But Beautiful

part 7

"Dr. Yoo will be returning soon," Soojung mentioned as she walked Jungkook to the cafeteria. "He said that he's been letting you use his office while he's away to compile your notes and list your daily activities."

"Yes, I have been," Jungkook replied with a smile, bowing at everyone they passed. "I've got quite a stack of documents for him to look through when he returns," he added with a giggle.

"I'm sure you do," she replied, nudging him cutely with her elbow. "Dr. Yoo is an interesting man," she continued, a wistful look on her face. "I've worked here for the last five and a half years now. I've seen assistants, nurses, residents, security, and patients come and go. Most of the residents he takes under his wing tap out early," she continued, walking beside Jungkook, "he can be intimidating, and he can be strict. But you," she paused, extending a finger towards the younger. "You are a challenge to him. And don't tell anyone I told you, but I think he likes that."

Jungkook listened to the woman talk, distractedly looking at her long acrylic nails as she pointed at him. "Do you think he does? I can't figure him out. When I was doing residency at the last clinic before I was transferred here, he was my mentor. And sure, he was tough, but when I arrived here, I feel like we end up butting heads a lot," he explained, scratching the back of his neck. "I don't want to be kicked out of his facility, but I can't help myself with questioning his processes."

"And the fact that you do know how to push his buttons and you do question his choices shows that you're not a pushover. It shows him that you can think for yourself, that you're not just a follower. Don't lose that spark, kiddo. I think you're going to have an amazing career ahead of you," Soojung complimented, a smile on her face. "And although Dr. Yoo hasn't mentioned it specifically, I know that you're his favorite resident he's ever had."

With a bashful smile, Jungkook sat down at a table, getting his lunch from his bag with the woman's words running through his head. I hope she's right, he thought to himself, because I won't stop doing what I think is right. And part of my mission here is to sharpen my skills as a provider, he continued, looking up as she made her exit. And I'm doing really well, I think. The most important thing for me to do now is continue making good efforts and giving the best care I can. And my personal goal is to help Taehyung.

               ____________________

After his lunch break, Jungkook had spent a couple of hours working with patients on physical therapy. One of the lead therapists was excited to have him there, and Jungkook was excited that the patients were all kind and accepting of a new helper. Most of the work he did with the patients involved stretches and developing more efficient exercise routines, but two of them needed minor procedures that he was able to perform with a brief "OK" by Dr. Lim. It reminded him of the procedure he performed on Taehyung, and he wondered if the shot was working. It was an intense procedure to perform, one that was easy to error, but he did it with practiced precision that owed to his desire to impress his mentor almost as much as his desire to help the patient.

"Good afternoon," he greeted as he entered the social room. He looked around, a frown on his face as the spot in the corner had the easel there, set up without a canvas, and he wondered if someone had taken the painting Taehyung was working on into the supply room.

"Dr. Jeon," one of the patients called out, eyes wide as he regarded him. "Is Kim okay? They zapped 'im, din't they?" they asked, voice steadily dropping quieter until he finished with a whisper.

"I'm sure he's doing fine," Jungkook replied, giving the patient an encouraging smile.

"They sent 'im to solitary, I jus' know it," the man continued, heaving a sigh as he sunk back into the couch, arms folding over his chest. "Been there once m'self, hated every damn minute of it. The guard down 'ere, what a fuckin' prick," he continued, lost in his thoughts while shaking his head. "Liked to fuck with me, an' nothin' I could do, he's the boss down 'ere. Jus' a pig on a power trip. Got that stick an' likes to fuck with ya. Kim's prob'ly cuffed, yeah? Poor kid, jus' gotta take it, but guess it's his fault since he decided to get rough with ya."