Iseul’s POV

“Iseul,” My colleague called out as she entered my room.

“Yea?” I looked up from the body I was working on.

“Your boyfriend...” She muttered.

“I told you he is not. I’m busy now. Ask him to wait, or if he dares, he can come in.” I smiled, remembering how scared Doojoon gets whenever he comes into my room.

“It’s not... that one.” She said, looking fearful.

“Huh?” I was paying attention now.

“He is not the same nice one who comes all the time.” She said.

“But you said my boyfriend?” I asked. They always claim that Doojoon is my boyfriend although I deny it all the time. I used to try correct them,but these days, for some odd reason, I do not anymore. I guess I got used to it.

“This one claims he is your boyfriend.” She said.

I dropped the tool I was holding in my hand.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

I nodded and hurried out.

“Iseul!” A familiar voice called out.

I turned and saw the face I never wanted to see again. Jaehyun. He looked slightly haggard and thinner than before. Why?

“What are you doing here?” I asked coldly.

“Iseul, can we talk?” Jaehyun asked in an almost pleading voice.

My colleague looked at me awkwardly, and then excused herself.

“What do you take me for? A market? You can come when you like it, then leave adruptly and come back again suddenly expecting me to accept you again? Huh?” I asked.

“I know I was wrong...” I cut his words off before he could finish.

“Do not ever come here again. Go!” I raised my voice.

“Iseul! I know I was wrong! I am sorry! I should not have left you to give birth on your own! I am sorry!” He went on his knees.

“Do not create a scene here. Leave!” I glared hard at him, embarrassed at the fact my colleagues were looking.

I walked off, leaving him to kneel there.

“Call security.” I said to one of my colleagues as I headed back into my room.

I could hear him scream my name as the security pulled him away. Why did he choose to come back now when all is well?

I could not concentrate on my work at all. His face kept appearing in my head. He looked somewhat different. To say I was not worried would be a lie.

“Iseul, you cannot let this affect your job.” I slapped my cheeks.

I pushed him to the back of my head and continued to work, and even before I knew it, it was already almost 6.30PM. I wrapped up the case I was working on and stretched my aching back. I almost forgot about him until my colleague came in.

“Iseul,” She called out.

“Yes? I’m leaving. Do you want a ride home?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“Then… Do you need something?” I asked.

“You should go talk to him.” She said.

“Who?” I asked.

“The guy from just now.” She said.

“What guy? Oh.” I remembered.

“He’s still downstairs.” She said.

I sighed and grabbed my bag. I guess I have to go talk to him after all. I know Jaehyun. He is not someone with so much patience unlike Doojoon, unless he really needs something.

I headed downstairs and outside to find him standing against the wall.

“ISEUL!” He shouted my name and ran over, grabbing my arms.

“Let go!” I pushed him away.

“Iseul, let’s talk.” He pleaded.

“Come.” I said, gesturing him to follow me.

I took him to a quiet place, away from the crowd.

“I don’t have much time. I have to go home and cook dinner. Say what you have to say and we’re done.” I said.

“Cook dinner?” He asked.

“None of your concern.” I said.

“You have a family now?” He asked.

“I always had.” I said.

“How’s the baby?” He asked.

“What baby?” I asked.

“Our baby.” He said.

“I’m sorry. She’s my baby, not ours.” I said.

“A baby girl~” He smiled. I ought to melt at that fatherly smile, but I felt disgusted instead.

“What’s her name?” He asked.

“Seriously, why do you care? You left the moment I told you I was pregnant. You left me to face my parents and the society alone. So why are you back now pretending that you really care for me and the baby? To be honest with you, I’m very happy now. I have a job, I have a home, I have Eun, my parents accepted her, I have great friends, I’m happy now. I really don’t need you, neither does Eun. She doesn’t know you, and I would very much wish she would never know you. If you’re feeling sorry and want to make up to us, then please grant me this favour by never appearing in front of us again.” I said.

“Would you listen to my explanation?” He asked, almost pleading.

I looked away.

“I admit I left because I was scared of the responsibility. I should not have done that, but I did it anyway. I’m so sorry, Iseul ah~ I wanted to come back awhile ago but… but…” He choked on his own tears.

“But what?” I asked.

“I lost my job. I had no guts to go meet you.” He said, his head lowered.

“What happened?” I asked. For a doctor to lose his job would mean he has done something gravely wrong.

“After I left you, I was distracted. I had no idea what to do. I could not concentrate at work. I… I accidentally… I really didn’t mean to!” He burst into tears.

I watched him in shock. He did not have to finish his words, I already knew what he was going to say. His mistake must have cost a patient’s life.

“I’m really very sorry! It’s my fault, I know! I could not sleep at night, I could not go out in the day. When I sleep, I see the patient’s face in my dreams. When I go out at night, it’s like everyone is blaming me. I don’t know what to do!!” He screamed, pulling his hair.

“Stop it! Don’t do that!!” I grabbed his arms and hugged him tightly.

“It’s alright. It’s over. You didn’t do it on purpose.” I hushed him.

I let him cry until he calmed down.

“Sorry.” He apologized.

“It’s fine.” I said, wiping his tear-stained cheeks.

“Iseul ah~” He grabbed my hands. This time, I did not push him away.

“I cannot seem to face anyone now, Iseul ah. Only you. Help me.” He said.

“Then what do you want from me?” I asked.

“I don’t know… I….” He mumbled, looking as though he might start crying again.

“Go home first. I’ll think of something.” I said.

“Home…” He muttered.

“Yea, go home.” I said.

“I don’t have a home anymore. It’s gone. I lost it.” He said.

I buried my face in my palms, not knowing what to do.

“I know it is very selfish of me to ask you, but…. Can I stay with you?” He asked, looking down.

As much as I wanted to say yes, but how about Doojoon?

I pulled out some money from my wallet and handed it to him.

“Go check yourself into a hotel room, take a nice shower, eat something and then go to sleep. I’ll think of something.” I said before walking off.

I got into my car and called Doojoon.

“What’s up? I’m on my way to pick up princess. Shall we eat out today?” He answered even before I could say anything.

“Doo…” I called out.

“Hmm?” He responded.

“Come home, Doo. I have something to tell you.” I said.

“But.. Eun?” He asked.

“Just come home first.” I said.

“O... okay.” He said.

“Don’t speed.” I said quietly before ending the call.

Doo, would you support my decision?