An Apple A Day

by TheTsundereWife

Asakura Yoh returns to his hometown after fulfilling his life-long dream, hoping for a fresh start. Although if there's one thing that he is completely unprepared for, it may be a familiar blonde entering his life, once again.

9. Persuasion

Chapter Summary: Nostalgia is one of the best ways to celebrate the New Year, right? RIGHT?

WARNING: Depictions of nudity (mostly medical), harassment, swearing and innuendos.

. . . . . . . . . . .

AN APPLE A DAY – Chapter 9: Persuasion

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she closed the door behind her.

It was pretty early in the day for her to be in such an uncertain mood but even though she hated to admit it, she couldn't help but produce a multitude of signs that she was indeed in distress.

She was thankful that the doctors' room was empty due to the night duty staff were still doing their last rounds, and the others who were about to receive handover with her haven't arrived yet.

The moment of peace and quiet was exactly what she needed. Her life has been too eventful ever since she came back to Izumo, and she honestly felt as if she didn't have enough rest since then.

Memories of that night at Yoh's house came crashing to her.

She was side lying on the couch, facing her ex-fiancé who was looking rather jaded but utterly handsome as he stared against the ceiling.

"I was going to tell you eventually," he started, now fiddling with the TV remote on his hands to avoid looking at her, "but before I knew it, shit happened… and there were things that I really couldn't recover no matter how hard I tried."

He paused as if contemplating before making a bold move.

"So Anna, I guess what I'm trying to say is—"

She groaned.

No matter how hard she tried, her recollections of that night ended there. She remembered the somber mood, Yoh's voice that was in the verge of breaking, her lids feeling heavy with drowsiness, but she could never, for the life of her, recall what happened after that.

Well, except for waking up locked in an embrace with a half-naked Yoh… and having to reply to a few messages from a person who was from overseas.

Anna mumbled more gibberish sounds of frustration as she strode across the room and sat on one of the office chairs with a huff. She placed her handbag and threw her car keys onto the table. The sound of the keys clacking against the furniture made her focus on the little thing that was painted mostly in red with a logo that had a yellow rectangle and a black prancing horse in its centre.

More than a week ago, her current car wasn't hers. More than a week ago, Yoh made her take his offer, with him even going as far as seeking help from Faust just for her to accept the Ferrari without a fight.

She couldn't even believe how much effort she's been exerting just to avoid being alone in the same room with her ex.

When did Yoh become such a trickster?

The blonde shut her eyes as she basked in the silence of her solitude. It was only a matter of time until—

"Anna!"

There goes her so-called 'peace'.

"What do you want?"

"Good morning to you, too." The 'peace-wrecker' chuckled.

"Yoh, you don't start work in two and a half hours. What the hell are you doing here?"

"For starters, I know you are scheduled on morning duties for the next couple of days…" Yoh began which earned him an arched brow from his companion, "so I figured you'd be very punctual as usual, and so here you are."

Anna scoffed. "And I'm surprised that you actually rose from bed so early just to catch me."

The brunette man giggled like a schoolboy. "Anna, I told you, I'm not—"

"Not the same as before. I know…" Anna finished Yoh's words for him which made their eyes meet. "I know."

Yoh opened his mouth to speak but couldn't make out what he wanted to say first, so he shut it back.

"So now, what do you want?" It was Anna's query that brought his attention back. His nervousness returned as he grabbed Anna's wrist to drag her to a more private corner of the room, masked by a small room divider and some tables.

"Well, about that…" he fidgeted uneasily, hand scratching the back of his head, "I wanted to get your medical opinion on something." The blonde just stared at him blankly which made him explain further. "M-my doctor thinks it's something quite serious so I… well—"

"Spill it!"

"I-need-you-to-check-a-lesion-on-my-genitals-to-see-if-it's-S.T.I.!" The male doctor blabbered in one breath as he hurriedly unbuckled his belt and motioned to lower his pants.

"Oh my God, no!" Anna covered her face and turned her back immediately against her Yoh; her blood now inevitably pooling on her cheeks due to the unexpected humiliation.

"But Anna—"

"No!"

