(Tuesday July 16, 6:30 am)

'Hmmm? Who are you… why are you…’?

 

Just then, a figure approached closer to Tzuyu as she felt something warm pressed upon her cheek. As her eyes wandered, barely struggling to open, she recognized the outline of the person, struggling to speak.

 

'Sana…? Is that you?'

 

The figure backed away. As Tzuyu realized what was going on she immediately got up from the couch. She looked around wondering why she had that dream as her body feels warm. She touched her cheek and still felt the imprint of a kiss on her cheek. She looked at her phone, noticing that it was 6:30 in the morning. She then got up and started folding the blanket and re-fluffing the pillow. She was lost in thought doing so. She kept on saying…

 

Tzuyu: This warmth on my cheek… why does it feel so real

 

Tzuyu couldn't shake the thought out of her head. She noticed a water bottle on the coffee table and drank from it.

 

Tzuyu: When was this here… oh well.

 

Tzuyu then wrote a thank you note and took her things and made her way to her car, driving back to base and getting her clothes. She arrived back at around 8:45 am. Once she went to her office, she then decided to take a quick shower, wearing a new pair of clothing and wash the clothes Sana let her borrow. When she got in her robe and placed Sana's clothes in the washer, she made her way to take a quick shower. After she was done, she got dressed in a pair of grey ankle dress slacks and a plain white baggy t-shirt. She then wore a grey blazer over and placed on her brown mule dress shoes. She checked on Sana's clothes and then placed them in the dryer. As she was waiting, she looked at some hotels in the area on her phone.

 

Tzuyu: Let's see… WOW. They are super expensive… I guess I should start at the ones in the city, since I ‘ll be there more often.

 

Tzuyu then packed all her things and grabbed Sana’s dried up clothes in a shopping bag and went to her car and drove to the city at around 10am. Once she arrived, she searched high and low for the area that she thinks is best. As she went around and around, she found no luck on any places that were in her price range or if it suits her needs. During her residency years, she had an offer where they would provide her housing as she worked even through off duty time. Now as she is hired officially, the work package didn’t provide her a place to stay. As she looked at the time, she realized that she was already searching for 4 hours already. She decided to give up for the day and drove to get some food since she didn’t eat all day. As she drove to a kimbap place she really missed eating at, she remembered that she was going to buy Sana food.

 

Tzuyu: I bet she hasn’t eaten yet either…

 

Tzuyu looked at the time and it was already 4:20. She decided to wait and eat together with Sana. She then greeted the lady who ran the shop to take her order.

 

Tzuyu: Ajumeoni! Is it okay if I take my order? Whenever you are free!

 

The sweet lady came out and smiled from the unexpectant visit.

 

Kimbap owner: Aigo! Ms. Tzuyu-ssi! It’s been forever since you came. Aigo… you have gotten so skinny? Have you been eating enough?

Tzuyu: yes, I have Ajumeoni! But I have been but since I've been studying overseas a lot, things do get hectic.

Kimbap owner: Yah~ but you still are as pretty as ever? Are you still single all these years?

Tzuyu: Haha yes, unfortunately I am still single.

Kimbap owner: Aigo? Do you need Ajumma to introduce you to my daughter?

Tzuyu: Ani! Life has been busy since I’m a surgeon now. I wouldn’t want your daughter to be lonely.

Kimbap owner: Aigo Aigo… You’re still as respectful and sweet as ever. If I can’t give you my daughter, at least I can give you food!

Tzuyu: Thank you Ajumeoni!

Kimbap Owner: What will it be?

Tzuyu: I’ll have an order of tuna kimbap and one order of cheese kimbap to go, please!

Kimbap owner: Okay all set! That’s your usual order whenever you would come over with Ms. Sana-ssi!

Tzuyu: Haha yeah, I’m actually visiting her with food since she hasn’t eaten yet.

Kimbap owner: Aigo, you two are always so sweet together! Tell her that Ajumma said hi!

