Sun-kissed

Chapter 12

"Amina-shi?" a loud voice called, shaking Amina out of her thoughts.

"Neh?"

"Are you alright?  I called your name almost four times already," Yuri proclaimed, her voice full of concern.

"Oh... mianhae," Amina said, embarrassed to have been caught unaware.  "I have a lot on my mind."

"Are you feeling better?  You looked pale last night."

"Neh... I feel a whole lot better," Amina replied.  It was true.  Whatever ailed her two days ago was no longer in her system.  Maybe it was the soup. Or maybe it was the person who bought you the soup, her heart interjected.  Amina shoved the thought aside.  "I just have a lot to catch up on, that's all."

Yuri nodded her head.  "Did you want to catch a movie tonight?"

"I can't," Amina apologetically replied.  "I have one last appointment with a patient later this evening."

"Tonight? But it's already five o'clock," Yuri whined. They both looked outside the window. The sunset was almost gone and whatever light remaining turned gray from the heavy clouds.  It looked like it would snow tonight.

"I know..." Amina knew it was odd. Boram oppa had called her earlier that morning to push the appointment out to later in the evening.  He had just remembered a photoshoot that was lined up for Big Bang today and called her while on his vacation.  "I guess it was the only time they had available today."

"Humph... Whomever you're caring for must be really important.  I've never heard of in-home calls this late at night."

Amina could only nod in response.  She wished she could tell Yuri the circumstances but it wasn't wise. At least not right now.  But soon, after the assignment, Amina planned to tell her who the secret patient was.

"Well then, I guess I'll just head on out of here.  I'll see you on Monday."

"Neh... Have a good weekend Yuri."

"Annyeong."

"Annyeong."

Amina sat back in her office chair and stared at the computer screen.  She had been staring at the screen for the past couple of hours now, with little work to show for it.  Her mind wasn't focused.  She couldn't stop thinking about last night.  At first, she thought it was a dream.  She woke up to the warmth of her favorite throw blanket.  The lights were all turned off and the apartment was securely locked.  No remnants of last night's dinner remained in the kitchen.  All seemed normal until she spotted the coffee mug filled with tea on her night stand.  She cringed, imagining Youngbae's reaction when he found the cup. 

He must think I'm a crazy, obsessed fan! her heart wailed again for the nth time that day. Amina remembered when he had asked her who her bias was and her lame response. She hadn't seen him yet today and she was already anticipating the embarrassment. Aigoo.... She let out a large exhale and cupped both of her hands around her face. And who could forget the kiss?  Why did you kiss him again? she asked herself.  She closed her eyes and sighed.  And why did it feel so good to be kissed... especially by him? a small inner voice added.  She worried her bottom lip and looked into the distance. 

Just focus on tonight, she told herself.  Tonight was the last night that Amina would be caring for Youngbae's wounds.  His final appointment was with Dr. Park the following week.  After tonight, she wouldn't see him again - there was no need to.  They didn't share the same circle of friends or knew the same people. Amina felt her heart grow heavy with the thought.

Five hours later....

Amina stared up at the intimidating YG building, with its massive steel structure and lights blazed aglow.  The temperature had dropped significantly from earlier this afternoon.  She huddled deeper in her wool coat and firmed her grip on her medical bag.  Amina approached the security guard near the entrance. "Annyeonghasayeo," she bowed and introduced herself. She explained her reason for being there and waited.