"Pretty please?"

"No!"

"But you're the only one I feel comfortable showing my—"

"Yoh, seriously, NO!"

The Pediatric Surgeon paused mid-movement at the sound of Anna's adamant refusal. A moment of silence took over them and the only thing heard was Yoh heaving a sigh.

"Okay, I'm sorry I startled you." It was almost a whisper. "Look, I'm kinda freaking out, okay? I just need a second opinion. I just— fine, you may treat this as the second of my three wishes."

Anna whipped around to face him back with an indignant gasp. "You are shameless!"

"Anna, please…" Yoh stared at his companion's eyes with much sincerity, "I'm serious. I need your help on this."

Being able to see past through his deep chestnut eyes, Anna was able to understand that Yoh was indeed determined to seek for her help. It must have taken a whole lot from his ego to come forward and ask for her assistance on the matter. She bit her lower lip as she made a decision internally.

"Fine." It was all Anna could mutter after exhaling a considerable amount of air. She saw Yoh's face immediately brighten. His hands that were still clinging onto the waistband of his pants moved slightly but then halted again upon hearing her voice.

"Wait. When—" Anna cleared her throat and tried to keep a straight face to make it sound more professional before speaking again. Sure, she was used to doing physical assessments that involved having to inspect male genitalia, but it's not everyday that she gets to 'check' her ex-lover's 'tool', and in a non-intimate way, too.

"When was your last sexual activity?"

The brunette widened his eyes. "Is that still relevant to—"

"Look, do you want to do this or not?" the lady doctor added when she saw Yoh arch his brow at her sudden query.

"Alright, alright, geez. Hmm, I dunno, three months? five? Within-the-same-month-we-agreed-on-being-friends-again! Ow! Anna, please be gentle!" Yoh winced with panic when Anna rolled her eyes, abruptly squatted on the floor, and pulled his pants down.

"Shush! Tell me where the lesion is so we can get this over and done with!"

Yoh could only flinch with every sudden move Anna made because his life literally 'dangled' within her hands. "I-it's on the inferior part of the—" he closed his eyes when his current doctor lifted his reproductive treasure, "inferior part of the glans." He exhaled with pursed lips.

A frown appeared on Anna's face after seeing the said lesion. "And how long have you had it for?"

"A day?"

Anna chuckled. "Who did you say your doctor was again?" She bit her lip once again to stop herself from throwing a laughing fit.

"I didn't. Err, it's me. Why?"

A sneer escaped from the blonde. "Tell your doctor to go back to med school. It looks like Eczema to me. But if you want to be one hundred and ten percent sure, I can request for tests."

"For real?" The male doctor had his mouth agape.

"Yep. Nothing a good old topical corticosteroids can't fix."

Yoh nearly ascended to Nirvana when he saw Anna wink at him after mentioning her advised course of treatment. He absentmindedly pulled his briefs back into place.

About to reach for his pants, it was the most opportune moment when a half-awake Usui Horokeu walked into the room and dropped his coffee cup on the floor upon seeing them in the most compromising position—Anna kneeling in front of a standing half-naked Yoh with his pants dropped to his ankles. It didn't help that they were at the most secluded part of the room which made their activity seem more suspicious.

"Horo, I swear, it's not what you think it is…" Yoh tried to explain as he frantically fixed his clothes.

It was futile, for Horo Horo disappeared from the room in a split second.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Doctors Usui Horokeu and Tao Ren had malicious smirks on their faces whilst staring at their friend. Judging by Ren's actions, Horo Horo must have filled him in about what he saw in the doctors' lounge. Sitting across from them on the long conference table was a flushed Asakura Yoh and a fuming Kyoyama Anna. The first two gentlemen continued to throw Yoh some meaningful glances until the blue-haired one yelped in pain.

"Ow!" There was a crushing force that hit Horo Horo's left shin from under the table, and he could only attribute the source to Anna who wore a menacing grin on her face.

"Excuse me, is everyone paying attention?" An exasperated Doctor Faust, who was currently presenting a slideshow, called out his colleagues.

