CH 53

Her bold words left Muyeol flustered. He gaped at her, but she pretended to be oblivious to it.

“We have to get used to this sort of thing,” she added.

“We got married right after my grandmother asked me to, so if I tell her I married you because I love you, do you really think she’ll believe it?” asked Muyeol.

“If it weren’t for your circumstance, I would have asked how much I’d be getting paid for this.”

“The soap operas have ruined your imagination.”

“Reality is much scarier than some shows on TV. At least people always get a happy ending in the shows, but there’s no such thing in real life… Anyway, I feel like your grandmother will be different because she cares about you so much.” Yiyoung still remembered the day Madam Choi had shown up at her school. The way the elegant woman had called Muyeol and talked to him gently was still etched in her mind vividly.

Just from that, Yiyoung was able to make out how deeply she cared for Muyeol; it was this love which made Madam Choi help Yiyoung back when she was 14, a girl she did not even know then.

“I know you asked me to marry you because you love your grandmother as much as she loves you,” said Yiyoung, “You probably wanted to ensure that she wouldn’t have to worry about you.”

“So, you’re saying my grandmother will worry less because I chose you? You just can’t stop bragging about yourself, huh?”

Yiyoung suddenly fell silent. Muyeol turned to check her expression, but she had averted her face from him, looking straight ahead.

Just when he began to wonder if he had been too harsh, Yiyoung broke the silence with a murmur, “So what? I’m a good person, so I qualify for this marriage. I just don’t have a lot of material possessions.”

“Who whispers while boasting?” Muyeol asked, “Are you sure you’re good enough to qualify for this marriage?”

Yiyoung exploded in anger, “Yes! I’m a good person, and I’m better than you!”

“You’re better than me, so if you want to show off, say it loudly and clearly. And if by any chance, the hospital staff finds out about the marriage, then show them your capability and shut their mouths. I know you’re good at that.”

“That’s a compliment, right?”

“Why? Do you think I’m criticizing you?”

“Nevermind… Just repeat exactly what you did today in front of your grandmother. One year of marriage won’t be a problem then.”

“Is that a threat?”

“No, I’m telling you the truth.” Yiyoung took off her wedding ring.

Muyeol noticed this and asked, “Why take it off?”

“I wore it to show Uncle Sangsu and Honghee, but it’ll get in the way while I treat the patients.”

Yiyoung hadn’t brought a purse with her, so she looked around for a place to temporarily keep the ring. When Muyeol realized her intention, he reached for the ring and then wore it on his pinky finger.

“Good, good!” Yiyoung complimented, “A friendly behavior like this would be very much appreciated. Please do the same tomorrow as well, okay?”

Muyeol frowned, but did not move to take the ring off his finger.

When they arrived at the hospital, Yiyoung hopped out of the car in a hurry, and Muyeol called out to her, “Call me when your shift is over. I’ll pick you up.”

“I don’t know when that would be…” replied Yiyoung.

“Still, call me. Tomorrow is an important day for me.”

“Okay, okay. I see you’re worried about me looking dirty tomorrow.”

“At least you know it.”

“Fine. I’ll call you.” With that, Yiyoung ran into the ER.

A three-car collision had left eight victims severely injured. The stench of blood hit Yiyoung the moment she stepped into the ER, making her nauseated. But there was no time to calm herself down. Other doctors had been asked to report to the ER as well, and they had started showing up.

* * *

Dawn came like usual, but Yiyoung stood leaning against a wall, the cold wind nipping her face. Her legs were trembling uncontrollably. Out of the eight, two victims had passed away, and the rest who had barely survived were currently in the operating rooms.

She grimaced, her face pale from retching up multiple times throughout the night. Whenever her patients did not survive, Yiyoung fell sick, unable to digest any food. And her stomach was currently aching because of that. She rubbed her tummy, regretting filling herself to the brim at the dinner, and hoped that the medication she had just taken would help her feel better after a few hours sleep.

Yiyoung gazed into the distance and muttered, “It’s about time for him to show up.”

“Hey, it’s me. Do you want me to leave now?” Muyeol had immediately answered his phone when she had called him a while ago, almost as if he had been waiting for it. “Wait there, I’ll leave now.”

Yiyoung laughed giddily at the thought of being in a relationship with him. His voice evoked a peculiar feeling in her. When he had said he would pick her up, it felt as if some fairy was tickling her heart. The day grew brighter, and Yiyoung watched as a car pulled in.

Muyeol was able to find Yiyoung without any trouble. She was leaning against a wall, looking fatigued as she waited for him. In an instant, he could tell that she had had a tough time at work. He stopped the car in front of her, and she got into the passenger seat, still low-spirited. He had never seen her look so despondent.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as he drove out of the hospital.

“I couldn’t save two patients,” Yiyoung sighed loudly. Overcome with remorse, she buried her face in her hands.

Muyeol patted her head to comfort her. “You tried your best. Don’t blame yourself.”

His warm response took her by surprise, and she stared at him in blank amazement.

“Why?” Muyeol questioned her stare.

“Just because.”

“Just because?”

“I feel thankful.”

He did not say anything after that, only continued patting her head.