secret story | jeno x reader

Chapter 11: Cancer

The morning began like any other, but today was different—a significant milestone in the medical field was being discussed at the hospital. A meeting had been scheduled to discuss a rare type of genitourinary cancer, the kind that had so few cases that clinical trials simply didn't exist for it. For years, patients with these types of cancers were left without effective treatment options, relying only on generic therapies with limited success.

But today, that was all about to change.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute had spearheaded a first-of-its-kind trial for these rare cancers, offering a glimmer of hope to patients and healthcare professionals alike. I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation as I made my way into the meeting room. Today's discussions could mark a turning point, potentially unlocking new avenues for treatment and giving patients a fighting chance.

As a Genitourinary Oncology specialist, I had been eagerly awaiting this day. The fact that Jeno had been included in the meeting as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon meant that this research was comprehensive—addressing not just treatment but also post-surgical care and long-term management. His presence always brought me comfort, but today, it made me proud to see how our fields could converge to save lives.

The meeting room buzzed with energy. Colleagues from various departments were present, from oncologists and surgeons to radiologists and geneticists. The gravity of the moment hung in the air as everyone took their seats, ready to listen to the latest findings.

Before the presentation began, Jeno and I found a spot toward the front. He looked particularly sharp in his usual work attire, exuding professionalism. I glanced at him as we sat down, and he caught my gaze with a small, reassuring smile. Despite the seriousness of the occasion, having him by my side made me feel at ease.

"Ready for this?" I whispered to him as the lights dimmed and the first slide appeared on the screen.

Jeno nodded, leaning closer. "More than ready."

The presentation began with the lead researcher outlining the scope of the trial. It was a groundbreaking approach to treating rare genitourinary cancers—ones so uncommon that they lacked proper trials or treatments, like certain bladder and kidney cancers. What made this trial particularly exciting was its targeted therapy, a treatment customized for patients based on their specific genetic markers.

As I listened to the details, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. For too long, patients had been stuck with treatments that weren't designed for them, battling not just the disease but the uncertainty of how their bodies would respond. This trial could change all of that.

Halfway through the presentation, I felt a light tap on my arm. I turned to see Jeno, his eyes focused on me. He gestured toward my lips, a mischievous smile playing on his face.

"Babe, you have something on your lips," he whispered, just loud enough for me to hear over the soft hum of the presentation.

I blinked, confused. "Huh? What do I have on my lips?" I asked, rubbing my fingers across them, trying to figure out what he was talking about.

He shook his head, chuckling softly. "No, no. Here, I'll get it for you."

Before I could protest, Jeno leaned in, his fingers gently brushing against my lips. My heart skipped a beat as his touch lingered, his thumb swiping away whatever imaginary speck he had seen. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, the entire room seemed to fade into the background.

"There," he said softly, pulling back with a satisfied grin.

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile. "Really? We're in the middle of a groundbreaking medical meeting, and you're worried about my lips?"

He shrugged, leaning back in his chair, looking far too pleased with himself. "Hey, I can focus on both saving lives and making sure you look perfect."

I bit my lip to suppress a laugh, shaking my head as I turned my attention back to the presentation. Even in moments like this, Jeno had a way of lightening the mood, making everything feel just a little less daunting.

As the presentation continued, I couldn't help but steal a glance at him now and then. His expression had shifted back to its serious focus, his eyes glued to the slides detailing the surgical implications of the new therapy. Seeing him so engrossed in the information reminded me just how skilled and dedicated he was in his field. We both dealt with matters of life and death, though in different ways, and it was moments like these that made me appreciate just how much we complemented each other, both personally and professionally.

The meeting wrapped up with a round of applause, the excitement in the room palpable. The clinical trial was already underway, and though it would take time for results to emerge, the potential was enormous. Doctors, surgeons, and researchers exchanged hopeful glances as they filed out of the room, eager to apply what they had learned.

As we left the meeting room, Jeno reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "That was something, huh?"

I nodded, my mind still reeling from all the information. "Yeah, it's incredible. This could change everything for our patients."

He smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "And you're going to be a part of that. I'm proud of you."

A blush crept up my neck at his words. Jeno rarely gave compliments so openly, and hearing him say that made my heart swell. "I'm just doing my job," I said, brushing off the praise even though it warmed me inside.

"Yeah, but you do it better than anyone," he added, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

I didn't have a chance to respond before we were interrupted by Haechan and Jaemin, who had been in the meeting as well.

"Well, if it isn't the hospital's power couple," Haechan teased, grinning as he approached us.

Jaemin rolled his eyes, though there was a hint of a smile on his face. "Haechan, don't start."

Jeno chuckled, sliding his arm around my waist. "Don't worry, he's always like this."

We spent the next few minutes debriefing with them, discussing the finer points of the trial and what it could mean for our respective fields. Haechan, ever the optimist, was already making plans for how he could incorporate the new therapy into his own cases.

Jaemin, more reserved but equally excited, was quieter, taking it all in with his usual calm demeanor. "It's a big step forward," he said thoughtfully. "But there's still a lot of work to be done."

Jeno nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but we're on the right track."

As the conversation continued, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the team we had. Each of us brought something unique to the table, and together, we were capable of achieving incredible things.

By the time we left the hospital that evening, the weight of the day's discussions had settled in, but it was a good weight—the kind that came from knowing we were making progress.

As Jeno and I walked to the car, he slipped his hand into mine, his fingers intertwining with mine effortlessly. "You ready to go home?" he asked, his voice soft as the evening sky darkened around us.

I nodded, leaning into his side. "Yeah. Let's go home."

We drove in comfortable silence, the events of the day lingering in the back of our minds. Today was a turning point, not just for our careers but for the patients we dedicated our lives to. And as we pulled into the driveway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope.

For the first time in a long time, the future looked bright.