It was another hectic day for Ahn Yujin as she had to be in charge with a few patients that is behaving outside manners. As she finished her round, she went back to the on-call room.

“Ah, I want to ask her out!”, a voice claimed.

“Over my dead body. I’ll ask her out first!”, another voice did.

Yujin eyed her best friend, Wonyoung and raised her brows. “What happened?”

“An angel has descended in room 405. She’s so pretty!”, Yena answered for Wonyoung.

“Really? Cus, I don’t really believe her taste.”, Yujin questioned back to Wonyoung.

“She’s a true angel. I can confirm that.”, claimed Wonyoung.

Yujin nodded her head and threw herself on the couch. “Who’s this patient though?”

“Uhh I don’t remember her surname but Minju. She’s definitely a Minju.”

Yujin’s eyes didn’t blink upon hearing the name. A certain portrait popped into her mind. She couldn’t help but to feel curious.

.

.

Yujin made her way to the fourth floor of the medical building and strolled her way to the room 405. She took a peep through the gap between the door and found no soul in the room.

Yujin cleared , convincing herself that she is not suspicious. She pushed the room door and walked into it. There is two bed on the opposite site of one another and only one is occupied. She walked to the bed and scanned the name that has been inserted at the slot near the bed.

Kim Minju. 29 years old.

“So, it is really a Minju. Kim Minju.”, Yujin talked to herself. A figure limped back into the room. Yujin whirled around and there she was. The Kim Minju that everyone has been talking about, but nobody knew how dearest she is to Yujin.

Minju covered her shock with both her palm. “Oh god, Ahn Yujin. You’re a doctor now?”

“A second-year resident to be exact.”, Yujin answered nonchalant.

“What happened to you anyway?”, Yujin tried to distract her calming view by focusing on the girl’s ankle that is dressed.

“Ah, I slipped down the stairs and kind of sprained my ankle. And then, I have a high fever that is about to be diagnosed as pneumonia, but it’s not confirmed yet.”

Yujin tried to look up again to meet the shorter girl’s eye. “You have it rough there.”

“It’s been rough since you left, Dr. Ahn Yujin.”, Minju said and chuckled slightly.

Yujin blinked a few times as she bit her inner cheek. She lowered her gaze and scanned the girl that is standing beneath of her. Still the same height, probably a 3cm increase since she last saw her. Still the same hairstyle, with her hair parted in the middle and oh god, the smile and eyes, didn’t change at all.

“Kim Minju-sshi, let’s do some more test.”, a voice disturbed Yujin’s train of thought. She held her head up again. Minju expressed her eyes and lips downwards.

“Sorry, I have to go but I’ll see you around again. Okay?”, Minju told her. Yujin slowly nodded as she watched Minju disappeared from her sight.

She sighed and closed her eyes, gulping down all the warm feelings that decided to come out earlier.

Minju made her patrol around the hospital. The hospital seems much more relaxed compared to this morning. As she walked around the building, she saw a figure came out from one of the patient room. Her coat is stained with a few spills of bloods and transparent water. She watched as the younger girl were being lectured by one of the high-ups of the department.

“Hey, Dr. Ahn.”, Minju finally made her call. Yujin whirled her head over her shoulder.

As soon as her eyes met Minju’s, she decided to turn her body as well.

“You can just call me Yujin as always.”

“Yujinnie, you mean?”

Yujin smiled and Minju immediately knew it was a fake one. Her face is pale, and her eyes is tired.

“Here’s for you. I saw you were being scolded by your senior officer. Are you okay?”, Minju handed her a can of coffee. Yujin accepted the drink and quickly chugged it off. She wiped the stain left on with the end of her coat.

“Yeah, it’s fine. It’s just an everyday thing here. Why are you not on your bed?”, the doctor started her interrogation. Minju made a displease face.

“I got bored. Nobody visited me. My parents already went back home.”

“You should go back to your room. I have to go and do my rounds in a few minutes.”, Yujin told her.

“Fine then.”, Minju answered grimly and decided to fake a sulk.

She walked away from Yujin but the girl didn’t tried to stop her nor called out for her. Minju chuckled and shook her head.

What am I doing really?

Realizing that her attempt failed, she turned her heel around.

“Stop by my room as your last round, can you?”, Minju requested to the younger girl.

