The stirring darkness was frightening. Curled tendrils beckoned the unknowing into Seohyun's mind, chaos had descended. Danger, madness, and confusion. It was a blackout. Red and blue lights flashed like a spring of lightning. She thought she saw her brother and Prosecutor Lee but couldn't be too sure. She heard lots of noise, commotion, but it all merged into one blurry puddle.

At the back of the ambulance, it was a wave of chaos that rolled over everyone but was tucked away under a blanket. With one single lift, everything would ultimately spill. Shock paralyzed the young doctor's senses, it was a total blackout in her mind. Her body took over, working to alleviate the open wounds of the victims and help the medics in the tight space of the vehicle.

Things didn't get easier when they reached the emergency room. "Seohyun? What are you doing here?!" Dr. Kim could only utter as he saw Seohyun loading the stretcher through the entrance.

Ignoring his question, she proceeded to help the medics steer Kitel up the ramp that connected the entrance of the emergency room. "Dr. Kim, can you handle this one? Shot in the calf, unconscious. there's so much blood loss I believe a vein or artery may have been punctured."

"Are you insane? I have a Laminectomy scheduled later, I'm booked. I'll go ask a nurse to check which vascular surgeon is on call." Seohyun nodded before racing back to help the paramedics and EMT escort the second patient out of the back of the ambulance.

Jiwoo groaned, his face scrunched in pain and pale as if it was powdered in chalk. He was semi-conscious, but for how long? It was a battle against his senses to fall in and out of sleep. They carefully loaded him on another stretcher, laying him on his stomach as the knife was still plunged in his back.

Everything still felt too surreal for Seohyun, the last thing she expected was to be thrust into performing an abdominal exploratory laparotomy on Jiwoo. With the lack of surgeons on call and occupied with hectic schedules, she knew better than to refuse. She was quick to change into scrubs and follow protocol for preparation; Nurse Kang aiding her. "Aera, is he stable enough for an x-ray?"

She nodded, watching Seohyun strap on a pair of latex gloves to complete her hospital gear. "Lacerations in his stomach and liver. Thankfully, there were no arteries damaged in his arm." She followed Seohyun as they walked briskly down the corridor, making their way to the OR. "Dr. Ahn will lead the surgery," she added, wondering how the news will affect Seohyun.

What!? Seohyun wanted to yell out loud enough for the whole west wing to hear. However, she kept a monotone expression, not letting a drop of annoyance taint her delicate features. What's worse? The fact that I'm more competent, or that it just had to be Jisu. They arrived in the OR, and everyone snapped their attention to Seohyun.

"Shall we begin?"

Only the heart rate monitor answered her question, the uniform beeps rippling the silence in the operation room. Seohyun neared the operating table, not sparing a glance at Jisu who was on the other side. Jiwoo's back was laid flat on the table, the bright surgical lights shining a warm glow to his skin that was etched with ridged muscles. The black handle stuck out like a thorn, piercing the smooth surface of his back. The anesthesiologist rubbed a cotton ball soaked in yellow liquid next to where the knife sunk, and Jisu got ready with a scalpel to cut through the skin next to the knife.

Seohyun stayed quiet, before shifting her focus to the gash in Jiwoo's bicep. Blood was spilling profusely from the cut, alarming her. Could his vessel have been penetrated? Perhaps I need to perform a vein ligation. The room was caught in a sea of suspense as everyone got to work. Seohyun brought all her focus to the operation, erasing any trace of events that flashed in her head. She was not a victim. Now, she needed to act as a doctor. I need to help him, the same way he rescued me.

Seohyun watched as Jisu sutured the remaining lacerations in the liver with a needle and silver thread that almost seemed transparent. She suctioned the blood that flooded his back, patting away the excess blood with a cloth. She finally wrapped her hands around the slim handle of the knife, carefully pulling it out. "Keep it, for the police." Seohyun eyed Nurse Kang intently as she handed it to her. We can't lose another piece of evidence like last time. I'll make sure of it.

