Chapter Text
Sana had just finished her rounds, moving from room to room with a warm smile as she checked her patients' vital signs and made sure they were comfortable. After wrapping up, she returned to her desk to update charts and record her observations, letting out a quiet sigh as she settled into her seat for a brief rest.
"Hey, Sana."
She looked up to see Momo approaching with a familiar, gentle smile. Momo pulled out a chair and sat beside her.
"How did rounds go today?" she asked.
Sana offered a small shrug, her smile still lingering. “They went fine. Just a few minor things to take care of. Nothing too unusual.”
“That’s good. You’re doing a great job,” Momo said softly, casting a shy glance in Sana’s direction.
Sana chuckled and gave her a playful nudge. “How can it be a great job when I’m not doing anything extraordinary?”
"It's because… you're just great, I think," Momo said with a sly chuckle.
Sana's laugh was soft but full, the kind that made her eyes light up. “You’re so cheesy,” she said.
Momo rubbed the back of her neck, eyes darting toward the hallway. “Well, it’s true,” she said, quieter this time. “You’re amazing, Sana." Her voice sounded genuine and sincere.
Sana’s smile softened. She tilted her head, studying Momo for a beat longer than necessary. “Thanks,” she said gently.
There was a brief, comfortable silence between them as the hospital buzzed faintly in the background.
Momo fiddled with her fingers, her gaze flicking toward Sana again. “Wanna grab coffee later?” she asked, almost like it was a casual blip, but her tone showed a hint of nervousness.
Sana raised an eyebrow. “Like a break-room coffee… or a real one?”
Momo hesitated, then met her eyes with a small, sheepish grin. “A real one. With real mugs. And maybe a slice of cake.”
Sana chuckled, feeling a flutter in her chest. She bit her lip and shrugged, stealing a sideways glance at Momo, who was still sitting beside her, fidgeting slightly with her scrubs like she was trying to look casual.
Momo had always been nice to her. Not the over-the-top kind of nice, but gentle, quiet, and thoughtful. She always asked if Sana had eaten, offered to split snacks during long shifts, and never hesitated to ask her if she was okay when things got hectic. Even now, Momo’s knee was shyly brushing lightly against hers under the desk, intentional or not, it made Sana feel a sense of comfort.
“Well—"
"Miss Minatozaki."
The sudden sound of her name, spoken in Dr. Jihyo’s signature low and composed tone, made Sana jump slightly. She turned to see the orthopedic doctor standing a few steps away, her arms loosely at her sides and her lips set in a tiny professional smile.
Sana stood halfway out of her chair. “Dr. Jihyo—hi.” She sounded a little startled but joyful.
Dr. Jihyo’s gaze didn’t shift immediately to her. Instead, she flicked a glance toward Momo, who was still sitting beside Sana, one arm casually resting on the edge of her desk, close, just a little too close. Dr. Jihyo’s smile didn’t falter, but her brow quirked subtly, like she was piecing something together.
“I just came to check how your morning rounds are,” Dr. Jihyo said coolly. “Though it seems I may have interrupted… something.”
Sana opened her mouth, then closed it again, cheeks flushing. “N-No, not at all. It's great, nothing to worry about with some patients."
“I see,” Dr. Jihyo replied, the words crisp but not unkind. She turned to Momo with a polite tilt of her head. “Miss Hirai, I've always seen you here more often."
Momo blinked at the pointed remark, then offered a small, easy smile. “Just keeping Sana company on her break. Nothing serious.”
“Of course.” Dr. Jihyo’s tone remained smooth, but the faint arch of her brow suggested otherwise. “Still, I hope your own patients are receiving the same attention.”
Momo gave a small, sheepish laugh. “They are, don’t worry. I’ve got my timing under control.”
“Good,” Dr. Jihyo replied, her gaze returning to Sana now steadier. “And you, Miss Minatozaki? Everything else going well? No... distractions?”
