Dr. Teajoon didn't feel like answering that question, but he knew silence wouldn't help.
"There were a lot of patients today," he finally replied, avoiding eye contact.
From the living room came a sharp, irritable voice that still managed to sting, no matter how many times he'd heard it.
"Did you get this month's salary?"
Teajoon hesitated for a second, then replied softly, "Yes… I did, Dad."
The man's tone grew harsher, louder.
"Then why the hell didn't you tell me?!"
Sighing inwardly, Teajoon stood up and walked toward the drawer. He pulled out half of his salary—just like every month—and handed it over without another word.
This wasn't new. It happened every single month.
His father would take half of his income, only to spend it on alcohol and gambling.
His mother had left when Teajoon was still very young, unable to endure the abuse and addiction. She had walked away from both her husband… and her son.
---
8:00 AM, the next morning.
Teajoon sat quietly at the small dining table, having a plain breakfast.
The dark circles under his eyes and the weariness etched into his features told the story of a man far too tired of life but still showing up anyway.
His father walked in, reeking of beer even this early.
"From next month, I want more money. Got it?"
Teajoon didn't respond. He simply nodded faintly and let out a long breath.
This, too, wasn't new.
After finishing breakfast, he gathered his things and left for work.
On the car radio, the morning weather forecast warned of heavy rainfall later in the day.
He listened without much interest, his mind far too occupied with the silence inside him.
Soon, he arrived at Tulip Hospital and walked into his cabin.
As always, he took a moment to compose himself before putting on the professional mask.
A knock on the door.
"Good morning, sir," his assistant greeted.
"Morning," Dr. Teajoon replied calmly, settling into his chair.
---
Meanwhile, back at the police department, Mr. Park Yeon Shuk hadn't been able to stop thinking about someone since last night.
And that someone wore a white coat… and thin glasses.
Teayun, ever the observant assistant, noticed the change.
"Sir," he began with a teasing smile, "you've been deep in thought since yesterday. What's going on? Some kind of… love case?"
Park looked at him with a defeated smile, the corners of his lips tugging up half-heartedly.
"If it's a love case, then the one who arrested my heart isn't someone I can catch easily."
He spun his handgun lightly on the table, eyes gleaming with mischief—and something softer.
Then suddenly, as if struck by impulse, he stood up.
"Teayun, I'm going out. If anything urgent comes up, call me."
Without another word, he strode out, leaving Teayun staring after him, mouth slightly open.
"…What the hell just happened?" the assistant muttered.
---
At the hospital, Dr. Teajoon leaned back in his chair, exhausted from back-to-back consultations.
He rubbed his temple and closed his eyes for a moment of stillness.
Knock knock.
His eyes fluttered open. He turned toward the door and raised a curious brow.
"Why are you here again?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Standing in the doorway was none other than Mr. Park, grinning like a schoolboy.
"Well, I missed you. So I came to visit."
His voice was annoyingly confident, eyes lit up with the same teasing spark.
Teajoon stared at him blankly for a moment, unsure whether to sigh or smile.