Just as Jisu finished suturing the tears on the vital organs, noise encompassed the place. The monitor erupted in uncontrollable ringing, bringing the whole team into turmoil. "What's going on?" Seohyun asked. Her eyesight flashed to the monitor opposite her side. "His BP and HR are dropping, he's having trouble breathing."

Jisu widened her eyes as her vision followed the monitor as well. "I've already repaired his stomach lining and liver. Seohyun, did you not fix his vein ligation?" Seohyun clenched her teeth at Jisu's assumption, and she tightened her hold on the cloth in her hand that was soaked in scarlet blood.

"I've finished it." She held her tongue back from cursing her. Do you dare belittle my skill? Heck, for such a minor surgery as well?

She couldn't hold her bitter thoughts for too long, remembering that Jiwoo's life was skating on thin ice. His mellow voice haunted her mind, a chill reminder of his pleas to save him.

Think Seohyun, what could be the problem. The beeping noise accelerated, pushing her to not waste any more time. She tried to recall any information she knew, but it didn't help that Nurse Kang only mentioned the lacerations in his digestive system. If his lungs were penetrated it should've been apparent in the x-ray. But what if... "His diaphragm! Jisu, you didn't check if the patient sustained a Diaphragmatic rupture!"

"Dr. Min may be right, it may be difficult to detect an injury in the x-ray scan." The circulating nurse chimed in agreement. Jisu opened her mouth to speak but didn't say anything. She returned back to the gaping hole in Jiwoo's back. His internal organs were glistening under the bright stream of surgical lights; layers of skin were wrinkled as Seohyun helped to pull them apart and stretch the open incision.

The continuous alarming beeping of the monitor pressured the team, and Seohyun held her breath in anticipation as she observed Jisu rummaging through the chasm on, his back. And that's when the discovery was made that eased a burden off of their shoulders. They finally found the problem.

Seohyun was right in her theory as Jisu located two holes in the diaphragm that the knife cut through in its journey.

Now, they had to race against the clock to save the patient's life.

* * *

"Surgery was successful, there were no complications, " Seohyun announced as she walked side by side with Dr. Kim. "The patient had lacerations in his liver and stomach lining. And during the laparotomy, it was also discovered that his diaphragm was ruptured as well." Dr. Kim nodded as he listened to her report.

Seohyun was exhausted. There was a certain level of fatigue that equates to insanity; for the young doctor, it came crashing down on her both physically and mentally. Even in her weakest days, she still held up a calm and collected facade. People mistook it for a passion to take on more. But now, it was subdued to a voiceless plea for a stillness from the storm.

"You still didn't explain why you somehow ended in the ambulance? How did that happen?" Seohyun was whirled out of her drowsy thoughts, and it took her a moment to process Dr. Kim's query. She wanted to go home, not relive the ordeal she went through that night.

"Long story, I don't wanna talk about it, " she mumbled, pushing the horrifying images of the girl held hostage to the deepest corners of her memory. It was a night that evoked fear and trauma, a night she wished to forget. "How's the patient? The one who got shot in the leg?" She asked, changing the topic.

"Dr. Go practically saved her life. Honestly, if she arrived a minute too late she would've been dead by now." They stopped by a room and peered inside the window. Kitel laid peacefully in the hospital bed, sucked into a world away from the dangers she just faced. The doctors didn't dare go inside, as if the slightest noise would wake her from a pure dream. "I ran some tests on her." Dr. Kim shifted his tone to one of seriousness.

Seohyun turned to face him, intrigued by his remark. "A big dose of benzodiazepines was found in her system. You know, like those date-rape drugs? It's unbelievable, she could be asleep for days." The dark revelation stunned her, sending goosebumps to prick the hairs on her arms.

"You're joking."

"No, I'm not." His answer was firm, confirming the twisted truth. "Someone was definitely out to get her. Only a madman would take that many drugs. I heard she's a key witness to an important case, so I'll definitely make a report to Dr. Jong to amplify the security up here." Seohyun nodded, relief calming her nerves at Dr. Kim's sensible choice.

