It had been a week since Eunha officially started working at Seoul National University. Junmyeon had kept their interactions to a minimum, but other than that, there were no issues between Eunha and her colleagues. As for patients, there had been a handful who would cast doubtful looks towards her due to her youthful appearance, but her professional demeanour and lack of self-doubt proved to be the ideal tools to subdue the suspicion and scepticism thrown in her direction.

“We’ll keep monitoring your heart condition Mrs Lee, but everything seems to be in order,” Eunha explained as she stared at her computer screen. “If you still wish for natural birth we will stick to your wishes, however please be open about the possibility of using epidural; especially with your condition.”

“I understand, thank you doctor.” Mrs Lee smiled at Eunha, relief washing over her face. “And nurse as well of course.”

“Just doing our job.” The male nurse grinned widely, showing off his row of perfect teeth.

“Nurse Park will give you some relevant leaflets, please make sure to read them carefully,” Eunha concluded. “See you next time, and please have your husband accompany you for the next appointment.”

“I understand.”

Carefully standing up, Mrs Lee paddled her way out of the room with the help of nurse Park, who’s large stature created a rather comical contrast with the pregnant lady.

“Quite brave of her to insist on natural birth despite her heart condition,” the nurse hummed as he came back inside. “Surely a caesarean would be a much safer and faster option.”

“Was that the last appointment for today nurse Park?” Eunha questioned, not bothering to engage in idle chatter with the nurse.

“How many times do I have to remind you? Just call me Chanyeol.” The male nurse frowned. “Nurse Park sounds too formal.”

“Nurse Park sounds professional,” Eunha countered.

“Leave professionalism for when patients are around,” Chanyeol huffed. “But yes, that was the last appointment for today.”

“Mrs Lee insists on natural birth because as society developed, somewhere along the line, the notion that a mother-child connection is stronger through natural birth became cemented in people’s minds,” Eunha stated as a matter of fact.

Chanyeol froze momentarily, unable to keep up with the way Eunha had suddenly switched back to the question that he had previously asked.

“That’s just silly.” Chanyeol blew a raspberry. “The mothers carry the baby inside of them for over 9 months. That should be more than enough to establish connection.”

“Anyone in the medical field would agree that it’s silly,” Eunha sighed. “Don’t even get me started on those who think a mother must feed and that baby formula is the spawn of the devil.”

Chanyeol was just about to respond when a soft knock came from the door, followed by Minseok poking his head inside.

“Lunch?” The obstetrician grinned at Eunha. “Come join us Yeol.”

Without being asked twice, Chanyeol pounced towards Minseok while making sure to grab Eunha’s arm and pull her along. Eunha frowned, yanking her arm out of Chanyeol grip due to how hard it was to keep up with his much wider strides. Jogging slightly to fall in step with Minseok, Eunha threw him a side glance while chewing on the inside of her cheeks.

“Why are you being so friendly with me Minseok?”

“Why are you making it sound like I’m doing a bad thing?” Minseok frowned, extending his hand and flicking her on the forehead. “We are colleagues from the same department, so might as well be friendly.”

“Apparently she doesn’t like being friendly,” Chanyeol exclaimed dramatically. “And is bad at conversations as well.”

“Where are we going for lunch?” Eunha questioned, digging her hands deep into the pockets of her white coat.

“See? Bad at conversations.” Chanyeol rolled his eyes.

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