Chapter 2
Later that day, Yoona arrived at the hospital for her shift, carrying a neatly packed meal from Sol’s Table. The scent of fresh seafood and warm rice drifted from the container, a reminder of the time she had spent in Jinsol’s kitchen earlier.
It was a strange feeling—bringing food she had helped prepare. She wasn’t sure if she had actually contributed much, but the thought made her chest feel a little lighter.
As she walked through the hallways, nodding to passing nurses and patients, she could still hear Jinsol’s teasing voice in her head.
"You already cried once in my kitchen."
Yoona sighed, shaking her head.
She had no idea why that woman had such an effect on her.
Just as she reached the break room, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Dr. Seol!”
She turned, already knowing who it was.
Dr. Park Jihoon was approaching with his usual easy smile, dressed in a crisp white coat, his ID badge clipped neatly to his chest. He was one of the more well-liked doctors in the hospital—friendly, good-looking, and confident in a way that made nurses giggle behind their clipboards.
Yoona had spoken to him a few times, but their conversations were always polite and professional. She had never given him a reason to think otherwise.
“Dr. Park,” she greeted, adjusting the bag in her hand.
His eyes flickered to it. “Bringing dinner from home?”
Yoona hesitated. “Something like that.”
Jihoon chuckled. “I was actually going to ask if you wanted to grab lunch later. There’s a new place a few blocks away—heard their food’s great.”
Yoona felt a slight tension creep into her shoulders. It wasn’t the first time Jihoon had invited her somewhere, but it was getting harder to brush it off as casual friendliness.
She adjusted her grip on the bag. “I appreciate the offer, but I already have food with me.”
Jihoon didn’t drop his smile. “Then maybe another time?”
Yoona gave a small, polite nod, not wanting to extend the conversation. “I should get going. My shift starts soon.”
Jihoon’s expression flickered—just for a second—before he stepped aside. “Of course. See you around, Dr. Seol.”
She nodded once before walking past him.
The moment she entered the break room and closed the door behind her, she let out a quiet sigh.
There was nothing wrong with Dr. Park. He was professional, well-mannered, and didn’t push too hard.
But something about the way he kept trying—like he was waiting for her to change her mind—made her uneasy.
She sat down, opening the container of food, and let the familiar scent of Sol’s Table calm her nerves.
The food looked good. Jinsol had plated it for her, making sure everything was neatly arranged.
Yoona picked up her chopsticks and took a bite.
The flavors—rich, warm, and just the right balance of seasoning—made her pause.
It tasted familiar. Comforting.
A small, unexpected smile tugged at her lips.
Maybe she’d stop by the restaurant again soon.
Maybe sooner than she thought.
—
Just as Yoona was about to take another bite, the shrill sound of the hospital intercom crackled to life.
"Code Blue in the emergency department. All available staff, report immediately."
Her grip on the chopsticks tightened.
The peaceful moment shattered instantly.
Outside, the quiet hum of the hospital had turned into a sudden rush of footsteps, hurried voices, and the unmistakable tension of an emergency unfolding.
Yoona shoved her food aside, barely closing the container before she was already on her feet. The exhaustion from her long day, the awkward encounter with Dr. Park, the lingering warmth of Jinsol’s cooking—none of it mattered anymore.
There was work to do.
—
The emergency department was chaos.
Stretchers were being wheeled in one after another. The sharp scent of antiseptic mixed with the metallic tang of blood. The beeping of monitors and the hurried voices of doctors and nurses filled the air, creating a rhythm of urgency that Yoona immediately fell into.
“What happened?” she asked, quickly pulling on gloves as a nurse rushed past.
“Major accident on the highway,” the nurse answered, barely slowing down. “Multiple injuries. It’s all hands on deck.”
Yoona nodded, already scanning the room.
Dr. Park Jihoon was at the far end, checking a patient’s vitals while giving orders to the nurses beside him. Other doctors were just as occupied, moving swiftly between cases, assessing injuries, stabilizing patients.
Yoona barely had time to breathe before a stretcher was pushed toward her.
“Dr. Seol! We need you here!”
She turned to see a young man—early twenties, blood seeping through the bandages hastily wrapped around his leg. His face was pale, his breathing uneven.
Yoona quickly stepped forward. “What’s his status?”
“Motorcycle crash,” the paramedic said. “Lost a lot of blood. We couldn’t get a clear pulse on the way here.”
Yoona pressed her fingers to the patient’s wrist—weak, thready. Not good.
She turned to the nearest nurse. “Get me fluids and prep him for an ultrasound. We need to check for internal bleeding.”
The next few hours blurred into an endless cycle of treating wounds, setting fractures, and making split-second decisions. One patient after another, no time to stop, no time to think about anything except saving lives.
At some point, she felt a hand on her shoulder.
She turned, meeting Jihoon’s eyes.
“You good?” he asked, voice steady despite the exhaustion in his face.
Yoona exhaled sharply. “Yeah. You?”
He gave a small smirk. “Haven’t collapsed yet.”
She huffed a short laugh—one that barely lasted before she was pulled right back into another case.
The hospital didn’t slow down.
And neither did she.
—
It wasn’t until the sun was beginning to rise that the rush finally settled.
Yoona found herself leaning against the nurse’s station, her muscles aching from hours of standing, her throat dry from calling out orders.
The break room felt like a distant dream.
A nurse passed by and nudged her gently. “You should take a break, Dr. Seol.”
Yoona sighed, rubbing her temples. “Yeah… I should.”
