CHAPTER 47 - IN THE TRENCHES

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The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the bustling city as Donghyuck, Haeeun, and Jaemin navigated their way through the crowded streets after a long day of their respective On-The-Job training. The vibrancy of the evening was lost on them, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and irritability.


"Can you believe we have to go back tomorrow?" Donghyuck grumbled, kicking a stray pebble on the sidewalk. He was still wearing his crisp City Hall intern badge, which now felt like a weight on his chest rather than a symbol of achievement.

"I know, right?" Haeeun replied, rubbing her temples. The sounds of the city seemed amplified after the quiet intensity of the psych ward. "I thought this was supposed to be a learning experience, not a crash course in stress management."

Jaemin, who had been silent up until now, let out a small sigh. "At least you're working with people. I've spent the whole day organizing medical records and trying to remember which form goes where. It's like a never-ending maze of paperwork." His tone was slightly defeated, which didn't escape Donghyuck's notice.

"C'mon, you both are acting like this is the worst thing ever. It's not that bad," Donghyuck said, trying to lighten the mood. "I mean, we're gaining experience, right?"

Haeeun shot him a look that said volumes. "Sure, experience in losing our sanity," she snapped. "I didn't sign up for emotional turmoil and paperwork hell. I thought I'd actually help people."

The tension in the air was palpable, a tangible reflection of their exhaustion. Jaemin glanced sideways at Haeeun, his heart aching a little at the sharpness in her voice. "Hey, we're all in this together," he interjected gently, hoping to diffuse the brewing storm. "Let's just get some food and talk it out. We'll feel better."

Donghyuck, feeling defensive, rolled his eyes. "You're always saying that. Food isn't going to fix everything."

"Maybe not," Haeeun said, crossing her arms. "But at least it's something that doesn't involve deadlines or patients' lives hanging in the balance."

Jaemin nodded, eager to steer the conversation toward a more positive note. "There's that little noodle shop we like. How about we go there? It's comforting." His suggestion hung in the air, a lifeline amidst their brewing discontent.


After a moment's hesitation, both Donghyuck and Haeeun nodded in agreement, the prospect of warm noodles promising to soften the jagged edges of their moods. They walked in silence, the noise of the city fading into the background as they each retreated into their thoughts.


The noodle shop was small and cozy, the scent of broth wafting through the air as they entered. It was a familiar haven, a place where they often escaped to share laughter and warmth. But tonight, the atmosphere felt heavy, as if the weight of their individual struggles hung over them like a cloud.

As they settled into their usual booth, Haeeun picked up the menu but didn't really look at it. Her mind was still swirling with the day's events—the faces of the patients, the conversations that had gone too deep, and the overwhelming emotions that came with her work.


"I don't even know what I want," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Donghyuck leaned back, a frown etched on his forehead. "What's wrong with you two? You're acting like we're at a funeral."

Jaemin glanced at Haeeun, concerned. "I think we're just... tired, Hyuck."

"Tired? That's all you have to say? Because I'm ready to throw in the towel. I can't keep up with the demands of City Hall," Donghyuck shot back, his frustration bubbling over.

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