Tzuyu: I will! How much will it be?

Kimbap owner: That would be 5 dollars!

Tzuyu: Ajumeoni?! That is such a discount? It won’t feel right?

Kimbap owner: Yah… I would have given it to you for free… knowing you I had to make you pay a little something so you wouldn’t make a fit… you have always been so respectful like this since you were still in college.

Tzuyu: Sigh… okay. Here you go!

 

Tzuyu handed the money and the owner smiled.

 

Kimbap owner: I will be right back with you to go order!

Tzuyu: Thank you Ajumeoni! You don’t have to rush. I'll just be next door to buy some drinks and come to pick up the food!

Kimbap owner: You got it! I'll have your order for you right when you come in!

 

Tzuyu then nodded as a gesture of thanks and then waved to the owner as she went next door. She entered the Milk tea shop and stood in line. She thought to herself thinking it would be nice to bring something for Mina-ssi and Momo-ssi. As she reached the front of the line, she then went to the next available cashier to place her order.

 

Milk tea cashier: Hello! What would you like to order?

Tzuyu: Hello. Can I get 3 orders of Milk tea with boba, light ice, and then an order of an iced americano, light ice as well, please!

Milk tea cashier: Certainly! Will that be all for you today?

Tzuyu: Yes.

Milk tea cashier: Perfect so you order 3 milk tea with boba, light ice, and an iced americano light ice. Your total will be a total of $25.12.

 

Tzuyu handed the worker her card and paid for the amount. She then waited at a vacant table until her order was prepared.

 

Worker 1: Order for Tzuyu!

 

She then went over showing her receipt and took the bag, containing the tray of drinks.

 

Worker 1: Here you go! Would you like the straws in the bag?

Tzuyu: Thank you and yes, please.

 

Tzuyu bowed to the workers as she went out to pick her kimbap order. To her surprise, the bag of food was much bigger than she thought.

 

Kimbap owner: Tzuyu-ssi! Your food is ready.

Tzuyu: Ajumma…! This is more than I ordered.

Kimbap owner: Aigo, I gave you an extra tuna and cheese kimbap and 2 orders of mandoo!

Tzuyu: Ajumma….

Kimbap: Aigo, it’s okay! You’re a surgeon and you need to feed yourself and be healthy to save people’s life. I'm assuming Sana needs to do the same since you are the one bringing her food. Just take it as a gift for me.

Tzuyu: Ajumeoni bu-

Kimbap owner: No but! Now go before the food gets cold!

Tzuyu: Thank you Ajumeoni… what can I do without you

Kimbap owner: Aigo. Come by more often! That way I don’t have to always worry about you.

Tzuyu: I will whenever I am off duty.

 

Tzuyu then drove to the hospital and made her way in through the hospital entrance, carrying the food, drinks, and Sana’s clothes.

 

Nurse 1: Oh my god… who is that gorgeous tall human being…

Nurse 2: I don’t know but she must not be a human right? It's a dream, right?

Receptionist 1: I would drop my boyfriend for her in a heartbeat…

Receptionist 2: Oh my god… She’s coming this way shh!

 

Tzuyu was not familiar with the hospital since she was always on the university side, so she went up to the receptionists at the front desk with 2 other nurses standing by to ask for help.

 

Tzuyu: Hi, sorry, if you can spare a minute, can you help me find something?

Receptionist 1: Uhmm- Y-yes of course! Where or what are you looking for? Or is it who?

Tzuyu: I'm looking for a where and a who. But specifically where.

Nurse 1: Neh are you single?

 

Tzuyu turned and had a questionable face.

 

Tzuyu: I beg your pardon?

Nurse 2: Yah… you’re embarrassing…

Nurse 1: I can’t help it… she's really hot…

 

Tzuyu just chuckled and couldn't help but shrug.

 

Receptionist 2: So… are you?

 

Everyone then looked at me, expecting an answer. I couldn’t help but be surprised by the sudden question. I just shook my head and spoke.

