“Dr. Joo? Yunho-ssi called in earlier. But you were checking with a patient… He asked if you could call him back as soon as you’re available?” Ji Hoon looked at her assistant nurse Eun Hye. Not a strand of hair out of place, crisp white blouse and pants. Tall and stunningly beautiful even without makeup.But, very efficient and dedicated when it comes to work. But it seems like she’s the only one whom his charms were not working. He got turned down at the first week he asked her out. Said he was not her type. She shows him respect but he felt that behind her façade, there’s a kind of hate that he could feel. He just sighed but nodded and she went out. He dialed a familiar number of the Ranch House. “Yunho? Yes, I’m sorry. What was it that…? What? Really? Since when? But In Na didn’t say… Oh. So you want me to take him out first? The clinic is until 3. Yes, I could get him to the Steak House by 4. Then 5 or 6 to the Ranch House, whaddaya say? Ok, ok thank you.”
Ji Hoon stared unbelievingly on the phone. Hyun Woo has been back since yesterday and yet, he didn’t call.Nor did In Na. Does he need to feel nervous? He dialed another familiar number and this time, it rang and was only picked up at the tenth ring.
“Hello?”
“You sonofa*****! Where are you!”
Hyun Woo laughed. So he knew. “I’m at home, I’m cleaning the house. This house is not even livable for any human being.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’re coming early?”
“What’s the essence of the surprise anymore?”
Silence. For some reason, it was a very awkward phone call. “Ji Hoon, why don’t we get off for lunch? I miss the Steak House. Are you busy?”
“Nah, It’s a weekend so there’s only few patients so far. Ok, I’ll just meet you there?”
“Yes.”
“And Hyun Woo…?”
“Yes..?”
“Welcome back.”
“I’ll see you later buddy.”
Then the connection was cut.
“Eun Hye-ssi? I’ll be out for lunch. Could you manage the clinic while I’m out? I’ll be meeting with my friend who was just released from military service.”
“Ah, Ji Hyu Woo-ssi.”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“C’mon, doctor. I’m In Na’s best friend.”
“Did she tell you he arrived early?”
Eun Hye’s eyebrows furrowed. “No. I haven’t talked to her yet. He arrived earlier? All I know is she was in charge of the party.”
Ji Hoon nodded and went out to take his lunch.
Eun Hye sighed as he went out. She knew he is head over heels with her friend but her friend is very cautious now in entering in a relationship. Oh, she knew she’d been right when she warned her of the possibilities of what will happen to her. In Na welcomed her baby with an optimism and happiness that she never expected and she’s very glad that her friend is slowly picking up her life. When In Na came to the Ranch feeling lost and pregnant, she decided to come with her. Good thing, a newly established clinic has opened and she was hired on the spot by the most eligible bachelor-doctor, Ji Hoon-ssi. The playboy doctor asked her out the first week she had been there, but her respect and love for her profession urged her to turn him down. Not that she doesn’t like him. She likes him, a lot. Tall, handsome, broad shoulders, narrow hips. He’s a very good general practitioner, and everybody in town likes and respects him. So when he met In Na, he became very fond of her. He always gives her check up, supported her during her pregnancy and he ceased being a jerk and she feels he is really serious about In Na. That hurted Eun Hye. It’s not about In Na, but the fact that he was serious about In Na, but when it comes to her, he sees her as a plaything. Since then, she just treats him in professional level and she knows he notices. She shrugged. If In Na will be happy with him, she will be happy for them.
Who are you trying to convince, Eun HYe?
~******~
Hyun Woo was there when he arrived. He gave him a warm embrace and smiled sheepishly. “You looked good, bro.” “You, too. You, too. Have you ordered?”
They have an enjoyable lunch. Hyun Woo told him of his life in the army and the two shared similar experiences which brought them a lot of laughter and memories.
“I heard you had already established that clinic that you dreamed of, Ji Hoon.”
“Ah, yeah. It took some time, but at least, it is in full operation.”
“Wow, you have staffs?”
“Well, only my secretary, and one full time nurse.”
“Atleast. I’ll be glad to see your clinic after lunch!”
“Hyun Woo…”
“Yes…?”
“Did you meet In Na-ssi?”
Hyun Woo almost choked on his steak. “Yes. How could I not. She was in my property. Why?”
For once Ji Hoon fell silent. Hyun Woo looked at him and he laughed aloud. “What’s happening to you,bro?”
Ji Hoon looked at his friend very carefully. “Nothing.”
Hyun Woo continued to laugh. “You like her. That’s why you didn’t even tell me she was living there. Imagine my surprise when I saw her. She’s nice and offered me food. Her daughter was a cute thing too.”
“Hyun Woo…”
“What?”
“Will you promise me…”
“That?”
“You will not… you know, like Yoo In Na?”
Hyun Woo looked at his him, the laugh disappearing from his eyes. “Ji Hoon?”
He looked back squarely to his friend.
“That’s not a promise I could make Ji Hoon. That’s for her to decide.”
And before Ji Hoon could reply, the waiter came and Hyun Woo settled the bill. “So bro, do I go now to the Ranch or should I go somewhere after this?” His eyes twinkling and Ji Hoon sighed. No use to force his friend to do such thing.
