smultronställe

II.

It's been a little over a month - 39 days, but who's counting - since Jaemin joined Neo City Hospital, and he's starting to become a good friend to you, let alone the spectacular asset he is to the hospital itself. The kids love him... but only almost as much as his coworkers do. He's quickly become Jeno's workout partner, Chenle's and Jisung's 'work mom', Donghyuck's gossip buddy, Mark's new confidant, and, much to your chagrin, Renjun's partner-in-crime when it comes to messing with you.

"Your order is... awful." Jaemin says as he comes up beside you, handing you a steaming cup of coffee before taking a sip out of his own. Renjun makes a noise of agreement from the other side of you, and you don't know who to turn to to roll your eyes at. As you catch a glimpse of Jaemin's own see-through cup, though, you can't help the expression of disgust that crosses your face.

"You're one to talk. I'm pretty sure that's the stuff I fuel my car with."

"I'm gonna have to side with (Name) on this one," Renjun says, mirroring your expression as he looks over at Jaemin's pitch-black drink. "That's not safe for human consumption."

"You guys just aren't evolved yet." Jaemin throws back, taking an extra long, slurping drag of his coffee to emphasize his point. His face is entirely stoic as he does so. You can't say the same for your own. Before Renjun can throw a scathing response towards the Chief of Pediatrics, someone else joins your small group as you walk down the halls.

"I heard I'm on your service again, Dr. (Name)," Beomgyu says, and you try your best not to act startled at his voice suddenly materializing out of thin air above your head. You nod, though you don't hide the fact that you have to check to make sure he's right when you pull out your iPad. Beside you, Renjun does the same, moving to show Jaemin what's on his screen.

"We've got a ventricular septal defect on a kid today, which isn't usually advisable but might be necessary here." Renjun says, and Jaemin nods before responding.

"It's Jeanie Mason, she's 12. Cracks jokes about everything, but it makes her even more endearing. What about you, (Name)? What are you and Dr. Choi up to today?"

"Our first surgery of the day is a - wait, what the hell?"

You stop in your tracks, absolutely dumbfounded as to what you're seeing. Jaemin leans over your shoulder to look, and you can't ignore the shocked laugh he attempts to stifle. Beomgyu's face contorts as he, too, tries not to show his amusement.

Renjun doesn't even try, snorting loudly into his fist.

General Surgery: Patient (37) removal of solid object from rectum.

The small pop-up in the corner informs you that both you and Mark are running point on this surgery, and you can't help but wonder what trauma has to do with it. Before you can raise the question, though, you find yourself in a speak-of-the-devil moment. Mark practically runs into you from the side while your focus is on your tablet, causing you to yelp loudly, though he does catch you before you fall into someone else.

"Thank God I found you," He says, and then shifts his gaze to Beomgyu. "You too. It's insane."

"As much as I'd love to know how this plays out," Renjun starts, interrupting Mark. "Jaemin and I have to go save a kid's life, if you'll excuse us." He grabs onto the other doctor's elbow, pulling him away.

"Have fun with your ass gasket!" Jaemin calls cheerfully as they leave, and you really, truly hope they can feel your glare burning holes into the backs of their perfectly spotless lab coats.

"You have 10 seconds to explain this to me, Lee." You turn to Mark, who looks more excited than a 4 year old on Christmas morning. His eyes are bright and shiny, and you don't know if you should be concerned or not.