15 | Accumulating Misunderstandings
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I accidentally entered the professor's office without knocking. Perhaps because of that, the scene I witnessed was quite shocking. The professor and Jin Se-rin, a new third-year resident, were holding hands and talking while making eye contact.
It felt like my heart sank. It was the first time I had felt this way, following the emotion of love. The professor, looking flustered, immediately let go of Serin's hand, and I ran out of his room with tears welling up in my eyes.
I heard voices calling me from behind one after another, but I just ignored them and ran. As I stepped out of the hospital, fresh air greeted me. However, in stark contrast to the fresh air, only tears welled up in my eyes.
Tears blurred my vision, and as I walked with my eyes fixed on the ground, I bumped into a man. Fortunately, the impact hit my opposite shoulder rather than my injured elbow, and the bag he was holding fell, spilling all its contents out.
Ah... I'm sorry.
It's okay. It looks like your arm hurts, so I'll pick it up.
"… thank you."
“Ah, I really need to stop being so nosy… By any chance, why are you crying?”
“It’s just… I guess today is a bad day.”
Thank you. Thanks to you, I feel a little better.
“That’s a relief. Ah… by any chance, could you give me your number?”
"yes?"
"It feels a bit awkward to say this in a situation like this, but I want to keep in touch."
You are my ideal type, and... I want to be your drinking buddy whenever you are having a hard time.
"… great."
Normally, I shouldn't give out my number, and I usually refuse, but for some reason, I wanted to take it today. It seemed like he would be there to encourage me when I was having a hard time, and I could feel his sincerity. Though, it probably was an impulsive act because I was annoyed by the professor.
“Thank you, I’ll contact you tonight!”
"If you're having a hard time or want to have a drink, just tell me anytime. I'll come out and listen."
"… thank you."
I smiled at the man, and what returned to me was his bright smile as well. As I talked with him, I felt no sadness, so no tears welled up; as I watched his retreating figure, I suddenly saw the Professor's image.
Thinking it must be my imagination, I was about to turn around and walk away without giving it much thought, but seeing him approaching while calling my name, I couldn't bring myself to take a step.
“Yun Seo-ah!!”
“…”
“Who is that guy? Why is he laughing?”
“…It’s not your business, Professor.”
“You say it’s none of my business? Is that even a question?”
“I’m your boyfriend. You need to be careful about things like this.”
“… Holding hands with another woman, how can you be a boyfriend?”
“You’re not qualified to be a boyfriend.”
"what?"
“…That’s enough. I have nothing more to say, so I’ll be going.”
"Professor, aren't you in surgery? Go inside right away."
I left the spot just as I was, and the professor stood there for quite a while before rushing into the hospital, seemingly realizing there was surgery. Tears welled up in my eyes again, and I tried hard to hold them back as I headed to a quiet park where no one was around.