Chapter Text
Gyeo-ul had never had a full conversation with Prof. Chae before, let alone a sit-down inside the hospital café with her. Visiting Seoul from Sokcho, she seemed cheerful and full of energy. Her presence was refreshing. Gyeo-ul, on the other hand, had just gotten off after a long shift. She looked nothing like the neurosurgeon sitting in front of her.
“So how have things been lately, Dr. Jang?” Song-hwa smiled at her.
“Things have been busy, professor. Especially since people are coming back from the holidays. Otherwise, it’s nothing new.” Gyeo-ul tried her best to smile, but she was nervous.
“How is Sokcho, professor?”
“Ah, it’s wonderful. I love the sea breeze and walking along the beach. You should come visit.”
Gyeo-ul nodded obligingly. She knew where the conversation was going. Still, she was at a loss as to why Prof. Chae would invite her for drinks in the café.
“How about you? I was just wondering if this was all new to you.” Song-hwa looked at her, a somewhat worried look on her face.
Gyeo-ul blinked. She didn’t know what to say.
“Jeongwonnie, he’s never had a girlfriend before. I don’t recall him dating anyone since I’ve known him. If it makes you feel any better, this is all new to him, too.”
Gyeo-ul nodded. She had yet to tell anyone about this new development in her life. She would have told Min-ha, but she was worried her friend would talk her ear off. She hadn’t the time for that just yet.
“I…well, this is my first time to have someone like me. I guess it’s a little overwhelming.”
“But are you happy?”
Gyeo-ul looked up in surprise at the question. She could feel a smile creeping onto her face and managed to bite her lower lip to stop it from showing.
“Yes, professor. I’m very happy.”
Song-hwa smiled. Inside, she was giddier than she let on. Even with her tired eyes and unruly pony tail, Gyeo-ul looked adorable to her as she smiled shyly, looking down.
“But why did you want to talk to me, Professor? Is there a problem about Prof. Ahn?”
Song-hwa’s smile suddenly faded and she looked at Gyeo-ul straight in the eye.
“Yes,” Song-hwa nodded, pursing her lips and closing her eyes. “There are a lot of things wrong with him.”
Gyeo-ul looked worried.
“I’ve known him for 20 years. He has his moments. Sometimes he can be more childish than his patients. Did you know he never told us his father owned this hospital?” Song-hwa’s brows furrowed at the memory.
Gyeo-ul nodded. “Yes, Prof. Lee told me. I guess he didn’t want to brag…?”
“No, Gyeo-ul. He just didn’t want us to know he was loaded.”
Gyeo-ul nodded, but she couldn’t help laughing.
Song-hwa’s face softened. She really likes him.
“The truth is, Jeong-won is a lot of things. But the most important thing about him is that he has a good heart. He cares about his patients. He cares about his mother. He cares about his friends.”
Gyeo-ul nodded, taking a sip of her hot chocolate, wondering what Prof. Chae meant to say to her.
“And he cares about you, Gyeoulie. A lot. I can tell.”
Gyeo-ul put her cup down, feeling a flurry of things with this admission.
“So be patient with him. He can overwork himself and worry too much. Sometimes he won’t have time for other things. You’ll have to be understanding. He can get so caught up.”
Gyeo-ul nodded, feeling strangely touched by Prof. Chae’s concern for her friend.
“Take care of him. And as much as possible, convince him to go home.” Gyeo-ul nodded.
"Ah," Song-hwa suddenly had an idea. “Convince him to go home with you, if you like.”
Gyeo-ul choked on her drink. Coughing incessantly, she beat her chest lightly to relieve herself from the astonishment of her words.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry! Did I surprise you?”
Song-hwa had done it this time.