No one dared to speak except for Anna, still with a wicked countenance. "Pardon us, Professor. Our intern, Doctor Usui, was quite distracted today so I had to help him refocus."

Doctor Faust scanned the group with a dubious look but continued with his task.

"As I was saying, we shall commence our 'Specialty Training Program' as the new year starts, so I recommend for our promising residents…" Faust gazed intently at Anna, who returned the momentous stare, "to forward their expression of interest letters by the end of the month, addressing the department they wish to train in."

"What exciting news, Professor Faust!" Tao En, the Head of Neurology, remarked. "Would the department heads be able to choose the candidates of our liking?"

"I'm afraid not, Professor. We may only choose from the residents who submitted their expression of interests to our respective departments." Faust's reply made En frown. "However, we may always persuade them to join our teams. I suggest our specialists and surgeons to start promoting their departments actively during this period."

En cleared his throat and beamed. "Well we would surely love to have the very talented Doctor Kyoyama to the Neuro team! Alternatively, you may join the Cardio team. I'm sure our 'Renny' would look after you there. Then, maybe you can convince him to join us in Neuro! Hahahahaha!" The Senior Tao laughed manically.

Anna could only thank En to let him know that she appreciates his confidence in her, and finished with a respectful bow.

On the other hand, Ren tensed up from his seat while the others, including Jeanne, Tamao, Horo Horo and Yoh threw awkward glances at each other. Everybody knew En had his eyes on Anna for his son ever since.

"Right, thank you, Professor Tao." Faust interrupted before En could make the meeting more embarrassing for the young ones. "Moving forward, I suppose you all are aware who our current department heads are so, I wish you good luck with your applications and medical journeys."

. . . . . . . . . . .

"I wonder which of the residents will apply for our department."

A few male doctors where chatting near the nurses station in the Cardiology Ward.

"We won't know for sure but I'm hoping Professor En was right. Hope we get Kyoyama," one agreed.

"Ah, yes. Imagine, working with her for the next few months…"

"Ooohh…"

The group of men almost had drools on their faces with thoughts that were possibly not safe for work.

"You know, doctor, sometimes we don't understand your fixation with Doctor Kyoyama." A female nurse interrupted the conversation while gesturing for one of the doctors to sign the medication charts on her hand. "I mean yeah, she's cunning, beautiful and definitely has a body to die for, but haven't you heard about her past?"

"What? About her being a hooker while studying at the university?" The doctor confirmed while the nurse nodded in response.

Another one from the male party chuckled. "Well, if that was true, then I guess it's easier to try and get into her pants, right?" The others threw into a fit of laughter.

"But that won't work, doctor." Another nurse reasoned out. She came closer to the group to whisper what she had to say next. "We heard that she only dates men with money and social stature."

The doctor who just finished affixing his signature on the paper works scoffed. "What? You mean like the young Doctor Asakura you ladies are all gushing about." A few more nurses produced indignant gasps from the background while eavesdropping. "What? Come on, isn't he just an ordinary talentless guy with nothing but money and his family name?"

"Who is?" A deep masculine voice interrupted the gossipers.

All the nurses who participated in the group chatter rushed back to their own tasks upon seeing Tao Ren enter the scene with Anna tagging close behind. Both had mundane expressions on their faces after finishing up with their rounds. Ren approached the group of male doctors.

"Would you care to enlighten me about who this person is, Doctor Chan?" Ren repeated his question towards the redhead whom he just addressed.

Doctor Chan slowly moved closer to Ren to match his countenance with an arrogant one. "Don't worry, Doctor Tao..." He articulated Ren's name very carefully as if he wanted to put emphasis on his surname, "we were talking about another guy."

The other nurses and doctors gave nervous looks amongst each other after hearing what doctor Chan said. It was quite a jab at Ren who was always speculated to be a son of a failure. Many years ago, Doctor Tao En was reportedly involved in a negligence case after conducting a surgery which led to a patient's untimely death. It has put the hospital into the limelight of scandal. However, due to the Taos' money and social influence, it was rumoured that they paid off the family of the deceased with blood money so they wouldn't press charges.