A good doctor indeed, however, I can't say the same for everyone here.

Dawn was already peeking through the clouds, a breath of sun that kissed the darkness good night. As much as Seohyun wanted, the time was over to drift in sound sleep. At best, I could probably go ahead and doze off in my office for a couple of hours before the day starts. After parting ways with Dr. Kim, she walked down the halls to get to her office. Worry crept behind her shoulders, and she decided to make a detour.

She slowly made her way to a patient's room, quietly entering inside even though she knew the anesthesia would keep him asleep for a little longer. Seohyun watched Jiwoo, lost in the rhythmic percussion of her heartbeat. Her eyes are steady on him, his face aglow with the first yellow rays of sun pouring through the window.

His barren lips bear the semblance of a smile, just enough to show that he is relishing a dream, whatever it may be. Seohyun moved closer, yet stays quiet, allowing him to stay lost in the moment a while longer. He was her savior, and she could feel her chest tighten at the fact she might never pay that debt. Jiwoo, do I even still have any dignity left to face you? Is this why I prefer to watch you stir in profound sleep?

"Dr. Min?"

Seohyun almost flinched, but calmly turned around to see Aera enter the room with a clipboard nestled in her arm. The nurse beamed a smile after realizing she was right with her assumption. "What are you doing here?" Seohyun asked, then mentally slapped herself after realizing her stupidity.

Aera bent her head, with one eyebrow perked up. "I'm here to check on his vitals, I'm pretty sure that's my job, Dr. Min." Her rosy lips stretched to a full-on grin before approaching Jiwoo. "I think you should get some rest, Dr. Min, after all, it must've been a long night for you."

"Ah, yes, you're right. I'll be in my office then," Seohyun blurted out more frantically then she hoped for, hating herself for how caught off guard she came across. She went up to the door, but just as she rested her hand on the handle, she spun around. "Aera, let me know when he wakes up. And, don't forget to drop by my room and leave the schedule."

"No problem, Dr. Min, " Aera assured in her usual cheery voice as she continued to scribble down data on her clipboard.

* * *

Jiwoo fluttered his eyes open, blinking slowly to focus his blurry vision. He looked down to find himself in a hospital gown and tubes attached to his hand. He sat up on the hospital bed, his brows creased, and face tense. Panic was rising within, and he felt overwhelmed with the new setting. He twisted his head to find a woman studying his briefcase plopped on the bedside table.

Jiwoo raised an eyebrow, appreciating her slender figure that was accentuated by her uniform. She's cute with that nurse uniform, definitely my type. Though I wonder if she's as friendly as Ms. Shin. Jiwoo cleared his throat, momentarily caught in surprise by how dry it felt. Aera flinched, facing Jiwoo before a sheepish smile graced her lips. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't realize you were awake." She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, shifting her eyes away in embarrassment.

"I'm Nurse Kang, but you can call me Aera, " she beamed, sending Jiwoo a wink as she hugged her clipboard close to her chest. "Call me inappropriate, but you're quite handsome." Aera's cheeks flushed a light coral tint at her brave compliment. Jiwoo smiled, confidence surging his veins at how captivated the young woman was by him. Even in sleep, my handsome face works like the devil.

"I'm Mr. Park Jiwoo, nice to meet you." He looked around the room, hoping the nurse would provide him answers. In his peripheral, he could still feel her shameless gaze penetrating him. She's adorable, but flirting can wait a little while later. "Uhm, I don't remember anything. How did I end up here? Did I pass out or something?" He let out a chuckle to mask his nervousness. He felt especially vulnerable not knowing about how he ended up in the hospital.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that!" Aera squeaked. I think any girl would pass out when they see you. Clearing out her thoughts, she answered, "You came into the Emergency room last night. You were stabbed twice. In your upper arm and in your back. Your liver and stomach were penetrated and your diaphragm as well. You underwent surgery last night for your stab wounds."

