Much to Minseok’s surprise, Eunha was the best flatmate he could have asked for. She did not do much cooking which meant the kitchen was never messy; she was a rather stationary being which meant if she was home she’d be sitting still in one spot without causing any disturbances; most important of all however, was that although Eunha’s bedroom was always a mess, she always kept that mess away from the shared spaces. As for Eunha, she enjoyed Minseok’s home cooking and in return she washed the dishes. Furthermore, since Minseok had a car and they had pretty similar schedules, Eunha had a free ride to the hospital and back. It did not take long for the two new flatmates to fall into a comfortable pattern and routine.

After a quick breakfast consisting of milk and cereal, the two colleagues were on their way to the hospital. They had just missed the morning rush hour, so the journey was a quick one.

“I’m going to grab a mocha from the coffee shop.” Eunha looked at Minseok as they stepped out of the car. “You want something?”

“I’m good.” Minseok shook his head. “Your sugar intake is way too high though, tone it down.”

“I need extra sugar since I use my brain so much,” Eunha huffed. “Also, leave the mother hen role to Junmyeon. I don’t need any more adults trying to dictate my life.”

“Whatever,” Minseok chuckled. “I tried warning you at least.”

The two parted ways and Minseok proceeded towards the lift. He was stopped along the way however as a smartly dressed lady in a suit jacket and pencil skirt blocked Minseok’s path. The lady wore a smile that did not quite reach her eyes and her hair was combed in a sleek ponytail. Everything about her screamed corporate and rich, and Minseok had a gut feeling that this was not a chance encounter nor would it be a pleasant one.

“Pleased to meet you doctor Kim. I’m Kwon Yuri from Lenben Pharmaceuticals.”

Giving Minseok a quick bow, Yuri then extended her hand with her business card. Minseok eyed the card suspiciously but ended up taking it from her nonetheless. It did not look like she was going to leave him alone unless he took her business card and Minseok wanted to avoid any awkward confrontation.

“What can I do for you Ms Kwon?” Minseok questioned in a polite tone.

“I was hoping to borrow some of your time,” Yuri replied, still maintaining her smile. “Lenben Pharmaceuticals is currently in the late stages of a new anaesthetic trial that will revolutionise the painful process of child birth.”

“This is something you should discuss with the head of the department or the management team of the hospital,” Minseok commented, completely losing interest in continuing the conversation. “I’m just an obstetrician, I do not have any say or influence on such matters.”

“On the contrary,” Yuri interjected, refusing to let Minseok leave. “I was told that you are the best doctor in ob-gyn and on the fast track for promotion. If you were to approve of and promote our new product, we could truly create a mutually beneficial partnership.”

“Still, you are a foreign pharmaceutical company.” Minseok shook his head. “Which means much more paperwork and strict regulations. That is beyond my capacity and knowledge.”

“He’s right, all of this is way beyond him. If you need to discuss about pharmaceuticals you should be talking to an anaesthetist.”

Minseok snapped his head towards the direction of the voice, mentally rejoining to see Eunha coming to his rescue.

“And you are?” Yuri eyed Eunha suspiciously though still donning the same smile.

Minseok could not help but wonder whether that smile was stitched to her face, however that did not matter. He focused instead on Eunha who was sipping on her mocha while immersed in an air of confidence and defiance.

“I’m an anaesthetist and specialise in pregnancy.”

“Oh wonderful.” Yuri’s eyes brightened up, suddenly looking much more interested in Eunha’s presence. “I am Kwon Yuri from Lenben Pharmaceuticals. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance…”

“Doctor Do will suffice for now,” Eunha hummed, glancing at the business card offered to her. “Lenben, it’s a Swiss company is it not?”

“You are correct doctor Do.”

Realising that Eunha was not going to accept the business card, Yuri bit the inside of her cheek and retracted her hand. Unlik