 

Tzuyu: Yes, I’m single.

Nurse 1: So can we have your numbe-

Tzuyu: I’m sorry, I’m in a rush right now. Can you tell me where the pharmaceutical department is?

Receptionist 1: Uhh- Uhmm. y-yes! You would go to your left up the escalator and it would be to you right all the way down the hall once you reach the top of the escalator.

Receptionist 2: So who are you meeting with.

Tzuyu: Ah, it’s my close friend. Anyways thank you, I’ll be heading off now.

Nurse 1: Ah wai-

 

Before the nurse could speak, Tzuyu already started to leave heading to the escalator.

 

Nurse1: Damn it… I’m going to stalk her…

Nurse: Yah… you’re on your rounds…

Receptionist 1: I'm sure we will meet again real soon.

Receptionist 2: Hopefully… She was just huge eye candy.

 

Tzuyu then looked at her watch and it was 4:50. She smiled as she walked towards the pharmaceutical department that was labeled with a sign. As she arrived, she saw a familiar face and smiled. On the contrary, the squirrel-faced latter saw Tzuyu arrive and plastered a gummy smile waving at her. Tzuyu then went forward to the corner of the desk to not distract the customers still waiting for her prescriptions as Sana tended to the few remaining customers. Momo and Mina saw Tzuyu from the back and went in front to greet the tall latter.

 

Momo: Tzuyu! What are you doing here!?

Tzuyu: Just dropping down food as a thank you for borrowing Minatozaki clothes.

Mina: Yah. Nothing for us?

Tzuyu: I wouldn’t dare! Ajumma gave me so much food and I bought milk tea. Here! This is yours and Momo’s portions.

Momo: Waaaa~ thanks! But we should be the one treating you for taking care of us last night!

Tzuyu: Hey it's nothing really!

Customer 1: Waaa… who is that tall person over there?

Customer 2: I don’t know but she sure is an angel from the sky.

 

Momo and Mina looked at Tzuyu as she was clueless about what’s going on.

 

Mina: Yah… you’re still as popular as ever...

Tzuyu: Hmm? Me? I ‘m pretty normal…

Momo: You Clueless Yoda…

Tzuyu: Huh?

 

Momo and Mina laughed and Tzuyu was even more confused about what was so funny. Just then Sana came over after serving the last patient to join the conversation.

 

Sana: Hi Tzuyu! Sorry for the wait!

Tzuyu: Ani. I came a little early. I brought kimbap and milk tea!

Sana: Waaa no way? Is it from Ajumeoni from when we went to college?

Tzuyu: Correct! Let's go eat! Oh! Here are your clothes. I washed them right away when I arrived, so they should be clean.

Sana: Thank you!

 

Sana then rushed to place the bag of clothes in her locker and made her way back.

 

Sana: Okay we should all go eat!

 

Momo and Mina looked at each other and smiled. It looked like they had the same idea.

 

Mina: Ani, you two should eat at the cafeteria.

Tzuyu: What about you two?

Momo: You gave us so much food as our portion that we decided to go share it with Nayeon!

Sana: We can invite Nayeon too?

Mina: Ani, she’s still stuck with paperwork. We’ll help her and give her food. You did the paperwork yesterday so it's our turn.

Sana: Mhmm okay

 

Sana and Tzuyu left to eat in the cafeteria. As Sana and Tzuyu are nowhere to be seen, Mina and Momo sighed, shaking their heads.

 

Momo: It’s kind of funny yet sad.

Mina: That they like each other and don’t realize it?

Momo: Yup… it’s kind of depressing seeing this. They were so speechless when they first met again after all these years. And how Tzuyu-ssi just ran to help her immediately… from what Jihyo unnie said.

Mina: Well let’s just give them some time together. Maybe they’ll blurt out what they feel and get together already… It was so obvious in college when we were still living together….

Momo: But then they started to date other people, making it more of a mess.