The group of doctors left with jeering laughter, leaving Ren standing with fists balled tightly on his sides. The others even cat-called Anna as they went past her and disappeared from the ward. The blonde maintained her composure. She wasn't going to waste her energy on some airheads that day.

Noticing Ren's silence, Anna approached him. "You good?"

The young Tao remained silent for a few seconds but already had a reassuring smirk when he finally faced Anna.

"Of course. And you?" Ren also had to check on her since it was obvious that she heard how the gossipers engaged in disparaging talks about her.

"I should be used to it by now, right?" Anna replied with a tiny smirk which made Ren blush.

"Look, Anna, about what father did earlier—"

"Come on, Ren. Shouldn't we be used to him by now, too?"

The blonde's smirk grew and both of them chuckled heartily.

"I should get going." Ren nodded at his colleague. "By the way, Happy New Year… and Advance happy birthday." Anna greeted unexpectedly with a genuine smile as she walked away, leaving Ren rooted to the ground…

And a frowning Jeanne who was eavesdropping from a hidden corner.

. . . . . . . . . . .

A couple of weeks went by fleetingly and healthcare workers became busier than ever. Together with the holidays came an influx of patients whether from emergency cases or surgeries scheduled to be cleared before the year ended.

Sitting in the doctors' lounge was a preoccupied Doctor Usui who was practicing surgery stitches on a chunk of pork meat. His concentration was evident as he skilfully hooked the point of the surgical needle against the pork skin and looped the thread around it to create a knot.

"Is that for tonight's dinner?" A smirking Anna entered the room and sat next to him. She pulled out an apple and bit on it.

"You seem to be in an unusual great mood." Horo Horo commented without looking at her and continuing with his stitching.

"And you… should be working at the Physiotherapy right now."

The blue-haired doctor flashed a smug look as he set aside his personal effects and removed his surgical gloves. "But I am working right now." He stated as a matter of fact while he drew his white coat open to show several snacks such as crackers, cookies, chocolates and Gummy Bears.

"Amazing." Anna muttered mundanely as she chewed on her apple.

"Come on, help a poor man out, will you? I'll give you a discount. This one's only for 510 yen, but don't tell Ren 'cause I sold it to him for 1,500." The intern blabbered while unhooking one of the cookie packets from his coat to hand to his mentor. Anna could only stare at him as if he was talking gibberish all along. "Oh, which reminds me! Do you have any plans for tonight?"

The blonde lady blinked several times. "Are you asking me on a date?" Horo Horo threw her an incredulous look. "Anna, it's New Year's Eve. I mean, if you want, you can join me and Pirika."

"You know your sister isn't exactly that fond of me, right?"

"That's not true. Oh! Unless you already made plans with my dear friend Yo—"

"Do you wanna die?"

"Okay! Okay! Chill!" Horo Horo sweat-dropped with raised hands as a form of surrender. "But for real, though. Nothing fancy. If ever you want some company tonight, our doors are open. Plus… we got food." He saw the corner of Anna's mouth curved up a bit. "Ha! I knew the food will get your attention—oh, shoot!" His pager beeped indicating that he was needed in the E.D.

Horo Horo stood swiftly and turned to Anna before exiting. "In any case, Happy New Year. Text me if you're coming!"

Anna shook her head as she chuckled to herself. That guy really was an idiot. Though inside her mind, she carefully pondered about Horo Horo's offer. It wasn't actually such a bad idea to accept, considering that if she didn't, it will bethe first time in many years that she will spending the New Year's Eve alone. She was someone who loved solitude, but she wasn't sure if she was used to spending the occasion by herself anymore.

Hearing the door to the room opening once again, she assumed that it was Horo Horo returning, judging by the fact that he left his practice tools behind. She was about to address the intern when she observed that the sound of the newcomer's footsteps sounded different.

"Surprised?"

Anna maintained a bored expression when she noticed a certain redhead's presence. He must've had the guts to approach her at this time knowing that most of the doctors were busy wrapping up their tasks or doing their rounds.

"Disappointed, actually."

