Chapter 43
Unaware of Seo-jung’s thoughts, Cha Yoon rubbed his face and released the hand he was holding.
“If you don’t want to be with me, I’ll wait outside. Just come out when you’re done with the IV.”
Seo-jung felt the warmth of Cha Yoon’s grip leaving his wrist. When he turned his head, he saw Cha Yoon with an unusually dejected expression. Even this side of him was the Cha Yoon he knew. There was no way he could be harsh to him. Seo-jung rubbed his cheek as if wiping his face.
“I’m just being sensitive because I’m not feeling well.”
His voice was a bit softer than before. Cha Yoon swallowed at the mellowed tone. When he couldn’t say anything, Seo-jung added:
“It’s not your fault, Cha Yoon.”
“…But it is my fault.”
“I told you it’s not.”
Although Cha Yoon still thought it was his fault, he kept quiet, feeling he shouldn’t argue further. The sounds of the busy emergency room filtered into the now quiet curtained area.
“I’m tired.”
“……”
“I’m going to sleep a bit more. Wake me up later.”
Seo-jung lay back down on the bed. Cha Yoon watched him cover himself with the blanket and let out a small “Ah.”
He finally understood the meaning of Seo-jung’s last words. It meant he could stay here instead of leaving. Surprised by the unexpected response, Cha Yoon stood still for a moment before settling into an auxiliary chair.
Soon, Seo-jung’s breathing became regular. Cha Yoon gazed at Ki Seo-jung’s sleeping face for a long time.
Time passed slowly in the quiet space shared by the two.
***
Seo-jung lifted his heavy eyelids to the sound of nearby conversation. The needle in the back of his hand was gone, replaced by a small bandage.
“We didn’t schedule a separate outpatient appointment. You can pay and go home right away.”
“Thank you.”
Turning his eyes, Seo-jung saw Cha Yoon talking with a nurse who was cleaning up used medical supplies. He bowed his head, uncharacteristically, thanking the departing nurse.
While blankly watching this scene, Seo-jung’s eyes met Cha Yoon’s as he quickly turned around. Cha Yoon approached Seo-jung in one step.
“Are you awake?”
“…Yes.”
Seo-jung nodded and checked the clock hanging on one side of the emergency room wall. 5:40, had it already become this late? Today was the day they had to return to work after two days off. There was no more time to linger here.
As Seo-jung got up, Cha Yoon, who had been standing by, immediately stretched out his arm.
“Should I help you?”
Help with what? Not understanding Cha Yoon’s words, Ki Seo-jung got off the bed by himself without responding.
“…I could have helped you.”
Cha Yoon mumbled quietly, unnecessarily clenching and unclenching his fist. Of course, Seo-jung couldn’t hear Cha Yoon’s words due to the noise from the emergency room coming through the open curtain.
“Let’s go now.”
With those words, Seo-jung, after adjusting his clothes, slipped out from behind the curtain. Cha Yoon followed him with slightly drooping shoulders.
The problem arose in front of the administration office.
“Ah.”
Only after taking a number did he realize. That he needed money to pay. Seo-jung reflexively searched his pants pockets for his wallet. But of course, Seo-jung, who had been carried unconscious by Cha Yoon, wouldn’t have such a thing.
Just then, a ding sounded and a light came on. Number 32. The number written on the paper Seo-jung was holding. What should I do? As he was panicking, looking at the number displayed on the electronic board:
“Give it to me.”
Along with the familiar voice, the paper was instantly taken from his hand. Cha Yoon passed by Seo-jung and stood confidently in front of the desk.
“I’ll pay.”
His voice was as forceful as his stride. Thanks to that, Cha Yoon’s voice was clearly audible even from a distance.
“Including the test costs, it’s 233,000 won. How would you like to pay?”
In response to the question, Cha Yoon turned his head back without answering, and inevitably, their eyes met. It was as if he was checking if Seo-jung was watching him.
Only after confirming Seo-jung’s eyes on him did Cha Yoon take out his wallet. He spoke while inserting his credit card into the card reader. His voice was even louder than before.
