my blood boil again. His smile is not helping, and his annoying chuckle just gets frustrating and frustrating.

“I’m sorry for what happened to Dannie’s mom.”

Wow, so Dannie already told him a lot? What else does he know? I’m curious. No, that’s sarcastic.

“I’m a paediatrician, and I examined her weight a while ago. She’s a bit unhealthy. Kids can be stressed, too. Would you mind if I prescribe some vitamins for her to take?”

Wow, why are you being so friendly? It’s not healthy for you, Lee Taemin. I don’t know what to answer. He is basically asking in a nice manner, and it will make me look bad to turn down his offer, but man, I really have some hatred towards this man. It’s like I can’t stand his presence alone.

“Dr. Lee is so kind, auntie. He told me I should cheer up or else I won’t be able to grow as tall as he is. I should be healthy because I want to be as tall as you are.”

Dr. Lee is so kind. How accurate is that judgment, Dannie? Do you know what you’re talking about? Maybe you don’t. I just smile, look at Taemin and nods.

“If it’s necessary for her growth then I’d gladly accept your offer, sunbae.” He’s a genius. I know he gets that my formal way of speaking to him is definitely against my will. I just have to do it since I need to always set a good example in front of the kid.

“I brought some of these vitamins with me. I could give her at least a number that will last for three weeks, then you can buy as soon as they run out.”

“Oh. That’s even better. Thank you.” I flash a faint smile to cover my irritability over him acting so nice in front of me and the child. Oh wait, does he, perhaps, become a e? Oh seriously. He is so gross.

“I am only doing this because Dannie is so cute.” He suddenly looks down exchanging gazes with the little kid. “Babe, there are snacks on the booth, you can go there and ask for something to eat. Don’t worry, just talk to either Dr. Lee Jinki or Dr. Choi Minho. They are nice and cute doctors.”

Dannie looks up to me. “Is it okay to leave for a while, auntie?”

“Sure, hun.” I smile at her and she smiles back, immediately running towards the booth which is located on the other side of the place.

“Now you can be at ease and stop pretending.” He suddenly utters when Dannie has gone away. “I am not comfortable having cute conversation with you. Not at all.” Oh, this is great news. I am not the only one doing the act since earlier. In fact, the feeling is mutual.

I roll my eyes as I look at him. He chuckles and smirks at me, as if he can read my mind really well. “Thanks for taking care of my Dannie but no, thank you, I am gladly taking down that offer, if ever you’re serious about it.”

“Okay, look. I just don’t like talking to you in such kind and nice way. Just like you, I can still completely recall hating you from the time I can ever remember, but I’m serious about sympathizing with Dannie. I heard her story and it is so painful for me already as an adult, what more can she feel as a child?”

His words cut into me, and though I don’t want to listen to him anymore. I know he has the point.

“My charm maybe one of the reasons why she talks to me.” Of course, this great guy won’t really forget praising himself, will he? “But I think the main reason why she trusts me is because I am a doctor specialized in child care. The help I am offering. It’s true. I just happen to talk to you but I’m sincere about taking good care of her. She needs medical attention. You see me carrying her on my lap a while ago, and it seems that she is really undernourished. And though Dannie acts as if she is coping up with everything that happened, I still think she needs to see a psychiatrist. I know one and I could also help her with that.”

“Why are you helping her?” I just need to ask. I don’t know. Maybe it is because it’s really hard to imagine him being good and all. After all…

“Because she’s such a sweet girl. When I saw her sitting on one corner all alone, silently watching over other children who are busy playing with the student doctors, I immediately felt the need of going to her, and talking to her about how she is. Dannie is intelligent. She talks delicately and with care and I know she doesn’t easily trust people, that’s why it feels like an accomplishment having her being comfortable around me. That’s just why I want to help her, and it doesn’t concern me anymore if I am in good terms with her auntie or not. I don’t need to deal with you anyway. I only need the approval of the administrator.”

“Excuse me? I am still her guardian. Her mother entrusted her to me so I have the right to be aware of everything about her.” I immediately reply with a tough voice.

“She has a guardian but she’s here in the orphanage feeling sad and unprotected. How cute.” He answers sarcastically. “Do you know I actually have the right to adopt her?” He threatens, and nods, trying to make me even pissed off. “I have a stable job, I specialized in child care so there’s no doubt I can take care of her. I have a spacious house which can be conducive for a child like her.”

“Are you married?” Honestly, I am so threatened with everything he is saying coz he simply seems to be sincere about it. I can see in his eyes how Dannie actually has taken his heart, and like someone who wants to guard her treasure, I want to guard and protect Dannie, too. Yes, he must be good enough to be her guardian, but no, I promise Dan Mi that it is I and only I will take care of her child no matter what happens.

“Oh… that.” He probably forgets about the fourth requirement that’s why he stops, and thinks for a while. “I can marry anyone who’s interested with me. You know there are lots of them.”

What makes me afraid is that I know he’s saying the right thing. It’s true that if he wants to get married right away, then a pile of girls are in line and all he need is to choose one of them.

While I, on the other hand, is a single not so cute damsel who doesn’t have anyone I could ask to marry me. Wow, I’m such a loser, but why must I lose to him? That is not really funny.

“I am serious about wanting to take care of her. I’ll talk to the administrator if I can get her for a while to watch for her health and to make sure she gets better. I think they can entrust her to me since I’m a doctor and I have the license to take care of children.”

He nods at me and takes few steps to leave me behind. No, wait. This is happening. What if he really does get her? No. Dannie’s mine, oh my.

“Wait.” I utter and he stops, looking at me. “Let’s get married.” I just blurt out of nowhere, and even I am surprised to hear that coming with my own voice. Wait, Song Rae In, are you serious?