"You're here, and in this condition. Today, there's no rain even," Juhyuk exclaimed, his brows furrowing in disbelief. Doctor Oh, fighting off a sneeze, dismissed any inquiries about the ordeal, her vulnerability palpable.
Achoo! The sneeze echoed, and Juhyuk instinctively reached out, placing a comforting hand on Doctor Oh's drenched shoulder. "Noona, come inside," he urged, his voice laced with warmth and understanding. In a gesture of care, he handed her clothes that belonged to his brother, hoping to provide some comfort in the midst of the unexpected chaos.
As Juhyuk busied himself in the kitchen, attempting to brew a cup of coffee, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of tension and concern. The poorly made coffee served as a reflection of his unsettled emotions, a feeble attempt to offer solace to Doctor Oh amidst the unforeseen circumstances.
As Juhyuk tenderly presented the cup of piping-hot coffee to Doctor Oh, a subtle uncertainty lingered in the air, prompting her to question, "Have you indulged in its warmth yourself?" With a moment's contemplation, she cautiously took a sip, only for her eyes to widen with an unexpected revelation. The intensity of the flavor seemed to catch her off guard, and as the liquid descended down her throat, her eyes bulged in genuine surprise.
Juhyuk, sensing her reaction, inquired with a blend of concern and curiosity, "What's wrong? Is it not to your liking?" Doctor Oh, grappling with the unconventional taste, fought back a cough that threatened to escape. With a delicate yet awkward smile, she managed to convey, "It's, um, quite unique." The atmosphere brimmed with a mix of amusement and warmth, as Juhyuk and Doctor Oh shared a moment defined by the unconventional journey of that poorly brewed cup of coffee.
Her plea echoed with a touch of urgency, "Could you, like, do me a huge favor and get me some warm water? Here, just take this." Juhyuk, attempting to ease the situation, insisted, "It can't be that awful," but the moment the coffee touched his lips, a wave of realization swept over him - it was downright dreadful. Awkward laughter bubbled up as he admitted, "Hold on, I'll grab you some water."
The atmosphere crackled with a mix of discomfort and amusement, embodying the shared awkwardness of the coffee mishap. The unspoken understanding between them added an emotional layer to the mundane task of fetching water, turning it into a moment of connection amid the unexpected chaos.
A little later, Juhyuk hands her the soothing warm water, his voice tinged with genuine remorse, "Forgive me, I'm not exactly a culinary maestro. But my brother, well, he's something!" Doctor Oh playfully jabs, "You're a worse cook than my brother, hands down." Juhyuk, pretending to be offended, defends himself, "It's not that awful now..." However, he swiftly changes the subject, asking, "By the way, why are you here at this ungodly hour?"
Taking a thoughtful sip of the water, Doctor Oh chuckles, "Hmm, I completely forgot why I came. Here, your report - it encapsulates every twist and turn of your journey and your brother's." The exchange becomes a dance of lighthearted banter and unspoken connections, with the weight of shared experiences lingering in the air, turning the late-night conversation into a moment of emotional resonance.
With a burst of enthusiasm, Doctor Oh delivers the news, saying, "And here's some incredible news." Juhyuk, his heart pounding with hope, eagerly questions, "Is it good news?" Doctor Oh replies with a warm reassurance, "Sujeong is making remarkable strides; he will soon emerge from the coma." Overwhelmed by a surge of joy, Juhyuk breathes a sigh of relief, declaring, "Finally, after enduring this prolonged wait, a wave of uplifting news has arrived."
A shadow of concern cast itself across Doctor Oh's face, creating a palpable atmosphere of unease. Catching Juhyuk's gaze, he sensed a shift in the air, an unsettling seriousness. Inquiring about the cause of her worry, Juhyuk discovered Doctor Oh's perplexity, as she questioned, "I don't know why your cases are being shrouded in such secrecy within the hospital? It leaves me pondering." Her head shook, mirroring the complexity of her contemplation.