“All at once, please.”
His confident voice resonated around the desk. The gazes of people nearby briefly fixed on him, but Cha Yoon didn’t mind at all. Rather, he seemed pleased, the corners of his mouth curving upward.
After getting his card back, Cha Yoon stood next to Seo-jung holding the receipt. He nodded towards the exit.
“Let’s go now.”
With those words, Cha Yoon started walking. As if reflecting his mood, the back of his head swayed gently with each step. Seo-jung stood still for a moment watching Cha Yoon walk away before following.
As they left the emergency room, a cool autumn breeze brushed past Seo-jung. He looked up at the brightening sky, brushing back his windswept hair.
Feeling a presence, he turned to see Cha Yoon standing two steps away. His face still bore a look of satisfaction.
Seo-jung, focusing on the receipt Cha Yoon was holding, spoke:
“I’ll pay you back for the money.”
“What money?”
“The hospital bill, I mean.”
Seo-jung pointed at the hospital bill receipt. Cha Yoon briefly looked at where Seo-jung was pointing before raising his head again.
“Why?”
“Pardon?”
“Why would you pay that back?”
Seo-jung was taken aback by his response. There was no sign of sarcasm in Cha Yoon’s expression. Rather, he seemed genuinely confused about the reason, causing Seo-jung to stammer. Why, isn’t it obvious?
“Well, it’s my hospital bill.”
His tone suggested it had nothing to do with Cha Yoon. Cha Yoon’s brow twitched at the subtle attempt to draw a line.
“Forget it.”
He was upset but decided to let it go once. At his curt response, Ki Seo-jung stared at Cha Yoon with a puzzled expression.
“What do you mean, forget it? It must have been expensive since it was the emergency room, I should pay you back…”
“Do I look like a broke bastard to you?”
“……”
“I’m not going to die without that money, so stop talking nonsense and let’s just go.”
For some reason, Cha Yoon’s mood suddenly soured, and he tightly closed and opened his eyes as if irritated. Ki Seo-jung swallowed a sigh and followed Cha Yoon as he turned away abruptly.
He knew that the emergency room fee was nothing to Cha Yoon. But it felt uncomfortable to readily accept Cha Yoon’s kindness.
As he was pondering how to best return the hospital fee, Cha Yoon stopped as if reaching his destination. Looking around, Seo-jung saw a familiar car parked at an angle. It was fortunate that a parking attendant hadn’t come to the emergency room yelling at them to move the car. It clearly showed how urgent Cha Yoon had been in the early morning.
Seeing the awkwardly parked car, Seo-jung bit his lip.
Even in this situation, the messily parked car didn’t catch Seo-jung’s attention. What constricted his heart was the fact that Cha Yoon had driven to the hospital himself because of him.
As soon as he realized this, he momentarily felt breathless. Ki Seo-jung tightly closed and opened his eyes, as if trying to dispel the illusion of unwanted memories clouding his vision.
Cha Yoon, about to get into the car, noticed Ki Seo-jung standing in a daze. Raising one eyebrow, Cha Yoon approached Seo-jung.
At Cha Yoon’s gruff voice, Ki Seo-jung took a step back from the car.
“…I’m not getting in.”
“You’re not getting in?”
“No. If you’re driving, I’m not getting in.”
“What are you talking about? This is my car, you know?”
The peace was short-lived. What’s he trying to do? Saying he won’t get in if I’m driving. Cha Yoon frowned at Ki Seo-jung’s sudden, unreasonable tantrum.
Of the two standing in confrontation, Seo-jung was the first to move. He reached out one hand towards Cha Yoon. It meant to hand over the car keys.
“I’ll drive instead.”
“Are you kidding? How can you drive when you’re not feeling well?”
“If you’re going to drive, I’ll take a taxi. Just go by yourself.”
Despite Cha Yoon’s irritated voice, Seo-jung didn’t back down. He lowered his outstretched hand. Then he acted as if he was about to turn around and head to the street. Cha Yoon quickly grabbed Seo-jung’s arm.
“This is driving me crazy, really. What’s wrong with you?”
