When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 12

I press my fingers against the patient's wrist, feeling the slow, steady pulse beneath my touch. Normal.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, my voice calm, professional.

The patient, an elderly man in his sixties, blinks up at me. "Like I was hit by a truck. But better than before, I guess."

I smile. "That's the fentanyl working. We managed your pain well during the surgery."

He lets out a breath. "You kids these days... too smart. How do you do all this at your age?"

I chuckle, adjusting the IV line. "Lots of studying. Lots of coffee. And absolutely no sleep."

A nurse chuckles beside me. "And don't forget the soul-crushing anxiety."

"Right," I nod. "That too."

The patient lets out a wheezy laugh, but I see the gratitude in his eyes. These are the moments that make this job worth it.

I check his vitals once more, then glance at the attending physician, who gives me a small nod.

"We'll keep monitoring you, but you're stable," I tell him. "Try to rest, okay?"

He sighs, but nods. "Thanks, doc."

Doc.

I still don't know how I feel about hearing that.

I step out of the room, rubbing the back of my neck. I need a break.

And as if on cue, a familiar voice calls out-

"Yah, Ye Na!"

I turn just in time to see Seok Kyung, Ha-Ya and Woo Joon making their way toward me.

"Shift over?" Ha-Ya asks, slinging an arm around my shoulder for exactly three seconds before Seok Kyung smacks it away.

"Respect personal space, you idiot," she scolds.

I smirk. "Thanks, Seok Kyung."

Ha-Ya rubs her arm. "Why am I always the punching bag in this friend group?"

"Because you're annoying," Asu pipes in, suddenly appearing beside us, holding up a bag of chips. "And you talk too much."

I snort. "Where did you even come from?"

"The vending machine," Asu says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "Speaking of which, let's go. I need something to drink before I collapse."

We step outside, the cold air hitting me like a slap.

"God, why is it so cold?" Seok Kyung grumbles, stuffing her hands into her coat pockets.

"It's called winter," Woo Joon deadpans.

Seok Kyung kicks him.

Woo Joon yelps. "What the hell?!"

"Your mouth is annoying."

The small café shop comes into view, warm lights spilling from the windows, the scent of fresh pastries and coffee lingering in the air.

"Alright," Asu claps his hands together. "Everyone order whatever they want. Woo Joon is paying."

"WHAT?!" Woo Joon chokes on air.

"You lost the bet yesterday," Seok Kyung smirks. "Fair game."

Woo Joon groans, looking at me for help.

I grin. "A caramel macchiato, please."

"Ye Na, not you too-"

"Extra whipped cream."