The question hung there a beat too long. It sounded casual, but it wasn't. It was more like a hint at something Sana couldn't quite put her finger on.
Sana sat up straighter. “Yes, Dr. Jihyo. I’ve updated the patient charts. Just noting down some additional observations from this morning’s rounds.”
"Excellent.” Dr. Jihyo gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied, but her gaze lingered on Sana a little longer than necessary—studying, perhaps. Then, with that same professional composure, she added, “If you have a moment, Miss Minatozaki, would you mind coming by my office?”
Sana blinked, caught slightly off guard. “Oh—of course. Right now?”
“If you’re free,” Dr. Jihyo said lightly, her voice calm. With one final glance at Momo, Dr. Jihyo gave a small nod and turned to leave, her heels clicking softly against the floor.
Momo exhaled once the door of Dr. Jihyo's office closed, muttering under her breath, “She’s... intense.”
Sana didn’t say anything at first. Her heart was still fluttering, part nerves, part something else. Finally, she let out a quiet laugh.
“She always is,” she said, but her mind wasn’t on the paper in front of her anymore. "She's strict as fuck."
It was somewhere in Dr. Jihyo’s gaze and words. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. But in the back of her mind, one thought lingered: Why did that almost feel like… jealousy?
Sana stood up from her desk without looking back at Momo. When she reached Dr. Jihyo's office, she paused, took a quiet breath, and then knocked twice on the door.
“Come in,” came Dr. Jihyo’s voice, calm and even as always.
Sana stepped inside, gently closing the door behind her.
"That was fast," Dr. Jihyo spoke up as she walked up from her desk. She leaned her lower back on the table.
"I was just having a conversation with Momo. It was nothing important." Sana walked further into the room, a few steps away from Dr. Jihyo.
"So, Miss Hirai?" Dr. Jihyo inquired, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Sana furrowed her brow, unsure of what Dr. Jihyo was getting at. She hesitated for a moment before responding, "Sorry?"
"Nothing, I just seen her more frequently around here lately," Dr. Jihyo clarified with a tiny laugh. "You two seem to be getting along well."
Sana sighed with a light chuckle. “Yeah. She’s just a friend."
Dr. Jihyo’s lips curled into a knowing smile, her tone turning teasing. “Mm-hmm. Just a friend who sits a little too close, lingers a little too long, and makes you blush?”
Sana’s eyes widened, and her entire face went red. “Wh-What? No—I mean—it's not like that!” she blurted, waving her hands a little too dramatically before she realized how ridiculous she looked and quickly clasped them in front of her. Her heart was racing, not from the accusation, but from the fact that Dr. Jihyo had noticed. Notice the subtle moments, the closeness, and the affection with Momo, which was suspicious for Sana.
Dr. Jihyo laughed under her breath, warm and low, and it made Sana’s stomach do a full flip. “You’re adorable when you get all flustered like that.”
“I—I’m not flustered,” Sana muttered, though even she could hear the wobble in her voice. She bit her lip, trying not to smile like an idiot. Adorable. Dr. Jihyo called her adorable. Her knees suddenly felt a little wobbly.
“You don’t have to explain it to me, you know,” Dr. Jihyo said gently, the teasing softening into something kinder. “I’m just teasing.”
“Well, you’re too good at it,” Sana said with a tiny, shy pout, daring to peek up through her lashes. Her heart skipped when she met Dr. Jihyo’s eyes again, warm, intense, curious. God, she was beautiful.
She looks even hotter when she’s jealous, Sana thought, biting back a stupid smile.
“Maybe,” Dr. Jihyo murmured, stepping forward slowly, arms now at her sides as she closed a bit of the distance between them.
Sana’s breath caught for a second. There was a flutter in her chest that made her feel light-headed, like she was hanging on the edge of a cliff, exciting and terrifying.
"Anyway, I have something to tell you, Miss Minatozaki." Dr. Jihyo switched back to professional mode, her expression becoming serious as she took a deep breath. "I think it's time for you to join me in a surgery tomorrow."
