Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 136

The Real Beginning

The clinic was a stark contrast to the chaotic vibrancy of the market.

It was cool, quiet, and smelled faintly of antiseptic and jasmine-a sharp reset from the oppressive heat that had knocked the wind out of Aen.

But it did little to lower Yoongi's heart rate.

Yoongi was pacing the small examination room, his movements restless and sharp.

He kept glancing at the door, then back at Aen, who sat on the edge of the paper-lined table, still looking pale and slightly dazed.

The doctor, a woman with a keen, observant gaze, walked in and took a seat.

She didn't look worried, which only seemed to make Yoongi more agitated.

​"She fainted, Doctor," Yoongi said, his voice tight.

"We were just walking, it was hot, and then she-she just went down. Her appetite has been off lately, she's been exhausted, and she's had episodes of vomiting over the last few weeks. Is it a virus? Heat exhaustion? What do we need to do?"

​The doctor raised a hand, stopping Yoongi's frantic list of worries.

She looked at Aen, then back to Yoongi.

"Let's take a breath. I've seen many visitors this time of year with similar complaints. But I need to ask a few specific questions to rule things out."

She turned to Aen.

"You've mentioned vomiting and fatigue. Have you had any recent fever, Mrs. Min?"

​"A few weeks ago," Aen murmured, feeling small.

"I thought it was just stress from the wedding preparations and my work. I just... I haven't been feeling like myself."

​The doctor nodded, scribbling on her chart.

"And your appetite? Any specific cravings? Any foods you suddenly can't stand?"

​Aen frowned, looking down at her hands.

"I... I don't really know, Doctor. Everything has just felt... sensitive lately."

​Yoongi, who had been listening intently, spoke up, his voice steady now that he was focused on the questions rather than the panic.

"She's been erratic. Yesterday she asked for a sip of my iced coffee-she hates coffee-and then last night she finished three tangerines-she can barely finish one before. Then, this morning, she was craving an avocado and banana dessert, she made it but dislike it but when I made it, she only liked it after. I thought it was just her being picky, so I didn't push it."

​The doctor looked at them both, a small, knowing smile appearing.

She didn't write anything else.

Instead, she set her pen down and looked directly at Aen.

"When was your last period?"

​Aen blinked, stunned by the sudden turn in the conversation.

"I... I don't remember exactly. Everything has been such a blur with the wedding planning. I assumed it was just late because of the stress."

​The doctor's smile widened.

"It's not the stress, and it's not the heat. Given your symptoms-the food aversions, the vomiting, the fatigue, and now this lightheadedness-it's very clear what's happening. However, to be certain, we will run a quick blood test to confirm."