TWO DAYS LATER
It was the day of my discharge, and I was relieved. I didn't think I could survive another day of Fei fawning over Dr. Sang.
Every other nurse and doctor in the hospital had fallen for my charm.
Only around Dr. Sang Zhi did I turn into an idiot who couldn't control his mouth.
I adjusted my shirt and swung my legs off the bed. A young nurse in her early twenties smiled shyly at me.
I winked.
"You are discharged. Why are you still lurking around?"
That voice. That was Dr. Sang, and she just caught me winking at a nurse.
She stood behind the nurse, who immediately scurried away.
Why does she always catch me at the worst possible moment?
"I am talking to you, Mr. Lin. Are you ignoring me?" she asked coolly.
"Yes," I replied.
I picked up my small duffel bag.
She is Fei's girl. Whether he lied or not, whether he made me look cheap. It doesn't matter. I am staying far away from her.
I walked past her. She smelled faintly of antiseptic and other medical stuff I didn't know.
And I could think was that she smelled nice. I must be crazy.
I pushed the screen aside. Fei appeared in front of me, waving the discharge papers.
"I've got them. We can leave," he said.
Then, he noticed Dr. Sang. "You are also here."
A flash of anger crossed his face, but it disappeared immediately.
"Let's go," I muttered quickly. "I don't ever want to see this hospital again."
Behind me, I heard Fei say warmly,
"Thank you for taking care of my friend."
I kept walking.
"Did my friend thank you for saving his life?" Fei added.
My fists tightened.
"No," Dr. Sang replied flatly. "He didn't."
"Lin Wen always acts perfectly," he continued. "He is THE perfectionist. A typical good boy. I wonder why he acts differently around you."
"I don't need his thanks," she said calmly. "He was my patient. I saved his life. That's enough."
"Thank you."
I was standing in front of her before I realized I had turned around. I had meant to keep walking, but here I was.
"I mean it," I said quietly. "Thank you for saving my life."
She didn't look impressed, but who could blame her?
"I was just doing my job," she replied.
"And I was a jerk,"
I held out my hand.
"I'm sorry. Can we start over? I'm Li Wen."
She stared at my hand like it offended her whole existence.
I slowly began to pull it back– and she caught it.
"I am Dr. Sang Zhi." She said flatly.
So, her name is Zhi. Her hand was warm and soft. I wanted to hold on to it—I let go.
"No need to start over," she added. "We won't see each other after today."
"Of course," I forced a chuckle. "There is no reason to meet."
She turned to Fei and smiled. I noticed he was looking at me. I couldn't read his expression, but I could see her smiling brightly at him.
Something twisted in my chest.
"Are we still meeting on Thursday?" she asked him.
"I would never change my mind," Fei replied, still staring at me.
She grabbed his hands excitedly.
"Thank you. You are amazing."
She waved 'bye' at Fei and left.
I watched her walk down the emergency ward, passing several beds as nurses and doctors flocked towards her. I had overheard in the past few days a lot to understand her reputation. Sh. Dr. Sang was the best surgeon in the hospital.
Her calendar was fully booked. Patients traveled from across the country just to be treated by her. Even though she was young, she was already on her way to becoming a professor.
She was impressive.
"I thought you said you didn't like her."
I glanced at Fei, who was still eyeing me. Was he angry because I was staring at her?
"I don't," I answered quickly.
He stepped closer. He was looking directly into my eyes.
"Do I make you nervous?"
"Bro, you always stand too close," I muttered, pushing him back with one finger.
I turned to leave.
"You're giving yourself too much credit," I threw over my shoulder.
"You're running away from my questions again," Fei called after me, quickening his steps to catch up.
"There is nothing to answer." I snapped. "I just want to get the hell out of here, Fei!"
I stormed out.
I wasn't about to admit that I might have feelings for Dr. Sang Zhi. Fei was one of the most important things to me. We have been together since I can remember. From high school, to university, to the service, till now.
For something as changing as feelings, and she doesn't even like me.
Outside the hospital, Fei stopped me.
"I feel like we've been acting weird for the past few days," he said gently. "I hope you know it was just banter. I didn't mean anything by it. You know that, right?"
Of course. I knew.
He might be a devil. But he is the only person I would rather have in my corner, any day.
"Yes," I replied.
"I thought you were angry or something." He smiled in relief and slapped my shoulder.
Then he froze.
"Shit. I forgot your medication."
"Fei!"
"Give me a minute." He was already running back in. "I'll be right back!"
[|]
I wandered toward the park in front of the hospital and sat by the fountain.
It was quiet here. Compared to the last three days in the ward. This was peaceful. I closed my eyes and let the evening breeze hit my face.
And Doctor Sang Zhi appeared in my mind, smiling at me. Dimples. I smiled back. She frowned.
I opened my eyes.
And froze.
Dr. Sang Zhi was walking past me. Alone. A small package in her arms. Earpiece in both ears. She was loudly, terribly singing 'Boy with Luv' by BTS.
And she was tone-deaf.
I grinned and chuckled.
She even started dancing.
I laughed under my breath. She can dance. But she ABSOLUTELY cannot sing.
Then–
VavarrroomROOOM!
A motorcycle tore into the driveway–past me. Too fast. Heading straight for her.
"SANG ZHI!" I screamed.