Sana blinked, the sudden shift in tone catching her completely off guard. Just a second ago, she was giddy and breathless, her heart still fluttering from the closeness and teasing. Now, Dr. Jihyo was all professionalism, poised and composed, her eyes sharp with intention.
“S-Surgery?” Sana echoed, her brain scrambling to catch up. “With you?”
Dr. Jihyo gave a small nod, arms folding. “You’ve been doing well. You’re careful, attentive, and detail-oriented. I’ve been observing.”
Sana’s breath hitched for a whole new reason. “You’ve been… watching me?”
Dr. Jihyo’s lips quirked into a smile undeniably soft. “Of course I have. You’re my intern.”
That should’ve sounded normal. Completely ordinary. But the way she said it, soft, deliberate, made Sana’s stomach twist pleasantly.
“I think you’re ready to assist,” Dr. Jihyo continued. “I want you in the OR with me. I’ll walk you through it, step by step.”
"Are you sure, Dr. Jihyo?" Sana asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Dr. Jihyo nodded, her gaze steady. “You’ve been observing for weeks. You know the protocols, you’ve shadowed about procedures, and your attention to detail during rounds hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Sana’s fingers fidgeted at the hem of her sleeve. “But assisting in a real surgery… that’s completely different. What if I mess up? What if I freeze?”
“You won’t.” Dr. Jihyo’s voice was gentle but firm, like stone smoothed by years of her profession. She stepped closer, close enough that Sana could feel the quiet, high trust radiating from her. “Listen to me. You’re one of the most diligent interns I’ve worked with. You ask the right questions, and more importantly, you care deeply. That’s not something you can teach.”
Sana lowered her gaze, still not fully convinced. “But what if I’m not ready? What if I let you down?”
“You won’t,” Dr. Jihyo repeated, softer this time. She reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Sana’s arm. “I’ll be right there, guiding you. You won’t be alone, and you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try. That’s how you grow.”
The warmth of Dr. Jihyo’s hand supported her, and Sana looked up to meet her eyes. There was no doubt in them, only calm and unwavering trust. Dr. Jihyo reached down and gently squeezed her own hand with her warm fingers.
“I wouldn’t have chosen you if I didn’t believe in you, Miss Minatozaki.”
Something in her chest loosened at the sound of her voice so sincere and how soft her hand felt in hers. What? Dr. Jihyo was holding her hand? Sana was surprised; her insides were flipping with excitement and nerves.
“…Okay,” Sana whispered, the nerves still bubbling under the surface.
Dr. Jihyo smiled. “Good. Scrub in tomorrow at six. And tonight… get some rest. You’ve got this.”
Sana lingered in that moment, her hand still cradled gently in Dr. Jihyo’s. The contact was brief and professional on the surface, but there was something undeniably tender beneath it. Her heart thudded against her ribs like it wanted to burst out of her scrubs.
Dr. Jihyo gave one final reassuring squeeze before letting go, and the loss of warmth made Sana’s fingers feel oddly empty. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry as she nodded, trying to appear composed.
But inside? Giddy chaos.
Did that just happen?
Was Dr. Jihyo always this soft with everyone? Or was it just her?
Sana bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling too hard. Her whole face felt warm. And the fluttering in her chest wasn’t just nerves anymore, it was something sweeter.
“Thank you,” Sana said quietly but sincerely. Then, because she couldn’t help herself, she added, “Also, um… your hands are really soft.”
Dr. Jihyo let out a surprised laugh, raising an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
Sana turned scarlet in an instant, covering her face with both hands. “Oh my god! I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”
Dr. Jihyo chuckled, clearly amused but not mocking. “You really are something, Miss Minatozaki.”
Sana lowered her hands, her cheeks still glowing. She whined, “You started it, with the hand-holding and the compliments…” She bit her lip as she recollected the moment.