As she finally dragged herself back toward the break room, a strange thought crossed her mind.
I should’ve eaten more earlier.
Because Sol’s Table was the last warm thing she had felt in hours.
The chaos didn’t end that night.
The hospital remained in a state of constant urgency—patients filling the ER, staff barely having time to catch their breath before another stretcher came rolling in. What started as a highway accident had somehow spiraled into an overwhelming influx of cases—food poisoning from a local event, a flu outbreak sweeping through the elderly, and injuries from the recent storm that had battered the coastline.
Days blurred together.
Yoona stopped counting how many hours she had worked. She was either in surgery, in the ER, or catching brief moments of rest before being paged again.
The exhaustion was bone-deep.
She wasn’t the only one suffering.
Doctors and nurses walked through the halls with heavy steps, their movements precise but weighed down by fatigue. Coffee cups sat half-finished at nurse stations, long gone cold. The break room was rarely used—no one had the time to sit.
Even Jihoon, who always carried himself with a relaxed, almost cocky demeanor, had dark circles under his eyes.
At some point, he stopped asking her to lunch.
Now, their conversations were quick, clipped exchanges between patients.
“Seol, do you have the latest labs?”
“Yeah. Slightly elevated counts, but stable.”
“Good. Let’s move them to observation.”
That was how it had been. Fast. Efficient. No time for anything else.
—
Yoona didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until she nearly collapsed in the middle of the hallway.
It happened on the fourth day.
She had just finished assisting in surgery—three straight hours standing, masked, hands steady despite the exhaustion gnawing at her bones. When she stepped out, the fluorescent lights of the hospital felt too bright, her vision swimming for just a second.
She blinked hard, steadying herself against the wall.
A nurse passing by paused. “Dr. Seol? You okay?”
Yoona forced a tight smile. “Yeah. Just… a little tired.”
“Have you eaten today?”
She opened her mouth to say yes—but stopped.
Had she?
She couldn’t remember.
The nurse sighed, shaking her head. “Go rest. Seriously.”
Yoona wanted to argue, to say there was still more work to be done. But she knew if she pushed herself any further, she’d be the next patient lying on a stretcher.
With a tired exhale, she forced herself toward the break room.
—
Inside, the space was dimly lit, the hum of a vending machine the only sound. Yoona sank onto the couch, head falling back against the wall.
Her stomach felt hollow.
The last real meal she had was from Sol’s Table. How many days ago was that now?
She closed her eyes.
For some reason, an image of Jinsol came to mind—the amused look she had given Yoona in the kitchen, the warmth in her voice when she said, Not bad.
Yoona sighed.
For the first time in days, she wished she were somewhere else.
Yoona had barely closed her eyes when the door to the break room creaked open.
She blinked, half-expecting a nurse or another doctor calling her back to work. But instead, she saw her.
Bae Jinsol.
Standing in the doorway, helmet tucked under one arm, a bag of food in the other.
For a second, Yoona thought she was dreaming.
Jinsol’s eyes scanned the room before settling on her, lips pressing into a slight frown. “You look terrible.”
Yoona blinked again, sitting up straighter. “What… are you doing here?”
Jinsol stepped inside, setting the bag on the table. “I heard the hospital’s been busy. Figured you probably haven’t been eating properly.”
Yoona stared at the bag. The familiar scent of Sol’s Table drifted through the room—warm, comforting, real.
She swallowed.
She wasn’t sure what shocked her more—the fact that Jinsol had come all the way here, or the fact that someone had noticed how exhausted she was.
“I—” Yoona started, but her throat felt dry. She cleared it. “How did you know?”
Jinsol shrugged. “My mom. She and her friends hear everything.”
Of course.
Yoona let out a short breath, shaking her head. “Gossiping about the hospital now?”
Jinsol smirked. “Small town, doctor. Word gets around.”
She pulled out a container from the bag and set it in front of Yoona, along with a pair of chopsticks. “Eat.”
Yoona hesitated, her pride telling her she should say something—maybe I was going to eat eventually or you didn’t have to come all the way here.
But the truth was, she was starving.
So instead, she picked up the chopsticks and opened the container.
Warm rice, grilled fish, seasoned vegetables—all perfectly packed. Simple, but exactly what she needed.
Jinsol sat across from her, watching as Yoona took the first bite.
The second the food hit her tongue, she almost groaned.
It was so good.
Jinsol smirked. “That bad, huh?”
Yoona shook her head, swallowing. “That good.”
Jinsol leaned back against the chair, looking oddly satisfied. “You should take better care of yourself.”
Yoona scoffed lightly. “I try.”
“Try harder.”
Yoona glanced up at her.
Jinsol wasn’t teasing anymore—her expression had softened, just slightly.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then, quietly, Jinsol added, “You don’t have to do everything alone, you know.”
Yoona’s chopsticks paused midair.
She didn’t know how to respond to that.
So she didn’t.
Instead, she took another bite, chewing slowly, feeling something settle in her chest.
Jinsol didn’t push for an answer.
She just sat there, letting Yoona eat.
And for the first time in days, Yoona didn’t feel completely alone.
Yoona had nearly finished her meal when Jinsol spoke again, her voice casual but with a hint of something else—something unreadable.
“What time does your shift end?”
Yoona glanced at the clock on the wall. “This evening… right before sunset.”
Jinsol nodded, as if considering something. Then, without looking at Yoona, she said, “Wanna go for a ride?”
