The Odd Doctor Out | A Drama | S. 2

197 🩺 Confronted

As Yunho walked towards the entrance of the hospital to catch the bus home, he stopped dead in his tracks as a familiar laughter drew him from his bland thoughts. Glancing up, it was painfully easy for Yunho's eyes to somehow find Mingi amongst the people all around him. Standing at the coffee cart, Yunho saw that guy from the other morning passing him a coffee - Mr Underpants.

A wave of irritation washed over him just by looking at him. It was only made worse by the precious smile on Mingi's lips as he laughed at something Mr Underpants said.

Yunho felt his chest tighten as he watched them exchange cringy smiles before parting ways, Underpants going back to doing his job.

But as Yunho watched on, he noticed that Mingi wasn't wearing his hospital work clothes, and as he turned side on, he saw his little stud in his ear gleaming in the light. His lips were pulled up into that chest warming smile and his hands clutched at the coffee - his ring and bracelet catching the light and sending sparkling reflections on the wall.

It wasn't until Yunho's eyes zoomed out a little, that he saw Mingi was actually talking to San.

A little surprised to see his friend at the hospital, Yunho glanced beside him to see a blond haired guy with his arm comfortably interwoven with his. It took a moment more, before he realised that despite their backs to him, it must have been Wooyoung.

He couldn't help but notice how comfortable they looked together, despite Wooyoung's posture seeming to be a little stiff. He was so comfortably tucked into San's side that Yunho couldn't miss how relaxed and content San looked.

He's really happy, he thought, unable to stop his eyes from jumping around the scene.

Somehow coming to rest his eyes on Mingi again, movement beside him caught his attention, and he saw Yeosang appear out of what seemed like thin air. It surprised Yunho for a moment how pale and distressed Yeosang seemed from the last time he'd seen him, despite the smile that he wore when he looked between the others.

But the moment Yunho saw Yeosang put his hand on Mingi's lower back and turn to pull their attention towards Underpants Man in the coffee cart, Yunho felt sick.

Mingi seemed to brush it off, but as they were all looking his way, Mr Underpants in the cart noticed, smiled up at them and winking at Mingi.

And Yunho had to clear his throat.

Shit.

Rubbing his hand awkwardly over the back of his neck, he moved to the edge of the hallway and rested his back against the wall, forcing his eyes away.

Why are you acting like this? he asked himself, but he didn't have an answer. Chest tight, and slightly salty from the image grained in his brain of that random guy winking at Mingi, he forced himself to take a deep breath. Steadying himself, he glanced back and was unsurprised when his eyes naturally fell upon Mingi's calm figure, his little stud gleaming in the light. Apparently deciding they were done, they all turned to leave, but not before Yunho saw San give Wooyoung a peck on the lips and a encouraging squeeze.

But as they started to walk away, four abreast, Yunho felt his chest start to feel like it was being reefed out of his chest. There was something about the way it felt, knowing his best friend was just there, but he couldn't go up. He felt like a cowering animal, hiding away, unable to act like he should have. But Mingi was right there... He was exerting calm and friendly energy, casually shrugging on his coat and ruffling his hair...

Yunho couldn't bring himself to go up to them.

But it was in that moment that Yunho realised that he wanted to go up to them... He wanted to talk to him... He wanted so badly to...

So what's stopping you?

But he couldn't answer that, and he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

Yunho this is weird behavior, he told himself. You've never acted like this.

And somewhere from the depths of his mind, a deep, shaded voice appeared from nowhere. Yeah, but you never met Mingi back then.

Yunho froze in his steps. Stunned by his own inner monologue, that little voice had stunned his normal inner voice into silence.

It's true, isn't it? It all started once you met him.

Yunho took a shaky breath, feeling his chest tighten.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? His normal inner monologue countered, on the attack. But that deep dark voice had disappeared back to wherever it had come from, leaving Yunho feeling unresolved and unnaturally in a state.

A state that was suddenly interrupted by a text that buzzed in his pocket.

Glad for the distraction, Yunho pulled out is phone and glanced at the message.

10:21am
New Message - Unknown Number
Hai~~ This is really random, but hi~ It's Rose..
My colleague at the art studio gave me your number and said u were interested in meeting 😇 ☺️ 🌸
I heard ur really busy, but I'd love to meet up sometime 😊 🌺
No rush though~

Yunho stared at his phone for a moment before glancing up at the space where his friends had been just seconds ago, but were now gone.

'Fuck...' he breathed, glancing back down at his phone. He had been dreading this text.

But suddenly it didn't seem like such a bad idea. As if spooked by the deep dark voice from inside his head, Yunho suddenly felt compelled to just get it over and prove to himself that his life wasn't dictated by the people that came in and out of his life.

And so shoving his phone back in his pocket, Yunho took a deep breath.

I'll reply when I know when I'm free.

~~~