“Sure, just wait for me.”, Yujin nodded and shooed Minju away.

.

.

Yujin stood infront of Minju’s door room. She inhaled and let out a heavy breath before she pushed the door.

She walked to the other side of the bed to see if the girl had already fall asleep, and she did. Yujin stared at the sleeping face. A lot of memories are making its comeback in her head.

“You’re late.”, Minju said before slowly opened her eyes. Yujin’s smile greeted her eyes.

“Sorry, I have to help a patient out. You can continue your sleep.”, Yujin insisted.

“And missing the chance to look at your face? No way.”, Minju tried to say it as a joke but she made it obvious that it is what she actually felt. Yujin half-smiled. She took a stool and placed it next to Minju’s bed.

1.23 AM. The room is dark and only been accompanied by a small table lamp by the bed. A line of white light beams through the gap of the room door since Yujin didn’t close it properly.

“How are you feeling?”, Minju asked her.

Yujin could felt a vivid image of a pair of hand tucked her hair behind her eyes and held her face in her palm. Only to be snapped back to reality that it was all in the past.

“Tired.”, she answered flat. Noticed by the way Minju ogled at her, she knew she should answered more. “I don’t know why I become a doctor.”

“Well, it’s been your dream since forever. I was really shocked to know that you actually made it into the medical field.”

How did you even know? Oh yea, you’re the reason why I want to be one.

“Are you still….”, Yujin nonchalantly asked but her voice trailed off at the end.

“single? Nope, I’m already engaged to someone.”, Minju quickly reply. Yujin gulped down a nervous feeling.

I want to ask if you’re still mad at me for what I did but ok. Yujin faked a wide grin.

“How is she? Is she pretty?”, Yujin decided to play along.

“Um, a fairy-like. She’s nice too and I really love her.”

Yujin simpered and looked away. She hated the fact that she had to conceal her feelings away.

“What about you? Had eyes on someone yet?”, Minju asked to break the silence.

“Not for now.”, the doctor replied short. They exchanged eye contact. Minju bit her lips, not knowing what else she should ask and Yujin definitely didn’t even think of anything.

After a long silence, Minju began her inquiry. “Where did we go wrong?”

Yujin looked back and her eyes immediately met Minju’s. The pair of eyes that she loves to stare into each and every time she’s feeling down. She let out a soft sigh before she decided to respond.

“It’s all my fault. I was the one who went away. I was scared if my parents found out about us, and scared that my grade might dropped too and just decided to end things without talking to you first.”

It is Minju’s turn to half-smile now. “Yeah, but you’ve been hinting me about the upcoming break up, so I’m about ready for it too. And I just know how strict they are with you. I understand.”

“I’m sorry, Minju.”, Yujin said. Her eyes dropped. Guilt came and veiled herself.

“Don’t be. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me and I didn’t regret any second of it.”

Minju didn’t take a long time to decide to hold the latter’s hand. She squeezed the hand firmly, assuring her that it is okay, and she understand the little girl.

“Ah, you’re going to make me tear up a bit.”, Minju cleared up as soon as she saw the younger girl’s lips formed a cute grin.

“Just go to sleep already, fool.”, Yujin jerked her hand away playfully. Minju snickered and rolled her eyes.

Yujin got up from her seat, ready to leave. Minju held onto Yujin’s hand and place it on the top of her crown.

Yujin understand the gesture instantly. She gently brushed Minju’s head and patted it softly.

“Say goodnight to me.”, Minju demanded.

“Goodnight, Minju.”, Yujin followed. Minju chuckled and pushed Yujin’s away towards the door. Yujin excused herself and brought her body out of the room.

“Yujin!”, a similar voice called.

“What are you doing here? You should be in bed.”, Yujin tried to shoo the girl away as she greeted her view.

Minju couldn’t care less on the glare that Yujin threw at her. She took a seat next to Yujin.

“It’s been 6 days since I last saw you, did you know that? Just how busy can a resident be anyway.”

“Extremely busy. Please go back to your room.”, Yujin pleaded.

Minju chuckled and shook her head, mimicking one of the greatest Yujin’s line. “Shiro shiro.”

Yujin turned her head to face Minju and sighed. “Fine then.”

“I’ll be discharged tomorrow. Say goodbye to me tomorrow, okay?”