Doctor Chan snickered as he leisurely strode across the space to sit on the couch next to the blonde. Anna anticipated the other doctor's moves and motioned to stand up to avoid him. Anna miscalculated her movements when the redhead grabbed her wrist to force her back on the couch. The apple in her hand produced a thudding sound after falling onto the floor.

Ever since the Cardio Specialist has been recruited to the hospital, he's had his eyes on Anna and has already made a few indecent proposals towards her. She has always been lucky to avoid his advances due to her feisty attitude, but her gut told her that he was desperate to gain something out of her tonight.

"Why the hurry? Can't we at least exchange pleasantries, doctor?"

"Nothing about this is pleasant." Anna spat back immediately. "You do know this is harassment, right?"

The cretin laughed. "But it wouldn't be considered 'harassment' if both of us enjoy it… right?" he mocked as he reached to caress Anna's cheek but was interrupted when she slapped him so hard, blood dripped from his lip.

"You brazen bitch!" Doctor Chan's once smirking face turned into an enraged one. He pulled out his wallet from his jacket and threw stacks of cash at Anna. "Is this what you're waiting for? How much for one night, huh? How much!"

"Much more than your lowly life."

Someone else spoke with a grim tone and Anna realized that it was Yoh. Although it wasn't in his character to say those kinds of degrading things towards someone, she figured that his anger was at its peak judging by how his clutched knuckles have turned white. Behind him were a few other doctors who were all stunned with Doctor Chan's behaviour.

The culprit must've miscalculated that it was the last day of the year, so most of the staff were allowed to go home earlier than usual. He tried to regain his composure.

"Look who we have here! The past flame. That's okay, doctor. I'm open to sharing."

"Doctor Chan, this is out of touch." One of the junior doctors called out.

"Can you all stop acting like you haven't been gossiping about Doctor Kyoyama all along? If I asked who among you know about these two's past, I'm pretty sure every single one of you will be raising your hands. Hypocrites!" Doctor Chan straightened up and regarded Anna with the money scattered on the floor. "We got interrupted, sweetheart… Keep the change." He then stormed out of the room.

After a moment of silence, Yoh turned to Anna to ask if she was okay. She observed how much he tried to hide his feelings with his gentle smile, but she knew him too much not to notice his rage from within.

. . . . . . . . . . .

The traffic was fucked-up.

He couldn't believe how he finished work so late at the last day of the year because of a couple of surgeries that took longer than expected.

If there was anything that could spoil his mood even worse than the maniac who tried to make a move on Anna earlier, it was the dreadful traffic jam in the City Center of Izumo, almost half an hour before midnight.

After the fiasco in the doctors' lounge, he constantly checked on Anna, even offered to take her home, but she declined, claiming that she already planned to spend the evening with the Usui's. He hoped at the back of his mind that she arrived at her destination safely, unlike him who is currently stuck in a hell hole. He stopped his thoughts before the frustration crept back to his veins.

Sure, it was New Year's Eve, so people were shopping and partying everywhere, some trying to beat the odds before the end of the year and the beginning of another.

Staring at the road ahead of him, he surveyed the surroundings that were predominantly tinted with red lights due to the excessive cars trapped on the streets; his included. Weren't these individuals supposed to be at home with their families and not out in the road consuming space?

He busied himself by looking past his windshield, for he had all the time in the world. The flow of traffic won't be moving anytime soon, and the falling of thick snow wasn't helping.

Some shops were already closed, but there were a number of local businesses which took advantage of the last-minute rush. However, something interesting caught his attention. There was a fair market a couple of blocks away from where he was.

There were multiple white tents ladened with colourful flags, housing all sorts of goods and products being sold by different vendors. The warm glow that came from the bulbs of the string lights that hung across everywhere illuminated the area. On the other hand, there was one familiar thing that stood as the main spectacle amidst it all. In fact, it looked exactly like the one he used to go to from all those years ago: a Ferris Wheel that soared about a hundred feet from the ground.

A thought crossed Yoh's mind.

It was such a reckless idea but considering the situation around him wasn't going to improve anytime soon, he took the final call.