“Okay, Miss Minatozaki," Dr. Jihyo said with a smirk, walking back toward her desk. “Now go get some rest before I keep you here blushing all day.”
Sana backed toward the door, still smiling like an idiot. “Right. Six a.m. Got it.”
…
The operating room buzzed with a steady rhythm. Machines beeping, instruments clinking, and the occasional murmured instructions from the team. Under the cool fluorescent lights, Sana stood scrubbed in beside Dr. Jihyo, her heart pounding beneath layers of sterile fabric. But her hands? Steady. Ready. Her mind? Focused. Passionate.
This was her first real assist in an orthopedic surgery. An arthroscopic knee procedure on a patient with a torn meniscus, and it wasn’t just any surgeon leading the operation. It was Dr. Park Jihyo, one of the most accomplished and youthful doctors in their particular field. It was once her dream, and it was finally becoming a reality.
From the first incision, Dr. Jihyo guided Sana with calm, measured instructions, occasionally glancing her way with the briefest but most grounding nods of encouragement. Sana followed each step with laser focus. Passing instruments, suctioning, and observing the scope monitor with wide, determined eyes. And when Dr. Jihyo gestured for her to suture one of the portals herself, Sana’s breath caught, but only for a second.
“You’ve got this,” Dr. Jihyo said under her mask, just loud enough for her to hear.
And she did.
Every movement, every knot, and every decision was deliberate. The tension in the room slowly gave way to a quiet satisfaction shared by every member of the surgical team. The operation progressed without complication, and as the final dressing was applied, the patient was wheeled out to recovery.
Dr. Jihyo finally turned to Sana with a satisfied nod. “Excellent work today, Miss Minatozaki,” she said. “You did it like it was not your first time at all."
Sana blinked, stunned for a heartbeat before breaking into a breathless, exhilarated grin behind her mask. She had done it, not perfectly, but confidently, with a goal. She’d stepped into the room as an intern but walked out with something more.
They headed to the scrub-out room, carefully removing their surgical gowns and gloves. Sana, smiling quietly with satisfaction at the successful procedure. She washed her hands methodically, and Dr. Jihyo appeared beside her. Their arms brushed as their hands moved to dry on the same towel.
"Great job in there," Dr. Jihyo said, her voice low and full of pride as she pulled a towel from the rack.
Sana looked up, her heart still racing not from nerves now, but from adrenaline and something softer, deeper. Her hands, finally dry, trembled just slightly as she met Dr. Jihyo’s eyes. The weight of the moment hit her all at once. She had done it with Dr. Jihyo.
Before she could stop herself, Sana stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Dr. Jihyo. The embrace was sudden but sincere, bursting with relief, joy, and pride in herself. "Thank you, Dr. Jihyo," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
The hug was tight, lingering with gratitude. Dr. Jihyo hesitated only a few seconds before returning the embrace, her hands gentle on Sana’s back, calming her. In that quiet, sterile room, surrounded by the scent of disinfectant, the warmth between them felt vulnerable.
It struck Sana. Oh, no. The embarrassment of her impulsive action flooded her cheeks with heat. She had hugged Dr. Jihyo. It was impulsive, full-bodied, and brimming with emotion. She had thrown her arms around the doctor in the middle of the scrub room, without a second thought.
The rush of adrenaline that had carried her through the surgery now twisted into something else entirely. Her heart pounded against her ribs, but not from excitement this time. Her cheeks began to burn with discomfort, rising all the way to her ears.
What was I thinking?
She could still feel the warmth of Dr. Jihyo’s arms around her. It hadn’t been awkward or stiff. It had been genuine. Supportive. Comforting. Which, somehow, only made it worse. Or better. Or… she didn’t know anymore.
Sana pulled back slightly, not daring to meet Dr. Jihyo’s eyes right away. Her breath caught, and she bit the inside of her cheek, trying to calm the storm now whirling in her chest.
