54ㅣCanned coffee
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That's how I overcame my trauma and slump. I couldn't continue living the same way forever. I neglected my own health and focused solely on work. I focused on Jehee's surgery. Jehee, who I had thought would never change, was gradually improving. I cared for her with hope, and eventually, she became eligible for a heart transplant. With the professor as our central figure, we undertook the surgery. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and Jehee continued to breathe stably.
“Thank you so much, Seo-ah.”
As someone who has saved many patients, I've received many expressions of gratitude. But this was the first time I'd received such a heartfelt, yet poignant, expression of gratitude. My heart ached, tears welling up in my eyes, I handed Jimin a hot can of coffee, already already in tears. At that moment, I knew that the warm can of coffee, rather than just words, would bring him even more reassurance, so I simply patted him on the back without saying a word.
“I feel like my life is divided into before and after I met you.”
“When I had a crush on you, I didn’t think it was hard, I just liked seeing you.”
“I don’t like you anymore, but thank you for helping me.”
“…What, I just did what I had to do.”
Jimin's words made me think deeply. I excused myself from Jimin, pretending to have a patient to see, and for some reason, tears welled up in my eyes. I wanted to go outside, get some fresh air, and gather my thoughts, but I didn't have the luxury of that. I pushed aside my delicate emotions and headed to the break room, where I ran into the professor.
“Yunseo, why are you crying?”
“…I don’t know, I don’t know why I’m crying.”
“Even this… drink it, it’ll calm you down a bit.”
The professor handed me a can of coffee. It was adorable to see the professor, who shared my thoughts, both surprised and bewildered. I smiled faintly and took the can with both hands. The warmth of the coffee, its very presence, was comforting.
“Thank you, I feel a little better thanks to you.”
“What, are you feeling better?”
“When you don’t know why you’re crying, a warm cup of coffee is the best.”
“…I feel like my life is divided into before and after I met you, professor.”
“Thank you for coming into my life, and please stay by my side.”