Jiwoo bent his head to the side, wide-eyed with shock enveloping him. I was stabbed? He pressed his hands to his face, urging himself to recall last night's events. His head started to throb worse than a toothache, and his memories flashed like a spark of a match in the darkness of his closed eyes. The construction sight... The men... That knife...

He shook his head and blinked several times. He needed answers, but couldn't focus on his dry throat. "Could you get me some water? And some aspirin I guess?" Aera nodded, still keeping a breezy grin on her face. "Oh, and could you call a doctor here as well? I need to know when I can get discharged." Hopefully soon.

Aera exited the room, leaving Jiwoo to dwell in his thoughts. He sat against his pillow, looking straight at the wall in front of him. The last thing I remember is... Seohyun?

As the day moved forward, Seohyun finally awoke from her well-deserved nap. She yawned as she stretched her body from its unnatural position in her chair. Standing up, she grabbed her lab coat from the hook on the wall, then moved to the floor mirror to fix herself. I look like shit but I've got to look at least presentable, not a decaying zombie. A knock rapped on her door before opening to reveal Aera.

"Here's the schedule for the day, Dr. Min!" Aera handed the document to Seohyun and she quickly went through it. "Oh, and informing you that the patient from last night already woke up." Seohyun thanked Aera before she left out of her office. After keeping the schedule under her arm, she left the office to start work. She flicked her wrist, noting the time on her watch.

7 am, should I go and check on Jiwoo? I could wait until later though... Seohyun bit her lip, contemplating her choices. She didn't want to seem eager, but the anxiety was eating off of her nerves. I guess I could check if he's okay, and then I'll go. Seohyun remembered that it was still early in the day, and noted he probably didn't eat yet.

Hospital food can be a little sad sometimes, maybe something from the canteen wouldn't hurt. She toured to the other part of the floor and went to the lounge where hospital staff usually hang around to catch a break. Considering he was fresh from an operation, Seohyun ordered some warm porridge and a few pieces of fresh bread. It was a little overpriced to her liking but decided it would be a small sacrifice.

I've got some aspirin here, definitely important to stop blood clots. Seohyun gripped on to the bag in her hand as she arrived at Jiwoo's door, then raised an eyebrow to see it slightly ajar. Surely, he couldn't have gone out now?

A woman's laughter sang from the room. Curious, Seohyun peeked through the crack of the door, and found another doctor already inside. "Ah, Mr. Park, you got me with that one. Well, I hope breakfast was to your taste. I prepared it well knowing your senses can be a little fuzzy."

"Thank you Dr. Ahn, I appreciate it." Seohyun could see a genuine smile paint his lips, and his dark eyes dancing with life. Even with his hair in a disarray and his face a littly puffy, Jiwoo still seemed healthy and raging with life as if the incident last night never occured.

"Dr. Ahn, you saved me. For that, I'm eternally grateful to you. Honestly, without you, I may not even be here right now. I owe the entirety of my life to you."

Seohyun pursed her lips in a straight line, pulling herself away from further eavesdropping on their conversation. She didn't understand why her heart accelerated like a car engine, at the same time as if an arrow had plunged deep into her chest and twisting it in pain. She nearly choked, almost as if his words were being shoved down her throat.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled. He's okay, and that's enough. After all, Jisu was the surgeon in charge. She deserves the credit.

Seohyun opened her eyes, releasing out a shaky breath as her heart thumped like a rattling drum. She walked away, shifting her thoughts on the busy day ahead of her. Throwing the bag of food to the nearest bin on her way.

Hey dear readers~ So, what we're your thoughts on this chapter? I hope you enjoyed it, so please sound off in the comments below, it makes my day to be able to hear you guys reactions. And as always, please don't forget to press the tiny star to make it light up. Thank you so much for the support everyone, I appreciate it. This chapter was very difficult to make and is a little rough around the edges but I hope it was still to your liking, cheers~