A week has passed.

Looking around the quiet hospital after a long time, Dajeong let out a small sigh. Is it over? Especially after exhausting her body, the week felt like a month.

Now, reality was gradually sinking in. Dreams eventually need to be awakened from. During this break, she had plans to visit her mother’s hospital and clean the house. That was the given reality.

The day Jaeho found out about her relationship with Gyeongjun. Dajeong secretly asked him to come pick her up in the morning.

She told him not to come inside the pension if possible, to park outside and walk. Gyeongjun faithfully followed that instruction. Thanks to that, she could quietly move her belongings and sneak out.

She worried for a day or two. Jaeho didn’t know Dajeong’s exact home address, but he roughly knew the apartment, and he definitely knew her workplace. She worried about what would happen if he got angry or decided to come looking for her.

Jaeho didn’t come looking for Dajeong. It was just an unnecessary worry.

Neither her home nor the hospital appeared. Well, a famous actor like him couldn’t come to such a crowded hospital. What was she worrying about? This isn’t the countryside.

Am I feeling hurt?

After leaving as she pleased, she felt somewhat empty seeing him come out so cleanly. Inevitably, she thought about the contents of the document envelope. That might be right. Maybe his game was successful because I left first. He has successfully ended his amusement.

She sighed.

Still, she worried if he had resolved the suspicious tailing well. Even though she left him, there was still a lingering concern for his safety.

“Nurse Yoon, it’s the day to change the antibiotics for Patient Ahn Sujeong in Room 701. Please check.”

“Yes, I’ll check.”

At the hospital, her direct superior Gyeongmi gave her a task. Dajeong answered confidently and headed to the patient’s room.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Ahn.”

Ahn Sujeong, a mother in her 26th week and 1 day, was recovering after a cesarean section two days ago. The mother, who had just fallen asleep, woke up slightly and greeted her with her eyes.

“I’ll check your blood pressure. Please rest comfortably.”

Skillfully attaching the blood pressure cuff to her arm, Dajeong checked it. She also adjusted the amount of intravenous fluids.

“Hmm, it’s a bit on the higher side, but still within the normal range. I’ll administer the antibiotics. Today’s injection might sting a bit.”

“Yes.”

Dajeong showed her characteristic bright smile.

“…Must be tough, lying down. But even though you’re lying down, you’ll be able to sit a bit after the professor’s examination tomorrow.”

The mother laughed along.

“Thank you.”

“It’s all done. You’ve endured it well. Rest.”

“You’re the kindest nurse. I’m always grateful.”

Dajeong smiled, greeted her, and turned away. It was an ordinary day. There were no emergencies or surgeries today. A peaceful day passed, and soon it was time to leave.

“Nurse Yoon, coffee?”
Yeongsuk asked, and Dajeong shook her head, refusing. While the two exchanged light banter, a vibration echoed from her pocket. When she checked, it was an unknown number. After a moment’s hesitation, she ended the call. She didn’t want to answer unknown numbers if possible.

Then a message arrived.

[I’m here.]

Thump. Her heart trembled.

[Jeongmun here. Come as soon as you’re done. Ten minutes left until I finish work.]

There were no emergencies, and it was a peaceful day, but an emergency situation was starting in Dajeong’s heart. Her pounding heart echoed through her chest as if it would burst out. In an instant, even her ears turned red.

Jeongmun.

Lee Jaeho.

He only said, “I’m here,” but there was no way not to know that it was Lee Jaeho. His unique presence resonated powerfully even in the text.

Why did he come looking for her? If he wanted to question something, there had been plenty of time throughout the past week. Why now?

Contemplating whether to block the number, her phone rang again during a moment of indecision.

[Don’t run away.] [If you don’t come out after work, I’ll come in and say you’re Yoon Dajeong’s lover.]

Just as it started at that beach, the man once again grabbed Dajeong’s ankle, seemingly out of nowhere. Even though there was clearly nothing, her ankle felt as heavy as if it were tied.

[I’ll meet you in ten minutes.]

????????

The winter wind blew at the tip of her nose. The sun had already set, making the day dark early.

At the boundary between autumn and winter, the weather was becoming more desolate, leaning slightly toward winter.

As if she had put on red shoes, her legs moved automatically toward the main entrance. Dajeong gazed at the black luxury sedan parked across the street.

It was a familiar car, but something felt unfamiliar. She had always seen it by the seaside, and encountering it again amid the urban forest made it feel different.

The flashy car had a look that suited the city well. It wasn’t originally a visual for the countryside.