The first snow ✗ eunseok

✗ 4

"will this go away after time passes?
I remember the old times
I remember you"

The warm glow of "Healing Grounds," a cozy cafe nestled beside the hospital, enveloped the group as they sought refuge from the emotional toll of their shifts. Soft jazz melodies and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a balm to their weary souls.

Jiwon nursed her coffee, already on her fourth shot of espresso, her eyes glazed over as she stared out the window. The hustle and bustle of the hospital's exterior contrasted with the serene atmosphere within.

Chenle's concerned voice cut through the calm. "You've been spacing out a lot, won." His narrowed eyes scrutinized her, searching for signs of exhaustion.

Jiwon blinked, focusing on Chenle's worried expression. "Just tired," she murmured, forcing a weak smile which Chenle didn't buy. He knew that smile, her broken smile. He have been through her ups and down through years, through laughter and tears, chenle had been jiwon's rock and that he'll continue to be. Chenle leaned in, his voice a soft whisper.

"For god's sake it wasn't your fault, Jiwon. You did everything you could."
Jiwon's gaze remained downcast, her eyes shrouded in shadows. Of course he knew, jieun must have told him.

"Dumbass, how you gonna save lives if you're gonna die early? You're a doctor, not a martyr."
Beomgyu who has been silent until now, spoke up. His words, though blunt, were tempered with empathy.

"Hey gays, what's up?"

The tense atmosphere got disrupted as Yeseul breezed into the room, a vibrant ray of sunshine, holding a colorful cupcake adorned with swirling frosting.

Chenle's eyes rolled heavenward, his irritation palpable as Yeseul's effervescent entrance clashed with the somber mood. "Really, Yeseul?" he muttered, his tone laced with gentle exasperation.

Beomgyu sighed audibly, his chest deflating as he rubbed his temples. "Timing, Yeseul, timing," he murmured, shaking his head. Yeseul's smile faltered, her gaze darting between Chenle's annoyance and Beomgyu's frustration.

"Did I interrupt something important?"

Jiwon, still lost in her thoughts, barely registered Yeseul's arrival, her eyes fixed on some distant point. Chenle leaned back, his expression softening. "It's okay, Yeseul. Just...not the best moment."

Yeseul's arms enveloped Jiwon abruptly, squeezing tight as she noticed jiwon's dull face. She wasn't sure if her antics would work, but she was willing to try anything to bring a glimmer of happiness to her friend's face.

"Only Jiwon loves me here!"
She exclaimed gaining Chenle's dry retort slicing through the air.

"That's because you're certified insane"

His words were laced with a hint of amusement, and the corner of his mouth twitched upward noticing the way jiwon's attention settled on them with a small smile adorning through her features.

"And Jiwon's the sole saint who puts up with your antics."
Beomgyu continued, his eyes crinkled at the corners, warm with affection. He mimicked the playful banter against the duo which indeed succeeded.

Jiwon's chuckled wryly- greatful for her bestfriends trying to cheer her up. In that moment, she knew she wasn't alone.
"All of you are crazy"
She shook her head, her silky hair swaying like a pendulum.

Yeseul's grin widened.
"Hey, someone's gotta keep things explosively entertaining around here!"

✗

Shotaro's words dropped like a surprise visit, disrupting Eunseok's tranquil afternoon repose on the couch, where he had been basking in the warmth of the sunbeams streaming through the window.

The plush cushions had cradled his weary body, lulling him into a state of deep relaxation. His limbs stretched out in abandon, his hands dangling loosely over the armrests. The soft rustle of leaves outside and the gentle hum of the air conditioner had created a soothing melody.

But Shotaro's announcement shattered the serenity.
"You're being reassigned to Hanguem Hospital as a spy"
he said, his voice clear and firm.

Eunseok's eyes fluttered open, his gaze drifting lazily towards Shotaro. He groaned, the sound a low, resigned murmur that seemed to come from the depths of his soul. His shoulders sagged.

"Not this shit again"

He muttered, his voice barely audible over the distant chirping of birds. Shotaro's expression remained resolute, his eyes steady and unwavering, yet tempered with empathy.

"Your skills make you the ideal candidate" he explained. Eunseok's gaze never left Shotaro's face, his eyes searching for a glimmer of flexibility.

"What's the mission objective?" he asked.

"Intel gathering on Hanguem's Eclipse project"
Shotaro replied nonchantly. Eunseok's brow furrowed, his mind already racing with strategies and scenarios. The hanguem

"Can't someone else handle it?" he asked to which Shotaro shook his head.

"Besides," Shotaro said, his voice low and persuasive
"you're the finest medic our team has ever known"
Eunseok's gaze remained skeptical, his eyes narrowing like a hawk's, but Shotaro's words resonated deep within.

"Hanguem's security is a fortress," Shotaro continued, his words painting a vivid picture. "Impenetrable walls, layers of surveillance, and guards as ruthless as they are efficient. We need someone with your exceptional expertise to slip in undetected, gather crucial intel, and escape unscathed."

Eunseok sighed, rubbing his temples. His fingers massaging away the budding headache
"Fine. When do I start?" he wryly

"ASAP"