FLATLINE| JK

fifteen

"You've got an interesting group of friends, don't you?" Dr. Jeon says as soon as I'm within earshot. His eyes are just a few shades darker than the amber liquor in his cup, and they bore into me, making me shift uncomfortably from foot to foot. He gestures to the corner where my friends are, and I see each and every one's eyes on Dr. Jeon and I, gaping. As soon as I turn around, they realize Dr. Jeon has seen them, and they look away frantically, Yoongi and Taehyung returning to their game of darts, Jimin and Hoseok to the jukebox, and Jisoo finds a sudden interest in reading the nutrition facts on her can of beer. "Nosy, aren't they?"

"They're just looking out for me." I say in their defense, shooting Dr. Jeon a sharp look. He chuckles at how unfunny I found what was supposed to be a lighthearted comment. He's clearly borderline drunk, and I can see it in the mischievous sparkle in his eye.

"Oh, because I'm so mean and scary?" He asks, sipping his drink. I roll my eyes, wondering what the whole point of buying my drink and calling me over was. Did he do it just so I'd come over for him to bother me?

"Was there a purpose in calling me over here, or can I go back to my friends now?" I ask, trying to channel my inner Taehyung. I'm sick of being the one manipulated by his games, and Taehyung's attitude may be just what I need for him to understand that. I take a big gulp of my drink, knowing I'll need it for the rest of this conversation.

"I didn't know you drank hard liquor." He says, completely ignoring the question. I can see that he knows exactly what he's doing, riling me up for his own personal amusement.

"You don't know a lot of things about me." I snap, deciding subtle irritation isn't going to be the most successful way to shut him down. Dr. Jeon laughs, finishing his drink and setting the empty glass on the table.

"You're feisty tonight, Moon. What's got your panties in a twist?" He asks, and I clench my jaw in annoyance, taking another sip of my drink, followed by the sweet burn induced by the alcohol cascading down my throat.

"You." I reply, and realize the error in my words as soon as a sly smirk forms on his pink lips that probably taste of alcohol and intrigue.

"Moon, if you wanted me in your pants, you could have just asked." He says, playful lilt in his voice that makes me want to punch him. He loves seeing me squirming and irritated by his words.

"What do you want?" I repeat myself, refusing to play along or show any repulsion at his last remark, because all he wants is a reaction out of me.

"Do you hold your alcohol well, Moon?" He asks, and I just blink at him, denying an answer to another pointless question. "I'm serious." He says, and there's a hint of truth in his eyes behind the tipsy cheerfulness and mischief.

"Yes, I do. It takes me a few drinks to even get tipsy." I answer, curiosity blooming.

"Perfect. Let's go." Dr. Jeon says, standing up from his stool and taking his jacket off the back of his seat. I raise my eyebrows at him as he slides the jacket over his broad shoulders. "Finish up." He says, gesturing to my drink when I continue to look at him, not following.

"What?" I ask him, praying he isn't insinuating what I think he is.

"Relax, Moon. Get your mind out of the gutter. I'm taking you to the hospital, not taking you home." He says, and I furrow my brows, glancing at my friends in longing.

"I just finished my shift!" I exclaim, and Dr. Jeon rolls his eyes.

"So did I, but I just got paged, and I need an intern to assist. Let's go." Dr. Jeon says, and my eyes light up. Assisting on a surgery?

"Me?" I ask in shock and surprise. "You want me to assist?"

"Moon, keep asking questions and I'll change my mind. Just finish your drink and let's go." Dr. Jeon sighs, and I can't help but squeal in excitement. My first surgery! I swear I see a hint of a smile on Dr. Jeon's lips at the noise right before I down the rest of my drink. Motioning to my friends where I'm going, they cheer for me from the corner. Taehyung gives me a look of warning, a reminder. He mouths, "Don't let him be mean to you!" I nod, smiling at him. As soon as Taehyung is the last one looking, I point to Yoongi, and wink at Taehyung from across the room. He rolls his eyes, but a blush is on a cheeks and a grin is on his face, so I know he doesn't mean it. Like that, I leave the bar with Dr. Jeon, struggling to keep the smile off my face.