Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 33

I paced outside the door, trying to breathe through my frustration. I felt a wave of heat in my chest, my hands clenched into fists at my sides.

Just as I was about to turn back, Dr. Smith appeared from around the corner, his footsteps soft against the quiet hallway. He saw me standing there, my back tense and my eyes brimming with unshed emotion.

"You okay?" Dr. Smith asked gently, his eyes full of understanding.

I nodded stiffly, trying to keep my emotions in check. The anger, the helplessness—it all swirled inside me, and for a moment, I wanted to let it out, but I didn't want to burden him with my frustrations.

After a pause, I turned to him, my voice barely above a whisper. "Isn't there anything you can do to stop him?"

Dr. Smith gave a soft smile, his eyes filled with a mix of empathy and resignation. "I can only give him advice and options. What he does with them... that's his choice."

Frustration surged within me, and I couldn't help but ask, "Don't you get frustrated, seeing patients risking their health like this?"

He nodded, sighing. "Every time. But I can't control their actions. Everyone has their own priorities, and I can't force them to choose what I think is best."

Seeing the frustration still evident on my face, he paused, choosing his next words carefully. "I don't mean to intrude," he said slowly, "but... is he your boyfriend?"

The question caught me off guard, and I shook my head quickly. "No, I'm just his translator."

Dr. Smith chuckled softly, an amused look crossing his face. "Well, the way you care for him—it made me think there might be something more. Your boyfriend would be a bit jealous, I imagine, seeing you this worried about Mr. Hyun."

I let out a small, almost awkward laugh. "I... don't have a boyfriend."

Dr. Smith's lips curled into a smirk, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "So... it wouldn't be wrong if I asked if we could stay in touch?"

I smiled, relieved by his offer but missing the underlying tone. "Absolutely! I actually wanted to ask you the same, but I was worried it might be overstepping. It would be really helpful to have someone to consult about Mr. Hyun's health if anything comes up."

Dr. Smith chuckled softly, his expression amused but warm. "That could be one topic, sure," he replied. "But we don't have to limit our conversations to Mr. Hyun, you know."

"Of course," I said with a nod, focusing only on the professional aspect and unaware of his intent.

Dr. Smith gave a small, thoughtful smile, as though he'd expected my response, and he lingered for a moment but then he got paged and he turned to leave.

As I returned to Arc's room, I noticed he had already drifted off to sleep. His face was finally calm, free from the pain that had etched deep lines around his eyes the night before. The nurse had quietly set up a small bed for me in the corner of the room, and I spent the night there, watching over him.

By morning, Jihoon arrived with Dae-jung, both looking relieved but concerned. Dr. Smith came in for a final check-up, adjusting Arc's back brace and giving us careful instructions about his mobility. He made it clear Arc would still experience pain and should avoid unnecessary movement. As we prepared to leave, Dr. Smith turned to me and said with a warm smile, "Feel free to reach out if you need anything."

I thanked him, grateful for his kindness and support. Arc, watching from the car, seemed to notice the exchange. Once I joined him in the van, he looked at me with raised eyebrows.