Mina: Such young love…. Too bad I’m going to be single for the rest of my life….

Momo: Yah chingu you won’t be alone, let’s be single forever together

Mina: Agreed.

Momo: We should eat and work huh… but I don’t want to share the food…

Mina: I mean we don’t have to since Nayeon doesn’t even know we had food, to begin with?

Momo: You right! Let’s just eat it in secret. Nayeon will never know.

 

Nayeon: -Achoo- I wonder who is talking about me… ah, mola… I’m so hungry….

 

Momo and Mina then went to work with the paperwork and shared their food together, changing their mind of not sharing it with Nayeon.

 

 

Meanwhile back to Sana and Tzuyu

 

As Sana walked towards the cafeteria, they noticed these stares that were never present before. Whispers and talks were everywhere and they both couldn’t help but be awkward.

Tzuyu: Kind of awkward huh?

Sana: Yeah… it wasn’t always like this when I worked… today is a bit strange since it’s the first time this happened.

Tzuyu: Sorry do you think it is something I did?

Sana: Ani. And if it is, just forget about them.

 

Sana smiled and Tzuyu returned the smile. They found an open table at the cafeteria and they sat down. Tzuyu then took out the kimbap and mandoo, placing Sana’s milk tea in front of her as she placed her coffee. Tzuyu then stood up to get some utensils and placed them in front of the latter.

 

Sana: Thank you ~

Tzuyu: Yeah of course. What time do you have to get back to work?

Sana: I have an hour off. So I have to clock back in at 6 pm!

Tzuyu: Okay that's good. Now eat, I’m going to bet my money you didn’t eat yet either.

Sana: Well you're right, but I can also bet my money that you didn’t either!

Tzuyu: Haha. You got me there… Well, let's both eat.

 

They tucked into the food as Sana opened the package and placed the kimbap to . Tzuyu did the same.

 

Sana: Mhmm~ Oishi! It still tastes the same as before.

Tzuyu: I’ve been craving this so much overseas. I tried making it, but it never tastes the same!

Sana: Do you want a cheese kimbap?

 

Sana then picked it up with her chopstick and placed it in front of the latter.

 

Tzuyu: Minatozaki… It's okay, you don’t have to. I can get it myself.

Sana: Ani. Don’t make me wait.

Tzuyu: Mm-hmm then excuse me.

 

The latter opened and received the bite, chewing it carefully as Sana looked at her smiling.

 

Tzuyu: Thank you.

Sana: Mhmm! It's good, isn’t it? I think I like cheese kimbap the best.

Tzuyu: The tuna one is my favorite. But Cheese kimbap is awfully close, losing it by a point.

 

Tzuyu then picked a piece of tuna kimbap and placed it in front of Sana. Sana happily opened and accepted the bite.

 

Sana: Mhmm~ so good. I think they're tied for sure.

Tzuyu: Come on Minatozaki… It has to be Number 1

Sana: Ani. They are equal.

 

They both laughed and slowly ate their food. As Sana was eating, she had a nagging thought behind her head.

 

‘Why does she address me as Minatozaki… everyone around her she would address by their 1st name…’

 

Sana was questionable and didn’t think about it until today. Even back then Tzuyu would address her the same way. There are times she would call my first name… but it was only if we were in danger or in…. those intimate talks. Sana mustered the courage to speak about it.

 

Sana: Neh Tzuyu?

Tzuyu: Yeah Minatozaki?

Sana: I only realize it now but… you only address my last name the majority of the time. Why is that? For me… I thought that you were close to someone if you spoke by their first name… you call Momo and Mina by their first but… Sorry I’m probably being silly

 

Tzuyu then pondered but then smiled. But then laughed as she thought about it. It was a warm smile as it made Sana wonder what was on her mind.

 

Tzuyu: Ani. I’m sorry if it hurt you in any way… I think to me it's just comfortable calling you by your last name.

Sana: Does that mean you don’t think we’re close?

