The hospital buzzed with its usual chaos, but the reconstruction on the explosion-damaged floor added a layer of noise and disruption. Workers in hard hats navigated the hallways, their tools clinking and echoing off the walls as Sana, Jihyo, Jungkook, and Yoongi gathered at the locker room, getting ready for their shift.
“This place is a disaster,” Jungkook muttered, pulling his scrub top over his head. “Literally.”
“Tell me about it,” Sana replied, tying her hair back into a ponytail. “Every time I hear a drill, I jump like it’s going to happen again.”
“At least you’re not on pit duty,” Yoongi sighed, pulling out a chart. “It’s like a punishment zone down there. And Nayeon’s mood? Worse than usual.”
Jihyo smirked. “That’s because she’s dealing with the aftermath of Dahyun’s heroics. Speaking of…” She trailed off as the door to the locker room opened, and in walked Dahyun, looking pale but determined.
The four froze, exchanging surprised glances before Sana spoke up. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be resting. They told you to take time off.”
Dahyun shrugged, avoiding their gazes. “I can’t just sit at home doing nothing. I’ll lose my mind.”
Before they could respond, Dr. Im Nayeon entered, clipboard in hand, ready to distribute assignments. She stopped mid-step, her eyes narrowing when she saw Dahyun. “What are you doing here?”
The interns, as if on cue, spoke in unison. “We asked the same thing!”
Dahyun glanced between them, her lips twitching in a faint smile. “Like I said, I can’t stay home. I need to work.”
Dr. Im exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You shouldn’t even be on your feet after what happened. But since you’re here, you’re with me today. My service. Try not to get yourself killed.”
“Yes, Dr. Im,” Dahyun said, her tone obedient but grateful.
---
Later that morning, Dahyun was stationed at the nurses’ station, updating patient charts and catching up on orders. She worked with quiet determination, her focus a shield against the stares and whispers of her colleagues.
Across the hallway, Kang Dong Joo spotted her and started to walk toward her, his expression conflicted. Before he could get close, Dr. Im appeared, stepping squarely into his path.
“No,” she said firmly, crossing her arms.
Dong Joo blinked. “No?”
“She’s been through enough,” Nayeon continued, her tone low but authoritative. “She doesn’t need you adding more to her plate. Let her breathe.”
For a moment, Dong Joo hesitated, his jaw tightening. Then, with a curt nod, he turned and walked away. Nayeon watched him go before glancing toward Dahyun, who seemed oblivious to the exchange.
---
The day’s rhythm eventually gave way to evening, and Yoongi found himself navigating the stairs in a rush to deliver lab results to Dr. Im. Distracted by the paperwork in his hands, he missed a step and tumbled down several stairs, landing awkwardly on his wrist.
Groaning, he made his way to the emergency department, where Dr. Manobal greeted him with a playful grin.
“Falling for me already?” Lisa teased as she examined his wrist.
Yoongi flushed. “It’s just a sprain, right?”
Lisa shrugged, applying an ice pack. “Maybe. But you should take better care of yourself. Wouldn’t want to see you back here too often… unless it’s to see me.”
Yoongi blinked. “Uh… thanks?”
Lisa smirked, sliding a piece of paper with her number into his pocket. “Call me if you need anything. Or even if you don’t.”
Yoongi left the department, more confused than ever, the ice pack pressed against his wrist and a phone number burning a hole in his pocket.
---
By the time the shift ended, Sana and Jihyo waited for Dahyun outside the hospital. When she finally appeared, looking exhausted but intact, they flanked her on either side.
“Jihyo's coming over,” Sana announced.
Dahyun blinked. “What?”
“To your place,” Jihyo clarified. “We’re drinking. You clearly need it.”
Too tired to argue, Dahyun nodded, and the three women headed to her house. Over takeout and several bottles of soju, the conversation grew looser.
“You’re insane,” Sana declared, her cheeks flushed. “Absolutely insane. If I were your boyfriend, I’d be breaking up with you over this.”
“Good thing you’re not,” Dahyun quipped, downing another shot.
"Well, you don't even have one to begin with."
Dahyun pouted at her "that's mean!"
Sana rolled her eyes. “Speaking of boyfriends, I might actually break up with mine again."
"You're Busan ex that you just recently got back together?"
"Yeah! He keeps telling me that I have no life other than being a doctor."
"What a jerk." Dahyun replied as she took another shot
Jihyo snorted. “Try having a boyfriend who wants you to move in with him. Jun Wan’s been hinting at it for weeks, and I… I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“Move in with him,” Sana said immediately. “He’s a Cardiothoracic surgeon, Jihyo. That’s a jackpot.”
Jihyo threw a pillow at her. “It’s not about the job. It’s… complicated and besides I'm the cardio-god, I'm the jackpot!.”
“Everything’s complicated,” Dahyun muttered, her head starting to droop.
"You bet..." Sana jolted
One by one, the women succumbed to sleep, the empty bottles littering the table a testament to their impromptu therapy session. For a moment, in the stillness of the night, they found solace in each other’s company, the chaos of the hospital and their lives temporarily forgotten.