Despite knowing that his mother and grandparents would probably kill him for not joining their annual family dinner on the year he returned to Japan, he sent the text message apologising for not being able to make it, then turned his mobile phone off. He will have to deal with them later.

After getting a chance, he parked his car at one of the designated spaces beside the road, wore his light grey winter coat and exited his vehicle. He was grateful that his black leather boots were somewhat snow friendly. The icy wind came in contact with his face as he took his first breath of the outdoor air. Some onlooker passing by started admiring his ride. After all, it wasn't a common thing to see a race car parked randomly parked at streets in their town.

It didn't take long until his feet brought him to his side destination.

The place was lively, packed with people—kids and adults alike. As he carefully inspected the details in the event. He concluded that it was, in fact, the same fair that held New Year parties and fireworks annually.

How could he forget? He practically went there every year with Anna since they got together. And seeing the Ferris Wheel, he couldn't help but to recall his beautiful memories.

"Whoah! W-wait! Does this mean—"

A nineteen-year-old Yoh suddenly jumped frantically as they boarded a humongous Ferris Wheel, and this earned him a slap from and eighteen-year-old Anna.

"Keep quiet! You'll bother the other passengers!"

All he could do was to binge on the Takoyakis in his hands while he sobbed quietly as their ride gradually ascended their carriage.

Yoh was grinning like an idiot, and the lady who was selling hot chocolate had to call his order number thrice to gain his attention. He apologised for his absentmindedness and accepted the drink with both hands and a polite bow.

Letting the warmth emanating from the cup radiate through his freezing fingers, he watched his surroundings with fondness. He didn't plan to board any rides or purchase any goods, but if he was to be forced welcoming the new year outdoors just because he got stuck in a silly traffic jam, he might as well enjoy the night with a delightful scenery.

He noticed group of friends cheered together, families who spent quality time, couples who acted lovey-dovey towards each other, and the endless innocent laughter of children everywhere.

They weren't exactly bad things to witness on a special occasion, but it was kind of self-pitying for someone like him who came there alone.

Yoh's lips formed a sad smile as he took a sip from the hot chocolate in his hands. He silently reprimanded himself for thinking such depressing thoughts. He should be thankful that he completed a full year while remaining well and healthy, reunited with his friends and loved ones in his hometown.

His senses were awakened as the warm liquid reached his tongue and the sugar slowly creeped into his system, giving him a quick serotonin boost. But as he lowered the cup away from his mouth, he saw an astonishing view in front of him. It even made him think that his brain was tricking him due to the sugar rush.

There stood a woman with unearthly beauty. Her skin, supple as the powdery snow that continuously fell from the sky; and her lengthy hair, golden as the sun despite shone by the moonlight.

Clad in a hot pink skirt coat, knee-high boots, and a yellow scarf bundled around her neck, she seemed quite cosy. A cup of hot chocolate was also propped between her palms; the steam evidently keeping her delicate fingers warm amidst the harshness of winter.

The stunned expression on her pretty face suggested that she was as surprised as him for seeing one another in the middle of the busy crowd.

"A-Anna?" She did not reply. "What are you doing here? I thought you said you'll be spending New Year's Eve with Horo and Pirika." He had to continue asking.

"Well…" he finally heard her voice, "I got stuck in that infuriating traffic jam, so I gave up... And you?" Anna returned the question.

"Same." It was all Yoh could make as response.

Time appeared to have stopped for them.

"Fireworks! Fireworks! This way to the fireworks!" A man yelled at the top of his lungs in the background as he tried to usher the visitors of the fair. Yoh and Anna remained mesmerised in finding each other's company.

Yoh finally broke into an awkward chuckle. "This is so nostalgic, don't you think?"

The lady with golden mane peered her eyes away to cast it towards the scenery around them instead and mumbled a soft "yeah."

"Would you… would you like to get in?" Anna moved her gaze back to Yoh and to the object he was pointing at; the Ferris Wheel.

How bold of Yoh to suggest that.

She would gladly go anywhere but there.

Not where their love story officially started almost seven years ago.

But as usual, she fell victim to his convincing powers, and she nodded distractedly.

