The sounds of surgical monitors and hurried footsteps filled the OR as Dr. Boo Yong-joo observed the team of surgeons from the gallery above. Below, Dr. Kang Dong-joo and Dr. Kim Jisoo stood at the end of the table, preparing for the delivery of quintuplets. Around them, the interns, residents, and nurses buzzed with anticipation.
"Positions, everyone," Jisoo called out, her voice crisp and commanding. "We have five lives coming into the world today. Let's make sure we don't lose any of them."
Sana adjusted her gloves, excitement and nerves evident on her face. "This is insane. Five babies. That’s a whole basketball team."
Jungkook smirked, nudging her. "It’s also five chances for you to mess up."
Sana shot him a glare. "Please, the only thing I’ll mess up is not punching you."
Dr. Im Nayeon, supervising from the side, interjected, "Focus, both of you. This isn’t a game. You’re here to assist, not banter."
Dahyun stood across the table from Dong-joo, her face carefully blank. She avoided his gaze, focusing on the task at hand. Jihyo, stationed next to Sana, glanced between Dahyun and Dong-joo, her sharp eyes catching the tension.
"Ready for the first delivery," Jisoo announced. "Scalpel."
Dong Joo handed her the instrument, her movements precise and steady. "Baby A is in breech position. We’ll need to work fast to avoid complications."
The room quieted as the procedure began.
---
Meanwhile, in the observation gallery
Jun-wan entered the gallery, his presence immediately commanding attention. He leaned against the railing, watching the scene unfold below. His gaze wandered briefly to Jihyo, whose focus was unshakeable. A small smile played on his lips.
Lisa, standing beside him, noticed. "You look like a man with a secret."
Jun-wan glanced at her, his expression neutral. "I don’t have secrets."
Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I’m pretty sure I saw you leaving the hospital with Jihyo last night."
Jun-wan’s smile faded. "Maybe focus on your own love life, Manobal."
Lisa smirked. "Touchy. Noted."
---
The first baby was delivered with a triumphant cry, the sound filling the room.
"Baby A is out!" Jisoo announced. "Sana, clamp the cord. Jungkook, prepare for suction."
Sana quickly followed the instructions, her hands steady despite her earlier nerves. "Vitals are stable. Baby’s breathing on their own."
Nayeon nodded approvingly. "Good work. But don’t celebrate yet. Four more to go."
As the team prepared for the next delivery, Dahyun’s concentration faltered momentarily when she caught sight of Dong-joo and Jisoo exchanging a look. Her chest tightened, but she quickly snapped back to attention.
"Focus, Kim," Nayeon said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "This isn’t the time to zone out."
"Yes, Dr. Im," Dahyun replied, her voice steady.
Jihyo leaned closer to Dahyun, her tone low but teasing. "You okay? You looked like you were about to stab someone with that scalpel."
Dahyun didn’t respond, her jaw tightening.
---
The OR erupted into applause as the last baby was delivered safely. Exhausted but exhilarated, the team began cleaning up.
