[ COMPLETED ]
" Tell me you don't love me, and I won't ever show you my face. Push me away so hard that I'd stumble to even look at you. " He leaned closer to my face. " Push me before I kiss you, before I cherish every inch of you. " His palm trace...
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TAEHYUNG'S POV
The moment I stepped through the department doors, it starts.
"Dr. Kim, we need you in Ward no. 3!"
"Dr. Kim, the test results for this patient are back."
"Dr. Kim, there's an emergency in OT no. 6 "
I haven't even reached my cabin, and already the day is spiraling. Taking a deep breath, I center myself. It's going to be one of those days.
As I make my way to the locker room to change into scrubs, I noticed the absence of the intern assigned to shadow me.
Right. He's on leave. Irritation flares within me. An intern, getting holidays these days? When I was starting out, I worked myself to the bone, enduring countless sleepless nights and stern lectures from my seniors.
Shaking off the thought, I focused on the task at hand. I've got a full schedule of surgeries ahead and no one to help shoulder the load.
Two hours later, I emerged from the OR, exhausted but satisfied. There's no time to bask in the success - I was immediately called to consult on a high-risk case.
Half the day passes in a blur, running from one OR to another, from the 5th floor to the 6th and back again. Fatigue settles into my bones as I rush between patients. My shoulders ached from standing hunched over operating tables, and my eyes were burning from the harsh hospital lights. A glance at my watch shows it's only 4 PM. Still hours to go.
"Dr. Kim!" A nurse calls out. "We need you in the ER."
I suppress a groan, turning on my feet "Call Dr. Miller right away." I snapped. "Who gave him permission to take leave? He's practicing his internship under me and didn't even inform me he'd be on a leave. "
The nurse looks down at my tone, but I continued "Why do these people think taking casual leave on hectic days is acceptable? If you wanted an easy ride, you shouldn't have chosen this field."
The ER is chaos. A woman is hysterical, blood soaking through her clothes. I have to shout to be heard over the mask and the beeping machines. It takes all my skill and experience to stabilize her.
By the time I finish, my scrubs are soaked with sweat and blood. But there's no time - I'm already late for my next scheduled surgery.
As I scrub in, a headache builds behind my eyes. I long for a moment of peace, a chance to catch my breath. But then I remind myself why I do this. Every successful surgery, every life saved - it's worth all the stress and exhaustion.
I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. Time to focus. There's a patient waiting for me, trusting me with their life. Despite the fatigue, and headache, I know I'll have to give them my absolute best.
