The Way for Us | Vincenzo

***

Chayoung and Jihong were sitting on a bench at the hospital park, enjoying the refreshing November air while sipping hot coffee from the vending machine. 

"So, you're staying late to watch Kang Seoha?" 

Jihong nodded at Chayoung's question, "Uhm, she needed another emergency surgery. It went well but I just want to watch her over the night, make sure nothing happens."

"I still remember the first time I met her two years ago, she was such a ray of sunshine for everyone in the surgical floor. I visit CS a lot because of her. It's such a shame that she had to spend most of her days in the hospital while she should be out there playing," Chayoung looked down at her coffee. 

"Seriously? I thought you're always holed up in Neuro," Jihong chuckled. 

"No, I love to mingle too," Chayoung playfully glared at him. "But, you sure can make her easily comfortable with you. Last time I visited Seoha, she couldn't stop talking about you."

"That's my charm, kids love me," Jihong smirked. "Aigoo, tsk tsk, of course dr. Park Jihong," Chayoung laughed and took a sip of her coffee. They were silent for awhile. Chayoung was enjoying the night breeze and Jihong was lost in his own thoughts, debating whether or not he should say what he was about to say. 

Jihong stole a glance at Chayoung, admiring her as she closed her eyes to enjoy the cold gentle breeze against her skin. Park Jihong took a deep breath. He had been waiting for this rare alone time with Chayoung, and it's finally arrived. 

After Jihong saw Chayoung's encounter with Vincenzo that day, he was almost sure that he needed to do something about his feelings toward Chayoung. He knew his cousin never acted that way toward any woman. Jihong would try to find some alone time with Chayoung, offered her a ride home or joined her during lunch, but it was never the right time. Both of them were too busy with their own jobs and something always had to get in the way. 

It's now or never, Jihong tried to encourage himself before he continued.

"Anyway, dr Hong. Can I ask you a question?" Jihong was looking at Chayoung straight in the eyes. 

"Sure."

"It's a personal one," Jihong continued. "Go ahead," Chayoung smiled and wrapped her cold hands on the warm cup. Jihong took another deep breath, he was feeling nervous all of a sudden.

"I have this friend that I've known for over ten years. Well, I'm just currently reconnected with her and I'm not sure  if she remembers me," Jihong said. Chayoung turned her body to face Jihong a little, giving him her full attention. 

"This friend of mine," Jihong played his fingers on the cup of coffee. "I have feelings for her, what do you call it? Fall at first sight?"

"Love at first sight," Chayoung corrected him and Jihong chuckled in response. 

"Yes, that. Do you think I should tell her how I feel? I'm afraid if I don't, I will regret it for the rest of my life," Jihong stared deeply into Chayoung's eyes. Hong Chayoung tilted her head, thinking about what Jihong had said. She was completely clueless that the handsome surgeon was talking about herself.

"You said she doesn't remember you? Why is that? I thought you're friends," Chayoung said.

"Ah, we met by chance ten years ago but I think she doesn't remember that."

Jihong took a deep breath and continued, "It was during my final year as a med student at Harvard."

"I've been to Harvard! I joined the exchange--Ah sorry, you're still telling your story," Chayoung laughed and Jihong just smiled in response. "Please continue, dr. Park," Chayoung bowed her head a little, making Jihong chuckled at how cute Chayoung was.