Yoona blinked, caught off guard. “A ride?”
Jinsol leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “Yeah. You look like you need fresh air. I’ll take you somewhere.”
It wasn’t a request.
Yoona hesitated, chopsticks still in her hand. It had been days since she’d even thought about anything outside of the hospital. Between endless patients, exhaustion, and barely getting through her shifts, the idea of doing anything other than collapsing in bed felt strange.
But…
The thought of riding Jinsol’s scooter, feeling the ocean breeze, not being surrounded by beeping monitors and hospital lights—suddenly, it didn’t seem like such a bad idea.
Jinsol must have noticed her hesitation because she added, “Just a short ride. You don’t have to say yes.”
Yoona sighed, looking down at her now-empty container.
For some reason, the idea of spending a little more time with Jinsol—outside of the restaurant, outside of this hospital—didn’t feel as strange as it should.
“…Okay.”
Jinsol’s lips curled into a small smirk. “Alright. I’ll be here when your shift ends.”
And just like that, she stood up, picking up the empty bag.
Yoona watched her walk to the door, helmet still tucked under her arm.
Before leaving, Jinsol glanced back. “Try not to pass out before then.”
Yoona rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small, unexpected smile tugging at her lips.
—
The moment Yoona stepped out of the hospital in her casual clothes, she felt like she could finally breathe.
Gone was the stiff white coat, the exhaustion of the past few days lingering in her muscles but slightly less suffocating now. The sky was painted in hues of orange and soft pink, the sun dipping closer to the horizon.
And there, right by the entrance, was Jinsol.
She stood beside her scooter, helmet resting on the seat, casually chatting with a group of nurses. They were smiling, some laughing at something she said.
Yoona wasn’t surprised.
Jinsol had that kind of presence—effortlessly charming without even trying. Unlike Yoona, who mostly kept to herself at work, Jinsol seemed to fit in anywhere.
Yoona exhaled, stepping forward.
But just as she was about to call Jinsol’s name, another voice stopped her.
“Yoona?”
She turned to find Dr. Park Jihoon walking toward her, still in his white coat, hands tucked into his pockets.
Yoona resisted the urge to sigh.
“Dr. Park,” she greeted, keeping her tone neutral.
He smiled, but there was something slightly more intentional about it. “You’re heading out?”
“Yes,” she said simply.
Jihoon glanced toward Jinsol, then back at her. His smile didn’t waver, but his eyes seemed to linger just a bit longer than necessary.
“Going somewhere?”
Yoona hesitated. It wasn’t like she owed him an explanation, but something about his tone made her feel like she had to answer.
“Just a ride,” she said vaguely.
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. “With her?”
Yoona frowned. “Is there a problem?”
Jihoon’s smile thinned. “No. Just… I didn’t take you for the type to ride around on a scooter.”
Before Yoona could respond, another voice cut in.
“She’s not,” Jinsol said smoothly.
Both Yoona and Jihoon turned to see Jinsol now standing beside them, arms crossed, an easy smirk on her lips.
“But that’s what helmets are for,” she added, tapping the one in her hand.
“Gotta keep the doctor safe.”
Yoona felt an odd sense of relief at Jinsol’s interruption, though she wasn’t sure why.
Jihoon’s gaze flickered between them.
“Right,” he said after a moment, his tone unreadable. Then, looking at Yoona, he added, “Be careful, then.”
Yoona nodded, and without another word, Jihoon turned and walked back inside the hospital.
The air between them was quiet for a moment.
She handed Yoona the helmet. “Come on. Sun’s setting.”
Yoona sighed, putting it on as Jinsol climbed onto the scooter.
As she settled behind her, hands awkwardly hovering near Jinsol’s waist, she realized something.
For the first time in days, she wasn’t thinking about the hospital.
Only about where Jinsol was about to take her.
The scooter hummed beneath them as Jinsol pulled away from the hospital, smoothly weaving through the quiet streets.
Yoona hadn’t ridden one of these before, and the first few seconds were stiff, awkward. She sat rigidly, her hands hovering near Jinsol’s sides, unsure of where to hold on. The movement wasn’t fast, but it was unfamiliar, the slight shifts in weight making her stomach dip.
Jinsol must have noticed her hesitation.
“You can hold onto me, you know,” she said, amusement laced in her voice.
Yoona scoffed, trying to sound unaffected. “I’m fine.”
Jinsol didn’t argue. Instead, she gave the scooter a slight acceleration, just enough to make Yoona instinctively grab onto the fabric of her jacket.
Jinsol chuckled. “Thought so.”
Yoona huffed but didn’t let go.
The streets were peaceful at this hour, the golden remnants of the sunset stretching long shadows across the pavement. They passed by small shops that had begun closing for the night, their warm lights flickering against the darkening sky. A few locals lingered on the sidewalks, chatting in soft tones, their laughter drifting through the air.
Jinsol navigated effortlessly, her posture relaxed as if she had done this a thousand times. She knew these roads well—every turn, every small incline, every little shortcut.
Yoona let herself observe.
The salty scent of the ocean mixed with the crisp evening air, filling her lungs in a way that felt different from the stale, controlled air of the hospital. It was fresh, untamed, alive.
As they neared the harbor, Jinsol lifted one hand briefly to point.
“That’s the morning market,” she said.
Yoona followed her gaze to the now-empty stalls, their wooden tables still slightly damp from the day’s business. The market must be a completely different sight in the morning, filled with fresh seafood and chatter from early risers.