He patiently waited until he was calm enough not to trigger Anna into slapping him once again. They were halfway towards the top when he started. The girl sitting in front of him sipped her hot chocolate with perfect grace, oblivious to the turmoil that was plaguing his chest.

"But Anna, I remember you told me before that you'll only ride a Ferris Wheel with the man you love. Does that mean—"

"So what? Is it such a big deal?"

At this point, Yoh already had his jaw on the floor. His face turned red as a beetroot.

Did she Anna just finally agree to be his girlfriend?

He wasn't too sure if he should say that yes, it was a big deal, or not, it wasn't, so he just sat there and swallowed his breath.

"Remember, one filthy move and you're dead."

Of course, he could only nod.

The carriage they boarded has started its gradual flight. Neither of them spoke since the beginning of their journey towards the heavens. Yoh never really understood how the idea of inviting Anna to ride the Ferris Wheel came to his mind, but his nerves got the better of him, so there they were.

"Have you already thought of your third wish before the year ends?" Anna finally broke the silence as the ride brought them further high off the ground.

"Eh?"

"I remember you were the one who taught me that we should say our wishes to the gods especially during New Year's because besides them being extra attentive during this time, it is one way to set goals for ourselves."

"Oh. Right." Yoh's eyes softened. He could never anticipate that Anna recalled his words that vividly.

"By the way, how's…" Anna seemed to hesitate a bit, "your thing?"

"Huh?" I took a moment before Yoh understood what she meant. "Oh, yeah, you were right. I used Eczema cream and the lesion healed right away. I bet I was allergic to those heavily scented French soaps mom gave me for Christmas. My 'second doctor' was really good, after all." The brunette chortled sheepishly.

A naughty smirk crept on Anna's lips. "I could still give requests for S.T.I. tests if you're still worried though."

"Hey, I'm sorry, but are you seriously doing a follow-up check about my dick while being suspended almost 100 metres above the ground?"

Yoh feigned hurt which made his past betrothed let out an unhinged fit of laughter. They were oblivious to the fact that they have now reached the peak of the ride.

"I'm sorry, isn't that quite normal for doctors like us? Anyway, you deserve it for being such a gigolo." Anna poked Yoh's forehead with her forefinger as she continued with her mockery."

"Excuse me, I always used protection!"

"Oh yeah? And I bet they were all such supermodels too, huh?"

"Yes, but all I saw in every single one of them was you."

Anna fell speechless with the unforeseen confession, and Yoh regretted what came out of his mouth almost immediately. It was such an auspicious timing when the fireworks display lighted the midnight sky.

Both watched in awe, their random banter about promiscuity and other women almost forgotten.

The blonde woman became lost with every explosion of lights. Red, green, blue and bright gold danced above the Earth in perfect synchronisation with the music that was carefully arranged to blend with each movements.

Yoh, on the other hand, could not take his vision away from the goddess before him; mesmerised with her beauty as much as she was with the fireworks. At this point, he wanted to risk it all. All he needed to do was to reach for her and just…

Amidst the spectacular display of crackling lights, Anna noticed her now boyfriend was staring at her from the corner as if she was the rarest and most precious stone he has laid his eyes on all his life.

"What?" she asked.

"Can I kiss you?"

"I don't know, can you?" She bid her reply with seductive almond eyes, daring him to continue.

Yoh didn't waste time and leaned in to take on her challenge.

He started hearing a high-pitched melody.

Yoh saw Anna pull out her phone from her coat. Having a glimpse at the phone screen, a cold shot of fear went through him. It was the same international number he saw back when she was at his place. He could only listen in silence.

"Hello? Hi, dear. How are you?" And as if the fear wasn't enough, Yoh felt his shoulders heavier with each words that came out of Anna's mouth. "I'm good. I got off work in time. Huh? I'm afraid we won't be able to hear each other if we do a video call now. Yeah? What's that? Yes. Fireworks. Fireworks! Sorry, what?" Anna was practically screaming over the receiver. Yoh tried to listen to the voice coming from the other end of the line, but the raging fireworks drowned out the sound. "Look, I can't hear you properly. Can I call you later? Yes. Alright… I miss you too."

