"They say boundaries protect us, define us, and make relationships manageable. But sometimes, boundaries blur, and the lines we draw get crossed-not just by others, but by ourselves. In the chaos of life and medicine, we forget that boundaries aren't just about others respecting us. They're about knowing what we truly need and being brave enough to ask for it."
---
Kang Dong-joo sat stiffly in the plush chair, his eyes fixed on the floor while Kim Jisoo leaned back with her arms crossed, her gaze sharp and unyielding. The silence between them was suffocating, thick with unspoken resentment.
Dr. Shin, ever patient, finally broke the stillness. "What do you need to make this relationship work?" His tone was calm but firm, demanding honesty.
Dong-joo sat up straighter, as if the question had jolted him. "I need Jisoo to move to Seoul for good," he said without hesitation, his voice steady but tinged with desperation.
Jisoo let out a dry laugh, the sound bitter and cutting. "Of course, you do. Everything is about what you need."
Dong-joo's jaw tightened. "That's not what I-"
Dr. Shin raised a hand, silencing him. He turned to Jisoo. "And you, Dr. Kim? What do you need?"
Jisoo didn't hesitate. "I need him to stop talking to Dahyun."
The name landed like a grenade. Dong-joo's head snapped up, his eyes blazing. "That's ridiculous. How can I do that? We work together-"
"I don't care!" Jisoo's voice cracked as her frustration spilled over. "I don't care if you have to work with her, or if she's the best damn intern in the hospital. I can't keep pretending it doesn't bother me, Dong-joo!"
Dong-joo leaned forward, his voice low but seething with emotion. "I chose you, Jisoo. I already chose you, what else do you want from me?"
Jisoo's laugh this time was softer, almost sad. "You chose me? Really? Because every time I look at you, it feels like half of you is still with her."
"It's all just you. I chose you and chose to forgive you after you slept with my bestfriend. Do you think I am totally okay with you and Seungkwan being in the same hospital? Of course not, but we're grown ups and professionals, we must act one."
"You want me to pack up and move my practice here in Seoul but you gotta give up that damn girl for good."
Dr. Shin just stares at them as they keep throwing lines against each other.
"I just told you-" Dong-joo wasn't able to finish his sentence as Dr. Shin's alarm sounded, an indication that the session is already coming to an end.
The room fell silent. Dr. Shin interjected gently, "It seems like there's still a lot of unresolved hurt here. Perhaps we can explore this further next time."
Dong-joo shot him a disbelieving look. "Next time? We're nowhere near done."
Dr. Shin gave him a serene smile. "Progress is measured in steps, Dr. Kang. I'll see you both next week."
Jisoo stood up elegantly as she took her bag and left the room, leaving Dong-joo seated on the couch as he rubbed his temple
---
In the hospital lobby, Yoongi leaned against the counter, watching as Sana and Jihyo debated animatedly nearby. Their voices carried a mix of frustration and humor, drawing his attention.
"We need to do something about Dahyun," Yoongi said, breaking into their conversation. He glanced around to make sure Dahyun wasn't within earshot. "It's been months, and people are still treating her like some kind of an antagonist in a tragic love story."
