"You're Late."

Chapter 3: The Basics

Chapter 3: The Enchanted Poster

I approached the waiting patients, holding my clipboard firmly in hand. "Hyein Lee?" I called out the name, my voice cutting through the dull atmosphere of the waiting area. The young girl, who had been absorbed in her own world, looked up at me, her expression tinged with boredom.

Before Hyein or her daughter could respond, the mother, presumably Mrs. Lee, interrupted. "That's us," she declared with a nod. I offered a warm smile in acknowledgment. "Great, if you'd follow me," I invited, my tone polite and welcoming. With that, I spun on my heels, leading the way to the examination room.

As we walked, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of frustration, though my expressions were safely hidden from view. The Lees couldn't see the exasperation that momentarily crossed my face. "Right this way," I continued, my voice retaining its friendly demeanor. We entered the room, and they took their seats.

"Mr. Han will be with you shortly. Can I help you in any way?" I asked, my professional courtesy on full display. Hyein, however, seemed more interested in her phone than in engaging with me. It was her mother who spoke up, voicing her concerns.

"Yes, I actually thought you'd be treating her?" Mrs. Lee inquired, her tone expectant. I smiled softly, explaining that I wasn't initially scheduled to be their attending physician. The woman sighed, her disappointment evident in her expression.

"Well, I think Hyein would feel more comfortable with a female doctor given her situation. I mean, you are Kim Minji, and it's an honor to have you in our community and service," Mrs. Lee said gently, her words carrying an air of reverence.

Hyein, however, looked up from her device, her face contorted in irritation as she snarled at her mother's words. I maintained my composed facade and offered a reassuring response. "Right, well, I'll see what can be arranged. Would that help?" I said, subtly adjusting my clipboard in my hands. Mrs. Lee seemed satisfied with this assurance.

Exiting the room, I couldn't help but overhear Hyein's discontented voice as she spoke to her mother. "Why must you embarrass me like this?" she complained, her mother chuckling in response.

💉❤️🩺

To say that Hyein was a challenging patient would be an understatement. I tried to persevere, reminding myself that many teenagers exhibited such behavior – bratty and smart-mouthed. It was part of the job, and most days, I managed to handle it with patience and understanding. But today, it got under my skin more than usual.

As I wrapped up my work for the day, all I wanted was to get home. I longed to find out what Jung-woo had planned, something to take my mind off the stresses that inevitably came with my job. The prospect of spending quality time with him was a comforting thought, a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel of this particularly challenging day.

As I pulled up to our house, the term "our" rang like a sour note in my mind. Our home had always been grand, a sprawling mansion that stood as a testament to our aspirations and hard work. The unnecessarily large wooden door loomed before me, and I unlocked it, stepping inside.

The moment I crossed the threshold, I was greeted by the familiar sensation of coolness that enveloped the house. The air conditioning was a constant companion in every room, an essential feature to maintain the mansion's pristine condition. It was a silent reminder of the comfort and luxury we had worked hard to attain.

The mansion's surroundings were nothing short of opulent. High ceilings gave each room an expansive feel, while elegant chandeliers hung from above, casting a warm, inviting glow. Luxurious furnishings adorned the living spaces, and every piece of decor spoke of sophistication and taste.

A gentle scent of candles wafted through the air, their soft, flickering light creating a cozy ambiance. The house was always immaculately kept, a testament to the attention to detail and the precision we applied to our lives.

But as I walked deeper inside, the question that had been simmering at the back of my mind grew more insistent. What was Jung-woo planning? The air seemed thick with anticipation, and the grandeur of our home felt like a backdrop to the secrets and surprises that awaited me in the upcoming evening.

The moment I stepped into our living room, my eyes were met with a scene that exuded romance. The room had been transformed into a haven of love and affection. The dimmed lights bathed the area in a soft, golden hue, casting a warm and inviting atmosphere. A pristine, well-set dining table had been arranged in the center of the room, complete with elegant white tablecloths and delicate, flickering candles in ornate candleholders.

The soft, melodious strains of our favorite music drifted from the speakers, filling the room with an enchanting ambiance. A carefully crafted bouquet of fresh roses adorned the table, their petals seemingly in competition with the candles to create an intoxicating aroma that enveloped the room.

I couldn't help but smile as I dropped my backpack on the nearest chair, taking in the sight and scent of this delightful setup. The tantalizing aroma of a well-cooked meal lingered in the air, and my curiosity got the better of me. "What happened to our reservation plan?" I called out with an arched eyebrow, my gaze wandering across the romantic scene before me.

There was a pause, and then Jung-woo emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron that somehow managed to complement his handsome appearance. His eyes held a glint of mischief as he responded, "I thought it'd be nicer if we just stayed home," he explained with a warm smile.

Impressed by the effort he had put into creating this enchanting setting, I nodded appreciatively. "How was work?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern. I let out a sigh, unable to hold back the weariness that had accumulated throughout the day.

"Let's just say it took me back to the basics," I replied as I flopped down onto the couch, the sudden movement causing some of the roses to scatter and float gently through the air. The impact of my slump sent them dancing, adding an unintended touch of whimsy to the romantic tableau.

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Last night was nothing short of magical; it reminded me of all the reasons I had fallen in love with Jung-woo in the first place. As I entered the hospital for another demanding day, my mind was still lingering in the cozy, romantic afterglow of our evening together.

The hospital was, as always, a place of hustle and bustle. Its sterile, well-lit corridors echoed with the footsteps of healthcare professionals, each on a mission to save lives and provide the best care to their patients. The hospital's décor was far from romantic, with practicality reigning supreme. White walls and fluorescent lights defined the ambiance, and any hints of warmth were generally provided by the dedicated staff who worked within.

I knew that I had to put the enchanting memories of last night aside as I clocked in for work. My footsteps carried me to the break room, a place that always seemed out of place with its walls adorned with posters of the latest Broadway musicals. It was clear that the department manager had an undying love for "Grease," as evidenced by the numerous posters that dominated the room.

With a sigh, I settled into a chair and retrieved my lunch from the fridge. Leftovers from our romantic dinner beckoned, and I savored a moment to savor the lingering flavors of our delightful meal.

My gaze wandered around the break room, and for a brief moment, I became engrossed in a poster hanging on the wall. It advertised a magic show, a tantalizing event with the name of the performance catching my eye. I found myself mindlessly reading the details, musing about the wonder of magic.

But before I could take another bite of my food, it was time to return to my responsibilities. The realities of the hospital's demands and the pressing needs of my patients waited for no one. With another sigh, I reluctantly abandoned the poster and headed back to the hospital floor, ready to face the challenges of another day.