KILL ME HEAL ME

Chapter 9

"Do I still have any appointments, Bee?" Tyme asked, stopping at the nurse's counter. Nurse Bee checked her computer and confirmed, "No, that's it for today."

Relieved, Tyme turned to head back to his office to clock out, but Bee suddenly stopped him. "Huh? Is there anything else?" Tyme asked, puzzled.

She pointed behind him. Confused, Tyme turned around, and what he saw nearly made his blood pressure spike.

"He's been waiting for some time now," Bee said with a smirk.

"Hi, doc," greeted the visitor, his tone playful. It was Great, standing there with his usual mischievous grin. Tyme sighed, visibly tired, and attempted to walk away, but Great quickly moved in front of him, blocking his path.

"What do you want?" Tyme asked, trying to mask his frustration.

"I heard you're done for the day. Let's grab something to eat," Great offered with a smile, as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world. Tyme looked at him, trying to read his true intentions. He wanted to brush him off and keep walking, but out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Den approaching.

Not wanting to deal with Den's inevitable questions about this "rich kid" standing in front of him, Tyme gave in. "Okay, go wait outside. I'll be there in a minute."

Great beamed and waved as he left the building. Tyme, in the meantime, hurried away, trying to avoid any more unwanted attention.

"Oh, Tyme, leaving already?" Den called out as he saw Tyme heading out of his office in a rush.

"Mn," Tyme hummed noncommittally, quickening his pace.

"Is everything okay?" Den asked, noticing the unusual speed.

"Yes. See you tomorrow," Tyme replied, brushing off the inquiry as he walked away, not wanting to be roped into a conversation.

Den stood there, confused by Tyme's behavior, then made his way over to Nurse Bee. "What's up with him today? He never leaves in such a hurry."

Bee didn't even look up from her screen, answering flatly, "A date."

Den blinked, processing the response. "A what?!" He asked, incredulous, needing confirmation he hadn't misheard.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Great let Tyme choose the place for their meal, and Tyme, not wanting to engage in a long conversation, settled on a local roadside food stand. As they arrived, it was obvious from Great's cautious glances and slow pace that he had never been to such a spot before. He followed Tyme hesitantly, as if navigating a minefield.

Tyme sat down at a small table, but Great hesitated, eyeing the seat with disdain. He didn't want to sit in such a "dirty" place.

"What's wrong? Not hungry anymore?" Tyme asked, noticing Great's reluctance. Great pulled out a piece of cloth and wiped the seat thoroughly before sitting down. Tyme watched in disbelief.

"Never been to a place like this before?" Tyme asked. Great, instead of answering, posed his own question.

"Why do you come to a place like this?" Just then, the stall owner cleared her throat, standing behind Great with a visibly offended expression.

"What do you want?" she asked, pen ready to jot down their order.

"Cold noodles, extra spicy," Tyme ordered. The lady turned her gaze to Great, who seemed clueless.

"Uh, same as him, but without the spices," Great said. The lady walked away without acknowledging his order.

"You think she heard me?" Great asked, still oblivious. Tyme just sighed and didn't bother responding.