The conference room buzzed with an air of expectation as the interns and attendings gathered around the large table. Charts and patient files were spread out in front of them, but there was an undeniable sense of tension in the air. Today's case was a high-profile one-something that everyone in the hospital was talking about. The patient was a young heiress with a rare form of brain cancer, and the pressure was on for the surgeons to devise a solution.
Dahyun, dressed in her scrubs and looking sharp as always, had a focused expression on her face as she listened intently to Dr. Kang Dong-joo's input. His detailed analysis of the patient's condition left no room for doubt that the team was going to have to pull out all the stops to save her. Despite his usually calm demeanor, there was a certain intensity in his eyes, his surgeon's instincts coming to the forefront.
"We'll need to operate within the next 48 hours. The sooner, the better," Dr. Kang said firmly, adjusting his glasses as he passed around the file.
Dr. Im nodded in agreement. "We need the best approach possible. I'll prepare for the interns for the possible procedure."
As the meeting continued, the door to the conference room swung open with a suddenness that caught everyone's attention. All eyes turned to see Dr. Boo Yong-joo, the Chief of Surgery, stepping inside. With a measured stride, he took his place at the head of the table, the air around him commanding instant respect. The team went silent in anticipation.
"Alright, team," Dr. Boo began, his voice steady and authoritative. "We've reviewed the case. Now, we need a solid plan. But before we go any further, I would like to welcome our resident who's exchanged program in San Francisco just ended." He paused, casting a glance at the door behind him, where another figure had just entered.
Taehyung, dressed in his surgical scrubs and carrying a bag, stepped forward. There was a collective gasp from the room, particularly from the interns. It had been months since anyone had seen him, and his return had clearly caught everyone off guard.
"Dr. Kim has returned from his exchange surgical program," Dr. Boo continued. "He'll be joining us again, working alongside our team. Taehyung, it's good to have you back."
Taehyung's calm smile radiated warmth as he nodded. "It's great to be back. I've learned a lot from my time abroad, and I'm eager to contribute that learning here."
The room went silent for a moment, everyone processing the news. There was something about Taehyung's presence that seemed to shift the atmosphere. His confidence, tempered with humility, made him a figure that commanded both respect and admiration.
As Taehyung began to share his thoughts on the experiences he had abroad, Dr. Boo watched him with an approving glance. His presence had certainly added a certain weight to the discussion.
From the corner of the room, Nayeon, who had been silent for the entire meeting, shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She couldn't hide the bitterness that had crept into her voice when she finally spoke.
"Would've been nice if I could've been the one to go on that program," she muttered, not even bothering to hide the bitterness that seeped through. "But of course, life had other plans." Her hands traced her scar on her belly, a reminder of what she had sacrificed.
Jihyo, always quick with a comment, didn't miss a beat. She leaned over to Dahyun, her eyes narrowing as she looked toward Taehyung, who was now engaged in conversation with Dr. Go Seungtak, the plastic surgeon.
"Wait," Jihyo whispered to Dahyun, her voice tinged with both amusement and disbelief. "Is that... Mr. Better Choice?"
Dahyun's lips curved into a small smile as she followed Jihyo's gaze toward Taehyung. She shrugged. "You still call him that?" she asked, her voice betraying an almost affectionate fondness.
Jihyo's eyes twinkled as she nodded. "I don't really remember his name. I just know that he's the better choice, and you. didn't. choose. him."
Dahyun's smile faltered slightly, though she tried to keep her composure. "I chose who I chose," she said softly, but there was an underlying hint of regret. "And suffered from the consequences. Thanks for reminding me"
"You're welcome" Jihyo's tone turned serious as she leaned closer to Dahyun, her voice dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial whisper. "But seriously, if you had just chosen the Mr. Better Choice, maybe you wouldn't be dealing with the mess that is McDreamy with his McGorgeous fiancé. Now, don't you wish you'd chosen differently?"
Dahyun's gaze flicked to the window, her mind wandering back to the past. She tried to focus on the present, on the work she needed to do, but the memory of McDreamy and his perfect life with his perfect fiancé wouldn't fade. Still, she couldn't bring herself to say it out loud.
As the conversation continued between the two, the sound of footsteps caught their attention. From behind the corner, Dong-joo was standing, leaning slightly against the doorframe. His face, usually composed and professional, now showed signs of tension. He had been listening to the conversation, his sharp eyes moving from Jihyo to Dahyun.
The two women didn't notice him at first, so absorbed were absorbed in their own private conversation. But when Dahyun laughed quietly at something Jihyo said, the sound seemed to carry through the room, and Dong-joo's gaze locked on her.
Dahyun noticed the shift in the atmosphere and turned, her gaze meeting Dong-joo's for a brief moment. There was an almost unreadable expression on his face as he looked at her, and she quickly glanced away. She didn't need to see it to know what he was thinking. He doesn't approve of the way she had let her heart be pulled in different directions-towards the guy named Taehyung.
"Taehyung," Dr. Boo said, cutting through the quiet tension, his voice bringing everyone's attention back to the case at hand. "Why don't you assist on this surgery? You've been working in high-pressure environments. I think you'll bring a fresh perspective to this."
Taehyung nodded, his earlier smile returning as he stood tall. "Of course, Dr. Boo. I'll be happy to assist Dr. Kang again." His eyes briefly scanned the room, settling on Dahyun for a moment, before he refocused. "We'll get it done."
Dong-joo stood by the door, his gaze still locked on Dahyun. The tension was palpable. He knew there was something growing between Dahyun and Taehyung. And he's not happy about it, despite promising to Jisoo that he'll stop talking to Dahyun
The others gathered their things as the meeting came to a close. It was clear that today's case would be a challenge, but Taehyung's return had added a new dynamic to the team-one that no one quite knew how to handle yet.
As the team slowly filed out of the conference room, Dahyun lingered behind, her mind racing. The conversation with Jihyo echoed in her thoughts, and as she finally left the room, she found herself looking toward Taehyung once more, caught between the past and the present, unsure of where the future would lead.
And in the shadows, Dong-joo watched as she watched Taehyung leave the room.