“The fishermen come in before dawn,” Jinsol continued. “That’s when the best catches come in.”
Yoona hummed in acknowledgment. She wasn’t sure why, but she could almost picture it—Jinsol there, sleeves rolled up, sorting through the seafood with practiced ease, haggling with the vendors like it was second nature.
Maybe one day, she’d wake up early just to see it.
The scooter carried them further along the coast, where the buildings became sparser, giving way to an open stretch of road. The ocean reappeared beside them, its surface glistening under the last light of the sun. The waves rolled gently, their rhythmic crash against the shore blending with the distant calls of seagulls.
Yoona hadn’t even realized she was smiling until Jinsol spoke again.
“Nice, right?”
Yoona blinked, looking up.
Jinsol wasn’t looking at her—her focus was still on the road, but there was something satisfied in her voice.
Yoona hesitated before answering, but when she did, it was soft.
“Yeah.”
It wasn’t just nice. It was freeing.
The hospital, the long shifts, the exhaustion that had been sitting heavy on her shoulders for days—all of it felt distant now. Like it existed in another world, one she had momentarily stepped away from.
And for once, she didn’t feel guilty about it.
Jinsol slowed the scooter, turning onto a narrow path that led to a secluded lookout point. The ground beneath them changed from pavement to packed dirt, the ride slightly bumpier, but Jinsol handled it with ease.
Finally, she pulled to a stop, cutting the engine.
The silence that followed was instant, filled only by the soft sounds of the ocean and the distant chirping of evening crickets.
Yoona lifted her head.
The view was breathtaking.
From up here, the entire coastline stretched before them, bathed in deep oranges and purples. The sun had almost completely dipped below the horizon, leaving a trail of fiery pink that melted into the darkening sky.
Yoona slowly removed her helmet, setting it down beside her. The breeze was stronger here, ruffling her hair, carrying the scent of salt and something faintly floral.
Jinsol got off the scooter first, stretching slightly before glancing at Yoona. “Well?”
Yoona exhaled, taking everything in.
“You come here often?” she asked instead.
Jinsol smirked. “Sometimes. It’s a good place to clear your head.”
Yoona understood that now.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply stood there, watching the last remnants of the sun disappear into the ocean.
Then, Jinsol turned slightly, her voice quieter than before.
“Hospital must be exhausting, huh?”
Yoona let out a small breath. “Yeah.”
“Figured.”
Another pause.
Then, without looking at her, Jinsol added, “You should take more breaks.”
Yoona glanced at her. “Is that why you brought me here?”
Jinsol shrugged, kicking a small rock off the edge. “Maybe.”
Yoona didn’t respond right away. Instead, she let herself relax—really relax—for the first time in what felt like forever.
And as the sky darkened, she realized something.
She had no idea where this night would end.
But right now, standing here, with the wind against her skin and Jinsol beside her, she wasn’t in any rush to find out.
By the time they left the lookout point, the sky had fully darkened, the town’s streetlights casting a soft golden glow over the roads.
Jinsol drove a little slower this time, the ride quieter, more comfortable.
“Where are we going?” Yoona finally asked as they weaved through the streets.
“My place,” Jinsol answered easily. “You need a real meal.”
Yoona blinked. “I thought you were taking me back to the restaurant.”
“Nah. I don’t feel like working anymore today,” Jinsol said with a smirk. “Besides, home-cooked meals are better.”
Yoona wasn’t sure what surprised her more—the invitation or the fact that she didn’t hesitate before nodding.
As they reached Jinsol’s house, the town had settled into a comfortable quiet. The roads were mostly empty, save for a few late-night stragglers, and the ocean breeze had turned cooler, carrying the faint scent of salt through the streets.
Yoona hadn’t expected to end up here tonight.
When Jinsol first mentioned dinner, she had assumed they’d head to Sol’s Table—grab something simple from the kitchen before Jinsol dropped her off at home. But instead, she found herself standing at the doorstep of a cozy two-story house, following Jinsol inside as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
It smelled warm in here. Like simmering broth, soy sauce, and something else that made Yoona’s stomach tighten with hunger. She had eaten earlier at the hospital, but compared to the rich, homey scent filling the air now, that meal felt forgettable.
Before she could take in more of the space, a voice called from deeper inside the house.
“Oh? You brought someone home?”
Yoona turned to see a woman stepping out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. She looked a few years older than Yoona had expected, but the resemblance to Jinsol was clear—the sharp eyes, the confident way she carried herself, even the slight smirk that tugged at her lips when she saw her daughter.
“Mom,” Jinsol said with a sigh, “this is Yoona.”
Her mother’s face lit up. “Ahh! So you’re the doctor everyone’s been talking about.”
Yoona blinked. “Everyone?”
Mrs. Bae chuckled. “Of course! My friends at the market have been very curious about you.”
Yoona glanced at Jinsol, who simply shrugged.
“You get used to it,” she muttered under her breath.
Mrs. Bae, clearly pleased with the gossip, waved them both toward the dining table. “Well, since you’re here, you might as well eat. I made stew.”
Yoona smiled politely. “That sounds great.”
—
Dinner was surprisingly comfortable.
The small wooden table was covered in bowls of steaming beef and radish soup, along with neatly arranged side dishes—kimchi, stir-fried anchovies, marinated spinach, and a plate of grilled fish that looked freshly caught.
It was the kind of meal Yoona rarely had time for these days.