Tzuyu: No not at all… it actually is the opposite.

Sana: What do you mean?

 

Tzuyu started to scratch her cheek becoming shyer. It was almost cute. But then she spoke up.

 

Tzuyu: I tend to address people by their last name if I hold high respect for them. Like Park Sumbae. I respect her and she gave the okay to call her Jihyo unnie, but to me, it sounds more respectful to say her last name. From time to time I would call by their first names like everyone else, but to me, they hold a special place in my heart…

 

Sana: I see… I’m sorry for being silly

Tzuyu: No, no it's okay! I guess there is another reason…

Sana: Hmm?

 

Tzuyu then smiled and spoke her mind out.

 

Tzuyu: Minatozaki… it's such a pretty last name and it represents you exactly. ‘The moon of the third night’. A moon shining and revealing itself before the final phase of the new moon. And when those times I call you by your first… it just hits differently. In Japanese, it means ‘summer’ and when I think of summer, I think of warm and bubbly thoughts, which represents you. I’m sorry if it caused any misunderstanding. If you want, I can try to say your first name more often?

 

Sana was touched by how thoughtful Tzuyu was. It was a silly type of cute that made her grateful for the latter being in her life.

 

Tzuyu: Sana-ah… are you mad?

 

As Sana heard her call her first name … she understands now. When those moments she calls her by her name, it felt genuine and special..., she couldn't help but smile.

 

Sana: Ani. I was just touched… and please stay the same and treat me the same as before…

 

Tzuyu smiled as Sana smiled as well. They both laughed at how clumsy and carefree they were. As they were talking a crowd gathered staring at them, making it a bit uncomfortable. Just then a small group approached our table and approached straight to Tzuyu side. One of the nurses spoke up.

 

Nurse 1: Excuse me, Miss… Are you perhaps Tzuyu Chou?

Tzuyu: Uhmm yes that would be me?

Nurse 2: We met earlier at the front?

Tzuyu: I beg your pardon?

Receptionist 1: We wanted to ask for your number…

 

Sana and Tzuyu stood dumbfounded. Sana, in particular, felt something pressing on her chest… making it a bit uncomfortable. As she was about to stand up Tzuyu stood up and spoke up, making her lose her track of thought.

 

Tzuyu: I’m sorry if I gave the impression of myself flirting, but I am not interested. I act that way to everyone.

Receptionist 2: But you said you were single…

Tzuyu: That doesn’t say anything? I just answered a simple question. And currently, right now, my job as a surgeon and serving our nation is my number one priority… I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude, but you are interrupting my time since I'm catching up with someone important to me after our long encounter after 5 years…

 

Sana was surprised by the sudden outbursts. But deep inside she was glad it happened.

 

Nurse 2: We’re sorry… We will be on our way.

 

The nurses left as Tzuyu then sat down and sighed, Sana then held her hand to see if she was okay and she smiled back.

 

Tzuyu: Sorry for causing the commotion…

Sana: Ani. It just shows how popular you are?

Tzuyu: Me? I don’t see it.

Sana: You got to kidding me? They were all hitting on you. The same way people did back in college... They went up to me, Momo, and Mina to get your number?

Tzuyu: Ahh… I never knew… I just don't pay attention to those things… plus I hate attention… since I already had my sights somewhere else, I guess.

Sana: Tzuyu? What do you mea-

 

Just then another group of interns approached the table as they both sighed and halted their conversation.

 

Tzuyu: Uhmm can I help you?

 

Intern 1: We are so sorry… we didn’t want to bother you but…

Intern 2: Are you really that person, Chou Tzuyu, the surgeon with a dual Specialty of Neurosurgery and Trauma?

Intern 3: Also the person serving in the navy and published many articles on the research of brain conductivity post-surgery after trauma, while incorporating your new CHOU technique to close the wound more efficiently?

 

Tzuyu was then shocked... Sana could only stare and be amazed by the latter, not realizing how much her close friend had accomplished.