In that poignant moment, Juhyuk pores over the reports, a sense of bewilderment washing over him as if the information eludes his grasp. Doctor Oh, observing him, inquires with concern, "What's happening?" Juhyuk, his head tilting in puzzlement, confesses while scratching his head, "Um, I can't seem to grasp anything." The air is thick with the weight of the unknown, leaving an emotional undercurrent in the room.
Doctor Oh's voice carries a mix of determination and frustration as she reveals, "In this report, there's DNA from those four individuals who, ah! who wronged both of you, ha!" Dismissing them with disdain, she labels them as rubbish, garbage, and mere trash cans. Juhyuk, his tone laced with conviction, declares, "It all means the same thing." Doctor Oh, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, adds, "I know, but the words are different, aren't they?" The air in the room thickens with the weight of past wrongs, woven into a tapestry of emotions.
The doctor's voice quivered, "Just one more thing," Juhyuk whispered, "What now?" The doctor hesitated before continuing, "The wrongdoing is confined to your brother's ordeal. Only he bears the weight of this truth. It's only him they've harmed."
"You've only suffered their brutalities, Juhyuk," In that moment, Juhyuk transformed into a tempest of emotions; within him, a dormant volcano erupted. His inner turmoil intensified, torn between the haunting relief of his own unscathed state and the gut-wrenching anguish that engulfed him, realizing his brother had become the tragic victim of those despicable, heartless beings, leaving an indelible scar on their shared existence.
In a crescendo of concern, Doctor Oh fervently shook Juhyuk, the echoes of her urgent cries, "Juhyuk, Juhyuk," reverberating through the room. His response, a fragile blend of confusion and reassurance, lingered in the air, "I am here." Seated on the edge of the bed, he delicately cradled his face with hands that trembled, fingers tracing the contours of a reality unfolding. The weight of the moment hung thick, each heartbeat carrying the gravity of a shared destiny.
Amidst the silence, Juhyuk's vulnerability unfurled, like petals unfurling in the twilight. A poignant question escaped his lips, "Was all this supposed to happen to us?" The room held its breath, caught in the intricate dance of emotions, leaving an indelible ache that whispered of a journey marked by unforeseen twists and turns, where the threads of fate wove a tapestry of heart-wrenching beauty.
In the dimly lit room, Doctor Oh's voice resonates, "Destiny, a master orchestrator, paints the canvas of our lives, Juhyuk, its strokes shaping our destinies." Juhyuk, wearied but defiant, exclaims, "Destiny? I can't stomach that concept; it's a bitter pill to swallow."
Doctor Oh, his eyes revealing a depth of conviction, probes, "Believe in God? Picture a cosmic dance where divine forces grapple with both light and shadow."
Juhyuk, his emotions laid bare, retorts with a mix of frustration and pain, "God? If there's a higher power, why does he stand by, allowing suffering to consume us? Why did he permit the storm to shatter our lives?"
The room echoes with the weight of unspoken questions, leaving an atmosphere heavy with the burdens of fate and the search for meaning.
Dr. Oh, with a compassionate tone, affectionately refers to Juhyuk as "kid," unveiling a profound revelation that transcends human comprehension. In this intricate tapestry of existence, she shares the divine truth that God appoints individuals as guardians, entrusting them with the sacred duty of shielding humanity from the clutches of evil and sparing others from harm. The emotional depth of her words resonates, pulling at the heartstrings with an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
With sincerity, Dr. Oh expresses a poignant frustration as she unveils the human struggle to grasp this profound calling. She paints a vivid picture of signaling to those on the precipice of wrongdoing, a desperate plea echoing through the corridors of existence. Yet, this impassioned plea is often met with an impenetrable veil of ignorance, woven from the threads of greed, insatiable desires, and the myriad evils that entwine the human experience.
In a soul-stirring moment, Dr. Oh draws parallels that reach beyond the surface, suggesting that, just like a caring guardian, there might have been moments when danger signals were woven into Juhyuk's narrative. Yet, understanding eluded him amidst the intricate dance of life's challenges, leaving an ache of empathetic resonance.