"I'm so sorry—I just…" Sana stammered, her voice small, nearly drowned by the thrum of her heartbeat. She quickly stepped back from the embrace, her hands hovering in front of her as if unsure what to do with them now. Her cheeks were burning, and her eyes darted anywhere but at Dr. Jihyo. "I wasn’t thinking. I just got caught up in the moment, and I know it was unprofessional. I just—" She stopped herself with a shaky breath, clearly flustered. “I didn’t mean to cross a line.”
There was a silence that stretched for a little too long, and Sana felt the weight of her nerves gather in her throat.
But then, Dr. Jihyo chuckled lightly, her expression gentle and calm. “Miss Minatozaki,” she said. “It’s okay.”
Sana looked up, startled. “Really?”
Dr. Jihyo’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile. “You were overwhelmed. It was an emotional moment—your first surgery, and you did incredibly well. I’d be surprised if you didn’t feel something after that.”
Sana's eyes shimmered with relief as she tried to smile through the remaining embarrassment. “I just didn’t want you to think I was being… inappropriate.”
“It's okay,” Dr. Jihyo said reassuringly. She patted Sana's shoulder gently. "You did a great job."
And just like that, Dr. Jihyo offered her a final, gentle smile before turning to leave the room, the soft click of the door behind her leaving Sana alone with her racing thoughts and the ghost of Dr. Jihyo's warmth still lingering on her body.
Sana took a deep breath, trying to ground herself. She pressed her palms to her cheeks, which were still burning, and let out a tiny, breathless laugh. Get it together, Sana! She scolded herself.
But before she could compose herself, a soft tap-tap-tap came from the window in the hallway door.
Her stomach dropped.
There, crowded unexpectedly in the narrow frame of the glass window, were her best friends-slash-co-interns, Nayeon, Mina, and Tzuyu, squished together, peeking in like they're not professionals.
Nayeon was grinning like a cat, wiggling her eyebrows in the most dramatic manner. Mina had her hand delicately over her mouth to hide her knowing smile, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. And Tzuyu? Tzuyu simply raised a thumb and gave her a slow, meaningful nod, like it was validating her emotions without saying a word.
Sana’s heart practically leapt out of her chest. “Oh my god,” she gasped, rushing to the door and cracking it open. “How long have you been standing there?!”
“Long enough,” Nayeon sing-songed as she leaned in with a wicked grin.
“Was that a hug?” Mina teased softly, still composed, but her voice laced with delight.
Tzuyu grinned widely. “Unnie! Dr. Jihyo hugged you back. I felt like we were about to intrude on a private moment."
Sana groaned, covering her face with both hands. “It wasn’t! I just—it was the adrenaline! I blacked out! I didn't know what I was doing!"
"I have to admit, it was kind of adorable," Nayeon said with a teasing smile. "It honestly looked like you’re making Dr. Jihyo fall for you."
"If we weren’t your friends," Mina chimed in with mock seriousness, "we’d totally start a rumor that you two are secretly dating."
“No!” Sana exclaimed, her face turning crimson. “She’d kill me! You know how she always says she can’t cross the professional line? She doesn’t want any drama tied to her name.”
Tzuyu smirked and crossed her arms. “Yeah, but she also said she believes in you… hugged you… and held your hand.”
Nayeon’s brows shot up. “She held your hand?”
Sana let out a groan and shot Tzuyu a look. “Tzuyu!” she whined. “That was supposed to stay between us!”
Tzuyu just grinned wider. “What? It was kind of a moment.”
"Jesus, Sana," Nayeon gasped, shaking her head in disbelief. "I didn't think Dr. Jihyo would do anything like that. She's always been so professional and reserved."
"Babe, maybe Dr. Jihyo was trying to comfort Sana in her own way," Mina stated. "It wasn't anything to be worried about."
Tzuyu stepped in between them with a confident look. “And maybe that’s not a bad thing,” she said. “I saw the way Dr. Jihyo looked at Sana today. That didn't look like anything usual."
“Tzuyu…” Mina sighed, rubbing her temple.