 

Tzuyu: Uhmm… yes… that is me.

 

Intern 4: WE ARE SUCH BIG FANS! WE SAW ONE OF YOUR SURGERIES AND HOW GROSSUM IT WAS THAT IT LAST 32 HOURS! IT WAS THE MOST AMAZING AND INSPIRING THINGS I SAW.

 

Just then the interns took their phones out to show clips of the surgeries. Sana and Tzuyu gathered closer as Tzuyu's face palmed in embarrassment as Sana laughed…

 

Tzuyu: I mean I gave permission for the surgeries I operated… but did they have to zoom out and show my face… and WAIT… this is just me walking and doing my rounds...

Sana: Oh Tzuyu. You have no idea how popular you are. College was one thing… but this… I think you broke the standard…

Tzuyu: Clearly, I am clueless since I only focus on my work… not showing my face…

 

Intern 2: WHAT’S EVEN BETTER IS THAT SHE IS THE HOTTEST DOCTOR IN TERMS OF LOOKS.

 

Sana and Tzuyu: WHAT?!

 

Intern 3: Here look! Multiple articles published of the Neurosurgery and trauma surgeon to ever exist. It's because of these articles we recognized you when we saw you enter the building.

 

The intern showed the articles and Sana and Tzuyu’s jaws dropped.

 

‘The hottest Surgeon on the market! And she’s single folk!’

 

‘She’s back in town for the week so look out for the hottie!’

 

Tzuyu then facepalm and covered her face, internally screaming inside… Sana was just all-time shocked.

 

Sana: Isn't that your outfit Tzuyu?... The one you're wearing right now…

Tzuyu: I'm speechless…

 

As they both became speechless, all the interns brought out their stethoscopes and a sharpie handing it in front of Tzuyu. Tzuyu looked up and just dumbfounded at the attention.

 

Intern 4: We promise to leave you alone and we will divert the attention away for some peace and quiet…. SO CAN WE HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH?

 

Tzuyu just sighed and nodded her head. She signed the stethoscopes and handed them back. All the interns bowed their heads and screamed in excitement. They then waved goodbye and left as the crowd started to disperse. But there were still stares.

 

Tzuyu: -sigh-

Sana: Are you okay?

Tzuyu: I have no clue… I hate the attention…

Sana: Well Ms. Hottie, you can’t help it when people just see you for how amazing you are?

Tzuyu: Please… you’re the hot one. I'm just lame and boring. A true definition of NO. JAM.

Sana: Do you really want me to show you the articles again?

Tzuyu: I beg of you… don’t!

 

Sana couldn't help but laugh as Tzuyu just sighed.

 

Tzuyu: I’m so sorry… I just wanted to spend some time with you. I feel bad for bringing all this attention. And your break is almost over...

Sana: Hey don’t be. It can’t be helped. I’m hanging out and talking with the hottest surgeons on the market.

Tzuyu: Yaaa. Minatozaki…

Sana: But... I do admit… I'm glad about one thing.

Tzuyu: What is that?

Sana: Knowing that part of you, but also another part of you deeper inside that I only know.

 

Tzuyu smiled as Sana did the same.

 

Sana: Oh! Did you happen to find a hotel to stay?

Tzuyu: Ani. They were either out of my price range or lacked what I needed. So I gave up and decided to continue tomorrow.

Sana: So where are you staying tonight?

Tzuyu: I might drive back again and sleep in my office that has a bed…

Sana: Ya….

Tzuyu: Yeah, I’m in a small bind. It since I don’t have enough money to buy a house since I'm still paying my loans. And especially since my package doesn't cover my housing during break…

Sana: Really? I didn't know that...

Tzuyu: Mhmm, Since I’m a full time and not a resident, the housing wasn’t in the package. During residency I worked throughout the off duty since it was part of the program.

Sana: Why don’t you just stay at my house whenever you're off duty? That way you save som