Beyond the Contract

"She seems all cleared. No internal bleeding or anything alarming. You can bring your girlfriend home so she can have some rest," the doctor calmy delivered the good news to Sungjae, expecting to see a hint of relief on his face.

However, Sungjae grew tensed instead... of course, he will. The doctor clearly called Joy his girlfriend when he barely knows her!

Joy even refused to go to the hospital earlier, insisting that she was completely okay. Sungjae was only able to ultimately convince her when he declared to be in-charged of whatever hospital bill she will incur.

"A-ani. She is just... a friend," Sungjae softly said, averting his eyes from the doctor.

The doctor raised his eyebrow and chuckled. "I see. Young love. Well, alright. I just prescribed pain relievers, just in case. Go to your friend now," the doctor playfully smiled before tapping Sungjae's shoulder casually.

"A-ah, yes. Thank you, doctor," Sungjae politely bowed before walking back gingerly to the private cubicle of the Emergency Room where Joy was.

With shaking hands, Sungjae slowly parted the curtains to approach Joy who apparently fell asleep in her bed. He was about to wake her up when his hand stopped midway in air.

He just could not help but stare at her.

Joy looked so peaceful... so different from her devastating look during the peak of the accident. She barely had any make up on, but her face was glowing and her lips were cherry red.

Sungjae shook his head to snap himself back from reality. He does not have the luxury of time to be staring at a stranger. He shifted his gaze to his wristwatch and was immediately struck with the realization that he is indeed running late for his appointment that night.

Sighing, he finally tapped Joy's left shoulder repeatedly to wake her up from her slumber. "H-hey... wake up, will you? I have to leave soon," Sungjae said in a low tone, completely unaware that Joy was a heavy sleeper.

Noticing that Joy still was not waking up, Sungjae held on to both of her shoulders this time to give her a quick shake. "Hey... Joy? Wake up, please? Wa-,"

Sungjae was cut off when Joy unconsciously pulled Sungjae closer to her, giving him a headlock. "Eunwoo, you are being annoying again. I'm trying to sleep," Joy muttered, mistaking Sungjae for her best friend.

Sungjae was frozen to the ground! The close proximity to Joy was driving his heart crazy. "Y-ya... this is S-Sungjae. L-let me go," he stuttered as he tries to catch his breath.

Finally realizing her embarrassing act, Joy's eyes opened widely in a snap, only to see Sungjae's face only a few inches away from hers.

Startled, she harshly pushed him away. This caused Sungjae to fall to the ground since his position earlier did not offer him good balance at all.

"Omo! I'm sorry! I did not mean to!" Joy said in terror. She was about to get out of the bed to help Sungjae when he raised his palm in the air, signaling her to stay where she was.

Sungjae slowly stood up and rubbed his back. "It's okay. I'm okay. Just... stay there. I do not want any more accidents," he clicked his tongue.

Joy lowered her gaze in guilt. Why was everything going against her today? She bit her lip, trying to suppress another wave of emotions that are bound to devour her again.

Sungjae noticed Joy's dejection and let out a deep sigh. "Hey... it's nothing, really. Um, how are you feeling, though?" he asked with a soft tone.