Yujin did not respond. She had her eyes upwards, probably giving a thought on something. Minju decided to link her hands with the younger girl. Yujin was brought back to the current year.

She looked down on their linking fingers.

“Why are you holding my hands? Is it okay to cheat?”, Yujin asked Minju bizarrely.

“It’s not the kissing level yet. So, it’s fine.”

Yujin couldn’t help but to snicker. Her heart however tells a different reaction. As if it has been the warmth that the heart has been waiting for. Their linking hands fits perfectly.

“I feel sorry for your fiancée. You can be such a heavy flirter.”

Minju smiled as she heard the statement. She then rested her head on Yujin’s shoulder. The act caught the poor doctor off guard but Yujin decided to play along. Minju tried to peek at the screen of the phone that Yujin is holding.

It’s not clear but there was a white page with small black character on the screen.

“What are you reading?”

“Patient reports.”, Yujin flatly answered.

Minju noticed the cold treatment that Yujin has been giving her since the first day they met. She couldn’t blame anyone but herself. She knew that Yujin was just trying to protect herself from getting hurt again, but being treated as if nothing ever happened between them? Minju don’t like it.

She lifted her head a bit and turned her head to face Yujin’s neck. She rested her chin on Yujin’s neck as she stared at the neck.

“I am so tempted to kiss your neck right now.”, Minju confessed teasingly.

“For godsake, Kim Minju.”, Minju could felt the annoyance in her voice.

Minju felt that Yujin’s body let out a different reaction. Her body temperature got warmer and her heart rate is obviously out of control but of course Yujin tried to play it cool. Minju kept silent. She looked up to look at the end of Yujin’s eye.

She sensed Yujin’s eyeball moves from left to right. Minju followed Yujin’s gaze and her eyes was looking at a beautiful figure that is passing by the area. Minju squinted her eyes and read the name that is embroided at the girl’s coat.

Dr. Kang Hye Won.

“Ohh, you like her?”, Minju asked.

“No, she’s just pretty. I like to see her face. Give me a whole new encouragement.”

“Prettier than me?”

“Obviously not. Why bother asking?”, Yujin answered as she took a glance at the girl that is resting on her shoulder. Minju simpered sheepishly.

“Anyway, why did you keep glancing at your watch? Do you have to go?”, Minju asked again, as she had been observing Yujin’s behaviour since just now.

“No….”, her voice trailed off to almost silent.

“Then? Need to help a patient?”

“That’s not it.”

Minju squinted one of her eyes and brought her hand to Yujin’s head, turning it so that they are facing each other.

“Then what is it? Tell me. I know you’re hiding something.”, Minju is about to went mad.

Yujin shook her head again. Their eyes were looking into each other with tension in between. Minju could felt her head boiled, waiting for it to burst. She really dislikes getting outcasted, especially from someone she cares deeply for.

Yujin’s eyes trailed down to her watch again. Minju followed her eyes and looked at the watch too. She then looked up again, meeting Yujin’s eyes.

“Why are you looking at me with that lustful eyes? I’m engaged.”, Minju declared her status.

“Happy Birthday, Minju-sshi.”

Minju blinked a few times. She lifted up Yujin’s hand that is wearing the watch and stare at the time, then continue to focus on the date that is set on the watch.

“What the? It’s my birthday? Today? Wah, I must lost track of time.”

Yujin chuckled and flicked Minju’s forehead softly. “Minju is at it again.”

“Dr. Ahn, a few words for the birthday girl.”, Minju said as she found herself giggling afterwards.

“I wish you eternal health and happiness. Don’t hurt your heart and mind. Always be happy.”

“Uwah, so boring.”, Minju said and rolled her eyes. Yujin simpered earnestly.

“Walk me to my room, please.”

Yujin nodded her head, decided to follow the older girl’s order. She stood up and walked behind Minju. Minju whirled around and wrapped her hand around Yujin’s arm. Yujin’s expression changed as she had eyes eyebrows furrowed. Minju looked up and placed her fingers in between Yujin’s eyebrows, letting go of the tension that is forming between it.

Minju even mouthed ‘don’t worry’ and Yujin just tagged along.

“Come to my room tomorrow okay. I want you to meet my fiancée.”, Minju told the younger girl as they reached infront of Minju’s room.

