Chapter Text
It was Jang Gyeo-Ul’s lifelong dream to work in the magnificent and infamous YULJE MEDICAL CENTER. To be one of their surgeons—Pediatric Surgeon, specifically. And today is the day, that her dream come true. Well, half of it—to work in Yulje. But not as a doctor, residence—and absolutely not as pediatric surgeon. But as the new catering lady boss in Yulje equally infamous cafeteria. The job she gets through her best friend from childhood back in Gwangju, dr. Ahn Chi Chong—who currently working as chief residence in NS department
Gyeo-Ul’s eyes wander to the busy sophisticated hospital building. Absorbing the vibes around her. The energy from the hustle bustle between patients, doctors, nurses—everyone. Oh, I wish the dream still there, my full long-life dream. The possibility to make it come true…
Gyeo-Ul shake her head, cleared out her sudden sad and melancholy thought that she’s been trying to bury deep for the last 10 years on what supposed to be new start, a fresh start—her first day in Yulje. To never think about the what ifs, the regret, especially what happened that day…
Gyeo-Ul walk slowly toward the hospital cafeteria, eyes still wandering absorbing her surrounding, when she heard commotion behind her back. She turned around, and see group of people, five of it, walking side by side. Tired looking people in scrub and white doctor jacket, yet still looking energetic—loudly talking with each other in eager manner. Looking comfortable with each other. Beyond than a mere colleagues, more like loud siblings. They must be a good friend, probably since Medical School? Only to end up working in same hospital?
And another wistful feeling washed over, if only that day never happened—it could probably be me. Walking in Yulje for lunch break with group friends—with Chi Chong oppa and others. Her residence friends in GS or maybe different department as well
Probably working in Yulje wasn’t such a good idea. To work in constant reminder of the dream you can’t have—when it’s only halfway till. Probably I should just stay working in Itaewon, mending my small yet cozy café. Gyeo-Ul shake her head again, scolding herself for over think things she already decided to do. No use to back out now, chin up lady—you can do this. It will be a new adventure, a new challenge
Gyeo-Ul still rooting in her spot, when the group of five doctors passed by her. And being a quiet and observant girl, she is, she could not help but look closely to the group. To her amazement, all of them looks exceptionally good looking and attractive in their late 30s. Looking smart, charismatic and wise—a wise doctor life
But only one that attracted her attention—the one with the broad shoulder. So wide it makes her wonder and hands itch to measure its inches with her own hand. He’s tall, a head taller than her and with his broad shoulder, it makes her feel small. He was laughing, a crisp and merry laugh from whatever his friends joke (about him wanted to be a priest?). Walking slightly behind the others. Her eyes follow him, and when his eyes land to hers, for a millisecond—he stopped from his laughing and step
He rooted in his place also; eyes fixed to her, curiously and searching. She made move step forward as he is, trying to meet in the middle. For what, she’s not sure—but she never has this strong pull toward someone, for doing things impulsively, before it went through her meticulous thinking process. Butterflies running amok in her stomach, buzzing nerves, heartbeat beating out of tempo
It was only her seconds step toward the mysterious dr. Broad Shoulder, when her left ear starts ringing. A loud screeching whistle, the ones that always make her seeing white spots behind her lid a few seconds after—and before her knees start to buckle. And she was saved before it happened. By strong grip and hug. Familiar scent wafting close to her nose who buried in the broad chest
“Gyeo-Ul ah, gwenchanna?” asked him with worried tone. Always, all this time
Gyeo-Ul looked up to the familiar face, and smile weakly yet still beautifully “Gwenchana, Chihong oppa” she said reassuringly at last. After minutes passed, trying to calm herself down. When finally, the ringing in her ears slowly disappear, Gyeo-Ul pushed herself out from Chihong’s embrace. Eyes searching for someone behind her oppa’s back—the Broad Shoulder doctor. But he was nowhere in sight
Frowning, pursued her lips, eyes wandering to the busy hallway—“Are you looking for something?” ask Chihong to his best friend
Shake her head—c’mon Gyeo-Ul, what happened minutes ago, it was nothing. Don’t let it get to your head or worse, your heart. You can’t afford it now. Don’t be that silly girl, no more. Get a grip, Gyeo-Ul scolded herself. You’ll see him again at some point. You and him work at same place! So, don’t worry! Other part of her brain, thought otherwise