Jinsol ate without hesitation, casually reaching across the table to grab more side dishes, occasionally nudging extra food toward Yoona’s bowl.
“You should eat more,” she muttered at one point, pushing a piece of fish onto Yoona’s plate. “You look like you barely eat at work.”
Yoona gave her a flat look. “I do eat.”
“Hospital food doesn’t count.”
Yoona sighed but took a bite anyway. And, of course, Jinsol was right. It was delicious—flavorful, tender, the broth perfectly rich without being too heavy.
Mrs. Bae watched the exchange with interest, a small smile playing at her lips.
“You two seem comfortable,” she noted.
Yoona nearly choked on her rice.
Jinsol exhaled, shaking her head. “Mom.”
“What?” Mrs. Bae said innocently. “I’m just saying.”
Yoona cleared her throat, steering the conversation elsewhere. “The food is amazing, Mrs. Bae.”
Dinner continued with easy conversation. Mrs. Bae asked about Yoona’s work, her family, how she was adjusting to the town. The warmth of the food, the relaxed atmosphere—it all felt nice. Different from the rushed, solitary meals Yoona usually had at home after long shifts.
At one point, Mrs. Bae casually asked, “So, are you seeing anyone?”
The question landed so suddenly that Yoona actually froze mid-bite.
Jinsol groaned immediately. “Mom.”
“What? It’s just a question.”
Yoona, still processing, quickly shook her head. “No, I’m not.”
Mrs. Bae hummed in amusement, her eyes twinkling. “Good to know.”
Jinsol shot her a look. “Stop.”
Mrs. Bae just smiled, unbothered, continuing to eat like she hadn’t just thrown out the most awkward question of the night.
Yoona, meanwhile, focused intensely on her stew, trying very hard to ignore the way her ears suddenly felt warm.
—
After dinner, Jinsol helped her mother clear the table while Yoona lingered in the living room, taking in the space.
The house was simple but well-lived in. The shelves were lined with books and small trinkets, the kind of things that held meaning rather than just decoration. There were framed photos too—some of Jinsol as a child, others of her with people Yoona didn’t recognize.
And then there was one near the kitchen, a slightly faded picture of Jinsol and her mother standing in front of Sol’s Table when it first opened. Jinsol looked younger, but her expression was the same—calm, steady, carrying that same quiet determination.
“Find something interesting?”
Yoona turned to see Jinsol leaning against the doorway, arms crossed.
She gestured to the picture. “That’s when you opened the restaurant?”
Jinsol glanced at it briefly before nodding. “Yeah. A long time ago.”
Yoona studied the photo a bit longer, then looked back at Jinsol. “You look proud.”
Jinsol scoffed. “I was exhausted.”
Yoona smiled. “Still. You built something good.”
Jinsol didn’t respond immediately, but something in her expression softened.
Before the silence could stretch too long, Mrs. Bae called out from the kitchen. “Yoona, you should come by more often! Jinsol doesn’t bring guests home much.”
Jinsol groaned. “Mom, please.”
Yoona chuckled, glancing at Jinsol teasingly. “That so?”
Jinsol sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. “I’m regretting this dinner already.”
Mrs. Bae just laughed from the other room, completely unbothered.
Yoona, still smiling, grabbed her jacket. “Thanks for dinner, Mrs. Bae. It was really nice.”
Mrs. Bae waved her off. “Come by anytime, dear.”
As they stepped outside, the night air was cooler now, but Yoona felt warm.
She hadn’t planned on ending her night like this, but as she climbed onto the back of Jinsol’s scooter once again, she realized she didn’t mind it at all.
In fact, she kind of liked it.
The scooter rumbled softly beneath them as Jinsol steered through the quiet streets, the air cool against their skin. The town had settled into its nighttime rhythm—streetlights glowing warmly, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.
At first, Yoona kept her hands where they were earlier—lightly gripping the edge of Jinsol’s jacket, barely touching her.
But as they rode further, the movements of the scooter became second nature, and slowly, instinctively, Yoona let herself relax.
Her fingers, at first hesitant, found a more natural hold. Not just gripping the jacket anymore, but resting more securely around Jinsol’s waist.
Jinsol noticed.
She didn’t say anything, didn’t react outwardly, but she felt the shift. The slight weight of Yoona leaning in just a little more, the warmth of her arms no longer just hovering but actually settling against her body.
It was subtle, but it was there.
Jinsol kept her eyes on the road, but something about the realization made her hyper-aware of everything—the soft rise and fall of Yoona’s breathing, the way her fingers curled slightly when they went over a small bump, the warmth against her back that wasn’t just from the night air.
Yoona didn’t let go.
And Jinsol didn’t mind.
The ride wasn’t long, but for the first time, it felt slower, like neither of them was in any particular rush to reach the destination.
The streets blurred past them, the town winding down for the night. Shops were closed, lights dimmed in the windows of homes, the distant laughter of a group of people walking along the beach fading into the background.
As they neared Yoona’s place, Jinsol eased the scooter to a stop in front of the small building. The hum of the engine quieted, leaving only the distant sound of the ocean and the soft rustling of trees.
Yoona hesitated for a moment before pulling back, her hands lingering just a second longer than necessary before she finally let go.
Jinsol cleared her throat. “Well. You’re home.”
Yoona stretched slightly, rolling her shoulders. “That was nice.”
Jinsol smirked. “See? Told you the scooter isn’t so bad.”
Yoona scoffed. “I never said it was.”
