Chapter 34

Chapter 34Christmas chemistry(3)

No.

The answer came in a deliberately low voice. Seeing her hastily descending the stairs, Jeong-woos face became puzzled.

Although they may look alike, her humming from earlier was not an imitable trait.

She was Yoon Yi-seol.

Thinking about his initial reaction when they first met, Jeong-woo remembered that they were inside a sleep clinic.

Unless she was suffering from insomnia, there was no need for her to go through the trouble of attaching sensors to her head and sleeping.

Even someone who looks so happy on stage can have this kind of problem.

He noticed that she kept wearing a mask, which must have been uncomfortable. He thought that maybe, as a well-known celebrity, it was expected of her, but then he thought that maybe she was avoiding being with him, which made him feel bitter.

Hey, Han Jeong-woo. Wake up. Its none other than Yoon Yi-seol. Dont you remember?

Anyway, Jeong-woo respected her desire not to be caught and decided to finish the examination quietly.

The latter part of the examination, which resumed, included patients who were using the 5th and 6th examination machines.

Jeong-woo sat quietly on the bench in front of the examination room, looking straight ahead. As the waiting bench was only for four people, Yoon Yi-seol sat right next to him.

Calm down, my heart.

His heart continued to beat fast. Even though he didnt know why, he kept imagining that he was being watched by a girlfriend he didnt have, as if he were a single guy at an age when everyone else had found their significant other.

Why am I having these thoughts now? Its pathetic.

But there was something else that made his sadness worse. On the TV monitors installed in various places in the corridor to keep waiting patients entertained, an idol group special program where they became virtual couples and wandered around was playing.

Ugh, theres nowhere for me to look.

Hey, Yeong-gam. What did they say this test was for?

The fifth and sixth test subjects were a white-haired elderly couple, holding hands tightly as they sat down. When the grandmother asked, the grandfather looked at his list.

Let me see ha ji

Yoon Yi-seol turned her head to him and said, Its a test for anxiety disorder, Grandpa.

Oh, thank you, miss.

As he kindly thanked her, Yi-seol seemed to hesitate, sensing something.

It must be because she didnt disguise her voice this time.

Jeong-woo pretended to be completely absorbed in the TV and didnt turn his gaze away.

Thump.

The five, six, seven, and eight test subjects, please come in.

The door to the exercise inhibition test room opened, and the four people who were tested before walked out. Yoon Yi-seol, who was getting up from her seat, reflexively reached out to support the elderly lady next to her, who was having difficulty getting up.

Thank you.

When the grandfather also struggled to get up, Jeong-woo quickly ran over and grabbed his arm.

Ill help you.

Im sorry. Ill owe you one.

The two elderly people who had gotten up held hands and went back into the testing room. Yoon Yi-seol, who had been watching the scene with a faint expression, seemed to notice Jeong-woo standing next to her and coughed before walking into the room without a word.

Inside the testing room, four beds with square machines attached to them were arranged facing each other in pairs.

Please lie down on the bed and sit against the support. Yes, dont bend your legs. Thats right, Grandma.

The employee attached sensors to each of their calves and pointed to a button next to the machine.

Please sit quietly for 30 minutes, and press the button whenever you feel uncomfortable in your legs.

The test began in the small space. The first one to speak was the grandmother, who had been sitting in silence for a while.

Its tough for young people. They cant even sleep properly

When Grandma expressed her concern about insomnia, Jeong-woo smiled reassuringly. Perhaps it was because they both shared the same predicament?

Although it was just an interested comment, it somehow made him feel comforted. Of course, Grandmas kind expression also played a role in that.

It seems like both of them are very well-behaved. The young ladys hands are so white and delicate. The young man looks reliable, and it feels like seeing my grandson. Our grandson is in the army, and we received a call from him yesterday. These days, the military is not that dangerous. Hes being brave so that grandma doesnt worry.

Grandma, why are you talking about your grandson here? Its not appropriate.

Oh no, I just thought of our grandson because the young man looks similar to my eldest grandson.

Its not similar at all. Hyung-woo is not good-looking.

He isnt.

As he watched the two quietly arguing, Jeong-woo couldnt help but smile slightly.

It seemed that Yoon Yi-seol felt the same way, as a hint of a smile could be seen behind her mask.

Miss, do you have a cold? I brought ginger tea, do you want some later?

When Grandma directly spoke to her, Yoon Yi-seol looked embarrassed. She seemed concerned about answering.

Yes, Grandma. Thank you, Ill gladly drink it.

Oh my, what a lovely voice you have.

Although it was difficult for her to answer properly, Yoon Yi-seols priority for etiquette was felt in her heart, even in such a difficult situation.