The emotional crescendo of Dr. Oh's words underscores the profound significance of embracing this noble duty, a calling that echoes with an intensity that can only be felt in the very core of one's being. In this narrative, the genuine concern for Juhyuk's journey becomes a symphony of emotions, weaving a tapestry that is both appealing and heart-wrenching in its breathtaking complexity.
In the tender words of the doctor, "And anyway, a person doesn't know what's going to happen to them. Just keep believing," Juhyuk, with a compassionate touch, urged restraint on philosophical pondering. But, amidst the raw emotions, my soul clings to hope for my brother's recovery, and within the depths of my being, a fervent plea rises for the wrongdoers to face the consequences that resonate with the ache in my heart.
Juhyuk's inquisitive gaze landed on the doctor as he casually asked, "Do you have a brother too?" The doctor, her eyes lighting up with a touch of nostalgia, replied with a playful tone, "Indeed, I do. Why, wouldn't I?" Juhyuk, maintaining a poker face, quirked an eyebrow, challenging her with, "When did I ever say that?"
In a heartbeat, the mood shifted, and the doctor's demeanor turned reflective. "I have a brother, a darling in my parents' eyes. Despite the fact that I'm 33 and he's merely 22, my parents adamantly insist he's the elder one. He's not my biological brother; we embraced him into our family when he was just 15. My parents had this vision of him taking on the role of the elder brother, but how could he ever replace my real brother, the one whose final breath I witnessed right before my eyes? How?" The doctor's voice carried a poignant blend of affection and pain, a symphony of emotions.
"My adopted brother is a good soul, no doubt," she continued, a bittersweet smile accompanying the acknowledgment of the unique bond they shared.
A heavy sigh accompanied her words as she yawned, perhaps the weight of memories lingering. In that moment, the doctor contemplated how to articulate the intricate tapestry of emotions woven into the fabric of her past and present, a story that transcended mere words. Fatigue settled in, prompting the doctor to yawn, a subtle admission of the emotional toll carried within her narrative.
Juhyuk observes Dr. Oh's persistent yawns and expresses genuine concern, saying, "Why are you yawning so much? How will you manage to get home, especially at this late hour? You should let me know; I can come to the hospital."
Dr. Oh, with a mix of weariness and gratitude, responds, "Oh no, don't discuss these matters here or with anyone else. Please, avoid engaging in such activities until you have complete trust in those people, even in the hospital, under any circumstances."
"I'm immersing myself in the intricate puzzle of the confidentiality surrounding your case at the hospital," Juhyuk shares, his tone tinged with genuine concern and a touch of urgency. "It's a complex web, and I'm exploring the possibility that someone within the hospital might be entangled in questionable activities, forcing them to take elaborate measures to shield the institution's reputation. Unraveling this enigma is not just a professional pursuit for me-it's a personal commitment to understanding the depth of the situation you find yourself in."
With unwavering certainty, Doctor Oh emphatically declared, "I have invested time and trust in comprehending the intricacies of each member in my dedicated team. My confidence in their integrity is unshakable; I firmly believe they would never stray from the path of righteousness."
In a poignant reflection, Juhyuk solemnly pondered, "However, life has a way of weaving unexpected narratives. There are instances when those we hold close, with whom we've shared the tapestry of our existence, can unexpectedly cast shadows of betrayal. In those unsettling moments, the familiarity of trust crumbles, and the once-familiar faces morph into the haunting guise of strangers in the intricate mosaic of our lives."
With a tired yawn, Dr. Oh says, "I'm heading out now." After enduring four sleepless days, the exhaustion weighs on me, and I'm thankful for the upcoming half-day off. "Alright, I'm leaving. Take care," she says, my weariness evident. Juhyuk, sensing my fatigue, genuinely insists, "Noona, give me your car keys. Let me drop you off."
Doctor Oh sighed, "Alright, let's envision you dropping me off at my place. How do you plan to return?" Juhyuk eagerly proposed, "Here's the plan: I'll take you to our car, or if you prefer, stay here. I'll sleep in the other room." Doctor Oh, curious, inquired, "Do you have two rooms in your modest home?"