Jinsol raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. Instead, she watched as Yoona removed the helmet, her hair slightly tousled from the ride.
“Thanks for tonight,” Yoona said after a beat. “Dinner was… really nice.”
Jinsol shrugged like it was nothing. “You needed a real meal.”
Yoona smiled. “Still. Thanks.”
There was a pause—one of those moments where neither of them moved to leave just yet.
Jinsol tilted her head toward the door. “You should get some sleep.”
Yoona sighed. “Yeah. Long shift tomorrow.”
She hesitated again, then, as if deciding something, lightly patted Jinsol’s shoulder.
“Goodnight, Jinsol.”
Jinsol blinked. Not at the words, but at the small, casual touch—brief, natural, but somehow standing out.
Yoona didn’t wait for a response. She simply turned, heading up the steps to her door.
Jinsol watched as she disappeared inside, the faint glow of the porch light casting a soft outline of her figure before the door clicked shut.
Only then did Jinsol exhale, rubbing the back of her neck before adjusting her grip on the scooter handles.
She glanced down at her jacket, where Yoona’s hands had rested just moments ago.
She could still feel the warmth.
Shaking her head, she started the scooter again, the familiar hum filling the night air.
As she rode off, the town quiet around her, she realized something.
She didn’t mind the way Yoona was starting to hold onto her.
Not one bit.
—
The hospital was already buzzing with activity by the time Yoona started her rounds. She barely had time to grab a coffee before checking her patient list. It wasn’t as chaotic as the past few days, but she knew better than to assume things would stay calm.
One name caught her eye—Kang Minja, 54, abdominal pain.
After reviewing her notes, Yoona made her way to the patient’s room, accompanied by Nurse Kyujin, who had been working with her all morning.
Yoona knocked lightly before stepping inside. “Good morning,” she said with a polite smile, her voice calm and professional. “I’m Dr. Seol, and I’ll be treating you today.”
The woman sitting on the hospital bed, a well-dressed lady in her mid-fifties, looked up at her. For a second, she simply observed Yoona, her sharp eyes studying her face. Then, suddenly, recognition flickered across her expression.
“Ohhh,” Mrs. Kang said, her smile widening. “So you’re Yoona?”
Yoona hesitated. “Uh… I’m sorry?”
Before she could say anything more, Mrs. Kang let out an amused laugh. “Aigoo, I knew you looked familiar. You’re Jinsol’s girlfriend, aren’t you?”
Yoona’s brain short-circuited.
“W-What?” she sputtered, blinking rapidly.
Beside her, Nurse Kyujin, who had been checking the patient’s IV, suddenly froze before bursting into laughter, quickly covering her mouth to stifle the sound.
Mrs. Kang looked delighted by Yoona’s flustered reaction. “I saw you two at the market yesterday. And then my friend Eunha—oh, you know Eunha, right? Jinsol’s mother?—she was telling everyone about how her daughter brought home a certain pretty doctor for dinner.”
Yoona felt her face heat up.
She knew Jinsol’s mother had a habit of gossiping, but this? This was another level.
“Oh, no, no,” Yoona stammered, waving her hands in front of her. “It’s not like that. We’re not—”
Mrs. Kang simply waved off her denial. “Oh, don’t be shy, dear. You don’t have to explain anything to me. It’s just nice to see Jinsol spending time with someone.”
Yoona pressed her lips together, feeling completely unprepared for this situation.
Next to her, Nurse Kyujin was still very much enjoying this, eyes twinkling with mischief.
“I mean,” Kyujin finally spoke up, her tone teasing, “you have been spending a lot of time with Jinsol lately, Doctor Seol.”
Yoona shot her a look. “Not you too.”
Kyujin just grinned. “I’m just saying.”
Mrs. Kang chuckled, clearly pleased with herself. “She’s a hard worker, that girl. Always taking care of others but never herself. If you’re keeping her company, that’s a good thing.”
Yoona sighed, rubbing her temples. “I think there’s been some misunderstanding…”
Mrs. Kang hummed, unconvinced. “Mmm, maybe. But I have good instincts.”
Yoona decided not to argue anymore. She had a feeling it would be useless.
Instead, she cleared her throat and forced herself back into doctor mode. “Mrs. Kang, let’s focus on your health first, shall we?”
Mrs. Kang gave her a knowing smile but nodded. “Alright, alright. But don’t think this conversation is over, young lady.”
Yoona exhaled. This town was going to be the death of her.
Beside her, Nurse Kyujin was still smirking as she scribbled notes on the chart.
“Not a word,” Yoona muttered to her as they continued the exam.
Kyujin just chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry, Doctor Seol. I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Yoona groaned.
It started with Mrs. Kang.
And then, somehow, it spread like wildfire.
The next few days at the hospital became something of a challenge—not because of medical emergencies, not because of exhausting back-to-back shifts, but because every time Yoona encountered an older female patient, they all had the same thing to say.
She had barely stepped into the next patient’s room when the elderly woman sitting on the hospital bed grinned at her like she already knew all of Yoona’s secrets.
“Ohhh, you must be Jinsol’s special someone,” the woman said before Yoona even had a chance to introduce herself.
Yoona stopped mid-step, closing her eyes for a brief moment as if that would somehow make this all disappear.
She turned slowly, forcing a polite smile. “I’m Dr. Seol,” she corrected, her tone measured. “And I’ll be treating you today, Mrs. Park.”
Mrs. Park waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, yes, doctor, of course. But let’s not be so formal! You’re practically family already, aren’t you?”
