Chapter Text
Jeongwon, although left with the dilemma of having a clouded mind always chooses the path to be silent. Most of what he feels can be seen through his smiling or sullen face and some of his thoughts can be heard with his silence. The courage he lacks was what exactly Gyeoul showed her when she bravely came to his office and poured her heart out with a confession... Something he could probably never do in this lifetime.
He placed the grilled meat on her plate. Gyeoul's eyes were just focused on it, the hunger evident with her eyes intensely staring at the wrap she's making, "Hmmm..." she quietly moaned, savoring the flavor of the beef. Before she could grab the water, Jeongwon reached out for the pitcher to pour a glass of water for her.
He was not vocal at all with his feelings before. In fact, he hid his affections very well although it cost him emotional damage. That was bearable since it was a step he, although unwillingly, took. What broke his heart even up to this moment was the tears he could still clearly remember running down Gyeoul's eyes. He hated seeing her cry and even hated himself more for being the cause of it. "I love you," he said out of the blue.
The months of unexpressed affection must've caused this longing, Jeongwon thought. Gyeoul was someone he constantly saw in the hospital and even worked a lot of times but her eyes are still like a newly discovered beautiful scene. It was something he longed to gaze at during those months of repression. In a way, he could understand what his friends always say about him because her thoughts can easily be read with just a stare at her face.
Her cheeks flushed at his sudden confession but at the end smiled, "Me too."
They were walking side by side when they returned to Yulje. Gyeoul is still drinking the cup of iced coffee they brought from the hospital's cafeteria.
As usual, she knows where Jeongwon will be going straight after their dinner. It's not really a surprise that he'll spend most of the time tonight at the PICU while she's going to read about the cases the professors handed her.
"Oh, Jeongwon-ah!" Doctor Yang Seokhyeong was cheerfully waving at their direction although his gaze was just locked on the man she's with. "Come here for a moment."
Jeongwon stopped on his tracks when he saw Seokhyeong. It was only that moment when she noticed the tall woman beside Seokhyeong, also smiling at Jeongwon. They were going to the direction where the two are standing anyway so she took the liberty to walk with Jeongwon, curious to know who is this woman she has never seen before.
Now that they are walking closer, she could see the lady even better. Gyeoul noticed how she didn't or couldn't fit as Jeongwon and Seokhyeong's friend. She was smiling but she didn't look friendly at all. It's mostly because of how she looks, like a rich heiress in a drama who wouldn't give anyone a second look.
"Ahn Jeongwon!" she cheerfully cheered when they were close. Gyeoul was taken aback with her soft but friendly voice. "Long time no see." Her eyes were now barely visible as she gives Jeongwon a sweet smile. The woman noticed that she's with Jeongwon and gave her the same warm smile. Gyeoul's initial impression of her being aloof and cold instantly vanished.
"Oh, Areum-ah," Jeongwon returned her smile. It was nothing unusual, Gyeoul usually sees that smile whenever he's talking with other hospital staff. It was just a polite smile but she can't help but feel jealous. "You're back but why are you here?"
"Ah, she's sponsoring for someone I couldn't share for an operation I can't also say," Seokhyeong said like as if it's nothing impressive. It made Gyeoul think whether it's something Areum always does.
"I thought you guys already forgot about me! Most of our old classmates did..." Areum said seriously but laughed as soon as she finished the sentence. "Annyeonghasseyo, Doctor-"
Gyeoul was surprised when Areum faced her. Looking at their warm smiles, she felt the need to step back. She may feel a tiny bit of jealousy but she didn't want to destroy the moment of what seemed like old friends meeting again. Seokhyeong looked excited and even that woman, Areum too. Gyeoul bowed, "Jang Gyeoul. Nice to meet you, Areum-ssi." She glanced at her watch, pretending to be busy when she still has a few minutes to spare, "Ah... I should be upstairs now. Gyosunim..." she bowed at Seokhyeong and even at Jeongwon too. Before Jeongwon could even say a word, she quickly walked out.
She could hear the exchange of laughter fading as she moved farther and farther away from them. She turned to steal just one quick glance and wished she didn't because as she did, she saw how Areum's eyes sparkled as she looked at Ahn Jeongwon.