Chapter 7: Hasty Decisions
Ji Hoo rushed through the automatic glass doors and caught up with his friend once he had parked his car at a suitable parking lot. Rin was rapidly conversing with the receptionist.
" Where is he? " Ji Hoo asked her, as soon as they started making their way up to the operating theatre.
" Linden is undergoing operation right now. "
" Has he regained consciousness yet? "
Rin shook her head, no. Just then, the elevator doors slid open and they stepped out.
Without warning, the nineteen-year-old ran over to the closed doors of the operating room, raising her fist to pound on the door, when it opened and Doctor Hyun came out.
" I knew you would come here after she called, " the older man told her, pulling the door shut behind him.
"Hyun? "
The trio went over to the seats that were designated for waiting purposes.
" The operation is not going to conclude anytime soon. So, I suggest you better go back to the university, " Hyun told them.
" No. I'm staying here, " Rin declared stubbornly and folded her arms. " I'm not going anywhere. "
Hyun sighed heavily, " You are missing a lot of classes, aren't you? "
Rin looked away wordlessly, ashamed of herself.
" Go back, Rin, " Ji Hoo advised her, handing over his car keys to her. " You can go in my car. "
" I can't drive, " she said quietly, refusing him.
" Then I'll get Woo Bin to come get you, " the medical student countered, dialling his best friend's number.
Rin tried to protest but Ji Hoo was having none of it as he informed Woo Bin of the arrangement.
" He'll be coming in ten, " Ji Hoo told her, after he got off the phone.
The girl did not answer him but instead glowered at the floor. Just then, Doctor Hyun was being called back in.
" Linden will be fine, trust me, " the older man reassured her, patting her head before he went back inside.
" Ji Hoo-ah, can you do me a favour? " Rin asked him, without making eye-contact.
The twenty-year-old paused before he answered, " Yeah, if it's within my means. "
Rin nodded, " Can you take care of Linden for me? "
Ji Hoo's eyes widened at this.
" I mean your attachment here will take up most of your time. I can't be around Linden all the time so I want you to be there for him, " Rin continued. " Can you do that for me
please? "
Her earnest expression was enough for him. The boy smiled at her and nodded.
" I will, " he promised.
" My tutorial class starts in a few minutes and I absolutely can't afford to miss even a minute of it, " Woo Bin told the nineteen-year-old as soon as she got in.
Rin detected the faint accusatory tone in his voice. Almost immediately, she apologised. After all, it was all her fault for taking off without even thinking and bothering Ji Hoo's friend in the process.
" Woo Bin-sshi, mianhamnida. I really appreciate you, giving me a lift and all. I'll keep in mind not to be a bother to you in future. "
Woo Bin glanced at her, unable to keep himself from smiling. This girl was amusing.
" So, what were you doing at the hospital? " he asked her, changing the subject as he shifted his attention back to the road.
Rin grew uncomfortable. She really did not need anymore people knowing about Linden. One was more than enough.
" Well…uh, I was checking up on…my friend's condition. "
It was partially the truth anyway.
" Oh? Who is it? A university friend? "
Rin stared down at her hands, unsure of how to answer him.
" Uh, j-just a friend, " she stumbled.
Woo Bin realised that she was not keen on divulging anymore so he decided to back off. In any case, they were not really close either. So, he kept silent throughout the drive back to the university to which Rin was grateful for.
" Kamsahamnida, " she smiled sweetly and bowed, thanking him for the lift.
Woo Bin nodded and watched her go, before he, himself hurried to his class.
" Professor, someone is requesting to see you. Would you like me to show him in? " the secretary asked Professor Park Jong Won.
He looked up from the stack of papers he was examining.
" Who is it? "
" A young man from Shinhwa University named Yoon Ji Hoo, " she answered promptly. " He filled in the internship form for a temporary placement here. "
The professor nodded, " Ah, yes. Ayane said something about it. Do let him in. "
The young woman bowed and left.
A few minutes later, there was a sharp knock on the door and the medical student came in. He bowed respectfully and settled in the chair across from Professor Jong Won
" I wish to speak to you regarding the internship matter, professor, " Ji Hoo told the older man.
" Yes, do go on. "
" I know that it is not my position to say this but could I be placed specifically under Doctor Lee Hyun Jae? "
The older man leaned forward and fixed him with a steady gaze.
" And why is that so? "
The student paused before he went to answer the question, " He is a paediatrician and my field of study and experience happen to coincide with his. "
Professor Jong Won nodded, " Fair enough. I'm sure, Hyun Jae will be pleased to have you around. "