Yoona stared. “Excuse me?”
The old woman chuckled, her amusement barely contained. “I heard all about it from my friends. You had dinner with Jinsol’s mother. That’s a big deal, you know.”
Yoona exhaled, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “It was just dinner.”
“Dinner at a family home,” Mrs. Park corrected. “With her mother. That’s practically an engagement in this town.”
Yoona nearly choked. “It is not—”
“Oh, don’t be embarrassed,” Mrs. Park said, patting her arm like they were long-time friends. “Jinsol is a lovely girl. A bit too stubborn for her own good, but kind. And so hardworking. You’d be lucky to have her.”
Yoona didn’t even know how to respond anymore.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Nurse Kyujin standing near the doorway, barely containing her laughter. Again.
Yoona shot her a glare.
Don’t you dare.
Kyujin only smirked, pretending to be very busy reviewing the patient’s chart.
Yoona turned back to Mrs. Park, clearing her throat. “Let’s focus on your check-up, alright?”
Mrs. Park hummed but didn’t seem the least bit deterred. “Fine, fine. But I am expecting wedding invitations eventually.”
Yoona nearly dropped her clipboard.
It didn’t stop there.
By the end of the day, three more elderly patients had made similar comments.
“Oh, Jinsol’s girlfriend, right?”
“I saw you riding on her scooter! Holding on real tight, too.”
“I heard from Mrs. Kang that you two are practically inseparable now.”
Yoona felt like she was losing her mind.
It wasn’t just the patients, either. By the time she finished her shift, even some of the nurses had started looking at her differently—amused, teasing, clearly enjoying the whole ordeal.
She groaned as she slumped down at the nurses’ station, dropping her head onto the desk. “This town is impossible.”
Kyujin sat down beside her, sipping on a cup of coffee with a knowing smile. “Oh, come on, Doctor Seol. It’s kind of sweet.”
Yoona shot her a look. “It’s not sweet. It’s wrong. We’re not dating.”
Kyujin shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. They’ve already decided.”
Yoona groaned again.
She needed to talk to Jinsol.
—
Jinsol was in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, focused entirely on her work. The scent of freshly grilled fish and simmering broth filled the air, mingling with the occasional burst of laughter from the dining area. It was the comforting rhythm of the restaurant—steady, familiar.
Outside, the soft rumble of a scooter came to a stop. Moments later, Kim Jiwoo strolled in, helmet tucked under her arm, looking as relaxed as ever.
“Deliveries done,” she announced, setting the empty thermal bag on the counter. “Your regulars tipped well today. Probably ‘cause they like seeing me.”
Jinsol snorted, not even looking up as she plated a fresh dish. “Or maybe because they like the food.”
Jiwoo grinned, plopping down on a stool near the kitchen window. “Nah, it’s definitely me.”
Jinsol shook her head but didn’t argue. Jiwoo had a way of making herself the center of attention, but truth be told, the customers did like her. She was good at what she did—fast, efficient, and somehow always managed to charm even the grumpiest of regulars.
The lunch rush had died down, leaving the restaurant in a comfortable lull. A few customers lingered at their tables, chatting over the last bites of their meals. The sound of waves outside drifted in through the open windows, bringing with it the salty ocean breeze.
Jinsol wiped her hands on a towel, finally taking a second to breathe. “Any news from town?” she asked, more out of habit than curiosity. Jiwoo always knew what was happening.
Jiwoo stretched lazily. “Mmm, nothing new. Oh— except everyone in town now thinks you and Dr. Seol are dating.”
Jinsol nearly dropped the plate she was holding.
“What?”
Jiwoo grinned, clearly enjoying this. “Word’s been spreading like crazy. Apparently, all the old ladies at the hospital are very invested in your love life.”
Jinsol blinked. “What does Yoona have to do with this?”
Jiwoo raised an eyebrow. “You tell me. You’re the one bringing her dinner. Riding around town together. Having her over for dinner at your mom’s house.” She leaned forward, smirking. “That’s basically a small-town proposal, Jinsol.”
Jinsol groaned, rubbing her temples. “This town is ridiculous.”
Jiwoo snickered. “Yeah, but you love it.”
Jinsol exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “I need to talk to Yoona.”
“Probably a good idea,” Jiwoo said, standing up and grabbing her helmet again. “Before someone starts planning your wedding for you.”
Jinsol sighed. This town really was impossible.
Jinsol pulled up to the hospital entrance, her scooter coming to a smooth stop just as the sun dipped lower in the sky. The air was tinged with the crisp scent of salt and the faint sterility of disinfectant, a stark contrast to the warmth of her restaurant.
She took off her helmet, running a hand through her hair as she glanced at the building. It had been a long day at Sol’s Table, but despite the exhaustion settling in her limbs, she found herself here—without really thinking too hard about why.
She had meant to check on Yoona.
She wasn’t sure what she’d say exactly, just that… after hearing all the town gossip, she felt like she needed to see her. Maybe laugh about it, maybe clear things up.
But as she stepped forward, the automatic doors slid open—revealing none other than Yoona, already walking out.
Jinsol blinked.
Yoona hadn’t seen her yet, her head tilted downward slightly as she adjusted the strap of her bag. She looked tired, her usual neat ponytail a little looser than in the morning. The white coat was gone, replaced by a simple knit sweater and jeans, and somehow, that made her seem… different. More relaxed. More like someone Jinsol could bump into at the market rather than a doctor constantly running between patients.
