The hallway of the hospital buzzed with the typical morning rush, but the tension among the interns had reached an all-time high. Dahyun, Sana, Jungkook, and Jihyo stood in the hallway, voices raised, arguing over who would get to assist Dr. Manobal in the leg amputation case that had just come up. The patient was battling sepsis, and the surgery would be both complex and critical. It was the kind of surgery that could set an intern apart, and none of them were willing to back down.
"This was my patient from the start," Jungkook said, his voice rising in frustration. "I was the one who caught the signs of sepsis! I should be the one to assist."
"Sure, but just because you caught it doesn't mean you're the best person for this surgery," Dahyun shot back, her tone firm. "We've all been through enough trauma cases. I've assisted with amputations before; I can handle it."
Jihyo, always direct, stepped in. "I've scrubbed in on two amputation surgeries already, and my resident said I did a great job. Experience matters here. You don't just get the surgery because it was your patient, Jungkook."
Sana, who had been quieter but equally determined, finally jumped in. "We're not in school anymore, fighting over group projects. It's about who's going to be the most helpful in that OR. My hand is steady, and I've been working closely with Dr. Manobal. If anyone's assisting her, it should be me."
The bickering grew louder as they all tried to outdo one another, presenting their cases with increasing passion, but no one was willing to budge. The competitive spirit among the interns, especially with a case this important, had reached its peak.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the chaos. "What the hell is going on here?"
All four of them froze as Dr. Im Nayeon, recently back on her feet after delivering her baby, stood before them, arms crossed, glaring at them with the kind of sternness only an experienced surgeon could muster. Even though she was technically on maternity leave, her presence commanded immediate attention.
"You're all out here arguing like children while a patient is waiting for surgery," Nayeon said, her voice sharp. "I don't care who thinks they deserve to be in that OR. If you don't get your shit together, none of you will be assisting Dr. Manobal or anyone else for that matter."
The interns exchanged guilty glances but remained silent, knowing better than to speak back to Nayeon.
"And you," she said, pointing at Jungkook, "just because it was your patient doesn't mean you automatically get dibs on the surgery. You have to earn your spot every day."
Jungkook nodded, swallowing his frustration.
Nayeon sighed, softening her tone just slightly. "Now, stop this nonsense and get back to work before I whip every one of you out of this hospital."
Just as the tension seemed to dissolve, Dahyun's pager went off. She glanced down at the number flashing on the screen and felt her pulse quicken.
"Dr. Kim Taehyung is paging me," she said, almost in disbelief. "He wants me to assist with an aneurysm clipping."
The others exchanged quick glances of envy and surprise.
"Well, looks like you're off the hook from this amputation debate," Jihyo muttered, half-joking.
Dahyun shot them an apologetic smile before rushing off toward the OR. As she disappeared down the hallway, the reality set in for the remaining interns-Jihyo, Sana, and Jungkook. With Yoongi occupied assisting Dr. Im with her discharge, that left only the three of them to fight for the coveted spot with Dr. Manobal.
"Looks like the competition just got tighter," Sana said, her voice light but with a hint of challenge. "May the best intern win."
Before they could start bickering again, Nayeon cleared her throat. "Not a word," she warned, eyeing them all carefully. "Dr. Manobal will make her choice soon. Until then, act like professionals."