And with that, she dropped the call. Yoh could not tell what type of emotions he felt from hearing Anna talking to someone seemingly special just now. All he knew was that there's now a strong pang of pain in his heart. He workedHe worked hardfff hard to sustain a poker face to conceal it.

"Sorry 'bout that."

"Oh, no. Don't be. We shouldn't miss important calls like that, right?" He faked a smile.

As the New Year fireworks continued their marvellous exhibition, the two carried on in silence. But as Yoh finally gathered the courage to spill his uncontainable feelings, he was interrupted once again.

"You never answered my question."

"Huh?"

"Your third wish. What is it?"

'Let's get back together.'

"Will you join my team?" Yoh's courage wasn't enough, after all. He panicked when he saw Anna furrowed her brows. "Join the Pediatrics team and train under me, Doctor Kyoyama."

Anna heaved a sigh as she returned her gaze towards the finale of the fireworks display. "You will need to convince me better than that, Doctor Asakura."

"Well, you know that persuasion isn't exactly one of my weaknesses, right? The brunette flashed a confident smirk.

He was rewarded by a serene smile from the woman he ever truly loved, and that was enough…

For now.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Somewhere inside a sky-scrapper around Izumo, a lady with an hourglass figure stood solemnly as she watched the fireworks through the tall glass windowpanes of her room.

She reached for her desk to cease the endless ringing of the telephone.

"Tao Jun, speaking."

"Good evening, Jun." A deep, hypnotizing voice greeted her.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of receiving a call from you at the first day of the year, boss?

She heard the chuckling of the man from behind the line.

"Yes, yes, Happy New Year to us. But anyway, I won't take much of your time. I called because I heard a certain staff in our hospital should have been added to Santa's naughty list this year." The green-haired woman remained quiet. "Doctor Raymund Chan, isn't it?"

Jun could almost picture the mischievous smirk of her caller just by the tone of his voice.

"Very well. I shall send an invitation for a meeting with him and—"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Oh dear Jun, you know that I don't negotiate with insolent fools, right?"

The Tao's current first born held her breath before replying.

"Alright. Will be on it first thing in the morning."

. . . . . . . . . . .

A/N: The Ferris Wheel scene killed my brain. I wanted it to be perfect, so I tried my best to incorporate even the littlest details such as mentioning Takoyakis to honour Osorezan Reviour and hot chocolate drink as a nod to Yoh and Anna's date scene in the 2001 anime. I also hope you noticed how I described their outfits as another salute to O.R. Teehee!

I also wanted to write another chapter for Christmas but had issues with time constraints. Anyway, have another YohNa-packed chapter before the year ends because it's their meeting anniversary! Hope I did it justice somehow. Tell me how you feel in the comments.:)

Credits to FruitySmell for giving me the prompts about the 'Yoh-and-Anna-suspected-STI' and the 'merchant HoroHoro' scenes. They were too cute to pass.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MY DEAR READERS who continue to have faith in me. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope you all had fantastic holidays and cheers to more upcoming drama! *Proceeds to sing Taylor Swift's Anti-Hero in the background*

Italics – Flashbacks/ thoughts/ important hints.

Bolds – Words delivered with emphasis.

Medical Terminologies/ Abbreviations:

S.T.I. – Sexually Transmitted Infection.

Inferior – in clinical terms, is used to locate something 'under' or 'lower than' or 'at the bottom of'.

Glans – the head of the penis.

Eczema – a medical condition involving patches of skin to be scaly and inflamed with blisters, causing itching and sometimes bleeding.

Topical Corticosteroids – Steroidal medicines (creams or ointments) that are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Serotonin - A substance that is found mostly in the digestive tract, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and platelets. Serotonin acts both as a neurotransmitter (a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another) and a vasoconstrictor (a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow).

Trivia: In some countries, the term, 'Professor', is sometimes used to address doctors (usually specialists or consultants) in a clinical or university setting. They are the ones who have obtained the highest level of studies/ practice in their chosen field of Medicine. Hence, I used this term for Faust, who is the current Head of the Pediatric and Emergency Departments in their hospital.