For a split second, Jinsol hesitated.
Then Yoona looked up.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like everything stilled.
Yoona blinked in surprise, then stopped mid-step. “Jinsol?”
Jinsol cleared her throat, shifting her weight slightly. “Hey.”
Yoona glanced at the scooter, then back at her. “Did you… need something?”
Jinsol opened her mouth, then shut it again.
What was she going to say? Hey, I just came to check if you were okay because apparently half the town thinks we’re dating? That sounded ridiculous.
Instead, she stuffed her hands into her pockets, glancing to the side. “I, uh… just thought I’d stop by.”
Yoona raised an eyebrow, skeptical but not unkind. “Stop by the hospital?”
Jinsol exhaled sharply, a short laugh escaping. “Yeah, okay. That does sound weird.”
Yoona smiled a little, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “Well, you’re just in time. My shift ended.”
Jinsol hesitated, then nodded toward the scooter. “Want a ride?”
Yoona blinked, then glanced at the vehicle before looking back at her.
“…To where?”
Jinsol shrugged. “Anywhere.”
For a moment, Yoona just looked at her, studying her face. Then, with a small sigh—one that almost sounded like she was giving up—she said, “Alright. But I’m getting better at putting the helmet on by myself.”
Jinsol smirked. “We’ll see about that.”
Yoona rolled her eyes but took the helmet anyway, and as she carefully secured it, Jinsol couldn’t help but think—
Maybe the town wasn’t entirely wrong about them.
—
The waves rolled lazily onto the shore, the sky painted in shades of deep orange and soft lavender. A gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and the lingering warmth of the sun. It was quiet, peaceful—except for the faint sound of two spoons scraping against almost-empty ice cream cups.
Yoona shifted slightly on the wooden railing, her legs swinging idly as she dug her spoon into the last bits of melted ice cream. She could feel Jinsol next to her, standing with her arms resting against the railing, staring out at the horizon.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then Yoona hesitated, glancing at Jinsol from the corner of her eye before clearing her throat.
“So…” she started slowly, trying to sound casual. “I’ve been hearing some… interesting things at the hospital.”
Jinsol didn’t react right away. She merely hummed, scooping another spoonful of ice cream. “Oh?”
Yoona tapped the edge of her cup with her spoon, watching the way the sunset reflected off the water. “Apparently, a lot of my older patients think I’m… um.” She shifted slightly. “That we’re… together.”
Jinsol froze mid-bite.
For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of the waves and the distant chatter of people walking along the shore.
Then, slowly, Jinsol chewed and swallowed before setting her cup down on the railing. “…I figured that might happen.”
Yoona turned to look at her. “You knew?”
Jinsol scratched the back of her neck, suddenly looking anywhere but at Yoona. “Jiwoo may have… mentioned something.”
Yoona exhaled a small laugh, shaking her head. “I should’ve known.”
Jinsol hesitated before glancing at her. “You… don’t mind?”
Yoona bit her lip, twirling the spoon between her fingers. “I mean… it’s just gossip, right?”
Jinsol nodded slowly. “Yeah. Just gossip.”
Another pause.
Yoona shifted again, crossing her legs at the ankles. “It’s just… every time I check on a new patient, it’s the same thing. ‘Oh, you’re Jinsol’s girlfriend, right?’ Or, ‘She’s such a good cook! You’re so lucky!’” She huffed a soft laugh. “It’s like they’ve already decided for us.”
Jinsol exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “This town is unbelievable.”
Yoona smiled, tilting her head slightly. “You do bring me food a lot.”
Jinsol frowned, turning to look at her. “Are you saying this is my fault?”
Yoona shrugged, feigning innocence. “I’m just saying, it does look a little suspicious.”
Jinsol groaned, rubbing her temples. “Great. Now I have to walk around town knowing half the people think we’re dating.”
Yoona chuckled, looking back at the ocean. “Could be worse.”
Jinsol raised an eyebrow. “How?”
Yoona smirked slightly. “They could start asking when the wedding is.”
Jinsol froze.
Yoona laughed at the horrified expression on her face, her eyes crinkling slightly. It was rare to see Jinsol so flustered, and she couldn’t help but find it… cute.
Jinsol let out a deep sigh, running a hand through her hair. “I need to have a talk with my mom.”
Yoona grinned. “She heard the rumors too?”
Jinsol gave her a deadpan look. “She’s probably the source.”
Yoona laughed again, shaking her head.
For a moment, the conversation drifted into silence, the sound of waves filling the space between them.
Then, Yoona spoke again—quieter this time. “It’s not… that bad though.”
Jinsol glanced at her. “What?”
Yoona didn’t meet her eyes, instead poking at the inside of her ice cream cup with her spoon. “The rumors. They’re a little embarrassing, sure, but… they don’t bother me that much.”
Jinsol blinked, her grip tightening slightly on the railing.
She opened her mouth, hesitated, then closed it again.
For once, she didn’t know what to say.
Yoona must’ve noticed because she finally looked up, giving her a teasing smile to ease the tension. “But if they do start planning a wedding, you’re handling it.”
Jinsol groaned, dropping her head onto her arm. “I’m never bringing you food again.”
Yoona laughed, nudging her playfully with her shoulder. “You say that, but we both know you will.”
Jinsol muttered something under her breath, but she didn’t deny it.
The sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting the town in soft twilight. And as they sat there, ice cream cups empty and the breeze growing cooler, neither of them moved to leave just yet.