When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 26

Author's POV

The conference room was filled with the quiet murmur of doctors flipping through case files and the occasional beeping of someone’s pager. Ye Na sat at the long, polished table, her fingers wrapped tightly around a disposable coffee cup, the warmth seeping into her cold hands. The morning meeting was dragging on, and the weight of the discussions was beginning to press heavily on her shoulders.

“Dr. Ye Na,” one of the senior doctors called, drawing her out of her trance. “What’s your opinion on the anesthetic dosage adjustment for the upcoming cardiothoracic surgery?”

She straightened up immediately, clearing her throat. “Based on the patient’s weight and pre-existing conditions, I’d recommend a lower initial dose of propofol with a gradual increase if necessary. Their liver function is slightly impaired, so we have to be cautious with metabolism rates.”

The head surgeon nodded, seeming satisfied with her answer. “Agreed. Make sure the team is aware of the adjustments. Anything else before we conclude?”

A few more doctors gave their input before the meeting finally ended, and as soon as Ye Na was dismissed, she slumped in her chair, exhaling.

Another long day.

Gathering her notes, she quickly left the conference room, stretching her stiff shoulders as she walked through the brightly lit halls. Her body was exhausted, the lingering soreness from last night making itself known with every step. She shook her head at the memory, heat creeping up her neck. Now was not the time to think about that.

She made her way to the elevator, rubbing her temples as she waited for the doors to open. The soft chime echoed through the hallway, and as the doors slid apart, a familiar face greeted her.

Tae Sung.

His tall frame leaned casually against the elevator wall, his hands in the pockets of his coat. When he noticed her, his lips curled into an easy smile. “Oh, Ye Na. What a coincidence.”

She stepped inside, pressing the button for her floor. “Hey,” she greeted, still a bit surprised. “What are you doing here?”

Tae Sung stepped aside to give her space, his hands still tucked in his coat pockets. “My sister,” he replied simply.

Ye Na blinked. “Oh, right. What’s her name?”

“So Min,” he said, his smile dimming slightly.

The elevator began descending smoothly.

Ye Na glanced at him, sensing the shift in his tone. “What happened to her? You didn’t tell me that day.”

Tae Sung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Cancer.”

A pause stretched between them, heavy and unspoken.

Ye Na’s fingers curled around the strap of her bag. “Oh…” she said quietly. “I’m sorry.”

Tae Sung shook his head, forcing a small smile. “It’s fine. She’s been fighting for a while now. I just came to check on her.”

As the elevator dinged, signaling their stop, they stepped out into the hallway. Ye Na glanced at him. “What kind of cancer?”

“Acute myeloid leukemia,” Tae Sung answered as they walked. “She was diagnosed about a year ago. At first, we thought it was just exhaustion from overworking, but then the symptoms got worse. Nosebleeds, constant fatigue, bruising too easily… by the time we got her properly checked, it had already progressed to an advanced stage.”

Ye Na listened attentively, her steps slowing. “That must’ve been tough.”

Tae Sung exhaled through his nose, his usual lighthearted expression dimming. “Yeah. It was. She’s been undergoing chemotherapy, but it’s been rough on her. Some days she’s fine, acting like nothing’s wrong, and other days, she can barely get out of bed.”