Juhyuk's voice resonated with affirmation, a resolute "Yes." Doctor Oh, leaning in with concern, gently probed about his possession of a driver's license. Juhyuk, a hint of hesitation in his voice, reluctantly admitted, "Um, no, I don't have one." The atmosphere shifted, and Doctor Oh, genuinely surprised, exclaimed, "You drive without a license?"to
Juhyuk opened up emotionally, "In the past, my brother used to drive alone, but now it's all on me as he's in a coma." With a sense of responsibility, Juhyuk explained, "Being only 17, and licenses issued at 18, I've taken on the role of driving due to my brother's situation."
Understanding the doctor's decision, Juhyuk acknowledged, "I stepped up out of necessity, feeling the absence of my brother keenly during each drive." The doctor, appreciative but cautious, responded, 'Thanks, but I'd rather not risk jail. I'll handle the driving.'
During their conversation, Juhyuk, genuinely concerned, asked about the doctor's fatigue and potential risks of accidents. The doctor explained, 'Becoming a doctor was a challenging journey; emergencies sometimes kept me awake for days, driven by the commitment to saving lives.'
With a radiant smile, the doctor grandly gestured towards the window, proudly pointing to the sizable car parked beside hers, and confidently shared, "Behold, my discreet bodyguard and his impressive vehicle. He's my secret guardian, a towering presence." Reassuringly, she declared, "I'm now in perfect health, prepared for the monumental journey that lies ahead."
As Juhyuk, a mix of curiosity and awe in his eyes, inquired about the fees, the doctor chuckled warmly, "Let me unravel this epic tale. Picture my parents, towering figures in the medical realm, as owners of the colossal hospital. My mom, a renowned surgeon in Korea, lends her healing touch, while my dad, the esteemed chairman, ensures a legacy of care on a colossal scale. Even my supposed uncle commands a significant role as the director, weaving a colossal familial tapestry within the vast walls of that monumental institution."
With a heavy heart, Doctor Oh utters, "Alright, I've laid bare what needed saying; it's time for me to depart. Goodbye." Juhyuk, overcome with profound gratitude, responds, "Your kindness means the world to me." The doctor, embracing him tightly, asserts, "No problem, you're akin to a brother. I assist you not only for us but to ensure the weight of future troubles doesn't burden any soul. By the way, who awaits you tomorrow?" The doctor's concern swells, "Discuss with your parents, reconsider your situation, and if the specter of financial strain looms, do not hesitate to reach out. Take care." Each word, a colossal pillar of emotion, fortifies the connection, leaving an indelible impression in the vast expanse of their shared humanity.
In a heartfelt revelation, Juhyuk passionately shares, "I want you to grasp that I'm thriving; my father is the proud owner of a prestigious school abroad." Doctor Oh, moved by the sincerity of the moment, extends a sincere apology, "When I glimpsed your home, I made a hasty assumption about your financial situation. I deeply regret any misunderstanding." This exchange, a poignant dance of emotions, weaves a compelling narrative of realization and empathy, resonating in the tapestry of human connection.
Immersed in waves of nostalgia, Juhyuk unveils, "This majestic abode, a sanctuary crafted by the kinship of my father and his confidant, Uncle Kang Yeonwoo, serves as an unwavering source of solace for both my brother and me."
As the departure hour arrives, Dr. Oh, wrapped in a subtle shroud of concern, bids her farewells with an earnest plea, "Farewell," she implores, gracefully extending her hand, "I beseech you, abstain from that particular gesture." Juhyuk, attuned to the weight of her unspoken words, tactfully conceals his hand, creating a tableau of nuanced emotions.
Dr. Oh, a symphony of emotions echoing in her wake, takes her leave, leaving behind a charged atmosphere. She directs her vigilant bodyguard with a commanding tone, asserting his role to safeguard the surroundings. The departure scene resonates with unexpressed feelings, lingering like an undulating melody in the air.