she continued, "The treatment requires five doses of medication. Normally, this process can be completed within two or three days. However, these medicines are very strong—sometimes even overwhelming for patients. Many people struggle to handle them. We will need to observe carefully how Yeo Jun's body reacts. If he tolerates them well, then yes, the treatment will be over in two to three days. But if he finds it too heavy, we will slow down the process, which could take longer. Either way, the medication will gradually cleanse his body of the drugs he has been exposed to."
"Once that is complete, we can move forward with the facial surgery treatment," Dr. Soo Min explained. "That part should take about a week, after which he will be ready to return home."
she paused briefly before adding in a thoughtful tone, "But remember, while the medicine will remove the drugs from his system, it cannot erase his trauma. The psychological wounds from that accident will take much longer to heal. Many patients require over two years to fully recover mentally. However…" she gave a small smile, "…with a positive, caring, and friendly environment, I believe Yeo Jun will recover much faster. Perhaps in just a few months. What he truly needs is emotional support, a sense of safety, and comfort. That will refresh his mind and help him let go of the panic."
Then the doctor explained about the side effects:
"These medicines are very strong, so Yeo Jun may experience some side effects in the beginning. His body temperature may rise significantly, making him feel as if he has a high fever. He could also feel dizziness, headaches, or even a burning sensation in his body. At times, patients can become restless or irritable because of the discomfort. That is why it is important that he stays calm and relaxed, without putting too much pressure on his mind. If he gets anxious or panics, the side effects may worsen, making his condition more difficult to manage. But don't worry, sir—these effects usually last only a day or two. After that, his body should adjust, and he will return to normal."
The doctor leaned forward slightly and concluded with reassurance:
"With proper care, patience, and the right environment, Yeo Jun's healing will not only be physical, but also emotional. He has suffered deeply, but he is not alone—and that will make all the difference."
On the other side, following the doctor's instructions, the medical team had already arranged everything for Yeo Jun.
One of the team members, a young male nurse, stepped forward. He gently set up a drip on the IV stand and then spoke softly to Yeo Jun.
"We'll need to place this needle in your hand. Could you please give me your hand?"
The nurse's voice was calm and respectful—careful not to frighten him.
Yeo Jun stared at the nurse for a moment. In his mind, he repeated the words that had been helping him: My hands are not burning. I will not let myself feel the burn. Everything is fine. I can handle this.
Taking a deep breath, he slowly extended his hand.
The nurse carefully held his hand, then began inserting the IV needle. He spoke gently as he worked:
"If you feel too much burning or discomfort, please tell me right away. I will adjust it and make it easier for you, okay?"
Yeo Jun nodded. Inside, he was fighting against the panic that always came with someone's touch—but this time, he was determined to win.
And he did.
The needle slid in, the IV line was secured, and for the first time, he didn't feel any burning. For the first time, he didn't panic at a stranger's touch.
The nurse smiled and said, "Just relax here for a while. I'll be back soon."
As the team quietly stepped out of the room, Yeo Jun leaned back against the bed's headrest. He let out a deep breath, whispering to himself, "I did it… I really did it. There was no burning. I handled it."
His chest filled with quiet pride. In his heart, he silently thanked Ji Ho again—those simple words Ji Ho had once told him were still protecting him, helping him stay strong.
His hand trembled slightly where the nurse had touched him. To calm himself, he clasped his own hands together and breathed steadily until he began to feel normal again.
At that moment, the door opened. Dr. Soo Min entered, with Joon Hyunk right behind her. Yeo Jun immediately looked at Joon Hyunk, a flicker of comfort passing through his eyes.
The doctor carried a small box in her hands. She placed it on the side table near Yeo Jun's bed, while Joon Hyunk remained by his side, close enough for him to feel safe.
Smiling warmly, Dr. Soo Min asked, "Yeo Jun, you're not feeling uncomfortable here, are you? How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Yeo Jun answered softly. "Not uncomfortable at all."
The doctor glanced at the IV line in his hand. The drip was nearly finished. After a few minutes, she carefully removed the empty IV bag. Then she opened the small box on the table.
Inside were five tiny glass vials, each neatly labeled.
She picked up one vial and drew its blue liquid into a syringe. Without delay, she connected it to the cannula already in Yeo Jun's hand and slowly injected the medicine into his vein.
The effect was immediate.
As the liquid traveled through his veins, sharp waves of pain spread through his arm. It felt as though fire was tracing its way under his skin, burning every vessel it touched. His arm throbbed intensely.