“I’m not saying Dr. Jihyo is in love with Sana-unnie,” Tzuyu said seriously, then paused. “Actually, no, that is what I’m saying. I’ve seen less chemistry in actual relationships.”
Nayeon looked unconvinced. “You sound like a fanfic.”
“Life is a fanfic sometimes,” Tzuyu said with a smirk. “Especially when you're cute and brilliant like Sana-unnie.”
Sana blushed as she listened to Tzuyu and couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest.
Mina groaned and buried her face in her hands. “Why are you like this?"
"No. Why are you like this? You don't see the obvious connection between them?" Tzuyu asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Stop!” Sana wailed, turning as red as a heart monitor warning light.
Sana couldn’t feel her face. It was on fire, definitely red, and all she could do was walk with them through the hallway as her friends argued about her attraction towards the doctor. Dr. Jihyo had smiled at her. Held her hand like it meant something. Hugged her closely. And in that tiny moment, it didn’t feel like professionalism. It felt personal. That thought alone made her head spin. Because maybe her feelings weren’t so one-sided.
"Anyway," Nayeon cut off her petty argument with Tzuyu. She turned to Sana and said, "Congratulations on your first operation. You're incredible!"
"Yeah! I am so proud of you, unnie!" Tzuyu added with a smile.
“You were so calm and collected throughout the whole procedure,” Mina chimed in, her voice calm, as always, but the fondness in her gaze. “You were really good. Dr. Jihyo looked impressed.”
Sana gave a dramatic roll of her eyes and waved them off, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed how much the words meant to her. “It took you all long enough to finally acknowledge what I’ve done,” she teased, grinning. “But thank you, guys. Really.”
“We should eat out tonight,” Mina suggested suddenly, the thought seeming to come to her like a spark. “Celebrate properly.”
“Yeah, that would be great,” Nayeon agreed, already pulling out her phone like she was ready to search for restaurants.
“Let’s celebrate!” Tzuyu said with a burst of enthusiasm, bouncing a little on her heels. “Should we invite Dr. Jihyo?”
The words hung in the air for half a second before Nayeon and Mina groaned in unison. “Tzuyu!” they exclaimed, exasperation blending with amusement.
Sana burst out laughing, unable to stop herself.
It had been over a month since Momo joined their intern group, but somehow, it already felt like she had been part of the squad. The transition had been smooth and effortless, thanks to Mina, who had made it a habit to bring Momo along to every lunch break, off-duty hangout, coffee run, or late-night convenience store trip.
Sana didn’t mind. In fact, she liked having Momo around. There was something easy about her, a laid-back charm that balanced out the group’s more intense personalities. Momo always seemed up for anything, whether it was a spontaneous karaoke session after a 12-hour shift or trying new snacks from the vending machine during a break. She had a ridiculous, offbeat sense of humor that somehow worked, even when she didn’t quite understand Nayeon’s sarcasm or found herself in petty squabbles with Tzuyu over things like what diagnosis to give a patient or who should be in charge of stocking the shelves.
Sana sat at their usual lunch table in the bustling hospital cafeteria, picking half-heartedly at her salad while her gaze subtly drifted across the room. Her eyes inevitably found Dr. Jihyo, seated a few tables away, chatting casually with Dr. Sejeong over lunch. There was a softness to the doctor's expression as she spoke, one hand tucked under her chin and a small smile tugging at her lips. Sana didn’t even realize she was staring.
Momo, who had just taken a large bite of her crispy chicken sandwich, noticed Sana’s dazed expression. She chewed thoughtfully, then followed her gaze. Her eyes landed on doctors.
Momo smirked, turning back to Sana with a curious glint in her eyes. "Do you have a thing with Dr. Jihyo?"
Sana jumped slightly, blinking out of her trance. "What?" She blushed furiously, her voice too high-pitched to sound casual.
"Do you have a thing with Dr. Jihyo?" Momo repeated, more slowly this time. "Because you’ve been watching her like she’s a walking K-drama."