“You sure you’re okay?” asked Chihong one more time, observing his perplexed still looking friend
Snapped herself back to earth, at last—Gyeo-Ul once again smile, “100% sure—so, show me the way! Toward my cafeteria!” said Gyeo-Ul pulling her enthusiasm
Grabbed her shoulder softly, the gesture he’s been doing whenever she’s around as long as he could remember. Since the day one, they know each other “Let’s! I cannot wait to eat your food—3 times a day! It’s been too long!” said Chihong enthusiastically
And there, the two-best friend—walking side by side, with warm familiarity between them, walking toward the hospital’s cafeteria. A new chapter in Gyeo-Ul crazy ride of life. To finally settle down. And taking a deep breath. To heal herself
Unbeknownst to her, pair of icy eyes following her—ever since she was engulfed in strong embrace of her best friend. The eyes that soon will haunts Gyeo-Ul’s day and night from longing, wanting and confusion
But for him, she’s the one to forget
The forbidden one
The unattainable one
The one beyond his reach, for her belong to someone else already
“Did you see it? Earlier in the hallway?” asked Ik Jun excitedly and curiously to his other four chingus, mouth full of rice “Is she the infamous Ahn Chi Chong songssaeng’s girlfriend?” he asked again to his non-responsive friends, but one—Ahn Jeong Won, who’s coughing out loud from the rice that went down through the wrong pipe
“Who didn’t” said Jeong Won quickly after he finally breath in normal again, from the cough “When they put it on show like that. I can’t believe they’re doing PDA like that—in hospital! It’s not the place for Christ sake
The other four head, now looking closely at him in questioning gaze. Surely wondering why, he acted beside himself for trivial thing such as; one of the residents showing affection toward the girl they love in their workplace
“Ya, Song Hwa ya—you as his mentor, you should have a word with him. To act more professionally at work” added Jeong Won, somehow sounded quite emotional
Song Hwa only staring toward her friend for almost 20 years in strangely and said “It’s just a hug. It wasn’t like they’re making out and start undressing each other. I have nothing to talk about with Ahn songssaeng”
“That’s what happened if you never dated anyone, saikhya! Getting jealous when someone else getting lovey dovey! Bitter, oh you’re feeling bitterly jealous!” exclaimed Jun Wan casually. Not knowing how close it was to the truth for his Chingu, the one he called his soulmate
Oh, Jeong Won indeed feel jealous—but not for the reason Jun Wan said, it’s completely for another different reason. You just locking each other eyes, and nothing else. You thought there was chemistry, possibility of something more when you held each other’s gaze for seconds too long. You almost made grave mistake by making steps to meet her in the middle
She was just the pretty face, and nothing more. The beauty which yet he seen before today. Before her. The rare beauty and her vibe, those innocence eyes, the pouting lip—the soft silky dark brown hair in high messy bun, leaving her long graceful neck in full view for his hungry eyes to feast
And when his view of her was eclipse with the presence of another man in the frame—he finally realized the old saying words, the good ones are always taken. Belong to someone else. In his case, to Ahn Chi Chong of NS
“I heard they’ve been together for so long. As long as you and me, Jeong Won ah” said Seok Hyeong calmly, which brought a completely different effect for Jeong Won. Not that his childhood friend knows, from the indifference expression Jeong Won gives away
“Where do you hear this from? It wasn’t like you, to know this kind of information” asked Jeong Won feigned indifferent, masked his curiosity
Raised his left eyebrows “Should I take it as compliment or?” Seok Hyeong asked, not really sure what to take on Jeong Won’s statement but continue nonetheless “Chu Min Ha songssaeng told me out of blue couple weeks ago. I quote her ‘Ahn songssaeng it’s such sweetheart, finally he’s successfully brought his young love to Yulje! To be close with him. Oh, when can I have man like him for myself” What Seok Hyeong missed to see that time was, the glimmer of hope in his resident’s eyes. Wishing something happen more, for her and the gyussonim
“She’s a doctor as well?” Asked Ik Jun, even more curious “Wha daebak. How could they juggle their busy schedule”
“They must love each other deeply, for making it work out” said Song Hwa wistfully, reflecting herself on her frequent failed relationships—which the last one with her and other fellow professor, Jang gyussonnim