Is ginger tea good for this young man?

Oh, me

Jeong-woo answered, conscious of Yoon Yi-seol.

I cant drink that kind of thing well. Thank you, though.

Whats the thanks for?

While the conversation had started, Jeong-woo asked the grandmother.

Grandma, do you have trouble sleeping at night too?

Director Seong.

Yes?

What happens if the neurotransmitter suddenly decreases in this part?

It will transition from awakening to sleep state. Very unstable.

Like insomnia?

You understood it as expected. Mr. Han Jeong-woo tends to sleep deeply even with short sleep, regardless of his emotional anxiety. I dont think there is a great danger in maintaining a normal life in this state.

Actions such as regulating dust stars or communicating with molecules are accompanied by the use of senses that ordinary people cannot use.

Of course, this must be the cause.

Still, he asked Director Seong just in case.

Why do you think so?

Because the brain shows an unusual reaction.

Is it different from ordinary people?

Thats not a problem for me to judge. Many scholars have studied the brain, but they have not yet determined the structure of intelligence and thought considering individual characteristics. I explained the physical cause of insomnia that has come to Han Jeong-woo, but the mental aspect needs to be continued through counseling. However.

The next words were somewhat expected by Jeong-woo.

Sometimes a drowsiness pours in.

It was explained by Director Seong that although its welcome to be able to get a good nights sleep even if you wake up, if you cant control that time as you please, its no different from insomnia.

What should I do? Is there a solution?

There are two ways. One is medication.

Medication?

Like Modafinil, a treatment for insomnia.

Since it was confirmed that it was not a problem caused by a substantial issue in the brain, Jeong-woo was hesitant about medication that seemed a bit uncomfortable.

The other is sleep training. Its one of our clinics insomnia cognitive-behavioral therapy programs that uses physical and mental methods to help you control your own sleep. It lasts for three months.

Training? This seems much better.

I also recommend this. If you rely on medication, you may end up increasing the dosage or looking for a stronger one when the effect wears off. Eventually, side effects will come.

As the ability is used more, the more unstable the sleep cycle becomes.

If it can be improved through training, it is right to try. After all, he wont stop communicating with Dust Star forever.

Is the cognitive-behavioral therapy effective?

If its not certain, how could I have lived in a small room in Gangnam without paying rent? If youre not satisfied, well give you a refund.

Jeong-woo was determined by Director Seongs confidence.

Ill do it.

The cost is about this much.

Seeing the number on the monitor, Jeong-woo swallowed a groan. It was expensive. Too much. Since he couldnt afford it this month, Jeong-woo calculated his credit card limit. It seemed difficult to pay in one installment, and he would have to check the terms and conditions with the doctor first.

Is it possible to pay in installments?

Yes, it is. Oh, there happens to be someone participating in the program today, so if you join, youll get a discount on part of the fee. Since Ill be helping two people instead of one.

Director Seongs eyes lit up significantly as he mentioned this.

The faster the better, for me too.

The basic program is for 4 hours, and if you leave in the middle, youll have to pay a penalty in addition to the discounted price.

Its okay, nothing came up today.

The directors eyes widened.

You look perfectly fine and you have nothing to do on Christmas Eve?

Oh, I feel fine.

Change perfectly fine to attractive then?

Really?

I may not know, but someone out there might think that way.

With the directors wording that could be understood but not really, Jeong-woo scratched his head.

2 PM, 5th floor of Cheongdam Sleep Clinic.

Yoon Yi-seol was sitting in the consultation room inside the clinic, which was decorated like a caf, waiting for Seong Mi-na to arrive.

She absentmindedly touched the mask and hat she had worn in the morning, which were placed on the table.

I couldnt even say a word. You idiot!

Yoon Yi-seol, who was venting her frustration by tapping the cheek of that idiot with her palm, let out a deep sigh and buried her upper body in the table.

Although they had exchanged many useless conversations that day, why was she so timid today? She hated herself for being like this, knowing that she might not have many chances to meet him by chance like this.

If she couldnt reach out because she was afraid of getting hurt, she might not be able to make a real friend and grow old alone, and that thought made her anxious.

Yoon Yi-seol lifted her head.

I hate that.

Dorm, broadcast. Dorm, stage. They were all people who seemed to act happy in front of the camera.

Except for some friends she made during her debut, she didnt have anyone she kept in touch with.

Holding her phone in her hand and checking her messenger friend list, Yoon Yi-seol clenched her fists tightly.

Its unlikely, but if we meet again.

Knock knock.

Excuse me.

Yoon Yi-seols eyes trembled at the entrance of a man who came into the consultation room.