Sana shook her head quickly, a nervous chuckle escaping her. "What makes you say that?"
Across the table, Nayeon lowered her fork mid-bite, exchanging a look with Mina. Tzuyu, mid-sip of her juice, raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, suddenly alert.
“Well…” Momo leaned back in her chair. “You’re always watching her. Every time she enters the room, your head turns like a sunflower. It’s kind of cute, really."
Sana sipped from her drink, trying to act casual. “Look,” she said, eyes darting to the others who were now staring openly, “I admire her because she’s smart and composed and incredibly talented. That’s it.”
Tzuyu murmured. “And hot.”
Momo raised a brow, unconvinced. “Right. And the blushing? The melting?"
Mina choked up into her water. Nayeon covered her mouth to muffle a cackle. Tzuyu? Tzuyu nearly inhaled her rice.
Nayeon recovered first, her voice already dripping with mischief. “She’s in love with Dr. Jihyo.”
Sana glared at Nayeon, kicking her under the table. “It’s not love! It's a crush. Big difference.”
“A tiny difference,” Mina chimed in, raising her eyebrows as she took a sip of her water. “Crushes don’t usually make people stare across a cafeteria like they’re stitching an open wound with their eyes.”
“I hate you all,” Sana muttered into her hand, trying to hide. She risked one last glance at Dr. Jihyo, only to freeze when she noticed the doctor looking in her direction. Their eyes met briefly. Jihyo offered her a small smile and a nod.
Sana’s soul promptly left her body.
“Uh-oh,” Mina whispered, watching the reds flood Sana’s cheeks again.
“She smiled at her,” Nayeon whispered, smacking Momo’s arm.
Momo leaned forward dramatically. “Do you think she knows?”
“Oh, she knows,” Tzuyu said with absolute confidence, shoveling another spoonful of food into her mouth. “And I think she might even like it.”
Momo blinked at her act. “Wait… so Dr. Jihyo likes that Sana has a crush on her?”
Nayeon gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Wait, hold up—you didn’t know Sana has a thing for Dr. Jihyo?”
“You must be the only intern left in this hospital who hasn’t figured that out,” Tzuyu spoke with a shake of her head, the corners of her mouth twitching upward in amusement. “Unnie is so obvious. She blushes at everything Dr. Jihyo says, even when it’s just a good morning."
“I don't!” Sana cried, peeking through her fingers with a mortified expression.
“She always finds excuses to stay late when Dr. Jihyo is on shift,” Tzuyu continued with a knowing grin. “Volunteers for the most boring tasks if it means being near her. And don’t even get me started on the stammering and blushing."
“And the way she brings Dr. Jihyo lunch sometimes,” Mina commented. “Or those little handwritten notes she leaves on her desk. She even gave her tea because Dr. Jihyo was a heavy drinker and Sana was just trying to be helpful."
“Sana is head over heels for Dr. Jihyo,” Nayeon said through a burst of laughter, tossing a grape into her mouth with victorious smugness.
Tzuyu leaned forward, whispering like she was sharing a top-secret file. “And honestly, I think Dr. Jihyo’s starting to fall, too. Have you seen the way she looks at Sana? It’s just so romantic."
Sana made a strangled sound, slapping the table lightly. “Stop. Talking.”
Nayeon groaned and looked at Tzuyu with exasperation. “Your delusional ass needs to calm down. This isn’t an episode of Grey’s Anatomy."
As the teasing continued and the table erupted into more laughter over Sana’s ashamed groans, no one noticed the change in Momo’s expression. Behind her usual light-hearted appearance and half-smile, Momo had gone quiet. Her chopsticks hovered over her lunch tray, unmoving, as her eyes lingered on Sana, not with amusement like the others, but with something softer. Something heavier.
Momo watched as Sana sat there, red-faced and dramatic, buried in her hands like she wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. And even in the middle of being relentlessly teased, Sana still looked… amazing.