“Good for dr. Ahn then, he’s indeed looks like those ‘in serious relationship only’ type. The type that girl loves, with his wise and calm demeanor. No surprise if he’s taken and have committed relationship one” said Jun Wan, already on second bowl of rice “Maybe you should learn from him instead—if you’re still dreaming of white picket fence and 2.0 kids” joked Jun Wan
A dream that Jeong Won still held close and pray every single night to make it come true. He’s reaching 40 soon and not getting any younger, and still hang up on that dream. A family of his own. Two picket fence and 2.0 or more kids running around. And for split second—he pictures her there. With her, standing next to him. His arm circling around her small, way smaller than his, shoulder. Anchored her there, on the safe of his 54 cm broad shoulder
But dream is a dream—a silly one, as for when he looked up, he saw his dream manifesting right before his eyes. The dream girl of his, in white shirt and denim, comfortably snuggle—arm circling and hugging her close. But not by him
But by other—not Ahn Jeong Won, but Ahn Chi Chong
Forget about her Jeong Won ah, she’s off limit
But head and heart saying two different things, only leaving him with icy stares following the couple who look very much in love
Oblivious to other
To him, and his jealousy
It was long day and busy one, but not a surprise for Gyeo-Ul. She was kind of expecting it. It’s the mighty Yulje, the hospital who have it all. Including hundreds of staffs, doctors, staffs—you name it. The menu she planned for today was a success from the feedback given by her staff kitchen. And when she walked outside and sitting on one of the empty chairs—she heard it herself. The snippets of complimentary from people who enjoyed her food. Her creation. Her baby
And she could not be prouder to herself. Looking down at her hand and thought—it might fail to save people in OR, but it brings happiness to people from my kitchen. One way another, it still serves its function—to be useful for others. The hand which she trained to hold scalpel, but the last ten years been mastered in holding kitchen knife. Not fixing illness but create dishes that people enjoy to savor
Gyeo-Ul was lost in her own thought, sitting in outdoor garden with lukewarm latte in her hand—enjoying the late spring evening. When she felt it. A strange current running course from her toe all the way to her head, the same current she felt earlier. The one she linked to distinguish broad shoulder doctor
When she turned to her right side, she found him. There, sitting meter away from the bench she’s currently sitting in. Looking at her, as intently—even more than earlier if that’s even possible, she’s not too sure herself. Frowning deep, but still manage to look attractive in her eyes. His thick lips pursed; I wonder what he’s thinking of
Gyeo-Ul look around to her surrounding and found it was only them in outside garden at this moment. No one else but them. Should I initiate conversation with? I mean sooner or later we will meet again, right? Should I just wait until then? In the cafeteria?
But before she could decide anything, a blaring siren sound breaking the peaceful quiet between them. Making her heart stopped. Literally. She can’t breathe all of sudden, everything closing in. She automatically closes her eyes, counting until ten to compose her breath. Willed herself to breath in normal tempo. To forget the unforgettable
And once the web of anxiety fades away, her breath getting easier, she opened her eyes. Toward his direction. But he’s gone already. The bench it’s empty. Once again, he disappears right before her eyes. Before she could do anything
What’s wrong with my body and my reaction when he’s closes by? Why it reacted that why? Is it a sign of good or bad thing
Only time will tell, she thought
And its only day one, many more days between them to decide, until then
For her to get to know him, closing the distance
And for him in the run, to forget about her. Keeping his distance
He was saved by an emergency call. The blaring siren’s ringtone that everyone hates but he still keeps it until now, just to despise his closest friends. He was saved once again in the ‘another almost’ making grave mistake. Toward the same person, that he unsuccessfully brushed off from his brain. Stubbornly staying right in fore front in his mind, since lunch time
And when she closed her eyes, her earlier panic-stricken expression—which make him beyond curious, what is all about—replaced by serene and calm one. He just staring at her like a creep and try to calm his strong urge to kiss her. A kiss for pretty stranger, bathed under soft moonlight shadow. Her beauty is ethereal
The off-limit’s stranger
With heavy steps, he will himself to move his body away from her. The second time of the day, and will be more hundreds time to come
The right thing to do
Keeping his distance
Keep his heart intact