Save Me

03

Three weeks ago, your life was completely...

Normal.

You would wake up at six in the morning, choose a killer outfit to piss off Bae Joo-Hyun, and then you would grab your favorite drink at The Sun, a coffee shop right across your expensive apartment building. After this, it was time to go to the hospital to work.

Three weeks ago, suicide wasn't on your mind, but this was old news now.

"Good morning, Sunshine!"

"Fuck off, Ji-hyo," you groaned at the person on the other line. This was your new morning routine. You would start the day by telling your beloved best friend to leave you alone.

Huh. Who would have thought the person who 'stole' your position as Alice would end up as your best friend?

Life was really weird sometimes.

"You do realize that the more you push me away, the more I latch onto you, right?" Even if you couldn't see her face, you were still certain that she was currently pouting her lips like the kid that she was.

You had known Ji-hyo for more than two decades, so you were certain that she wouldn't leave you alone unless you give into what she wanted.

"I'm just saying," your best friend heaved a deep sigh. "I haven't seen you in a month—"

"Three weeks." You corrected, causing Ji-hyo to roll her eyes.

It was getting difficult to talk to you. It's like you're only answering her call because you didn't want her to pester you more. Admittedly, this hurt Ji-hyo's feelings.

It was as if you didn't trust her anymore.

"Fine. Three weeks, but..."

You weren't surprised when Ji-hyo let out an exaggerated sigh. "I miss you. I've heard everyone at the hospital talking about you. Were you really there yesterday?"

It was your turn to let out a breath.

"What did they say?" You were genuinely curious as to what your colleagues thought about you.

Ji-hyo was also a doctor at Cornelia Hospital. She's an anesthesiologist. You, on the other hand, were a cardiac surgeon.

"They said Bae Joo-hyun finally gave you a taste of your own medicine!" Your best friend stomped her feet on her insanely overpriced marbled floor.

"How can you let Joo-hyun win!? What did she even do to you!?"

Ji-hyo didn't catch the whole story because the moment she heard that you went to the hospital yesterday, she lost it. How could you not visit your best friend's office?

"Nothing," you laughed bitterly. The pain in your chest was hard to ignore. "She just rubbed it in my face that I am the reason why Areum is dead."

Your straightforward response caught Ji-hyo off guard.

"I'm sorry," she sounded dejected. This topic was a sore spot for you. She should have been more careful.

"I am fine, Ji-hyo."

You knew she didn't mean any harm. You just hated how people quickly change their expression because of pity.

You didn't need anyone's sympathy.

"I know. It's just that..." Ji-hyo trailed off.

She didn't know what to say and neither did you.

You couldn't tell her about what happened yesterday because she'd probably assume that you're demented. Who would believe that you summoned the devil?