More, More, More
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Your fingers gently massaged Hyunju’s scalp, making sure to give her a good head massage with the tips of your fingers. All your patients loved your skill at washing their hair; they said it was “relaxing.”
“Hyunju, you have such beautiful straight hair! What do you use to take care of it?” you asked, trying to break the ice and the silence that had settled.
“The magic is in this shampoo. Its main ingredient is rosemary, along with other components that help keep your hair type healthy,” Hyunju explained, closing her eyes and enjoying the sensation of your fingers massaging her scalp.
“And my supplements—I found one specifically for hair and nail care,” she added, opening her eyes and looking for yours to make eye contact while speaking.
“I see. I love how everything smells like vanilla. I once had a perfume that smelled exquisitely of vanilla. You know, it’s hard to find one that truly smells like vanilla,” you added shyly to the conversation, and it was true. Hyunju, in general, had a baby-like scent with vanilla undertones. But her home was filled with vanilla-scented candles, shampoo, and bath soaps.
“I love sweet scents,” Hyunju said with a smile. “By the way, what do you use for skincare?” she asked while nervously playing with her hands. “You have such beautiful skin—I mean, flawless.”
“One of my best friends is a dermatologist, and he helped me regulate my pH and oil levels on my face. He gave me some creams and serums that were very helpful at the time. The best advice I could give, but I’m sure you already follow,” you took a moment to appreciate her skin, “is to wash your face regularly and use a good sunscreen,” you added as you rinsed her hair.
You searched for the sponge and soap you had previously used to wash her neck. You chuckled at the shape of her soap—it was a handmade soap shaped like a heart. You lathered it up to wash her arms and carefully cleaned around her surgical wound.
“You can lift your arms or leave them as they are, Hyunnie. Either way, I’ll crouch down to make sure I clean well around your wound,” you said.
Hyunju felt like she was floating in outer space the moment she heard you call her “Hyunnie.” It came so naturally from you, so spontaneously, yet it felt so necessary for her heart that she didn’t even notice when you started scrubbing her back and, consequently, her arms with the sponge.
Meanwhile, you finished scrubbing her strong arms and toned back. You noticed that the nail polish on her nails was still chipped (now even more) since the hospital.
“I’m done here! I’ll step out for a moment—make sure not to get your wound wet while you finish showering. And please let me know when you’re done so I can help you dry off,” you told Hyunju as you stood up to leave the bathroom.
“Alright, I’ll let you know,” Hyunju replied, and you left her alone in the bathroom.
Hyunju was left alone with her thoughts and the hot water rinsing off the soap from the places you had already washed. The words she had heard from Bryan through the speaker on your phone still echoed in her mind.
But it could be another patient, right?
You could be “in love” with another patient, someone you had taken care of before—someone who definitely wasn’t her.
Hyunju forced herself to think that, even though deep down, she wished Bryan had been talking about her.
Meanwhile, you had already prepared the bandages and the solution for her wound. You decided to pick out some clothes from her closet, just as Hyunju had instructed.
You opened her drawers and took in her choice of clothing—mostly comfortable pieces like sweatpants and oversized t-shirts in shades of brown, black, blue, and gray. There was also a lot of sportswear.
But something caught your attention at the back of her closet—a garment covered with a protective bag. Curiosity got the better of you, and you scolded yourself for giving in to it. You unzipped the bag to see what had piqued your interest.
It was a form-fitting black dress, sleeveless, immediately capturing your attention. It had cutouts on the sides of the legs, and you swallowed hard at the thought of Hyunju wearing it.
Her shoulders would look so good, her arms would fit perfectly into those—
“Nurse, I’m ready! Could you help me stand up, please?” Hyunju called from the bathroom, and you immediately left the dress as you had found it.
𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼
“The hairdryer is on my dresser. Could you bring it over?” Hyunju asked while drying her hair with a small towel.
You got up to fetch the hairdryer and, while at it, grabbed your handbag to show her the skincare products you had mentioned earlier.
“This serum makes your skin feel super soft, like velvet. I usually apply it with this metal gua sha and a roller,” you pointed out while holding the products. “Can I show you?” you asked as you poured a little serum into your palm.
“Of course, I’d love that,” Hyunju replied, feeling your warm touch on her face.
You made sure to spread it evenly and gently massage her skin.
“I’ll use the gua sha now—it’s a little cold, so don’t be surprised,” you warned, and Hyunju just nodded.
You didn’t realize when you had climbed onto her bed to get a better angle as you massaged her face with the gua sha.
Hyunju was beyond nervous having you so, so close. Your touch on her face burned deeply. She felt embarrassed about wanting more—more of your presence, more of your attention.
On the other hand, you were completely focused on giving the best product demonstration ever seen. You made an effort to teach her massages she could replicate on her own.
“This lip hydrator is amazing,” you said, pulling out a petroleum jelly balm with a rosy tint. “It even gives your lips a soft pink color, like in the movies!” you exclaimed, taking a bit of the product on your index finger.
“My hands are completely clean. Can I apply it to your lips?” you asked to make sure Hyunju was okay with it.
“Please,” Hyunju responded, her eyes locked onto yours the entire time.
The tension was palpable, but your bubbly and cheerful personality made it hard for Hyunju to fully perceive it.
So, your finger traced her lower lip gently, applying the balm as subtly as possible.
Her plump lips were slightly parted…
You made the mistake of looking into her eyes for a fraction of a second at that moment.
You couldn’t explain it.
Her eyes shone so deeply. Her gaze was intensely locked on you, making your breath hitch in your throat. For a moment, you forgot how to breathe, and your stomach was filled with butterflies.
You had heard from friends before that, before two people kissed, there was a certain key look—one that radiated the desire both people felt.
Could this be Hyunju’s telling look? You wondered for a split second.
Better to ask than to make a mistake that could cost you your job at the hospital.
“Hyunnie… Can I?”
You were surprised when Hyunju’s hand reached behind your head and closed the gap between you.
You instinctively responded to the kiss.
Your upper lip clung to her lower lip. It was a shy but solid kiss, one that grew in intensity and desire with each passing second.
Both of you pulled away to catch your breath, and you were the one to cup her chin while your other hand stroked her hair.
Can life change so suddenly?
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