“I will. You don’t have to remind me again.”

“Thank you so much for the birthday present.”, Minju unwrapped Yujin’s arms and slid her hand down to entwine their fingers together.

“What birthday present?”

“This.”, Minju raised their linking fingers to Yujin’s attention. “You let me to hold your hands again, thank you for this.”

Yujin smiled and nodded her head. They let go of their linking fingers. Minju stared at the girl that is standing right infront of her. Ahn Yujin, who would have thought that I could see you again?

Minju had waited for almost 30 minutes but Yujin did not appeared to bid goodbye to her. Her fiancée asked her to go and look for her while she brings down all Minju’s stuff to the car.

“Um, where can I see Dr. Ahn Yujin?”, Minju asked the nurse at the counter.

“I’m not sure…”, the nurse replied. The disappointment formed on her face.

“You’re looking for Dr. Yujin?”, a short girl with the name Choi Yena greeted Minju.

“Yeah. Where is she?”, Minju replied.

“Oh, she’s currently assisting a surgeon in the OR and won’t be coming out in the near hours. Do you need anything from her?”

“Ah… no, not really.”, Minju looked down. She firmly held onto the small envelope in her hand. She met Yena’s eyes and gave the envelope to Yena.

 It is a cold and serene night. The dim light from the small ballroom lightens the whole area. Minju was seen giggling with her friends. Yujin who has been leaning against the wall decided to confront the bride.

“Hey.”, her voice cooed behind Minju. Minju whirled around, only to find the person that she wanted to see the most since this morning.

“I thought you won’t be coming. I didn’t see you at the church this morning.”, Minju told her, voice a bit trembling.

“Yeah, I kinda stuck with a lot of emergencies today. Sorry, I didn’t wear the proper attire while everyone is looking dazzling in their own dress.”, Yujin gestured to her non-bling dress.

She wrapped herself with just a simple shoulder off black dress. She even borrowed it from her fellow resident. 

“It’s fine. You’re already beautiful, at least to me.”, Minju complimented the girl, and Yujin responded with a soft smile.

She scanned Minju from head to toe as she wore a white, shining dress. She had a small tiara placed at the top of her head, and the white shoes and dress really fits Minju’s innocent image.

“Wedding dress… never thought I could see you in it.”, Yujin talked to herself but her voice is audible enough to be heard by Minju.

“I really don’t know what to say.”

Yujin looked up and her gaze is fixed on the bride. Their eyes started to speak with one another and only the both of them could decipher the meaning behind any of it. All the leftover feelings since they broke up made their speeches.

“She’s lucky to have you, Kim Minju. I wish you all the best for your upcoming life.”, Yujin finally spoke again using her lips.

Minju chuckled softly and mouthed a simple thank you. “Have you ever imagine a wedding like this?”

“Yeap, only with me on your side, not her.”, Yujin answered jokingly, as she jerked her chin towards the other bride that is slowly making her way towards them. Yujin then giggled, consoling her own heart.

“I have to go now. I kinda fled from the hospital anyway.”

“Congratulations again and please be happy!”

Yujin placed her hand on Minju’s shoulder and gave a firm grip as an encouragement for her coming life. Yujin presented Minju with her best smile before she turned her heels to walk away.

“Yujin.”, Minju called her. Yujin whirled around and Minju has already throw her hand around her body, embracing it warmly.

Yujin stood still, not knowing if she could hug the bride back. Minju tighten the hug and Yujin immediately knew that it would be the last time she would felt this warmth flowed in her veins. Yujin placed her hand on Minju’s back and returned the hug tightly.

She let go of all the lingering feelings that has been bothering part of her life for 5 years.

“Take care.”, Yujin whispered in her ears. Minju closed her eyes and nodded.

“You too.”

The hug broke off without their eyes meeting one another as Yujin dashed out of the hall. Minju wiped the tears that is forming at the end of her eyes. She watched the figure of Yujin disappeared into the crowd.

She felt a pair of hand wrapped her waist, pulling her closer to her side. Minju turned her head to find the love of her life jerking her neck, trying to have a good look on Yujin.

“Honey, who is that? I never saw her before. Is she your friend?”, Chaewon asked Minju.

Minju shook her head and smiled.

“She was someone I am afraid of losing.”

And now, I did.  

 

-THE END-